REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
October 29, 2015
FROM: SCOTT L. MOZIER, PE, Director
Public Works Department
THROUGH: ANDREW J. BENELLI, PE, City Engineer/Assistant Director
Public Works Department, Traffic and Engineering Services Division
BY: ANN LILLIE, Senior Engineering Technician
Public Works Department, Traffic and Engineering Services Division
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Of Intention to establish a Special Tax District (Community Facilities District No. 15 - E. Copper River Ranch Maintenance District) and to authorize levy of a special tax (Eastern portion of the Copper River Ranch Development located northwest of N. Willow and E. Copper Avenues) (Council District 6)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt Resolution of Intention to establish a Special Tax District (Community Facilities District No. 15 - East Copper River Ranch Maintenance District) and to Authorize Levy of a Special Tax
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The landowners/developers of the East Copper River Ranch Development have petitioned the City of Fresno (“City”) to establish the City Community Facilities District No. 15 - East Copper River Ranch Maintenance District (“CFD No. 15”) to provide funding for the operation and reserves for maintenance (“Services”) pertaining to certain required public improvements listed in the Resolution of Intention attached hereto as Exhibit B and as approved by the Public Works Department as the development of East Copper River Ranch occurs. The total estimated expense for one-year of Services provided by CFD No. 15, commencing with Fiscal Year 2015-2016, is $1,141,518.97. The proposed territory within the boundaries of CFD No. 15 is located entirely in the Fresno City Limits. The Resolution of Intention begins the process, sets the required public hearing for Thursday, December 3, 2015, at 10:00 a.m., and defines the steps required to establish a new community facilities district. (See attached location map.)
BACKGROUND
Under the City of Fresno Special Tax Financing Law, Chapter 8, Division 1, Article 3, of the Fresno Municipal Code (“City Law”), this Council of the City of Fresno, as the legislative body for the community facilities district and any annexation thereto, has the authority to establish a community facilities district and annex property to the community facilities district.
The landowners/developers of the East Copper River Ranch Development have petitioned the City of Fresno to establish the City of Fresno Community Facilities District No. 15 - East Copper River Ranch Maintenance District (“CFD No. 15”) to provide funding for the operation and reserves for maintenance (“Services”) pertaining to certain required public improvements listed in the Resolution of Intention Exhibit B attached hereto and as approved by the Public Works Department as the development of East Copper River Ranch occurs. (See attached location map.)
The attached Resolution of Intention initiates establishing a new district, sets the required public hearing for Thursday, December 3, 2015, at 10:00 a.m., and defines the steps required to establish a new community facilities district, sets the estimated total expense for one-year of Services, commencing with Fiscal Year 2015-2016, is $1,141,518.97, and allows at the discretion of the City for the annual adjustment of the Special Tax at +3% plus the increase, if any, in the construction cost index for the San Francisco Region.
Formation of a community facilities districts is permitted under the City of Fresno Special Tax Financing Law, Chapter 8, Division 1, Article 3 (“City Law”). The Council of the City of Fresno, as legislative body, shall follow certain prescribed procedures as outlined below:
§ Adoption of a Resolution of Intention to Establish CFD No. 15
§ Required 7-day minimum Notice of Public Hearing
§ Public hearing on Formation and Levy of Special Tax
§ Call a Special Mailed-Ballot Election on the proposed Special Tax
§ Declare the Results of the Election
§ Formal Adoption of Special Tax Levy (if election passes)
The attached Resolution has been approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378 this item does not qualify as a “project” and is therefore exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act requirements.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference was not considered since this item does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
No City General funds will be involved. The costs for maintaining the public improvements will be borne by the property owners as the taxable properties are developed within the boundary of CFD No. 15.
Attachments:
Location Map
Resolution with Exhibits