HomeMy WebLinkAbout1998-06-23 - AGENDA REPORTS - SC SMD NO 1 (2)CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
City Manager Approval:
Item to be presented by: (Lawrence Cushman
DATE: June 23, 1998
SUBJECT: SANTA CLARITA STREETLIGHT MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1 -
RECOGNIZING AND ACCEPTING THE JURISDICTIONAL
RESPONSIBILITY OF THE EXISTING LIGHTING DISTRICT LLA -1,
ORDERING AN ENGINEER'S REPORT, APPROVING THE
ENGINEER'S REPORT, DECLARING THE CITY S INTENTION TO
LEVY ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS, AND SETTING A TIME AND PLACE
FOR A PUBLIC HEARING
RESOLUTION NOS. 98-77 AND 98-78
DEPARTMENT: Transportation & Engineering Services
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council adopt Resolution Na. 98-77, accepting jurisdictional responsibility, and adopt
Resolution No. 98-78, ordering the preparation of an Engineer's Report, preliminarily
approving the Engineer's Report, declaring the City's intention to levy and collect
assessments for Fiscal Year 1998/99, and setting a time and place for a public hearing on
Santa Clarita Streetlight Maintenance District No. 1.
Prior to Fiscal Year 1998/99, street lighting services in the City were provided by a special
district administered by the County of Los Angeles. The Santa Clarita area was included in
two separate districts within the County Lighting Maintenance District. The District,
referred to as CLMD 1867, is funded from ad valorem property tax revenue pursuant to the
Improvement Act of 1911, with the rate set by Proposition 13. The District referred to as
LLA -1 was established in 1979 and funded by assessments levied pursuant to the
Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972.
Over the past year, the City has been in the process of transferring the jurisdiction of
streetlight maintenance from the County to the City. This process is in the final approval
stages, and as of July 1, 1998, the Districts will be under the jurisdiction of the City as
Santa Clarita Streetlight Maintenance District No. 1 and No. 2, respectively. As a result of
this transfer, it is now the City's responsibility to prepare and levy the annual assessments
necessary to maintain the streetlights within the Assessment District.
Adopted: E Avend1m. lte�i;
SANTA CLARITA STREETLIGHT MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1
June 23, 1998 — Page 2
Each year the City Council must order an Engineer's Report detailing Santa Clarita
Streetlight Maintenance District No. 1 and determining the necessary assessments to
collect for the coming fiscal year. This report and the appropriate resolutions are then
presented to the Council at a regularly scheduled Council meeting. It is at this meeting
that a date is set for a public hearing on the proposed assessments.
If the assessments are approved at the public hearing, they are then transferred to the
County for placement on the County tax rolls. The public hearing for this District is set for
July 14, 1998; however, should the assessments not be approved on that date, the City will
lose the ability to place the assessment on the County tax rolls for this fiscal year and will
have to manually invoice all parcels within the District or not collect assessments for the
coming year.
In accordance with Proposition 218, "The Right to Vote on Taxes Act," any increase in the
annual assessments requires that all affected property owners must vote on the new
assessments. The proposed assessment rate for Fiscal Year 1998-99 is $1 per unit. This is
the same rate as previously implemented by Los Angeles County for Fiscal Year 1997-98
and is not considered an increase. Therefore, there will be no need to notify the property
owners by mail.
ALTERNATIVE ACTIONS
Elect to not approve the assessments for Fiscal Year 1998/99. This will then require a vote
of all property owners in the District at the time the Council wishes to impose the
assessment.
Elect to increase the assessments for Fiscal Year 1998/99. This will require a vote on the
increase by all property owners in the District and will delay the assessments from being
placed on the County tax rolls.
FISCAL IMPACT
Proposed assessment should offset expenditures.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution Nos. 98-77 and 98-78
Exhibit "A!'— Location Map
Engineer's Report
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council\98-77-78.doc
RESOLUTION NO. 98-77
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, RECOGNIZING AND ACCEPTING
THE JURISDICTIONAL RESPONSIBILITY OF THE EXISTING
LIGHTING DISTRICT LLA -1, SANTA CLARITA ZONE
WHEREAS, County Lighting District LLA -1 was formed on July 24, 1979 to
supplement the existing County Lighting Maintenance District (CLMD) No. 1867 for the
unincorporated area of Los Angeles County. Upon incorporation of the City of Santa
Clarita in 1987, LLA -1, Santa Clarita Zone, was formed specifically for the area within the
City of Santa Clarita; and
WHEREAS, County Lighting District LLA -1, Santa- Clarita Zone, is contained
entirely within the boundaries of the City of Santa Clarita; and
WHEREAS, County Lighting District LLA -1, Santa Clarita Zone, is contiguous with
CLMD No. 1867, which is contained entirely within the boundaries of the City of Santa
Clarita; and
WHEREAS, the jurisdictional transfer of CLMD No. 1867 has been jointly approved
by the City of Santa Clarita and the County of Los Angeles pursuant to Resolution
Nos. 98-23, 98-24, and 98-25.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE, RESOLVE, AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That the City Council thereby accepts total administrative and
jurisdictional responsibility for LLA -1, Santa Clarita Zone, upon transfer of
CLMD No. 1867 from the County of Los -Angeles to the City of Santa Clarita, effective
July 1, 1998.
SECTION 2. That upon the effective date set forth above, the City shall assume
total responsibility for the District Maintenance contract under which Southern California
Edison is providing the required services for the District within the boundaries of the
District. All terms and provisions of the street lighting maintenance contract approved by
the County will remain in full force and effect and are accepted by the City until such time
that a new contract is negotiated with the power and maintenance provider.
SECTION 3. That upon the effective date set forth above, the City shall adopt the
Illuminating: Engineer's Society (I.E.S.) standards as guidelines for the design of street
lighting systems as utilized by the County as current administrator.
RESOLUTION NO. 98-77
June 23, 1998 — Page 2
SECTION 4. That all subsequent annexations of territory into the City shall
automatically include the transfer of jurisdiction of the Santa Clarita Streetlight
Maintenance District as part of the process to annex unincorporated territory into the City
of Santa Clarita.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this _ day of 19
MAYOR
ATTEST.
CITY CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
I, Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify
that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City of Santa Clarita at a regular
meeting thereof, held on the _ day of 19_ by the following
vote of Council:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
CITY CLERK
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..d1%U&77-78.d.
RESOLUTION NO. 98-78
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, ORDERING THE PREPARATION
OF AN ENGINEER'S REPORT FOR SANTA CLARITA STREETLIGHT
MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998/99
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, PRELIMINARILY APPROVING
THE REPORT FOR SANTA CLARITA STREETLIGHT MAINTENANCE
DISTRICT NO. 1 FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998/99
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA,
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA, DECLARING ITS INTENTION
TO LEVY AND COLLECT ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 1998/99 IN
SANTA CLARITA STREETLIGHT MAINTENANCE
DISTRICT NO. 1, AN ASSESSMENT DISTRICT;
DECLARING THE WORK TO BE OF SPECIAL BENEFIT; SPECIFYING
THE EXTERIOR BOUNDARIES WITHIN SANTA CLARITA STREET
LIGHT MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1 TO BE ASSESSED
THE COST AND EXPENSE THEREOF; DESIGNATING SAID
DISTRICT AS SANTA CLARITA STREETLIGHT MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1,
DETERMINING THAT THESE PROCEEDINGS SHALL BE TAKEN
PURSUANT TO THE LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ACT OF 1972;
AND SETTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR HEARING OBJECTIONS THERETO
The City Council of the City of Santa Clarita, pursuant to the provisions of
the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, being Division 15 of the Streets and Highways
Code of the State of California (the "Act"), desires to initiate proceedings for the Santa
Clarita Streetlight Maintenance District No. 1 (the "District"), and does hereby resolve as
follows:
WHEREAS, the improvements to be installed or maintained may include
installation, construction operation or maintenance of street lighting facilities authorized
under the Act, and any facilities which are appurtenant to any of the aforementioned or
which are necessary or convenient for the maintenance or servicing thereof; and
WHEREAS, Sections 22622 and 22624 of the Act require that the City adopt a
resolution generally describing any new improvements or substantial changes in existing
improvements within the existing District and any zones therein and order the assessment
engineer to prepare and file a report in accordance with Article 4 of the Act for the existing
District; and
WHEREAS, said assessment engineer has made and filed with the City Clerk of said
City a report in writing as called for by resolution and under and pursuant to said Act,
which report has been presented to this Council for consideration; and
WHEREAS, said Council has duly considered said report and each and every part
thereof, and finds that each and every part of said report is sufficient, and that said report,
nor any part thereof, requires or should be modified in any respect; and
RESOLUTION NO. 98-78
June 23, 1998 — Page 2
WHEREAS, Proposition 218, "The Right to Vote on Taxes Act," approved by the
voters on November 5, 1996, added Articles XHIC and XHID to the California Constitution
which exempts any assessments imposed when persons owning all of the parcels subject to
the assessment agreed to being included in the District and subject to the assessment at the
time the assessment is initially imposed; and
WHEREAS, Santa Clarita Streetlight Maintenance District No. 1 is now entirely
located within the territorial boundaries of the City of Santa Clarita (the "City").
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED:.The City Council of the City of Santa
Clarita does hereby resolve, determine and declare as follows:
SECTION 1. That the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita hereby determines
that the assessments set out in accordance with the Engineer's Report for Santa Clarita
Streetlight Maintenance District No. 1, on file with the City Clerk of the City of Santa
Clarita, set out the reasonable cost of the services provided.
SECTION 2. That the proposed assessments upon the subdivisions of land in said
District are in proportion to the estimated special benefit to be received by said
subdivisions, respectively, from said work and of the incidental expenses thereof, as
contained in said report as hereby preliminarily approved.
SECTION 3. That the assessments shall be levied upon the respective parcels of
land in the assessment area and collected for the 1998-99 Fiscal Year on the tax roll in the
same manner, by the same persons, and at the same time as the general taxes of the City of
Santa Clarita, without further action by this City Council.
SECTION 4. The City Council of said City by Resolution No. 98-78 has approved
the Engineer's Report, which report indicates the amount of the proposed assessments, the
boundaries of the District including any annexed territories, detailed description of
improvements, and the method of assessment. The report titled "City of Santa Clarita,
Engineer's Report, Santa Clarita Streetlight Maintenance District No. 1 Fiscal Year
1998/99" is on file in the office of the City Clerk of said City, and was prepared for the
1998/99 Fiscal Year in accordance with the Act. Reference to said report is hereby made for
all particulars for the amount and extent of the assessments and for the extent of the work.
SECTION 5. Notice is hereby given that on the 14th day of July, 1998, at the hour
of 7:00 p.m., or as soon thereafter as possible, in the City Council Chambers at
23920 Valencia Boulevard, in the City of Santa Clarita, any and all persons having any
objections to the work, annexations, or extent of the assessment district may appear and
show cause why said work should not be done or carried out in accordance with this
Resolution of Intention. The City Council will consider all oral and written protests.
SECTION 6. All the work .herein proposed shall be done and carried through
pursuant to an act of the legislature of the State of California designated the Landscaping
RESOLUTION NO. 98-78
June 23, 1998 — Page 3
and Lighting Act of 1972, being Division 15 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State
of California.
SECTION 7. Published notice shall be made pursuant to Section 6061 of the
Government Code. The publication of notice of hearing shall be completed at least ten (10)
days prior to the date of the hearing.
SECTION 8. The foregoing Resolution was on the day of 1998,
adopted by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita, and ex -officio the governing body
of all other special assessment taxing districts for which said City Council so acts.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this _ day of
MAYOR
a Y/V WaW.
CITY CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) ss.
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA )
19_
I, Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, City Clerk of the City of Santa Clarita, do hereby certify
that the foregoing Resolution was duly adopted by the City of Santa Clarita at a regular
meeting thereof, held on the day of , 19_ by the following
vote of Council:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
I:11:51D1►MlA
CITY CLERK
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c dIX98-77.78.dw
ENGINEER'S REPORT
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
STREETLIGHT MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1
FISCAL YEAR 199811999
SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA
SUBMITTED JUNE 23, 1998
ENGINEER'S REPORT
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
STREETLIGHT MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO.1
TABLE OF CONTENTS
�Q
I.
Introduction......................................................................................................
1
4
II.
Plans and Specifications..................................................................................
III.
Estimated Costs of the Improvements.............................................................
5
IV.
Assessment Diagram........................................................................................
7
V.
Assessment.....................................................................................................
7
VI.
Method of Assessment....................................................................................
7
Eng-dvAsdmd1Engr99.dx
June 9, 1998 City of Santa Clarita
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ENGINEER'S REPORT
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
STREETLIGHT MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO.1
I. INTRODUCTION
This Engineer's Report is prepared in compliance with the requirements of Article 4,
Chapter 1, of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, (hereinafter referred to as the
"Act") which is Part 2, Division 15 of the California Streets and Highways Code.
Prior to Fiscal Year 1998/99, street lighting services in the City were provided by a special
benefit district administered by the County of Los Angeles. The Santa Clarita area was
included in two separate districts under the County's jurisdiction. County Lighting District
LLA -1 was formed on July 24, 1979 and supplemented the existing County Lighting
Maintenance District (CLMD) 1867. Upon incorporation of the City of Santa Clarita in
1987, a Santa Clarita Zone was formed specifically for the area within the City's
boundaries. County Lighting District LLA -1 and County Lighting Maintenance District
(CLMD) 1867 are contiguous with each other and are wholly within the City's boundaries.
The District referred to as CLMD 1867 is funded from ad valorem property tax revenue
pursuant to the Improvement Act of 1911 (the "1911 Act"), with the rate set by
Proposition 13. County Lighting District LLA -1 was established and is funded by
assessments levied beginning in 1979 pursuant to the Landscape and Lighting Act of
1972.
Over the past year, the City has been in the process of transferring the jurisdiction of street
light maintenance from the County to the City. This process is in the final approval stages,
and as of July 1, 1998, the Districts will be under the jurisdiction of the City as Streetlight
Maintenance District No. 1 ("District No. 1") and Streetlight Maintenance District No. 2
("District No. 2"), together with District No. 1, the "Districts'" respectively. As a result of this
transfer, it is now the City's responsibility to prepare and levy the annual assessments
necessary to maintain the streetlights within District No. 1.
Upon the effective date of the.transfer, the City will assume total responsibility for the
Districts maintenance contract under which Southern California Edison is providing the
required services. Pursuant to the 1911 Act and the 1972 Act, the City Council is now the
legislative body for the Districts and may levy annual assessments and act as the
governing body for the operations and administration of the Districts.
June 9, 1998 1 City of Santa Clarita
In future years, as areas are annexed into the City, annexation to the Districts would be
a condition of annexation to the City.
The Act provides for the levy of annual assessments after formation of an assessment
district for the continued maintenance and servicing of the.district improvements. The
costs associated with the installation, maintenance, and service of the improvements may
be assessed to those properties, which are benefited by the installation, maintenance, and
service.
RIGHT TO VOTE ON TAXES ACT (PROPOSITION 218)
On November 5, 1996, the electorate approved Proposition 218, Right to Vote of Taxes
Act, which added articles XIII C and XIII D to the California Constitution. The Proposition
affects all assessments upon real property for a special benefit conferred on the property.
Assessments imposed under the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 are these types
of benefit assessments. However, the Proposition also exempts any assessments
imposed when the person(s) owning all of the property agree(s) to the assessment when
it was originally imposed.
The maintenance services in District No. 1 are for street lighting. They are an integral part
of the entire street, the same as curb, gutters, pavement, signage and striping. Taken as
a group, they are the elements that provide a safe route for motorists and pedestrians.
Streetlights are installed to make streets safer. Streetlights are installed to provide better
visibility for drivers. One hundred (100) percent of the illumination from the lights is
directed to the street, ninety (90) percent on the street side of the curb, and ten (10)
percent behind the curb. The spacing of the lights is based on the speed of the vehicles
and the natural ability of the motorists eyes to adjust to light and dark areas.
Each and every parcel included in these Districts were originally part of a development that
was conditioned to install streetlight improvements before the development could proceed.
Thereafter, each developer who was conditioned to enter into the Districts agreed to the
inclusion of their property in the Districts, along with the assessments being imposed on
their property. Once the development was sold,. all subsequent owners of parcels were
also made aware through title reports and Department of Real Estate "White Paper"
reports that the parcels were in the Districts and subject to the assessments. Purchase of
the parcel(s) was also an agreement by the new owners to be subject to the assessments.
Article. XIIID, Section 5(a), of the State Constitution, provides that, "any assessment
imposed exclusively to finance the capital costs or maintenance and operation expenses
for sidewalks, streets, sewers, water, flood control, drainage systems or vector control,
shall be considered exempt from the procedures and approval process set forth in Section
4 of Article XIIID.
June 9, 1998 City of Santa Clarita
Streetlights and traffic signals are installed on and are for street purposes. They are
maintained and serviced to allow the street to perform to the standards it was designed.
Assessments for the maintenance and servicing of streets must include streetlights and
traffic signals and. Therefore, the assessments for District No. 1 are exempt from the
provisions of Proposition 218.
However, this exemption applies only to assessments existing on the effective date of
Proposition 218, November 6, 1996, and the exemption is only from the procedures and
approval process set forth in Article XIIID, Section 4. Subsequent increases, if any, will
be subject to the procedures and approval process of Section 4 of Article XIII D. This
report is being provided to show no proposed increase in the assessment to pay for costs
incurred for the maintenance, servicing, and operation of the District No. 1 for Fiscal Year
1998/99.
The City may annually initiate proceedings for the continued maintenance and servicing
of the improvements by passing a resolution which orders an engineer to prepare and file
a detailed report generally describing any proposed new improvements or any substantial
changes in existing improvements.
The report prepared by the engineer must also include plans and specifications of any new
improvements, an estimate of the costs of the new improvements including maintenance
and servicing of the new or existing improvements, a diagram including a map of District
No. 1 showing the boundary of the District and the parcels or lots which benefit, and an
estimate of costs of the improvements, maintenance, and servicing. Once the report is
completed, it is presented to the City Council (the legislative body) for its review and
approval as presented, or it may be modified and approved.
After the report is approved, the City adopts a resolution of intention, which declares its
intent to levy and collect assessments, describes the improvements including maintenance
and servicing, refers to the assessment district by its distinctive designation, refers to the
report for the details of District No. 1, and sets a time and place for a public hearing on
the levy of the proposed assessments.
Assessments, if authorized, would be placed on the 1998/99 County Tax Roll, and be
collected with the regular County property taxes. Reserve funds would be used to fund the
maintenance and service until assessment funds are distributed by the County Tax
Collector in December 1998.
it. PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS
The Santa Clarita Street.Light Maintenance Districts were established to collect funds to
cover the expenses for energy and maintenance of streetlights in the Districts. These
costs are billed by the Southern California Edison Company for all 9,888 streetlights
June 9, 1998 1 City of Santa Clarita
currently owned and maintained by Edison. The proposed new and/or existing
improvements include, but are not limited to, and may be generally described as follows:
The installation of.street lighting and appurtenant facilities necessary for the daily
operation of said lighting located within City road rights-of-way. Installation covers
all work necessary for the installment or replacement of said lighting and signals
and all appurtenant work necessary to complete said installation or replacement.
The operation, maintenance, and servicing of all existing street lighting, safety
lighting and appurtenant facilities necessary for the daily operation of said lighting
located within City road rights-of-way. Operation, maintenance, and servicing
means all work necessary for the daily maintenance required to maintain said lights
in proper operation, including providing said lights with the proper energy necessary
to operate the lights.
All improvements consisting of ornamental streetlights, mast arm streetlights, do exist at
the present time. The cost associated with these improvements will be the cost of
operations, maintenance and servicing during the 1998/99 Fiscal Year.
Plans and Specifications for the improvements for the Streetlight Maintenance Districts are
voluminous and are not bound in this report, but by this reference are incorporated and
made a part of this report. The plans and specifications are on file at the City where they
are available for public inspection.
Locations of all streetlights are included on lighting inventory maps available for inspection
at the City.
III. ESTIMATED COSTS OF THE IMPROVEMENTS
The Act provides that the estimated costs of the improvements shall include the total cost
of the improvements for Fiscal Year 1998/99, including incidentals, which may include
reserves to operate District No. 1 until funds are transmitted to the City from the County,
around December 10 of the next fiscal year.
The Act also provides that the amount of any surplus, deficit, or contribution be included
in the estimated cost of improvements. The net amount to be assessed on the lots or
parcels within District No. 1 is the total cost of installation, maintenance, and servicing with
adjustments either positive or negative for reserves, surpluses, deficits, and/or
contributions.
Estimated costs of improvements for District No. 1 are voluminous and are not bound in
this report, but by this reference are incorporated and made a part of this report. The
estimated costs are on file at the City where they are available for public inspection.
June 9, 1998 City of Santa Clarita
ENGINEER'S REPORT
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
STREETLIGHT MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO.1
1998/99 FISCAL YEAR BUDGET ESTIMATE
The following information was received from the City's Budget:
Proposed 1998/99 Budget
Expenses
Operation/Maintenance Expenses $2,093,803
(Including Six Months' Reserve of $770,165)
Revenue
Balance from the County $1,800,000
Other Revenue (Ad Valorem) $1,028,000
To be raised from Assessments $ 35,969
Total Balance $2,863,969
Capital Improvements $ 770.166
Total $ 0
Operations/Maintenance Expenses does include six months reserve to be set aside to
cover expenses until such time as assessments received by the County Auditor/Controller
are delivered to the City in December 1998.
The remaining balance will be used for capital improvements and installment levies to
District number 1 and 2, respectively, in the form of additional lighting and maintenance
replacements.
June 9, 1998 City of Santa Clarita
IV. ASSESSMENT DIAGRAM
Boundary maps/diagrams of District No. 1 are voluminous and are not bound in this report,
but by this reference are incorporated and made a part of this report. The boundary
maps/diagrams are on file in the office of the City Clerk and the City Engineer where they
are available for public inspection.
V. ASSESSMENT
All assessed lots or parcels of real property within District No. 1 are listed on the
assessment roll which is on file at the City, and is hereby make a part of this report by
reference. The assessment roll states the net amount to be assessed upon assessable
lands within District No. 1 for Fiscal Year 1998/99, shows the Fiscal Year 1998/99
assessment upon each lot and parcel within District No. 1, and describes each assessable
lot or parcel of land within the district. These lots and parcels are more particularly
described in the assessment roll, which is on file in the office of the City Clerk and by
reference is made a part of this report.
VI. METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
BACKGROUND
The Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 provides that assessments may be apportioned
upon all assessable lots or parcels of land within an assessment district in proportion to the
estimated benefits to be received by each lot or parcel from the improvements. In addition,
Proposition 218 requires that a parcel's assessment may not exceed the reasonable cost
of the proportional special benefit conferred on that parcel. The Proposition provides that
only special benefits are assessable, and the City must separate the general benefits from
the special benefits conferred on a parcel. A special benefit is a particular and distinct
benefit over and above general benefits conferred on the public at large, including real
property within the district. The general enhancement of property value does not constitute
a special benefit.
SPECIAL BENEFIT
The City, as administrator of Streetlight Maintenance District No. 1, took into account the
cost of providing services to the residents, businesses and properties located within the
entire district. Each and every parcel within the district receives a particular and distinct
benefit from the improvements . over and above general benefits conferred by the
improvements.
First, all of the improvements were conditions of approval for the creation or development
of the parcels. In order to create or develop the parcels, the City required the original
June 9, 1998 6 City of Santa Clanta
developer to install, and guarantee the maintenance of, street lighting and appurtenant
facilities to serve the parcels. Therefore, each and every parcel within District No. 1 could
not have been developed in the absence of the installation and promised maintenance of
these facilities.
The benefit provided by street lighting consists of safety for pedestrians and motorists living
and owning property in District No. 1 during the. nighttime hours. This is a distinct and
special benefit to all developed parcels in the district.
Streets are constructed for the safe and convenient travel of vehicles and pedestrians.
They also provide an area for underground and overhead utilities.
Streetlights are installed on and are for street purposes and are maintained and serviced
to allow the street to perform to the standards for which it was designed. Assessments for
the maintenance and servicing of streets may include streetlights.
Street lighting can be determined to be an integral part of "streets" as a "permanent public
improvement." One of the principal purposes of fixed roadway lighting is to create a
nighttime environment conducive to quick, accurate, and comfortable seeing for the user
of the facility. These factors, if attained, combine to improve traffic safety and achieve
efficient traffic movement. Fixed lighting can enable the motorist to see detail more
distinctly and to react safely toward roadway and traffic conditions present on or near the
roadway facility.
Streetlights are considered an integral part of the entire street, the same as curb, gutters,
pavement, signage and striping. Taken as a group, they are the elements that provide a
safe route for motorists and pedestrians. Streetlights are installed to make streets safer.
Streetlights are installed to provide better visibility for drivers. One hundred (100) percent
of the illumination from the lights is directed to the street, ninety (90) percent on the street
side of the curb, and ten (10) percent behind the curb. The spacing of the lights is based
on the design speed of the street and the natural ability of the motorist's eyes to adjust to
light and dark areas.
The system of streets within District No. 1 are established to provide access to each parcel
in the district. Streetlights provide a safer street environment for owners of the parcels
served. If the parcels were not subdivided to provide individual parcels to owners within
the district, there would be no need for a system of streets with safety lighting.
Therefore, the installation of streetlights is for the express, special benefit of the parcels
within District No. 1. Since each and every parcel within each of the existing Districts
receives a particular and distinct benefit from the improvements there is considered no
general benefits conferred by the improvements to the public at large.
June 9, 1998 City of Santa Clarita
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APPORTIONMENT
For Fiscal Year 1998/99, District No.1 will adopt the current rate schedule as used by Los
Angeles County at the time of the transfer of jurisdiction.
The Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972 indicates that lighting assessments may be
apportioned by any formula or method which fairly distributes costs among all lots or
parcels within the district in proportion to the estimated benefits received. The primary
benefits of street lighting are for the convenience, safety, and protection of people and to
a lesser extent the security or protection of property, property improvements, and goods.
The intensity or degree of illumination provided can have a bearing on both.
The proposed assessment rate for Fiscal Year 1998/99 is proposed to be $1 per unit. This
is the same rate as previously implemented by Los.Angeles County for Fiscal Year
1997/99 and is not considered an increase. The following information can be used to
determine the unit count per parcel.
Intensity or degree of illumination provided on streets in District No. 1 varies with the type
of street and the use of the property adjacent thereto. The cost of providing the highest
recommended degree of illumination (used in commercial areas) is about four times the
cost of providing the intensity recommended for the lowest category, which included
residential properties.
Based on land use information provided by the County Assessor, it has been determined
that in the existing District No. 1 over 93 percent of the parcels are in a residential
category. Approximately 83 percent are single-family, homes or condominiums and the
remainder are duplexes, triplexes, or apartments. In view of this and the benefits derived
by the family unit, both at and in the proximity of their property, a value of one has been
assigned to the basic family unit, i.e. the single-family home or condominium. The existing
District No. 1 includes some properties that may not actually have streetlights in their block,
but which do receive a neighborhood benefit from the lights in the area. These properties
were also included in the district. Therefore, a value of 1/2 was given to "people use,"
while "intensity" and "security benefit" were rated at 1/4 to form the basic unit. Parcels in
other land use categories were then rated by comparison with the basic unit.
In the remainder of the residential category, which is comprised of multiple rental type
properties, the value for intensity would remain at 1/4, but the other two items would
increase in proportion to the number of family dwelling units on the parcel. For example
a duplex was assigned 1/4 for intensity, 1 for people use, and 1/2 for security benefit, for
a total of 1-3/4 units. The owner of such property would therefore pay 1-3/4 times as
much for lighting as the owner of a single-family unit. In consideration of the distance
some units would be from the lighted roadway, security benefits in the residential category
would be assigned 1/4 for intensity, 2-1/3 for people use, and 1 for security benefits, for
a total of 3-3/4 units. As the number of apartments on a parcel increases, the service
charge units assigned for people would follow a declining scale as follows:
June 9, 1998 0 City of Santa Clarita
21 throuoh 50 apartments
Units for 20.apartments plus 1/3 unit for each apartment over 20.
(20 apartments =1/4 for intensity, 10 for people, and 1 for security =11 1/4 units)
Example: 50 apartments; (50-20)/3 = 10; 11-1/4 +10 = 21-1/4 units = $21.25 per parcel
50 through 100 apartments
Units for 50 apartments plus 1/4 unit for each apartment over 50.
Example: 100 apartments; (100-50)/4 = 12-1/2; 21-1/4 + 12-1/2 = 33-3/4 = $33.75
per parcel
Over 100 Apartments
Units for 100 apartments plus 1/5 unit for each apartment over 100
Example: 200 apartments; (200-100)/55 = 20; 33-3/4 + 20 = 53-3/4 units = $53.75
per parcel
The remaining seven (7) percent of the lots or parcels were separated into 38 land use
categories as determined by the County Assessor and units were assigned on the basis
of average benefits received as follows.
Group A
1 unit (minimum charge for improved property)
• Irrigated Farms
• Dry farms
• Cemeteries
• Dump sites
Group B
Moderate intensity lighting 1/2
Nominal people use 1
Moderate security benefit 1/2
Total 2 units
• Animal kennels
• Nurseries and greenhouses
• Parking lots (industrial)
• Churches
• Schools (private)
• Petroleum and gas
• Utility
June 9, 1998 9 City of Santa Clarita
Group C
High intensity lighting 1
Nominal people use 1
Moderate security benefit 1/2
Total 2-1/2 units
• Parking lots (commercial)
Group D
High intensity lighting 1
Nominal people use 1
High security benefit 1
Total 3 units
• Office building
• Professional building
• Banks, savings, and loans
• Service shops
• Lumber yards
• Golf Courses
• Race tracks/stables
• Camps
• Homes for the aged
Group E
High intensity lighting 1
Moderate people use 2
High security benefit 1
Total 4 units
• Stores
• Store w/office or residence
• Service stations
• Clubs and lodge halls
June 9, 1998 10 City of Santa Clarita
Group F
Nominal intensity lighting 1/4
High people use 3
High security benefit 1
Total 4-1/4 units
• Rooming House
(Same as a six -unit apartment)
Group G
High intensity lighting 1
High people use 3
High security benefit 1
Total 5 units
• Restaurant
• Theaters
Group H
Moderate intensity lighting 1/2
Nominal people use 1
High security benefit 1
Total 3-1/2 units
Doubled due to average size of business 5 units
• Light manufacturing
• Food Processing Plant
• Warehousing
June 9, 1998 11 City of Santa Cfarita
Group I
High intensity lighting
Nominal people use
High security benefit
Total 3 units
Doubled due to average size of business six units
• Auto, recreational equipment
sales and service
Group J
High intensity lighting 1
Moderate people use 2
High security benefit 1
Total 4 units
Doubled due to average size of business S units
• Markets
• Bowling Alleys
• Skating Rinks
• Department Stores
• Hotels and Motels
• Mobile home parks
Group K
Properties within the ten land use categories in this group varied widely from the norm.
Therefore, these lots or parcels were considered on an individual basis. Each of the
parcels or lots in these land use categories was identified on the official lighting district
maps and each street light or portion thereof in the immediate proximity of the lots or
parcels benefiting the lots or parcels was assigned a number of units as identified below.
The total number of units so determined for that category would be distributed among the
lots or parcels in that category in proportion to the lot or parcel area as shown below. A
minimum of three units would be assessed to each lot or parcel to be compatible with
Group D, which contains many of the smaller business categories. Several large lots or
parcels in outlying areas within the existing lighting district have no lights in the immediate
proximity. Therefore, those lots or parcels would be assessed the minimum. .
June 9, 1998 12 City of Santa Clarita
K-1
Moderate intensity lighting
Moderate people use
Moderate security benefit
Total
• Open Storage
• Mineral Processing
K-2
Moderate intensity lighting
High people use
Moderate security benefit
5-1/4 units
0.014973 units per 100 Sq. Feet
0.005615 units per 100 Sq. Feet
1-1/4
4
Total 6-1/4 units
• Colleges/Universities (private) 0.001736 units per 100 Sq. Feet
• Wholesale and manufacturing (outlets) 0.059858 units per 100 Sq. Feet
• Athletic and amusement facilities 0.027431 units per 100 Sq. Feet
• Heavy manufacturing 0.006382 units per 100 Sq. Feet
• Hospitals 0.012886 units per 100 Sq. Feet
K-3
High intensity lighting
High people use
Moderate security benefit
Total
• Motion Picture, radio, T.V.
• Neighborhood shopping centers
• Regional shopping centers
1-1/2
4
6-1/2 units
0.010938 units per 100 Sq. Feet
0.014449 units per 100 Sq. Feet
0.021812 units per 100 Sq: Feet
Since the benefits have been related to property use and property users, no charge would
be assessed on vacant lots or parcels within the District.
June 9, 1998 13 City of Santa Clarita
VII. CERTIFICATIONS
PRELIMINARY APPROVAL
Preliminary approval by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita on the _ day of
. 1998.
Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, City Clerk
City of Santa Clarita
FINAL APPROVAL
Final approval by the City Council of the City of Santa Clarita on the _ day of
'1998.
Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, City Clerk
City of Santa Clarita
June 9, 1998 14 City of Santa Carica
I, , as City Clerk, do hereby certify that the foregoing assessments,
together with the boundary maps attached thereto, were filed in my office on the
day of , 1998.
Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, City Clerk
City of Santa Clarita
State of California
I, , as City Clerk, do hereby certify that the foregoing assessments,
together with the boundary maps attached thereto, were approved and confirmed by the
City Council of the City of Santa Clarita on the _.day of , 1998.
Sharon L. Dawson, CMC, City Clerk
City of Santa Clarita.
State of California
I, , City Engineer of the City of Santa Clarita do hereby certify
that the foregoing assessments, together with the boundary maps attached thereto, were
recorded in my office on the day of '1998.
Anthony J. Nisich; City Engineer
City of Santa Clarita
State of California
I, Richard L. Kopecky, Willdan Associates, Engineer of Work for the City of Santa Clarita,
do hereby certify that the foregoing assessments, together with the boundary maps
attached thereto, are true and correct.
Richard L. Kopecky, RCE 16742
Engineer of Work
June 9, 1998 15 City of Santa Clarita