14 - Landscape and Lighting Assessment District-1 Hillbrook Benefit ZonetoWN of MEETING DATE: 4/05/10
~` ,
ITEM NO:
„.
lps~°~A.~OS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
DATE: MARCH 29, 2010
TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
FROM GREG CARSON, TOWN MANAGER .j~
SUBJECT: APPROVE PROPOSED ANNUAL MAINTENANCE RATE INCREASE FOR
LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT-1 HILLBROOK
BENEFIT ZONE TO $175 OR, DISSOLVE THE LANDSCAPE AND
LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT-1 HILLBROOK BENEFIT ZONE
RESULTING IN NO FURTHER MAINTENANCE OBLIGATION TO THE
TOWN.
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Open and hold the public hearing and receive public testimony.
2. Close the public hearing.
3. It is recommended that the Town Council either;
A. Adopt a Resolution (Attachment 1) approving the proposed atmual maintenance rate
Increase for Landscape and Lighting Assessment District-1 Hillbrook Benef t Zone to
$175 annually effective July 1, 2010, or
B. Dissolve the Landscape and Lighting Assessment District-1 Hillbrook Benefit Gone
resulting in no further maintenance obligation to the Town.
BACKGROUND:
On May 16, 1994, as requested by property owners in the Hillbrook development, the Town
Council approved Resolution 1994-63. This Resolution converted the Town of Los Gatos Open
Space Maintenance District #1 into The Hillbrook Drive Benefit Zane, for inclusion in the
Town's Landscaping & Lighting District #1. This zone is an assessment district to provide for
public maintenance of the private open space located within that particular subdivision. Since its
establislunent, the 34 property owners within this zone have been assessed a $50 atmual
maintenance fee as part of their amiual property taxes.
PREPARED BY: TODD CAPURSO P `~'`-~`~ %~~
Director, Parks and Public Works
Reviewed by: Assistant Town Manager/Deputy Director
wn Attorney/General Counsel/
Clerk Administrator/Secretary TFinance Convnunity Development
N:APPWVNANAGEMEN"11000NCII,ACO[MCIL REPORTSt2010 Repo~7s~Ayu15VIIillbrookLLD working copy 3-29.doc -.~~__M_....~~
PAGE2
MARCH 29, 2010
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: APPROVE PROPOSED INCREASE OF ANNUAL MAINTENANCE RATE FOR
LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT-1 HILLBROOK
DRIVE TO $175, OR, DISSOLVE THE HILLBROOK DRIVE MAINTENANCE
DISTRICT
BACKGROUND confd):
The improved parcel maintained by the Hillbrook Drive Benefit Zane is owned by the Santa
Clara Valley Water District. The Town currently leases the property from the water district
performs maintenance contractually to provide for community benefit. The parcel contains
several mature oak Kees as well as a turf area and associated irrigation and lighting systems.
As part of the Town Council Resolution 1994-63, funds that had been on deposit in the dissolved
Open Space Maintenance District #1 were reallocated to support the maintenance the improved
parcel. These funds were to be utilized for maintenance services and credited against any
assessments levied against the property owners on an annual basis until the funds were
expended. As a result, the maintenance rate per fiscal year assessed against individual property
owners was determined to be $50 per year. This $50 acmual assessment fee to each property
owner has not been increased since the creation of the zone in 1994.
The amiual assessment of $50 for each of the 34 property owners within the above district
produces annual revenue of $1,700. While this amoral assessment and the resulting revenue have
never been increased, the cost of providing maintenance services lias increased over the years to
approximately $5,400 armually. Due to the increase in costs, it is projected that the remaining
fund balance will be depleted during the 2010/11 Fiscal Year. The Engineer's Report for the
Hillbrook Benefit Zone (Attaclunent 2) outlines the revenue and expenditures for the Fiscal Year
2009-10.
DISCUSSION:
In order for the Town to cover the annual maintenance casts and continue to provide
maintenance services to the Hillbrook Drive assessment district beyond the 2009-10 Fiscal Year,
it has become necessary to realign the annual assessment to reflect the actual costs for
maintaining this parcel To continue to maintain this property at the current service level, the
annual assessment must be increased from $50 to $175 per parcel. If approved, this increase will
become effective July 1, 2010.
Alternatively, if the amrual assessment is not approved by the Town Council, staff recommends
that the Hillbrook Benefit Zone be dissolved and the Town terminate the lease agreement with
the Santa Clu~a Valley Water District. As such, the Town would have no further maintenance
obligations with regard to this parcel. The property owners would be flee to form their own
organization or association and pursue a maintenance agreement directly with the water district
for the maintenance services related to this parcel.
PAGE 3
MARCH 29, 2010
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: APPROVE PROPOSED INCREASE OF ANNUAL MAINTENANCE RATE FOR
LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT-1 HILLBROOK
DRIVE TO $175, OR, DISSOLVE THE HILLBROOK DRIVE MAINTENANCE
DISTRICT
DISCUSSION (cont'd):
Each property owner within the district received a letter notifying them that the Town Council
would hold a public hearing on Monday, April 5, 2010 to hear any protests of the proposed
assessment increase. Article XIII (D) of the California State Constitution, also known as
Proposition 218, allows property owners to submit written protests to the Town, however no
electronic mail protests are accepted. Property owners objecting to the proposed maintenance
rate increase were able to file a written protest with the Town Clerk to be received on or before
the close of the public hearing on April 5, 2010.
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 53755(a)(3)(bj, only one written protest per
parcel will be counted in determining whether or not there is a majority protest to the proposed
maintenance rate increase. The protest must be filed by the property owner of the parcel who is
responsible for paying the maintenance rate.
To be included in the protest count, a protest must be signed, include the address of the property
owner submitting the protest, be timely, and state that it is protesting the maintenance rate
increase. The Town must receive a total of 17 written protests prior to the closing of the public
hearing on April 5, 2010 to qualify for a majority protest. As of March 29, 2010, the Town has
received seven written protests from residents located within the Hillbrook Benefit Zone
assessment district.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends that the Town Council either;
A. Adopt a Resolution (Attachrnent 1) approving the proposed annual maintenance rate
Increase for Landscape and Lighting Assessment District-1 Hillbrook Benefit Zone to
$175 effective July 1, 2010, or
B. Dissolve the Landscape and Lighting Assessment District-1 Hillbrook Benefit Zone
resulting in no further Town maintenance obligation.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
Is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.
PAGE4
MARCH 29, 2010
MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL
SUBJECT: APPROVE PROPOSED INCREASE OF ANNUAL MAINTENANCE RATE FOR
LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT-1 HILLBROOK
DRIVE TO $175, OR, DISSOLVE THE HILLBROOK DRIVE MAINTENANCE
DISTRICT
FISCAL IMPACT:
If an increase in the annual assessment for the Hillbrook Benefit Zone is approved, the Town
will collect $5,950 in annual revenue from the residents located within that district. These funds
will specifically provide for the annual maintenance of the Hillbrook Benefit Zone.
Attachments:
1. In the event of Council approval; Resolution approving the proposed annual maintenance
rate increase for Landscape and Lighting Assessment District-1 Hillbrook Benefit Zone
to $175.00 effective July 1, 2010
2. Engineers report for FY 2009-10 of Hillbrook Benefit Zone assessment district
3. Copy of Letter mailed to residents of Hillbrook Benefit Zone assessment district
4. Copies of written protests
Attachment 1
RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
FOR LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT-1
HILLBROOK BENEFIT ZONE
INCREASING THE ANNUAL MAINTENANCE RATE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2010
WHEREAS, property owners within the Town of Los Gatos Landscaping & Lighting
District #1 have asked the Town to continue to provide mahrtenance services in the Hillbrook
Benefit Zone ;and
WHEREAS, the property owners of the Benefit Zone do not desire the establishment of
any capital replacement fund within the Benefit Zone assets, whether by catastrophe failure, or
otherwise, be necessary or desired, the property owners shall be responsible for the costs as part
of the following year's assessments which is the normal procedure for Landscaping & Lighting
Districts, and that the Town is not and may not be in a position to advance those replacement
costs; and
WHEREAS, the property owners and the Town find that the equitable apportiotunent of
future assessments in the Hillbrook Benefit Zone should be based on a uniform and equal
assessment on each parcel because each of the parcels enjoy an equivalent benefit from the open
space area; and
WHEREAS, the liability for the property to be maintained by the assessments paid from
this Benefit Zone shall remain with the Town, and this Zone is neither intended to nor shall it
create an independent entity capable of suing or being sued.
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS RESOLVED that the assessments for Fiscal Year 2010-
201Ifor each parcel within the Hillbrook Benefit Zone shall be set at $175.00 per parcel. None
of these funds shall be used or transferred far any other purpose. The fiords in the account shall
accrue interest as other Town accotmts, and this shall be credited to the account.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular meeting of the Town Council of the Town of
Los Gatos, Califonua, held on the Sty' day of April, 2010 by the following vote.
COUNCIL MEMBERS:
AYES:
NAPES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SIGNED:
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
ATTEST:
CLERK ADMINISTRATOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
ATTACHMENT2
Landscaping and Lighting
Assessment District No. 1
HILLBROOK
BENEFIT ZONE
Fiscal Year
2009/10
ENGINEER'S REPORT
ENGINEER'S REPORT
FISCAL YEAR 20D9l1D
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT N0. 1
(Pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972)
HILLBROOK BENEFIT ZONE
I{evin Rohani, Bngineer of Work for Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1--
Hillbrook Benefit lone, Town of Los Gatos, Santa Clara County, California, makes this report,
as directed by the Town Council, pursuant to Section 22566, et seq, of the Streets and Highways
Code (Landscaping and Lighfing Act of 1972).
The improvements that are the subject of this report are briefly described as follows:
The maintenance of trees, landscaping, irrigation systems, hardscape and fences as
currently exist on APN: 523-11-028, located at the southeast corner of Blossom Hill Road
and Hiflbrook Drive, Las Gatos, California.
This report consists of four parts, as foAows:
PART A: Diagram of Existing Improvements.
PART B: An estimate of the cost of the improvements.
PART C: An assessment of the estimated cost of the improvements on each benefited parcel
within the assessment district, the method by which tho Engineer of Work has
detemuned the amount proposod to be assessed against each parcel, and a list of
the owners of real property within this assessment district, as shown on the last
equalized assessment roll for taxes, or as known to the Clerk Administrator.
PART D: A diagram showing all of the pazceI of real property within this assessment
dishict. The diagram is keyed to Part C by assessment number.
Respectfully submitted,
KevinRohani
Engineer of Worlc
DATE
_2_
PART "A"
Existing Improvements to be Maintained
J
Blossom Hil! Road
NlLLBROOK
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Landscaping & Lighting
Assessment Distxict No.1
I-Iillbrook Benefit Zone
A(,~IppWyENG/NEER/NGIASMT MAPS~HBZ-Past A.dwg 3/26/ZOOy
PART B
ESTIMATE OF TAE COST OF IMPROVEMENTS
FISCAL YEAR 2009110
HILLBROOI{ DRIVE BENEFIT ZONE
FISCAL YEAR 2008/69 REVENUE
1. Fund Balance $ 7,532
2, Assessment 1,700
3. Interest 180
TOTAL REVENUE $ 9,412
FISCAL YEAR 2008/09 ESTIMATED EXPENSES
1. Landscape Contractor 3,110
2. Publication & notification charges (legal) 300
3. Santa Clara County Coilectioo Fee 20
4. Weed Abatement -
5. PG&E Electric 400
6. San Jose Water Co: -Wafer 1,300
7. Town adnvnistrative charges 250
TOTAL EXPENSES FOR 2008/09 $ 5,380
FISCAL YEAR 2009/10 REVENiJE
1. Fund Balance $ 4,032
2- Assessment I,7D0
3. Interest 1b0
TOTAL F,STIMATED REVENUE $ 5,892
FISCAL YEAR 2009/10 ESTIMATED EXPI:NSE5
1. Landscape Contractor 3,110
2. Santa Clara County Collection Fee 20
3. Publication & notification charges 300
4. Weed Abatement -
5. San lose Water Co: -Water 1,300
6. PG&E Electric 400
7. Town administrative charges 250
TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENSES FOR 2009110 $ 5,380
BALANCE TO CARRY FORWARD TO 2010111 $ 512
-4-
PART C
ASSESSMENT ROLL
FISCAL YEAR 2009/10
HILLSROOK BENEFIT ZONE
S ecial Assessment No. Amount of Assessment Pro er Descri lion
Loll $50.00 523-11-027
Lott 50.00 523-11-026
Lot3 50,00 523-I1-025
Lot4 50.00 523-11-024
Lots 5D.00 523-11-023
Lat 6 50.00 523-11-022
Lot? sa,aD 523-11-021
LotB 50.00 523-11-020
Lot9 50.00 523-11-019
Lot 10 SU.00 523-11-018
Lotll 50.00 523-07-030
Lot 12 SO.UO 523-07-029
Lat13 50.00 523-07-028
Ln#14 50.00 523-D7-027
Lot 15 50.00 523-07-026
Lot 16 50.OD 523-07-025
Lat17 50.00 523-07-024
Lot 18 50.00 523.07-023
Lot 19 50.00 523-07-022
Lot 20 50.00 523-07-021
Lot 21 50,00 523-07-020
Lot 22 50.00 523-07-019
Lot 23 SO.UO 523-07-018
Lot 24 50.00 523-07-017
Lot 25 50.00 523-07-016
Lot 26 50.00 523-07-015
Lot 27 50.00 523-07-014
Lot 28 50,00 523-07-013
Lot 29 50,00 523-07-012
Lot 30 50.00 523-07-011
Lot 31 50.00 523-07-010
Lat32 50.00 523-07-009
Lot 33 50.00 523-07-008
Lot 34 _ _
SD.00 523-07-007
Total Assessment: $1,700
-5-
ASSESSMENT ROLL
FISCAL YEAR 2009!10
HiT,LBROOK BENEFIT ZONE
The Sines and dimensions of each parcel are those shown on the maps of the County Assessor of
the County of Santa Clara and the County assessment roll.
METHOD OF APPORTIONMENT OF ASSESSMENT
The total arnount of the assessment was apportioned equally to all the lots within Landscaping
and Lighting Assessment District No. 1--Hillbrook Benefit Zone.
-6-
HILLBROOK BENEFIT ZONE
PROPERTY OWNERS LIST
523-11-027 Bxaddi, Louis J., Jr. and Joan N, Trustee
523-11-026 Cordell, Robert Q., II
523-11-025 Fallon, Donald J.;
523-11-024 Wheldon, James M. and Raymonde M, Trustee
523-71-023 Parham, Eric S. and Amy K
523-11-022 Sprague, Margaret L., Trustee, Et Al
523-11-021 Rubenstein, Charles B.
523-11-020 Prey, William A. and Lea F„ Trustee
523-11-019 Sprintz Michael and Mildred
523-I1-Ol 8 Pearson, Karl M., 3r. and Lorelda M.
523-07-030 Cusick, Jaseph D. and Kathryn V., Trustee
523-07-029 Allari, Donald L, and Mary E.
523-07-D28 Ruble, Philip G. and Nancy A, Trustee
523-07-027 Spiteri, Ralph J. & La Verne C.
523-07-026 McCoy, Jzrome IC, and Sheryl D.
523-07-025 Jin,RobertandLisaH.
523-D7-024 Harwood, Michael and Elizabeth
523-07-023 Lackovic, Colette
523-07-022 Pagan, Anthony R, and Susanne D.
523-07-021 Schneider, john O. and Condi Michae]a
523-D7-020 Biller, Jason and Jenny
523-07-019 Bond, Joann G. Trustee
523-07-018 Sautter, Grace E., Trustee
523-07-017 Kenehan, Glenn and Marta
523-07-016 Raynaud, Joseph B, and Theresa C., Trustee
523-07-015 1{irk, Rcue1 J. and Margaret A.
523-07-OI4 Steele, Charles C, 7r. and Nancy J., Trustee
-7-
HILLBROOI~ BENEFIT ZONE
PROPERTY OWNERS LIST
523-07-013 Easley, Thomas E, and Imagene
523-67-012 Vasconi, Anthony and Elena
523-07-O1 l Workman, Dale S. and Bonnie 7.
523-07-010 Vossen, Stephen
523-07-009 Bergkamp, lames and Kimberly
523-07-008 Desantis, .Tustin TLUStee
523-07-007 Sclmeider, Linda V.
-8-
PART "D"
Assessment ~
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Assessment District No.l
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Area Maintained
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RESOLUTION 2009-044
RESOLUTION OF THE TOWN COUNCIL
OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
OF ITS INTENTION TO LEVY ANb COLLECT ASSESSMENTS
FOR FISCAL YEAR 2009/10 IN
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT NO.1--
HILLBROOI{BENEFIT ZONE
AND TO SET PUBLIC HEARING CONSD)ERING
THE PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS
WHEREAS, Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No, 1--Hillbrook Benefit
Zone is generally located along Fainnead Lane and Hillbrook Drive, as generally shown in Parl
D hereto, and generally consists of the following improvements:
Landscaping, turf, lighting and appurtenances on Assessor's Parcel Number
523-11-028, located at the southeast corner of Blossom Hill Road and Hillbrook Dtive.
WI3EREAS, on April 6, 2009, the Town Council ordered the Dish'ict Engineer to prepare
and file a report regarding Landscaping and Lighting Assessment District No. 1--Hillbrook
Benefit Zone, regarding the improvements in the District and proposed assessment to support
those improvements; and
WHEREAS, the District Engineer has prepared and filed that report; and
WHEREAS, the Town Council has considered and approved that report; and
WHEREAS, the Enghiecr's Report contains a detailed description of the irprovements in
the District, the boundaries of the District, and the proposed assessments upon assessable lots
and parcels oPl~utd within the District; and
WIIE1tEAS, the Town Cowicil intends to consider levying and collecting assessments
upon the assessable lots and parcels of land within the Dishict, and the proposed assessments
will be equal to those assessed in Fiscal Year 2008/09; and
WHEREAS, these proposed assessment should be set for public hearing in accordance
with the Sheets and Highways Code,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED AS FOLLOWS:
1. The Town Comlcil will consider the levying-and collection of assessment in Landscaping
acrd Lighting Assessment District No. 1--Hillbrook Benefit Zone at a public hearing
Monday, June 1, 2009, at 7:00 P. M., in the Town Council Chambers at Civic Center, 110
East Main Street, Los Gatos, CA 95030, when all interested persons may come and be
head. Tlus heai~ng may be continued from time to time.
2, Any pcrson wishing to protest the levy and collection of assessments may do so by filing a
writtcn protest with the Cleric Admvusriator, at 110 r. Main Strect, Los Gatos, CA
95030, before the close of the public hearing on Jtme 1, 2009, or as may he continued
from time to time. Any such written protests must state al] grottnds of objection and a
description to the property awned by the person malting the protest sufficient to identify
the property owned by that person.
3. 17rc Cleric Admirustrator is ordered to cause notice of the hearing to be published once in
the Los Gatos Weekly Thnes at least ] 0 days before the public hearing.
4. Tlie Cleric Admnristrator is further ordered to cause notice of the public hearing to be
mailed to the owners of assessable lots and parcels within the district at least 10 days
Uefore the public bearing.
PASSED AND ADOPTED at a regular ineetiug of the Town Council of the Town of Los
Gatos held on the 4~~' day of May, 2009 by the following vote:
COUNCIL:
AYES: Diane McNutt, Joe Pirzynski, Steve Rice, Barbara Spector, and Mayor Mike Wasserman
NAYS:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
SIGNED%i6~%~~G%/~G~
MAYOR OF THE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GATOS, CALIFORNIA
TEST~~
CL RJ~OF TIIE TOWN OF LOS GATOS
LOS GAT•OS, CALIFORNIA
PART "D"
Assessment
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ATTACHMENTS
February 9, 2010
Name
Address 1
Address 2
CityStateZip
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ON PROPOSED PROPOSED INCREASE IN THE
LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING ASSESSMENT DISTRICT-1 HILLBROOK DRIVE
RATE EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2010
Town of Los Gatos
Town Council Chambers
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
April 5, 2010 7 PM or as soon thereafter as matter can be heard
hi the early 1990's the Town of Los Gatos formed The Hillbrook Drive assessment district in
order to provide for public maintenance of the private open space located within your subdivision
and owned by the 34 property owners. Since its establishment, a $50 per year assessment has
been collected from each property as part of your annual property taxes. The purpose of the
District was to provide far the ongoing maintenance and care of landscaped areas that benefit the
properties within Hillbrook Drive neighborhood with services provided by a conh'actor retained
directly by, and managed by, the Town. on behalf of the property owners of Hillbrook Drive
neighborhood.
The annual assessment cost for each of the 34 property owners within the above assessment
dish'ict has been $50, producing amoral revemre of $1,700. This armual assessment to each
property has never been increased while the cost of providing maintenance services has increased
significantly to approxhnately $5,400 annually. The attached engineers report outlines the
revenue and expenditures for Fiscal Year 2009-10.
Maintenance Rates:
Cities who face this same sihiation are required to increase faced with the alternatives of
increasing the assessments commensurate with the cost of providing the service or dissolvinge the
assessment dish'ict and returning the maintenance responsibilities to the homeowners.
hr order for the Town of Los Gatos continue to provide maintenance services to the Hillbrook
Drive assessment district after end of 2009-10 Fiscal Year, the annual assessment must be
increased to cover the cost of providing this service. effective Effective hrly 1, 2010 annual
maintenance rates are proposed to change to pay for the maintenance services. increase to $175
far each of the 34 properties within the Hillbrook Drive assessment disb•ict. rf the dishict is
dissolved, Town would not have any maintenance responsibility from fliatAlternatively, if the
Town makes a decision to dissolve the district, the Town would have no fiuther maintenance
obligation and point forward. tThe property owners must Chwould have to en form their own
organization to hirre maintenance conh'actors and manage and administer maintenance services.
to provide for the maintenance of the open space.
ATTACHMENT3
Prrocess and Protests:
The Town will hold the public hearing referenced above to hear any protests for proposed
assessment increase from $50 to $175 atmually.
Article XIII (D) of the California State Constitution also known as Proposition 218, allows
property owners to submit written protests to the Town regarding the proposed rate increase. No
e-mail protests are accepted. Property owner's objecting to the proposed maintenance rate increase
desa•ibed in this notice may file a written protest with the Town Clerk to be received on or before
the close of the uublic hearing on April 5, 2010, but protests are requested by March 31, 2010 to
permit sufficient time to tabulate responses before the public hearing.
Written protest notices should must be addressed as follows: Town of Los Gatos
Office of Town Clerk
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
Pursuant to California Government Code Section 53755 (a)(3)(b), only one written protest per
parcel filed by a property owner of the parcel who is responsible for paying the maintenance rate
will be counted counted iu determining whether or not there is a majority protest to the proposed
maintenance rate increase. To be included in the protest count, a protest must be signed attd
include the address of the property owner submitting the protest; be timely; and state that it is
protesting the maintenance rate increase.
Additional information about this announcement and proposed maintenance rate increase can be
obtained from Town Finance Department at 354-6828 or Parks & Public Works Department at
399-5773.
ATTACHMENT 4
Landscape and Lighting
District #1 Hillbrook Drive Benefit Zone -Proposed Rate Increase Protest Statement Log
Name
Address
Date Statement Filed
Ruhle, Philip
Rubenstein, Rochelle, Trustee
Cordell, Robert II, Trustee
Lackovic, Thomas
Harwood, Michael
Workman, Dale and Bonnie
Bond. Joann
155 Eastridge Drive
136 Hillbrook Drive
116 Hillbrook Drive
135 Hillbrook Drive
139 Hillbrook Drive
129 Fairmead Lane
126 Fairmead Lane
2!19/2010
2/11 /2010
2/11/2010
2/19/2010
2/27/2010
3/3/2010
3/5/2010
_Hillbrook Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
11 February, 2010
Town of Los Gatos
Town Council Chambers
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
WRITTEN PROTEST STATEMENT
Re: Landscape & Lighting Assessment District No. 1 Hillbrook Benefit Zone
Rate Increase Proposal, Fiscal Year 2009!10
We wish to object to the increase in assessments. Our opposition is not to the (still
trivial) atmual levy, but to the ctm-ent way in which the Assessment District No. 1 outlays
are allocated.
Despite our recent rant storms, there have been strong indications that water reshictious
are likely to be required sooner or later throughout Santa Clara County. Property owners
in this District may soon be deciding how to cope with a mandatory reduction in
household water use. The "easiest" route for most of us will be lawn removal.
In this deteriorating environment, we are being irresponsible in lavishing irrigation water
(and energy) on au unused piece of land. 27% of the direct costs for "benefit" area
mahitenance is comprised of water charges. Presumably most of the remaittixtg cost is for
mechanical lawn mowing (under the "Landscape Contractor" heading).
People who turn into Hillbrook Drive rarely glimpse the lawn because they are intent on
negotiating the sharp and dangerous corner (we would nmch prefer to contribute money
to widening the road to smooth that hu-n!), so we do not feel that a manicured entrance to
our sheet has any effect on our property values. The better approach would be to
±r;;~tsf tm the appearance of the plot to make it even snore inronspicuous.
We propose that we continue the assessment at its present $50 level for one additional
year. The money raised should pay for the removal of the lawn, and for replanting that
area with fire-resistant native plant ground cover species which require no irrigation
water. Once these are planted, we assume that only minimal maintenance would be
required on the "private open space" plot after the wild plants have become established,
and wish to discuss with the City what form that custodianship should take and how it
should be funded-perhaps th
Signature of Property Owner
Name of Properly Owner
129 Fairmead Lana
Los Gatos, Ca. 95032
February 25, 2010
Town of Los Gatos
Town Council Chambers
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, Ca 95030
Vi'rittcn Protest Statement
RE Landscape & Lighting Assessment District No 1 Hillbrook Benefit Zone
Rate Increase Proposal, Fiscal Year 2009/2010
We wish to abject to the increase in assessments. Our opposition is not to the annual levy, but
to the way in which the Assessment District outlays are allocated.
Because the Santa Clara valley continues to have water shortage concerns and we axe
continually urged by the water district to minimize water use and to convert yard landscape to
draught tolerant planting, I fmd it hicredulous that $1300 is spent atmually ou water which is
mostly for lawn which is so over watered that water stands in the walkway. In addition, $33
per month average is spent on an electrical system to couteol the water. In this deteriorating
environment, the Town is being irresponsible in lavishing irrigation water and energy on an
rmused piece of land which is an easement for the Santa Clara Cotmty Flood Conhol.
In addition, the cost of $3110 for maintenance is an excessive amount for the size of this piece
of property. It is no bigger than most of the yards in this district and the monthly cost is almost
$260. In talking with neighbors who have then yards maintained by a landscape gardener, they
are paying less than half that amount on a monthly basis and are not charged for weeks when
weather prohibits mowing or other maintenance.
Since the turn onto Hillbrook is such a sharp turn corning from the direction of the park, we
would suggest utilizing apiece of this coiner to widening the sheet to reduce the exposure to
accidents. The type of landscaping on this piece of property will not have any effect on
property values nor people in om• district as it is not used by anyone.
We propose that we continue the assessment at the present level of $$0 for one additional
year. The money raised should pay for removal of the lawn and for replanting drat area with
! ~~ Hillbrook Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
11 February, 2010
Town of Los Gatos
Town Council Chambers
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
WRITTEN PROTEST STATEMENT
Re: Landscape & Lighting Assessment District No. 1 Hillbrook Benefit Zone
Rate Increase Proposal, Fiscal Year 2009/10
We wish to object to the increase in assessments. Our opposition is not to the (still
trivial) amoral levy, but to the current way in which the Assessment District No. 1 outlays
are allocated.
Despite our recent rain storms, there have been strong indications that water restrictions
are likely tv be required sooner or later tlu~oughout Santa Clara County. Property owners
in this District may soon be deciding how to cope with a mandatory reduction in
household water use. The "easiest" route for most of us will be lawn removal.
In this deteriorating environment, we are being irresponsible in lavishing irrigation water
(and energy) on an unused piece of land. 27% of the direct costs for "benefit" area
maintenance is comprised of water charges. Presumably most of the remaining cost is for
mechanical lawn mowing (under the "Landscape Contractor" heading).
People who hun into Hillbrook Drive rarely glimpse the lawn because they are intent on
negotiating the sharp and dangerous corner (we would much prefer to contribute money
to widening the road to smooth that tum!), so we do not feel that a manicured enhance to
our street has any effect on our property values. The better approach would be to
transform the appearance of the prof to make it even more inconspicuous.
We propose that we continue the assessment at its present $50 level for one additional
year. The money raised should pay for the removal of the lawn, and for replanting that
area with fire-resistant native plant ground cover species which require no irrigation
water. Once these are planted, we assume that oiily uuiumal maintenance would be
required on the "private open space" plot after the wild plants have become established,
and wish to discuss with the City what fmm that custodianship should take and how it
should be funded -perhaps through a r~e ed .lie fv~
Signature of Property Owner ~\ "" I'~ = `
Nurse of Property Owner M tcl,{q-G-~ ~"o-W-y~ A-Ri„/ o -e~~
~ ~ ~IlillbTOOk Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
I 1 February, 2010
Town of Los Gatos
Town Council Chambers
110 East Main Sheet
Los Gatos, CA 95030
WRITTEN PROT);ST STATEMENT
Re: Landscape & Lighting Assessment District No. 1 13illbrook Benefit 7_.one
Rate Increase Proposal, Fiscal Year 2009/10
We wish to object to the increase in assessments. Our opposition is not to the (still
trivial) annual levy, but to the current way in which the Assessment District No. 1 outlays
are allocated.
Despite our recent rain stotms, there have been strong indications that water restrictions
are likely to be requhed sooner or later tluoughout Sauta Clara County. Property owners
hi this District may soon be deciding how to cope with a mandatory reduction in
household water use. The "easiest" route for most of us will be lawn removal.
In this deteriorating environment, we are being hresponsible in lavishing irrigation water
(and energy) on an urnised piece of land. 27% of the direct costs for "benefit" area
maintenance is comprised of water charges. Presumably most of the remaining cost is for
mechanical lawn mowing (under the "Landscape Contractor" heading).
People who turn into Hillbrook Drive rarely glunpse the lawn because they are intent on
negotiating the shop and dangerous corner (we would much prefer to contribute money
to widening the road to smooth that turn!), so we do not feel that a manicured entrance to
onr street has any effect on our property values. The better approach world be to
transform the appearance of the plot to make it even more inconspicuous.
We propose that we continue the assessment at its present $50 level for one additional
year. The money raised should pay for the removal of the lawn, and for replanting that
area with fire-resistant native plant grqund cover species which require no irrigation
water. Once these are planted, we assume tlrat only mhrimal maintenance would be
required on the "private open space" plot after the wild plants have become estaUlished,
and wish to discuss with the City what form that custodianship should take and how it
should be funded -perhaps tluough a re .aced"le'vy,'
Signature of Property Owner ~ ~ / ~ ~"~
Name of Property Owner ~~;e.T ~ C~!?~~t..ts ~ -~°~~
Hillbrook Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
11 February, 2070
Town of Los Gatos
Town Council Chambers
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
WRITTEN PROTEST STATEMENT
Re: Landscape & Lighting Assessment District No. 1 Hillbrook Benefit Zone
Rate Increase Proposal, Fiscal Year 2009/10
wish to object to the increase in assessments. Our opposition is not to the (still
trivial) annual levy, but to the current way in which the Assessment District No. 1 outlays
are allocated.
Despite our recent rain storms, there have been strong indications that water restrictions
are likely to be required. sooner or later throughout Santa Clara County. Property owners
hi this District may soon be deciding how to cope with a mandatory reduction in
household water use. The "easiest" route for most of us will be lawn removal.
In this deteriorating environment, we are being irresponsible in Iavishing irrigation water
(and energy) on an unused piece of land. 27% of the direct costs for "benefit" area
maintenance is comprised of water charges. Presumably most of the remaining cost is for
mechanical lawn mowing (under the "Landscape Contractor" heading).
People who turn into Hillbrook Drive rarely glimpse the lawn because they axe intent on
negotiating the sharp and dangerous corner (we would much prefer to contribute money
to widening the road to smooth that tmn!), so we do not feel that a manicured entrance to
our street has any effect on our property values. The better approach would be to
1rg.;~F~..•m 4he a^^~^rance Of the ln+ tQ lnslce 1t :Von 1'10r'e tnC01L l~n^nS.
l~r..... p~... p
it propose that we continue the assessment at its present $50 level for one additional
year. The money raised should pay for the removal of the lawn, and for replanting that
area with fire-resistant native plant ground cover species which require no irrigation
water. Once these are planted, we assume that only minimal maintenance would be
required on the "private open space" prof after the wild plants have become established,
and wish to discuss with the City what form that custodianship should take and how it
should befunded -perhaps through a reduced levy.
(~ `~ ~ ,
Signahue of Property Owner t~~L'~CJ'C~,-E.~E:~~-- /~~ 1'~'~OL~1 ~1..J2,~ ~~,GG~~(I~
Name ofP-ro~perty Owner ~G'C~~`/ ~N,__/~./ ~ -' S . j_~_? ; ~j''j(,~7~~
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155 Eastridge Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
February 18,2010
Town of Los Gatos
Office of Town-Clerk
110 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
PROTEST STATEMENT
RE: Landscape & Lighting Assessment District #1 Hillbrook Drive Benefit
7,one; Proposed Rate Increase
We agree thatwe should continue to be assessed for upkeep of the small open space
at the foot of Hillbrook Drive, but not for the space as it is now-an expanse of
unused lawn that requires watering and mowing. In this age of water conservation
it seems irresponsible for the town to continue to do this. We would support a
removal ofthe existing lawn and any water-hungry shrubs, replacing these with
drought-tolerant plants.
We are aware that such a change might necessitate none-time higher assessment
fee, but then the fee could be lowered when the plants are established and no longer
require watering.
Sin~ce`preiy"~
~hili~ p G. Ru~ G~%v~
`~ S~IIillbrook Drive
Los Gatos, CA 95032
11 February, 2010
Town of Los Gatos
Town Council Chambers
1 l0 East Main Street
Los Gatos, CA 95030
WRITTEN PROTEST STATEMENT
Re: Landscape & Lighting Assessment DistrictNo. 1 Hillbrook Benefit Zone
Rate Increase Pmnosal_ Fiscal Year 2009!10
We wish to object to the increase in assessments. Ots opposition is not to the (still
trivial) annual levy, but to the current way in which the Assessment District No. 1 outlays
ue allocated.
Despite our recent rain storms, there have been strong indications that water resticflons
are likely to be required sooner or later throughout Santa Clara County. Property owners
in this District may soon be deciding how to cope with a mandatory reduction in
household water use, The "easiest" route for most of us will be lawn removal.
Irt this deteriorating environment, we are being irresponsible in lavishutg irrigation water
(and energy) on an unused piece of land. 27% of the direct costs for "benefit' area
maintenance is comprised of water charges. Presumably most of the remaining cost is for
mechanical lawn mowing {under the "Landscape Contractor" heading).
People who turn into Hillbrook Drive rarely glimpse the lawn because they are intent on
negotiating the sharp and dangerous corner (we would much prefer to contribute money
to widenhig the road to smootlt that turn!), so we do not feel that a manicured entrance to
our street has any effect on our property values. The Vetter approach v,~ould be to
irauafoia the appearanc.•e of tiie plot to~nrake it evenmore inconspicuous.
We propose that we continue the assessment at its present $50 level for one additional
year. The money raised shordd pay for the removal of the lawn, and for replanting that
area with fire-resistant native plant ground cover species which require no irrigation
water. Once these are planted, we assume that only minimal maintenance would be
required on the "private open space" plot after the wild plants have become established,
and wish to discuss with the City what form that custodianship should take and how it
should be funded -perhaps through a reduced levy.
Signature of Property Owner ~j'°" ~.t~- ~/"~
Name of Property Owner t 1-f ~ i..~_ t1 f ~~ l' 14 l~ ~ t ~-