Agenda - Council - 03/25/2014 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home

Councilmember Backous stated he is concerned about creating a Street Improvement District as roads support everyone, should be maintained by the City, and funded from the General Fund budget. City Engineer Westby stated the legislation, as proposed, does not require the City to adopt a Street Improvement District but it would provide another tool to fund long-term street maintenance. It could be an alternative to a franchise fee and would allow the City to determine districts within its boundaries based on projects or the City could be considered as a whole. Mayor Strommen stated the resolution is consistent with the City's adopted legislative platform and supports the position of the League of Cities. Councilmember Tossey expressed concern that a Street Improvement District may result in taxing disparities. City Engineer Westby stated that discussion would occur at a future date when the Council considers whether to institute a Street Improvement District to assure it applies a uniform fee to same property classifications. City Administrator Ulrich stated the issue of equity and program administration would be given to cities when considering a Street Improvement District and there would be a lot of Council discretion. He stated if the Council does not support that option, it is aware of other methods to locally fund streets and maintenance such as assessments and/or franchise fees. City Attorney Langel advised that the proposed legislation has a uniformity clause so all tracts within an established district must be apportioned on a uniform basis on classification of real estate. He stated this would be similar to special assessments whereby similar properties are assessed similar amounts. Councilmember LeTourneau stated when the Council discussed road solutions, this option was not available but the Council had indicated it was a tool it would like available so it could be considered, if desired. Councilmember Backous noted there is disparity of wear and tear, such as a business with semi trucks versus a single-family home. He stated he shares the concern of Councilmember Tossey that similar property uses pay a similar amount. Councilmember Backous stated the value of the home has no bearing on the resulting wear and tear on the road so it seems a Street Improvement District may be a better solution as it ties wear and tear on the roads to the property use. Councilmember Tossey stated he wanted to assure that like properties paid the same amount. City Attorney Langel stated that is the case if it is a City-wide district. Councilmember Riley stated the consideration is whether to support changing this law so it is in the City's `toolbox.' City Council / March 11, 2014 Page 6 of 7