HomeMy WebLinkAboutUpdate on Landscape and Lighting Districts ' ! ::; ::-- 7 _
CITY OF PALM DESERT
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
STAFF REPORT
REQUEST: Update on Landscape and Lighting Districts
SUBMITTED BY: Martin Alvarez, Senior Management Analyst
DATE: August 28, 2003
Informational Update:
In June of 2002, the City balloted residents within 24 of the 28 landscape and lighting
districts requesting an increase to their annual levy. The increase would cover each
district's re-occurring deficit. Only four of the 24 districts balloted approved an increase
to their annual levy to maintain their existing level of service. As a result, those districts
that rejected the levy increase are experiencing a reduction in service. Service has
been reduced to a level equal to what is collected through each district's annual
assessment. In most of these districts insufficient funds has prevented the watering and
mowing of turf areas and the pruning of shrubs and trees.
Staff has received numerous phone calls, visits and correspondence concerning this
issue. Some districts have organized petitions requesting consideration of higher
service with a possible levy increase. One district has requested that the City assist in
converting their outdated lush landscaping into a water efficient landscaping with a
possible levy increase to pay for the a new maintenance cost.
Staff is currently looking into this issue and will formulate potential solutions for those
districts that are willing to participate. Solutions will entail possible cost sharing of
retrofitting outdated lush landscaping areas and increases to annual levies.
Staff will return to the City Council on September 25, 2003, to present solutions and to
seek direction and/or approval to meet with the individual districts to reso ve the current
maintenance and levy deficiencies.
Submitted B • Review By:
M RTIN ALVAREZ OMER CR
SENIOR MANAGEMENT ANALYST ACM FOR D LOPMENT SERVICES
Approval:
CAR OS L. OR EGA
CITY MANAGER
CITY COUNCIL ACTION:
APPROVED DENIED
RECEIVED f F, I e d OTHER
MEETING DATE ZIa>/o3
AYES:Cr,Fes, ref:6uson, Kel/y�
NOES: None;
ABSENT: None,
ABSTAIN: god e-
VERIFIED BY: R.DK/r
Original on File with City Clerk's Office
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