RESOLUTION OF NECESSITY:
Explanation
BACKGROUND: In 2006, a group of Laurel Canyon residents submitted a petition to City Council requesting the installation of ornamental street lights under the special assessment process set forth in the City Charter. That petition was signed by 63% of the residents in favor of installing the lights, above the minimum threshold to proceed with the project. Accordingly, the resolutions and ordinance required to proceed with this ornamental street lighting project were passed in 2007 and 2008. However, subsequent litigation regarding the validity of the petition and the economic recession caused the project to be postponed by the Department of Public Utilities until 2016. That delay also resulted in a significant increase in the estimated cost of the project, and a proportionate increase to property owners for their assessed share of the project cost. The current estimate of the assessment is $4,516.76, which is $2,016.76 more than originally anticipated. Notice of that increased estimated assessment was provided to Laurel Canyon residents pursuant to Resolution 0163X-2016, adopted July 11, 2016, which resulted in six formal objections being received by the City Clerk. City Council also informally solicited and received additional input from the residents, who overwhelmingly responded in opposition to proceeding with the project. In consideration of the objections and input received, it has been determined that the Laurel Canyon neighborhood is no longer in favor of proceeding with this ornamental street lighting project in light of the significant increase in the estimated amount of the assessments against their property. In order to stop the project and assessment process from moving forward as required under the procedures set forth in the City Charter, it is necessary to repeal Resolution 0163X-2016 (the resolution of necessity).
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
Title
To repeal Resolution 0163X-2016, adopted July 11, 2016, relative to declaring the necessity of installing ornamental street lighting with underground wiring for the Laurel Canyon area under the assessment procedure.
Body
WHEREAS, in 2006, a group of Laurel Canyon residents submitted a petition to City Council requesting the installation of ornamental street lights under the special assessment process set forth in the City Charter; and
WHEREAS, delays in proceeding with this project resulted in a significant increase in the estimated cost of the project, and a proportionate increase to property owners for their assessed share of the project cost; and
WHEREAS, in consideration of the objections and input received from residents by this Council, it has been determined that the Laurel Canyon neighborhood is no longer in favor of proceeding with this street lighting project in light of the significant increase in the estimated amount of the assessments against their property; and
WHEREAS, in order to stop the project and assessment process from moving forward as required under the procedures set forth in the City Charter, it is necessary to repeal Resolution 0163X-2016, adopted July 11, 2016; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
SECTION 1. That Resolution 0163X-2016, adopted July 11, 2016, relative to declaring the necessity of installing ornamental street lighting with underground wiring for the Laurel Canyon area under the assessment procedure, is hereby repealed.
SECTION 2. That this resolution shall take effect and be in force from and after the earliest period allowed by law.