Bill Type and Number:  Ordinance 2007-558

 

Sponsor:  Council Member Corrigan

 

Date of Introduction:  May 8, 2007

 

Committee(s) of Reference:  F; A; TEUS

 

Date of Analysis:  May 10, 2007

 

Type of Action:  Ordinance Code Amendment

 

Bill Summary:  This bill creates a new Part 3, Chapter 714, Ordinance Code, to include an Underground Power and Communications Program Area in Neighborhood Assessment Programs.  Citizens in an eligible neighborhood would be allowed to petition the City Council to initiate legislation to adopt a neighborhood assessment program for underground power and communications improvements.  Petitions must follow approved form, and contain a JEA certified estimate of the cost and the assessment to be levied against each property.  Petitions are to be filed with the Chief of Legislation Services, with a filing fee calculated as $10 per lot, not to exceed $500.  Prior to the filing of a petition, JEA must determine that the petition meets assent requirements involving at least two-thirds of the owners or the total assessed value.  In the event the Council does not enact legislation or delays adoption for more than one year from introduction, the petition filing fee is to be returned.  JEA is required to be the government entity providing performance and to undertake completion of associated work.  Project costs incurred by JEA are to be initially funded by the City, to be refunded to the City through the assessment program.  Provision is made for revision of the petition form.  No referendum is to be required for the exercise of any of the provisions of this ordinance, unless required by the Florida Constitution.  In the event of an irreconcilable conflict between the provisions of a particular program area and general provisions, the provisions of the particular program area shall govern to the extent of such conflict.  Provision is made for severability.

 

Background Information:  In the legislation, it is stated that the City has partnered with JEA to facilitate neighborhood commitments to move overhead delivery of power and communications services to an underground system.

 

Policy Impact Area:  Underground Power and Communications; Neighborhood Assessments

 

Fiscal Impact:  Undetermined

 

Analyst:  Campbell