Agenda — Santa Maria City Council, July 7, 2026 (part 3 of 6)

RESOLUTION NO.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA

RETROACTIVELY APPROVING AMENDMENTS TO

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH WATER
SYSTEMS CONSULTING, INC.

FOR HYDRAULIC MODEL UPDATES

WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria entered into an Agreement for Professional Services with Water Systems Consulting, Inc., the original developer and ongoing maintainer of the City’s water and sewer hydraulic models, to complete necessary updates on an accelerated schedule to support the City’s General Plan Update; and

WHEREAS, although the agreement received administrative approval and was executed, the total contract amount exceeded the City’s purchasing threshold for administrative award, requiring retroactive City Council authorization to ensure compliance with the City’s purchasing guidelines.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, as follows:

SECTION 1. The City Council retroactively approves the amendments to the Professional Services with Water Systems Consulting, Inc., for hydraulic model updates; and

SECTION 2. Authorizes the continued implementation and administrative close - out of the project through the extended contract term ending December 31, 2026 , or project completion , in accordance with the City’s purchasing guidelines and available budgeted funds; and

SECTION 3. Authorizes the City Manager, or designee, to execute agreement and enter into future modifications or extensions consistent with the terms of the original agreement in order to complete the project, or to cancel the project if determined to be in the City’s best interest; and

SECTION 4. The Chief Deputy City Clerk is her eby authorized to make minor changes herein to address clerical errors, so long as substantial conformance of the intent of this document is maintained. In doing so, the Chief Deputy City Clerk shall consult with the City Manager and City Attorney concerning any changes deemed necessary.

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Attachment A

Page 2 of 2 ends

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City of Santa Maria, California, held this 7th day of July 2026.

ATTEST:

Chief Deputy City Clerk

Mayor

APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________
City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
_______________________________
Department Director
_______________________________
City Manager

Atty. rev. 2023; Risk rev. 2023 Page 1 of 12

AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

HYDRAULIC MODEL UPDATES

This Agreement is made on June 26, 2023 by and between Water Systems Consulting, Inc. a California corporation (“Contractor”), and the City of Santa Maria, a California Municipal Corporation and charter city (“City”), in Santa Maria, California, based on the following recitals:

WHEREAS, City has determined the Hydraulic Model Updates involves performance of services of a temporary nature (the “Project”); and

WHEREAS, City does not have available employees to perform the services for the Project; and

WHEREAS, City has selected Contractor based on their submitted proposal dated June 5, 2023, and based on Contractor’s qualifications to perform the Project, including technical expertise in water, wastewater, recycled water, and water resources modeling and system planning; and

WHEREAS, Contractor has unique experience and knowledge of City’s existing water and sewer hydraulic models and the foundations and assumptions from which they were built; is familiar with and used the models recently to support City in evaluating increased flow from new development projects; and selection of Contractor provides standardization and continuity of modeling assumptions and parameters; and

WHEREAS, the time window available to update the hydraulic models for water and sewer to support the analyses required for the General Plan Update project is restricted; and

WHEREAS, City has determined Contractor’s rates were fair and reasonable compared to other firms performing similar services; and

WHEREAS, City has requested Contractor perform the services for the Project, which will complement City Staff in Engineering, Community Development, and Utilities allowing for consistent technical and historical knowledge regarding the City’s water and sewer hydraulic models; and

WHEREAS, Contractor is registered or licensed in California to perform the services for the Project.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:

1. Recitals true. The above recitals are true.

2. General.

2.01 Term and Termination. The term of this Agreement begins on the first date written above and ends at 11:59 p.m. on June 30, 2024. This Agreement may be extended by mutual consent of the parties. This Agreement may be terminated for breach of its terms or conditions, or because of discovery of any act which violates local, state, or federal law.

Termination is effective fourteen (14) days after deposit of notice as specified in this Agreement.

Attachment B
Atty. rev. 2023; Risk rev. 2023 Page 2 of 12

2.02 Services to be Performed. Contractor shall determine the method, details,and means of providing services for the Project. More specifically, Contractor agrees to perform the specific services listed in Exhibit “A.” The Consultant shall perform its services consistent with the professional skill and care ordinarily provided by Consultants practicing in the same or similar locality under the same or similar circumstances. 2.03 City’s Duties. City’s duties under this Agreement are to cooperate with the Contractor in the performance of the Agreement and timely pay invoices. 2.04 Payment. Payment terms under this Agreement are listed in Exhibit “B.”2.05 Insurance. Contractor shall provide insurance as listed in Exhibit “C.”2.06 Exhibits. Exhibits “A”, “B”, and “C” are attached and incorporated. 3. Contractor’s Obligations.3.01 Minimum Amount of Service. Contractor shall devote sufficient time to perform services under this Agreement efficiently and effectively. Contractor may represent, perform services for and be employed by additional individuals or entities, in Contractor’s sole discretion, as long as the performance of these extracontractual services does not interfere with or present a conflict with the City's business. 3.02 Tools and Equipment. Except as otherwise stated in this Agreement, Contractor will supply all tools and equipment necessary to perform this Agreement. 3.03 Status. Contractor (including its employees) is an independent Contractor.No employer/employee relationship exists between Contractor and City. Contractor's assigned personnel shall not be entitled to any benefits payable to employees of City. City is not required to make any deductions or withholdings from the compensation payable to Contractor under this Agreement. Contractor (as a business entity, including its employees) is a “design professional” as defined by California Civil Code section 2782.8(c)(3). 3.04 Indemnification. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Contractor shall indemnify, defend (with independent counsel approved by the City) and hold harmless the City, and its directors, officers, and employees from and against all third-party tort claims/liabilities (including without limitation all claims, losses, damages, penalties, fines, and judgments, associated investigation and administrative expenses, and defense costs, including but not limited to reasonable attorneys’ fees, court costs and costs of alternative dispute resolution) to the extent caused by negligence, recklessness, or willful misconduct of Contractor including its employees. The provisions of this paragraph survive completion of the services or the termination of this contract. The provisions of this section are not limited by the provisions of the section relating to insurance. The duty to defend shall not extend to professional liability claims. 4. Miscellaneous4.01 Notices. All communication relating to the day-to-day activities of this Agreement shall be exchanged between a designated representative of City and a representative of Contractor, listed below. All notices shall be addressed as follows unless a written change is filed with the City: City:Contractor:Attn: Shad Springer Attn: Joshua ReynoldsCity of Santa Maria Water Systems Consulting, Inc. Utilities Department 805 Aerovista Place 2065 East Main Street Suite 201 Santa Maria, CA 93454 San Luis Obispo, CA 93403 Atty. rev. 2023; Risk rev. 2023 Page 3 of 12 If the designated Representative or address of either party changes during the term of this Agreement, a written notice shall be given to the other party prior to the effective date of change. Any written notices required under this Agreement shall be effective five (5) days after deposit into United States mail, postage prepaid, addressed to the designated Representative, or upon confirmation of receipt of delivery if another notification process is used. 4.02 Compliance With Laws, etc. Contractor shall exercise the Standard of Care to comply with all laws, including but not limited to the rules and policies of the City, in performing this Agreement. 4.03 Integration. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement of the parties with respect to the subject matter. All modifications, amendments, or waivers of the terms of this Agreement must be in writing and signed by the appropriate representatives of the parties. 4.04 Interpretation. This Agreement shall be interpreted in accordance with the laws of the State of California.4.05 Jurisdiction. Jurisdiction and venue of all disputes over the terms of this agreement shall be in the County of Northern Santa Barbara, State of California.4.06 Warranty of authority. Each person signing this Agreement on behalf of a party warrants that he or she has authority to do so.4.07 No Waiver. Failure to enforce with respect to a default shall not be construed as a waiver. 4.08 Severability. The provisions of this Agreement are severable. If any part of this Agreement is held invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the remainder of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect unless amended or modified by mutual written consent of the parties.4.09 Submittals. In addition to any other submittals required by this Agreement, Contractor shall submit copies of its current business license and current certificate of workers compensation coverage to the City before beginning work on this Project. 4.10 Prevailing Wage. If applicable, Contractor and all subcontractors are required to pay the general prevailing wage rates of per diem wages and overtime and holiday wages determined by the Director of the Department of Industrial Relations under Section 1720 et seq. of the California Labor Code. The Director's determination is on file and open to inspection at www.dir.ca.gov and is referred to and made a part hereof; the wage rates therein ascertained, determined, and specified are referred to and made a part hereof as though fully set forth herein. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE Atty. rev. 2023; Risk rev. 2023 Page 4 of 12
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Agreement is executed by the parties on the date first written above.“Consultant” “City”WATER SYSTEMS CONSULTING, INC. CITY OF SANTA MARIAa California corporation a political subdivisionof the State of CaliforniaBy: By:JOSHUA REYNOLDS SHAD S. SPRINGER, P.E., MPAVice President Director of UtilitiesATTESTBy:RHONDA M. WHITE, CMCChief Deputy City ClerkAPPROVED AS TO FORMRisk ManagerCity Attorney

Atty. rev. 2023; Risk rev. 2023 Page 5 of 12 EXHIBIT “A”SERVICES TO BE PROVIDED PROJECT UNDERSTANDING The Hydraulic Model Update Project is envisioned as an initial step on the City’s long-term approach to updating the 2015 Utilities Capacity Study. This first step will include updating the existing water and sewer hydraulic models using the City’s most recent GIS mapping data, water consumption data records, wastewater plant flow records, and sewer flow monitoring performed as part of this project. Future steps are expected to include preparation of growth scenarios based on the soon-to-be updated City General Plan and analysis of the water and sewer systems for existing and future deficiencies to identify infrastructure improvement needs. Alternatives analysis, variable growth scenarios, changes in ADU requirements, and changes in housing density are additional work items that can be incorporated in the future Utilities Capacity Study update. Project duration is estimated to be eight months. TASK 1.0 PROJECT MANAGEMENT Conduct a project kick-off meeting, including preparing meeting materials such as agenda and data request. Organize and conduct monthly coordination and workshop meetings. Provide bi-weekly project updates through e-mail and/or by phone. The purpose of these updates will be to provide regular updates on work performed to date, discuss potential concerns for future work to be performed, review outstanding needs, budget, schedule, and discuss action items. Provide opportunities to engage City staff to solicit input. Provide project administration and management, including invoicing and preparation of monthly progress reports. The progress report will summarize the work performed during the period.QA/QC for all documents.Deliverables: Project schedule, monthly progress reports. Meetings: Bi-weekly meetings with City staff.Assumptions: All meetings are assumed to be videoconferences. All project management deliverables will be electronic submittals. TASK 2.0 DOCUMENT GATHERING AND DATA REVIEW Collect and review existing documentation. Coordinate with City staff to review data if necessary. Discussions to obtain clarity on the data or obtain additional information including staff knowledge regarding problem areas and perceived needs. Meetings: Coordination calls and one in-person meeting with City staff as needed. TASK 3.0 WASTEWATER FLOW PROJECTIONS 3.1 Wastewater Flow Projections Leverage water usage, general or specific plans, expected land use, and corresponding wastewater generation factors.

Atty. rev. 2023; Risk rev. 2023 Page 6 of 12 Develop wastewater demand duty factors and peaking factors, including maximum day and peak hour loads. Document the wastewater flow projections in a Technical Memorandum. Deliverables:Technical memorandum documenting wastewater flow projections and peaking factors.Assumptions: Flow projections are for existing conditions only. TASK 4.0 WASTEWATER HYDRAULIC MODEL 4.1 Flow Monitoring and Sewer System Model Develop a system-wide sewer flow monitoring program. This program will include key locations for flow monitoring to assist in the sewer model calibration and identify locations of substantial inflow and infiltration (I/I) downtown and in the southern portion of the City’s system. The duration of the dry and wet weather monitoring, proposed locations, and elements of the complete flow monitoring program will be provided to the City for review. Site visits will be completed to assess proposed flow monitoring locations and determine suitable areas for flow monitoring. Install, calibrate, maintain, and remove flow meters with meters in place for up to three months. The budget assumes the following flow meter locations:o meters to match the locations used in the 2015 Utilities Capacity Study.o meters (in locations to be determined) to provide additional flow detail in the larger flow basins. o meters (in locations to be determined) to evaluate I/I concerns, investigate areas with capacity concerns, or to help calibrate flow through manholes with existing level sensors. Prepare a report documenting the results and procedures for flow monitoring. Update the City’s existing sewer model in Bentley’s SewerGEMS software by reviewing the City’s current GIS mapping and obtaining updated information from the City on diversion manhole configurations and inverted siphons. Calibrate the sewer system model in steady simulation for dry and wet conditions using the data collected by the flow monitoring program. Facilitate up to three workshops with Operations staff to discuss the model and areas that may require updates based on Operations staff knowledge. Deliverables: Updated hydraulic sewer system model files. Flow monitoring program and report.Meetings: Three workshops with City Operations Staff to solicit input on the hydraulic model. TASK 5.0 EXISTING WATER DEMANDS 5.1 Water Demands Leverage billing data to update water demands. Develop average day, maximum day, and peak hour demand factors. Document the existing water demands in a Technical Memorandum.Deliverables: Technical memorandum documenting demands and peaking factors.

Atty. rev. 2023; Risk rev. 2023 Page 7 of 12 Assumptions: Flow projections are for existing conditions only. TASK 6.0 WATER MODEL CALIBRATION 6.1 Confirm Model Scenarios for Calibration Confirm model scenarios are accurate to represent the following conditions:o Average Day Demand (ADD), Steady-State Runo Maximum Day Demand (MDD), Steady-State Runo Peak Hour Demand (PHD), Steady-State Run o Maximum Day Demand (MDD), 72-Hour Extended Period Simulation (EPS) 6.2 Update and Calibrate Model Update the water model and import current GIS data.Prepare a hydrant testing plan for 6 hydrant tests and assist City staff in performing the flow tests. It is assumed City staff will provide the equipment and operate the valves, and the Contractor will assist and record the results. Assumes hydrant testing will occur overtwo days. Calibrate the model to steady-state conditions using fire hydrant flow test results. The model configuration, system boundary conditions, and pipe roughness factors, if needed, will be adjusted until the model pressures are within guidelines consistent with AWWA Computer Systems Hydraulic Modeling Standards (M32). Calibrate the model for a 72-hour EPS using SCADA data. The period of calibration will be selected using the demand database to identify a period of high consumption. Facilitate one workshop with City Operations Staff to discuss the model and areas that may require updates based on City staff knowledge. 6.3 Run Existing Scenarios Run the four scenarios (ADD, MDD, PHD, and 72-hour EPS) for existing demands. Run a fire-flow analysis to verify the model can be used to estimate available fire flow during maximum day demands. Run an EPS simulation at average day demands to verify that the model can be used to estimate water age throughout the system. Deliverables: Updated hydraulic water system model files. Hydrant flow testing program and report. Meetings: One workshop with City Operations Staff to solicit input on the hydraulic model.

Atty. rev. 2023; Risk rev. 2023 Page 8 of 12 EXHIBIT “B”PAYMENT I. PROGRESS AUTHORIZATION Written authorization to proceed from the City authorizes the Contractor to generate the NOT-TO-EXCEED COST OF TWO HUNDRED THOUSAND AND ZERO CENTS ($200,000.00) IN FEES for above listed tasks based on the rate schedule(s) that followon the next pages. TOTAL NOT-TO-EXCEED COSTS: $200,000.00 The City reserves the right to withhold any amount if unsatisfied with the service the Contractor provides or if the Contractor exceeds this written authorization for the above not-to-exceed costs. II. INVOICE PROCEDURE The Contractor's bills shall be substantiated by appropriate documentation, and include an itemized listing of personnel, sub-Contractors, and other direct costs incurred.

Atty. rev. 2023; Risk rev. 2023 Page 9 of 12 Contingency funding of $9,933 is also hereby added to the Project Budget.

Atty. rev. 2023; Risk rev. 2023 Page 10 of 12 EXHIBIT “C”INSURANCE Contractor shall procure and maintain, for the duration of the contract, insurance against claims for injuries to persons or damages to property which may arise from or in connection with the performance of the work hereunder by Contractor, his/her agents, representatives, or employees. If Contractor maintains broader coverage and/or higher limits than the minimums shown below, City requires and shall be entitled to the broader coverage and/or higher limits maintained by Contractor. 1) Minimum Scope of Insurancea) Coverage shall be at least as broad as:i) Insurance Services Office Commercial General Liability Coverage (occurrence form CG 0001 or the carrier’s equivalent), including products and completed operations, property damage, bodily injury and personal & advertising injury. ii) Insurance Services Office Business Auto Coverage Form Number CA 00 01 or the carrier’s equivalent covering any auto (Code 1); or if Contractor has no owned autos, covering hired (Code 8) and non-owned autos (Code 9). iii) Workers' Compensation insurance as required by the State of California and Employer's Liability Insurance. iv) Professional Liability Insurance appropriate to the Contractor's profession. Architects' and engineers' coverage is to be endorsed to include contractual liability. v) Contractor’s Pollution Liability Insurance applicable to the work being performed. vi) Cyber Liability Insurance as applicable to the work being performed and appropriate to the Contractor’s profession. Such coverage shall be sufficiently broad to respond to the duties and obligations as is undertaken by Contractor in this Agreement and shall include, but not be limited to, claims involving infringement of intellectual property, including but not limited to infringement of copyright, trademark, trade dress, invasion of privacy violations, information theft, damage to or destruction of electronic information, release of private information, alteration of electronic information, extortion and network security. The policy shall provide coverage for breach response costs as well as regulatory fines and penalties as well as credit monitoring expenses with limits sufficient to respond to these obligations. 2) Minimum Limits of Insurance a) Contractor shall maintain limits no less than: i) General Liability: $2,000,000 per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage. If Commercial General Liability Insurance or other form with a general aggregate limit is used, either the general aggregate limit shall apply separately to this project/location (ISO CG 25 03 or 25 04) or the general aggregate limit shall be twice the required occurrence limit. ii) Automobile Liability: $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury and property damage. iii) Workers’ Compensation: Statutory limits.iv) Employer's Liability: $1,000,000 per accident for bodily injury or disease. v) Professional Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence or claim, $2,000,000 aggregate.vi) Contractors Pollution Liability: $2,000,000 per occurrence or claim, $2,000,000 aggregate.vii) Cyber Liability: $1,000,000 per occurrence or claim, $2,000,000 aggregate.

Atty. rev. 2023; Risk rev. 2023 Page 11 of 12 3) Self-insured RetentionsSelf-insured retentions must be declared to and approved by City. City may require Contractor to purchase coverage with a lower retention or provide proof of ability to pay losses and related investigations, claim administration and defense expenses within the retention. 4) Other Insurance Provisions a) The commercial general liability and automobile liability policies are to contain, or be endorsed to contain,the following provisions: i)The City of Santa Maria, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers are to be covered as additional insureds on the policy with respect to liability arising out of work or operations performed by or on behalf of the Contractor including materials, parts, or equipment furnished in connection with such work or operations. General liability coverage can be provided in the form or an endorsement to the Contractor’s insurance (at least as broad as ISO Form CG 20 10 11 85 or both CG 20 10, CG 20 26, CG 20 33, or CG 20 38 and CG 20 37 forms if later revisions are used, or the carrier’s equivalent). ii) For any claims related to this project, Contractor's insurance coverage shall be primary insurance coverage at least as broad as ISO CG 20 01 04 13 as respects City, its officers, officials, employees, and volunteers. Any insurance or self-insurance maintained by the City, its officers, officials, employees, or volunteers shall be excess of Contractor's insurance and shall not contribute with it. iii) Each insurance policy required by this clause shall be endorsed to state that coverage shall not be cancelled or reduced, except with notice stating the title of this Agreement to the City. All notices provided pursuant to this Agreement shall be given to the City representative listed for notice in this agreement and shall specify the title of this Agreement.Notice may be given by overnight mail, facsimile with confirmation of receipt, or certified mail with return-receipt requested. iv) Contractor hereby grants to City a waiver of any right to subrogation which any insurer of said Contractor may acquire against City by virtue of the payment of any loss under such insurance. Contractor agrees to obtain any endorsement that may be necessary to affect this waiver of subrogation, but this provision applies regardless of whether or not City has received a waiver of subrogation endorsement from the insurer. v) If any of the required policies provide claims-made coverage: (1) The Retroactive Date must be shown, and must be before the date of the contract or the beginning of contract work. (2) Insurance must be maintained and evidence of insurance must be provided for at least five (5) years after completion of the contract of work.(3) If coverage is cancelled or non-renewed, and not replaced with another claims-made policy form with a Retroactive Date prior to the Agreement effective date, the Contractor must purchase “extended reporting” coverage for a minimum of five (5) years after completion of work. 5) Acceptability of InsurersInsurance is to be placed with insurers with a current A.M. Best's rating of no less than A:VII, unless otherwise acceptable to the City.

Atty. rev. 2023; Risk rev. 2023 Page 12 of 12 6) Verification of Coverage a) Contractor shall furnish City with original certificates and amendatory endorsements of the applicable policy language effecting coverage required by this clause. b) All certificates and endorsements are to be received and approved by the City before work commences. However, failure to obtain the required documents prior to the work beginning shall not waive Contractor’s obligation to provide them. City reserves the right to require complete, certified copies of all required insurance policies, including endorsements effecting the coverage required by these specifications, at any time. 7) Special Risks or CircumstancesCity reserves the right to modify these requirements, including limits, based on the nature of the risk, prior experience, insurer, coverage, or other special circumstances.

Attachment C

Attachment D

Attachment D
AMENDMENT NO. 3

AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

HYDRAULIC MODEL UPDATES

This Amendment No. 3 to Agreement for Professional Services is made and entered into as of December 31, 202 5, by and between Water Systems Consulting, Inc. , a California corporation (“Contractor”), and the City of Santa Maria, a California Municipal Corporation and charter city (“City”), in Santa Maria, California, based on the following recitals:

WHEREAS, on June 26, 2023, the City and the Contractor entered into an Agreement for Professional Services concerning Hydraulic Model Updates (the “Project”) (the “Agreement”) with a term date of June 30, 2024; and

WHEREAS, on June 30, 2024, the City and the Contractor entered into an amendment to extend the term of the Agreement to June 30, 2025 (“Amendment No. 1”); and

WHEREAS, on February 24, 2025, the City and the Contractor entered into an amendment to memorialize additional work requested by the City, authorize additional work related to modeling, increase the Project budget accordingly , and extend the term of the Agreement to December 31, 2025 (“Amendment No. 2”); and

WHEREAS, the City now wishes to authorize an extension to the term of the Agreement to allow sufficient time to complete the Project, with no change in Project budget; and

WHEREAS, the City continues to not have available employees to perform the specialized services for the Project; and

WHEREAS, the Contractor remains registered or licensed in California to perform professional and technical services for the Project; and

WHEREAS, the Contractor remains qualified, willing, and able to perform the work required by the City to complete the Project, as an amendment to the Agreement referenced above.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS AGREED:

1. Recitals true. The above recitals are true.

2. Amendments.

2.01 Term and Termination. The term of this Agreement is hereby extended to 11:59 p.m. on December 31, 2026, or upon completion of the Project as determined by the City, whichever date occurs first.

2. Other terms and conditions remain the same.

All other terms and conditions of the original Agreement dated June 26, 2023, as modified by Amendment No. 1 dated June 30, 2024, Amendment No. 2 dated February 24, 2025, and this Amendment No. 3 dated December 31, 2025, remain the same.

Atty Rev. 2019 Page 2 of 2
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, this Amendment No. 3 is executed by the parties on the date first written above.

“Contractor” “City”
WATER SYSTEMS CONSULTING, INC. CITY OF SANTA MARIA

By: By:

JUSTIN PICKARD SHAD S. SPRINGER, P.E., MPA
Vice President Director of Utilities

ATTEST

By:

DONNA G. SCHWARTZ
Chief Deputy City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO FORM

Risk Manager

City Attorney

COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

TO: Mayor and City Council

FROM: Donna G. Schwartz, Chief Deputy City Clerk

DATE: July 7, 2026

SUBJECT: Annual Appointments to City Boards, Commissions, and Committees – July 2026

Description:

The City Council will consider making appointments to various boards, commissions, and committees.

Environmental Notice: The activity is not a “Project” as defined under Section 15378 of the California Environmental Quality Act State Guidelines; therefore, pursuant to State Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3) no environmental review is required.

RECOMMENDATION:

Block Grants Advisory Committee
The Mayor and each Councilmember will have the opportunity to make one nomination each for a term of three years ending July 2029.

Incumbents: Nomination to be made by:

Mackenzie Greeley Mayor Patino
Isaias Berumen Mayor Pro Tem Flores
Corrie Meals Councilmember Aguilera
Ester Acosta Councilmember Batalla
Jose Ramirez Councilmember Soto

Applicants:

Eva Avila
Hugo Rios

Downtown Revitalization Committee
The Mayor will have the opportunity to make two appointments for a term of two years ending July 2028.

Incumbents: Nomination to be made by:

Recreation and Parks Commissioner Rebecca Carey Mayor Patino Planning Commissioner Esau Blanco Mayor Patino

2 Central Coast Commission for Seniors, Area Agency on Aging The City Council will have the opportunity to make one appointment for a term of two years ending July 2028.

Incumbent: Nominated by:

Midge Nicosia Mayor Patino

Applicant:

Masako Yamamoto

Library Board of Trustees
Mayor Patino will have the opportunity to make one appointment for a term of three years ending July 2028.

Incumbent: Nomination to be made by:

Laura Selken Mayor Patino

Measure U Citizens’ Oversight Committee
Councilmember Soto will have the opportunity to make one appointment for an unexpired term ending January 2027.

Incumbent: Nomination to be made by:

Vacant Councilmember Soto

Applicants:

James Perez
Gary Michaels

Attendance Reporting:

Members of the City’s Boards, Commissions, and Committees serve an important role in advising staff and the City Council on matters that affect policy and issues that affect the future of the community; therefore, Members’ attendance is key to the work these Boards, Commissions, and Committees perform. Members serve in their capacity as Members at the pleasure of the City Council pursuant to Santa Maria Municipal Code (SMMC) Section 2-16.02. As established by SMMC 2 -16.01, Members are required to attend meetings regularly and not miss 25 percent of the regular meetings in a calendar year, or they would be deemed to have resigned upon acceptance by the City Council. While the Municipal Code focus es on the Planning Commission, Recreation and Parks Commission, Board of Appeals, and Library Board, it is the expectation that all City Boards and Committee Members participate and attend meetings in the same manner as those Boards, Commissions, and Committees defined in the Municipal Code. Attendance details are included for the City Council’s reference as Attachments A and B.

3 BACKGROUND:

Members of the Block Grants Advisory Committee, Library Board of Trustees, and Measure U Citizens’ Oversight Committee are required by the Political Reform Act (Govt.

Code Section 81000-91014), and the City’s Conflict of Interest Code, to file Statements of Economic Interest, Form 700, disclosing personal assets and income within 30 days of appointment, annually there after, and upon leaving office. Board Members must also disqualify themselves from participating in decisions which may affect their personal economic interests. Statements of Economic Interests are public documents and may be inspected by any member of th e public and copied if requested. The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) is the State agency which interprets the law’s provisions.

Copies of the applications may be obtained from the City Clerk's office upon request.

Alternative(s)
A Councilmember could decide to withhold their nomination to a Board, Commission, or Committee until such time as additional applications could be received or there is sufficient opportunity for the Councilmember to make contact with the existing applicant(s) to be considered for nomination.

Impact on the Community
Having members of the public serve on the City’s Advisory Bodies provides a positive impact to the community, enabling the City to obtain input from all segments of the community and ensures that the community receives information regarding the activities of the City’s Boards, Committees, and Commissions.

ATTACHMENT(S)

A. Attendance Log 2026 - BGAC
B. Attendance Log FY 2025-26 Library Board of Trustees

Attachment A

1/12/2026 1/20/2026 - 1/29/2026 2/9/2026 2/11/2026 3/9/2026 4/13/2026 5/11/2026 6/8/2026 7/13/2026 8/10/2026 9/14/2026 10/12/2026 11/9/2026 12/14/2026 Advisory Committee
Member Appointed by: Term
Expires
Regular
Meeting Site Visits * Deliberations
1 of 2 *
Deliberations
2 of 2*
Regular
Meeting
Regular
Meeting
Regular
Meeting
Regular
Meeting
Regular
Meeting
Regular
Meeting
Regular
Meeting
Regular
Meeting
Regular
Meeting
Regular
Meeting
Carla Marrel Flores (formerly Cordero) 7/1/2027 X X X X Denise Martinez Aguilera-Hernandez 7/1/2028 X X X X
Esther Acosta Escobedo 7/1/2026 X X X X
Isaac Berumen Flores (formerly Cordero) 7/1/2026 X X X X Mackenzie Greeley Patino 7/1/2026 X X X X
Robert Doyle Patino 7/1/2027 First Absence X X X
Rosalie Marquez Flores (formerly Cordero) 7/1/2028 X X X X Tim Seifert Patino 7/1/2028 X X X X
Tammie Castillo-Shiffer Soto 7/1/2026 First Absence Second and Third Absence Vacant Aguilera-Hernandez 7/1/2026
Updated 06/12/26 by RR
First Absence / Excused
Second Absence / Excused
Third Absence / Excused
In Violation of Attendance Bylaws
Excused means the committee member let us know ahead of time that they would not be able to attend Absent means the committee member did not inform Staff of their absence * Absences during site visits and deliberations will count as two absences if missed City of Santa Maria
Blocks Grants Advisory Committee Attendance Log 2026

RESIGNED MEMBERS

VACANCIES

TERM EXPIRED

ATTACHMENT A
Attachment B

LIBRARY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Meetings Charlie Baker-Boyd Helen Galvan Hunter Jameson Sara Lougee Laura Selken August 12, 2025 ABSENT ABSENT PRESENT PRESENT PRESENT
November 11, 2025 ABSENT PRESENT PRESENT PRESENT PRESENT February 17, 2025 PRESENT PRESENT PRESENT PRESENT ABSENT May 12, 2025 ABSENT ABSENT PRESENT PRESENT PRESENT

COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT

TO: Mayor and City Council

FROM: Ramon Galo, Director of Recreation and Parks

DATE: July 7, 2026

SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Declaring its Intent to Levy and Collect the 2026 – 2027 Landscape Assessments and Approval of the Engineer’s Reports

Description:

The City Council will consider adopti ng a Resolution confirming the Fiscal Year 2026 – 2027 Landscape Maintenance District and Special Benefit Zone assessments without applying the previously proposed Consumer Price Index increase.

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt a Resolution confirming the Engineer’s Reports, Assessment Diagrams, and Assessments for Fiscal Year 2026 –2027 for the City of Santa Maria Landscape Maintenance Districts and Special Benefit Zones and Authorizing the Levy and Collection of Assessments.

BACKGROUND:

During the 1980’s, the City of Santa Maria established four geographic Landscape Maintenance Districts with Broadway and Stowell Road serving as the general center point. The four “Master Districts” consist of the following: the South Miller Street/South College Drive Landscape Maintenance District created with Resolution 81-298 on August 4, 1981; the Northwest Landscape Maintenance District with Resolution 88 -154 on December 20, 1988; the Northeast Landscape Maintenance District with Resolution 89 - 51 on May 2, 1989; and the Southwest Landscape Maintenance District with Resolution 89-50 on May 2, 1989.

The creation of these districts enables the City of Santa Maria to levy and collect assessments for the purpose of maintaining public landscaping, parks, medians, parkways, street trees, retention basins, nuisance abatement areas, and related public improvements within each district.

Within the four “Master Districts,” the City has also established Special Benefit Zones.

Each Special Benefit Zone was created in connecti on with new development to provide for the maintenance of additional public improvements associated with that development.

These public improvements may include retention basins, parks, sidewalks, graffiti abatement, pest abatement, street trees, medians, public easement landscaping, and thoroughfare landscaping. The cost for maintaining the public improvements varies based 2 on the type and extent of improvements in a given subdivision or development area. This cost is distributed among assessed properties w ithin the applicable district or Special Benefit Zone and collected annually through property taxes.

Under the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, the City is authorized to provide and maintain landscaping, public lighting, appurtenant facilities, park and recreational improvements, and related improvements. By following the procedures set out in the Act, as well as Proposition 218 and its implementing legislation, the City may assess property owners for the special benefit received as a result of maintaining these improvements.

Amounts are assessable to property under the Act for one fiscal year. Each year, the City conducts assessment proceedings under the Act in order to levy and collect assessments for the next fiscal year.

DISCUSSION:

At the June 2, 2026, City Council meeting , the City Council rescinded the previously adopted resolution of intention that would have moved forward with the Fiscal Year 2026– 2027 Landscape Maintenance District and Special Benefit Zone assessments including the Consumer Price Index adjustment. Council also directed that the item return without the CPI increase and set this meeting as the public hearing for consideration of the annual assessments.

The purpose of tonight’s public hearing is to consider the levy and collection of the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Landscape Maintenance District and Special Benefit Zone assessments without applying the previously proposed CPI increase. This action allows the City to continue the annual assessment process while providing additional time for staff to review the proposed increase, evaluate the assessment structure, and ensure that the City has completed its due diligence before recommending any future increase to property owners.

The Landscape Maintenance Districts and Special Ben efit Zones remain an important funding source for the ongoing maintenance of public landscaping and related improvements throughout the City. These assessments fund, in whole or in part, the maintenance of medians, parkways, street trees, retention basins, parks, nuisance abatement areas, public easement landscaping, irrigation systems, and other improvements that provide special benefit to assessed properties.

Alternative(s)
The City Council may choose not to confirm the assessments. This alternative is n ot recommended because the assessments provide funding for the maintenance of public landscaping and related improvements within the districts and Special Benefit Zones.

The City Council may provide alternative direction to staff regarding future review o f the Landscape Maintenance District and Special Benefit Zone assessment structure.

3 Fiscal Considerations
Confirming the Fiscal Year 2026 –2027 Landscape Maintenance District and Special Benefit Zone assessments without the previously proposed CPI increase will result in the City foregoing the additional assessment revenue that would have been generated by the adjustment. The assessments will continue to provide funding for eligible district maintenance costs, including landscaping, irrigation, street tre es, medians, parkways, retention basins, parks, utilities, contract services, and related district operations.

Impact on the Community
The Landscape Maintenance Districts and Special Benefit Zones support the ongoing maintenance of public landscaping and related improvements that contribute to neighborhood appearance, community character, and the overall quality of life in Santa Maria. Proceeding without the CPI increase allows the City to continue funding these essential maintenance services while avoidi ng an assessment increase to property owners for Fiscal Year 2026 –2027. This approach provides additional time for due diligence and review while maintaining transparency with the community and continuing the annual assessment process.

ATTACHMENT(S)
A. Resolution- Confirming the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Landscape Maintenance District and Special Benefit Zone Assessments Without the CPI Increase
Exhibit A- Engineer Report Northwest
Exhibit B- Engineer Report Northeast
Exhibit C- Engineer Report Southwest
Exhibit D- Engineer Report Southeast
Exhibit E- FY26-27 District Assessment Rolls
Exhibit F – Landscape Maintenance Districts Map

Attachment A

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RESOLUTION NO.

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL

OF THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA, CALIFORNIA
CONFIRMING THE ENGINEER’S REPORTS, ASSESSMENT DIAGRAMS, AND ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026–2027 FOR THE CITY

OF SANTA MARIA LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICTS

AND SPECIAL BENEFIT ZONES, AND AUTHORIZING

THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS

WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria has established Landscape Maintenance Districts and Special Benefit Zones for the purpose of providing for the maintenance, operation, servicing, repair, and improvement of landscaping, public easement areas, medians, parkways, street trees, retention basins, parks, nuisance abatement areas, and related public improvements; and

WHEREAS, the City of Santa Maria annually levies and collects assessments for the Landscape Maintenance Districts and Special Benefit Zones pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, Part 2 of Division 15 of the California Streets and Highways Code, commencing with Section 22500, and in accordance with Art icle XIII D of the California Constitution; and

WHEREAS, Engineer’s Reports have been prepared for Fiscal Year 2026 –2027 for the City’s Landscape Maintenance Districts and Special Benefit Zones and are on file with the City Clerk; and

WHEREAS, the Engineer’s Reports describe the improvements to be maintained, the boundaries of the districts and zones, the estimated costs of the improvements, the method of assessment apportionment, the assessment diagrams, and the assessment rolls for Fiscal Year 2026–2027; and

WHEREAS, the City Council adopted a resolution declaring its intention to levy and collect assessments for Fiscal Year 2026 –2027 and setting a public hearing for consideration of the proposed assessments; and

WHEREAS, notice of the public hearing was given in the time, form, and manner required by law; and

WHEREAS, the City Council conducted a public hearing on July 7, 2026, at which all interested persons were afforded the opportunity to hear and be heard regarding the proposed Fiscal Year 2026 –2027 assessments; and

WHEREAS, the City Council has considered all oral statements and written protests or communications made or filed by interested persons; and

WHEREAS, no majority protest exists pursuant to applicable law; and Attachment A

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WHEREAS, the City Council now desires to confirm the Engineer’s Reports, assessment diagrams, and assessments, and to authorize the levy and collection of the assessments for Fiscal Year 2026–2027.

NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the Cit y of Santa Maria, California, as follows:

SECTION 1. That the above recitals are true; and

SECTION 2. The City Council hereby confirms the Engineer’s Reports for Fiscal Year 2026–2027 for the City of Santa Maria Landscape Maintenance Districts and Special Benefit Zones, including the descriptions of improvements, estimated costs, assessment diagrams, methods of apportionment, and assessment rolls contained therein.

SECTION 3. The City Council hereby confirms the assessment diagrams and assessments set forth in the Engineer’s Reports for Fiscal Year 2026–2027.

SECTION 4. The City Council hereby orders the levy and collection of the Fiscal Year 2026 –2027 assessments for the City of Santa Maria Landscape Maintenance Districts and Special Benefit Zones pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972.

SECTION 5. The assessments confirmed by this resolution apply to the City’s Landscape Maintenance Districts and associated Special Benefit Zones, including but not limited to:
a. Northwest Landscape M aintenance Assessment District No. DS -9 and associated Special Benefit Zones;
b. Northeast Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. DS -10 and associated Special Benefit Zones;
c. Southwest Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. DS -11 and associated Special Benefit Zones; and
d. South Miller Street/South College Drive Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. DS-6 and associated Special Benefit Zones.

SECTION 6. The City Clerk, or designee, is hereby authorized and directed to file, or cause to be filed, the Fiscal Year 2026 –2027 assessment rolls and all necessary documentation with the Santa Barbara County Auditor/Controller for placement of the assessments on the Fiscal Year 2026–2027 secured property tax roll.

SECTION 7. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this resolution is for any reason held invalid or unconstitutional by any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this resolution. The City Council declares that it would have adopted this resolution and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, and portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more portions may be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

Attachment A

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SECTION 8. The Chief Deputy City Clerk is hereby authorized to make minor changes herein to address clerical errors, so long as substantial conformance with the intent of this document is maintained. In doing so, the Chief Deputy City Clerk shall consult with the City Manager and City Attorney concerning any changes deemed necessary.

PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the City Council of the City o f Santa Maria held this 7th day of July 2026.

ATTEST:

Chief Deputy City Clerk

Mayor

Attachment(s):

Exhibit A- Engineer Report Northwest
Exhibit B- Engineer Report Northeast
Exhibit C- Engineer Report Southwest
Exhibit D- Engineer Report South Miller Street - South College Drive Exhibit E- FY26-27 District Assessment Rolls
Exhibit F – Landscape Maintenance Districts Map

APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_______________________________
City Attorney
APPROVED AS TO CONTENT:
_______________________________
Department Head
_______________________________
City Manager

Exhibit A

Annual Engineer’s Report
Fiscal Year 2026/2027

Northwest Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No.

DS-9

Incorporating Special Benefit Zones:
 Cherry Blossom
 North Preisker Ranch

Intent Meeting: May 5, 2026

Public Hearing: June 2, 2026

City of Santa Maria
110 E. Cook Street
Santa Maria, CA 93454

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ENGINEER'S REPORT AFFIDAVIT
This Report and the enclosed descriptions, budgets and diagram outline the proposed improvements and assessments for Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. DS-9 in the City of Santa Maria for Fiscal Year 2026/2027, which includes each lot, parcel, and subdivisi on of land within said District, as the same existed at the time of the passage of the Resolution of Intention. Reference is hereby made to the Santa Barbara County Assessor’s maps for a detailed description of the lines and dimensions of parcels within the District. The undersigned respectfully submits the enclosed Report as directed by the City Council.

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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ................................ ................................ .............................. - 4 - Report Content and Annual Proceedings ................................ ..................... - 4 - PART I – PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS ................................ ............................. - 8 - Zones of Benefit ................................ ................................ ........................ - 10 - Part II – Method of Apportionment ................................ .............................. - 11 - Benefit Analysis................................ ................................ ......................... - 12 - Assessment Methodology ................................ ................................ ......... - 15 - Part III – Estimate of Costs ................................ ................................ ............ - 17 - Annual Inflationary Adjustment (Assessment Range Formula)................... - 19 - Part IV – District/Zone Diagrams ................................ ................................ .. - 20 - District Boundary Diagram ................................ ................................ ........ - 21 - District Improvement Diagram (Northern Section) ................................ .... - 22 - District Improvement Diagram (Southern Section) ................................ .... - 23 - Cherry Blossom Special Benefit Zone ................................ ......................... - 24 - North Preisker Ranch Special Benefit Zone ................................ ................ - 25 - Part V - Assessment Rolls ................................ ................................ ............. - 26 -

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INTRODUCTION

The City of Santa Maria (“City”), under the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, Part 2 of Division 15 of the California Streets and Highways Code (“1972 Act”) and in accordance with the provisions of the California State Constitution, Article XIIID (“California Constitution”) annually levies and collects special assessments for the City’s maintenance assessment district designated as Northwest Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. DS -9 (hereafter referred to as “District”) to fund in whole or in part the maintenance and operation of landscaping improvements that provide special benefits to properties within the District.

The City Council on December 20, 1988, established the formation of the Northwest Landscape Maintenance District No. DS -9 for the purpose of financing the continued maintenance of the landscaping within the northwest quadrant of the City.

In accordance with the 1972 Act, the District also utilizes special benefit zones (“Zones”) to address variations in the nature, location, and extent of the improvements that provide special benefits to specific parcels and developments within the District. Within the boundaries of the District, some parcels may be assigned to a special benefit zone, each of which is associated with specific improvements that provide special benefit to properties within that Zone that are in addition to the improvements proportionally shared by properties throughout the District.

Report Content and Annual Proceedings
This Engineer’s Annual Report (the “Report”) has been prepared pursuant to Chapter 1, Article 4 and Chapter 3 of the 1972 Act, and presented to the City Council for their consideration and approval of the proposed improvements and services to be provided w ithin the District and the levy and collection of annual assessments related thereto for Fiscal Year 2026/2027. This Report outlines the District improvements, the special benefit zones, the method of apportionment, and proposed assessments to be levied in connection with the special benefits the properties will receive from the maintenance and servicing of the District improvements for Fiscal Year 2026/2027. The annual assessments to be levied on properties within the District provide a source of funding to fund in whole or in part, the continued operation and maintenance of the landscaping improvements and services to be provided by the District for the properties within the District and specified Zones for which the properties receive special benefits. - 5 -
Each fiscal year, the City establishes the District’s assessments based on an estimate of the costs to maintain, operate and service the authorized District improvements and based upon available revenues including assessment revenues, fund balances, general benefit contributions and any additional City contributions from available sources. The costs of the improvements and the proposed annual assessments budgeted and assessed against properties within the District may include, but are not limited to the estim ated expenditures for regular annual maintenance and repairs; incidental expenditures related to the operation and administration of the District; deficits or surpluses from prior years; revenues from other sources; and the collection of funds for operational reserves and/or periodic repairs, replacements and rehabilitation projects as authorized by the 1972 Act. The net annual cost to provide the improvements within the District plus each benefit Zone (if applicable) are allocated to the benefiting properties within the District and respective Zones as applicable, using a weighted method of apportionment (refer to Assessment Methodology in Section II, Method of Apportionment) that calculates the proportional special benefit and assessment for each parcel as compared to other properties that benefit from the District improvements and services. Thus, each parcel is assessed proportionately for only those improvements, services, and expenses for which the parcel will receive special benefit.

The word “parcel,” for the purposes of this Report, refers to an individual property assigned its own Assessor’s Parcel Number (“APN”) by the Santa Barbara County Assessor’s Office. The Santa Barbara County Auditor/Controller uses Assessor’s Parcel Numbers and specific Fund Numbers to identify properties to be assessed on the tax roll for the District assessments.

At a noticed annual Public Hearing, the City Council will accept all public comments and written protests regarding the District and the annual levy of assessments. Based on those public comments and written protests, the City Council may order amendments to the Report or confirm the Report as submitted. Following final approval of the Report and confirmation of the assessments, the City Council will by Resolution, order the improvements to be made and confirm the levy and collection of assessments for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 pursuant to the 1972 Act. The assessments as approved will be submitted to the Santa Barbara County Auditor/Controller to be included on the property tax roll for each parcel.

As required by the 1972 Act, this Engineer’s Report describes the improvements to be provided, maintained, and serviced by the District, an estimated budget for the District improvements, and the proposed assessments to be levied upon each assessable lot or parcel within the District for fiscal year 2026/2027.

Part I – Plans and Specifications: This section contains a general description of the District, special benefit zones (“Zones”), and the improvements and services that provide special benefits to the parcels within the District. The improvements, appurtenant facilities, and services that provide special benefits to the properties within the District and for which parcels are assessed may - 6 -
include, but not limited to the installation and maintenance of landscaping improvements within the public right-of-way of streets within the District, retention basins, parks, public facilities and related amenities as well as associated operational and incidental expenses, and the collection of fund balances authorized by the 1972 Act. The plans and specifications contained in this Report generally describe the nature and extent of the improvements. In conjunction with these general descriptions, a visual depiction of the improvements may be provided in the District Diagram s contained in Part IV of this Report. More detailed information regarding the specific plans and specifications associated with the District improvements and Zone improvements are on file in the City Engineer’s Office a nd by reference are made part of this Report.

Part II – Method of Apportionment: This section includes a discussion of the special and general benefits associated with the improvements to be provided within the District (Benefit Analysis).

This section of the Report also outlines the basis upon which the estimated costs to provide such improvements has been apportioned to each parcel of land therein in proportion to the special benefits to be received. (the method of calculating each property’s proportiona l special benefit assessment). This method of apportionment is consistent with the previously approved and adopted method of apportionment for the District.

Part III – Estimate of Costs : Identifies the estimated annual funding costs (Budgets) required for the maintenance and operation of the improvements in the District and Zones authorized by the 1972 Act and deemed appropriate to support the improvements, including, but not limited to, annual maintenance and service expenses, utility costs, and related incidental expenses. For fiscal year 2026/2027 annual contract maintenance costs have increased by three percent (3%). Those improvements and/or costs determined to be of general benefit sh all be funded by a City contribution. In addition to the general benefit costs, the City may provide additional funding to support the maintenance and operation of the improvements considered to be of special benefit, but City staff shall make the determination of which improvements, and the extent of the services and activities that shall be provided based on available revenues.

This section also identifies and outlines an Assessment Range Formula (inflationary adjust) previously approved and adopted for t he District assessments that provides for an annual adjustment to the maximum assessment rates, which establishes limits on future assessments, but also provides for reasonable cost adjustments due to inflation.

Part IV – District/Zone Diagrams: This section of the Report contains a series of diagrams showing the boundaries of the District and Zones for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 which incorporate the parcels determined to receive special benefits from the District improvements. These diagrams may also provide a visual depiction of the location of the improvements being maintained. The lines and - 7 -
dimensions of each lot, parcel, and subdivision of land contained in the District and Zone diagram s are inclusive of the parcels listed in “Part V - Assessment Roll” of this Report and the corresponding County Assessor’s Parcel Maps for said parcels as they existed at the time this Report was prepared and shall incorporate all subsequent subdivisions, lot -line adjustments, or parcel changes therein. Reference is hereby made to the Santa Barbara County Assessor’s maps for a detailed description of the lines and dimensions of each lot and parcel of land within the District and Zones.

Part V – Assessment Roll : The assessment amounts to be levied and collected in fiscal year 2026/2027 for each parcel is based on the parcel’s calculated proportional special benefit as outlined in "Part II - Method of Apportionment" and the annual assessment rates established by the estimated budgets in "Part III - Estimate of Costs" of this Report. Due to the number of parcels within the District, the Assessment Roll for fiscal year 2026/2027 has been filed electronically with the City Clerk rather than displayed in this Report and by reference the listing of the Assessor’s Parcel Numbers and t he corresponding assessment amounts are made part of this Report.

Note: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, portion, zone, or subzone of this Engineer’s Report is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision o f any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Engineer’s Report and each section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, clause, phrase, portion, zone, or subzone thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, portions, zones, or subzones might subsequently be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

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PART I – PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

The purpose of this District is to provide in part through annual assessments, funding for the installation, operation, and maintenance of landscaping improvements in specified parkways, medians, and roundabouts in the public right -of-way including street trees, and landscaping within specified publi c areas and public facilities including storm water retention basins that control subdivision water runoff, parks, and easements.

As authorized by the 1972 Act, the improvements provided by the District and associated with each Zone therein may incorporate various local landscaping improvements and related amenities that were either installed in direct connection with the development of properties within the District and each respective Zone or were installed for the benefit of those properties resulting fr om property development or potential development of those properties and are considered necessary elements for the development of such properties to their full and best use and these improvements are maintained and serviced for the special benefit of real property within the District and/or Zones. The work to be performed within the District and each respective Zone may include but is not limited to (as applicable), the personnel, materials, equipment, electricity, water, contract services, repair and rehabilitation of the improvements and incidental expenses required to operate the District and provide the improvements and services.

Improvements provided within the District and/or Zone may include but are not limited to landscaping and related facilities an d amenities located within designated street medians, parkway and streetscape side-panels, and entryways within the public right of ways or easements adjacent to public right of ways; and within public places including greenbelt areas, open spaces, and loc al parks within each respective Zone. These improvements may include, but are not limited to:
 various landscape materials such as trees, turf, shrubs, vines, ground cover, annual or perineal plantings;
 irrigation and drainage systems;
 structural amenities such as monuments, specialty or ornamental lighting, block walls, retaining walls, or other fencing associated with the landscape areas;  hardscapes including mulch, decomposed granite surfaces, stamped concrete, and pavers;  recreational amenities within pa rks or greenbelts that may include benches, play structures, picnic or other recreational facilities, signage, and related appurtenances.

The maintenance of these improvements may include, but is not limited to the regularly scheduled mowing, trimming, pru ning, fertilization, pest control, weed /graffiti abatement, and public safety; installation, removal, replacement and rehabilitation of the landscaping, repair or replacement of irrigation or landscape drainage systems; and repair or replacement of hardscape improvements including sidewalks and recreational amenities. The Recreation and Parks Office - 9 -
shall authorize and schedule such maintenance and servicing as needed and based on available District and/or Zone funding.

Reference is made to the plans and sp ecifications currently on file at the City Engineer's Office relating to the design, recommended materials, and level of maintenance concerning the facilities to be maintained. The plans show plant species, size, and their location. Specifications for the improvements comply with the Standard Specifications of the Public Works Department, the 2019 California Building Code, and the Recreation and Parks Department Landscape and Irrigation Standards. For Fiscal Year 2026/2027 the improvements maintained within the District and for which parcels receive special benefits include but is not limited to the following:

NW LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT No. DS-9 TOTAL SQFT.

Hidden Pines – easement frontage 400-600 Hidden Pines Way 21,011 Oak Valley – Taylor frontage (does not include school); Rancho Verde, Via Establo to Blosser, North Railroad at the 1900 block between Rancho Verde

97,275
and Taylor
Blosser Medians – 100 North Blosser Road and 1100 West Main Street 2,392 Villas de la Sara – West Morrison and Oakley Avenue 6,340 Riverside Estates – frontage on Preisker Lane and Hidden Pines Way 8,412 Parkside – frontage on Preisker, parking lot, and playground 9,912 Parkside Basin— grassy basin at Portland Drive and Preisker 20,776 100 West Main Street – median 1,944
Railroad Median-Paved median 600
Cook Street Annex & Fire Station 1 9,945
Bradley Channel Multi-Purpose Trail – from Railroad to Preisker Park-all paved 14,000 Sanchez School – area from black rod iron fence to 3 feet east of the sidewalk on Depot

12,120
Blosser/Donovan Median – on Blosser south -paved median 1,610 Southeast corner of Depot and Morrison 1,500
Downtown medians – Broadway Medians from Fesler Street going south to the front of the Library; East and West Cook Street Medians; South Pine Street from Main Street to Cook Street; East Main Street Medians; 100 North McClelland Median; South Miller Medians from main Street to Cook Street
21,022
TCW – mall perimeter, some interior, and Ruffoni parking lot including Heritage Walk 88,352 Total Northwest Landscape Maintenance District No. DS -9 355,715

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Zones of Benefit
In accordance with the 1972 Act, this District utilizes Zones to address variations in the nature, location, and extent of improvements that provide special benefits to specific parcels and developments within the District. Each Zone is associated with specific improvements and/or types of improvements that provide special benefit to properties within that Zone.

For Fiscal Year 2026/2027 the District includes two (2) designated Zones. The boundaries of each Zone are based on the improvements to be maintained and the relationship and proximity of the developments and properties that derive special benefits from those specific improvements. The following is a bri ef description and summary of the improvements associated within each Zone and for which parcels receive special benefits :

Cherry Blossom Special Benefit Zone
Improvements associated with the Cherry Blossom Special Benefit Zone include landscaped medians, landscaped open space, the park site, and specialty lighting associated with the frontages on Railroad and Hidden pines totaling and estimated 51,900 square feet of improvements.

Maintenance costs include labor, equipment, plant materials and supplies, graffiti removal, renovation, utility costs, public safety, and District administration. The Zone Assessment for fiscal year 2026/2027 will be $535.73 per assessor parcel number . This Zone assessment is imposed only upon parcels that receive a special benefit over and above general benefits provided to other parcels located in the District.

The Cherry Blossom Special Benefit parcels are also assessed the Northwest Landscape Maintenance District residential assessment of $183.22 per assessment unit as detailed in Method of Apportionment provided in Part II of this Report.

North Preisker Ranch Special Benefit Zone
Improvements associated with the North Preisker Ranch Special Benefit Zone include landscaped roundabouts, landscaped medians, landscaped open space, the park site, and specialty lighting associated with the frontages on Atlantic, Blosser (both sides), Canal (both sides), Railroad (up to wall), Boxcar and Caboose, path on Eagl eton, both roundabouts and all entry medians totaling and estimated 243,867 square feet of improvements.

Maintenance costs include labor, equipment, plant materials and supplies, graffiti removal, renovation, utility costs, public safety, and District admi nistration. The North Preisker Ranch Special Benefit Zone Assessment for fiscal year 202 6/2027 will be $395.33 per assessor parcel - 11 -
number . This Zone assessment is imposed only upon parcels that receive a special benefit over and above general benefits provided to other parcels located in the District.

The North Preisker Ranch Special Benefit parcels have both commercial and residential components. These parcels are also assessed either the Northwest Landscape Maintenance District residential assessment of $183.22 per assessment unit or the commercial assessment of $586.30 per APN or tenant space as detailed in the Method of Apportionment provided in Part II of this Report.

Note: A visual depiction of the general location of the landscape improvement areas for the District and Zone boundaries are provided on the District Diagrams provided in Part IV of this Report.

Part II – Method of Apportionment

The improvements provided by this District and for which properties are assessed are identified as local landscaping improvements in specified parkways, medians, and roundabouts in the public right-of-way including street trees, and landscaping within specified public areas and public facilities including storm water retention basins, parks, easements, and related amenities. The formulas used for calculating assessments and the designation of Zones herein reflect the composition of parcels within the District and the improvements and activities to be provided and have been designed to fairly apportion the cost of providing the improvements based on a determination of the proportional special benefits to each parcel.

Provisions of the 1972 Act
The 1972 Act permits the establishment of assessment districts by agencies for the purpose of providing certain public improvements, including the acquisition, construction, installation and servicing of landscape improvements and related facilities. The 1972 Act requires that the cost of these improvements be levied according to benefit rather than assessed value:

Section 22573 defines the net amount to be assessed as follows:
“The net amount to be assessed upon lands within an assessment district may be apportioned by any formula or method which fairly distributes the net amount among all assessable lots or parcels in proportion to the estimated benefits to be received by each such lot or parcel from the improvements.” - 12 -

Section 22574 provides for zones as follows:
“The diagram and assessment may classify various areas within an assessment district into different zones where, by reason of variations in the nature, location, and extent of the improvements, the various areas will receive differing degrees of benefit from the improvements. A zone shall consist of all territory which will receive substantially the same degree of benefit from the improvements.”

Provisions of the California Constitution
In addition to the provisions of the 1972 Act, the Article XIII D of the California Constitution outlines specific requirements regarding assessments including the following:

Article XIII D Section 2d defines District as follows:
“District means an area determined by an agency to contain all parcels which will receive a special benefit from a proposed public improvement or property-related service”;

General enhancement of property value does not constitute “special benefit.”Article XIII D Section 4a defines proportional special benefit assessments as follows:
“An agency which proposes to levy an assessment shall identify all parcels which will have a special benefit conferred upon them and upon which an assessment will be imposed. The proportionate special benefit derived by each identified parcel shall be determined in relationship to the entirety of the capital cost of a public improvement, the maintenance and operation expenses of a public improvement, or the cost of the property related service being provided. No assessment shall be imposed on any parcel which exceeds the reasonable cost of the proportional special benefit conferred on that parcel.”

Benefit Analysis

Special Benefits
The ongoing maintenance of landscaped areas within the District as addressed in this Report, provide aesthetic benefits to the properties and a more pleasant environment to walk, drive, live, and/or work. The primary function of these landscape improvements and related amenities is to serve as an aesthetically pleasing enhancement and green space for the benefit of the immediately surrounding properties and developments for which the improvements - 13 -
were constructed and installed and/or were facilitated by the development or potential development of properties within the District and each respective Zone. In addition, the District provided landscaping improvements are an integral part of the physical environment associated with the parcels in the District and/or respective Zones and the proportional direct effect that trees, shrubs, and groundcover have on real property within the district including localized wind reduction; erosion control; storm water capture; noise attenuation; visual screening; ultraviolet light and glare reduction; and odor reduction are a direct and particular benefit to the properties in proximity to those improvements.

While some of the improvements may in part be visible to properties outside the District or Zone, collectively if these various improvements are not properly maintained, it is the parcels within the District and/or respective Zone (as may be applicable), that would be aesthetically burdened or environmentally impacted. Additionally, much of the landscaping within the street right-of-way serve as both a physical buffer as well as a sound reduction buffer between the roadways and the properties in the District and serve as a pleasant aesthetic amenity that enhances the approach to the parcels.

General Benefit
In reviewing the location and extent of the specific landscaped areas and improvements to be funded by District assessments and the proximity and relationship to properties to be assessed it is evident these improvements were primarily installed in connection with the development of properties therein or are improvements that would otherwise be shared by and required for development of properties in the District or Zone. It is also evident that the maintenance these improvements and the level of maintenance provided has a direct and particular impact (special benefit) only to those properties in proximity to those improvements and such maintenance beyond that which is required to ensure the safety and protection of the general public and property in general, has no direct quantifiable benefit to the public at large or properties outside the District and/or Zones.

In the absence of a special funding District or Zones, the City would typically be obligated to provide only limited (as needed) tree management, weed abatement, rodent control, and erosion control services for the landscape areas currently maintained within the District. This baseline level of service (general benefit level of service) would most likely provide for periodic servicing of the improvement areas on an as -needed basis to ensure public safety and essential property protection to avoid negative impacts on adjacent roadways and vehicles traveling on those roadways, and potential property damage resulting from erosion or fire hazards. However, this baseline level of service would clearly result in a far less visually pleasin g environment than is created with the enhanced levels of services associated with the regular landscape maintenance provided in the District and funded by the special benefit assessments In addition to the baseline level of service general benefit, it is recognized that there are indirect or incidental general benefits to properties within the District as well as the general public that are associated with - 14 -
regular landscape maintenance services associated with the districtwide improvements, including minimization of dust and debris, and air pollution reduction.

Although these types of benefits might best be characterized as indirect consequences of the special benefit of the landscape maintenance provided to parcels served by the District, for the purposes of this Report we assume these types of benefits to be general benefits, albeit general benefits that are extremely difficult to quantify. Therefore, on behalf of all parcels not assessed by a landscape maintenance district, yet deriving some level of general benefit from the District’ s landscaped improvements, the City has historically and will continue to contribute from the general fund a General Benefit Contribution that equals or exceeds the costs attributable to the baseline general benefit costs and indirect/incidental general benefit costs for the districtwide shared improvement areas as shown in the Estimate of Costs (Part III of this Report) as the “City General Benefit Contribution”.

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Assessment Methodology
To assess benefits equitably it is necessary to calculate each property’s proportional share of the special benefits conferred by the funded improvements and service. The method utilized to determine assessments is called the “method of apportionment” or formula of cost spread ("spread formula"). Assessment Units (“AU”), often referred to as the Equivalent Benefit Unit (EBU) method of assessment apportionment is utilized fo r this District and establishes a basic unit (base value) of benefit and then calculates the benefit derived by each assessed parcel as a multiple (or a fraction) of that basic unit. The AU or EBU method of apportioning special benefits is typically seen as the most appropriate and equitable assessment methodology for districts formed under the 1972 Act, as the benefit to each parcel from the improvements are apportioned as a function of comparable property characteristics which may include but is not limited to land use and property size.

The method of apportionment originally developed for this District was based on an assessment spread formula appropriate for the various land uses, identifiable property characteristics and improvements within the District and utilizes an assigned number of comparative dwelling units for residential, non-residential, and undeveloped properties.

The majority of parcels within the District are residential parcels and the improvements are maintained to provide a uniform benefi t within the boundaries of the District. Therefore, each dwelling unit, whether an apartment or single family residence is given a base value of one (1) unit.

Parcels in other land use categories were then evaluated and rated by comparison with the basic unit.

The assignment of unit values is based primarily on the intensity of land use and its comparison to the base unit. Two unit values have been assigned: a residential efficiency unit, 500 square feet or less, at 50 percent of the residential unit value and a commercial efficiency unit defined at 1200 square feet per commercial charge.

Land Use Classifications
Every parcel within the District is assigned a land use classification based on available parcel information obtained from the County Assessor’s Office. It has been determined that a parcel use and size are the appropriate factors necessary to identify and calculate the proportional special benefits conveyed to each property within the District for the cost of improvements associated with that property. The following are typical site land uses described in Title 12 of the Santa Maria Municipal Code and their proposed Assessment Units. This list includes the majority of parcel uses within the City of Santa Maria and is applied in the calculation of t he 2026/2027 fiscal year assessments.

A summary of the applied Equivalent Benefit Units (EBUs) for the various land use classifications within the District is shown in the following table:

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LAND USE ASSESSMENT UNITS
Residential
 Single Family Residential
 Two Family Residential
 Condominium/Townhouse
 Apartment Residential
 Mobile Home Parks
 Efficiency Unit

1 Unit per property
1 Unit per dwelling
1 Unit per dwelling
1 Unit per dwelling
1 Unit per dwelling
.5 Unit per dwelling

Commercial
 Small, Single Tenant
 Efficiency Unit > 1,200 SF
 Vacant > 10,000 SF
 Commercial Centers
 Major Shopping Centers

1 Unit per property
1 Unit per 1,200 SF
1 Unit per property
4 Units per property
7 Units per property

Trade/Services
 Commercial/Professional Office
 Vacant > 25,000 SF
 Mid-Size Office
 Major Office Buildings
 Hospital/Large Medical Offices

1 Unit per property
1 Unit per property
4 Units per property
7 Units per property
7 Units per property

Industrial
 Small Industrial
 Vacant > 50,000 SF
 Medium Industrial
 Major Industrial

1 Unit per property
1 Unit per property
4 Units per property
7 Units per property

Exempt
 Open Space/Common Areas, Public Facilities, Parks,
Redevelopment Agency

0 Units per property

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Part III – Estimate of Costs

The following budgets outline the estimated costs to maintain and service the various landscaping improvements described in this Report for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.

The budgeted expenses outlined in the following pages for the District and the Zones therein reflect the estimated annual expenses required to support and maintain the improvements to be provided for fiscal year 2026/2027. The estimated annual expenses provided in the budgets are considered to be appropriate full -service level costs. These full -service expenses, minus the general benefit expenses (Expenses not assessed and identified as the City’s financial obligation to s upport the improvements) result in the amount of funding the property owners should reasonably be assessed to fully fund their proportional special benefit from the improvements to be maintained (“Special Benefit Expenses”).

CITY OF SANTA MARIA
NORTHWEST LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. DS-9

ESTIMATED BUDGET

2025/2026 2026/2027

ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES
Utilities $74,850 $77,096
Contract, Supplies, Renovation $174,971 $182,280
Administration $242,126 $251,178
Total Expenditures
$491,947

$510,553

ESTIMATED REVENUES
Special Assessment $368,564 $383,469
City General Benefit Contribution $123,383 $127,084
Total Revenues $491,947 $510,553

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CHERRY BLOSSOM SBZ 2025/2026 2026/2027

ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES
Utilities

$26,697

$27,498
Contract, Supplies, Renovation $35,031 $37,112
Administration $8,510 $10,406
Total Expenditures
$71,435

$75,016

ESTIMATED REVENUES
Special Benefit Assessment $71,435 $75,016
Total Revenues $71,435 $75,016

NORTH PREISKER RANCH SBZ 2025/2026 2026/2027

ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES
Utilities $69,132 $71,206
Contract, Supplies, Renovation $161,222 $167,343
Administration $32,219 $37,765
Total Expenditures
$266,019

$276,314

ESTIMATED REVENUES
Special Benefit Assessment $266,019 $276,314
Total Revenues $266,019 $276,314

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Annual Inflationary Adjustment (Assessment Range Formula) Pursuant to Article XIIID of the California Constitution (Proposition 218), any “new or increased assessments” require certain noticing and balloting requirements. However, Government Code Section 54954.6(a) provides that a “new or increased assessment” does not include “an assessment which does not exceed an assessment formula or range of assessments...previously adopted by the agency or approved by th e voters in the area where the assessment is imposed.” This definition of a new or increased assessment is reaffirmed in the Proposition 218 Omnibus Implementation Act, Government Code Section 53753.5.

As previously adopted and approved by the City Council, each fiscal year the maximum assessment rates established for the improvements in the previous fiscal year for the District and each Zone may be adjusted by the percentage increase of the Local Consumer Price Index (CPI). The Consumer Price Index used for the inflationary adjustment shall be for the Los Angeles - Riverside-Orange County Area for All Urban Consumers, as developed by U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The CPI used shall be as determined by the Bureau of Labor Statistics for a similar period of time.

Each fiscal year the City shall identify the annual percentage change in the CPI, using the difference over a 12-month period between the current year and of the previous year as of January of e ach succeeding year. This percentage difference shall then establish the range of increase to the maximum assessment rates allowed. If the percentage change in the CPI is negative, the maximum assessment rates shall not be adjusted from the previous fiscal year (unchanged). Should the Bureau of Labor Statistics revise such index or discontinue the preparation of such index, the City may use the revised index or comparable system as approved by the City Council for determining fluctuations in the cost of living.

The percentage change in CPI from December 202 4 to December 2025 as reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics was 3 percent. Therefore, the maximum assessment rates for fiscal year 2026/2027 will be increased by 3 percent over the maximum assessment rates for fiscal year 202 5/2026. - 20 -
Part IV – District/Zone Diagrams
The following section contains a series of diagrams showing the boundaries of Santa Maria Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. DS-9 and the Zones therein for Fiscal Year 2026/2027. In addition to depicting the boundaries of the Zones, the diagram s also provide a visual depiction of the general location of the improvement areas being funded and maintained within the Distr ict and Zones. All parcels that will receive a special benefit from the improvements provided within the District and each respec tive Zone consist of the lots, parcels and subdivisions of land within the boundaries of the District and/or Zones as depicted by these diagrams and the lines and dimensions of those lots, parcels and subdivisions of land shall be those lines and dimensions shown on the Santa Barbara County Assessor’s parcel maps for the current fiscal year and by reference the Santa Barbara County Assessor’ s parcel maps are incorporated herein and made part of this Report. These diagrams along with the Assessment Roll incorporated in Part V of this Report constitute the District Assessment Diagram for Fiscal Year 2026/2027.

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District Boundary Diagram

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District Improvement Diagram (Northern Section)

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District Improvement Diagram (Southern Section)

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Cherry Blossom Special Benefit Zone

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North Preisker Ranch Special Benefit Zone

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Part V - Assessment Rolls

Due to the number of parcels in the District, the Assessment Roll for fiscal year 202 6/2027 (a listing of the parcels to be assessed within this District along with the assessment amounts) has been filed with the City Clerk in an electronic format and is, by reference, made part of this Report. The proposed Assessment Roll shall be available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office during normal office hours.

The Assessment Roll identified the parcels within the District that are assessed for special benefits and their corresponding assessment amount(s) for fiscal year 202 6/2027. Each par cel listed on the Assessment Roll is currently shown and illustrated on the County Assessor's Roll and the County Assessor’s Parcel Number Maps (APN maps). These records are, by reference, made part of this Report and shall govern for all details concerning the description of the lots or parcels. All assessments presented on the assessment roll are subject to change as a result of parcel changes made by the County including parcel splits, parcel merges or development changes that occur prior to the County A ssessor's Office securing the final roll and generating tax bills for fiscal year 202 6/2027.

Exhibit B

Annual Engineer’s Report
Fiscal Year 2026/2027

ENGINEER'S REPORT AFFIDAVIT
Northeast Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No.

DS-10

Incorporating Special Benefit Zones:
 Rivergate Roemer
 Suey and Donovan
 Donovan Estates
 La Ventana

Intent Meeting: May 5, 2026

Public Hearing: June 2, 2026

City of Santa Maria
110 E. Cook Street
Santa Maria, CA 93454

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This Report and the enclosed descriptions, budgets and diagram outline the proposed improvements and assessments for Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. DS-10 in the City of Santa Maria for Fiscal Year 2026/2027, which includes each lot, parcel, and subdivision of land within said District, as the same existed at the time of the passage of the Resolution of Intention. Reference is hereby made to the Santa Barbara County Assessor’s maps for a detailed description of the lines and dimensions of parcels within the District. The undersigned respectfully submits the enclosed Report as directed by the City Council.

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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ................................ ................................ .............................. - 4 - Report Content and Annual Proceedings ................................ ..................... - 4 - PART I – PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS ................................ ............................. - 8 - Zones of Benefit ................................ ................................ ........................ - 10 - Part II – Method of Apportionment ................................ .............................. - 13 - Benefit Analysis................................ ................................ ......................... - 14 - Assessment Methodology ................................ ................................ ......... - 16 - Part III – Estimate of Costs ................................ ................................ ............ - 18 - Annual Inflationary Adjustment (Assessment Range Formula)................... - 21 - Part IV – District/Zone Diagrams ................................ ................................ .. - 22 - District Boundary Diagram ................................ ................................ ........ - 23 - District Improvement Diagram (Northern Section) ................................ .... - 24 - District Improvement Diagram (Southern Section) ................................ .... - 25 - Suey and Donovan Special Benefit Zone ................................ .................... - 26 - Rivergate Roemer Special Benefit Zone ................................ ..................... - 27 - Donovan Estates Special Benefit Zone ................................ ....................... - 28 - La Ventana Special Benefit Zone................................ ................................ - 29 - Part V - Assessment Rolls ................................ ................................ ............. - 30 -

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INTRODUCTION

The City of Santa Maria (“City”), under the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, Part 2 of Division 15 of the California Streets and Highways Code (“1972 Act”) and in accordance with the provisions of the California State Constitution, Article XIIID (“California Constitution”) annually levies and collects special assessments for the City’s maintenance assessment district designated as Northe ast Landscape Maintenance Assessment District No. DS -10 (hereafter referred to as “District”) to fund in whole or in part the maintenance and operation of landscaping improvements that provide special benefits to properties within the District.

The City Council on May 2 , 198 9, established the formation of the Northeast Landscape Maintenance District No. DS -10 for the purpose of financing the continued maintenance of the landscaping within the northeast quadrant of the City.

Each fiscal year, the City establishes the District’s assessments based on an estimate of the costs to maintain, operate and service the authorized District improvements and based upon available revenues including assessment revenues, fund balances, general benefit contributions and any additional City contributions from available sources. The costs of the improvements and the proposed annual assessments budgeted and assessed against properties within the District may include, but are not limited to the estim ated expenditures for regular annual maintenance and repairs; incidental expenditures related to the operation and administration of the District; deficits or surpluses from prior years; revenues from other sources; and the collection of funds for operational reserves and/or periodic repairs, replacements and rehabilitation projects as authorized by the 1972 Act. The net annual cost to provide the improvements within the District plus each benefit Zone (if applicable) are allocated to the benefiting properties within the District and respective Zones as applicable, using a weighted method of apportionment (refer to Assessment Methodology in Section II, Method of Apportionment) that calculates the proportional special benefit and assessment for each parcel as compared to other properties that benefit from the District improvements and services. Thus, each parcel is assessed proportionately for only those improvements, services, and expenses for which the parcel will receive special benefit.

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Part I – Plans and Specifications: This section contains a general description of the District, special benefit zones (“Zones”), and the improvements and services that provide special benefits to the parcels within the District. The improvements, appurtenant facilities, and services that provide special benefits to the properties within the District and for which parcels are assessed may include, but not limited to the installation and maintenance of landscaping improvements within the public right-of-way of streets within the District, retention basins, parks, public facilities and related amenities as well as associated operational and incidental expenses, and the collection of fund balances authorized by the 1972 Act. The plans and specifications contained in this Report generally describe the nature and extent of the improvements. In conjunction with these general descriptions, a visual depiction of the improvements may be provided in the District Diagram s contained in Part IV of this Report. More detailed information regarding the specific plans and specifications associated with the District improvements and Zone improvements are on file in the City Engineer’s Office a nd by reference are made part of this Report.

Part II – Method of Apportionment: This section includes a discussion of the special and general benefits associated with the improvements to be provided within the District (Benefit Analysis).

Part III – Estimate of Costs : Identifies the estimated annual funding costs (Budgets) required for the maintenance and operation of the improvements in the District and Zones authorized by the 1972 Act and deemed appropriate to support the improvements, including, but not limited to, annual maintenance and service expenses, utility costs, and related incidental expenses. For fiscal year 2026/2027 annual contract maintenance costs have increased by three percent (3%). Those improvements and/or costs determined to be of general benefit shall be funded by a City contribution. In addition to the general benefit costs, the City may provide additional funding to support the maintenance and operation of the improvements considered to be of special benefit, but City staff shall make the determination of which improvements, and the extent of the services and activities that shall be provided based on available revenues.

This section also identifies and outlines an Assessment Range Fo rmula (inflationary adjust) previously approved and adopted for the District assessments that provides for an annual adjustment to the maximum assessment rates, which establishes limits on future assessments, but also provides for reasonable cost adjustments due to inflation.

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Part IV – District/Zone Diagrams: This section of the Report contains a series of diagrams showing the boundaries of the District and Zones for Fiscal Year 2026/2027 which incorporate the parcels determined to receive special benefits from the District improvements. These diagrams may also provide a visual depiction of the location of the improvements being maintained. The lines and dimensions of each lot, parcel, and subdivision of land contained in the District and Zone diagram s are inclusive of the parcels listed in “Part V - Assessment Roll” of this Report and the corresponding County Assessor’s Parcel Maps for said parcels as they existed at the time this Report was prepared and shall incorporate all subsequent subdivisions, lot -line adjustments, or parcel changes therein. Reference is hereby made to the Santa Barbara County Assessor’s maps for a detailed description of the lines and dimensions of each lot and parcel of land within the District and Zones.

Part V – Assessment Roll : The assessment amounts to be levied and collected in fiscal year 2026/2027 for each parcel is based on the parcel’s calculated proportional special benefit as outlined in "Part II - Method of Apportionment" and the annual assessment rates established by the estimated budgets in "Part III - Estimate of Costs" of this Report. Due to the number of parcels within the District, the Assessment Roll for fiscal year 2026/2027 has been filed electronically with the City Clerk rather than displayed in this Report an d by reference the listing of the Assessor’s Parcel Numbers and the corresponding assessment amounts are made part of this Report.

Note: If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, portion, zone, or subzone of this Engineer’s Report is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining provisions of this Engineer’s Report and each section, subsection, subdivision, sentence, c lause, phrase, portion, zone, or subzone thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, portions, zones, or subzones might subsequently be declared invalid or unconstitutional.

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PART I – PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS

The purpose of this District is to provide in part through annual assessments, funding for the installation, operation, and maintenance of landscaping improvements in specified parkways, medians, and roundabouts in the public right-of-way including street trees, and landscaping within specified public areas and public facilities including storm water retention basins that control subdivision water runoff, parks, and easements.

As authorized by the 1972 Act, the improvements pro vided by the District and associated with each Zone therein may incorporate various local landscaping improvements and related amenities that were either installed in direct connection with the development of properties within the District and each respective Zone or were installed for the benefit of those properties resulting from property development or potential development of those properties and are considered necessary elements for the development of such properties to their full and best use and thes e improvements are maintained and serviced for the special benefit of real property within the District and/or Zones. The work to be performed within the District and each respective Zone may include but is not limited to (as applicable), the personnel, ma terials, equipment, electricity, water, contract services, repair and rehabilitation of the improvements and incidental expenses required to operate the District and provide the improvements and services.

Improvements provided within the District and/or Zo ne may include but are not limited to landscaping and related facilities and amenities located within designated street medians, parkway and streetscape side-panels, and entryways within the public right of ways or easements adjacent to public right of ways; and within public places including greenbelt areas, open spaces, and local parks within each respective Zone. These improvements may include, but are not limited to:
 various landscape materials such as trees, turf, shrubs, vines, ground cover, annual or perineal plantings;
 irrigation and drainage systems;
 structural amenities such as monuments, specialty or ornamental lighting, block walls, retaining walls, or other fencing associated with the landscape areas;  hardscapes including mulch, decomposed granite surfaces, stamped concrete, and pavers;  recreational amenities within parks or greenbelts that may include benches, play structures, picnic or other recreational facilities, signage, and related appurtenances.

The maintenance of these improvements may i nclude, but is not limited to the regularly scheduled mowing, trimming, pruning, fertilization, pest control, weed /graffiti abatement, and Public Safety; installation, removal, replacement and rehabilitation of the landscaping, repair or replacement of irrigation or landscape drainage systems; and repair or replacement of hardscape improvements including sidewalks and recreational amenities. The Recreation and Parks Office - 9 -
shall authorize and schedule such maintenance and servicing as needed and based on av ailable District and/or Zone funding.

Reference is made to the plans and specifications currently on file at the City Engineer's Office relating to the design, recommended materials, and level of maintenance concerning the facilities to be maintained. The plans show plant species, size, and their location. Specifications for the improvements comply with the Standard Specifications of the Public Works Department, the 2019 California Building Code, and the Recreation and Parks Department Landscape and Irrigation Standards. For Fiscal Year 2026/2027 the improvements maintained within the District and for which parcels receive special benefits include but is not limited to the following:

NE LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT No. DS -10 TOTAL SQFT.

Emerald Park – Shrubs on College near Donovan 8,893
Emerald Basin – Grassy basin on College near Donovan 11,547 Donovan Medians 9,504
Riverside Terrace – 1800 block of Bayview Drive, open space on Seaward and around Basin on Kathryn 134,777
Riverside Basin – Grassy basin on Kathryn 24,686
Shields/Cochiolo – 1600 block Suey Road - frontage on Suey and Donovan, frontage on Antone and Floyd Court 61,476
Suey Basin – Grassy basin on Suey near Antone 14,774
Sierra Vista – frontage on Panther and Centennial, basin at the corner of Panther and Centennial and the breezeway off Mammoth 40,000
Rowland Estates – Shrubs and playground. 12,332
Rowland Basin – includes weedy basin 4,656
Canyon Homes – 1400 East Donovan Road entrance 3,764
Olive Garden – 1200 South Bradley median 2,900
Hancock College – 800 South Bradley median 3,064
Bradley Easement – south of Main Street to Jones Street 14,718 Transit Center 70,993
Hancock Terrace Bike Path-Miller to College 30,000
800 E Jones median-Paved island 462
Pepper Tree Medians – north of Donovan Road on Broadway 3,456 Stowell Road Easement – east of Miller Street 13,492
Alvin Overpass 59,513
North Bradley Ivy – Fesler Junior High easement area 15,493 Donovan/Miller Median 10,310
Via Rubio – Jewel Street only 4,836
Donovan Overpass 67,751
Pepperwood Median 1,819
East Main Street & 101-weedy shoulders 7,301
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Bradley at Elks 22,310
Downtown medians – Broadway Medians from Fesler Street going south to the front of the Library; East and West Cook Street Medians; South Pine Street from Main Street to Cook Street; East Main Street Medians; 100 North McClelland Median; South Miller Medians from Main Street to Cook Street
21,022
TCE - mall perimeter includes bus turnout, theater, Macy's parking lot and pocket park at Main & Broadway 186,393
Fire Station # 5 32,997
Total Northeast Landscape Maintenance District No. DS -10 895,239

Zones of Benefit
In accordance with the 1972 Act, this District utilizes Zones to address variations in the nature, location, and extent of improvements that provide special benefits to specific parcels and developments within the District. Each Zone is associated with specific improvements and/or types of improvements that provide special benefit to properties within that Zone.

For Fiscal Year 2026/2027 the District includes four (4) designated Zones. The boundaries of each Zone are based on the improvements to be maintained and the relationship and proximity of the developments and properties that derive special benefits from those specific improvements. The following is a brief description and summary of the improvements associated within each Zone and for which parcels receive special benefits :

Suey and Donovan Special Benefit Zone
Improvements associated with the Suey and D onovan Special Benefit Zone include the landscaped medians on Donavan between Suey and Suey Crossing totaling an estimated 33,725 square feet of which 40 percent is hardscape (13,490 square feet) and 60 percent is irrigated turf, trees, and shrubs (20,235 square feet).

Maintenance costs include labor, equipment, plant materials and supplies, renovation, utility costs, and District administration. The Suey and Donovan Special Benefit Zone Assessment for fiscal year 2026/2027 will be $ 307.61 per dwelling unit . This Zone assessment is imposed only upon parcels that receive a special benefit over and above general benefits provided to other parcels located in the District.

The Suey and Donovan Special Benefit parcels are also assessed the Northeast Landscape Maintenance District residential assessment of $ 315.70 per assessment unit or the commercial assessment of $7 80.98 per APN or tenant space as detailed in Method of Apportionment provided in Part II of this Report.
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Rivergate Roemer Special Benefit Zone
The developments in the Rivergate Roemer Special Benefit Zone include College Estates I and II, Princess Estates I, II and III, and River Oaks North. Improvements for the Rivergate Roemer Special Benefit Zone include the landscaped medians, landscaped open spa ce, the park site/basin, and specialty lighting associated with the medians and frontage easements of River Oaks North, College Estates, and Princess Estates including Seaward, Paden, Carlotti, Borges, the Bradley Channel, and the walled area behind the homes on Mariah totaling an estimated 163,936 square feet of improvement area.

Maintenance costs include labor, equipment, plant materials and supplies, graffiti removal, renovation, utility costs, public safety, and District administration. The Rivergate Roemer Special Benefit Zone Assessment will be $ 276.78 per parcel for fiscal year 2026/2027. This Zone assessment is imposed only upon parcels that receive a special benefit over and above general benefits provided to other parcels located in the District.

The Rivergate Roemer Special Benefit parcels are also assessed the Northeast Landscape Maintenance District residential assessment of $ 315.70 per assessment unit or the commercial assessment of $780.98 per APN or tenant space as detailed in Method of Apportionment provided in Part II of this Report.

Donovan Estates Special Benefit Zone
The improvements that are associated with the Donovan Estates Special Benefit Zone include the public easement areas along Donovan Road frontage (25,586 square feet), the park site and retardation basin (11,652 square feet) collectively totaling an estimated 37,238 square feet of improvements that includes the maintenance of the tot lot, street trees, public safety, and anti- graffiti measures as necessary.

Maintenance costs include labor, equipment, plant materials and supplies, graffiti removal, renovation, utility costs, public safety, and District administration. The Donovan Estates Special Benefit Zone Assessment will be $347.70 per parcel for fiscal year 2026/2027. This Zone assessment is imposed only upon parcels that receive a special benefit over and above general benefits provided to other parcels located in the District.

The Donovan Estates Special Benefit Zone parcels are also assessed the Northeast Landscape Maintenance District residential assessment of $315.70 per assessment unit as detailed in Method of Apportionment provided in Part II of this Report.

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La Ventana Special Benefit Zone
The developments in this zone include La Ventana and Legacy. The improvements that are associated with La Ventana Special Benefit Zone include the public easement frontage areas along Main Street and Panther Drive to Willingham, Dressler, interior street enhancements and shrub portion of basin (106,042 square feet) and the weedy portion of the retention basin (45,112 square feet) collectively totaling an estimated 151,154 square feet of improvements that includes the maintenance of specialty lighting, street trees, public safety, and anti-graffiti measures as necessary.

Maintenance costs include labor, equipment, plant materials and supplies, graffiti removal, renovation, utility costs, public safety, and District administration. The La Ventana Special Benefit Zone Assessment for fiscal year 2026/2027 will be $491.30 per assessor parcel number .

This Zone assessment is imposed only upon parcels that receive a special benefit over and above general benefits provided to other parcels located in the District.

The La Ventana Special Benefit Zone parcels are also assessed the Northeast Landscape Maintenance District residential assessment of $315.70 per assessment unit or tenant space as detailed in Method of Apportionment provided in Part II of this Report.

Note: A visual depiction of the general location of the landscape improvement areas for the District and Zone boundaries are provided on the District Diagrams provided in Part IV of this Report.

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Part II – Method of Apportionment

Article XIII D Section 2d defines District as follows:
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“District means an area determined by an agency to contain all parcels which will receive a special benefit from a proposed public improvement or property-related service”;

Benefit Analysis

Special Benefits
The ongoing maintenance of landscaped areas within the District as addressed in this Report, provide aesthetic benefits to the properties and a more pleasant environment to walk, drive, live, and/or work. The primary function of these landscape improvements and related amenities is to serve as an aesthetically pleasing enhancement and green space for the benefit of the immediately surrounding properties and developments for which the improvements were constructed and installed and/or were facilitated by the development or potential development of properties within the District and each respective Zone. In addition, the District provided landscaping improvements are an integral part of the physical environment associated with the parcels in the District and/or respective Zones and the proportional direct effect that trees, shrubs, and groundcover have on real property within the district including localized wind reduction; erosion control; storm water capture; noise attenuation; visual screening; ultraviolet light and glare reduction; and odor reduction are a direct and particular benefit to the properties in proximity to those improvements.

In the absence of a special funding District or Zones, the City would typically be obligated to provide only limited (as needed) tree management, weed abatement, rodent control, and erosion control services for the landscape areas currently maintained within the District. This baseline level of service (general benefit level of service) would most likely provide for periodic servicing of the improvement areas on an as -needed basis to ensure public safety and essential property protection to avoid negative impacts on adjacent roadways and vehicles traveling on those roadways, and potential property damage resulting from erosion or fire hazards. However, this baseline level of service would clearly result in a far less visually pleasin g environment than is created with the enhanced levels of services associated with the regular landscape maintenance provided in the District and funded by the special benefit assessments In addition to the baseline level of service general benefit, it is recognized that there are indirect or incidental general benefits to properties within the District as well as the general public that are associated with regular landscape maintenance services associated with the districtwide improvements, including minimization of dust and debris, and air pollution reduction.

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Assessment Methodology
To assess benefits equitably it is necessary to calculate each property’s proportional share of the special benefits conferred by the funded improvements and service. The method utilized to determine assessments is called the “method of apportionment” or formula of cost spread ("spread formula"). Assessment Units (“AU”), often referred to as the Equivalent Benefit Unit (EBU) method of assessment apportionment is utilized fo r this District and establishes a basic unit (base value) of benefit and then calculates the benefit derived by each assessed parcel as a multiple (or a fraction) of that basic unit. The AU or EBU method of apportioning special benefits is typically seen as the most appropriate and equitable assessment methodology for districts formed under the 1972 Act, as the benefit to each parcel from the improvements are apportioned as a function of comparable property characteristics which may include but is not limited to land use and property size.

Parcels in other land use categories were then evaluated and rated by comparison with the basic unit.

A summary of the applied Equivalent Benefit Units (EBUs) for the various land use classifications within the District is shown in the following table:

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