PREPARED BY: CHIARA HANNA DATE OF MEETING: 01/21/2025
SUBJECT:
TITLE
CONSIDER ADOPTING RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN PABLO AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT IN A TOTAL AUTHORIZED NOT TO EXCEED AMOUNT OF $50,500, FOR CONSULTING SERVICES BETWEEN THE CITY OF SAN PABLO AND FRANCISCO AND ASSOCIATES, INC. FOR THE LEVY OF ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/26 FOR SAN PABLO STREET LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO. 1982-1
CEQA: This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
Label
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Adopt Resolution
Body
Compliance statements
FY 2023-2025 Council Priority Workplan Compliance Statements:
Build a Healthy Community: Priority 109 Develop Public Facilities for Active Living (Parks, Open Space, Sidewalks, Trails, Bike Lanes, Etc.) is a major policy goal contained in the FY 2023-25 City Council Priority Workplan, effective May 1, 2023 pursuant to Resolution 2023-058.
CEQA Compliance Statement
This proposed action is not a project as defined by CEQA.
BACKGROUND
Street Lighting and Landscape Assessment District No. 1982-1 provides funding for service and maintenance of street lighting, landscaping, parks and public facilities, including City Hall and the Senior Center. Each year, the City of San Pablo (City) is required to have an Engineer’s Report prepared and filed with the Contra Costa County Auditor-Controller’s Office in order to collect the assessments.
Since the formation of the Street Lighting and Landscape Assessment District (SLLAD) in 1982, the engineering firm of LCC Engineering & Surveying, Inc. (LCC) has provided these services. However, due to recent retirements at the firm, LCC staff that previously assisted in the preparation of the Engineer’s Report are no longer available. Therefore, staff recommends the City engage another firm to provide these services for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Staff further recommends that as part of the onboarding process of the new firm, an audit of Fiscal Year 2024-25 district assessments levied to confirm accuracy pursuant to district assessment methodology and boundaries, which will help to ensure the City receives all revenue to which it is entitled. Lastly, staff recommends review of staff reports, resolutions, and public hearing notices to ensure documents fulfill statutory requirements, and updates to the annual Engineer’s Report to incorporate industry best practices and strengthen compliance with the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972.
On September 4, 2024, staff solicited a formal proposal from Francisco & Associates (F&A) to serve as the City’s new Assessment Engineer for SLLAD assessments for Fiscal Year 2025-26. Subsequently, staff met twice with F&A to discuss the City’s specific needs and desired scope of work, and to evaluate the consultant’s relevant expertise and experience.
On December 2, 2024, the City received a proposal from F&A to provide assessment engineering and special financing district consulting services, including but not limited to, the preparation and submittal of a final Engineer’s Report, Assessment Diagram, and resolution authorizing the levy of assessments for Fiscal Year 2025-26 with Contra Costa County. In addition, F&A will perform an audit of current Fiscal Year 2024-25 district assessments and confirm accuracy of parcels within district boundaries, update district parcel database to reflect most current parcel information available from the County, apply the district’s assessment methodology to all parcels within district boundaries, compare results with the amounts levied for Fiscal Year 2024-25, and review discrepancies and provide recommended changes in assessments.
Staff evaluated F&A’s proposal and found the cost to be reasonable and the firm’s qualifications satisfactory. F&A has extensive experience with the administration and formation of special financing districts in Contra Costa County specifically, as well as throughout California. F&A was also recommended by the previous district engineer. Furthermore, the principal staff members of F&A have been involved in formation and administration of over 300 special financing districts throughout California and Nevada.
Staff recommends the City Council authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute an Agreement with Francisco & Associates, Inc. in a total authorized amount not to exceed of $50,500, to provide assessment engineering services necessary to prepare the Engineer’s Report pursuant to the provisions of the Landscape and Lighting Act of 1972 and Article XIIID of the State Constitution, for continuation of the existing San Pablo Street Lighting and Landscaping District No. 1982-1 for Fiscal Year 2025-26.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total not to exceed amount for the contract with Francisco & Associates is $50,500. Funding for this contract is budgeted within the Fiscal Year 2024-25 City of San Pablo Street Lighting and Landscape Assessment District budget (237-3610-43600).
ATTACHMENTS:
Att A - Resolution
Att B - Francisco & Associates Agreement