Ripon approves Meadowood subdivision agreement amendment, authorizes up to $7.75 million for Fulton Avenue expansion and limited early home construction

The Ripon City Council approved an amendment to the Meadowood Subdivision Improvement Agreement that authorizes a not-to-exceed expenditure of $7,750,000 to extend a four-lane segment of Fulton Avenue and allows the developer to record the final map and begin construction of 17 homes prior to completion of all civil improvements.

City staff told the council the requested amendment would extend the four-lane section of Fulton Avenue north to Colony Avenue to improve safety and traffic function near the Shasta Avenue intersection. The $7,750,000 figure covers the roadway and related street improvements only and does not include landscaping along the corridor, staff said.

"The additional cost and not to exceed amount to do this is $7,750,000, and that would not include landscaping along this section," a staff member said. Staff said the project would be funded from the city's AB 1600 transportation fee account; staff reported an available balance of about $3,400,000 in that account and noted outside funding sources have been identified for other priority projects. City staff also explained that reimbursement agreements are expected with a future development to the north, the Meadow Brook project, which would reimburse Ripon for the cost when that project advances.

Staff recommended, and the council approved, allowing Lennar Homes to record the final map now and to begin construction of 17 homes with the condition that Lennar not enter into sales agreements for those homes until all required on-site and off-site civil improvements are accepted by the city. Representatives of Lennar Homes (identified as Kelsey and Lauren in the meeting) were present and described their partnership with the city.

Council members asked for clarification on how reimbursements would be processed. A council member asked whether the developer would submit monthly invoices for completed work and how the city would inspect and approve reimbursements. The staff member said reimbursement invoicing depends on project length and can be monthly or a single invoice for shorter projects, with city inspection prior to payment.

A motion to approve the SIA amendment and related actions was made and seconded and passed on a unanimous 5-0 vote.

Staff noted the timing of reimbursements is contingent on when the Meadow Brook project proceeds and that an exact reimbursement schedule is not known at this time.