ENGINEER'S REPORT
for
LANDSCAPING & LIGHTING DISTRICT NO. 1984-1
ZONE 4 – VISTA SAN RAMON
ASSESSMENT INCREASE AND LEVY OF ANNUAL
ASSESSMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2023 - JUNE 30, 2024
TABLE OF CONTENTS
CERTIFICATIONOFFILING…………………………………………………………………......3
I. Introduction……………………………………………………………………………………..5
II. District Purpose and Service Levels………………………………………………………..5 III. Assessment District Diagram…………………………………………………………………...6 IV. Plans and Specifications for Improvements……………………………………………….7 V. District Funding…………………………………………………………………………..10
VI. Assessment Rates…………………………………………………………………………12
VII. Assessment Methodology………………………………………………………………...........13 VIII. Revenues and Expenditures…………………………………………………………….…16 IX. Assessment Roll………………………………………………………………………………..16
Appendices
Appendix A - City of San Ramon City Council Resolution No. 2023-036 Appendix B - Assessment District Diagram
Appendix C – Map of Existing and Proposed Improvements Zone 4 Appendix D - Estimated Costs and Reserve Fund Study
Appendix E - Street Landscaping & Lighting Unit Factors
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ZONE 4 – VISTA SAN RAMON
ASSESSMENT INCREASE AND LEVY OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FISCAL YEAR JULY 1, 2023 - JUNE 30, 2024
(Pursuant to the Landscaping & Lighting Act of 1972 and the Right to Vote on Taxes Act)
CERTIFICATIONOFFILING
Robin Bartlett, Engineer of Work of Assessment District No. 1984-1, City of San Ramon, Contra Costa County, California, makes this report, as directed by the City Council. The San Ramon Landscaping & Lighting Assessment District No. 1984-1, Zone 4 is intended to provide Landscaping & Lighting improvements within certain incorporated limits of the City and to levy and collect assessments sufficient to pay for those improvements. This report is to reestablish the Assessment District 1984-1, Zone 4 and to levy the assessment for Fiscal Year July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024.
The improvements outlined in this report are briefly described as follows:
The installation of landscaping, public lighting facilities and facilities appurtenant thereto or which are necessary or convenient for their maintenance or servicing, and the maintenance or servicing of the foregoing.
The improvements for FY 2023/24 will include servicing or maintenance, or both, of existing public lighting facilities and certain landscaping, and the installation of new street lights and/or landscaping within the budgeted limits.
The undersigned respectfully submits the enclosed Engineer's Report as directed by the City Council.
Dated: , 2023 By:
Robin Bartlett, P.E., District Engineer
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the enclosed Engineer's Report, together with the Assessment Roll and Assessment Diagram thereto attached was filed with me on the 10th day of August, 2023.
Christina Franco, City Clerk
City of San Ramon
Contra Costa County, California
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I HEREBY CERTIFY that the enclosed Engineer's Report, together with the Assessment Roll and Assessment Diagram thereto attached was approved and confirmed by the City Council of the City of San Ramon, California, on the ____ day of _____________, 2023.
Christina Franco, City Clerk
City of San Ramon
Contra Costa County, California
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the enclosed Engineer's Report, together with the Assessment Roll and Assessment Diagram thereto attached was filed with the County Auditor of the County of Contra Costa on the ____ day of _____________, 2023.
Christina Franco, City Clerk
City of San Ramon
Contra Costa County, California
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ENGINEER’S REPORT
for
LANDSCAPING & LIGHTING DISTRICT NO.
1984-1
ZONE 4 – VISTA SAN RAMON
ASSESSMENT INCREASE AND LEVY OF ANNUAL
ASSESSMENT FISCAL YEAR
JULY 1, 2023 - JUNE 30, 2024
I. INTRODUCTION
The City of San Ramon Landscaping & Lighting District No.1984-1 (District) was formed in 1984 in accordance with the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 (Streets and Highways Code Section 22500 et seq).
The District has been reestablished each year thereafter. On November 5, 1996, California voters approved Proposition 218, entitled the "Right to Vote on Taxes Act," which added Articles XIIIC and XIIID to the California Constitution. Proposition 218 established new procedural requirements for the formation and administration of assessment districts. The City of San Ramon has taken the necessary steps to ensure that Landscaping & Lighting District No. 1984-1 is compliant with Proposition 218.
Per Section 22622 of the Streets and Highways Code, the City Council of the City of San Ramon adopted Resolution 2023-036 on April 11, 2023, which ordered the District Engineer to prepare and file an Engineer’s Report for a proposed assessment increase for Zone 4 for FY 2023/24 and described new improvements for the District. Resolution 2023-036 is included as Appendix A.
II. DISTRICT PURPOSE AND SERVICE LEVELS
The Landscaping & Lighting District No.1984-1 Zone 4 (Zone 4) provides for the maintenance of street landscaping and lighting. The District provides services and maintains improvements as described in subdivision improvement plans, capital improvement plans and prior engineers reports on file with the City, and as follows:
Routine maintenance activity consists of the following:
Irrigation and irrigation repairs Vegetation trimming and trash removal Tree pruning Refreshing mulch
Lighting and light maintenance Fertilizing
Weed abatement Pest abatement
Non-Routine maintenance activity and end of life replacement includes:
Tree replacement Shrub and ground cover replacement
Irrigation upgrades and replacement Lighting upgrades and end of life replacement
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Drought and storm related replacements
III. ASSESSMENT DISTRICT DIAGRAM
The Assessment District Diagram (Appendix B) delineates the assessment district Zone 4 boundary. That area consists of Subdivisions 5467 and 5468. The District Engineer and Engineer of Work, hereby finds that the properties within Zone 4 each receive approximately equal special benefit from the work and improvements within that special zone.
IV. PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS
The description and location of existing and proposed new improvements that are or will be maintained by the District during FY 2023/24 are as follows:
Existing and Proposed Improvements
The existing improvements within Zone 4 consist of the following:
1) Arterial Roadside Landscaping. This landscaping consists of mulch or ground cover, shrubs, trees, associated irrigation systems. The improvements are located along the east side of Alcosta Boulevard, between the east curb and soundwall, beginning from a point approximately 57 feet northwest of the back of sidewalk at Bollinger Canyon Road where the existing soundwall is parallel to Alcosta Boulevard, and extending to a point adjacent to the northern boundary of Subdivision 5468 approximately 240 feet south of Hospital Road.
Maintenance responsibilities for this area are shared with the Citywide Landscaping Zone 2. 2) Median Landscaping at Entry Points: This landscaping consists of mulch or ground cover, shrubs, trees, associated irrigation systems and decorative lighting. The improvements are located in the median islands on Overlook Drive and Woodland Drive within 60 feet of Alcosta.
3) Interior Median Landscaping: This landscaping consists of mulch or ground cover, shrubs, trees, associated irrigation systems, and dog waste bag dispensers. The improvements are located on the central median islands on Woodview Circle.
The small retaining wall and the landscape behind it near Overlook Drive are not maintained by the Landscape and Lighting District. The maintenance of the soundwall is the responsibility of the Landscape and Lighting District Citywide Zone 2, except for Vista San Ramon signage, which is the responsibility of the Vista San Ramon Home Owners Association.
Proposed New Improvements may include the following:
Enhanced decorative lighting, entry statement signage, and replacement of trees, shrubs and other vegetation, ground cover, mulch, and other improvements as listed above in kind or of a generally similar nature as required due to decline or end of useful life of existing improvements.
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Plans of existing improvements are on file with the City Clerk. The general location of the existing and proposed improvements are indicated on the Map of Existing and Proposed Improvements, Zone 4 (Appendix C).
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V. COSTS
The estimated costs for maintaining the improvements within Zone 4 and for current and upcoming capital improvements and replacement costs are summarized below and in more detail in Estimated Costs and Reserve Fund Study, Appendix D. All costs are in current year dollars. No inflation factors have been included in the analysis, and it is assumed that overall maintenance and replacement costs will increase similarly to the overall consumer price index.
Estimated Annual Maintenance Costs
Based on FY 2022/23 Adopted Budget
Item Cost
Personnel $11,777
Contracts $7,000
Utilities $16,400
Materials & Supplies $1,500
Total $36,677
Estimated Annualized Replacement Costs
Based on FY 2022/23 Costs
Item Quantity Units Cost
per Unit Cost Remaining Life
Annualized
Cost
Arterial Tree 92 each $850 $78,200 20 $3,910
Arterial Shrub 2610 each $30 $78,300 15 $5,220
Arterial Mulch 470 cubic
yard $46 $21,446 3 $7,149
Arterial Remote
Control Valve 31 each $200 $6,200 12 $517
Arterial Master
Valve 2 each $305 $610 10 $61
Arterial Flow Meter 2 each $355 $710 20 $36
Arterial Backflow 1 each $1,250 $1,250 20 $63
Arterial Backflow
Enclosure 2 each $5,000 $10,000 25 $400
Arterial Irrigation
Controller 2 each $4,000 $8,000 15 $533
Arterial Controller
Cabinet 2 each $ 4,000 $8,000 15 $533
Entrance Tree 4 each $850 $3,400 50 $68
Entrance Shrub 113 each $30 $3,390 15 $226
Entrance Mulch 10 cubic
yard $46 $456 3 $152
Entrance Boulders 8 each $0 $0
Entrance Decorative
Lighting 11 each $50 $550 10 $55
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Estimated Annualized Replacement Costs
Based on FY 2022/23 Costs
Item Quantity Units Cost
per Unit Cost Remaining Life
Annualized
Cost
Interior Tree 111 each $850 $94,350 20 $4,718
Interior Shrub 2660 each $
30 $79,800 15 $5,320
Interior Mulch 200 cubic
yard $46 $ 9,126 3 $3,042
Interior Dog Bag 2 each $300 $600 10 $60
Interior Remote
Control Valve 16 each $200 $3,200 10 $320
Interior Master
Valve 1 each $305 $305 10 $31
Interior Flow Meter 1 each $355 $355 20 $18
Interior Backflow 1 each $1,250 $1,250 20 $63
Interior Backflow
Enclosure 1 each $5,000 $5,000 25 $200
Interior Irrigation
Controller 1 each $4,000 $4,000 15 $267
Interior Controller
Cabinet 1 each $4,000 $4,000 15 $267
Total $33,226
Contingency (10%) $3,323
Total with contingency $36,549
Estimated Annual Administration Costs
Based on FY 2022/23 adopted Budget
Consultant Services $0
Contra Costa Tax Roll Fees $0
City Overhead and Administration $4,171
Financing Effort $0
Total Administrative Costs $4,171
Total Annualized Costs $77,396
VI. ASSESSMENTMETHODOLOGY
Special and General Benefits
Benefits
The operation and maintenance of the improvements and necessary related administrative expenses the City will incur in obtaining and managing maintenance services will provide benefits to those properties within the boundary of the Zone. The benefits conferred to property within the boundary
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of the Zone from the public improvements are described below. This report does not consider any general enhancement of property value.
Aesthetics
Aesthetics, or the beautification of property, is a primary component of livability. Livability encompasses several qualities and characteristics that are unique to a specific area. The Victoria Transport Policy Institute (2011) expands on the concept of livability and the various benefits associated with that designation:
“The livability of an area increases property desirability and business activity. Livability is largely affected by conditions in the public realm, places where people naturally interact with each other and their community, including streets, parks, transportation terminals and other public facilities.
Livability also refers to the environmental and social quality of an area as perceived by employees, customers and visitors. This includes local environmental conditions, the quality of social interactions, opportunities for recreation and entertainment, aesthetics, and existence of unique cultural and environmental resources.”
The maintenance and servicing of the improvements increases the aesthetics, appearance and desirability of properties within the proposed boundaries of the District. The overall appeal of the District is enhanced when improvements are in place and kept in a healthy and satisfactory condition.
The maintenance of the improvements will provide and create a cohesive community identity that will serve to improve the livability within and helps define a positive urban character with the visual features of a destination community. This encourages the enjoyment of the neighborhood as well as promotes the maximum use of each area.
Conversely, appeal decreases when improvements are not well maintained, unsafe, or destroyed by the elements or vandalism. Upgraded and maintained amenities will enhance the appearance, desirability and “livability” of the property throughout the District.
Pedestrian Benefit
Landscaped areas will be maintained and free from trash. These routinely maintained sidewalks will provide a year-round, aesthetically pleasing environment that will encourage pedestrian activity.
Regular maintenance and repair ensures that the improvements do not reach a state of deterioration or disrepair so as to be materially detrimental to properties adjacent to or in close proximity to the improvements within the proposed Zone. According to the Victoria Transport Policy Institute (2011), streetscapes have a significant effect on how people view and interact with their community.
With streetscapes that are safe and inviting, people are more likely to walk, which can help reduce automobile traffic, improve public health and attract residents to the community.
Maintained walking improvements will enhance the local identity of the Zone, which will lead to a stronger and healthier community. The walking improvements including benches, water fountains and trash receptacles will establish continuity throughout the district. The walking improvements also provide an additional means to enjoy the landscaping improvements.
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A survey conducted by DMB (an Arizona based commercial developer) found that there was a strong demand for communities characterized by pedestrian access, a sense of connection, and a sense of community and diversity (Urban Land Institute, 2006). According to the Urban Land Institute report “Creating Walkable Places: Compact Mixed-Use Solutions,” people want their neighborhoods to provide more opportunities to walk (Urban Land Institute, 2006). A survey sponsored by the Surface Transportation Policy Project found that 55% of respondents would like to walk more, 63% would like to run errands on foot and walk to stores, and 79% would like sidewalks and other places to walk and exercise (Urban Land Institute, 2006). The installation of the inter-connecting sidewalks improves the livability and appeal for the properties.
Security and Safety Benefits
A recent study has found that after landscape improvements were installed, there was a 46% decrease in crash rates across urban arterial and highway sites and a second study reviewed found a 5% to 20% reduction in mid-block crashes after trees and planters in urban arterial roads were put in place.
In addition, there is less graffiti, vandalism, and littering in outdoor spaces with natural landscapes than in comparable plant-less spaces (Wolf, 2010). As residents are active in their neighborhoods there is a proportional reduction in crime as these neighborhoods become more cohesive, self-aware, and self-policing.
Further, by including landscaping in the central portion of streets, this will discourage pedestrians from cutting across the streets and encourage the use of designated pedestrian crossings. The Victoria Transport Policy Institute (2011) has found that streetscapes reduce traffic speeds, and when combined with improved pedestrian crossing conditions, can significantly reduce collisions.
According to the Federal Highway Administration (“FHWA”), sidewalks and walking trails reduce roadway accidents, including pedestrian/motor vehicle accidents. In addition, roadways without sidewalks are more than twice as likely to have pedestrian involved accidents compared to sites with sidewalks on both sides of the street (FHWA, n.d.). In 2008, the National Traffic Safety Administration’s (“NHTSA”) National Pedestrian Crash Report identified California as one of the states with the highest number of pedestrian deaths (NHTSA, 2008).
The maintained improvements will provide an increased level of safety to the property, residents, and visitors to the Zone. Convenient and safe pedestrian access is a critical component to the establishment of a community. Well-maintained and clean sidewalks and walking trails provide a separation between vehicle and pedestrian as well as property and pedestrian, which provides a safety benefit for both property and pedestrian. Safety for pedestrians involves not only a degree of protection from vehicular accidents, but also from criminal activity. Well-maintained areas mitigate crime, especially vandalism, and enhance pedestrian and vehicular safety.
The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration (FHWA, n.d.) notes that annually, around 4,500 pedestrians are killed in traffic crashes with motor vehicles in the United States. Pedestrians killed while “walking along the roadway” account for almost 8 percent of those deaths. Providing safe walkways separated from the travel lanes could help to prevent up to 88 percent of these “walking along roadway” crashes.
Special and General Benefit
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Special benefit has been determined by breaking the landscaped areas into subareas and estimating the special benefit derived to residents in Zone 4 for each subarea discussed below and determining the total general and special benefit as a weighted total of each subarea. Benefits include aesthetic benefits, security and safety benefit, landscaped buffers to traffic, shade from nearby trees and benefits to pedestrians and motorists from landscaping and trash removal adjacent to the walking path and travel ways. These benefits are shared to varying degrees by residents outside of Zone 4 depending on the location of the landscaping improvement relative to arterial roadways (Alcosta Boulevard). That portion of the benefit not attributable to special benefit is considered general benefit or the maintenance responsibility of the Citywide Zone 2.
For locations adjacent to Alcosta Boulevard, including the entry areas on Overlook and Woodland Drives, the majority of the benefit is assumed to be obtained by those residents closest to the improvement and therefore pass it more frequently, and derive benefits from its appearance and buffering effect from the arterial traffic. However, substantial benefit is attributable to passing users of the arterial road. For this reason the benefits is split to 70% special benefit and 30% benefit attributable to general benefit or the Citywide Zone 2.
The remainder of the landscaping improvements are located on the center median islands on Woodview Circle and entry areas. Woodview Circle is located in the interior of the Zone 4- Vista San Ramon area. That area consists of Subdivisions 5467 and 5468. All entrance and exit to these subdivisions is through Overlook and Woodland Drives. Therefore, no through traffic to other locations is possible through Zone 4. In addition, neither subdivision hosts any community improvements such as parks, trails, community facilities or other features that are routinely utilized by non-residents of the community. Access to the subdivision for parking is restricted to residents during potentially high traffic events at the nearby Central Park. For these reasons, the benefit of the improvements on Woodview Circle is entirely attributed to Special Benefit. All Special Benefit costs will be attributed to Special Zone 4, while all other costs will be borne by Citywide Zone 2, which is charged to all assessable lots within the District according to the method of apportionment.
Method of Assessment
Assessments within the District are allocated in accordance with the Benefit Methodology described above and the following Assessment Methodology. Within the zones in Landscape and Lighting District 1984-1, the assessment is determined by the use of the land, the size of the parcel, and the intensity of use of the parcel. Land use is classified as either (1) residential, (2) industrial, or (3) commercial and institutional. Within these use classifications an estimate of benefit is derived by considering the amount of lighting provided, the number of pedestrians generated by the land use, and the enhancement of the security and beauty of the property. The benefits of a single-family home provide the base for "unit" (proportion) calculations. In other words, a single-family home's unit factor is one (1.0). The unit factor for other land uses is proportional to the benefit each parcel receives relative to a single-family home. Uses that involve more people have higher unit factors, uses that have less frontage have lower unit factors. For example, a condominium's unit factor is
0.75 (because there is less street frontage), while commercial property unit factors range from 4 to 36 (because more people use the property and benefit from the improvements). See Appendix E for the full table of street Landscaping & Lighting unit factors.
Once costs are determined, and each parcel's factors are determined, and are divided by the total
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number of factors to determine the cost per factor. Each parcel's factor is then multiplied by the zone's factor cost(s) to determine that parcel’s FY 2023/24 assessment.
The assessment spread shall be the same as that used for the entirety of the District as indicated in the Engineer’s Report.
VII. MAXIMUM ASSESSMENT and PROPOSED ASSESSMENT FOR FY 2023/24 Maximum Assessment
The proposed maximum assessment was determined based on the current and estimated annual maintenance costs and long-term replacement costs for improvements within the Zone. A longterm reserve fund study was conducted and is summarized in Estimated Costs and Reserve Fund Study, Appendix D. Therefore, the Study was based on the most recently available current costs.
Required replacement costs for existing improvements will vary as those improvements meet the end of the anticipated useful life. This will result in fluctuations in actual expenditures in any given year. In order to determine an appropriate assessment rate, replacement costs were estimated using the remaining useful life of existing improvements or full useful life of new replacements.
Variations in the costs were smoothed over a 30-year time period in order to avoid an excessively high maximum assessment rate. Reserves will be used as needed to cover periods of higher expense.
Based on the Reserve Fund Study and 161 Assessment Units the proposed maximum assessment rate in FY 2023/24 shall be $385 per assessment unit.
In order to maintain fiscal viability of the Zone each fiscal year after the base year (FY 2023/24) the maximum allowable annual assessment rate shall be increased by February Consumer Price Index for the San Francisco Bay Area, All Urban Consumers of the calendar year for the assessment.
The distribution of costs between assessable properties is determined by the Assessment Methodology described in Section VII of this Report.
Assessment to be Levied
The assessment to be levied for Zone 4 Special Zone per assessment unit is based on:
1) The maintenance and capital (replacement) costs as distributed between special and general benefit/Zone 2 responsibility (see detailed summary above). 2) The administrative costs for the zone.
3) The number of assessment units in the zone.
4) Maintenance of reserves necessary for cash flow and capital improvement projects.
There are 161 assessment units within the zone.
Total Annualized Maintenance and Replacement Costs = $77,396 General Benefit = ($11,889)
Total Assessable Costs first year= $65,507
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Use of Reserves = $3,454
Amount to be Assessed first year = $62,053
Assessment per Unit = $385/unit
VIII. ASSESSMENT ROLL
The following is a summary of information included in the Assessment Roll that because of its bulk is filed separately with the City Clerk. According to the Landscaping and Lighting Act, the information must include a listing of all parcels of land within the assessment district. Each parcel must be listed by its distinctive designation, a description of the parcel, and the proposed assessment on the parcel in proportion to the estimated benefit it receives from the improvement.
This is done in the following format:
Property Description Property Description FY 23/24
(Assessor's Parcel #) (Assessor's Description) Assessment Total Assessment: $62,053
The lines and dimensions of each parcel are as shown on the maps of the County Assessor of the County of Contra Costa, which by reference is hereby made a part of this Report.
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APPENDIX A
City of San Ramon City Council Resolution No. 2023-036
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APPENDIX B
Update with diagram of Zone 4 only
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APPENDIX C
Map of Existing and Proposed Improvements Zone
Details of the landscaping improvements within the Zone and locations of these improvements are outlined in the final maps, subdivision improvement plans, capital improvement plans, and are on file with the City Clerk
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APPENDIX D
Estimated Costs and Reserve Fund Study
Details of the landscaping improvements within the Zone and locations of these improvements are outlined in the final maps, subdivision improvement plans, capital improvement plans, and are on file with the City Clerk.
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APPENDIX E
STREET LANDSCAPING & LIGHTING UNIT FACTORS
By Land Use and Use Code
Use Intensity & Security &
Land Use Code1 Visibility Pedestrian Aesthetics Total
Single Family 11-19 .375 .25 .375 1.00
Condominium 29 .250 .25 .250 .75
Multiple Residential (including hotels, motels)
Units:
Two 21 .50 .50 .50 1.50
Three 22 .75 .75 .75 2.25
Four 23 1.00 1.00 1.00 3.00
Five 24 1.25 1.25 1.25 3.75
6 - 12 25 2.50 2.50 2.50 7.50
13 - 24 26 4.50 4.50 4.50 13.50
25 - 59 27 5.00 10.00 5.00 20.00
60 - 80 28 8.75 17.50 8.75 35.00
81 - 100 28 11.25 22.50 11.25 45.00
101 - 200 28 18.75 37.50 18.75 75.00
201 - 400 28 37.50 75.00 37.50 150.00
401 - 600 28 62.50 125.00 62.50 250.00
601 - 800 28 87.50 175.00 87.50 350.00
801 - 1000 28 112.00 225.00 112.50 450.00
etc. etc. etc. etc. etc. etc.
Industrial 50 - 59 Assessment based on frontage and total area of the parcel.
Commercial and 29 - 49 Please see below
Institutional 70 - 79 Please see below
Industrial (Codes 50 - 59 - Frontage Factor plus Area Factor) Frontage (Ft) Factors Parcel Area (SF) Parcel Area (AC) Factors 0 - 200 4 0 - 25,000 0.00 - 0.57 4
201 - 500 12 25,001 - 100,000 0.58 - 2.29 12
501 - 1000 24 100,001 - 250,000 2.30 - 5.79 24
1001 or more 36 250,001 or more 5.80 or more 36
Commercial and Institutional (Codes 29 - 49 and 70 - 79 - Frontage Factor plus Area Factor) Frontage (Ft) Factors Parcel Area (SF) Parcel Area (AC) Factors 0 - 200 4 0 - 5,000 0.00 - .11 4
201 - 500 8 5,001 - 10,000 0.12 - .22 8
501 - 1,000 12 10,001 - 25,000 .23 - .58 12
1,001 - 3,000 16 25,001 - 100,000 .59 - 2.29 16
3,001 - 5,000 24 100,001 - 500,000 2.30 - 11.49 24
5,001 or more 36 500,001 or more 11.50 or more 36
1 The Use Code is the designation used by the County Assessor's Office to indicate how the land is being used.
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CITY OF SAN RAMON
7000 BOLLINGER CANYON ROAD
SAN RAMON, CALIFORNIA 94583
PHONE: (925) 973-2500
WEB SITE: www.sanramon.ca.gov
CITY COUNCIL: 973-2530 CITY CLERK: 973-2539 ENGINEERING SERVICES: 973-2670 PARKS & COMMUNITY SERVICES: 973-3200 CITY MANAGER: 973-2530 ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES: 973-2503 POLICE SERVICES: 973-2700 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT: 973-2554 CITY ATTORNEY: 973-2549 PLANNING/COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: 973-2560 PUBLIC SERVICES: 973-2800 PERMIT CENTER: 973-2574 May 8, 2023
Re: Landscape and Lighting District Property Tax Assessment Increase and Proposed Improvements Dear Residents:
City staff has been discussing the condition of the landscaping in your neighborhood (Zone 4 – Vista San Ramon) with your Home Owners Association for the last year. Zone 4 of the Landscaping and Lighting District 1984-1 provides horticultural care and routine landscape maintenance to improved landscaped areas adjacent to streets and in the medians in Vista San Ramon (Special Zone 4). This includes:
• weed abatement • trash and debris pick-up
• pruning and fertilization of trees and
shrubs
• dead and dying plant material removal
and replacement
• replacement of mulch • irrigation system maintenance and upgrades
The location of the areas maintained by the District are shown on the attached map.
Property owners are currently assessed $180 per year, which pays for the maintenance of this landscaping. These funds are only used within the Vista San Ramon area. This maximum assessment has not increased since 1997. The City has done everything it can to deliver landscaping services in an efficient and effective method. Nevertheless, the costs of energy, water, materials, and labor continue to rise. In order to continue to preserve the landscaping in your neighborhood and provide for the replacement of elements as they die or become inoperative, we now need to increase the assessment.
The proposed increase will be to $385 per year and will increase with inflation to avoid future shortfalls.
Based on discussions with your Home Owners Association Board, and the results of our detailed analysis, we will be beginning the process of requesting an increase in the assessment. The process will begin with the approval of an Engineer’s Report by the City Council, set to be considered on May 9, 2023, and the setting of a formal public hearing currently scheduled for June 27, 2023. Prior to that hearing, we will also be hosting meetings with residents of Vista San Ramon to answer questions that you may have. These meetings will be held at the San Ramon Community Center on Monday, June 5 and Monday, June 19 at 6:30pm.
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Packet Pg. 135 Attachment: B - Preliminary Notice of Ballot Letter (2023-077 : Zone 4 Public Hearing)
Any assessment increase can only be approved by a majority vote of returned ballots. The City will be mailing you ballots and additional information following the anticipated approval of the Engineer’s Report.
The staff report for the May 9, 2023, City Council meeting, and the attached Engineer’s Report, are available for review on the City’s website at: http://sanramonca.iqm2.com/citizens/default.aspx If you have any questions, please contact me at 925-973-2811 or by email at [email protected].
Jon Bell
Landscape Program Manager
Attachment: Map of Zone 4 Improvements
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Packet Pg. 136 Attachment: B - Preliminary Notice of Ballot Letter (2023-077 : Zone 4 Public Hearing) The City’s Landscaping and Lighting District (District) was established in 1984 to ensure a continuous funding source for keeping our street lighting properly functioning, roadway landscaping (medians and streetscapes) groomed, and street trees trimmed throughout the City of San Ramon.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the San Ramon Council Chamber located at 7000 Bollinger Canyon Road, San Ramon, California, the City Council of the City of San Ramon, will conduct a Public Hearing to receive and consider any public comments regarding the proposed increase and levying assessments for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 for The Landscaping and Lighting District No. 1984-1 – Zone 4.
The City Council will receive and consider all oral and written testimony related to the assessments for Landscaping and Lighting District No. 1984-1 – Zone 4.
In accordance with Proposition 218, the maximum assessment rate for each Zone can only be increased through a majority vote of the property owners within that Zone. Property owners set a maximum assessment rate, and the City then has the authority to raise or lower the assessment rate, up to the maximum, depending upon the projected expenditures of the Zone for each upcoming fiscal year. If there are cost savings in one fiscal year, they are allocated back to the reserve fund for that Zone.
The process to increase an assessment in a Landscaping & Lighting District is governed by the California Streets and Highway Code Section 22500, and the "Right to Vote on Taxes Act" (Proposition 218). These processes require the preparation of an Engineer’s Report that includes a description of the services to be provided by the Landscaping & Lighting District, or assessed Zone, the costs that are anticipated, and a discussion of the assessment methodology. The Engineer’s Report is the basis for the determination of the assessment. Balloting will be conducted by a mail-in ballot per Proposition 218. The assessment increase and adoption is also subject to a Public Hearing.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The City of San Ramon
Landscaping and Lighting District 1984-1
Vista San Ramon Zone 4
Concerning Your Vote on the Proposed Increase in the Landscaping & Lighting District Zone 4 Vista San Ramon Maximum Assessment
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Packet Pg. 137 Attachment: C - Notice of Public Hearing (2023-077 : Zone 4 Public Hearing) Important Information for Property Owners
Are there accountability measures?
Assessment District monies are held in a separate account and money collected from each zone is only expended in that zone. The City conducts annual financial audits to ensure that assessment revenues are expended as authorized.
How do I vote?
Enclosed with this Notice of Public Hearing is your ballot, along with a self-addressed, postage-paid envelope.
• The ballot must be completed by the property owner(s), or an authorized representative, indicating the property owner's support for, or opposition to, the proposed annual assessment increase. • For your ballot to be counted, you must clearly mark the appropriate box, sign the ballot, seal it in the enclosed envelope, and return it to the City Clerk of the City of San Ramon. • Completed ballots must be received at the address shown on the enclosed return envelope by 7:00 pm on June 27, 2023
OR hand-delivered to the City Clerk before the end of the public input portion of the Public Hearing that same evening.
• The Public Hearing begins at 7:00 pm, June 27, 2023, at the City Council Chambers at 7000 Bollinger Canyon Road.
• If you return the ballot by mail, please be sure to allow sufficient time for mail delivery.
At the June 27, 2023, Public Hearing, the City Council will receive public testimony and formally accept and count the assessment ballots.
What determines majority support vs. majority protest?
Majority support occurs, and the proposed assessment increase is approved, if the number of returned ballots supporting the proposed assessment increase is greater than the number of ballots opposing the increase. By law, the ballots are weighted in proportion to each property owner's proposed increase in their assessment. If the weighted "No" votes number more than the weighted "Yes" votes, the assessment increase cannot be imposed and the proceedings will be abandoned. If the weighted "Yes" votes number more than the weighted "No" votes, the assessment increase can be levied. All properties are equal in Zone 4.
When will the results be available?
The results of ballot tabulation are expected to be reported to the City Council on July 27, 2023, at which time the City Council may vote to impose the annual assessment increase for Fiscal Year 2023-
24. Who do I call with questions?
• For questions about the assessments, landscaping and lighting maintenance, voting procedures, or process, please call Jon Bell, at 925-973-2811 or email at [email protected]. • Or visit the San Ramon City website at www.sanramon.ca.gov
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Packet Pg. 138 Attachment: C - Notice of Public Hearing (2023-077 : Zone 4 Public Hearing) The City of San Ramon
Vista San Ramon Zone 4
Landscaping & Lighting District No. 1984-1 (District) includes two Citywide Zones and 17 Special Zones. Property owners within each Zone pay an annual assessment, which funds the maintenance of public landscaping and street lighting within the Zone. The assessment rates are different for each Special Zone, as they are based upon the cost to maintain landscaping and amenities specific to each Zone, divided by the number of units in the Zone. Assessment revenues from a Special Zone may only be spent on specified services for that Zone. Any unspent revenues in each fiscal year are held in a reserve fund specific to each Zone.
What is the landscaping and lighting assessment district? The Landscaping and Lighting District 1984-1 provides maintenance for the landscaped areas and street lights located throughout the City’s streets and medians.
What services are provided by the landscaping and lighting district? The District program provides horticultural care and routine landscape maintenance to improve landscaped areas and street lighting throughout the District. In Vista San Ramon – Zone 4 this includes weekly, weed abatement and trash and debris pick-up. Trees and shrubs are pruned and fertilized for health and safety. Unhealthy plant material is replaced when necessary to improve the appearance and health of landscaped areas. Uplighting is operated and maintained, and irrigation is provided.
What are the current landscape needs in Vista San Ramon? Much of the landscaping and related improvements in Vista San Ramon are aging and will need updating or replacement within the next 10 years. At the same time, operating expenses including water and maintenance contracts have increased to the point that routine maintenance has used most of the reserves. Although the City has done everything it can to maintain and increase the efficiency of our landscaping and lighting services increases in the assessment will be needed to maintain current improvements and provide for required replacements and renewal.
Why do we need to act now?
Vista San Ramon (Zone 4) currently spends more money maintaining the zone than is collected in assessments. Total revenues are currently capped at $28,980 per year – this maximum assessment has not been adjusted since 1997. In Fiscal Year 2022-23 budgeted expenditures exceed revenues by $21,637 – substantially reducing the reserve. In Fiscal Year 2023- 24 the reserves will be further reduced by about $4,100. Reserves are expected to be exhausted by July 2026 or sooner. As improvements reach the end of their lives additional funds will be needed to replace existing plants and irrigation. Raising rates now will allow continuity of service.
Concerning Your Vote on the Proposed
Increase in the Landscaping & Lighting District
Zone 4 Vista San Ramon Maximum Assessment
NOTICE OF
PUBLIC HEARING
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Packet Pg. 139 Attachment: C - Notice of Public Hearing (2023-077 : Zone 4 Public Hearing) Where does your assessment dollar go?
(2023 budget)
• 29% Water & Electricity
• 19% contracts and supplies
• 21% maintenance personnel costs
• 7% Administration
• 24% Replacements and Improvements
How is the annual assessment of each parcel determined? In Vista San Ramon (Zone 4) all of the parcels are assessed the same amount for the maintenance of the improvements within the Zone. There are 161 homes in the Zone. The total costs to the Zone are based on the annual operating costs (utilities, maintenance contracts, and City staff) plus the annualized longterm replacement costs for each of the different kinds of landscaping and other improvements (mulch, shrubs, trees, irrigation controllers, and components).
How much will my parcel be assessed?
The proposed FY 2023-24 assessment for your parcel for Zone 4 is shown on the enclosed ballot and will be $385.00. This annual assessment rate will be increased based upon the prior year's change in the San Francisco Bay Area Consumer Price Index, each subsequent fiscal year to accommodate for increases in the cost of services and materials. For a detailed description of how your annual assessment was calculated, refer to the Engineer's Report on file with the City Clerk.
Landscaping & Lighting District Services
• Maintaining decorative uplighting at entrance areas
• Irrigating plants as needed
• Trimming overgrown or diseased tree branches for safety and good health • Planting drought-tolerant plants and grasses to save water and reduce costs and maintain appearances • Weed abatement and refreshing mulch
• Maintaining dog waste stations
• Cleaning up trash and leaves so that landscaping continues to look litter free Specific Recent and Upcoming Improvements
• Planting renovations in Woodview Terrace center median and along Alcosta Boulevard • Installing new mulch in Woodview Terrace center median • Tree removal and replacement
• Remote control irrigation valve upgrades
• Irrigation controller upgrades
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Packet Pg. 140 Attachment: C - Notice of Public Hearing (2023-077 : Zone 4 Public Hearing)