HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005 06 27 Regular Item 506- Public Notification Phase 2 Street Lighting/Sign Install
CITY COMMISSION
AGENDA
June 27, 2005
Meeting
Consent
Information
Public Hearing
Regular X
ITEM 506
MGR. It--"
lDept. ttlf?
REQUEST: The Community Development Department, Urban Beautification Services Division.
requests the City Commission allow the Tuscawilla Lighting And Beautification District Advisory
Board and City Staff to move forward with public notification for the Phase Two Street Lighting And
Street Sign Installation.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is to request permission from the City Commission to
proceed with public notification, public meetings, and mailing of a non-binding straw ballot to the
residents of Tuscawilla to determine support for the Phase Two Improvement Project.
CONSIDERATIONS:
The Tuscawilla Lighting And Beautification District was originally conceived as a Two Phase
program of beautification improvements with capital, maintenance, and debt service components
affecting the yearly district tax assessment.
. Phase One consisted of hardscape and landscape upgrades to (9) Tuscawilla entrances and the
Winter Springs Boulevard medians. Included in this program is decorative street lighting and
decorative street signage along Winter Springs Boulevard. This Phase has been complete for
several years with positive results for Tuscawilla Residents and the Winter Springs Community
being obvious. The maximum 'cap' on yearly assessments was originally set at $110.00 per unit;
the current total assessment is only $93.36 per year.
. Phase Two consists of decorative street lighting and decorative street signage along the following
Tuscawilla residential roadways: Northern Way, Seneca, Vistawilla, Trotwood, Tuscora,
Greenbrier, Howell Creek, Deer Run, and Dyson. The annual total assessment increase for Phase
Two, which consists of installation and maintenance of 535 decorative street lights and 170
decorative street signs, will be $57.53 per year per unit.
June 27, 2005
Regular Item 506
Page 2
FUNDING:
Funding for notification of the Phase Two Improvement Project to the Tuscawilla
Lighting and Beautification District Residents shall come from Capital Fund Line Code (308-
63000) in the amount of$11,285.00, as per recommendation from Government Services Group.
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended the City Commission approve City Staff and the Tuscawilla Lighting
And Beautification District Advisory Board to proceed with public notification, public meetings,
and the mailing of a non- binding straw ballot to residents in the Tuscawilla Lighting and
Beautification Taxing District in an effort to gather public input regarding moving forward with
the Phase Two Improvement Project.
ATTACHMENTS:
A. Government Services Group (G.S.G.) - Tuscawilla Phase 2 Status Report
B. Proposed Improvements Fact Sheet
C. Important Notice Of Proposed Increase
D. Non-Binding Straw Ballot
E. Map - Phase Two Project Area
CITY COMMISSION ACTION:
G
s
G
pubJ:ic sector
func#J?J ~ J'ervice
solutions
GOVERNMENT SERVICES GROUP, INC.
June 6, 2005
VIA E-MAIL TRANSMISSION
Mr. Ronald W. McLemore
City Manager
City of Winter Springs
1126 East State Road 434
Winter Springs, Florida 32708-2799
Re: City of Winter Springs (City): Tuscawilla Phase II Improvement and Beautification Project
Status Report
Dear Ron:
The purpose of this letter is to provide the City with the preliminary findings and conclusions of Government
Services Group, Inc. (GSG) and Nabors, Giblin & Nickerson, P.A. (NGN), regarding the Tuscawilla Phase II
Improvement and Beautification Project, so the City Commission may decide whether or not to proceed with
the preparation and mailing of ballots to property owners in the project benefit area. The project consists of
two primary components: a capital component and a maintenance component. In addition, as with all
assessment programs, there is an additional cost component, the assessment program cost component.
The capital component of the project consists of the removal of existing street signage and streetlights and
installation of new decorative street lampposts and signage along the collector roads1 (excluding Winter
Springs Blvd., which received similar street lampposts and signage in the Phase I Project) in the existing
Tuscawilla benefit area. The projected cost of the capital component, including a standard ten percent
contingency amount for increases in the cost of the project (the "Phase II Improvements) is approximately
$525,0002.
The maintenance component consists of operating and maintaining of the new street lampposts and
signage. The projected cost of the maintenance component is approximately $190,000 annually.
The assessment program cost component consists of the annual cost for the City to: 1) maintain the Phase II
capital and maintenance assessment program and prepare and submit an assessment roll to the County Tax
Collector for collection of the assessments on the tax bill; 2) pay the statutorily established fee to the County
Tax Collector for collecting the assessments and providing the revenues to the City; and 3) provide funding
1 These roads consist of the following: Northern Way, Seneca. Vistawilla. Trotwood. Tuscora. Greenbrier. Howell Creek, Deer Run.
and Dyson.
2 Financing arrangements have not been established, therefore. a 5 percent loan issuance amount has been assumed.
1500 Mahan Drive, Suite 250 I Tallahassee FL 32308 IT 850.681.3717 I F 850.224.7206
280 Wekiva Springs Rd. I Protegrity Plaza. Suite 203 I Longwood FL 32779 I T 407.629.6900 I F 407629.6963
June 6,2005
Page 2
necessary to fund the program in the event that all tax payers take advantage of the statutorily provided
early payment discount. The projected assessment program costs are $ 19,875 annually.
TUSCAWILLA PHASE II IMPROVEMENT AND BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT BENEFIT AREA
A substantial majority of the parcels within the Tuscawilla Beautification Improvement Area are residential
properties or capable of supporting residential dwelling units. Presently, there are 4,515 parcels in the
Tuscawilla benefit area. All parcels within the Tuscawilla Phase II Beautification Improvement Area benefit
from the construction of the Phase II improvements based on the following components:
. Beautification or aesthetics
. Enhanced safety
The benefit area for the Phase II project is exactly the same as for the existing Phase I program. There are
no additions or deletions from the benefit area.
APPORTIONMENT METHODOLOGY
For the Tuscawilla Phase I Improvement and Beautification Project, an Orlando based real estate appraisal
firm was engaged to provide an analysis of the benefits derived from the proposed improvements. GSG and
NGN staff have concluded that, by completing the Phase II Improvements on the remainder of the collector
roads in the benefit area, the Phase II project is a logical expansion of the initial project and the identified
benefit and apportionment methodology is valid for allocating the cost of the Phase II improvements. Our
comments to city staff regarding the location of the Phase II Improvements should help to reinforce this
logic,
As such, each residential parcel was assigned one equivalent residential unit for each improved dwelling unit
located thereon. All unimproved, platted lots with a vacant residential property use, were also assigned one
equivalent dwelling unit. Unimproved, unplatted parcels, with a vacant residential property use, were initially
assigned one equivalent dwelling unit and will be subject to a prorated assessment based upon the actual
number of dwelling units subsequently developed or platted thereon. Non-residential property uses were
assigned equivalent dwelling units based on the analysis of their building size compared to that of an
average residential dwelling.
Accordingly, the assessable costs of the Tuscawilla Phase II Improvement and Beautification Project are
proposed to be apportioned based on the number of residential dwelling units or their equivalent contained
or able to be built on each parcel of property. Each resultant residential unit or its equivalent within the
Tuscawilla Phase II Beautification Improvement Area is expected to benefit equally based on the
beautification and safety components.
An assessment for any given parcel will be calculated by multiplying the number of equivalent residential
units assigned to the parcel by the rate per equivalent dwelling unit to determine the total assessment
amount. Presently, there are 4,301 Equivalent Residential Units (ERU) in the Tuscawilla Phase II
Beautification Improvement Area.
PRELIMINARY ESTIMATED ANNUAL ASSESSMENT RATES
All of the information regarding the costs of constructing and financing the Phase II Improvements have
been provided by the City. The capital component costs include the projected costs of financing issuance.
Based on the assessable costs of the Phase II Improvements and the application of the recommended
June 6, 2005
Page 3
apportionment methodology, Table 1 provides the preliminary annual assessment rate per equivalent
residential unit (ERU) for capital, operating and assessment program costs.
Table 1
Tuscawilla Phase II Improvement and Beautification Project
Preliminary Estimated Annual Assessment Rates
Annual
Assessment
Amount per
Expense Amount ERU
Annual Debt Service Amount $ 37,560 $ 8.73
Annual Maintenance Amount $ 190,000 $ 44.18
Assessment Program Costs $ 19,875 $ 4.62
Assessment Program Requirement $ 247,435 $ 57.53
Notes:
1) Principal loan amount $551,250
Capital Costs $525,000
Financing Costs 5% of Capital Costs ($26,250)
Loan Terms (30 year, 5.5%)
2) Current Year assessment study costs ($20,000) are funded from existing fund balance.
3) Notification costs ($11,285) to be funded from existing fund balance.
4) Assessment Program Cost Components
Annual Assessment Program Costs (additional) $5,600
Statutory Discount $9,326
Tax Collector Costs $4,949
If you have any questions or require any additional information at this time, please contact me.
Sincerely,
~~
Skip Burnside
Senior Project Manager
cc:
Camille Tharpe
Chris Traber
Kipton Lockcuff
Michelle Greco
Steven Richart
TUSCAWILLA LIGHTING AND BEAUTlnCATION DISTRICT
PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS FACT SHEET
The Tuscawilla Lighting And Beautification District Advisory Board is proposing
additional improvements that will result in an increase of the yearly assessments.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: What improvements are being proposed?
A: As part of the Tuscawilla Lighting and Beautification
District's improvement plan, the Advisory Board is proposing
a project to install new street lighting and signage along the
following streets: Northern Way, Seneca Boulevard, Vistawil/a
Drive, Tuscora Drive, Trotwood Boulevard, Deer Run, Howell
Creek Drive, pyson Drive, Greenbriar Lane, and Shetland
Avenue.
Q: Why are the improvements being proposed?
A: These improvements are being proposed to finish the
Advisory Board's two phase plan of beautification for the
Tuscawilla Community. The first phase of the plan has been
recently completed, improving nine entrances and
Winter Springs Boulevard by upgrading fountains, hard-
scaping, signage, and landscaping.
Q: How does this project benefit Tuscawilla Property Owners?
A: Based upon results of the first phase of the enhancement project,
your Advisory Board believes the second phase will provide
additional value to Tuscawilla by way of increased appeal
to potential home buyers and additional safety for current home
owners.
Street Lighting
Street Signage
Q: How does this project benefit my family?
A: The main benefit you and your family will notice
is additional street lighting spaced strategically
to provide greater visibility and safety during the
evening on main roadways throughout Tuscawilla.
Q: How long will the project take to complete?
A: The project will take at least two years to complete.
Q: Will this cause my annual assessments to increase?
A: The proposed improvements will increase your current
annual assessment an estimated $55 to $65 per year.
Q: Are there currently any other projects being
considered that will increase my annual
assessments?
A: Not at this time. lbe Advisory Board's goal is to do
an excellent job at maintaining the Tuscawilla Lighting
and Beautification District while protecting your home
investment. All at an affordable cost. The District's
operational costs continue to be one of the most
affordable and well managed in Central Florida,
however, an additional increase in the maintenance
assessment may eventually be required as costs of
contracted services escalate.
Q: Willi have input into this decision before it is made?
A: The Tuscawilla Lighting and Beautification District will
hold meetings to gather public opinion regarding the
Phase 2 project. An advisory referendum in the form of
a 'straw ballot' will be sent to each affected homeowner
allowing for written feedback to the Commission.
Finally, the project will be presented to the City
Commission for approval where public input will also
be considered before a decision is rendered.
If you have additional questions, please call the City
Urban Beautification Division Manager at:
(407) 327-5976.
IMPORTANT NOTICE REGARDING PROPOSED INCREASE IN
BEAUTIFICATION ASSESSMENT
Dear Tuscawilla Resident:
On August 22, 2005, the City Commission will make a decision regarding proposed
increases of yearly assessments to fund proposed improvements to the Tuscawilla
Lighting And Beautification District.
The Commission desires to acquire a good understanding of Tuscawilla property owners'
support for these improvements.
To accomplish this, the Commission has authorized a non-binding advisory vote of the
property owners of the Tuscawilla Lighting and Beautification District on the proposal.
One vote per property will be allowed.
To let your City Commissioners know your wishes regarding your support of the
proposed improvements, please take the following action:
1) Review the enclosed fact sheet.
2) Following your review of the fact sheet please indicate your vote on the
enclosed ballot, as instructed.
3) Return your ballot in the enclosed envelope no later than July 20th 2005 to:
City Clerk, T.L.B.D. Straw Ballot, 1126 E. SR 434, Winter Springs, FL
32708.
If you need any additional information please contact the Urban Beautification
Division Manager at (407) 327-5976.
Sincerely,
Ronald W. McLemore
City Manager
RWM/sr
City of Winter Springs
1126 E. State Road 434
Winter Springs, Florida 32708
SAMPLE NON-BINDING STRA W BALLOT
Name
Address
Tax Parcel Number:
Benefit Units:
Sequence Number
BALLOT
CITY OF WINTER SPRINGS · SEMINOLE COUNTY, FLORIDA.
Tuscawilla Lighting And Beautification District
PROPOSED INCREASE IN CAPITAL & MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENT
. INSTRUCTIONS: TO VOTE, COMPLETELY FILL IN THE SQUARE NEXT TO YOUR CHOICE. ·
Use a permanentmarking device such as an ink pen. If you make a mistake, a new ballot
may be picked up at City Hall. If you erase or make other marks, your vote may not count.
Ballot must be received at City Hall no later than July 20, 2005.
RELATIVE TO THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS TO THE
TUSCAWILLA LIGHTING AND BEAUTIFICATION DISTRICT
PHASE 2 PROGRAM, IT IS MY WISH THAT THE CITY
, COMMISSION
o APPROVE
o REJECT
THE PROPOSED IMPROVEMENTS AND RELATED INCREASE
IN MAINTENANCE ASSESSMENTS TO MAINTAIN THESE
IMPROVEMENTS.
Parcel Owner
Tax Parcel Number:
Benefit Units:
Printed Name
Date
Signature Of Property Owner
aUl
lj'
.~; .
"
~ ,.'~'."
)i
~1
~I
~I
f
Vl
,.
:>-
""
l)o
;~
;b
...........
...
~' 4~-"
.....'.i:.ain : i
.~
j/
Attachment 2 - Prllject Area Map
Green = Existing (VIS Blvd)
Red = Propllsed Streets
,
I
I
II! ,1.. ;:
t,. .'. i: ; !:: ..:....,,? ,.
I H""'l' ! . ,.
I . ~ . ,
I
~':~
, I
\(\
~iI
i ,j
!~
.>,,,:,.1*'>
"~
, i\
i
: I,,:: ...,~~;.;.. , , , . ,;;/ ,.Jc ! ; 0 .
UUIJ.11~r'I,~I~r~; if!: I~'
,,:)1 ;.v ~ "l~\ . ~ .{J( (If . :J2-c/;
/1\\ '~~\' ) . c":"';" ',:).
, :, ~ \ "4"/."7~ft~~~; '.
" ;'~""')j l \t~.;. : I. '. . .
, . . It ) . . I/\~'~\ . 1/ t., I IN'' <~~
../ ,..' . ) /." l .. II ~\\ "': . ! ,\.", . . ( ','.
'liJ:;l;:..~J //.1. / ~r:i). /~.' '~}\\\\,~:~.\.:.. //v;t,f~~... . (.":.'.~:~
// '\t~"" ~ '!{" iJi ' l\~\ ~\ }~,/ ''''':''/ '';;/ ' \ ,'. " : /{<~,
/""1'.," . .//,1'. II,: .i 1/ \\ '-., "!,;:!/ ..'.::..!, lj Il": ,i>' .:> '. \
f/~" *, ,~~/ _,' ,''-' .,17A"t*lJ. t';' ',,' J!.# .'~' "lr I._ ~-,'-, \' f N
I" '( -.,' J ?~ -,~^:.,,., ' ,/;I ....;!:.- . ~" ,~"7.' r'/ 1/... .....'~'\ "'.il +~ Q""
. d'::C^' ;"0(.,~.'/t;'J. r/."S.>j'l /; '1~ ;Ii); ~)~;~:.',..ljl ((.,'t. ill .'1/-.,;."
':/'/(:'3:-', .1// /r 1/ -w //,:~w !~l\:,;.:' )r
Ii' ..t';'-i.":
//
(
r' ,
~ I '_"~
.~:, I. \._
1,"'_"'_">-' .'
lif....
It-
!)i
"
....I"""-"'n1
11
Ii
"' ,
11
.,