Agenda packet — Soledad City Council, July 2, 2025 (part 2 of 2)

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QUOTATION
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Page 2 ends

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SUBJECT: Receive Soledad Police Department AB 481 Annual Report and Provide Direction TO: Honorable Mayor Velazquez and City Council
FROM: Mike Rodriquez, City Attorney

COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
THROUGH: Megan Hunter, City Manager

MEETING
DATE: July 2, 2025
Staff has requested this item be continued to the August 6, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting.

AGENDA ITEM NO. 1.
212
SUBJECT: Resolution Nos. 6253, 6254, 6255, 6256 & 6257, Resolutions of the City Council of the City of Soledad Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments for Various Districts for Fiscal Year 2025/2026.

TO: Honorable Mayor Velazquez and City Council
FROM: Juan Huerta, Assistant Engineer
MEETING DATE: July 2, 2025

CITY OF SOLEDAD

STAFF REPORT
THROUGH: Megan Hunter, City Manager
AGENDA ITEM NO. 1.

Recommendation
Staff Report
Open hearing to the public for each Assessment District:

Diamond Ridge (MAD and BAD)
Orchard Villas (MAD and BAD)
Rancho San Vicente (MAD only)
Close hearing to the public for each Assessment District:

Diamond Ridge (MAD and BAD)
Orchard Villas (MAD and BAD)
Rancho San Vicente (MAD only)
Council discussion
Council Action
It is recommended that the City Council consider and adopt the following Resolutions of the City Council of the City of Soledad:
a. Resolution No. 6253, Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments in the amount listed below within the Diamond Ridge Benefit Assessment District No. 1 (Diamond Ridge, Phase I) for Fiscal Year 2025/2026.
b. Resolution No. 6254, Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments in the amount listed below within the Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 (Miravale I, Phase I) for Fiscal Year 2025/2026.
c. Resolution No. 6255, Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments in the amount listed below within the Parks and Open Space Maintenance Assessment District No. 1, Annexation No. 1 (Orchard Villas/Miravale II) for Fiscal Year 2025/2026. d. Resolution No. 6256, Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments in the amount listed below within the Benefit Assessment District No. 2 (Orchard Villas/Miravale II) for Fiscal Year 2025/2026.
213
e. Resolution No. 6257, Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments in the amount listed below within the Rancho San Vicente Parks and Open Spaces Maintenance Assessment District for Fiscal Year 2025/2026.

Executive Summary
The City of Soledad has formed five Assessment Districts to levy and collect assessments on the lots or parcels of land within these districts to cover the costs of operating, maintaining, and servicing improvements and facilities located in public areas within the district boundaries. All five Assessment Districts' proposed levies align with the FY 24/25 patterns. Consequently, the proposed assessment increases are due to a 3% annual adjustment for Rancho San Vicente-CHISPA and CPI inflation adjustments for three of the other four districts.

Background
In 2003, the City Council of the City of Soledad formed the Diamond Ridge Benefit Assessment District No. 1 (Diamond Ridge, Phase I); Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 (Miravale I, Phase I); and the Rancho San Vicente Parks and Open Space Maintenance Assessment District. In 2006 the Council formed the Parks and Open Space Maintenance Assessment District No. 1, and the Annexation No. 1 (Orchard Villas/Miravale II); Benefit Assessment District No. 2 (Orchard Villas/Miravale II). In January 2022 the Council approved the Liberty Court Annexation to the Parks and Open Space Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 (Orchard Villas/Miravale II) and also to the Benefit Assessment District No. 2 (Orchard Villas/Miravale II). All of these Districts were formed to levy and collect assessments against the lots or parcels of land within such districts to pay for the costs and expenses of operating, maintaining, and servicing improvements and facilities located within public places within the boundaries of the Districts.

Each year, the City is required to approve an updated Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for the District that describes the District and the proposed levy and collection of assessments upon eligible parcels of land within the District. This report is presented at a public hearing to give the public an opportunity to comment.

Review & Analysis
With the formation of the various districts, as approved by the property owners pursuant to a mailed ballot election conducted in accordance with Article XIII D of the California Constitution, the City Council in subsequent fiscal years thereafter has the ability to impose the initial maximum assessment rate that was established at the year of formation which can be adjusted on an annual basis by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of the San Francisco -Oakland-Hayward area. Notwithstanding the fact that the maximum assessment rate is adjusted on an annual basis, the maximum assessment is not always assessed on all or any of the properties within a given district, and in some cases, where a district has been formed prior to the time that all of the involved public improvements have been constructed, properties may be assessed with a minimal assessment simply to cover administrative costs.

The City Council must order, by Resolution, to levy and collect assessments against the assessable lots and parcels of land within each District for that portion of the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025, and ending June 30, 2026, to pay applicable operating, maintenance and service costs and expenses of identified improvements.

On June 4, 2025, the City Council approved Resolution Nos. 6239 and 6240 setting the public hearing 214
and preliminarily approving the Engineer’s Annual Levy Reports for the Parks and Open Space Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 (Orchard Villas/Miravale II) and Benefit Assessment District No. 2 (Orchard Villas/Miravale II). The public hearing was set for July 2, 2025.

On June 4, 2025, the City Council approved Resolution No. 6241 setting the public hearing and preliminarily approving the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for the Rancho San Vicente Parks and Open Spaces District. The public hearing was set for July 2, 2025.

June 4, 2025, the City Council approved Resolution Nos. 6237 and 6238 setting the public hearing and preliminarily approving the Engineer’s Annual Levy Reports for the Diamond Ridge Benefit Assessment District No. 1 (Miravale I) and Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 (Miravale I). The public hearing was set for July 2, 2025.

The attached resolutions, if approved, will provide final approval of the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report for each district, authorize the levy and collection of said assessments and order the maintenance, operating and/or servicing of the improvements identified in each Engineer’s Annual Levy Report. It is worth noting that the Engineer’s Annual Levy Reports establish both a “recommended” Fiscal Year 2025-2026 assessment as well as the “maximum” Fiscal Year 2025-2026 assessment for each parcel in each district.

Consideration and action on the five (5) resolutions should only be taken after public hearings on said matters have been completed. Once the resolutions are approved, Staff will forward the documents to the County so that the assessments can be paid through the property tax roll system.

The table below shows a summary of the maximum allowable assessments, recommended Fiscal Year (“FY”) 2025-2026 assessments and previous year’s assessments. Preliminary Annual Engineer’s Reports for each District are available for review in the City Clerk’s Office. On behalf of the City, DTA reviewed all the City’s maintenance and benefit assessment districts’ fund balances and has recommended the following assessments for each of the districts for Fiscal Year 2025/2026:

City of Soledad
Historical MAD and BADYearlyAssessment per EDU
FUND Description Short Description
FY25/26
Maximum
Assessment
Allowable
RatesApplied Per EDU
1 FY
2 25/26
FY
2 24/25
FY
23/24
FY
22/23
FY
21/22
FY
20/21
FY
19/20
647 Rancho San Vicente-CHISPA San Vicente $844.25 $844.25 $819.66 $795.79 $772.61 $750.11 $728.26 $707.05 649 Diamond RidgeAssessment PH
1 BAD #1 $496.91 $298.17 $255.68 $243.08 $238.10 $223.39 $211.31 $201.24 650 Diamond RidgeAssessment
Parks MAD#1 $481.17 $481.17 $475.14 $457.89 $439.47 $418.56 $403.21 $398.78 651 Miravale Orchard Landscaping
MAD #1,
Annex No. 1
$1,397.46 $610.58 $610.57 $649.76 $676.15 $625.75 $595.95 $567.57 652 Miravale Orchard Benefit BAD #2 $288.72 $288.72 $281.16 $274.66 $260.84 $247.96 $244.13 $237.24 [1] Rates are only applied, and do not reflect approved MaximumAssessment Rates. [2] Levy for FY25/26 isthe Proposed Rate per EDU (Equivalent Dwelling Unit).

All five Assessment Districts' proposed levies are following FY 24/25's patterns; and, as such, the 215
respective increases of the proposed assessments are due to the 3% annual adjustment for Rancho San Vicente - CHISPA and by CPI inflation adjustments for the other four districts.

The total assessment intended to be collected for the Rancho San Vicente Parks and Open Spaces Maintenance Assessment District is $844.25 per lot. Funds collected for this assessment are used for park maintenance, street landscaping, parkway water charges, park water charges, park electrical charges, sound wall maintenance, street lighting electrical and replacement.

The total assessment intended to be collected for the Diamond Ridge Benefit Assessment District No. 1 (Diamond Ridge, Phase I) is $298.17 per lot. Funds collected for this assessment are to be used for routine maintenance and dredging of the percolation pond, street sweeping, storm drain repair and maintenance, engineering plans and specifications, inspection and overhead.

The total assessment intended to be collected for the Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Spaces Maintenance District No. 1 (Miravale I, Phase I) is $481.17 per lot. Funds collected for this assessment are to be used for maintenance of the parks, playgrounds, streets and landscaping, street landscape water charges, park water charges, park electrical charges, planter wall maintenance, sound wall replacement and painting, street lighting electrical and replacement.

The total assessment intended to be collected for the Parks and Open Space Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 (Orchard Villas/Miravale II) is $610.58 per lot, a reduction from last year. Funds collected for this assessment are to be used for maintenance of the parks, streets and landscaping, street landscape water charges, park water charges, park electrical charges, planter wall maintenance, sound wall replacement and painting, street lighting electrical and replacement.

The total assessment intended to be collected for the Benefit Assessment District No. 2 (Orchard Villas/Miravale II) is $288.72 per lot. Funds collected for this assessment are used for routine maintenance such as street sweeping, repairs, replacement, electric current, supervision, debris removal, pest abatement, engineering and inspection, and any other items of work necessary and incidental for the proper maintenance and operation.

DTA has prepared and filed a Final Engineer’s Report (“Report(s)”) for each District and recommends funding each District with the assessments shown in the table above. The Reports are available in the City Clerk’s office for review.

Financial Considerations
All costs incurred by the City in the preparation and administration of the involved assessment districts will be charged against each district and paid by impacted property owners. The costs include all maintenance as well as costs to service the districts, including City administration, required engineers’ reports, contingency reserves, and the County fee. The total collected and anticipated to be expended in the 2025-2026 fiscal year per district is listed below:
$113,129.50 647 - Rancho San Vicente
$103,463.65 649 - Diamond Ridge BAD
$166,965.99 650 - Diamond Ridge MAD
$366,708.87 651 - Miravale Orchard MAD
216

1. Resolution No. 6253

1. Diamond Ridge BAD FER FY25-26

2. Resolution No. 6254

2. Diamond Ridge MAD FER FY25-26

3. Resolution No. 6255

3. Orchard Villas MAD FER FY25-26

4. Resolution No. 6256

4. Orchard Villas BAD FER FY25-26

5. Resolution No. 6257

5. Rancho San Vicente MAD FER FY25-26
$173,399.83 652 - Miravale Orchard BAD
$923,667.84 Total Assessed and Collected
Alternatives
Adopt the recommended resolutions.

Do not approve the attached resolutions; this alternative is not recommended as the City does not have funding to provide the services needed without these Assessments.

Planning/CEQA
The City has determined that ordering to levy and collect annual assessments is exempt from provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq.) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines, Sections 15061, subd. (b)(3) and 15273. The amendments adjust District fees that are used to meet District operating expenses and have no possibility of causing significant environmental effects.

Public Notice Requirements
The Public Hearing Notice was published on June 18, 2025 in the Salinas Valley Tribune.

Attachment(s):
217
DRAFT – FOR REVIEW
RESOLUTION NO. 6253

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLEDAD

ORDERING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE DIAMOND RIDGE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 (DIAMOND RIDGE, PHASE I) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026
The City Council of the City of Soledad, California (hereinafter referred to as the “City”) does resolve as follows:

WHEREAS, the City Council has by previous Resolutions initiated proceedings and declared its intention to levy assessments for the Diamond Ridge Benefit Assessment District No. 1 (hereafter referred to as the “District”) for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 pursuant to the provisions of the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982, Chapter 6.4 of Part 1 of Division 2, Article 4 of the Government Code of California, beginning with Section 54703 (hereafter referred to as the "Act") to pay the costs and expenses of operating, maintaining, and servicing improvements and facilities located within public places within the boundaries of the District; and,
WHEREAS, DTA has prepared and filed with the City Clerk, and the City Clerk has presented to the Council, the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report (hereafter referred to as the “Report”) for the District that describes the District and the proposed levy and collection of assessments upon eligible parcels of land within the District, and the Council did by previous Resolution preliminarily approve such Report; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to levy and collect assessments against parcels of land within the District for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 to pay the costs and expenses of operating, maintaining, and servicing improvements and facilities located within the boundaries of the District; and,
WHEREAS, this City and DTA have reviewed the provisions of Section XIIID of the California State Constitution and found that the proposed assessments comply with these provisions.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, DETERMINED, AND ORDERED BY

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLEDAD FOR THE DIAMOND RIDGE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1 Following notice duly given, the City Council has held a full and fair Public Hearing regarding the District, the levy and collection of assessments, the Report prepared in connection therewith, and considered all oral and written statements, protests, and communications made or filed by interested persons regarding these matters.

Section 2 Based upon its review (and amendments, as applicable) of the Report, the City Council hereby finds and determines that:
i) the land within the District will receive special benefit by the operation, maintenance, and servicing of improvements and facilities located in public places within the boundaries of the District; and,
218
DRAFT – FOR REVIEW
ii) the District includes all of the lands so benefited; and, iii) the net amount to be assessed upon the lands within the District in accordance with the fee for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 is apportioned by a formula and method which fairly distributes the net amount among all eligible parcels in proportion to the estimated benefits to be received by each parcel from the improvements and services. This Fiscal Year assessment for the Diamond Ridge Benefit Assessment District No.1 is $298.17 per parcel.

Section 3 The Report and assessments as presented to the City Council and on file in the Office of the City Clerk are hereby confirmed as filed and approved by the City Council.

Section 4 The maintenance, operation, and servicing of the improvements and appurtenant facilities shall be performed pursuant to the Act. The City Council hereby orders the proposed improvements to be made, which improvements are briefly described as follows: the maintenance and operation of the following described improvements of a local nature on public lands within said District including street sweeping, storm drain lines, storm retention pond silt removal, bank stabilization and restoring percolation, including necessary cleaning, repairs, replacement, electric current, supervision, debris removal, engineering and supervision and any and all other items of work necessary and incidental for the proper maintenance and operation thereof. The Report describes all new improvements or substantial changes in existing improvements.

Section 5 The County Auditor of the County of Monterey shall enter on the County Assessment Roll opposite each eligible parcel of land the amount of levy so apportioned by the formula and method outlined in the Report, and such levies shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as the County taxes are collected. After collection by the County, the net amount of the levy shall be paid to the City Treasurer.

Section 6 The City Finance Director shall deposit all money representing assessments collected by the County for the District to the credit of a fund known as the "Improvement Fund, City of Soledad, Diamond Ridge Benefit Assessment District No. 1” and such monies shall be expended only for the maintenance, operation, and servicing improvements and facilities as described in Section 4.

Section 7 The adoption of this Resolution constitutes the District levy for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026.

Section 8 The City Clerk or their designate is hereby authorized and directed to file the levy with the County Auditor upon adoption of this Resolution pursuant to Chapter 4, Article 1, Section 22641 of the Act.
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DRAFT – FOR REVIEW
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 2
nd day of July 2025 by the
following vote:

AYES, and in favor thereof, Councilmembers:

NOES, Councilmembers:

ABSENT, Councilmembers:

ABSTAIN, Councilmembers:
______________________________
ANNA M. VELAZQUEZ, Mayor
ATTEST:
___________________________________
MEGAN HUNTER, City Manager
220
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www.FinanceDTA.com
Public Finance
Public-Private Partnerships
Development Economics
Clean Energy Bonds
FINAL ENGINEER’S REPORT

DIAMOND RIDGE
BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1
FUND #649
CITY OF SOLEDAD | COUNTY OF MONTEREY
Beginning Fiscal Year: 2025-2026
Intent Meeting: June 4, 2025
Public Hearing: July 2, 2025
Resoluton No. 6253
221
www.FinanceDTA.com
99 Almaden Blvd, Suite 875
San Jose, CA 95113

CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF
MAYOR
Anna M. Velazquez

COUNCIL MEMBERS
Fernando Cabrera
Fernando Ansaldo-Sanchez
Benjamin Caldera Garcia
Evarista Banuelos

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
Donald Wilcox, P.E.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ASSESSMENT ENGINEERING
Stephen A. Runk, P.E.

DTA
222
TABLE

OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE
I AFFIDAVIT AND CERTIFICATES.................................... 1 II ENGINEER’S REPORT .................................................. 3 III PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 5 A Description of the District..................................................5 B District Improvements, Facilities, And Services...................5 IV COST ESTIMATE ......................................................... 7 A Costs of Improvements......................................................7 B Annual Cost Indexing.........................................................8 C Contributions from Other Sources......................................9 D Annual Installments...........................................................9 E Net Assessment.................................................................9 V ASSESSMENT ROLL................................................... 11 VI METHOD OF ASSESSMENT ....................................... 12 A Background.....................................................................12 B Benefits of Improvements ...............................................13 C Categories of Benefit.......................................................13 D Allocation of Special Benefit to Parcels ............................14 E Amount of Assessment....................................................15

VII ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM AND BOUNDARY
MAP ........................................................................ 17

VIII TERMINATION OF DISTRICT/LIMITATIONS OF
REPORT 18
A Termination of District.....................................................18 B Limitations of Report.......................................................18

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A ASSESSMENT ROLL
223
1 SECTION I

AFFIDAVIT AND CERTIFICATES
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge BAD No. 1
www.FinanceDTA.com

I AFFIDAVIT AND CERTIFICATES

CITY OF SOLEDAD DIAMOND RIDGE
BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1
This Engineer’s Report (“Report”) and the enclosed descriptions, budget, and assessment diagram outlines the District and includes the proposed assessments for each lot, parcel, and subdivision of land within said District to be levied for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as they existed at the time of the passage of the Resolution of Intention.

Reference is hereby made to the Monterey 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.

Dated this ______ day of ______________, 2025.

DTA
Assessment Engineer
On Behalf of the City of Soledad
By: __________________________________________
Kuda Wekwete
Project Manager
By: __________________________________________
Stephen A. Runk, P.E.

License Number: C23473
224
2 SECTION I

AFFIDAVIT AND CERTIFICATES
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge BAD No. 1
www.FinanceDTA.com

CITY OF SOLEDAD DIAMOND RIDGE
BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the enclosed Engineer’s Report, together with the Assessment Diagram thereto attached, was filed with me on the ________ day of ____________, 2025.

By: _____________________________
Megan Hunter, City Manager
City of Soledad, Monterey County
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the enclosed Engineer’s Report, together with the Assessment Diagram thereto attached, was approved and confirmed by the City Council of the City of Soledad, California, on the ______ day of _____________, 2025.

By: _____________________________
Megan Hunter, City Manager
City of Soledad, Monterey County
225
3 SECTION II
ENGINEER’S REPORT
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge BAD No. 1
www.FinanceDTA.com
II ENGINEER’S REPORT
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Soledad (“City”), pursuant to the provisions of the Benefit Assessment Act of 1982, Chapter 64 of Division 2 of the California Government Code (“1982 Act”), adopted its resolution (“Resolution”) initiating proceedings for the levy of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 assessments against properties in the Diamond Ridge Benefit Assessment District No. 1 (the “District”) to fund maintenance and operation of street and storm water improvements that have been determined to specially benefit properties in the District (“Improvements”).

WHEREAS, the Resolution designates DTA as Assessment Engineer and directed the Assessment Engineer to prepare and file a report (“Engineer’s Report” or “Report”) pursuant to the 1982 Act and Article XIIID of the California Constitution (“Proposition 218”).

This Report includes the following sections:

Plans and Specifications – Plans and specifications for services to be provided. Plans and specifications are a part of this Report whether or not separately bound.

Cost Estimate – An estimate of the annual cost of services to be provided. Also included, are administrative and incidental costs that include maintenance, reserve, repairs, and rehabilitation expenses.

Assessment Roll – An assessment roll, showing the amount to be assessed against each parcel of real property within this District and the names and addresses of the property owners. An Assessor’s Parcel number or other designation describes each parcel. Each parcel is also assigned an “assessment number” that links the Assessment Roll to the Assessment Diagram.

Method of Assessment – A statement of the method by which the Assessment Engineer determined the amount to be assessed against each parcel, based on special benefits to be derived by each parcel from the services.

Assessment Diagram – A diagram showing all of the parcels of real property to be assessed within this District. The diagram corresponds with the Assessment Roll by assessment number.

Termination of District/Limitations of Report – A statement as to the duration of the District and the accuracy of the data and information necessary for the development of this annual Report.

NOW THEREFORE, the undersigned, acting as an agent for DTA, Assessment Engineer for the District, by virtue of the power vested under the 1982 Act and the order of the City, hereby submits this Engineer’s Report and makes the following assessment to cover the portion of the estimated costs of the Improvements, including the incidental costs and expenses, to be paid by the District.

The net assessment in Fiscal Year 2025-2026 is summarized in Table 1. 226
4 SECTION II
ENGINEER’S REPORT
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge BAD No. 1
www.FinanceDTA.com
Table 1: Net Assessment for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Item Amount
Maintenance Costs $26,473
Capital Improvement Costs $70,000
Administration Costs $41,849
Levy Adjustments (Reserve Fund Credit) ($34,859)
Net Assessment* $103,463
*Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

DTA does hereby assess the net amount to be assessed upon all assessable lots or parcels of land within the District by apportioning the amount allocable among the several lots or parcels of each in proportion to the estimated special benefits to be received by each such lot or parcel from the Improvements, as more particularly set forth in the list attached as Appendix A (“Assessment Roll”) and by this reference made as part of this Engineer’s Report. The District diagram appearing herein is a representation of the assessment diagram that was approved by resolution of the City Council. Reference is hereby made to the Assessor’s Maps of the County of Monterey for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 for a more particular description of the properties within the District. Each parcel of land assessed is described on the Assessment Roll by reference to its parcel number as shown on the County of Monterey Assessment Roll.

DTA
Kuda Wekwete Date
Project Manager
Stephen A. Runk, P.E. Date
License Number: C23473
227
5 SECTION III

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge BAD No. 1
www.FinanceDTA.com

III PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
The plans, specifications, and studies of the Improvements for this District are voluminous and will not be bound in this Report, but by this reference are incorporated as if attached to this Report. The plans and specifications are on file with the City of Soledad and/or the County of Monterey, California.

A Description of the District
The District is generally bounded by the northerly boundary of Miravale, Phase I Tract Map to the north, Gabilan Drive to the south, Orchard Lane to the east, and Toledo Street to the west. A District diagram incorporated herein under Section VII of this Report outlines the boundaries of the District. This diagram incorporates all lots, parcels, and subdivisions of land within the District as the same existed at the time this Report was prepared, a complete listing of which is provided in Appendix A of this Report.

B District Improvements, Facilities, and Services
The following descriptions, provided in the formation documents of the District, identify the types of improvements that will be maintained by the District. Detailed maps and descriptions of these improvements are on file with the City and are available for inspection in the office of the City Engineer and have been incorporated into this Report by reference.

B.1 Street Improvements
The maintenance and operation of the improvements located on the streets within the District includes street sweeping, storm drain lines, including necessary cleaning, repairs, replacement, electric current, supervision, debris removal, engineering and inspection, and any and all other items of work necessary and incidental for the proper maintenance and operation thereof.

Additionally, maintenance and operation includes all additions, improvements, and enlargements which may be made on the previously described work within the following streets and on appurtenant improvement plans.

Improvements that are covered under the maintenance and operations of the District are located on the following streets: Toledo Street (East Half), Orchard Lane, Gabilan Drive, San Antonio, Santa Ynez, San Miguel, Los Flores Street, La Colina Street, Estrella Street, San Gabriel, Vista Avenue, Santa Barbara, San Jose, Solano, San Luis Rey, San Juan Bautista, Portola Street, Entrada Drive, San Fernando, Vida Street, Carmelo Street, Santa Cruz, Terraza Street, Dolores, Santa Clara, La Purisima, and San Rafael.
228
6 SECTION III

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge BAD No. 1
www.FinanceDTA.com
B.2 Storm Water Improvements
Maintenance and operation includes storm retention pond silt removal, bank stabilization and restoring percolation, including necessary cleaning, repairs, replacement, electric current, supervision, debris removal, pest abatement, engineering and inspection, and any and all other items of work necessary and incidental for the proper maintenance and operation thereof.

Additionally, maintenance and operation includes all additions, improvements, and enlargements which may be made on the previously described work within the following area and on appurtenant improvement plans.

B.3 Incidental and Other Expenses
Incidental costs include contingencies and assessment district incidentals such as engineering, printing, notices to property owners, collection costs, legal fees, administration, and supervision. 229
7 SECTION IV

COST ESTIMATE
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge BAD No. 1
www.FinanceDTA.com

IV COST ESTIMATE
Applicable law requires the Engineer’s Report to contain an estimate of the costs of the Improvements for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, including estimates of (i) the total costs for Improvements for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026, including incidental expenses, (ii) the amount of any surplus in the improvement fund to be carried over from a previous Fiscal Year, (iii) the amount of any contributions to be made from sources other than assessments levied pursuant to this part, (iv) the amount, if any, of the annual installment for the Fiscal Year where the legislative body has ordered an assessment for the estimated cost of any improvements to be levied and collected in annual installments, and (v) the net amount to be assessed upon assessable lands within the District. Estimates of these amounts are provided below.

The following describes the costs that are funded through the District.

A Costs of Improvements
A.1 Projected Annual Maintenance Costs & Capital Improvement Costs Included in the City’s Public Works Department Budget Request are estimated costs for the annual maintenance, servicing and funding of all improvements within the District. District direct maintenance expenses are estimated at $26,473 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as shown in Table 2a below. District’s direct capital improvement costs are estimated at $70,000 for Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 as shown in Table 2b below.

Table 2a: Projected Annual Direct Maintenance Costs
Item Description Cost Estimate
Percolation Pond $6,984
Street Sweeping $14,633
Storm Drain Repair/Maintenance $3,459
Engineering $1,397
Total* $26,473
*Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

Table 3b: Projected Capital Improvement Costs
Item Description Cost Estimate
Crack Seal / Slurry Seal Project* $70,000
Total $70,000
*Funded by the available funds in the capital reserve account.

A.2 Projected Annual Administration Costs
In addition to the costs listed above, there will be costs attributed to the administration of the District. As shown in Table 3, the District administration costs are estimated to be $41,850 for 230
8 SECTION IV

COST ESTIMATE
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge BAD No. 1
www.FinanceDTA.com
Fiscal Year 2025-2026. These costs are summarized below.

Table 4: Projected Annual Administration Costs
Item Description Cost Estimate
City Administration $27,621
Contingency $2,661
District Administration $5,000
Printing and Advertising $1,363
County Collection $5,205
Total* $41,850
*Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

A.3 Projected Annual Levy Adjustment
Finally, in addition to the costs listed above, certain levy adjustments will be made to account for any operating or capital reserve credits or required capital collections to the District’s reserve fund. As shown in Table 4, an Operating Reserve Credit of $40,000 and Capital Reserve Credit of $70,000 have been applied to offset the required Capital Reserve Collection of $75,141.

Therefore, a net total of $34,859 Reserve Fund Credit has been applied to the Fiscal Year 2025- 2026 assessment.

Table 5: Projected Annual Levy Adjustment
Item Description Cost Estimate
Capital Reserve Collection $75,141
Operating Reserve Credit ($40,000)
Capital Reserve Credit ($70,000)
Total ($34,859)
B Annual Cost Indexing
B.1 City/District Administration, Printing, and Advertising With the passage of Proposition 218, any proposed increase in assessments must be approved by impacted property owners via a mail ballot and public hearing process, similar to these proceedings. A weighted simple majority of ballots received (weighted according to each parcel’s proportionate assessment obligation) must be affirmative for the City Council to confirm and levy the increased assessments. For small assessment districts or districts with relatively low dollar assessments, the cost of an Engineer’s Report, balloting, and the public hearing process can potentially exceed the total amount of the increase. The incidental costs of these proceedings may be added to the assessments, resulting in even higher assessments.

COST ESTIMATE
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge BAD No. 1
www.FinanceDTA.com
costs, without incurring the costs of ballot proceedings required by Proposition 218. Any other significant changes to the District (e.g., increases in service, modification of the boundary, etc.) would still require Proposition 218 proceedings and, ultimately, property owner approval.

Thus, on each July 1, commencing on July 1, 2003, the maximum authorized unit assessment rates established in these proceedings will be indexed (increased) annually by a factor equal to the published April SF CPI from the preceding Fiscal Year.

The most recent data for the increase in the SF CPI is the increase between April 2024 and April 2025 and shows an increase equal 1.27%. Therefore, on July 1, 2025, the maximum assessment will thus be increased by 1.27%.

Since the maximum assessment is likely sufficient to cover the cost estimates for improvements and other expenses for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, an amount equal to only the total projected costs will be assessed on the property within the District. The assessment levy in future years may be any amount less than or equal to the maximum assessment in that year.

B.2 Collection Fees
The County Auditor/Controller also charges an additional 0.25% of the total amount assessed.

B.3 Reserve Collection/Transfer
The applicable law provides for a District Reserve Fund that provides for the collection of funds to cover District operations between July 1 (beginning of the Fiscal Year) and the date on which the County remits first installment of assessments collected from the property tax bills (typically January or February). Any negative amounts entries for this budget item represent transfers from the Reserve Fund to reduce the assessment in a given fiscal year. A fully funded Reserve enables the District to (i) cover operational expenses incurred in the six (6) months of the fiscal year, without any City funds from non-District accounts; and (ii) address any unforeseen or unusual expenditures that may occur during the year.

C Contributions from Other Sources
Proposition 218 provides that “an agency shall separate the general benefits from the special benefits conferred…” In accordance with that provision, it is determined that there will be no general benefit from the Improvements in Fiscal Year 2025-2026, as explained in Section VI of this Report.

D Annual Installments
The entire amount of the net assessment, as shown in Table 5 below, will be assessed in Fiscal Year 2025- 2026.

E Net Assessment
Pursuant to the foregoing, Table 5 shows the net amount to be assessed upon assessable lands within the District in Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
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10 SECTION IV

COST ESTIMATE
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge BAD No. 1
www.FinanceDTA.com
Table 6: Net Assessment for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Item Total Costs Special Benefit
Allocated Net Assessment
Maintenance Costs (Direct)
Percolation Pond $6,984 100% $6,984
Street Sweeping $14,633 100% $14,633
Storm Drain Repair/Maintenance $3,459 100% $3,459
Engineering $1,397 100% $1,397
Capital Improvement Costs (Direct)
Crack Seal / Slurry Seal Project** $70,000 100% $70,000 Administration Costs
City Administration $27,621 100% $27,621
Contingency $2,661 100% $2,661
District Administration $5,000 100% $5,000
Printing and Advertising $1,363 100% $1,363
County Collection $5,205 100% $5,205
Levy Adjustments
Capital Reserve Collection $75,141 100% $75,141
Operating Reserve Credit ($40,000) 100% ($40,000)
Capital Reserve Credit ($70,000) 100% ($70,000)
Net Assessment* $103,463 N/A $103,463
*Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.
**Funded by the available funds in the capital reserve account. 233
11 SECTION V

ASSESSMENT ROLL
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge BAD No. 1
www.FinanceDTA.com

V ASSESSMENT ROLL
The Assessment Engineer has prepared an Assessment Roll for the District as required by applicable law, based upon the assessment methodology described in this Engineer’s Report. The Assessment Roll includes the net total assessment for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 and shows the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 assessment, assessment number, Assessor’s Parcel Number, and land use designation for each parcel.

The Assessment Roll, as provided in Appendix A, lists the Assessor’s Parcel Numbers within this Assessment District by assessment number. The assessment numbers appearing on the Assessment and the names and addresses of the property owners are as shown on the last equalized assessment roll for taxes or as known to the Assessor of Monterey County.

All parcel information has been provided to DTA by the City Public Works Department, the previous Assessment Engineer, and the County of Monterey.
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12 SECTION VI

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge BAD No. 1
www.FinanceDTA.com

VI METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
A Background
Pursuant to the 1982 Act, the legislative body establishes and determines the “estimated benefit received” by each parcel from the Improvements.

In addition, Article XIIID of the California Constitution, added in November 1996 through the passage of Proposition 218 by voters of the State of California, requires, inter alia, that (i) only special benefits be assessable, (ii) no assessment may exceed the proportional special benefit conferred on the parcel assessed, and (iii) publicly owned parcels shall not be exempt from assessment unless clear and convincing evidence demonstrates that such publicly owned parcels receive no special benefits from the improvements for which the assessment is levied.
“Special benefit” is a particular and distinct benefit over and above general benefits conferred on real property located in the District or to the public at large. Importantly, the general enhancement of property value does not constitute special benefit. As such, this Engineer’s Report has been designed to comply with these requirements, as well as to incorporate recent California court decisions such as: Silicon Valley Taxpayers Association, Inc. v. Santa Clara County Open Space Authority (2008), Beutz v. County of Riverside (2010), Golden Hills Neighborhood Association v. City of San Diego (2011), and Concerned Citizens v. West Point Fire Protection District (2011).

Methodologically, it is necessary and essential to identify the special benefit that the improvements, facilities, and services will render to the properties within the District. It is also necessary that the properties receive a special and direct benefit as distinguished from benefit to the general public.

The Assessment Engineer is appointed for the purpose of analyzing the facts and determining the method and formula for apportionment of the assessment obligation to the benefited properties. For these proceedings, the City has retained the firm of DTA as the Assessment Engineer.

The Assessment Engineer makes his or her recommendation for the method of apportionment in this Engineer’s Report for consideration at the public hearing. However, the final authority and action rests with the City Council after hearing all testimony and evidence presented at the public hearing. Upon conclusion of the public hearing, the City Council must make the final action in determining that the assessment has been made in direct proportion to the special benefit received.

In determining the net amount to be assessed upon parcels within the District, Section 22573 of the California Streets and Highways Code states that such amount “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.” Proposition 218 further states that “no assessment shall be imposed on any parcel which exceeds the reasonable cost of the proportional special benefit conferred on that parcel,” where “special benefit” means “a particular and distinct benefit over and above general benefits conferred on real property located in the District or to the public at large.” This Section VI describes the methodology used to calculate the net amount to be assessed on each parcel within the District in proportion to the special 235
13 SECTION VI

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge BAD No. 1
www.FinanceDTA.com
benefit conferred on each such parcel.

B Benefits of Improvements
The benefits associated with the local landscaping improvements are shown in Table 6 below.

Table 7: Benefits from Landscaping Improvements
Landscaping Improvements
Enhanced desirability of properties through association with the improvements.

Improved aesthetic appeal of properties within the District providing a positive representation of the area.

Enhanced adaptation of the urban environment within the natural environment from adequate green space and landscaping.

Environmental enhancement through improved erosion resistance, and dust and debris control.

Increased sense of pride in ownership of property within the District resulting from well-maintained improvements associated with the properties.

Reduced criminal activity and property-related crimes (especially vandalism) against properties in the District through well-maintained surroundings and amenities including abatement of graffiti.

Enhanced environmental quality of the parcels within the District by moderating temperatures, providing oxygenation, and attenuating noise.

The special benefits of street lighting are the convenience, safety, and security of property, improvements, and goods as identified in Table 7 below.

Table 8: Benefits from Street Lighting Improvements
Street Lighting Improvements
Enhanced deterrence of crime and the aid to police protection.

Increased nighttime safety on roads and highways.

Improved ability of pedestrians and motorists to see.

Improved ingress and egress to property.

Reduced vandalism and other criminal acts and damage to improvements or property.

Improved traffic circulation and reduced nighttime accidents and personal property loss.

Increased promotion of business during nighttime hours in the case of commercial properties.

C Categories of Benefit
Proposition 218 provides that “an agency shall separate the general benefits from the special benefits conferred on a parcel,” where “Special Benefit means a particular and distinct benefit over and above general benefits conferred on real property located in the district or to the public at large.” It is therefore necessary to establish definitions of General Benefit and Special Benefit as such terms relate to the benefit to be derived from the Improvements.

The Improvements to be maintained and operated in the District were within or in areas in close proximity 236
14 SECTION VI

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge BAD No. 1
www.FinanceDTA.com
to the proposed developed residential lots. As a result, the developed residential lots in the District will receive 100% of the special benefits of the operation and maintenance of the Improvements. These benefits include enhanced neighborhood health and safety, improved quality of life from drainage, flood control and street improvements, protection of improved property, enhanced comfort, and increased desirability of the immediate surroundings of the residential units within the District. Importantly, because of the location of the improvements within or close to the District itself, there is no general benefit to properties outside the District or the community as a whole. Any such general benefit is so incidental and negligible that it cannot be calculated for purposes of assessment.

D Allocation of Special Benefit to Parcels
In accordance with the provisions in the formation documents, the annual maintenance and operation budget is developed for improvements located in the entire Diamond Ridge Subdivision Project. As discussed previously, developed parcels in the District are the only parcels that derive special benefit from maintenance and operations and as such, must bear the cost of these activities. However, it is anticipated that as future subdivisions develop the assessments will be prorated to reflect the District’s proportionate share of the costs of a given operation and maintenance activity.

Importantly, Article XlllD provides that publicly owned properties must be assessed unless there is clear and convincing evidence that those properties receive no special benefit from the assessment. As a result, the following property will be considered exempt from the assessment: areas of public streets, public avenues, public lanes, public roads, public drives, public courts, public alleys, public easements and rightof-way, public greenbelts and public parkways, and that portion of public property that is not developed and used for business purposes similar to private commercial, industrial, and institutional activities.

Factored development unit calculations for residential areas are as follows:

Low Density Single-Family Residential = 1.0 Unit
Future Medium Density Residential = 0.8 Unit
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15 SECTION VI

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge BAD No. 1
www.FinanceDTA.com
E Amount of Assessment
Pursuant to the foregoing, Table 8 below shows the net amount to be assessed upon assessable lands within the District in Fiscal Year 2025-2026.

Table 9: Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Assessment Rates in the District Assessment Per EDU
Fiscal Year 2024-2025
Assessment Per EDU
Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Max Assessment Per EDU
Fiscal Year 2025-2026
$255.68 $298.17 $496.91
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16 SECTION VI

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge BAD No. 1
www.FinanceDTA.com
Table 10: Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Cost Estimate
D escription Total Am ount ($)
Special Benefit
Apportioned to
D istrict
Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Total Budget
(Am ount Funded to D istrict)
(A) Annual M aintenance (D irect C osts)
O perating Expenses
Percolation Pond $6,984.36 $1.00 $6,984.36
Street Sw eeping $14,632.55 $1.00 $14,632.55
Storm D rain Repair/M aintenance $3,458.60 $1.00 $3,458.60 Engineering $1,397.39 $1.00 $1,397.39
C ity Inspection & O verhead $0.00 $1.00 $0.00
Reserve C ollection/ (Transfer) $0.00 $1.00 $0.00
(B) C apital Im provem ents
C rack Seal / Slurry Seal Project* $70,000.00 $1.00 $70,000.00 (C ) Adm inistration
C ity Adm inistration $27,620.65 $1.00 $27,620.65
C ontingency $2,660.71 $1.00 $2,660.71
D istrict Adm inistration $5,000.00 $1.00 $5,000.00
Printing & Advertising $1,362.96 $1.00 $1,362.96
C ounty C ollection $5,205.00 $1.00 $5,205.00
Subtotal (A+B) $138,322.22 NA $138,322.22
(D ) Levy Adjustm ents
C apital Reserve C ollection $75,141.43
O perating Reserve Transfer In/(O ut) -$40,000.00
C apital Reserve Transfer O ut -$70,000.00
Balance to Levy (A+B+C ) NA NA $103,463.65
(E) D istrict Assessm ent
Total ED U s C ount 347
Total Parcels C ount 347
Total Parcels Levied 347
FY 2025-2026 C alculated Assessm ent per EBU $298.17
FY 2025-2026 M axim um Assessm ent per EBU $496.91
FY 2025-2026 M axim um Levy $172,427.77
(F) Fund Balance Inform ation
Beginning Fund Balance FY 2025-2026 $598,519.62
Reserve Fund Adjustm ents ($34,858.57)
Anticipated Ending Balance FY 2025-2026 $563,661.05
*Funded by the available funds in the capital reserve account.

City of Soledad
Engineer's Report
D iam ond Ridge Benefit Assessm ent D istrict N o.1 - FU N D #649 Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Cost Estim ate
239
17 SECTION VII

ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM AND BOUNDARY
MAP
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge BAD No. 1
www.FinanceDTA.com

VII ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM AND BOUNDARY MAP
The boundary map for the District has been previously approved and submitted to the City in the format required by the 1982 Act, and is on file in the Office of the City Clerk.

The parcels within the District generally consist of the lots, parcels, and subdivisions of land found within the following District Diagram and are based on the Monterey County Assessor’s Maps and the Monterey County Assessor’s information that existed at the time this Report was prepared.

Figure 1: Assessment Diagram
240
18 SECTION VIII

TERMINATION OF DISTRICT/LIMITATIONS

OF REPORT
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge BAD No. 1
www.FinanceDTA.com

VIII TERMINATION OF DISTRICT/LIMITATIONS OF REPORT
A Termination of District
Assessments associated with the District will be levied each Fiscal Year until the District is dissolved by the City Council.

B Limitations of Report
The conclusions, calculations, and recommendations in this Report rely on the substantial data and information provided to DTA at the time of the writing of the Report by the following parties:

1. City of Soledad, specifically the Public Works Department;

2. The previous Assessment Engineer; and

3. The County of Monterey.
241

APPENDIX A
City of Soledad
Diamond Ridge Benefit Assessment District No. 1
Fiscal Year 2025-2026

ASSESSMENT ROLL
242
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243
RESOLUTION NO. 6254

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLEDAD ORDERING

THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE DIAMOND RIDGE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 (MIRAVALE I, PHASE I) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026
The City Council of the City of Soledad, California (hereinafter referred to as the “City”) does resolve as follows:

WHEREAS, the City Council has by previous Resolutions initiated proceedings and declared its intention to levy assessments for the Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 (Miravale I, Phase I) (hereafter referred to as the “District”) for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 pursuant to the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, Part 2 of Division 15 of the California Streets and Highways Code, commencing with Section 22500 (hereafter referred to as the "Act") to pay the costs and expenses of operating, maintaining, and servicing improvements and facilities located within the boundaries of the District; and,
WHEREAS, DTA has prepared and filed with the City Clerk, and the City Clerk has presented to the Council, the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report (hereafter referred to as the “Report”) for the District that describes the District and the proposed levy and collection of assessments upon eligible parcels of land within the District, and the Council did by previous Resolution preliminarily approve such Report; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to levy and collect assessments against parcels of land within the District for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 to pay the costs and expenses of operating, maintaining, and servicing improvements and facilities located within the boundaries of the District; and,
WHEREAS, this City and DTA have reviewed the provisions of Section XIIID of the California State Constitution and found that the proposed assessments comply with these provisions.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, DETERMINED, AND ORDERED BY

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLEDAD FOR THE DIAMOND RIDGE PARKS AND OPEN SPACES MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 (MIRAVALE I, PHASE I) AS FOLLOWS:

Section 2 Based upon its review (and amendments, as applicable) of the Report, the City Council hereby finds and determines that:
i) the land within the District will receive special benefit by the operation, maintenance, and servicing of improvements and facilities located within the boundaries of the District; and,
244
ii) the District includes all of the lands so benefited; and, iii) the net amount to be assessed upon the lands within the District in accordance with the fee for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 is apportioned by a formula and method which fairly distributes the net amount among all eligible parcels in proportion to the estimated benefits to be received by each parcel from the improvements and services. This Fiscal Year assessment for the Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Spaces Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 (Miravale I, Phase I) is $481.17 per parcel.

Section 3 The Report and assessments as presented to the City Council and on file in the Office of the City Clerk are hereby confirmed as filed and approved by the City Council.

Section 4 The maintenance, operation, and servicing of the improvements and appurtenant facilities shall be performed pursuant to the Act. The City Council hereby orders the proposed improvements to be made, which improvements are briefly described as follows: the maintenance and operation of street lights and any or all public landscaping and irrigation improvements of a local nature on landscaped strips of land adjacent to curbs of the following described streets, including jogging paths, planter walls, grass berms, appurtenant irrigation systems; ornamental plantings including lawns, shrubs, and trees; including necessary repairs, replacements, water, electric current, spraying, care, supervision, debris removal, and any and all other items of work necessary and incidental for the proper maintenance and operation thereof. The Report describes all new improvements or substantial changes in existing improvements.

Section 5 The County Auditor of the County of Monterey shall enter on the County Assessment Roll opposite each eligible parcel of land the amount of levy so apportioned by the formula and method outlined in the Report, and such levies shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as the County taxes are collected pursuant to Chapter 4, Article 2, Section 22646 of the Act. After collection by the County, the net amount of the levy shall be paid to the City Treasurer.

Section 6 The City Finance Director shall deposit all money representing assessments collected by the County for the District to the credit of a fund known as the "Improvement Fund, City of Soledad, Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 (Miravale I, Phase I) and such monies shall be expended only for the maintenance, operation, and servicing improvements and facilities as described in Section 4.

Section 7 The adoption of this Resolution constitutes the District levy for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026.

Section 8 The City Clerk or their designate is hereby authorized and directed to file the levy with the County Auditor upon adoption of this Resolution pursuant to Chapter 4, Article 1, Section 22641 of the Act.
245
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 2
nd day of July 2025 by the
following vote:

AYES, and in favor thereof, Councilmembers:

NOES, Councilmembers:

ABSENT, Councilmembers:

ABSTAIN, Councilmembers:
______________________________
ANNA M. VELAZQUEZ, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
MEGAN HUNTER, City Manager
246
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FINAL ENGINEER’S REPORT

DIAMOND RIDGE

PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT NO. 1
FUND #650
CITY OF SOLEDAD | COUNTY OF MONTEREY
Beginning Fiscal Year: 2025-2026
Intent Meeting: June 4, 2025
Public Hearing: July 2, 2025
Resolution No. 6254
247
www.FinanceDTA.com
99 Almaden Blvd., Suite 875
San Jose, CA 95113

CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF
MAYOR
Anna M. Velazquez

COUNCIL MEMBERS
Fernando Cabrera
Fernando Ansaldo-Sanchez
Benjamin Caldera Garcia
Evarista Banuelos

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
Donald Wilcox, P.E.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ASSESSMENT ENGINEERING
Stephen A. Runk, P.E.

DTA
248
TABLE

OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE
I AFFIDAVIT AND CERTIFICATES ................................... 1 II ENGINEER’S REPORT.................................................. 3 III PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS...................................... 5 A Description of the District..................................................5 B District Improvements, Facilities, and Services...................5 IV COST ESTIMATE......................................................... 7 A Costs of Improvements......................................................7 B Annual Cost Indexing.........................................................8 C Contributions from Other Sources......................................9 D Annual Installments...........................................................9 E Net Assessment.................................................................9 V ASSESSMENT ROLL .................................................. 11 VI METHOD OF ASSESSMENT ....................................... 12 A Background.....................................................................12 B Benefits of Improvements ...............................................13 C Categories of Benefit.......................................................13 D Allocation of Special Benefit to Parcels ............................14 E Amount of Assessment....................................................15

VII ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM AND BOUNDARY
MAP....................................................................... 17

VIII TERMINATION OF DISTRICT/LIMITATIONS OF
REPORT.................................................................. 18 A Termination of District.....................................................18 B Limitations of Report.......................................................18

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A ASSESSMENT ROLL
249
1 SECTION I

AFFIDAVIT AND CERTIFICATES
City of Soledad
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space MAD No. 1 July 2, 2025 www.FinanceDTA.com

I AFFIDAVIT AND CERTIFICATES

CITY OF SOLEDAD DIAMOND RIDGE PARKS AND OPEN SPACES
MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1
This Engineer’s Report (“Report”) and the enclosed descriptions, budget, and assessment diagram outlines the District and includes the proposed assessments for each lot, parcel, and subdivision of land within said District to be levied for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as they existed at the time of the passage of the Resolution of Intention.

Dated this ______ day of ______________, 2025.

License Number: C23473
250
2 SECTION I

AFFIDAVIT AND CERTIFICATES
City of Soledad
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space MAD No. 1 July 2, 2025 www.FinanceDTA.com

CITY OF SOLEDAD DIAMOND RIDGE PARKS AND OPEN SPACES
MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the enclosed Engineer’s Report, together with the Assessment Diagram thereto attached, was filed with me on the ________ day of ____________, 2025.

By: _____________________________
Megan Hunter, City Manager
City of Soledad, Monterey County
251
3 SECTION II
ENGINEER’S REPORT
City of Soledad
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space MAD No. 1 July 2, 2025 www.FinanceDTA.com
II ENGINEER’S REPORT
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Soledad (“City”), pursuant to the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, Part 2 of Division 15 of the California Streets and Highways Code (the “1972 Act”), adopted its resolution (“Resolution”) initiating proceedings for the levy of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 assessments against properties in the Diamond Ridge Park and Open Space Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 (the “District”) to fund maintenance and operation of street lights and any or all public landscaping and irrigation improvements that have been determined to specially benefit properties in the District (“Improvements”).

WHEREAS, the Resolution designates DTA as Assessment Engineer and directed the Assessment Engineer to prepare and file a report (“Engineer’s Report” or “Report”) pursuant to the 1972 Act and Article XIIID of the California Constitution (“Proposition 218”).

This Report includes the following sections:

Plans and Specifications – Plans and specifications for services to be provided. Plans and specifications are a part of this Report whether or not separately bound.

Assessment Diagram – A diagram showing all of the parcels of real property to be assessed within this District. The diagram corresponds with the Assessment Roll by assessment number.

Termination of District/Limitations of Report – A statement as to the duration of the District and the accuracy of the data and information necessary for the development of this annual Report.

NOW THEREFORE, the undersigned, acting as an agent for DTA, Assessment Engineer for the District, by virtue of the power vested under the 1972 Act and the order of the City, hereby submits this Engineer’s Report and makes the following assessment to cover the portion of the estimated costs of the Improvements, including the incidental costs and expenses, to be paid by the District. 252
4 SECTION II
ENGINEER’S REPORT
City of Soledad
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space MAD No. 1 July 2, 2025 www.FinanceDTA.com
The net assessment in Fiscal Year 2025-2026 is summarized in Table 1.

Table 1: Net Assessment for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Item Amount
Maintenance Costs $32,269
Administration Costs $39,382
Levy Adjustments (Reserve Fund Debit) $95,315
Net Assessment* $166,966
*Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

DTA
Kuda Wekwete Date
Project Manager
Stephen A. Runk, P.E. Date
License Number: C23473
253
5 SECTION III

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
City of Soledad
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space MAD No. 1 July 2, 2025 www.FinanceDTA.com

A Description of the District
The District is generally bounded by the northerly boundary of Miravale, Phase I Tract Map (Terraza Street) to the north, Gabilan Drive to the south, Orchard Lane to the east, and Toledo Street to the west. A District diagram incorporated herein under Section VII of this Report outlines the boundaries of the District. This diagram incorporates all lots, parcels, and subdivisions of land within the District as the same existed at the time this Report was prepared, a complete listing of which is provided in Appendix A of this Report.

B.1 Street Light Improvements
The maintenance and operations in the District include all street light improvements within the Miravale, Phase I Subdivision.

B.2 Public Landscaping and Irrigation Improvements
Maintenance and operation of any or all public landscaping and irrigation improvements of a local nature on landscaped strips (of land adjacent to curbs within the District) includes the following:
jogging paths, planter walls, grass berms, appurtenant irrigation systems, ornamental plantings including lawns, shrubs, and trees; including necessary repairs, replacements, water, electric current, spraying, care, supervision, debris removal, engineering and inspection, and any and all other items of work necessary and incidental for the proper maintenance and operation thereof.

Additionally, maintenance and operation includes all additions, improvements, and enlargements which may be made on the previously described work.

Public landscaping and irrigation improvements covered under the maintenance and operations of the District are located on Gabilan Drive and Orchard Lane, and include the strip of land varying in width from face of curb lines (including planter walls) (i) along the north side of Gabilan Drive from Toledo Street to Orchard Lane, and (ii) along the east and west side of Orchard Lane from Gabilan Drive to the north limit of Miravale, Phase I Tract Map.

B.3 Storm Water and Park Improvements
Maintenance and operation includes storm retention pond, appurtenant irrigation system, 254
6 SECTION III

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
City of Soledad
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space MAD No. 1 July 2, 2025 www.FinanceDTA.com
ornamental plantings including lawns, shrubs and trees; including necessary repairs, replacements, water, electric current, spraying, care, supervision, debris removal, and any and all other items of work necessary and incidental for the proper maintenance and operation thereof.

The following improvements are covered under the maintenance and operations of the District:

Park Parcel “A” (including a storm water retention pond), San Antonio Park, Santa Barbara Park, and Peverini Park.

B.4 Incidental and Other Expenses
Incidental costs include contingencies and District incidentals such as engineering, printing, notices to property owners, collection costs, legal fees, administration, and supervision. 255
7 SECTION IV

COST ESTIMATE
City of Soledad
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space MAD No. 1 July 2, 2025 www.FinanceDTA.com

The following describes the costs that are funded through the District.

A Costs of Improvements
A.1 Projected Annual Maintenance Costs
Included in the City’s Public Works Department Budget Request are estimated costs for the annual maintenance and servicing of all improvements within the District. District direct maintenance expenses are estimated at $32,269 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as shown in Table 2 below.

Table 2: Projected Annual Direct Maintenance Costs
Item Description Cost Estimate
Parks/Street/Percolation Pond/ Landscape
Maintenance $16,056
Street Landscape Water Charges $4,700
Park Water Charges $6,844
Park/Landscape Electrical Charges $672
Planter Wall Maintenance $1,880
Sound Wall Reserve $1,478
Street Lighting Electrical and Replacement $640
Total* $32,269
*Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

COST ESTIMATE
City of Soledad
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space MAD No. 1 July 2, 2025 www.FinanceDTA.com
Table 3: Projected Annual Administration Costs
Item Description Cost Estimate
City Administration $28,492
District Administration $5,000
Printing and Advertising $684
County Collection $5,205
Total* $39,381
*Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

A.3 Projected Annual Levy Adjustment
Finally, in addition to the costs listed above, certain levy adjustments will be made to account for any operating reserve credits or required capital collections to the District’s reserve fund. As shown in Table 4, an Operating Reserve Collection of $47,549 and the required Capital Reserve Collection of $47,767, resulting in a total of $95,316 Reserve Fund Debit has been applied to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 assessment.

Table 4: Projected Annual Levy Adjustment
Item Description Cost Estimate
Capital Reserve Collection $47,767
Operating Reserve Debit/Credit $47,549
Total* $95,316
*Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

B Annual Cost Indexing
B.1 City/District Administration, Printing, and Advertising With the passage of Proposition 218, any proposed increase in assessments must be approved by impacted property owners via a mail ballot and public hearing process, similar to these proceedings. A weighted simple majority of ballots received (weighted according to each parcel’s proportionate assessment obligation) must be affirmative for the City Council to confirm and levy the increased assessments. For small assessment districts or districts with relatively low dollar assessments, the cost of an Engineer’s Report, balloting, and the public hearing process can potentially exceed the total amount of the increase. The incidental costs of these proceedings may be added to the assessments, resulting in even higher assessments.

Therefore, indexing assessments annually to the published “San Francisco Consumer Price Index for Urban Consumers” (“SF CPI”) allows for minor increases in normal maintenance and operating costs, without incurring the costs of ballot proceedings required by Proposition 218. Any other significant changes to the District (e.g., increases in service, modification of the boundary, etc.) would still require Proposition 218 proceedings and, ultimately, property owner approval.

Thus, on each July 1, commencing on July 1, 2003, the maximum authorized unit assessment rates 257
9 SECTION IV

COST ESTIMATE
City of Soledad
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space MAD No. 1 July 2, 2025 www.FinanceDTA.com
established in these proceedings will be indexed (increased) annually by a factor equal to the published April SF CPI from the preceding Fiscal Year.

The most recent data for the increase in the SF CPI is the increase between April 2024 and April 2025 and shows an increase equal to 1.27%. Therefore, on July 1, 2025, the maximum assessment will thus be increased by 1.27%.

B.2 Collection Fees
The County Auditor/Controller also charges an additional 0.25% of the total amount assessed.

D Annual Installments
The entire amount of the net assessment, as shown in Table 5 below, will be assessed in Fiscal Year 2025- 2026.

E Net Assessment
Pursuant to the foregoing, Table 5 shows the net amount to be assessed upon assessable lands within the District in Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
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10 SECTION IV

COST ESTIMATE
City of Soledad
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space MAD No. 1 July 2, 2025 www.FinanceDTA.com
Table 5: Net Assessment for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Item Total Costs Special Benefit
Allocated Net Assessment
Maintenance Costs (Direct)
Parks/Street/Percolation Pond/Landscape
Maintenance $16,056 100% $16,056
Street Landscape Water Charges $4,700 100% $4,700
Park Water Charges $6,844 100% $6,844
Park/Landscape Electrical Charges $672 100% $672
Planter Wall Maintenance $1,880 100% $1,880
Sound Wall Reserve $1,478 100% $1,478
Street Lighting Electrical and Replacement $640 100% $640 Administration Costs
City Administration $28,492 100% $28,492
District Administration $5,000 100% $5,000
Printing and Advertising $684 100% $684
County Collection $5,205 100% $5,205
Levy Adjustments
Capital Reserve Collection $47,767 100% $47,767
Operating Reserve Debit/Credit $47,549 100% $47,549
Net Assessment* $166,966 N/A $166,966
*Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.
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11 SECTION V

ASSESSMENT ROLL
City of Soledad
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space MAD No. 1 July 2, 2025 www.FinanceDTA.com

All parcel information has been provided to DTA by the City Public Works Department, the previous Assessment Engineer, and the County of Monterey.
260
12 SECTION VI

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
City of Soledad
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space MAD No. 1 July 2, 2025 www.FinanceDTA.com

VI METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
A Background
Pursuant to the 1972 Act, the legislative body establishes and determines the “estimated benefit received” by each parcel from the Improvements.

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
City of Soledad
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space MAD No. 1 July 2, 2025 www.FinanceDTA.com
benefit conferred on each such parcel.

B Benefits of Improvements
The benefits associated with the local landscaping improvements are shown in the Table 6 below.

Table 6: Benefits from Landscaping Improvements
Landscaping Improvements
Enhanced desirability of properties through association with the improvements.

Improved aesthetic appeal of properties within the District providing a positive representation of the area.

Enhanced adaptation of the urban environment within the natural environment from adequate green space and landscaping.

Environmental enhancement through improved erosion resistance, and dust and debris control.

Increased sense of pride in ownership of property within the District resulting from well-maintained improvements associated with the properties.

Reduced criminal activity and property-related crimes (especially vandalism) against properties in the District through well-maintained surroundings and amenities including abatement of graffiti.

Enhanced environmental quality of the parcels within the District by moderating temperatures, providing oxygenation, and attenuating noise.

The special benefits of street lighting are the convenience, safety, and security of property, improvements, and goods as identified in Table 7 below.

Table 7: Benefits from Street Lighting Improvements
Street Lighting Improvements
Enhanced deterrence of crime and the aid to police protection.

Increased nighttime safety on roads and highways.

Improved ability of pedestrians and motorists to see.

Improved ingress and egress to property.

Reduced vandalism and other criminal acts and damage to improvements or property.

Improved traffic circulation and reduced nighttime accidents and personal property loss.

Increased promotion of business during nighttime hours in the case of commercial properties.

The Improvements to be maintained and operated in the District were within or in areas in close proximity 262
14 SECTION VI

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
City of Soledad
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space MAD No. 1 July 2, 2025 www.FinanceDTA.com
to the proposed developed residential lots. As a result, the developed residential lots in the District will receive 100% of the special benefits of the operation and maintenance of the Improvements. These benefits include enhanced neighborhood health and safety, improved quality of life from drainage, flood control and street improvements, protection of improved property, enhanced comfort, and increased desirability of the immediate surroundings of the residential units within the District. Importantly, because of the location of the improvements within or close to the District itself, there is no general benefit to properties outside the District or the community as a whole. Any such general benefit is so incidental and negligible that it cannot be calculated for purposes of assessment.

Factored development unit calculations for residential areas are as follows:

Low Density Single-Family Residential = 1.0 Unit
263
15 SECTION VI

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
City of Soledad
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space MAD No. 1 July 2, 2025 www.FinanceDTA.com
E Amount of Assessment
Pursuant to the foregoing, Table 8 below shows the net amount to be assessed upon assessable lands within the District in Fiscal Year 2025-2026.

Table 8: Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Assessment Rates in the District Assessment Per EDU
Fiscal Year 2024-2025
Assessment Per EDU
Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Max Assessment Per EDU
Fiscal Year 2025-2026
$475.14 $481.17 $481.17
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16 SECTION VI

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
City of Soledad
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space MAD No. 1 July 2, 2025 www.FinanceDTA.com
Table 9: Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Cost Estimate
D escription Total Am ount ($)
Special Benefit
Apportioned to
D istrict
Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Total Budget
(Am ount Funded to D istrict)
(A) Annual M aintenance (D irect C osts)
O perating Expenses
Parks/Street/Percolation Pond/ Landscape M aintenance $16,055.76 100% $16,055.76 Street Landscape W ater C harges $4,700.27 100% $4,700.27 Park W ater C harges $6,843.64 100% $6,843.64
Park/Landscape Electrical C harges $671.83 100% $671.83 Planter W all M aintenance $1,880.11 100% $1,880.11
Sound W all Reserve (Replacem ent & Painting -$15K every 5 yrs.) $1,477.76 100% $1,477.76 Street Lighting Electrical & Replacem ent $639.53 100% $639.53 Reserve C ollection / (Transfer) $0.00 100% $0.00
(B) Adm inistration
C ity Adm inistration $28,492.20 100% $28,492.20
D istrict Adm inistration $5,000.00 100% $5,000.00
Printing & Advertising $684.49 100% $684.49
C ounty C ollection $5,205.00 100% $5,205.00
Subtotal (A+B) $71,650.59 N /A $71,650.59
(C ) Levy Adjustm ents
C apital Reserve C ollection
Santa Barbara Park ($160,000 Total) $29,671.67
Peverini Park ($105,000 Total) $18,095.17
O ther Im provem ents $0.00
O perating Reserve Transfer In/(O ut) $47,548.56
Balance to Levy (A+B+C ) N /A N /A $166,965.99
(D ) D istrict Assessm ent
Total ED U s C ount 347
Total Parcels C ount 347
Total Parcels Levied 347
FY 2025-2026 C alculated Assessm ent per EBU $481.17
FY 2025-2026 M axim um Assessm ent per EBU $481.17
FY 2025-2026 M axim um Levy $166,965.99
(F) Fund Balance Inform ation
Beginning Fund Balance FY 2025 -2026 $487,725.50
Reserve Fund Adjustm ents $95,315.40
Anticipated Ending Balance FY 2025-2026 $583,040.90
City of Soledad
Engineer's Report
D iam ond Ridge Parks and O pen Space M aintenance Assessm ent D istrict N o.1 - Fund #650 Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Cost Estim ate
265
17 SECTION VII

ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM AND BOUNDARY
MAP
City of Soledad
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space MAD No. 1 July 2, 2025 www.FinanceDTA.com

VII ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM AND BOUNDARY MAP
The boundary map for the District has been previously approved and submitted to the City in the format required by the 1972 Act and is on file in the Office of the City Clerk.

Figure 1: Assessment Diagram
266
18 SECTION VIII

TERMINATION OF DISTRICT/LIMITATIONS

OF REPORT
City of Soledad
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space MAD No. 1 July 2, 2025 www.FinanceDTA.com

1. City of Soledad, specifically the Public Works Department;

2. The previous Assessment Engineer; and

3. The County of Monterey.
267

APPENDIX A
City of Soledad
Diamond Ridge Parks and Open Space
Maintenance Assessment District No. 1
Fiscal Year 2025-2026

ASSESSMENT ROLL

268
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269
DRAFT – FOR REVIEW
RESOLUTION NO. 6255

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLEDAD ORDERING

THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 ANNEXATION NO. 1 (ORCHARD VILLAS/MIRAVALE II) FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/2026
The City Council of the City of Soledad, California (hereinafter referred to as the “City”) does resolve as follows:

WHEREAS, the City Council has by previous Resolutions initiated proceedings and declared its intention to levy assessments for the Parks and Open Space Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 as Annexation No. 1, Orchard Villas/Miravale II (hereafter referred to as the “District”) for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 pursuant to the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, Part 2 of Division 15 of the California Streets and Highways Code, commencing with Section 22500 (hereafter referred to as the "Act") to pay the costs and expenses of operating, maintaining, and servicing improvements and facilities located within the boundaries of the District; and,
WHEREAS, DTA has prepared and filed with the City Clerk, and the City Clerk has presented to the Council, the Engineer’s Annual Levy Report (hereafter referred to as the “Report”) for the District that describes the District and the proposed levy and collection of assessments upon eligible parcels of land within the District, and the Council did by previous Resolution preliminarily approve such Report; and,
WHEREAS, the City Council desires to levy and collect assessments against parcels of land within the District for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 to pay the costs and expenses of operating, maintaining, and servicing improvements and facilities located within the boundaries of the District; and,
WHEREAS, this City and DTA have reviewed the provisions of Section XIIID of the California State Constitution and found that the proposed assessments comply with these provisions.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, DETERMINED, AND ORDERED BY

THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SOLEDAD FOR THE PARKS AND OPEN SPACES MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1 AS ANNEXATION NO. 1 (ORCHARD VILLAS/MIRAVALE II) AS FOLLOWS:

Section 2 Based upon its review (and amendments, as applicable) of the Report, the City Council hereby finds and determines that:
i) the land within the District will receive special benefit by the operation, maintenance, and servicing of improvements and facilities located within the boundaries of the District; and,
270
DRAFT – FOR REVIEW
ii) the District includes all of the lands so benefited; and, iii) the net amount to be assessed upon the lands within the District in accordance with the fee for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026 is apportioned by a formula and method which fairly distributes the net amount among all eligible parcels in proportion to the estimated benefits to be received by each parcel from the improvements and services. This Fiscal Year assessment for the Parks and Open Spaces Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 as Annexation No. 1 (Orchard Villas/Miravale II) is $610.58 per parcel.

Section 3 The Report and assessments as presented to the City Council and on file in the Office of the City Clerk are hereby confirmed as filed and approved by the City Council.

Section 4 The maintenance, operation, and servicing of the improvements and appurtenant facilities shall be performed pursuant to the Act. The City Council hereby orders the proposed improvements to be made, which improvements are briefly described as follows: the maintenance, servicing, including repair, replacement, removal, and operation of landscape improvements, park maintenance, graffiti removal, water for irrigation and fountains, and associated appurtenances located within the public right-of-way and dedicated landscape easements and parks, including retention pond. Improvements within the District are generally parks, parkways and block walls located throughout the Orchard Villas and Miravale II developments. These improvements include turf, ground cover, shrubs and trees, irrigation systems, graffiti removal, and walkways. Services provided include all necessary service, operations, and maintenance required to keep the improvements in a healthy, vigorous condition and in proper working order. The Report describes all new improvements or substantial changes in existing improvements.

Section 5 The County Auditor of the County of Monterey shall enter on the County Assessment Roll opposite each eligible parcel of land the amount of levy so apportioned by the formula and method outlined in the Report, and such levies shall be collected at the same time and in the same manner as the County taxes are collected pursuant to Chapter 4, Article 2, Section 22646 of the Act. After collection by the County, the net amount of the levy shall be paid to the City Treasurer.

Section 6 The City Finance Director shall deposit all money representing assessments collected by the County for the District to the credit of a fund known as the "Improvement Fund, City of Soledad, Parks and Open Space Maintenance Assessment District No. 1 as Annexation No. 1, as Orchard Villas/Miravale II” and such monies shall be expended only for the maintenance, operation, and servicing improvements and facilities as described in Section 4.

Section 7 The adoption of this Resolution constitutes the District levy for the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025 and ending June 30, 2026.

Section 8 The City Clerk or their designate is hereby authorized and directed to file the levy with the County Auditor upon adoption of this Resolution pursuant to Chapter 4, Article 1, Section 22641 of the Act.
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DRAFT – FOR REVIEW
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 2
nd day of July 2025 by the
following vote:

AYES, and in favor thereof, Councilmembers:

NOES, Councilmembers:

ABSENT, Councilmembers:

ABSTAIN, Councilmembers:

ANNA M. VELAZQUEZ, Mayor
ATTEST:
____________________________________
MEGAN HUNTER, City Manager
272
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FINAL ENGINEER’S REPORT

ORCHARD VILLAS/MIRAVALE II

PARKS AND OPEN SPACE MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT NO. 1,
ANNEXATION NO. 1
FUND #651
CITY OF SOLEDAD | COUNTY OF MONTEREY
Beginning Fiscal Year: 2025-2026
Intent Meeting: June 4, 2025
Public Hearing: July 2, 2025
Resolution No. 6255
273
www.FinanceDTA.com
99 Almaden Blvd, Suite 875
San Jose, CA 95113

CITY COUNCIL AND STAFF
MAYOR
Anna M. Velazquez

COUNCIL MEMBERS
Ben Caldera
Fernando Cabrera
Fernando Ansaldo-Sanchez
Evarista Banuelos

PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
Donald Wilcox, P.E.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

ASSESSMENT ENGINEERING
Stephen A. Runk, P.E.

DTA
274
TABLE

OF CONTENTS

SECTION PAGE
I AFFIDAVIT AND CERTIFICATES.................................... 1 II ENGINEER’S REPORT .................................................. 3 III PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS ...................................... 5 A Description of the District..................................................5 B District Improvements, Facilities, and Services...................5 IV COST ESTIMATE ......................................................... 7 A Costs of Improvements......................................................7 B Annual Cost Indexing.........................................................8 C Contributions from Other Sources......................................9 D Annual Installments...........................................................9 E Net Assessment.................................................................9 V ASSESSMENT ROLL................................................... 11 VI METHOD OF ASSESSMENT ....................................... 12 A Background.....................................................................12 B Benefits of Improvements ...............................................13 C Categories of Benefit.......................................................13 D Allocation of Special Benefit to Parcels ............................15 E Amount of Assessment....................................................16

VII ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM AND BOUNDARY
MAP ........................................................................ 18

VIII TERMINATION OF DISTRICT/LIMITATIONS OF
REPORT ................................................................... 19 A Termination of District.....................................................19 B Limitations of Report.......................................................19

APPENDICES

APPENDIX A ASSESSMENT ROLL
275
1 SECTION I

AFFIDAVIT AND CERTIFICATES
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Orchard Villas/Miravale II MAD No. 1, Annexation No. 1 www.FinanceDTA.com

I AFFIDAVIT AND CERTIFICATES

CITY OF SOLEDAD PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1
ANNEXATION NO. 1, ORCHARD VILLAS/MIRAVALE II
This Engineer’s Report (“Report”) and the enclosed descriptions, budget, and assessment diagram outlines the District and includes the proposed assessments for each lot, parcel, and subdivision of land within said District to be levied for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as they existed at the time of the passage of the Resolution of Intention.

Dated this ______ day of ______________, 2025.

License Number: C23473
276
2 SECTION I

AFFIDAVIT AND CERTIFICATES
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Orchard Villas/Miravale II MAD No. 1, Annexation No. 1 www.FinanceDTA.com

CITY OF SOLEDAD PARKS AND OPEN SPACE
MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1
ANNEXATION NO. 1, ORCHARD VILLAS/MIRAVALE II
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the enclosed Engineer’s Report, together with the Assessment Diagram thereto attached, was filed with me on the ________ day of ____________, 2025.

By: _____________________________
Megan Hunter, City Manager
City of Soledad, Monterey County
277
3 SECTION II
ENGINEER’S REPORT
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Orchard Villas/Miravale II MAD No. 1, Annexation No. 1 www.FinanceDTA.com
II ENGINEER’S REPORT
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Soledad (“City”), pursuant to the provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, Part 2 of Division 15 of the California Streets and Highways Code (the “1972 Act”), adopted its resolution (“Resolution”) initiating proceedings for the levy of Fiscal Year 2025-2026 assessments against properties in the Orchard Villas/Miravale II Parks and Open Space Maintenance Assessment District No. 1, Annexation No. 1 (the “District”) to fund maintenance and operation of park, landscape, and street light improvements within City streets, that have been determined to specially benefit the District (“Improvements”).

WHEREAS, the Resolution designates DTA as Assessment Engineer and directed the Assessment Engineer to prepare and file a report (“Engineer’s Report” or “Report”) pursuant to the 1972 Act and Article XIIID of the California Constitution (“Proposition 218”).

This Report includes the following sections:

Plans and Specifications – Plans and specifications for services to be provided. Plans and specifications are a part of this Report whether or not separately bound.

Assessment Diagram – A diagram showing all of the parcels of real property to be assessed within this District. The diagram corresponds with the Assessment Roll by assessment number.

Termination of District/Limitations of Report – A statement as to the duration of the District and the accuracy of the data and information necessary for the development of this annual Report.

The net assessment in Fiscal Year 2025-2026 is summarized in Table 1. 278
4 SECTION II
ENGINEER’S REPORT
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Orchard Villas/Miravale II MAD No. 1, Annexation No. 1 www.FinanceDTA.com
Table 1: Net Assessment for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Item Amount
Maintenance Costs $352,513
Administration Costs $39,696
Levy Adjustments (Reserve Fund Credit/Debit) ($25,500)
Net Assessment* $366,709
*Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

DTA
Kuda Wekwete Date
Project Manager
Stephen A. Runk, P.E. Date
License Number: C23473
279
5 SECTION III

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Orchard Villas/Miravale II MAD No. 1, Annexation No. 1 www.FinanceDTA.com

A Description of the District
The District is generally located between Orchard Lane and Granada Street, south of Gabilan Drive, west of Bryant Canyon Road, and east of Orchard Lane. A District diagram incorporated herein under Section VII of this Report outlines the boundaries of the District. This diagram incorporates all lots, parcels, and subdivisions of land within the District as the same existed at the time this Report was prepared, a complete listing of which is provided in Appendix A of this Report.

B.1 Landscape Improvements
Maintenance and operation includes maintenance, servicing (including repair, replacement, removal), and operation of landscape improvements, park maintenance, graffiti removal, water for irrigation and fountains, and associated appurtenances located within the public right-of-way and dedicated landscape easements.

These maintenance and operation activities are generally performed on parkways and block walls located throughout the Orchard Villas and Miravale II developments. Currently the proposed Improvements to be maintained include:

A total of 13,343 square feet of landscaping, plus a future 61-acre park (parcel “G”), located in Orchard Villas; and
A total of 65,790 square feet of landscaping plus a future 7.91-acre park located in Miravale II.

B.2 Street Light Improvements
Maintenance and operation related to street light improvements includes (i) the maintenance, operation, and servicing of local street lights within approximately 90 feet to certain lots and parcels and therefore provides a direct special benefit to such lots or parcels; and (ii) the maintenance, operation, and servicing of arterial street lights that provide a special benefit to all the assessable parcels within the District whether or not such parcels are in close proximity to such lighting.

Importantly, the improvements that are covered under these maintenance and operation 280
6 SECTION III

PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Orchard Villas/Miravale II MAD No. 1, Annexation No. 1 www.FinanceDTA.com
activities include:

Within Orchard Villas, street lights along Orchard Lane, Villa Street, Tomasini Trail, Tankersley Street Luchessa Way, Serra Court, Rusconi Court, Camino Arroyo, Davalos Lane, Luna Drive, and Calle Valverde; and
Within Miravale II, street lights along Bryant Canyon Road, Santa Clara, San Rafael, San Gabriel, La Colina Street, San Antonio, Jones, Westcott, Binsacca, Gabilan Drive, Rojos Way, Rusconi Court, Asilomar Street, Orchard Lane, and additional streets within the Miravale II development that are not named at this time.

COST ESTIMATE
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Orchard Villas/Miravale II MAD No. 1, Annexation No. 1 www.FinanceDTA.com

The following describes the costs that are funded through the District.

A Costs of Improvements
A.1 Projected Annual Maintenance Costs
Included in the City’s Public Works Department Budget Request are estimated costs for the annual maintenance and servicing of all improvements within the District. District direct maintenance expenses are estimated at $352,513 for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 as shown in Table 2 below.

Table 2: Projected Annual Direct Maintenance Costs
Item Description Cost Estimate
Landscape Maintenance (Easements) $154,573
Park Maintenance $101,100
Street Lights $74,666
Graffiti $22,174
Reserve Collection/(Transfer) $0.00
Total* $352,513
*Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

COST ESTIMATE
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Orchard Villas/Miravale II MAD No. 1, Annexation No. 1 www.FinanceDTA.com
Table 3: Projected Annual Administration Costs
Item Description Cost Estimate
City Administration $30,074
District Administration $5,282
Printing and Advertising $667
County Collection $3,673
Total* $39,696
*Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.

A.3 Projected Annual Levy Adjustment
Finally, in addition to the costs listed above, certain levy adjustments will be made to account for any operating reserve credits or required capital collections to the District’s reserve fund. As shown in Table 4, an Operating Reserve Credit of $25,500 has been applied to offset the required Capital Reserve Collection. Therefore, a net total of $25,500 Reserve Fund Credit has been applied to the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 assessment.

Table 4: Projected Annual Levy Adjustment
Item Description Cost Estimate
Capital Reserve Collection $0
Operating Reserve Credit ($25,500)
Total ($25,500)
B Annual Cost Indexing
B.1 City/District Administration, Printing, and Advertising With the passage of Proposition 218, any proposed increase in assessments must be approved by impacted property owners via a mail ballot and public hearing process, similar to these proceedings. A weighted simple majority of ballots received (weighted according to each parcel’s proportionate assessment obligation) must be affirmative for the City Council to confirm and levy the increased assessments. For small assessment districts or districts with relatively low dollar assessments, the cost of an Engineer’s Report, balloting, and the public hearing process can potentially exceed the total amount of the increase. The incidental costs of these proceedings may be added to the assessments, resulting in even higher assessments.

Thus, on each July 1, commencing on July 1, 2007, the maximum authorized unit assessment rates established in these proceedings will be indexed (increased) annually by a factor equal to the 283
9 SECTION IV

COST ESTIMATE
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Orchard Villas/Miravale II MAD No. 1, Annexation No. 1 www.FinanceDTA.com
published SF CPI from the preceding Fiscal Year.

The most recent data for the increase in the SF CPI is the increase between February 2024 and February 2025 and shows an increase equal to 2.69%. Therefore, on July 1, 2025, the maximum assessment will thus be increased by 2.69%.

B.2 Collection Fees
The County Auditor/Controller also charges an additional 0.25% of the total amount assessed.

D Annual Installments
The entire amount of the net assessment, as shown in Table 5 below, will be assessed in Fiscal Year 2025- 2026.

E Net Assessment
Pursuant to the foregoing, Table 5 shows the net amount to be assessed upon assessable lands within the District in Fiscal Year 2025-2026.
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COST ESTIMATE
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Orchard Villas/Miravale II MAD No. 1, Annexation No. 1 www.FinanceDTA.com
Table 5: Net Assessment for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Item Total Costs
Special
Benefit
Allocated
Net Assessment
Maintenance Costs (Direct)
Landscape Maintenance(Easements) $154,573 100% $154,573 Park Maintenance $101,100 100% $101,100
Street Lights $74,666 100% $74,666
Graffiti $22,174 100% $22,174
Administration Costs
City Administration $30,074 100% $30,074
District Administration $5,282 100% $5,282
Printing and Advertising $667 100% $667
County Collection $3,673 100% $3,673
Levy Adjustments
Capital Reserve Collection $0 100% $0
Operating Reserve Credit ($25,500) 100% ($25,500)
Net Assessment* $366,709 N/A $366,709
*Note: Figures may not sum due to rounding.
285
11 SECTION V

ASSESSMENT ROLL
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Orchard Villas/Miravale II MAD No. 1, Annexation No. 1 www.FinanceDTA.com

All parcel information has been provided to DTA by the City Public Works Department, the previous Assessment Engineer, and the County of Monterey.
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12 SECTION VI

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Orchard Villas/Miravale II MAD No. 1, Annexation No. 1 www.FinanceDTA.com

VI METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
A Background
Pursuant to the 1972 Act, the legislative body establishes and determines the “estimated benefit received” by each parcel from the Improvements.

METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
City of Soledad July 2, 2025
FINAL Engineer’s Report for Orchard Villas/Miravale II MAD No. 1, Annexation No. 1 www.FinanceDTA.com
benefit conferred on each such parcel.

B Benefits of Improvements
The special benefits associated with the local landscaping improvements are shown in the Table 6 below.