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Committee hears widespread complaints over sidewalk repairs; board approves assessment list with amendment
Summary
At a Committee of the Whole hearing on sidewalk inspection and repair assessments, residents raised quality and billing problems. Public Works said it would follow up on disputed invoices; the Board approved the department's assessment list after amendments, by a 10— 1 vote.
The Board of Supervisors convened as a Committee of the Whole on Tuesday to hear objections to a Department of Public Works report of assessment costs for sidewalk and curb repairs. The hearing drew multiple residents who alleged poor workmanship, incorrect measurements on invoices, and billing errors. Many speakers said they had tried to resolve disputes with Public Works but felt their cases were not addressed.
Kristen Lowe, who represented Public Works' Sidewalk Inspection and Repair Program, described the program's process: the city inspects sidewalks, notifies fronting property owners of defects, and, if owners do not make repairs, the city performs the work and invoices the owner. Lowe said the department mailed 3,176 invoices in the last year, 2,779 (88 percent) were paid, and that 101 invoices totaling $92,181.26 were removed from the original list after payments in recent weeks. She said the report submitted for board approval included 201 invoices totaling $248,278.46, including a 12 percent administrative fee.
Multiple residents testified with site-specific complaints. Examples included claims that work was substandard, that invoices billed items that were not performed, and that city contractors left debris. Public Works staff told the board they would remeasure and reevaluate disputed items in three cases, place one invoice off the list pending delivery of an invoice to the property owner, put four constituents on installment plans (avoiding placement on property tax), and follow up to correct nine quality issues.
At the close of public comment, the department reiterated the process and its willingness to follow up. Supervisor Tang offered a staff-requested amendment to reflect Department of Public Works follow-up commitments, and the board voted on the underlying resolution as amended. The roll-call vote on Item 30 was 10 in favor, 1 opposed (Supervisor Campos), approving the report of assessment costs for inclusion on property tax rolls where applicable and ordering specified follow-ups.
Key figures and details - Invoices mailed in past year: 3,176. Paid: 2,779 (88%). - Invoices removed from original list after recent payments: 101 totaling $92,181.26. - List submitted for assessment: 201 invoices totaling $248,278.46 (includes 12% admin fee). - Board action: Item 30 as amended approved, 10-1 (Supervisor Campos dissenting). Several disputed items were removed or set for additional review per department commitments.
Next steps: Public Works staff will meet with constituents who raised complaints outside the chamber, remeasure disputed work, correct identified quality issues, and return updated recommendations or adjustments to the board as necessary.
