PC 04/29/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

Commissioner Wright feels it is difficult to determine what is equitable with regard to the water and sewer. He feels that all of the plans, except for the Alisal group's plan were all in the fixed cost range of $24,000 - $56,000. He stated that the whole ideas was to furnish services to these people so they could approve the annexation for the City. He feels that the proposed costs give them no incentive to vote for annexation. He commented that the Alisal Plan worked out to about $16,000 for an existing homeowner and about $53,000 to those that developed. He feels that the Alisal Plan is the most equitable and is in support of it. He feels that it will have to cost the City some money in order to get the annexation approved. Commissioner Dove concurred with the comments made by Commissioner Wright. Commissioner Bazker feels that the City should be able to do something to make the $16,000 fee work for all existing residents. She voiced support for Commissioner Wright's recommendation. Commissioner Kumazan feels that the costs prepared by staff aze quite high and, therefore, understands the residents' concerns. However, he is also concerned with who will absorb the costs if the existing homeowners fee is capped at $16,000. He stated that he generally supports staffs recommendation, but feels it needs additional work. He feels the various options and costs should be shown on a table and residents could then indicate their preference by majority vote. Chair Cooper feels that this is a very complicated issue. He is bothered by the varying costs in the different sub-areas proposed by staff. He feels that existing residents should have equal costs. He would very much like for the annexation to go through, but feels the water and sewer costs are creating a barrier. He also sympathizes that the majority of the costs as recommended by Commissioner Wright would be put on new development. After further review and discussion, Commissioner Wright corrected his estimate of the costs. He noted that under the Alisal Plan it would cost approximately $20,000 to existing homeowners and $56,000 for new development. Commissioner Barker asked what the sewer connection fee is. Mr. Higdon stated that it is a fee that is paid to the City that the City passes on to DSRSD. He stated that the homeowners have to pay that fee no matter what, although the City keeps a very small amount. A brief discussion took place and Commissioner Barker asked Commissioner Wright whether his estimates included both water and sewer fees. He stated that it did. Commissioner Kumaran disagreed and stated he does not see how the fee could be that low if the staff report says it costs $16,000 each for sewer and water hook-up. Following a brief discussion, Commissioner Wright pointed out that a fixed scale is more equitable than a sliding fee based upon where you live. Mr. Higdon suggested that instead of trying to come up with a fixed dollar amount, that existing homeowners be required to pay only the connection fees and the developers pay the balance of the costs. He further suggested that the range should be identified as between $16,000 and $20,000 for existing homeowners. Commissioner Kumazan stated that he is hesitant in agreeing to a fixed amount not knowing what the entire cost actually is. The Commission discussed the issue further. Planning Commission Page 14 Apri129, 1998