CC Minutes 12/10/2012 Workshop - Laserfiche WebLink

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CASSELBCRRY CITY COMMISSION Minutes of December 10, 2012 — workshop Page 3 of 4 Discussion A lengthy discussion ensued regarding the assessment program, which included the City's goal of lighting the City and the status of that goal; calculation of the assessment for both commercial and residential properties; possibility of converting to LED lighting; options for upgrading lighting in addition to new installation; and prioritization of lighting installation locations. Direction Mr. Newlon requested guidance from the Commission relating to the questions presented to them at the beginning of the workshop. The Commission provided guidance as follows: CONSENSUS: Commission consensus was as follows: • Confirmed that the City would still maintain a goal to illuminate the City for the purposes of public safety, crime prevention and economic development. • Confirmed support of the continuation of the use of special assessments to fund the street lighting program, as opposed to going back to general revenues. • Confirmed willingness to explore the proposed new methodology and a desire to change the program to require an assessment from those previously designated as "excluded subdivisions" so that all developments are contributing to the street lighting in the City. ® Confirmed willingness to consider some allowance for capital replacement and improvement of fixtures, as well as additional fixtures. Discussion: Additional lengthy discussion ensued regarding possible resistance from those areas not previously required to pay the assessment; the impact of a well -lit city when entering from other areas of the county; possibility of exemptions; prioritization of installation of lighting to those areas most traveled which would make the biggest impact; and notification and public hearing issues. Mr. Newlon advised that staff believed the work could be done in -house to structure the assessment program, including research, calculations, and all the necessary mailings. He suggested that although he believed this could be done, as the process moves on there was a possibility they could find that outside assistance was needed. He stated that the last time they had to rely on experts as well as special attorneys, and there was a possibility they may again need such assistance. He added that he believed there would probably be enough fund balance to cover those costs if that was necessary. He further added that the process would take time, and he was not sure if it would be done by the next cycle, which would be 2013, but every effort would be made to do so. In response to questions from Mayor Glancy, Mr. Newlon advised that staff would explore all the possibilities for funding the program and would bring options for consideration to the Commission at a future time.