A petition to establish a local improvement district may be submitted to the city clerk. Procedures for initiation of a special assessment district by petition are provided in Section 3.17.050(C) of the Soldotna Municipal Code. (Ord. 2007-27 § 3, 2007: Ord. 403 § 1(part), 1986)

The council, by motion or other action, may direct the city manager to make a survey and report on the need for, desirable extent of, and estimated cost of a proposed local improvement district. Procedures for initiating local improvements through special assessment districts are provided in Section 3.17.050(B) of the Soldotna Municipal Code. (Ord. 2007-27 § 4, 2007: Ord. 403 § 1(part), 1986)

In most circumstances, it will be less expensive for local improvements to be privately financed by an individual or group of individuals. Private financing can reduce the time and money required to comply with the city’s appropriation, notice and procurement procedures. “Owner--built” improvement districts may be initiated, constructed and accepted by the city for future operation and maintenance if they comply with the procedures provided in this section.
A. Application. Submit a letter to the city clerk requesting approval of an “Owner--Built Local Improvement District.” The letter should be signed by all record owners of the property to benefit from the improvement, and include the following information:
1. A description and estimate of cost for the proposed improvement;
2. A description of the area to benefit from the improvement;
3. A statement that the applicant(s) will pay all costs, including inspection expenses associated with the proposed project;
4. Preliminary plans prepared by an engineer registered in the state in accordance with the city’s applicable standard specifications. (The plans should show the system to be constructed, including pipe sizes and directions of flow for water or sewer extensions.)
B. Notice of Public Hearing. Upon receipt of the application, the city clerk will schedule a public hearing on the proposed local improvement. Notice of the public hearing shall be published at least once a week for two consecutive weeks prior to the date set for the hearing.
C. Action by Public Works Department. The application material and supporting information will be forwarded to the public works department for review as to whether the proposed improvement is consistent with the city’s § standard specifications, compatible with the comprehensive plan, and whether or not existing systems can accept the increased demand expected from the improvement. The public works department’s review of the proposed project should be completed within fourteen days, and result in a report and recommendation to the council as to whether or not the proposal should be approved.
D. Resolution to Proceed and Creation of District. After the public hearing is closed, the council shall adopt a resolution determining to proceed or not to proceed with the proposed local improvement. A resolution to proceed shall find that the improvement requested is necessary and should be made.
E. Contract Plans and Specifications. Upon approval by the council, the applicant shall submit to the public works department:
1. Two copies of the construction plans and specifications stamped and signed by an engineer registered in the state and prepared in accordance with the city’s applicable standard specifications;
2. Evidence of dedicated right--of--way or signed original copies of all necessary utility or public use easements granted to the city;
3. Evidence of approval by all federal, state and local agencies having jurisdiction over the project;
4. A performance bond equal to one hundred percent of the approved estimate of construction cost, naming the city of Soldotna as an additional insured; and
5. A cash payment equal to the city’s estimated cost for review and inspection of the project.
F. Notice to Proceed. Upon compliance with all the foregoing requirements and all other controlling ordinances, the public works department will issue a notice to proceed with construction. Any changes to the approved plans shall require prior approval of the public works department. All work shall be subject to periodic inspection by the city.
G. Acceptance. Prior to acceptance of the improvement for operation and maintenance by the city:
1. The developer shall submit one set of mylar reproducible construction plans stamped “as built” by an engineer registered in the state, reflecting any change from the original approved plans and certifying conformance with design intent and the city’s applicable construction specifications;
2. A final inspection will be conducted by the director of public works resulting in a report as to whether or not the city should accept the improvement; and
3. The council shall approve a resolution accepting the project on such terms as are required by its ordinances. (Ord. 403 § 1 (part), 1986).