With the construction of the Bench Boulevard Connector project, streetlights will be installed on Bench Boulevard between Main Street and approximately 1,000' east of the intersection.  In order to pay for the ongoing energy and maintenance costs of the lights, it is necessary to create a Special Improvement Lighting Maintenance District (SILMD) to assess the district costs to abutting and benefiting property owners. Passage of the Resolution of Intent is the first step in the legal process of creating an SILMD. Passage of the Resolution of Intent will trigger the mailing of legal notices to the affected property owners and set a Council public hearing for the November 14, 2011, City Council meeting.

The Council may:

• Pass the Resolution of Intent to Create SILMD 310 - Bench Boulevard Connector and set a public hearing for the the SILMD creation on November 14, 2011; or
• Do not pass this Resolution, nor set a public hearing, leaving this section of Bench Boulevard without lighting.

All energy and maintenance costs for this proposed light district will be paid for by assessments against properties within the district.  Installation of the street lights will be paid for under the 6th Avenue North to Bench Boulevard Connector project and not by assessments.

Staff recommends that Council pass this Resolution of Intent to create SILMD 310 and set a public hearing date for November 14, 2011.