Title
Resolution No. 15-03, Calling a Public Hearing on the Creation of a New Economic Improvement District
Body
RECOMMENDED ACTION (Motion):
Staff recommends that the City Commission approve the Resolution that directs the City Commission to hold a public hearing on May 6, 2015 to create a new Economic
Improvement District (EID) assessment for a period of three years. ORS 223-117 requires the sending of public notice to all property owners that will be assessed in the EID at least 30 days
prior to the public hearing.
BACKGROUND:
The initial EID became effective on April 15, 2011 with a term of four years to allow for District project completion and is due to expire in April 2015. The purpose of the EID is to fund economic development activities that specifically benefit main street commerce in downtown Oregon City. Throughout the District's four-year term, many successful projects and promotional activities have been carried out resulting in positive impacts on Oregon City's Main Street community. The first attempt in November 2014 to renew the EID failed due to a property owner remonstrance level of greater than 33% as regulated by ORS 223-117. Since that time, boundaries have been established creating a new Economic Improvement District. The new EID is necessitated by the activities that have yet to be completed and intended to further enhance the economic viability of Main Street. Examples of those projects are as follows:
* Bolstering of business/developer recruitment for downtown
* Housing recruitment program
* Ongoing marketing and promotions
* Infrastructure improvements including gateway art, light pole flags and public right-of-way
enhancements
* Grant writing, publicity and advocacy
In order
In order to assess property in the EID (map attached), the Commission needs to enact an ordinance with a provision for property assessments within District boundaries within a specified number of years granting to the property owners in the District the notice and right of remonstrance described in ORS 223.117(2)(b) to (e). Issuing notice to property owners within the EID of the Commission's intent to hold a public hearing is the first step in enacting a new ordinance to begin the assessment. Once the Resolution is approved, the following schedule will be implemented:
The City Recorder will receive and keep a record of written objections to the assessment (if any) from property owners within the District.
* The first public hearing will occur at a regularly scheduled City Commission meeting on
May 6, 2015
* If less than 33% remonstrance is received from District property owners, notice of the
second public hearing with assessment estimates will be mailed by May 11, 2015
* The second public hearing will occur at a regularly scheduled City Commission meeting on
June 17, 2015
* Upon approval of the City Commission, the ordinance will take effect on July 17, 2015
BUDGET IMPACT:
Amount: $100
FY(s): 14/15
Funding Source: General Fund