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Council approves Skypark open-space assessment after residents raise maintenance, safety and wildlife concerns
Summary
The council adopted the Skypark Open Space Maintenance District assessment (flat $219 for 190 parcels). Residents pressed for higher maintenance levels, cited gopher holes, foxtails and vandalism; staff said limited assessment revenue constrains contractor service and that city crews will take on some greenbelt work.
The Scotts Valley City Council voted unanimously to adopt a resolution ordering levy and collection of assessments for the Skypark Open Space Maintenance District, continuing a flat $219 annual charge applied to Skypark parcels.
Public works director Rodolfo Onchi outlined the district’s history and finances, saying the Skypark assessment was established in 1995 as a condition of subdivision approval. He told the council the assessment covers maintenance of the linear trail, greenbelt and slope-stability funding. For the coming year the district’s assessed fees total a little over $41,000; utilities (mainly water) are about $16,500, leaving roughly $22,000 available for the landscape contract and related maintenance.
Residents who spoke at the public hearing described longstanding maintenance shortfalls. Skypark resident Heather Sebring urged the council to "research what would be an appropriate amount and then...put forth a revised levy with a CPI adjustment," and offered to help circulate a letter to neighbors. Gillian Maglaise said she is "very disappointed" that the city renewed the contract with KND and noted persistent problems with greenbelt upkeep. Another resident, Matthew Hakimi, urged attention to park ecology and birds that he says have declined since mulch and other changes were made.
Onchi told the council the current contract with KND provides roughly one monthly visit for the extensive linear trail; staff said the contract and the district’s revenues limit how often the contractor can work. The city has not renewed BrightView for greenbelt work; instead, public-works crews will take over some greenbelt and soccer-field maintenance, which staff said should improve conditions over the next few months. Staff said they can prepare a cost estimate for a higher service level if council directs them to do so.
Council members and staff encouraged residents to work with staff to identify options — including a formal assessment increase under Proposition 218, which requires a property-owner vote. Several council members directed staff to prepare a clearer cost estimate for improved maintenance and to meet with residents to discuss options.
The council adopted Resolution No. 1555.SP0.370.2 (as referenced in the hearing text) ordering collection of the Skypark assessment for the fiscal year; the motion passed unanimously. Staff said they will provide a future breakdown of utilities versus maintenance costs and will publish engagement opportunities as the Skypark-specific master plan and a consultant RFP move forward.
