At the October 11, 2011, City Council meeting, Council passed the Resolution of Intent to Create SILMD 310.  SILMD 310 is a street light district which will pay the energy and maintenance cost for the street lights along Bench Boulevard from Main Street to approximately 1,000 feet east of the intersection.  The Resolution of Intent also established a public hearing for creation of the proposed district for the November 14, 2011, Council meeting. Legal notices and a letter explaining the district and all protest procedures were mailed to each of the landowners in the proposed new district on October 27, 2011. Information on the number and percentage of property owner protests received will be presented at the public hearing.  SILMD 310 assessments are based on the linear footage of street lighting within the district. Yellowstone County is the only property owner within the district, and the average yearly assessment for the SILMD is $3,327.91.

The Council may:

• Pass the Resolution Creating SILMD 310 - Bench Boulevard, Main Street to 1,000 feet East of the Intersection to provide a source of funding for operation and maintenance of the street lights; or
• Do not pass the Resolution Creating SILMD 310, leaving this section of Bench Boulevard without street lighting.

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

Staff recommends that Council pass this Resolution Creating SILMD 310.