This resolution is being presented in conjunction with the resolution creating SID 1405, which intends to install lights on most of the streets from North 10th Street to North 22nd Street and Montana Avenue to 6th Avenue North. Upon the creation of SID 1405, the City of Billings requires the creation of a Special Improvement Lighting Maintenance District (SILMD) in order to pay the ongoing energy and maintenance costs for the street lighting. Passage of this Resolution of Intent is the first step in the legal process of creating a lighting maintenance district to pay the costs of operating and maintaining the new lighting. Passage of this Resolution of Intent will trigger the mailing of legal notices to the affected property owners, and set a Council public hearing at the March 26, 2018 City Council meeting.

The new lighting will use decorative poles with LED lamps and underground wiring. The cost of installing the new lighting will be paid with Special Improvement District bonds. This SILMD is being created to assess adjacent property owners for electrical energy and maintenance through an assessment on their property taxes.

City Council may:

• Pass the Resolution of Intent to create SILMD 323 to provide a source of funding for operation and maintenance of the street lights, and set a public hearing for March 26, 2018; or
• Do not pass the Resolution of Intent or set a public hearing date. If the Council does not adopt the Resolution, the property owners cannot be assessed for operation and maintenance of the streetlights and the new lighting will not be installed.

All costs of maintaining and providing energy for the lighting are paid from assessments against the properties within the light district.  There are no City owned properties within the district.

Staff recommends that the City Council approve a Resolution of Intent to create SILMD 323, and set a public hearing for March 26, 2018.