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Council directs staff to start Prop. 218 ballot for Swanson Park swing set and basketball half‑court
Summary
After staff described the Proposition 218 process for the Westwood Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District, council voted to direct staff to begin the engineer’s report and 45‑day ballot process to propose a swing set and a half‑court basketball court at Swanson Park.
Council considered a resident‑initiated request to add a swing set and a half‑court basketball court to Swanson Park within the Westwood Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District. Staff explained the Proposition 218 assessment process: hire an assessment engineer to estimate costs and assessment rates, provide a 40–45 day ballot and hold a public hearing to tabulate protests; the outcome is governed by a majority protest threshold (more than 50% protesting defeats a proposal).
Council members questioned whether the engineers’ report costs would be borne solely by the district and whether a full court rather than a half court should be offered; staff said the district would likely bear the additive cost and that residents could weigh in prior to the ballot. One councilmember suggested the ballot could present multiple options (for example half‑court vs. full court) if legally permissible.
A motion to direct staff to initiate the Prop. 218 process for the Westwood Country Landscape and Lighting Maintenance District was moved and seconded and carried on a voice vote.
Staff said they will prepare the engineer’s assessment report and return with materials for the ballot and public hearing schedule.
