City engineer outlines plan to create LAD for 14th Street improvements

City staff presented details on Local Assessment District (LAD) 162, the 14th Street Improvements Project, explaining the process to notify affected property owners and accept written petitions.

The city engineer (Alex) told councilors the city will send certified-return mailers that include a draft resolution, explain the LAD process and give property owners a set number of days (about 15) to file written petitions either by mail or email. He said staff already held a courtesy town-hall meeting with “good turnout” and that certified mail will give the city evidence of receipt.

A councilor asked how residents were notified of the town-hall. Staff said the outreach included street beacons, digital message boards and at least one Facebook post; the councilor encouraged staff to create Facebook event pages to increase engagement for future meetings.

Councilors asked about turnout and property counts. Staff estimated about 10–15 people attended the courtesy meeting and that the project area includes approximately 80–84 properties. Staff said they will include contact information in the mailers and accept written petitions via email or postal mail, which the city will record in the assessment process.

Staff said that, unless plans change, a public hearing on the LAD will be scheduled for the council’s June 2 regular meeting; the council did not take a formal vote at the pre-meeting and asked staff to proceed with notices and return with any additional details.

The council will consider the formal resolution and any petitions at the public hearing; staff said they can provide sign-in-sheet counts and any further documentation when the item returns to the full council.