TABLE OF CONTENTS
Transmittal......................................................................................................................................... 2 Certification of Filing......................................................................................................................... 2 INTRODUCTION 4
IMPROVEMENTS 4
Location of District and Improvements.......................................................................................... 4 Landscaping Program...................................................................................................................... 4 Overhead........................................................................................................................................... 4 ESTIMATE OF COSTS 5
Annual Maintenance Cost Estimate .............................................................................................. 5 Annualized Replacement Cost Estimate ...................................................................................... 6 SPECIAL AND GENERAL BENEFIT 6
Introduction........................................................................................................................................ 7 Identification of Benefit .................................................................................................................... 7 Separation of General Benefit ........................................................................................................ 9 Quantification of General Benefit................................................................................................... 9 Apportioning of Special Benefit .................................................................................................... 11 METHOD OF ASSESSMENT 15
Balance to be Assessed................................................................................................................ 15 Maximum Annual Assessment Amount per
Benefit Point and Annual Increase to the Maximum Annual Assessment............................. 15 Total Maximum Assessment per Property Type........................................................................ 16 ASSESSMENT ROLL 17
ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM 18
Method of Assessment Spread.......................................................................................... 16
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Packet Pg. 181 Attachment: A - The Preserve LL Assessment District FY 2024-25 Engineer’s Report (2024-068 : Public Hearing - the Preserve L&L District
INTRODUCTION
This Assessment Engineer’s Report that separates and quantifies the special and general benefits and assesses the proportional special benefit to fund a proposed landscaping program containing decorative planting, irrigation, minor hardscaping, a walking path and pedestrian improvements within the proposed The Preserve Landscape and Lighting Assessment District (hereafter referred to as the “District”). Article XIID Section 4 of the Constitution of the State of California (“Proposition 218”) and recent court rulings have made clear the importance of separating and quantifying the special and general benefits and supporting that quantification with evidence and analysis.
IMPROVEMENTS
Location of District and Improvements
The District will provide ongoing funding for a landscaping program containing decorative planting, irrigation, hardscaping, a walking path and pedestrian improvements. The proposed District area was annexed into the City by LAFCO Resolution 08-27 on February 11, 2009. The Faria Preserve is generally located north of Deerwood Drive and Deerwood Road, east of Bollinger Canyon Road and west of Omega Road.
The improvements are located along a section of Purdue Road, a section of Bollinger Canyon Road, a section of Omega Road, and along Faria Preserve Parkway.
The Preserve project plans containing detailed information as to the exact description and location of the improvements are on file with the City. All improvements to be maintained by the District are located in the public right of way and exclude those fences, gates, screen walls and existing retaining walls on Purdue Road and those improvements to be maintained by The Preserve Home Owners Association(s) and those elements to be maintained by the Landscaping and Lighting District 1984-1.
Landscaping Program
The Landscaping Program provides year-round maintenance and management services. Landscape improvements include trees, shrubs and decorative plantings together with an irrigation system containing controllers, valves and booster pumps. Hardscape improvements include decorative paving, retaining walls and a DG walking path. The walking path improvements include sitting benches, trash receptacles and drinking fountains.
Services include routine maintenance of the landscape and hardscape improvements. Landscape services include pruning, trimming, irrigation, fertilization, repair and replacement of the improvements. Hardscape services include repair, painting, cleaning, graffiti removal, replacement of the improvements, regular trash removal and all utilities.
The landscaping will be installed in order to create a common theme and neighborhood identity for parcels within the District.
Overhead
In addition to the costs to maintain and service the District improvements mentioned above, the City will incur costs for staff time and expense related to the programs mentioned above, as well as the management of the District. Staff time includes oversight and coordination of both City and contractor provided services, annual tax roll preparation, and addressing property owner questions and concerns. These activities are
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Packet Pg. 182 Attachment: A - The Preserve LL Assessment District FY 2024-25 Engineer’s Report (2024-068 : Public Hearing - the Preserve L&L District
directly related to the District and improvements within the District, and without them, the improvements could not be efficiently completed or properly maintained on an ongoing basis.
ESTIMATE OF COSTS
The estimated costs of maintenance and servicing of the improvements as described in the previous section are summarized below. Each year, as part of the assessment district levy calculation process, the costs and expenses are reviewed, and the annual costs are projected for the following fiscal year.
Annual Maintenance Cost Estimate
The table below Estimates the cost of the annual maintenance and servicing of all of the improvements in 2024 dollars based on the inflation adjusted original estimates for the district. These costs reflect the total cost for the District. This table reflects the original cost estimates adjusted for inflation That actual costs will be depended on the amount and timing of the turnover of improvements to the District and the type, amount and cost basis of work at the time. This table may be adjusted as actual data becomes available.
These costs reflect initial estimates and plant establishment efforts and as such vary from the intial estimates and are expected to change over time.
Item Cost
Staff $29,541.00
Contractors $64,059.00
Utilities $20,700.00
Materials $1,500.00
Yard and miscellaneous $15,299.00
Total Cost $131,099.00
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Packet Pg. 183 Attachment: A - The Preserve LL Assessment District FY 2024-25 Engineer’s Report (2024-068 : Public Hearing - the Preserve L&L District
Annualized Replacement Cost Estimate
The table below estimates the annualized replacement cost in 2024 dollars of the improvements calculated over the service life of each item.
2024-2025 Costs
This is the first full year that almost all of the improvements will be maintained by the District. The estimated costs of maintenance have been established based on staff experience and quotes provided by contractors.
If any adjustments are required, there are sufficient reserves available to provide for any likely adjustments.
Cost per Unit Life Years Cost
Landscaping $5.34 20 $38,013.40
Trees $592.96 30 $5,159.19
Irrigation Booster Pumps $77,084.40 30 $2,579.60
Irrigation Controllers $5,336.61 10 $1,607.29
Remote Control Valves $474.37 20 $3,571.75
Wall Replacement $88.94 75 $1,993.04
Decorative Paving $14.23 20 $1,384.65
DG Path $14.23 15 $7,580.68
Bench $948.73 10 $190.49
Trash Cans $1,168.13 10 $234.54
Drinking Fountain $5,336.61 10 $1,071.52
$63,386.15
$68,140.12
$175,521.76
$8,500.00
$184,021.76
Estimated Annualized Replacement Cost
TOTAL ANNUALIZED REPLACEMENT COST
TOTAL ANNUALIZED REPLACEMENT COST WITH 7.5% CONTINGENCY
TOTAL ANNUAL MAINTENANCE AND REPLACEMENT COST
TOTAL ADMINISTRATION COSTS
TOTAL ANNUAL COSTS
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Packet Pg. 184 Attachment: A - The Preserve LL Assessment District FY 2024-25 Engineer’s Report (2024-068 : Public Hearing - the Preserve L&L District
SPECIAL AND GENERAL BENEFIT
Introduction
Pursuant to Article XIIID, all parcels that receive a special benefit conferred upon them as a result of the public improvements shall be identified, and the proportionate special benefit derived by each identified parcel shall be determined in relationship to the entire costs of the project. Furthermore, Article XIIID requires that the City separate the general benefit from special benefit, so that only the special benefit may be assessed.
Article XIIID, Section 4(a) of the California Constitution limits the amount of any assessment to the proportional special benefit conferred on the property. Article XIIID also provides that publicly owned properties within an assessment district must be assessed unless there is clear and convincing evidence that those properties receive no special benefit from the assessment. Examples of parcels which might be exempted from the assessment would be the areas of public streets, public avenues, public lanes, public roads, public drives, public courts, public alleys, public easements and rights-of-ways, public greenbelts, public parks and parkways and open space areas. At this time, there are parcels expected to develop within the District that would be exempt from the assessment, as they are planned public streets, open space, and park areas, which receive no special benefit from the improvements.
Identification of Benefit
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 both those properties within the boundary of the District and to the community as a whole. The benefits conferred to property within the boundary of the District from the public improvements are described below. This report does not consider any general enhancement of property value.
AESTHETIC BENEFITS
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.
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Packet Pg. 185 Attachment: A - The Preserve LL Assessment District FY 2024-25 Engineer’s Report (2024-068 : Public Hearing - the Preserve L&L District
PEDESTRIAN BENEFITS
Walking paths 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 District. 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 District, 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.
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 interconnecting 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 District. 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.
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Packet Pg. 186 Attachment: A - The Preserve LL Assessment District FY 2024-25 Engineer’s Report (2024-068 : Public Hearing - the Preserve L&L District 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.
Separation of General Benefit
Section 4 of Article XIIID of the California Constitution provides that once a local agency which proposes to impose assessments on property has identified those parcels that will have special benefits conferred upon them and upon which an assessment will be imposed, the local agency must next “separate the general benefits from the special benefits conferred,” and only the special benefits can be included in the amount of the assessments imposed. A general benefit is an overall and similar benefit to the public at large resulting from the maintenance and operation of the improvements to be provided by the assessments levied.
The maintenance of the improvements will provide improved aesthetic, pedestrian and safety benefits to property within the District, but it is recognized that the maintenance activities will also provide a level of benefit to some property within proximity to the District, as well as visitors and individuals passing through the District. This is considered to be a general benefit that cannot be funded by District assessments.
Pedestrian and vehicular traffic from property within and outside of the District, as well as individuals passing through the District area will utilize and enjoy the maintained improvements. Therefore, the general benefit created as a result of District maintenance activities must be considered.
The maintenance of the improvements will also provide a level of improved aesthetic, pedestrian and safety benefits to pedestrians and vehicles that will travel through the District to access properties outside of the District boundaries. Further, non-resident pedestrians may take advantage of the clean and safe areas and incorporate the area into their fitness routine as part of the overall route travelled. These activities create general benefit that is required to be separated and quantified as shown below.
Quantification of General Benefit
The amount of general benefit that is provided from the District activities cannot be funded via property owner assessments within the District. In order for property within the District to be assessed only for that portion of special benefit received from the District maintenance and service activities, general benefits provided by the ongoing maintenance of the improvements needs to be quantified.
The District is projected to consist of a variety of property land uses, including 296 single family residential parcels, 304 condominium units, a house of worship and approximately 220 acres used for non-residential purposes, including open space, recreational and public property. Properties within the District are classified to a land use category according to the assigned land use code as shown on the County Assessor’s latest secured property tax roll.
As a result of the maintenance activities, there will be a level of general benefit to traffic and/or pedestrians that do not live in or intend to conduct business within the District. This general benefit, serving as a passthrough corridor or destination for traffic and/or pedestrians, needs to be quantified. The identified benefits provided by the maintenance of the improvements include beautification of the area, pedestrian benefits and security/safety benefits. Each of these benefits must be considered and quantified.
General Benefit Portion of Improved Aesthetic Benefits
The automotive traffic, generated from property outside of the District, which may pass though the District and enjoy the maintained improvements must be estimated. The AECOM Final Transportation Impact Analysis was prepared in August 2013 for the Faria Preserve project (the “Traffic Study”).
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Packet Pg. 187 Attachment: A - The Preserve LL Assessment District FY 2024-25 Engineer’s Report (2024-068 : Public Hearing - the Preserve L&L District The Traffic Study analyzed trips generated by the Faria development and the impact of those trips on the surrounding transportation infrastructure. The Traffic Study projected trips generated by the Faria project and trips generated by the non-project area to estimate the total trip loads on selected intersections. By comparing the Project Trip Assignments with the Cumulative (2030) Plus Project Intersection Traffic Volumes and Geometry it was found that no through traffic was calculated to pass through the Faria development. However, the Traffic Study was based upon a roadway configuration that differs from the current development plan. The difference is the Eastern connection of Faria Parkway formerly connected to Deerwood Road (Intersection “A”) and now it will connect to Purdue Road. In order to allow for potential through traffic trips due to the roadway configuration change, it is estimated that 5% of the total traffic trips passing the improvements will be from sources outside the District (through and/or destination traffic) and thereby will enjoy an aesthetic benefit from their maintenance.
General Benefit Portion of Improved Pedestrian Benefits The pathways connect the neighborhoods with open space and park areas. The walking paths create recreational and fitness opportunities as well as develop a sense of community. There will be pedestrian traffic, generated from property outside of the District, which may utilize the maintained walking paths in the District and access property located outside of the District boundaries. Pedestrians may also incorporate the walking paths into their leisure and fitness routines, thus making the District walking paths serve as a pass-through portion of their overall route travelled.
The park and open space associated with the Faria development will draw people from outside the district who will enjoy the pedestrian benefits. The walking paths maintained by the District are a subset of the entire sidewalk, walking path and foot trail system planned for the Faria development open space and park parcels.
The 13.6-acre park associated with the Faria development is approximately 3.3% of the City’s total park acreage. The 190 acres of open space is approximately 8.2 % of the City’s total open space area. The location of the project area is distant from the residential core of the City and as evidenced by the Traffic Study, minimal through-traffic is anticipated to travel through the area. However, as a pedestrian recreational destination area, there is an expectation of a higher percentage of out of District pedestrian use relative to total pedestrian use. The out of District (General Benefit) percentage of use is estimated at 1/8 or 12.5% of pedestrians enjoying the District improvements.
General Benefit Portion of Improved Security &Safety Benefits The improvements will provide improved security and safety to persons and property. The identified benefits to property (reduced graffiti, vandalism and littering) are localized and therefore limited to the property within the District. 0.0% General Benefit is estimated to accrue to property outside the District. The safety and security general benefit to persons is proportional to the pedestrian benefit estimated for those outside the District, or 12.5%. The General Benefit for persons and property are averaged to produce an estimated General Benefit of 6.25% for improved security and safety.
Collective District-wide General Benefit
Since the District is comprised of improved aesthetics, pedestrian and increased safety and security benefits resulting from a blend of improvements, the activity of both pedestrians and vehicles must be addressed in a collective form rather than independently. Therefore, the average of the general benefit percentages has been used to quantify the overall level of general benefit for the District. This general benefit result is provided in the table below:
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Packet Pg. 188 Attachment: A - The Preserve LL Assessment District FY 2024-25 Engineer’s Report (2024-068 : Public Hearing - the Preserve L&L District
General Benefit Quantification
Benefit Measurement Estimated Based Upon General Benefit % Aesthetics Trip Generation
Total traffic trips to or through the
District, which originate out of District. 5.00%
Pedestrian
Persons using walking
improvements Walking path use from outside district 12.50% Security &
Safety
Persons using walking
improvements Walking path use from outside district 12.50% Property distance
from improvements Distance from improvements 0.00%
Average Security & Safety 6.25% 6.25%
Total Averaged General Benefit 7.92%
The general benefit, which is the percentage of the total budget (excluding District administrative costs), that must be funded through sources other than assessments is 7.92%. The special benefit then, which is the percentage of the budget that may be funded by assessments, is 92.08%.
Apportioning of Special Benefit
As outlined in Section 5.2, each of the parcels within the District receives a special benefit from the improvements. Each parcel that has a special benefit conferred upon it, as a result of the maintenance and operation of improvements, is identified and the proportionate special benefit derived by each identified parcel is determined in relationship to the entire costs of the maintenance and operation of the improvements.
The total costs of maintenance and operation, less the amount of general benefit identified, will be assessed to the parcels within the District based on the benefit points assigned to each parcel. This Section provides a detailed breakdown of the assigned benefit points described herein. To assess special benefit appropriately, it is necessary to relate parcels of different land use, intensity of use, size, location, and proximity to improvements. The City has a well-established Assessment Factoring Methodology that has considered the proportional benefit received by all property types in the City for landscaping and lighting improvements.
Each parcel’s land use is a factor that differentiates parcels based on the benefit received from the improvements within the District. Parcels with residential land use are the basis for assigning benefit points for the maintenance and service activities.
Common areas, roads and easements are deemed to receive no benefit from the District maintenance activities because they serve as connectors for other properties and do not receive benefit from the increased aesthetics, security and safety or pedestrian benefits. Utility parcels are also deemed to not benefit from the maintenance of the improvements.
The following table provides the benefit points assigned to each land use category of parcels within the District.
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Packet Pg. 189 Attachment: A - The Preserve LL Assessment District FY 2024-25 Engineer’s Report (2024-068 : Public Hearing - the Preserve L&L District
STREET LANDSCAPING & LIGHTING BENEFIT UNIT FACTORS
Land Use Use Code*
Aesthetic
Points
Pedestrian
Points
Security & Safety
Points
Total
Points
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 - 1,000 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 – see tables below Commercial 29 - 49
Institutional 70 - 79
Industrial
Frontage (ft) Points Parcel Area (ft2) Parcel Area (ac) Points 0 - 200 4 0 - 25,000 0.00 - 0.57 4
201 - 500 12 25,000- 100,000 0.58 - 2.29 12
501 - 1,000 24 100,001 - 250,000 2.30 - 5.79 24
1,001+ 36 250,001 + 5.80 + 36
Commercial &
Institutional
Frontage (ft) Points Parcel Area (ft2) Parcel Area (ac) Points 0 - 200 4 0 - 5,000 0.00 -0.11 4
201 - 500 8 5,001 - 10,000 0.12 - 0.22 8
501 - 1,000 12 10,001 - 25,000 0.23 - 0.58 12
1,001 - 3,000 16 25,001 - 100,000 0.59 -·2.29 16
3,001 - 5,000 24 100,001 - 500,000 2.30 - 11.49 24
5,001+ 36 500,001 + 11.50 + 36
*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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Packet Pg. 190 Attachment: A - The Preserve LL Assessment District FY 2024-25 Engineer’s Report (2024-068 : Public Hearing - the Preserve L&L District
Total Special Benefit Points Calculation
The formula below shows the total special benefit points calculation for each parcel within the District:
Parcel’s Total
Special Benefit
Points
=
Parcel’s Aesthetic
Benefit Points +
Parcel’s
Pedestrian Benefit
Points
+
Parcel’s Safety
Benefit Points
Data Considerations and Parcel Changes
The use of the latest Assessor’s Secured Roll information has been and shall be used in the future as the basis in determining each parcel’s land use category and acreage, unless better data was or is available to the City. In addition, if any parcel within the District is identified by the Auditor/Controller to be an invalid parcel number, the land use category, residential dwelling units, and acreage of the subsequent valid parcels shall serve as the basis in assigning parcel factor special benefit points.
Special Considerations: Publicly Owned Parcels
Any publicly owned parcels that benefit from the improvements cannot be exempt from the assessment.
The special benefits accruing to these types of parcels must be determined using the same kind of formulas and benefit point assignment as applied to privately owned parcels. This requirement is clearly conveyed in Article XIII D, Section 4(a) of the California Constitution, which states in part, “... Parcels within a district that are owned or used by any agency, the State of California or the United States shall not be exempt from assessment unless the agency can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that those publicly owned parcels in fact receive no special benefit.” No publicly owned parcels have been categorized and assigned benefit units using the same methodology as privately owned parcels, based on their land use as shown on the County Assessor’s latest secured property tax roll.
Benefit Units per Property Type
The following table calculates the Benefit Units for each Property Type by proposed Neighborhood.
Neighborhood Land Use Count
Aesthetic
Points
Pedestrian
Points
Security &
Safety
Points
Benefit
Points
I Single Family 121 0.375 0.250 0.375 1.000
II Single Family 72 0.375 0.250 0.375 1.000
III
Courtyard
Single Family 63 0.375 0.250 0.375 1.000
IV
Condo -
Townhomes 104 0.250 0.250 0.250 0.750
Condo - 2
Story Flats 78 0.250 0.250 0.250 0.750
V
Single Family 40 0.375 0.250 0.375 1.000
Condo 122 0.250 0.250 0.250 0.750
TOTALS 600
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Packet Pg. 191 Attachment: A - The Preserve LL Assessment District FY 2024-25 Engineer’s Report (2024-068 : Public Hearing - the Preserve L&L District
Total Benefit Unit Calculation
The following table calculates the Total Benefit Units in the District by proposed Neighborhood.
Neighborhood Land Use Count
Benefit
Points per
Use
Total Benefit
Points
I Single Family 121 1.000 121.00
II Single Family 72 1.000 72.00
III
Courtyard Single
Family 63 1.000 63.00
IV
Condo -
Townhomes 104 0.750 78.00
Condo - 2 Story
Flats 78 0.750 58.50
V
Single Family 40 1.000 40.00
Condo 122 0.750 91.50
TOTALS 600 524
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Packet Pg. 192 Attachment: A - The Preserve LL Assessment District FY 2024-25 Engineer’s Report (2024-068 : Public Hearing - the Preserve L&L District
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Balance to be Assessed
It is anticipated that approximately all of the improvements will be completed and accepted by the end of the fiscal year. Therefore, the estimated annual maintenance and replacement costs budgeted reflect ownership of all of the improvements for most of the year.
The general benefit, which is the percentage of the total budget, excluding incidental costs, which must be funded through sources other than assessments, is 7.92% of the total project cost. The special benefit, which is the percentage of the budget that may be funded by assessments, is 92.08%.
Description
Budget
Amount
Estimated Annual Maintenance and Replacement Costs $194,485.15 Less: General Benefit Contribution (7.92%) ($15,403.22) Total Assessable Direct Costs $179,081.93
Incidental Costs (Tax Roll Fees and Administration) $8,500.00 Total Maximum Costs that can be Assessed $187,581.93
Total Annual Cost $202,985.15
Maximum Annual Assessment Amount per Benefit Point and Annual Increase to the Maximum Annual Assessment
The assessment per benefit point was calculated at the time of formation of the District by dividing the total estimated costs to be assessed by the total benefit points assigned to the parcels within the District.
The maximum initial annual assessment was determined to be = $363.13 As of June 1 of each fiscal year after the base year (2018/2019), the maximum annual assessment (the “Maximum Annual Assessment”) shall be increased by the greater of 2% or the February Consumer Price Index for the San Francisco Bay Area, All Urban Consumers. It is specifically provided that the Maximum Annual Assessment shall be increased each fiscal year, computed on the previous fiscal year’s Maximum Annual Assessment. The actual annual assessment levied in any fiscal year may be less than, but shall not exceed the Maximum Annual Assessment, unless appropriate proceedings are conducted by the District to authorize any increase beyond the Maximum Annual Assessment. The applicable inflation rate for this year’s assessment is 2.4%. Therefore, a 2.4% increase has been applied.
The Maximum Annual Assessment that may be levied in FY 2024/2025 is $432.29 per Benefit Point.
The special benefit analysis and assignment of benefit points has been calculated in relation to the total costs to be assessed. No assessment will be imposed on any parcel that exceeds the reasonable cost of the proportional special benefit conferred on the parcel.
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Packet Pg. 193 Attachment: A - The Preserve LL Assessment District FY 2024-25 Engineer’s Report (2024-068 : Public Hearing - the Preserve L&L District
Method of Assessment Spread
The method of assessment is based upon a formula that assigns the special benefit to each parcel. The formulas below provide a summary of the assessment calculation for each parcel within the District.
Parcel’s Total
Special Benefit
Points
=
Parcel’s Aesthetic
Benefit Points +
Parcel’s
Pedestrian Benefit
Points
+
Parcel’s Safety
Benefit Points
Parcel’s Total
Assessment =
Assessment Rate
per Benefit Point x
Parcel’s Total
Benefit Points
Total Maximum Assessment per Property Type
The following table shows the Maximum Annual Assessment per property type by Neighborhood.
Neighborhood Land Use Benefit
Points
Maximum
Annual
Assessment
I Single Family 1.000 $432.29
II Single Family 1.000 $432.29
III Courtyard Single Family 1.000 $432.29
IV
Condo - Townhomes 0.750 $324.22
Condo - 2 Story Flats 0.750 $324.22
V
Single Family 1.000 $432.29
Condo 0.750 $324.22
ACTUAL ASSESSMENT TO BE LEVIED
The actual assessment to be levied is based on the Estimate of Costs, Special and General Benefit and Method of Assessment. For Fiscal Year 2024/25, the total estimated maximum assessable costs are $187,581.93. It is anticipated that 524 benefit points will be assessable as of June 30, 2024. Therefore, the per unit assessment will be $357.98 per benefit point (in order to avoid charging more than the estimated costs) with a total anticipated assessment of $187,581.93. .
8.2.a
Packet Pg. 194 Attachment: A - The Preserve LL Assessment District FY 2024-25 Engineer’s Report (2024-068 : Public Hearing - the Preserve L&L District
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 2024-25
(Assessor's Parcel #) (Assessor's Description) Assessment Total Assessment: $187,581.93
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.
8.2.a
Packet Pg. 195 Attachment: A - The Preserve LL Assessment District FY 2024-25 Engineer’s Report (2024-068 : Public Hearing - the Preserve L&L District
ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM
The Assessment Diagram is shown on the following page(s). The lines and dimensions of each lot or parcel within are those lines and dimensions shown on the maps of the Contra Costa County Assessor, at the time this report was prepared, and are incorporated by reference herein and made part of this Engineer’s Report.
8.2.a
Packet Pg. 196 Attachment: A - The Preserve LL Assessment District FY 2024-25 Engineer’s Report (2024-068 : Public Hearing - the Preserve L&L District
8.2.a
Packet Pg. 197 Attachment: A - The Preserve LL Assessment District FY 2024-25 Engineer’s Report (2024-068 : Public Hearing - the Preserve L&L District
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: June 11, 2024
TO: City Council/City Manager
FROM: Christina Franco, City Clerk
By: Christina Franco, City Clerk
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. 2024-069 - Establishing a Word Count Limit for the Voluntary Candidate Statement for the 2024 Municipal Election
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Staff requests that the City Council approve this Resolution establishing a word count limit for the voluntary candidate statement for the 2024 Municipal Election taking into consideration the costs and benefits the limit will have on potential candidates.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The City consolidates the Candidate Statement election printing with Contra Costa County (County). The County will charge a Candidate Statement fee at a flat rate for a maximum of 250 words. Elections Code Section 13307(a)(1) allows the governing body of the local agency to authorize its own word limitations up to 400 words.
Historically, the City of San Ramon has allowed candidates to use more than 250 words in the Candidate Statements. For the November 2022 election, the City Council allowed up to a maximum of 400 words. The County will allow candidate statements up to 400 words, but the cost for production for a 400-word limit will be double. In the 2022 election, 400-word Candidate Statements cost each Mayoral candidate $2,259.84, Councilmember District 2 candidate $861.60, and Councilmember District 4 candidate $795.84.
The November 2024 election the costs per statement are specified below by elected office. 250 Words 250+ Words
Mayor $1,144.00 $2,288.00
District 1 $390.00 $780.00
District 3 $371.00 $742.00
Candidates are wholly responsible for the cost of their statements as they are an optional cost.
The County pricing structure is based on a ‘flat rate.’ Additionally, the City does not charge a filing fee to run for elected office.
9.1 Packet Pg. 198
After review and discussion at the May 22, 2024 Policy Committee meeting, the recommendation was to set the word limit to 400 words.
FISCAL ANALYSIS
No impact to the City.
STEPS FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff will incorporate any changes as directed by the City Council and will advise the County Elections office and all candidates of the word limit.
9.1 Packet Pg. 199
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-069
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAMON
ESTABLISHING A WORD COUNT LIMIT FOR THE VOLUNTARY CANDIDATE STATEMENT FOR THE 2024 MUNICIPAL ELECTION
WHEREAS, under Election Code Section 13307(a)(1), the governing body of the local agency is permitted to set the word count for the Candidate Statements; and WHEREAS, the City Council finds that a 400 word count Candidate Statement allows enough words to detail candidate qualifications and experience and sets a reasonable cost for the candidates, who bear the entire cost of the optional Candidate Statement in all Municipal Elections.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, under authority of Election Code Section 13307(a)(1), the word count of 400 is established as the word count limit for Candidate Statements in the 2022 Municipal Election.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED at the meeting of June 11, 2024 by the following votes:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
_________________________
David E. Hudson, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Christina Franco, City Clerk
9.1 Packet Pg. 200
CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
DATE: June 11, 2024
TO: City Council/City Manager
FROM: Christina Franco, City Clerk
By: Christina Franco, City Clerk
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION NO. 2024-070 - Establishing a Voluntary Campaign Expenditure Limitation for the 2024 Municipal Election
RECOMMENDATION
Staff requests that the City Council approve this Resolution establishing a voluntary campaign expenditure limit for the 2024 Municipal election that would be reasonable and fair to all candidates.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION
The City of San Ramon will hold a Municipal Election for Mayor and two Councilmembers (Districts 1 and 3) on November 5, 2024. The courts have held that the amount spent by a candidate on his or her behalf in an election cannot be limited unless such limits are voluntary.
The City of San Ramon addressed this issue in its Municipal Code, Division A3 Elections, Chapter II Campaigns which states:
A. Inherent in the high cost of election campaigns is the possibility and the appearance of improper influence, real or potential, exercised by campaign contributors over elective officials.
B. The intent and purpose of this chapter, through the voluntary action of city council candidates, is to:
1. Preserve and foster an orderly political forum in which persons may express themselves effectively;
2. Place realistic limits on the amounts of money that may be spent in political campaigns for city council elections;
3. Decrease the cost of campaigns; and
4. Prevent the appearance of improper influence.
(Municipal Code § A3-13, Elections Code § 20400, 20420, 20440-20444) In previous elections, the recommended voluntary campaign expenditure limit was established by determining the number of registered voters, the price of postage, and an expenditure amount
9.2 Packet Pg. 201
per registered voter. For the November 2022 election, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 2022-098 establishing a voluntary campaign expenditure as follows; o Mayor - $69,402, which approximates to $1.40 per registered voter o Councilmember District 2 - $31,427, which approximates to $2.35 per registered voter o Councilmember District 4 - $25,848, which approximates to $2.35 per registered voter The candidate expenditure information for the 2020 and 2022 elections is presented below. 2020 SAN RAMON MUNICIPAL ELECTION
Candidate Amount Spent Average Per Registered Voter
Mayor (48,335 Registered Voters)
Dinesh Govindarao $8,176 $.169
David Hudson $26,997 $.558
Aparna Madireddi $77,777 $1.61
Susmita Nayak $3,852 $.079
Sanat Sethy $6,107 $.126
Sabina Zafar $55,918 $1.156
District 1 (12,462 Registered Voters)
Luz Gomez $34,681 $2.78
Scott Perkins $31,439 $2.52
District 3 (11,686 Registered Voters)
Varun Kaushal <$2,000
Sameera Rajwade $3,305 $.28
Reza Majlesi <$2,000
Sridhar Verose $12,918 $1.105
2022 SAN RAMON MUNICIPAL ELECTION
Candidate Amount Spent Average Per Registered Voter
Mayor (49,271 Registered Voters)
Dinesh Govindarao $13,780 $.279
David E. Hudson $32,936 $.668
Sabina Zafar $56,466 $1.146
District 2 (14,110 Registered Voters)
Mark Armstrong $12,778 $.905
Sara Lashanlo $10,900 $.772
District 4 (12,507 Registered Voters)
Heidi Kenniston-Lee $8,080 $.646
Marisol Rubio $18,136 $1.45
Historically, the City has established a campaign spending limit and offered candidates the opportunity to voluntarily agree to that limit. Consistent with past elections, the City Council
9.2 Packet Pg. 202
could consider a voluntary campaign expenditure limit based upon the number of registered voters while taking into consideration the price of postage, the number of mailings, and the cost of campaign signs. Several proposed Expenditure Limits are presented below for each elected office:
Number of Registered
Voters*
Amount Per Voter Proposed Expenditure
Limits
Mayor - 50,188 $1.30 $65,244
$1.40** $70,263
$1.50 $75,282
$1.75 $87,829
$2.00 $100,376
*Registered Voters as of February 22, 2024.
**Amount per voter for November 2022 election.
Number of Registered
Voters*
Amount Per Voter Proposed Expenditure
Limits
District 1 - 12,105 $2.00 $24,210
$2.35** $28,447
$2.50 $30,263
$2.75 $33,289
$3.00 $36,315
*Registered Voters as of February 22, 2024.
**Amount per voter for November 2022 election.
Number of Registered
Voters*
Amount Per Voter Proposed Expenditure
Limits
District 3 - 11,128 $2.00 $22,256
$2.35** $26,151
$2.50 $27,820
$2.75 $30,602
$3.00 $33,384
*Registered Voters as of February 22, 2024.
**Amount per voter for November 2022 election.
The Policy Committee reviewed this information on May 22, 2024 and recommended an expenditure limit for the Mayor of $1.50 per registered voter, which would set the expenditure limit of $75,282; and an expenditure limit for the Councilmembers of $2.50 per registered voter, which would set the expenditure limit of $30,263 for District 1 and $27,820 for District 3.
The voluntary expenditure limit document, whether agreed to or not, will be posted to the city’s website.
9.2 Packet Pg. 203
FISCAL ANALYSIS
None.
STEPS FOLLOWING APPROVAL
Staff will draft, for each candidate’s signature, a candidate pledge reflecting the expenditure limit determined by the Council.
9.2 Packet Pg. 204
RESOLUTION NO. 2024-070
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN RAMON
ESTABLISHING A VOLUNTARY CAMPAIGN EXPENDITURE LIMITATION FOR THE 2024 MUNICIPAL ELECTION
WHEREAS, inherent in the high cost of election campaigns is the possibility and the appearance of improper influence real or potential, exercised by campaign contributors over elective officials; and
WHEREAS, the City Council, through the voluntary actions of City Council candidates, seeks to preserve and foster an orderly political forum in which persons may express themselves effectively, to decrease the cost of campaigns, and to prevent the appearance of improper influence; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds $75,282 which approximates the sum of $1.50 per registered voter, is a reasonable limit for funds to be spent by individual candidates for Mayor; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds $30,263, which approximates the sum of $2.50 per registered voter, is a reasonable limit for funds to be spent by individual candidates for Councilmember District 1; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds $27,820, which approximates the sum of $2.50 per registered voter, is a reasonable limit for funds to be spent by individual candidates for Councilmember District 3.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, under authority of Government Code Section 85400 (Political Reform Act of 1996) of Section A 3-13 of the San Ramon Municipal Code, that the sum of $75,282 for Mayor, $30,263 for Councilmember District 1, and $27,820 for Councilmember District 3 is established as the campaign expenditure limits for the 2024 Municipal Election.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED at the meeting of June 11, 2024 by the following votes:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
_________________________
9.2 Packet Pg. 205
David E. Hudson, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Christina Franco, City Clerk
9.2 Packet Pg. 206