Item B: River Road/Santa Clara Annexation Policy

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County and Special District to City services within the UGB, and simplifies the development review process (e.g., only one set of standards will apply for the applicant, only one government from which to obtain permits, etc.). Service Impacts of Street Annexations Transportation ? The primary reason for annexing streets for the transportation system is ultimately for increased maintenance efficiency. Lane County and the City have an excellent road maintenance agreement which describes services being provided by both parties and splits up the entire UGB (not just River Road and Santa Clara) based on road miles which have been annexed to even out the costs to both parties. However, the maintenance agreement does not resolve all issues which are ultimately resolved by having a single jurisdiction responsible for the street system. For example, on county roads in Santa Clara, the County issues all facility permits in the roadway including access to the City’s water and wastewater lines. It is easier to coordinate traffic signals along a road (e.g. River Road) if all of the signals are in the city. The City provides a higher level of service for some road related services such as sidewalk hazard abatement and street tree and median maintenance. Water Service ? EWEB has intergovernmental transition agreements with River Road and Santa Clara Water Districts. EWEB provides essentially all services related to the water supply system for the two districts that do not have staff of their own. Prior to annexation, EWEB is required to get written approval for any repair or other service performed in excess of $1000. The two water districts are reluctant to approve repairs to their water system and often do not respond to requests from EWEB. This results in inefficiency and redundant review. After annexation to the City, water service and maintenance to the annexed area becomes the responsibility of EWEB upon the next regular billing date. Street lights and fire hydrants become the property of the City. Wastewater System ? The City owns, operates and maintains the wastewater system in the River Road and Santa Clara area based on provisions in the Metro Plan and previous action by the Boundary Commission allowing extraterritorial extension of this service. However, in the Santa Clara area, the City or a developer is required to get a Lane County facility permit if it is necessary to work within a county road. After annexation, the City requests transfer of jurisdiction of the street. Once Lane County has transferred jurisdiction, the City issues all facility permits resulting in a more efficient development process. Stormwater System ? Lane County Public Works is responsible for the stormwater system associated with county roads but not for facilities outside the right-of-way. The City stormwater system is more comprehensive. Overall, the stormwater needs to be managed as a functioning system. Lane County and the City have an intergovernmental agreement to coordinate the development of the NPDES Phase II permit for the River Road and Santa Clara area. Annexation of streets shifts the responsibility for the stormwater system from Lane County to the City. The City is better equipped to handle stormwater issues through its stormwater utility system. Emergency Services ? Police services and fire and emergency medical services are often provided within the right- of-way, for example when there is an automobile accident. The computer-aided dispatch system has the ability to recognize whether site addresses are inside or outside the city limits and