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Public works hearing on sidewalk assessments draws complaints from homeowners; board continues two assessment lists
Summary
The Board of Supervisors heard objections to sidewalk assessment lists from Public Works on May 1, with homeowners raising workmanship and billing complaints; the board continued the lists for further review and outreach.
A combined Committee of the Whole hearing on May 1 reviewed objections to assessment reports from the Department of Public Works for two sidewalk programs: the proactive Sidewalk Inspection and Repair Program (SERP) and the Accelerated Sidewalk Abatement Program (ASAP).
Michael Lennon of Public Works described the SERP program9s 25-year rolling inspection plan and the city9s authority under state highway code section 5611 and the municipal public works code to require property owners to maintain sidewalks adjacent to their property. For SERP the department said it issued 1,939 invoices over the past year and that 1,812 were paid (93%). The report submitted for the board listed 114 invoices totaling $117,967.92 (inclusive of a 12% administrative fee) after recent payments and removals.
For ASAP, the department said it mailed 225 invoices and 195 had been paid (87%); the report submitted listed 30 invoices totaling $80,026.80 (including the 12% administrative fee) after payments and removals.
During public comment, several homeowners described poor workmanship, concrete splatter on stucco and cars, and confusion about prior city commitments to repair certain areas. Speakers included Nicholas O'Neil (property owner), Luz (daughter speaking for a senior homeowner), Patricia Ray (speaking for her senior mother) and Irma Encinas (property owner disputing charges where city had earlier marked certain repairs as the city's responsibility).
After public comment, Public Works told the board it had removed several properties from the lists after follow-up: seven properties were removed from the SERP list and four from the ASAP list; some payment plans and settlements were recorded. Supervisors raised concerns about the 12% administrative fee and the financial impact on long-term homeowners on fixed incomes.
Supervisor Safaie asked to continue the full set of assessments to allow further review and engagement with affected supervisors, the Assessor-Recorder and Public Works; the board agreed and continued the items to the May 22, 2018 meeting.
Ending: The department will meet with affected residents and supervisors to resolve disputes and return to the board with any amended assessment lists at the continued hearing on May 22, 2018.
