Special Assessments Commencement Study Session Executive SummaryCITY COMMISSION
STUDY SESSION SUMMARY
May 8, 2017
Commencement of Special Assessment Process for
Residential Subdivisions
Over the last year, the City Commission has contemplated special assessments for the
following residential subdivisions in our community: Ryan Addition, River Trail 2
Addition, Grand Prairie 2 Addition and Cedar Ridge 2 Addition. Prior to and since that
time, staff has facilitated multiple study session discussions with the governing body
regarding the application of special assessments. The commissioner input from these
discussions in the basis of information for drafting a revised special assessment policy for
future consideration. Please know we continue to work on the policy update.
City Commission guidance from one of the prior study sessions was targeted to the
commencement process for the residential developer in making their request for
residential special assessments. The basic concern of the developer was spending
significant funds on detailed lot design layout and infrastructure before knowing if the
City Commission would approve special assessments for all or a portion of the
infrastructure costs. This step is not codified by resolution or ordinance at this time.
Since that time, staff has attempted to be consistent with the topic discussion, provision
of related information and the proper request for action associated with a residential
special assessment request. However, in reviewing the commencement processes applied
to those subdivisions just listed, we realized that we do need some additional guidance
from the governing body.
For special assessment to be formally considered by the City Commission, an
engineering feasibility report and resolution of advisability must be approved. As you
may recall, the engineering feasibility report includes significant scope and cost detail of
improvements to be constructed. A development agreement is now a typical part of the
approval process as well, particularly if special assessments are not approved at 100% of
the infrastructure cost. Additional information that needs to be considered includes: the
2010 Comprehensive Plan, the 2015 Live Salina Strategic Housing Plan and the
Residential Subdivision Amenities Checklist staff document. As you know, some of this
information is essential when discussing the percentage of special assessments applied to
a particular residential project. Staff’s objective for the Monday study session is to
review the order of distribution of this key information and the question(s) to be asked in
order to assist the residential developer with their planning, while also ensuring the
governing body has the information you need to address the initial special assessment
request.