Published September 20 2018
On Monday, the City Council reviewed progress on the Neighborhood Safety, Connectivity and Congestion Levy, approved by voters in 2016.
The levy generates approximately $7.4 million annually to address a backlog of neighborhood transportation projects. Of that amount, $5.4 million supports safety and connectivity projects: sidewalks, bicycle facilities, safety projects such as crosswalk improvements, advanced transportation technologies and maintenance work.
Another $2 million in a separate levy-funded program supports congestion reduction efforts aimed at improving capacity on streets leading to and from residential neighborhoods.
In 2017, the first year after the levy was approved, most of the work involved project planning and design. In 2018, however, several projects have been built and the total number of completed levy projects now stands at 13. Eight others are currently under construction.
By the end this year it’s expected that approximately $6.2 million in projects will be either finished or under construction. Projects underway but not finished in 2018 will be completed in 2019.
Over 40 projects were identified during the levy’s initial two-year cycle in 2017-2018, transportation staff reported, and 46 additional ones are slated to begin in the 2019-2020 period. Levy projects are identified by way of community input received through a variety of channels.
To keep the community informed about current and future projects, an interactive map is being developed and will available online in October. In early 2019, the first levy accountability report will be published – with performance indicators and financial information.
The 20-year Neighborhood Safety, Connectivity and Congestion Levy increased the city’s regular property tax levy by 15 cents per $1,000 of assessed value beginning in 2017. More information about the levy program, including project lists and maps, is available with the council agenda material and on the levy projects webpage.
Neighborhood Walks recap
Later, councilmembers were given a summary of the summer’s Neighborhood Walks outreach program. The six scheduled walks covered 14.3 miles and included 95 residents and 44 staff. Each event featured stops at local parks, highlighted key city projects and explored areas where neighbors may have voiced concern. In 2017, the city had hosted similar informal gatherings with staff and residents, branded as “Summer Chats.”
During the discussion, the council expressed universal enthusiasm for the outreach effort. As noted in the presentation, staff is already looking at new ways to improve the potential 2019 program. Neighborhood Walks highlights be can viewed on the city’s Neighborhood Walks webpage.
Helistop hearing examiner appeal
As the last item of business, the council briefly addressed a Land Use Code appeal regarding the Hearing Examiner’s decision to deny an application for revocation of a conditional use permit for the use of a helistop in downtown. Councilmembers agreed to direct staff to prepare an ordinance denying the appeal, which will be voted on at a later meeting. The topic came before the council in a June 18 limited public hearing.
Under the code, certain appeals of the examiner’s decisions are heard by the council. The appeals are quasi-judicial proceedings and must rely on information within the record. Additional background on the case can be found in the agenda packet materials.