TITLE
Recommendation to receive the results of the ballot tabulation from the City Clerk, the tabulator, for the proposed Mosquito and Vector Control Program (VCP) Benefit Assessment District; and
If a majority protest does not exist, adopt resolution approving the Engineer’s Report, confirming diagram and assessment, and ordering the levy of the VCP Benefit Assessment for Fiscal Year 2019-20; or
If a majority protest does exist, the City Council cannot take action on the resolution. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On May 7, 2019, the City Council approved a Resolution preliminarily approving the Engineer’s Report, giving notice of the July 2, 2019 public hearing, and directing SCI Consulting Group (SCI), the assessment engineer, to proceed with the mailing of benefit assessment ballots to property owners within the boundaries of the Vector Control Program (VCP) Benefit Assessment District (Assessment District) on May 17, 2019, at the rate of $8.21 per Single Family Equivalency per year.
On July 2, 2019, the City Council held a public hearing to give all interested parties the opportunity to hear comments regarding the proposed VCP Assessment and the assessment ballot proceeding; to conclude the 45-day balloting period (as required by State law governing the procedures for benefit assessment ballot proceedings); and, for the City Council to accept any additional ballots. The balloting period officially closed at the conclusion of the public comment portion of the July 2, 2019 public hearing.
Also on July 2, 2019, the City Council authorized the City Manager, on behalf of the City, to cast ballots in support of the Assessment District for all City-owned properties within the proposed Assessment District boundaries, directed the City Clerk, the tabulator, to tabulate all valid ballots received prior to the close of the public hearing.
The tabulation of ballots has been completed and the tabulation results will be reported by the City Clerk at tonight’s City Council meeting.
If approved, the proposed VCP Assessment will provide new or enhanced services to control mosquitoes and other vectors in the VCP service area of Long Beach. This enhanced level of service will provide year-round control of invasive mosquitoes and other vectors (animals and insects) using environmentally sound methods, and will monitor public health issues, such as West Nile virus, Zika, Typhus, and other emerging vector-borne diseases.
Additionally, if approved, the proposed VCP Assessment will be included on the September/October 2019 annual property tax assessment for parcel owners in the proposed service area. An important timing consideration is the Los Angeles County Auditor’s (LACo Auditor) requirement to have any new levies submitted by August 9, 2019. Meeting the LACo Auditor’s requirement is a key driver in establishing project milestones, as identified below:
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July 16 |
City Council meeting to announce ballot results and, if approved, establish VCP Assessment District and order levies. |
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August 9 |
Submit assessment levies to LACo for Fiscal Year 2019-20 (FY 20). |
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December 2019 |
Assessment funding provided to City Treasurer. |
The attached Resolution approving the Engineer’s Report, confirming diagram and assessment, and ordering the levy of the VCP Assessment for FY 20 will include the results of the ballot tabulation. If a majority protest does not exist (i.e., a majority of weighted ballots cast are in favor of the measure), the City Council may adopt the Resolution. If a majority protest does exist, the City Council cannot take action on the Resolution.
Upon approval of the Resolution, SCI will coordinate with the LACo Auditor in filing the assessments, and any other necessary documents, for FY 20.
The proposed VCP Assessment will initially generate an estimated $753,474 for FY 20. In future years, the assessments can continue to be levied and the rate of assessment can be increased by the annual change in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area, not to exceed 3 percent, following the preparation of an updated Engineer’s Report and the City Council’s conducting a public hearing on the continuation of the assessment.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Amy R. Webber on June 28, 2019 and by Revenue Management Officer Geraldine Alejo on June 27, 2019.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on July 16, 2019, to ensure the benefit assessment milestones are achieved in compliance with LACo Auditor submission requirements.
FISCAL IMPACT
If approved, the total level of funding for the proposed service area will be $847,784 for FY 20. Of this amount, $753,474 is estimated to be generated from the Assessment District and a general benefit contribution of a minimum of $94,310 is projected to be provided by the Health Fund Group. For City-owned parcels located within the Assessment District, the City’s total assessment is estimated at $5,916 and funding for the assessment will be based on the facility. If needed, a request for appropriation to support the general contribution or the City’s assessments will be requested as part of the budget process. In future years, the assessments may continue to be levied at the discretion of the City Council and the rate may be increased by the annual change in the CPI for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area, not to exceed 3 percent annually. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
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Respectfully Submitted,
KELLY COLOPY
DIRECTOR OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER