San Ramon council approves reestablishment of Landscape & Lighting District 1984‑1 after debate over underfunded Zone 6 fountain
June 10, 2026 | San Ramon City, Contra Costa County, California
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The San Ramon City Council on June 9 adopted Resolution 2026‑077 confirming the Landscape and Lighting District (LLD) 1984‑1 engineer's report and levying assessments for fiscal year 2026–27, following staff briefings and council questions about particularly underfunded areas in the district.
Public services manager Gary Manuel told the council the district’s assessments pay for the upkeep of landscaping improvements in 19 zones and that some zones are approaching their maximum assessments under Proposition 218. Manuel said the assessment revenue remains within each zone and is used for maintenance and projects.
Manuel singled out Zone 6 — the area around the step fountain near Crow and Doherty, at the Danville border — as a long‑running issue. He described resident outreach (a mailed survey and an April meeting attended by about 15 residents) and said staff is planning additional meetings and Prop 218 procedures if the zone proceeds to a ballot measure. "We sent 704 flyers out" and received 85 survey responses, Manuel said, adding that resident sentiment favored keeping the fountain but opposed assessment increases to pay for it.
Council members pressed staff on outreach and costs. Manuel gave an estimated full repair cost of about $850,000 for the step fountain, noting a pump replacement of roughly $110,000 and sealing work in the order of $450,000 among other items. "To 800,000 it's nothing the zone even in a couple years can support," Manuel said, explaining that the zone would need to build reserve revenue first.
Manuel offered alternatives including a landscape infill option that would reduce ongoing maintenance costs compared with a working fountain. He said staff would continue targeted outreach to HOAs, use Prop 218 mailings when required, and attempt to increase resident participation (including mailers, QR codes, and future meetings) before any ballot step.
With no public speakers on the item, Council Member Verose moved and Vice Mayor Rubio seconded adoption of the resolution; the motion passed unanimously (4–0). Council and staff said they aim to continue outreach and, if needed, place Prop 218 materials before voters later in the year.
Votes at a glance: Resolution 2026‑077 (confirming LLD 1984‑1 engineer's report and levying FY26‑27 assessments) — Motion: adopt; Mover: Council Member Verose; Second: Vice Mayor Rubio; Outcome: approved unanimously (4‑0).
Public services manager Gary Manuel told the council the district’s assessments pay for the upkeep of landscaping improvements in 19 zones and that some zones are approaching their maximum assessments under Proposition 218. Manuel said the assessment revenue remains within each zone and is used for maintenance and projects.
Manuel singled out Zone 6 — the area around the step fountain near Crow and Doherty, at the Danville border — as a long‑running issue. He described resident outreach (a mailed survey and an April meeting attended by about 15 residents) and said staff is planning additional meetings and Prop 218 procedures if the zone proceeds to a ballot measure. "We sent 704 flyers out" and received 85 survey responses, Manuel said, adding that resident sentiment favored keeping the fountain but opposed assessment increases to pay for it.
Council members pressed staff on outreach and costs. Manuel gave an estimated full repair cost of about $850,000 for the step fountain, noting a pump replacement of roughly $110,000 and sealing work in the order of $450,000 among other items. "To 800,000 it's nothing the zone even in a couple years can support," Manuel said, explaining that the zone would need to build reserve revenue first.
Manuel offered alternatives including a landscape infill option that would reduce ongoing maintenance costs compared with a working fountain. He said staff would continue targeted outreach to HOAs, use Prop 218 mailings when required, and attempt to increase resident participation (including mailers, QR codes, and future meetings) before any ballot step.
With no public speakers on the item, Council Member Verose moved and Vice Mayor Rubio seconded adoption of the resolution; the motion passed unanimously (4–0). Council and staff said they aim to continue outreach and, if needed, place Prop 218 materials before voters later in the year.
Votes at a glance: Resolution 2026‑077 (confirming LLD 1984‑1 engineer's report and levying FY26‑27 assessments) — Motion: adopt; Mover: Council Member Verose; Second: Vice Mayor Rubio; Outcome: approved unanimously (4‑0).
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