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Council approves intention to dissolve two small landscape maintenance districts
Summary
After public comment supporting removal, council voted to initiate dissolution proceedings for Palisades and Silverado Place landscape maintenance districts; staff said Caltrans would retain right‑of‑way responsibility after dissolution.
The council voted to begin proceedings to dissolve two small landscape maintenance districts that assess property owners to pay for city maintenance of landscaped strips adjacent to Caltrans right‑of‑way.
Senior staff explained both districts—Palisades (established 1993) and Silverado Place (established 1997)—cover narrow strips of landscaping planted between subdivision fences and the highway right‑of‑way. Staff said the city’s maintenance cost exceeds the assessment revenue and that Prop. 218 procedures would be required to increase assessments. The annual city cost for maintaining the Palisades strip was described as about $2,900, while assessment revenue was roughly $1,500.
Resident Dan Herndon, who lives in the Palisades, told council the neighborhood supports dissolution. Councilmembers asked who would maintain the area afterwards; staff said the property lies along Caltrans right‑of‑way and staff would request Caltrans take over maintenance if the districts are dissolved, but acknowledged Caltrans maintenance is not guaranteed and the city would monitor and follow up with Caltrans if deterioration occurred.
The council adopted resolutions of intention to dissolve both districts and set the process in motion; public hearings required by the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 will follow. No immediate closure of the landscaped areas will occur pending the statutory process.
Ending: Staff will proceed with the statutory dissolution process, schedule the required public hearings and contact Caltrans about ongoing maintenance expectations.
