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File #: 22-1404   
Type: Ordinance-S Status: Adopted
Meeting Body: City Council Formal Meeting
On agenda: 9/7/2022 Final action: 9/7/2022
Title: Gated Alley Program Implementation (Ordinance S-48990)
District: Citywide

Title

Gated Alley Program Implementation (Ordinance S-48990)

 

Description

Request City Council approval to implement the Gated Alley Program and authorize the City Manager or designee to enter into all necessary agreements associated with the installation of gates in an aggregate amount not to exceed $500,000. Further request to authorize the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.

 

Report

Summary

As a result of the overwhelming demand and success of the Gated Alley Program Pilot, funding was approved in the FY 2022-23 program budget for an ongoing Gated Alley Program (GAP). This action included creating a new project manager position in the Neighborhood Services Department and allocating $500,000 in general funds to install gates for approximately 45 alley segments.

 

With the implementation of this new program, the gate installations will become a City function rather than a neighborhood grant program. Interested residents will be able to request gating their alleys by meeting eligibility requirements and completing the process noted below. Due to limited funding, neighborhoods may choose to gate their alleys, if eligible, at their own expense or submit a Request Form for the City to install gates.

 

Eligibility Criteria (Regardless of neighborhood or City installation)

  • Submit a completed Request Form;
  • Contiguous fencing exists along sides of alley (minimum 5 feet);
  • Limited current vehicle access and use;
  • Limited conflicts with existing obstacles (irrigation lines/power poles, utilities, etc.);
  • Signed petition from 50 percent plus one property owners along alley segment;
  • Public Works Department must be able to provide refuse service via the street and not alley; and
  • Must be alley right of way (not private property or just public utility easement).

 

Additional Eligibility Requirements for City Installations

  • Must be part of a Neighborhood Association; and
  • A minimum of 50 percent of the adjacent properties must be single family.

 

Process for City Installations

Neighborhood Services staff will work with neighborhoods to educate residents about the program, the request form, how to determine property ownership, how to connect with an existing neighborhood association, or create a new one, and provide language interpreters for multilingual neighborhoods as necessary.

 

The general process will be as follows:

  • Resident submits completed Request Form;
  • Staff reviews Request Form and verifies alley requirements met;
  • Staff verifies signatures;
  • Staff notifies applicant (approval/does not meet);
  • Staff meets with residents to confirm location;
  • Staff obtains licensed contractor bids;
  • Staff relocates trash collection from alley to curbside;
  • Staff will complete a one-time clean-up of the alley (alley maintenance remains a responsibility of adjacent property owners in accordance with City Code); and
  • Licensed contractor obtains necessary permits and installs gates.

 

Equitable Access for City Installations

To ensure neighborhoods with barriers have access to the program, additional options will be provided. For example, in high rental areas where it may be difficult to locate property owners or obtain signatures, staff and volunteers will provide additional support. Additionally, if the residents along the alley segment find that participating in a neighborhood association creates a barrier, the requirement may be waived on a case-by-case basis after all other alternatives are explored. Finally, 20 percent of the funds available, or $100,000, will be set aside to ensure low-and moderate-income neighborhoods have access to the program. These funds will be released in the third quarter of the fiscal year to all available applicants if no eligible Request Forms remain unfunded at that time.

 

Process for Neighborhood Installations

Community members who fund their own alley gate installation will take greater ownership of the installation process. This includes responsibility for paying all costs and fees totaling an estimated $11,000 for one alley segment with two gates. This includes permits from the Planning and Development Department ($300 each gate) and Street Transportation Department ($100). Residents will also need to purchase a fire access Knox Rapid Entry System (lock box) for emergency access ($80). Neighborhood installed gates must meet city design standards.

 

The general process will be as follows:

  • Resident submits completed Request Form;
  • Staff reviews Request Form and verifies alley requirements met;
  • Staff verifies signatures;
  • Staff notifies applicant (approval/does not meet);
  • Resident is responsible for meeting with residents and the licensed contractor along the alley segment to confirm location;
  • Resident is responsible for obtaining licensed contractor bids;
  • Staff relocates trash collection from alley to curbside (verified at time of eligibility determination);
  • Resident is responsible for cleaning the alley; and
  • Resident or residents’ licensed contractor is responsible for obtaining necessary permits and installation of the gates.

 

Department

Responsible Department

This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Alan Stephenson and the Neighborhood Services Department.