AGENDA - Laserfiche WebLink

BACKGROUND At the meeting of May 19, 2009, the GHAD Board of Directors approved the Engineer's Report relating to each respective assessment district and scheduled a public hearing per the requirements of the Geologic Hazard Abatement District (GHAD). GHAD Purpose Geologic Hazard Abatement Districts (GHADs) are districts formed specifically to address geologic concerns. A GHAD is formed for the prevention, mitigation, abatement, and control of a geologic hazard or abatement of structural hazards in the open space that are threatening improvements benefiting the private property owners. Advantages of Forming a GHAD GHADs are public agencies that operate locally for the sole and specific purpose of addressing geologic concerns. As such, they offer several distinct advantages. 1. Focus on Prevention. Through the development and implementation of a Plan of Control, a GFIAD acts to prevent damage resulting from earth movement by identifying and monitoring potential geologic hazards and undertaking improvements as appropriate. 2. Ability to Respond to Unforeseen Events. When unforeseen hazards arise, GHADs, as existing agencies, are in place with the technical and organizational resources and funding capability needed to respond quickly and effectively. 3. Improved Method of Collecting Assessments. GHADs are authorized to collect assessments along with the general property tax. This avoids requiring separate collection by a private entity, such as a homeowners' association. 4. Concerns Over Liability Less Likely to Discourage Needed Actions. In addition, under state law (Government Code sections 865 et seq.) GHADs are given a degree of immunity from liability for actions they undertake. The State Legislature intended that this provision encourage local public entities to take remedial action to abate earth movement. Existing GHADs within the City of Pleasanton The City has formed four GHADs: Oak Tree Farm subdivision, Moller Ranch subdivision, Laurel Creek Estates (The Preserve, Oak Hill Estates and Kolb Ranch Estates) and Lemoine Ranch Estates. The Oak Hill Estates subdivision and the Kolb Ranch Estates subdivision were both annexed into the Laurel Creek GHAD after the formation of the original district; those annexations occurred on August 1, 2000 and July 20, 2004, respectively. All of the four existing GHADs are located on the west side of Foothill Road and in areas where potential geologic hazards exist. The City Council has appointed itself as the Board of Directors for each GHAD and appointed the Finance Director, City Clerk, City Attorney and City Engineer as officers of each District. Page 2 of 5