HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2h: Contract to Willdan Financial Services for Formation of Assessment Districtmeor9 . Iw
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DATE: October 6, 2009
STAFF REPORT
Public Works Services Department
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Pat Malloy, Assistant City Manager/Public Works Services Direct]
Prepared by: Maria A. Taylor, Senior Management Analyst
SUBJECT: AWARD A CONTRACT TO WILLDAN FINANCIAL SERVICES IN THE
AMOUNT OF $6,500 FOR FORMATION OF AN ASSESSMENT
DISTRICT FOR FIVE-LOT SUBDIVISION PROJECT ON EIGHTH
AVENUE
Recommendation: Approve
SUMMARY
The Public Works Services Department (PWSD) is working collaboratively with
Development Services Department (DSD) on the formation of a lighting and
landscaping district for a five (5) lot subdivision project on Eighth Avenue. The purpose
of this assessment district is to ensure that new development pays their fair share of on-
going operation and maintenance costs from street lighting and landscape
maintenance. It should be noted that this proposed assessment district is separate from
the anticipated citywide lighting assessment district.
As a result of Willdan Financial Services (Willdan) knowledge of the Landscape and
Lighting Act of 1972 and their familiarity with the City; staff feels that Willdan is the most
qualified firm to assist City staff with preparation of the required documentation for the
formation and balloting process associated with the proposed Assessment District.
The projects owner/developer is a willing participant and has put up a deposit to be
used for the proposed formation of the Landscape and Lighting District.
Therefore, staff recommends awarding a contract to Willdan Financial Services in the
amount of $6,500 for the formation of an Assessment District prepared under the
Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972 for the five-lot subdivision project on Eight Avenue.
DISCUSSION
The Public Works Services Department (PWSD) is working collaboratively with
Development Services Department (DSD) on a proposed lighting and landscaping
district for the five (5) lot subdivision development project on Eighth Avenue to ensure
recovery of this area's ongoing lighting and landscaping maintenance and operation
costs from its property owner. This project is separate from the upcoming citywide
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Mayor and City Council
October 6, 2009
lighting assessment district formation and its funding was not included in this year's
budget. However, the property owner/developer is supportive of the subdivision's
landscape and lighting district formation and has provided the City a deposit of $7,500
to pay for the consultant's fees associated with the establish the district.
Although this proposed assessment district is smaller than the citywide assessment
district and only requires one (1) vote for the district to pass, staff is still required to
follow the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972. This includes the Council's approval
of an Engineer's Report and resolutions to initiate the formation of the district and to
proceed with the balloting process. In addition, a 45-day notice is necessary prior to the
Public Hearing during which the balloting process would be officially closed and
tabulated. The Public Hearing is tentatively scheduled for the December 8th City
Council Meeting. Following the successful passage of the balloting process, staff will
return to a later meeting requesting the Council's approval of the Engineer's report and
order levy of assessment.
Willdan, formerly MuniFinancial, handled last year's citywide lighting assessment district
formation and is working with the City on this year's re-balloting process. Based upon
Willdan's extensive knowledge of the city's district structure and assessment rationale,
Willdan is able to provide similar service more cost effectively for the subdivision's
district formation.
Therefore, staff recommends awarding a contract with Willdan Financial Services in the
amount of $6,500 for the formation of an Assessment District prepared under the
Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972 for the five-lot subdivision project on Eighth Avenue
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding for this project was not budgeted for this fiscal year. However, the developer
has already put up a deposit of $7,500 to the City to pay for the consultant fees for the
subdivision's district formation.
Upon successful establishment of the subdivision's lighting assessment district, the City
will collect an assessment from the property owner's annual property tax bill to fund the
District's annual maintenance and operations costs.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Award a contract to Willdan Financial Services in the amount of $6,500 for
the small residential subdivision's district formation services.
2. Authorize the City Manager and City Clerk to execute a contract in a form
approved by the City Attorney.
Approved by:
Donald Penm , City Manager
PM:DM:jb
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