How 2021 issues and projects will impact us in 2022

Hello GVCA members and friends,

I hope this letter finds you in good spirits and good health. Let’s just say it: 2021 was a tough year. A year defined by COVID Delta and Omicron variants, masks and mandates, vaccines and boosters, cancelled and scaled-back events. It was a no-fun year following on the heels of the previous no-fun year. But life goes on, and through it all, our community continued to grow and make progress on the issues that are important to us.

Here’s a look at those key projects last year and how they will unfold and impact the GVCA community in the new year.

The Farm in Poway development begins

Following the passage of Measure P in 2020, The Farm in Poway development on the old StoneRidge Country Club property began in 2021. Cleanup of the dead brush and trees along Espola Road, demolition of the old clubhouse and support structures was completed last summer, trees were removed at the end of the year, and grading is now underway. Construction of the first houses is scheduled to begin this summer, starting at the back end of the property.

Measure P passed with over 60% of votes cast in 2020 and GVCA supported it as the best alternative for this troubled property in the heart of our community. To those who remain unhappy with this development, I would simply ask that you take a moment to consider the positives: the property is now in the hands of a local developer not an outsider; the dead and dying landscape along Espola Road has been cleaned up and will be replaced with new, healthy landscaping; the vandalized and graffiti-tagged clubhouse and other buildings are gone; and we are one year closer to having an attractive community of homes, social facilities and open space for the public to enjoy where an eyesore once stood for many years.

No property development perfectly meets the needs and wants of every individual in an entire community. But without The Farm at Poway, many years would have likely passed before another viable project came along, and with aggressive housing legislation being proposed by state lawmakers, it may have come with much greater density and impacts to the area.

I encourage residents to look past the dust and disruption of this construction period to the better neighborhood that will come from it.

Progress continues on Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs)

There has been progress in the city’s LMDs which will continue in 2022:

• Last year, the city received a $1.9 million federal grant ($1.4 million from FEMA with a $500,000 city match) to remove hazardous trees that pose a fire and wind hazard. The designated areas for tree removal are the two LMDs along Twin Peaks Road (LMD 83-1) and Espola Road (LMD 86-1) and specific open areas in Green Valley. The city is currently conducting the environmental assessment phase of the Hazardous Tree Removal project. Analysis will be complete by May 2022. Removal of hazardous (dead, diseased and structurally unsound) trees is scheduled to begin in summer 2022. Based on our discussions with the city, this is a long-term project that will take years and additional funding to complete. Nonetheless, in this environment of persistent drought and threat of wildfires, we believe it is an important priority for our community, and we support the city’s ongoing efforts.

• The city is nearing completion of a Landscape Master Plan (LMP) for the two LMDs. The LMP will provide concepts for replacing the lost landscaping at entrances to neighborhoods in the districts, as well as plans for replacement of removed trees along Espola Road and Twin Peaks Road. The city will hold public meetings on the conceptual/draft Landscape Master Plan this spring to share concepts and receive community input.

• The LMD Advisory Group, a volunteer group of homeowners in both LMDs continues to work with the City of Poway to find a way to enhance our neighborhoods and address fire safety by securing sufficient funding to implement sustainable landscaping improvements and maintenance. For more information on the group, visit www.powaylmd.com or email them to sign up to receive periodic updates: PowayLMDAdvisory@gmail.com.

• LMD Opinion Survey–residents in one of the two LMDs can take a survey at www.powaylmd.com through February 15th to share their thoughts on what should be done to address the landscaping issues within the LMDs. Survey results will be used to help complete the Landscape Master Plan and develop funding strategies.

Performing Arts Center returns to life

In 2021 we saw welcome signs of renewed life at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts (PCPA). After more than a year’s absence, Poway OnStage returned with its first in a series of live professional performances in October, and the Poway Symphony Orchestra presented a concert in November.

In 2020 the city council established a task force to examine alternatives for the PCPA, including a potential sale of the facility to the Poway Unified School District, and other ways to operate and fund the facility.

However, last year the city council voted to retain ownership of the PCPA for the foreseeable future. Council also negotiated the elimination of subsidies to its tenant and booking agent, Poway OnStage, and is in the process of exploring the potential for an endowment and/or other sources of long-term funding to maintain the facility.

Moving forward, the outlook for the PCPA is still anything but certain. Discussions are ongoing with regard to how the facility can best serve the community at an acceptable ongoing cost to the city. The GVCA believes that the PCPA is a rare treasure in our community, serving to bring high-quality arts and entertainment to our region as well as providing a unique educational venue for the PUSD and community groups. We will continue to stay in touch with the city and other stakeholders to monitor developments with regard to this important city asset.

Water infrastructure project commences

In 2021, construction began on the first of three projects focused on increasing the reliability of Poway’s drinking water. Two storage tanks, each with the capacity to store 1.4 million gallons of treated water, will allow the city to replace the outdated water storage reservoir at the water treatment plant. The project is being conducted in collaboration with the San Diego County Water Authority and the State Division of Drinking Water.

While the capital project will undoubtedly result in increased water/sewage bills for Poway residents, the improvements are necessary to ensure the availability of clean water now and for future generations.

Looking ahead

Yes, 2021 was a difficult year. We have all suffered to some extent, physically, emotionally, even financially. Sadly, some of us have suffered great personal loss. I hope that you were able to find the strength and resilience to salvage some joy and happiness amid all of the madness, and to “sharpen your senses” to all that is positive around you.

For over 60 years, GVCA has made it our mission to be an “association of citizens who come together to protect and improve the quality of life in our community.” And that’s what we’ll continue to do. I remain optimistic about the future of our community.

Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2022!

John DeSantis
GVCA President

Federal funding brings relief for Poway Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs)

The City of Poway recently received a $1.5 million Hazardous Mitigation Grant from FEMA to improve the City’s Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs), including LMD 86-1 along Espola Road from Valle Verde to south of Titan Way and in designated open areas commonly known as Green Valley. The City of Poway will contribute approximately $500,000 from the General Reserve Fund. LMD 83-1 along Twin Peaks Road from Pomerado Road to Midland Road will also undergo improvements with the funds.

In Phase 1 of the project, an inventory and assessment of the hazardous trees within the project area will be conducted, followed by a Certified Arborist assessment report to identify vulnerable and high-risk trees for removal. This phase will also include public outreach and environmental permitting.

City Council Approves funds for Landscape Map for LMDs

At the August 6, 2019 City Council Meeting, council approved about $86,000 in funding requested by the LMD Citizens Advisory Panel to create landscape conceptual plans for areas of the LMDS along Espola Road and Twin Peaks Road. The plan will be done by the city’s landscape architect take about six to nine months to complete. This plan is in preparation for a future vote of whether to approve new assessments for the two LMD districts. It will detail proposed improvements and outline expected cost to help voters decide.

Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs): The city-wide issue that won’t go away

What is an LMD?

Landscape Maintenance Districts (LMDs) were created many years ago by developers as a way for property owners to pay for enhanced landscaping and improvements beyond those generally provided by the city. Each district is responsible for maintaining all irrigation and sprinkler systems, turf, trees, shrubs, and bushes in medians and public rights-of way. Monies collected from LMD assessments are set aside for the exclusive benefit of each district and can only be used for maintenance and improvement of that specific district. Many homeowners in north Poway are assessed on their property taxes under LMD 86-1. (To determine if your property is part of an LMD, check your property tax statement.)

What’s the problem?

No adjustments to these LMD assessments have been made since 1994. Since then, the cost of water, landscaping, tree removal, etc. has steadily and significantly risen. The City says the districts are facing critical budget shortfalls to adequately maintain these areas.

What happened since the vote failed?

In May 2018, homeowners in two LMDs (83-1 along Twin Peaks Rd. and 86-1 along Espola Rd.), received ballots to approve re-engineered district maps and increased/ new assessments. The proposals were overwhelmingly defeated in both districts. Then-city manager Tina White appointed an ad hoc LMD Advisory Committee comprised of 13 Poway residents from various areas of the community to review LMD 83-1 and 86-1 and provide recommendations. The committee has met more than a dozen times since October 2018. The committee’s recommendations were presented to City Council in March 2019. No decisions were made or actions taken at the time. NOTE: In the current fiscal year (2018-19), the City allocated $100,000 to the two LMDs for emergency tree removal and $165,530 in supplemental water from the general fund over and above its annual general benefit funding to fill the gap left by the LMDs’ insufficient funding.

What does the advisory committee recommend?

In order to return the LMDs to a state that is viable, manageable, and sustainable in the long term, the committee ultimately recommends the need for a successful re-ballot. However, its most pressing recommendation is for the preparation of a Landscape Master Plan (LMP). This coordinated, overarching strategy would:

• designate a plan for managing the existing trees to reduce long-term maintenance;

• provide concepts for low-maintenance, drought tolerant ground landscaping, including at the entrances, that can be implemented per an eventual funding plan;

• create the basis for developing preliminary construction/implementation cost estimates that would inform future decision-making;

• outline an overall strategy for reducing maintenance expenses;

• initiate broader community support through public input meetings during preparation of the plan.

How would a Landscape Master Plan be funded?

The City is currently in the budget review process and early indications paint a discouraging picture.However, the committee has cited a number of possible funding options for an LMP (roughly estimated to cost $100,000-150,000), including the “surplus” City- provided LMD funding that the Council rolled over into next fiscal year at the May 7 council meeting, current LMD revenues, and possible loans to the LMDs.

Next steps: JULY 16th meeting

The committee is resolute that without a Landscape Master Plan in place, the City will be unable to move forward to resolve the under-funded and inadequate maintenance of LMD 83-1 and 86-1. The City will hold a public LMD Council Workshop on Tuesday, July 16th, 7:00 pm, at City Council Chambers at 13325 Civic Center Drive in Poway to discuss next steps. GVCA encourages all homeowners in north Poway, regardless of whether you are in a current LMD, to attend the workshop, get more information, and provide input.

Information on the Proposed LMD

Voters rejected the proposed LMD 18-2. The vote was 56% "No" to 44% "Yes", with 57.44 percent of the 664 ballots returned. As a result, the proposed LMD assessments will not be billed to property owners and the existing assessments will continue. 

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Driving along Espola Road through north Poway is a beautiful sight with an abundance of trees, walking trails, and open space. It sets Poway apart from other North County communities. That beauty is at risk because the funds to maintain and rehabilitate the landscaping are limited; residents already have begun to notice a deterioration. To address this issue, the City of Poway is asking residents in north Poway to approve additional fees charged on your property tax bill via ballot to maintain this area known as a Landscape Maintenance District (LMD).

If you live in the impacted area, you should have already received your ballot to vote on creating this new LMD and the increase in assessments. 

 

THE PROPOSED CHANGES

No adjustments to these LMD assessments have been made since 1998 due to the passage of Prop 218 which restricted the city from increasing assessments without a vote. Since then, the cost of water, landscaping, tree removal, living wages, etc. has steadily risen. The city says there are no longer sufficient funds being collected to adequately maintain this area. 

The city proposes replacing the existing LMD 86-1 (encompasses more than one million square feet of landscaping and over 1,600 trees benefiting 954 assessed property parcels) with a new LMD known as 18-2, benefiting 1,137 assessed property parcels and increasing the assessments on most parcels located within the new LMD. 

PROPOSED LMD 18-2 MAP

EXISTING AND ADDED PROPERTIES TO THE PROPOSED LMD 18-2

THE METHODOLOGY TO DETERMINE THE NEW MAP

State law requires that when an LMD is modified, the city must review the proximity and benefit that surrounding properties may derive, and determine whether they should be included in the new LMD zone. The makeup of our city has changed over the years as neighborhoods have grown and shifted, and some properties were not included in the original LMD 86-1. Based on the assessment engineer’s report, staff has determined that additional properties should be included on the proposed LMD 18-2 map, and at different assessment levels, based on their direct benefit.

The GVCA addressed City Council at the March 6 meeting raising concerns about the zones and assessments not appearing equitable and rational resulting in a smattering of property owners bearing the full cost of funding maintenance and new landscape improvements that would seem to benefit all of north Poway.

CURRENT AND PROPOSED ASSESSMENTS

HOW MUCH ADDITIONAL REVENUE WILL BE RAISED WITH THE NEW LMD?

* Figures based on the Willdan Financial Services reports dated March 6, 2018 and May 16, 2017.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IF THE NEW LMD 18-2 IS APPROVED

Landscape maintenance services help to maintain an aesthetically pleasing community, and also keep our thoroughfares safe and clean. The city says property owners should expect to see a generally higher level of service which would include more frequent tree trimming, leaf and litter removal, and general maintenance. However, there will probably be no dramatic, immediate impact. 

The city has said it would begin to set aside a portion of funds for major landscaping rehabilitation that would be phased in after 4-5 years at which time the city proposes that they would engage a landscape architect to create a concept plan and incorporate the community’s input into the final plan to improve the appearance and health of the district. 

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE PROPOSED LMD IS NOT APPROVED

If voters do not approve the new LMD, the existing LMD and rates of assessment will remain in place, and no additional property owners will be added to the district. City representatives have stated that they will do their best to continue landscaping and maintenance with the funds available, but warn that existing funding is not adequate to keep up with our current needs, and the situation will likely get worse as costs continue to increase. 

REQUIRED VS. NECESSARY

Most landscaping is not absolutely necessary in these areas, but provides an aesthetic benefit to the community. Well maintained landscaping can add to a community’s appeal and have a positive influence on home values. Services such as tree trimming and removal, however, are required for public safety. 

YOUR VOTE

Only the parcels located within the LMD which are proposed to be assessed are eligible to vote. The determination will be made by a majority of the voting parcels. Votes are weighted based on the dollar amount of each parcel’s assessment. The City Clerk will collect the ballots and present the tabulation at the May 1, 2018 City Council meeting. If a majority of the weighted ballots support the new 18-2 LMD new assessments will be imposed for the property tax bills effective fiscal year 2018-2019. If the ballot does not pass, the current LMD and assessement will remain unchanged. 

UNDERSTANDING LMDS

LMDs were created many years ago by developers as a way for property owners to pay for enhanced landscaping and improvements beyond those generally provided by the city. The district is responsible for maintaining all irrigation and sprinkler systems, turf, trees, shrubs, and bushes in medians and public rights-of way. Monies collected from LMD assessments are set aside for the exclusive benefit of each district and can only be used for maintenance and improvement of that specific district. 

Changes to the City’s Landscape Maintenance Districts and how they could impact YOU

Driving along Espola Road over the last few years, have you grown dismayed at the deterioration of the landscaping along the road, as well as other key roads (known as Landscape Maintenance Districts) in the community? The City is proposing to increase taxes with the promise of updated landscaping in these areas. 

Per our request, the City has provided the following update on its plan for improving services in these areas (we have bolded some text for emphasis):

A Landscape Maintenance District, or LMD, is an area identified to provide benefitting property owners the option to pay for enhanced landscaping and other improvements, and services beyond those generally provided by the City. There are ten LMDs in Poway. The LMDs were formed in the 1980s when many of Poway’s neighborhoods were first being developed. They cover the cost of contract labor for tree trimming, gardening, litter control, weed abatement and other upkeep and general maintenance (above baseline services provided by the City), as well as costs for water and electricity. LMDs are funded through an assessment on annual property tax bills. The assessment rates, which can vary by zones and LMDs, have remained unchanged for decades. Unfortunately, the funds being collected through the assessment are no longer sufficient to adequately maintain some of the City’s LMDs.

The City is addressing two LMDs this year: 83-1 and 86-1. 

• LMD 83-1 encompasses the Arbolitos, Twin Peak/Kindercare, Kent eld Estates, Diroma Estates, Kent Hill, Country Creek, Rio Court, Park Village, Midland Estates, and Poway 16 neighborhoods/ subdivisions.

• LMD 86-1 includes Bridlewood, Old Coach, Piedmont Park, Stone Canyon Ranch, The Grove and Vision, Huntington Gate, Serenata and Green Valley Estates.

The City has taken short-term measures to reduce landscape services and watering schedules to minimize costs in each LMD. Over time, natural deterioration has affected irrigation systems, trees, plants and other landscape features. As the City plans for the long-term, it will invite property owners within each LMD to meetings to discuss how the funding shortfall and maintenance needs can be addressed. The LMD funding shortfalls leave the City and affected property owners with two options. The first option is to further reduce the maintenance services provided so that expenses are in line with revenues. While this is possible, the City is concerned about the poor appearance that will result from further reducing maintenance services. The second option is for property owners to approve a new re-engineered LMD (referred to as 18-1 and 18-2 respectively) with revised assessments, including an annual index (CPI) to ensure that future assessments keep pace with inflationary cost adjustments.

The City held informational meetings with LMD 83-1 owners in November. Staff will invite LMD 86-1 property owners to participate in informational meetings in January. These informational meetings precede a ballot that will be mailed in March 2018 with options for the future upkeep of landscaping along main roads, neighborhood entryways and common areas within each LMD. Ballots will include an option to vote to increase the assessment rate, which will include an annual CPI index, to restore and improve service levels and reinvest in landscaping and maintenance. The outcome will be determined by the majority of the ballots received.

For more information, including an interactive map with proposed assessments for LMD 83-1 and 86-1 (newly reengineered as LMD 18-1 and 18-2 respectively), visit the City’s website at http://poway.org/930/LMD-86-1-2018-Ballot-Measures