In order to levy annual assessments and per the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972, each year the City is required to draft an Engineer’s Report for each of the City’s Assessment Districts, detailing an estimated budget, the assessment methodology, any planned improvements, and the assessment value for each parcel. Aside from these administrative proceedings, the City is also required to hold a public hearing to formally levy the annual assessment through the adoption of resolutions by the City Council. All these documents are then submitted to the Orange County Auditor Controller’s Office for inclusion in the final assessment roll.

The City utilizes the assistance of consultants for assessment engineering services for all its districts. Specifically, consultants assist city staff in drafting the Engineer’s Report, determining assessment values for each parcel, and submitting all pertaining information to the County for inclusion in the final assessment roll.

Staff recently solicited requests for proposals from four consultant firms. Of these four firms, three submitted proposals. Staff evaluated each of the proposals and determined that Harris & Associates, Inc., is the most qualified firm to provide these services.  The following is a summary of the ratings:

There is no impact to the General Fund. Revenues from the street lighting and park maintenance assessment districts will be used to cover consultant fees. These fees are as follows and are included in the Agreement: $25,000 for FY 2019-20, $25,750 for FY 2020-21, $26,500 for FY 2021-22 and $27,300 for FY 2022-23 for a total amount of $104,550.

It is recommended that the City Council:

•  Award a contract to Harris & Associates, Inc. to provide assessment engineering services for the City’s Street Lighting District, Street Lighting District 99-1 and Park Maintenance Assessment District for Fiscal Years 2019-20, 2020-21, 2021-22 and 2022-23, in an amount not to exceed the annual proposed fee, with the option to extend the contract for two (2) two-year terms; and

• Authorize the City Manager to execute the professional services agreement on behalf of the City and to make minor modifications as appropriate thereto.

By: Ana V. Neal

      Sr. Administrative Analyst