Item 3C: Resolution Forming LID for River Avenue

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" MEMORANDUM DATE: June 7, 2006 FROM: Mark Schoening, City Engineer TO: Hearings Official SUBJECT: PROPOSED FORMATION OF A LOCAL IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT FOR PAVING, CURBS, GUTTERS, SIDEWALKS, STREET LIGHTS, WATER QUALITY BIOSW AL~S, AND STORMW ATER DRAINAGE ON RIVER A VENUE FROM_200 FEET EAST OF RIVER ROAD TO 100 FEET WEST OF BELTLINE mGHWAY (JOB #3693) BACKGROUND River Avenue is major collector located on the north side of Eugene, running parallel to and then connecting to Beltline Road. River Avenue also connects to River Road, Division Avenue, and Beaver Street, and is one of only three ways to cross Beltline Road between the Northwest Expressway and the River. As a result of increased use, the existing roadbed is deteriorating and needs to be upgraded. In addition, development in this general area and two connection points to the Ruth Bascom Riverbank Trail System is creating a need to accommodate a variety of transportation users, including bicyclist, bus riders, pedestrians, and motorists for current and future needs. The land use is primarily commercial, government (MWMC Water Pollution Control Facility, US Post Office and Veteran's Clinic) and multifamily residential. This project was initiated by Council action on June 26, 2000, by adoption of the 2001 Capital Budget and pursuant to Section 7.160(5) ofthe Eugene Code (EC), 1971. This improvement project has been included in the adopted Metropolitan Transportation Plan first adopted in 1986 and subsequently updated and adopted. This is the second time in two years the question of formation of a Local Improvement District, is before us. City staff designed and bid an improvement project for River Avenue. Bids were received in 2004. Lane County Board of County Commissioners authorized by Board Order assessment of ten unincorporated properties with in the project. In conjunction with a 2004 public hearing on the formation of the LID the City received a 51 % remonstrance and the public hearing was continued at the City Council. On April 20, 2005 Council directed staff to substantially modify the design and do more outreach with the public. Nine community meetings and three stakeholder meetings were held. Community Meetings included the River Road area residents, the Santa Clara and River Road Community Organizations, the Eugene Bike Coalition and the property owners and residents of River Avenue. A stakeholder group consisted or representatives of the community organizations and the Eugene Bike Coalition and the property owners. The stakeholder group developed a design concept approved by Eugene City Council in December 2005. Staff prepared plans and specifications, and called for competitive bids for the construction of the improvements based on Council Action on December 12,2005, pursuant to Section 7.160(5) of the Eugene Code, 1971. The Eugene Arterial & Collector Street Plan was amended to allow for the revised design. On May 24,2006, City and County staff updated the Board of County Commissioner on the status of the project and reported that County Counsel and the City Attorney are in agreement that the previous authorization to assess ten un~incorporated properties within the proposed district boundaries pursuant to Order 05-3-9-5 is valid for the project with the proposed revisions.