The Santiago Hills Landscape Maintenance Assessment District (District) was formed in 1987 to provide funding for public landscape maintenance and improvements in the Santiago Hills Development. The annual assessment paid by property owners in the District funds the District landscape maintenance and is approved by the Orange City Council at a public hearing each year.

The maximum assessment rate paid by property owners had remained the same from 1987 to 2015, at which time a majority of the property owners in the District approved a ballot measure to increase funding for landscape maintenance and renovations. Click here to view the Ballot and Official Notice and Information Guide mailed to each property owner in the District.

View the March 7, 2015 and March 24, 2015 Community Meeting PowerPoint presented at Chapman Hills Elementary School.

During the June 9, 2015 Public Hearing at the Orange City Council Meeting, in view of the public, the Santiago Hills Landscape Assessment District ballots were officially opened, sorted, and the votes counted. For the 1,571 parcels in the District, a total of 633 votes were received. The weighted ballots were in favor of the increased assessment, with 54% of those returned voting "Yes" (51% in favor was needed for the assessment to pass). The assessment was approved by the City Council on July 14, 2015.

Santiago Hills Landscape Maintenance Assessment District Community Liaison Committee

A Santiago Hills Liaison Committee was formed to review the District’s annual budget and provide input on the priorities for landscape renovations. Eight residents reflecting the various types of properties and geographic locations within the Santiago Hills Assessment District (SHAD) served on the committee, which met twice a year from 2015 through early 2017. City staff posted the meeting minutes on the City’s website and provided additional updates on the status of the landscaping projects on an on-going basis on the City website and Nextdoor. After the first landscape renovation project on Trails End was completed, City staff began to receive feedback from others in the community expressing concern about the project and requesting more information and involvement in the process of establishing the direction of the renovation projects and the use of SHAD funds.

Minutes from the Santiago Hills Landscape Maintenance Assessment District Liaison Committee meetings are available for review here:

• April 2017 Meeting Minutes
• October 2016 Meeting Minutes
• April 2016 Meeting Minutes
• October 2015 Meeting Minutes
• October 2015 Meeting Handouts

Homeowners have let us know that the SHAD Liaison Committee was not working well for the community as a whole. In August 2017, City staff held an open community meeting with SHAD property owners to discuss the Trails End and proposed Skylark Renovation project and receive input on the City’s approach to future landscape projects, including the planned renovation of Skylark Place landscaping. At the meeting and over the past several months we have had many conversations with SHAD residents about landscape maintenance and future direction for renovation projects. The input we have received indicated that the SHAD Liaison Committee model was not effectively representative of the desires of the SHAD community as a whole. As a result of this input, the SHAD Liaison Committee model is being replaced with a more comprehensive community outreach effort.

Santiago Hills Assessment District Property Owners Community Meeting

Beginning in 2018, community wide meetings will be held twice a year in April and October, open to all SHAD property owners. At the meetings, staff will present the proposed SHAD annual budget and receive input regarding budget priorities and landscape renovations and landscape maintenance matters. The information presented at the meetings will include the following:

• SHAD Annual Budget including operating and capital expenditures
• Timeline and information on the annual Public Hearing for Adoption of the Engineer’s Report and Annual Assessment (scheduled in May and June of each year)
• Proposed Landscape Renovation Projects
• Maintenance Matters

These topics are the same as those that have been historically presented to the previous Liaison Committee. All SHAD property owners are invited to attend the meetings which will be advertised via direct mail notices, Nextdoor.com, and on the City website. Property owners interested in on-going updates in addition to the meetings, are asked to provide their email contact information to be added to the outreach list. This method of open community meetings and ongoing communication by email allows for regular input from all interested parties with specific input at key times during the year.

The first meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 11, 2018 at Chapman Hills Elementary School from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. The meeting format will include the distribution of financial documents, a short presentation by staff on completed and proposed projects, followed by a staff moderator reading questions or comments submitted by participants. Those wishing to speak at the meeting will be given an opportunity at the end of the moderated question and answer period. Out of respect for everyone’s time, comments will be limited to three minutes, similar to the practice utilized at City Council meetings. Staff will be available after the meeting for individual discussions.

July 2024

Notice of Construction

White Oak Ridge from Newport Blvd. to Trails End Ln. Landscape Improvements project is scheduled to begin in early August and continue through October. Please see the Notice of Construction and Project Plans and Proposed Tree and Shrub Palettes for more details. The work will be performed by Marina Landscape, Inc. under the supervision of the Public Works Department. The Field Services Division can be reached for inquires on the project at (714) 532-6480.

Notice

White Oak Ridge from Newport Blvd. to Trails End Ln. Landscape Renovation  

The White Oak Ridge from Newport Blvd. to Trails End Ln. Landscape Renovation is ready to bid in late November 2023 and anticipated project award in late Spring 2024. View Project Plans and Proposed Tree and Shrub Palettes.

Update on Management of Santiago Hills Assessment District

Effective July 1, 2023, the City’s Public Works Department is managing the landscape within the District.  Services will continue uninterrupted through this transition.

For questions regarding these projects, please contact:

Grant Pickering
Landscape Coordinator
gpickering@cityoforange.org
(714) 744-6464

Matt Lorenzen
Assistant Field Services Manager
mlorenzen@cityoforange.org
(714) 744-6488

September 2023

Update on SHAD

The City hosted a Community Meeting regarding landscape updates within the Santiago Hills Assessment District on September 20, 2023 at Chapman Hills Elementary School Library.  Postcards notifying homeowners of the meeting were mailed. The program included:

• Update on completed projects
• Landscape maintenance
• Next steps for the District.

Those unable to attend may access the presentation online.  If you have any questions, please contact the Public Works Department Field Services Division at (714) 532-6480.

This message was sent to everyone who signed up for the Santiago Hills Assessment District Landscape email list, and was posted on the City website and Nextdoor. Email SantiagoHills@cityoforange.org or call (714) 744-7274 if you would like to:

• Provide feedback.
• Be added to or removed from the email notification list.

April 2023

Update on Median Renovations

As shared in the November 7, 2022 message, irrigation of the turf in medians throughout the District stopped mid-2022 in response to drought related water restrictions, causing the turf to die.  To encourage the replacement of turf, the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) offered  a rebate program of $1- $4* per square foot for turf replacement with California friendly plants and ground cover. The City Council approved using the rebate program to support turf replacement within the following medians:  

•             Chapman between Newport and Jamboree
•             Newport between Chapman and Santiago Canyon
•             Santiago Canyon between Newport and Jamboree
•             White Oak at Newport Blvd.

MWDOC approved the City’s project for the rebate program and work on the medians began in late summer 2022.  The project, now complete, involved removal of existing turf in the medians, soil preparation and adjustments to the existing grade, conversion of the existing irrigation system, and installation of new Myoporum Parvifolium groundcover.  MWDOC recently notified the City that the project was approved for a rebate of $3 per square foot, totaling $174,564. The total cost of the project was $238,850, making the net expense to replace 58,188 square feet of turf after receiving the rebate $64,286.  The City received the rebate check from MWDOC and the City Council will formally accept the rebate revenue at the April 25, 2023, City Council meeting. 

*Since our last communication, MWDOC increased the allowable rebate amount to a maximum of $4 per square foot.

Annual Public Hearing

Annually, the City conducts a public hearing required for the annual levy and collection of assessments for the District.  The first step in this process is the City Council’s adoption of a Resolution of Intensions declaring the City’s intent to provide for an annual levy and collection of assessments for the coming Fiscal Year 2023-2024 (July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024) and setting a public hearing time and place.  The City Council will consider this resolution at the April 25, 2023 City Council meeting.  If adopted, the Annual Public Hearing will be scheduled for June 13, 2023 City Council Meeting. City Council agendas and accompanying documents for the April 25 and June 13, 2023, City Council meetings may be found here: City Council Meeting Documents. The agenda and documents for the June 13 meeting will be available Thursday, June 8, 2023.

Transition of Services to the City’s Public Works Department

Effective July 1, 2023, the City’s Public Works Department will begin managing the landscape within the District.  Services will continue uninterrupted through this transition and Grant Pickering, the City’s Landscape Coordinator will continue to manage the landscape under Public Works.  Additionally, as mentioned in a previous communication, the City delayed a Capital Improvement Project (CIP) to renovate the corners at White Oak Ridge and Newport Blvd to complete the turf renovation project using the MWDOC rebate program.  The Public Works Department will continue evaluating this project and will complete the CIP when the district has accumulated sufficient funds to do so.  Residents can continue to email questions and feedback to SantiagoHills@cityoforange.org.  

November 2022

Update on Median Renovations

As shared in the June 7 message, current drought restrictions prohibit the use of potable water for irrigation of turf on street medians.  Irrigation of the turf medians had stopped earlier this year and with the dry conditions this year, the turf in the medians is dying. In response to the drought regulations and to encourage the replacement of turf, the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) offered  a rebate program of $1- $3 per square foot for turf replacement with California friendly plants and ground cover.  Utilizing the rebate program, the turf on the medians will be replaced with Myoporum Parvifolium, the low growing ground cover which has been installed on other medians throughout the District.  Council approved the amendment to the maintenance agreement with Nieves at the July 12th Council to complete this work and MWDOC approved the plans for the renovation in late summer.  Median renovations will begin later this week (weather permitting) and include the following medians (medians on Jamboree Rd are not included as they are scheduled for renovation as part of the Santiago Hills II project):

•             Chapman between Newport and Jamboree
•             Newport between Chapman and Santiago Canyon
•             Santiago Canyon between Newport and Jamboree
•             White Oak at Newport Blvd.

The project scope includes demolition and removal of existing turf in the medians, soil preparation and adjustments to the existing grade, conversion of the existing irrigation system, and installation of new groundcover. The first phase of the renovation includes the demolition and removal of the existing turf in the medians. This turf eradication process is anticipated to take 2-4 weeks. As part of the eradication process, pesticide notification signage will be posted in all treated areas. While weather can certainly play a factor, it is anticipated the overall project will be completed by the end of January 2023.

Once the project is complete, MWDOC will notify the City of the total rebate amount received.  

June 2022

Drought Water Conservation Emergency Regulations-Update
As shared in the February 15 email, the State Water Board adopted an emergency regulation to conserve water. In late March, Governor Newsom issued an Executive Order declaring a Level 2 water supply shortage, which requires a reduction of water usage by 20%.  In order to comply with the state mandate, Orange has adopted several restrictions for all water users which includes limited days and times of landscape watering.  As such, watering of turf and landscape in parkways, paseo areas, and planters will be reduced. Regulations still prohibit the use of potable water for irrigation of turf on street medians (with the exception of watering trees in medians).  Irrigation of the turf medians had stopped back in January and with the dry conditions this past spring, the turf in the medians is dying. In response to the drought regulations and to encourage the replacement of turf, the Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) is currently offering a rebate program of $1- $3 per square foot for turf replacement with California friendly plants and ground cover.  The medians in Santiago Hills Landscape Assessment District are eligible for this rebate which include the medians on Chapman between Newport and Jamboree, on Newport between Chapman and Santiago Canyon, on Santiago Canyon between Newport and Jamboree, and the small median on White Oak (the medians on Jamboree have not been included as part of the rebate program, as they are scheduled to be renovated as part of the Santiago Hills II project).

Utilizing the rebate program, the turf on the medians listed above will be replaced with Myoporum Parvifolium, the low growing ground cover which has been installed on other medians throughout the District.  The cost to complete this maintenance work is approximately $238,850.  Depending on what is granted by MWDOC, the rebate amount could range between $45,000 and $135,000 for the replacement.  In order to completely fund this maintenance, the FY22 capital improvement project (CIP), which included the renovation of the corners at White Oak Ridge and Newport Blvd has been put on hold (the median on White Oak Ridge has been included as part of the turf replacement program). Funding for the CIP will be used to offset the costs for the turf replacement on the medians.  By completing the turf replacement, the medians will be watered within current restrictions, thus allowing the medians to maintain a consistent green appearance to meet community standards.  Should there be remaining funds after the completion of the turf replacement, the FY22 CIP will be revisited.  

The next step in this process is to bring an amendment to the agreement with Nieves, the landscape maintenance contractor, to City Council at the July 12 meeting.  With Council’s approval of the amendment and MWDOC’s approval of the application, the turf replacement will move forward.  The community will be kept updated on the status of the rebate program and timeline for the median turf replacement.

For more information on water restrictions and conservation in Orange, please visit:
https://www.cityoforange.org/Home/Components/News/News/161/14

For additional information regarding the turf rebate program, please visit: https://www.mwdoc.com/save-water/rebates/commercial-rebates/turf-removal/ 
This message is being sent to all those who signed up for the Santiago Hills Assessment District Landscape email list, will be posted on our City website, and a message will be posted on Nextdoor notifying followers that the website was updated. Ongoing feedback is encouraged. You can provide feedback by emailing SantiagoHills@cityoforange.org or by calling 714-744-7274. If you would like to be added to or removed from the email notification list, please email SantiagoHills@cityoforange.org.

February 2022

Drought Water Conservation Emergency Regulations

In 2021, Governor Newsom proclaimed a drought state of emergency for all counties in CA.  On January 2, the State Water Board adopted an emergency regulation to conserve water, which became effective on January 18.  Among others, the emergency regulations include prohibiting the use of potable water for irrigation of turf on street medians.  The regulations, however, do allow for the watering of trees in medians. As a result of the regulations, irrigation of the turf medians has stopped. Adjustments have been made to the irrigation systems in order to provide sufficient water to median trees for their health and safety.  Maintenance services will continue in order to keep the medians free of trash and debris.  Should dry conditions continue through the spring, the turf will eventually die out. Additional mulch will be applied as needed to reduce weeds and retain moisture in the soil for the trees.  The emergency regulation will remain in effect for one year, unless the Water Board ends, modifies, or re-adopts it.  Medians will be monitored during this time period and any issues that may arise regarding the medians will be addressed. 
For more information about the emergency water regulations, including a complete list of the regulations, please visit: Water Conservation Portal

Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Capital Improvement Project Update

As previously shared in October 2021, the FY 2022 capital improvement project includes the renovation of the corners at White Oak Ridge and Newport Blvd and the small median on White Oak Ridge, which will help with the new water conservation regulations.  As project budget allows, design will include renovation of parkways from Newport to Trails End.  Services for a landscape architect to complete the design phase went out to bid in December and was awarded to David Volz Designs.  The design phase is currently in progress and is expected to be complete by mid-April.  The project will then go out to bid for construction services.  Construction of the project is anticipated to be completed by fall 2022.  COVID related challenges (i.e. labor shortages, supply chain issues, etc.) and staffing changes have caused delays in the original project schedule.  Updates will be shared should the project schedule shift again. Once the design phase is complete, plans will be made available on this page.

Warmer Weather and Pest Management

The landscape contractor continues to follow the City’s Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program.  Efforts have been made to reduce the use of pesticides by focusing on proper landscape care including water management, timely trimming, mechanical removal, mulching, etc. With springtime and warmer weather around the corner, pesticide application will be applied as needed, using a spot spray approach. All chemical applications will follow the City’s IPM program, including posting signage 24 hours in advance of all pre-approved applications.  Signage will remain posted until the product is dry.  For more information about the City’s IPM program, please visit the Park Maintenance webpage.

October 2021

In 2015, the Santiago Hills Landscape Assessment District (SHAD) residents voted to increase their assessment in order to maintain, repair, and renovate community landscaping over time. This is referred to as Landscape Maintenance District 15-1 (LMD 15-1). The project represents a long-term Capital Improvement effort to re-landscape SHAD as funding accumulated beyond what is needed for ongoing maintenance. Funds are utilized based on community input and prioritization for landscape renovation to replace plants, shrubs, and irrigation beyond their useful life. Included is a map of the District and completed projects to date are noted in blue.

Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Capital Improvement Program

The Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Capital Improvement Program includes renovation of corners at White Oak Ridge and Newport Boulevard and the small median on White Oak Ridge (noted on the attached map in light orange). As project budget allows, design will include alternates for parkways from Newport to Trails End (noted on the map in dark orange). This renovation project will maintain the landscape palette installed at preceding renovated areas in SHAD and will incorporate overall renovation goals for District landscaping. These goals include an overall reduction of turf while maintaining sufficient turf area for pets and aesthetic continuity, irrigation improvements which meet the State Mandate for Water Efficient Landscapes, and removal and replacement of pepper trees with more appropriate tree species where possible. Renovations would also consist of establishing ground cover in select and narrow planting areas, installing mulch in root-bound areas and at the base of trees, and applying appropriate planting and surface treatment in parkway planter areas which will include the use of turf in select areas with a minimum width of 30 inches. The design for the project will be put out to bid this fall, with construction starting late spring 2022, and completion of the project is expected by end of summer 2022.

Next Steps

The SHAD Capital Improvement funds will need to be replenished following completion of this project and, as a result, a renovation project is not being scheduled in Fiscal Year 2023. Once sufficient funds are available to continue with the remaining original landscape renovation, homeowners will be invited to prioritize additional landscape renovation projects. The attached map provides an outline of potential areas for future renovation (noted in green).

March 2021

In February, the City solicited input from District homeowners regarding interest in maintaining the current Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program or evaluating an increase to assessment fees in order to transition to an organics only IPM as part of the new landscape maintenance agreement, which is expected to start in July 2021. A letter, dated February 9, was mailed to all District homeowners. An email regarding the letter was also sent to the Landscape Assessment email distribution list. The information was posted on the District’s page on the City’s website, and notification of the update was sent through the NextDoor app. Homeowners were asked to submit input through an online survey (Survey Monkey), via email, or mailing back their input.

The City received a total of 204 survey responses, of which 85% responding support maintaining the current IPM. A total of 12% of respondents would like to evaluate the option to increase assessment fees to transition to an organics only IPM. The remaining 3% either selected both or did not make a selection.

At the April 13, 2021 City Council meeting, Council will be presented the award for the new landscape agreement, with the recommendation of maintaining the current IPM, consistent with community input received. Once posted, the staff report for the agreement can be found on our meeting portal. The current IPM is a holistic approach to sustainable landscape maintenance, focusing on managing insects, plant disease, rodents, and weeds through a combination of proper and timely maintenance techniques (i.e. water management, soil fertility management, and proper pruning and trimming). Application of pesticides is utilized as needed to achieve the standard outlined in the scope of work. Staff pre-approves all chemical applications and the City complies with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations. A licensed, contracted pest control operator holding a Qualified Applicator License (QAL) applies any chemicals for pest control as necessary. Before spraying occurs, staff place additional signage in the areas that will be treated.

Additionally, as noted in the February correspondence, the recommendation will include implementing the Consumer Price Index assessment not to exceed 3% annually for Overlay District Assessment No. 15-1 in order to sustain standard landscape maintenance (utilizing the current IPM) and capital improvement projects. The annual public hearing required to provide for the annual levy and collection of assessments for the District is set for the Tuesday, June 8th City Council meeting. Once posted, the agenda and information regarding participation can be found on our meeting portal.

Of those who provided comments with their response, respondents in favor of maintaining the current IPM noted several reasons for their input. The majority noted they opposed an increase to their assessment while others stated that the cost of an organics only IPM is too expensive. Several respondents also noted that they want to keep the landscaping as it is, and to continue using the current IPM.

Comments from those in favor of evaluating the option to increase the assessment to transition to an organics only option posed follow up questions including concerns about not being able to view all proposals received and the option of going completely pesticide free, similar to how Santiago Hills Park is maintained. The City will make public the responses to requests for proposals at the time the contract is presented to the awarding authority (in this case, the City Council). If a winning proposer has access to the specific details of other competing proposals, then the City is greatly impaired in its ability to negotiate and secure the best possible deal on its constituents’ behalf. Thus, the City’s interest in keeping these proposals confidential outweighs the public’s interest in disclosure until negotiations with the winning proposer are complete and, therefore, we were unable to share the proposals in advance.

The City did evaluate a pesticide free option, however, due to the labor associated with weeding, the cost to implement this option was not sustainable. While Santiago Hills Park is maintained pesticide free, the park is approximately 90% turf and 10% planters. The weeds currently growing within the turf are maintained similarly to turf maintenance (i.e. mowed) and provide an adequate green ground cover. Due to the small percentage of planters, the cost savings from applying pesticides is used to provide additional manual labor to remove the weeds from the planters. Conversely, the landscape in the District has a significant amount of planters, which would require an increase in services for manual weeding. As a result, the money saved by ceasing pesticide applications would not be enough to fund the manual weeding needed throughout the District.

View a summary of the results of the input received, as well as a complete list of comments. We thank you for your feedback. For questions or comments, please email SantiagoHills@cityoforange.org or call the Community Services Department at 714-744-7274.

If you would like to be added to the Santiago Hills Landscape Assessment District email list to receive updates, please email SantiagoHills@cityoforange.org. Information provided in the updates is also posted on the City website, and a message is posted on Nextdoor notifying followers that the website is updated.

February 2021

The current landscape maintenance agreement for the District will expire in June 2021. The City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a new 4-year term, starting in July 2021 through June 2025. The scope of work includes general maintenance of the landscape, mowing, trimming and implementing the City’s approved Integrated Pest Management Program (IPM).

The IPM focuses on the long-term prevention and/or suppression of pest problems (such as insects, invasive species, rodents, and weeds) through a combination of techniques which includes pest identification, monitoring, prevention, and treatment tactics. The IPM is regulated and permitted by the Orange County Agricultural Commissioner and utilizes products approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which may include synthetic pesticides. View the City's IPM Policy and Implementation Guidelines.

At the request of some District community members, the RFP included an option to replace EPA approved pesticides with use of organic pesticides only, recommended by the nonprofit organization Organic Materials Review Institute. This option would continue to use a variety of techniques to focus on the long-term prevention and/or suppression of pest problems, including the use of increased manual labor.

The proposed cost to continue with the current IPM for the new 4 year agreement is approximately 14% higher than the current agreement and with current assessment fees is financially sustainable through the life of the contract. The organics only IPM, on average, costs 50% more. Budget projections indicate the organic only program is sustainable for the first two years of the agreement. To maintain the use of organics only for the remainder of the agreement, an increase of approximately 45% in assessment fees would be required. The current assessment would need to be increased from the existing range of $394-$613 to approximately $566-856 annually (The figures are current estimates. If an assessment increase is pursued, the true increase would be determined through a contracted independent study.) Factors affecting the cost of the IPM include cost of the product, frequency applied, and labor involved in implementing the IPM. Both programs require the Consumer Price Index (CPI) of 2-3% annually for Overlay District Assessment No.15-1 in order to continue with standard landscape maintenance and capital improvement projects. View a detailed chart comparing the current IPM and the organics only program, including how each program will be implemented and expected results.

October 2020

In August, we shared the design process for the renovation CIP was complete and the request for bid (RFB) for landscape renovation had opened. Several bids were received with Nieves Landscape, Inc. submitting the lowest responsible bid of $205,777. Nieves’ bid was competitive and below the cost estimate. At the October 13th Council meeting, the contract with Nieves to complete the renovation project was approved.

The renovation is scheduled to start by October 29th and includes the following areas:

• Finishing the renovation of the second half of Skylark Place from Presidio Avenue to Canyon View Ave, including the 2 corners on White Oak and Canyon View
• Renovating the 2 small medians on Canyon View between Skylark and Jamboree
• Renovating the small median on Skylark at Canyon View
• Renovating the small median on White Oak Ridge and Canyon View

The project scope includes demolition and removal of existing turf and landscape, soil preparation and minor adjustments to the existing grade, conversion of the existing irrigation system to a new low-flow, sub-surface system, and installation of new plants, turf and groundcover. The first phase of the renovation includes the demolition and removal of the existing turf in the medians, corners, and parkways. This turf eradication process is anticipated to take 4-6 weeks. As part of the eradication process, pesticide notification signage will be posted by both Nieves and the City in all treated areas. Renovation of non-turf areas will happen concurrently. While weather can certainly play a factor, it is anticipated the overall project will be completed by the end of January.

August 2020

In May we sent out a message regarding the plan for renovating aging landscape with new fiscally and environmentally sustainable landscapes that meet the expectations of the community. The FY21 capital project focuses on the following areas: the second half of Skylark; medians on Canyon View, White Oak, and Skylark; and the corners at White Oak and Canyon View. To review the complete message from May, please see below.

With the approval of the FY21 CIP budget at the June 23rd Council meeting, we are on track and moving forward with these renovations. The design process is complete and the request for bid (RFB) for landscape renovation is currently open. The bid is expected to be awarded at the October 13th Council meeting with work scheduled to start by the end of the year. To view the RFB and plan documents, please view RFB 20-21.05 Landscape Renovation at Skylark Place and Canyon View Avenue.

June 2020

The annual public hearing required to provide for the annual levy and collection of assessments for the District is set for the Tuesday, June 9th City Council meeting. The agenda and accompanying reports, including the annual District budget, will be available Thursday, June 4. Please visit Agendas-Minutes-and-Public-Hearing-Notices for the agenda and information regarding participation. No increase is being recommended at this time.

May 2020

Capital Improvement Plan Update

Based on feedback received at the Santiago Hills community meeting held in September 2019, the following capital improvement plan (CIP) for fiscal year 2021 (FY21) was created and shared with residents in November 2019. The intent of the renovations is to update the aging landscape with a new fiscally and environmentally sustainable landscape that meets the expectations of the community.

• Finish the 2nd half of Skylark, including the renovation of the 4 corners on Skylark and Canyon View Ave and the 2 corners on Skylark and Newport Blvd
• Renovate the small median on Canyon View between Skylark and Old Camp Rd
• Renovate the small median on Skylark at Canyon View
• Renovate the small median on White Oak Ridge at Canyon View
• Renovate the corners at White Oak Ridge and Newport Ave

Staff has begun the initial planning and design for these renovations, taking into consideration lessons learned from the Trails End and Skylark projects, as well as evaluating areas within the landscape to be renovated, were turf is best to be planted where it can thrive. Final approval of the CIP and corresponding funding is included in the City’s proposed FY21 budget, to be considered by the City Council through the annual budget process. It is anticipated bids to complete the work will be accepted in the fall of 2020 and work will start at the end of 2020 or in early 2021. Projects will be completed in phases as funding is available.

The community continues to express interest in maintaining trees (as does the City) and replacing them throughout the District when possible. Over the last year, 32 trees have been planted to replace trees that have died or been removed for safety reasons. We will continue to plant trees in an effort to maintain a full canopy within the District, taking into consideration the location and need for adequate root space within the mature landscape.

Landscape Maintenance Contract Update

Community feedback continues to support prioritizing on-going maintenance. In addition to the identified renovation projects, the focus continues to be on landscape maintenance such as replacing dead plant material, pruning/re-shaping overgrown shrubs, maintaining turf, and application of mulch in appropriate areas.

During the September community meeting, staff had received feedback regarding the City’s current Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. The feedback was mixed with support for keeping the current IPM Program as well as switching to an organic only program. The current contract with the District’s landscape maintenance provider will be expiring June 30, 2021 with the request for proposals to be advertised in January 2021. As a result of the community’s feedback, the request for proposal will include 1) a scope of work that is based on the specifications and requirements under the current service contract, and 2) an alternate bid for maintaining the landscape without the use of synthetic pesticides. Prior to the award of a new multi-year contract we will seek additional community input.

Santiago Hills Park Pesticide Free Maintenance Pilot Program Update

In August 2019, at the request of City Council, staff initiated a year-long pilot program at Santiago Hills Park to maintain the park without the use of synthetic pesticides.

November 2019

On Tuesday, September 9, the City of Orange’s Community Services Department held a community meeting at Chapman Hills Elementary School to discuss proposed landscape renovation options in the Santiago Hills Assessment District. Residents were notified of the meeting through mailings, online postings on the Nextdoor social media site, the City’s website, emailed meeting notice flyers, and signs posted within the District. Approximately 45 people attended the meeting.

At the meeting, three options were presented for consideration:

• Option 1) Renovate Handy Creek Paseo
• Option 2) Focus on maintenance and smaller renovation projects throughout the District
• Option 3) Remove turf in the medians for water savings

Feedback was collected by comment cards at the meeting and from emails and phone calls received after the meeting through Monday, September 30th. Staff received approximately 30 comments related to landscape options. Option 2 was the most supported with Option 3 being a close second. Moving forward with Option 1 did not receive significant support. Given the feedback received, staff is preparing a capital improvement plan to move forward with a combination of Option 2 and 3, which would include:

• Finish the 2nd half of Skylark, including the renovation of the 4 corners on Skylark and Canyon View Ave.
• Renovate the small median on Canyon View between Skylark and Old Camp Rd.
• Renovate the small median on Skylark at Canyon View
• Renovate the small median on White Oak Ridge at Canyon View
• Renovate the corners at White Oak Ridge and Newport Ave

As renovations are planned, staff will take into consideration lessons learned from the Trails End and Skylark projects, specifically planting turf in areas where it will be successful (or unsuccessful). The community also expressed interest in maintaining trees and replacing them throughout the District when possible. This will continue to be our goal.

Next steps for the renovations include presenting and receiving project approval by the City Council through the annual budget process and then creating design plans. The design phase would start in the summer of 2020 and bids will be accepted in the fall of 2020. The renovations would be completed over the course of 2 years with construction anticipated to start at the end of 2020/beginning of 2021.

Staff also received feedback regarding the City’s current Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Program. The feedback was mixed with support for keeping the current IPM Program as well as switching to an organic only program. The City’s current contract with the District’s landscape contractor, Nieves, ends summer 2020. As a result of the feedback received, the City will ask contractors to provide two IPM options during the bid process; the first would be to keep the current service standard and the second would be to switch to an all organic program. The options and cost will be shared with residents before an option is selected.

We thank you for your participation thus far and encourage residents to continue to share feedback!

You can provide feedback by emailing SantiagoHills@cityoforange.org or by calling 714-744-7274. If you would like to be added to or removed from the email notification list, please email SantiagoHills@cityoforange.org.

September 2019

The City of Orange held a meeting on September 9, 2019 regarding renovations in Santiago Hills. Below are links to the presentation materials and handouts.

• September 2019 Community Meeting Summary and Follow-Up
• Presentation
• Handy Creek Paseo Conceptual Plan
• Priority Map

January 2019

Landscape Update

Maintenance Service Level Restorations

As a result of the increased maintenance funding levels, in October 2015 the annual contract with Nieves Landscape, the company which provides landscape maintenance in Santiago Hills was increased to provide appropriate landscape maintenance service levels. Since then, Nieves Landscape has removed many dead shrubs throughout the District and is continuing with removals on an as-needed basis. Other landscape maintenance service levels are being evaluated to determine what increased frequencies, fertilization, etc., would be appropriate. Due to drought conditions and mandated water restrictions, much of the turf in the medians in Santiago Hills has suffered and died back and some of the trees have shown signs of stress. City staff is working with Nieves to direct irrigation to the trees while eliminating irrigation to the turfed areas, in an effort to preserve the substantial investment that the tree canopy in the District represents. City staff will continue to look at ways to manage the existing landscape until such time that the landscaped areas can be renovated.

• Current Landscape Maintenance Contract

In December 2015, the City approved a contract with West Coast Arborists (WCA) to provide regularly scheduled tree trimming services for the District. The contract also provided an increase to the frequency from every three years to every two years for individual trees to be trimmed. This should ensure that the tree inventory stays healthy and aesthetically pleasing, as well as reducing the concern over fallen trees during wind events. WCA has already removed approximately 40 dead trees throughout the District and is continuing removals as needed.

• Current Tree Maintenance Contract

District Landscape Watering Update

On August 9, 2016, the Orange City Council adopted Resolution No. 10961 rescinding some aspects of the water restrictions for Orange water users. This was a result of latitude given to water agencies to maintain a water conservation effort consistent with local water supply. The significant change made to the Orange water restriction was the removal of the specific days of the week for irrigation. In line with this new water restriction, the frequency of irrigation has been increased in the parkway and paseo areas of Santiago Hills , as well as at Santiago Hills Park. It is important to note that the State prohibition of irrigating turf on public street medians remains in effect, so continuation of no watering of the medians remains unchanged.

If you would like additional information regarding the Santiago Hills Landscape Maintenance Assessment District, please contact Nathan at nbluhm@cityoforange.org.

October 2018

Santiago Hills Assessment District Landscape Resident Report

With the beginning of fall, the City of Orange would like to provide the residents of the Santiago Hills Assessment District (SHAD) a summary of the landscape projects and maintenance completed this past fiscal year, a recap of the budget and a summary of what is planned for the next several months. Questions can be emailed to santiagohills@cityoforange.org.

Recap of Fiscal Year 18 (July 1, 2017 – June 30, 2018)

Landscape

• Skylark: The renovation of Skylark was completed in February 2018. The landscape has grown in nicely through the spring/summer months and we have received positive feedback from the community. Due to the initial establishment of the landscape, along with the excessive heat this summer, extra watering was required. Sections of the turf also suffered as a result of the heat and all-day sun exposure; however, will be replaced mid-October. Overall, the Skylark project has been successful in reaching the goals of providing turf and a colorful landscape which attracts native birds and butterflies to the area.
• White Oak Ridge: New plants and groundcover were planted along White Oak Ridge where existing irrigation supports establishment of new plantings. With the suspension of state water restriction mandates, we have returned to pre-drought watering levels to maintain the existing landscape per the community’s request.
• Tree Trimming: The semi-annual tree trimming was completed as scheduled. Additionally, several large pine trees received significant trimming in order to reduce the weight of the tree canopies.
• Mulching: Mulch was placed throughout the District to assist with retention of soil moisture, suppressing weed growth, and creating a uniform and clean appearance in the planter areas.

Maintenance Repairs

• Fencing: Damaged and aging lodge pole fencing was replaced in multiple areas.
• Electrical Control Panel: Three of the original 21 electrical panels that provide power to the lighting and irrigation systems were replaced due to their age and condition.

Budget Recap

In Fiscal Year 18, there were a total of $821,139 in expenditures, $92,055 under the original budgeted amount of $913,194. With actual revenues received in the amount of $906,099, there was an operating balance of $84,960 to be transferred to the capital projects reserve (see budget attached).

Capital costs for the year included $8,297 in expenditures for renovation designs and $121,735 in expenditures for the Skylark project.

Plans For Fiscal Year 19 (July 1, 2018-June 30, 2019)

Landscape

• Tree Planting: As discussed at the April community meeting, several species of trees including Strawberry, Cedar, and Brisbane Box will be planted in October. More trees will be planted in the Paseos from November to February, along with a few removals.
• Seasonal Pruning: Fall is the time for seasonal pruning of plants and bushes in order to promote healthy, new growth. Specifically, the Mexican sage (with the purple flowers) along Skylark, will be cut down close to ground level the week of October 15th. This particular plant is fast growing and will be pruned again in the spring.
• Shrubs and Groundcover Planting: Shrubs and groundcover will continue to be replaced as needed where existing conditions support establishment.

Maintenance Repairs

• Storm Drain System Modifications: We continue to evaluate and assess the ongoing challenges at the drain system in the Paseo near Woodwind Ave. Basic cleaning and clearing was completed in late September, and a preliminary evaluation is scheduled to take place in October. Should additional work be needed, a scope of work will be developed and reported back to the community.

Water Consumption Analysis and Sustainability

With the suspension of water restriction mandates, pre-drought watering levels have been enacted in order to maintain the existing landscape per the community’s request. While there are no state water restriction mandates in place at this time, the state is currently considering future mandates which we are closely monitoring.

Data is being gathered on a monthly basis regarding the amount of water used, as well as the cost associated with watering both existing and new landscapes. Taking into consideration the multiple factors such as temperature, new landscape, and sun exposure that affect watering levels, staff continues to closely monitor monthly water usage in an effort to achieve a both financially and environmentally sustainable landscape.

We will continue to collect data related to water use and maintenance costs to help determine future renovation needs. As the data is collected, the focus continues to be on Skylark as a potential template for new landscape layouts.

Budget Planning

Feedback is appreciated and welcomed at any time. Budget preparation for fiscal year 2019-20 begins in January. Items to be considered for next year’s budget should be shared with the City by the end of December.

Residents will receive notification in April of the June public assessment hearing. This notice will include the yearly assessment and the proposed budget.

Feedback and questions can be sent to santiagohills@cityoforange.org. To add an additional email address or be removed from this email list, please send notice to santiagohills@cityoforange.org.

April 2018

The City of Orange held a community landscape meeting for the Santiago Hills property owners on April 11, 2018.

• Presentation
• Meeting Summary
• Meeting Agenda
• Fiscal Year 2018-19 Budget (FY19)
• Tree Palette

If you have any questions regarding the Santiago Hills landscape, please contact us at santiagohills@cityoforange.org.

February 2018

Status update for the current landscaping: the Skylark Renovation project was completed in mid-February and will continue to be monitored during the landscape maintenance period. We are also continuing with dead plant removals and placing mulch in bare areas throughout the District, as well as plant replacements where the new plants (same type/species) can be supported by existing irrigation.

Notices regarding the April meeting will be mailed to each SHAD property owner in late March. We encourage all interested Santiago Hills property owners to attend the meeting. To send us an email with your questions regarding the meeting, or for or any input regarding the landscape in Santiago Hills, email santiagohills@cityoforange.org. Emails allow staff to promptly review the information and be as responsive as possible.

November 2017

Skylark Renovation Project

The landscape renovation on Skylark Place from Newport to Presidio Way is currently underway and proceeding as scheduled. Weather permitting, this project is anticipated to be complete in February. In addition to the landscape, a few sections of lifting and/or cracked sidewalk are also being replaced.

Maintenance

As previously communicated, we are also continuing to closely monitor overall landscape and tree maintenance. The contractor has started removing dead plant material, adding mulch to bare spots as well as in and around the planter areas, and is focusing on encouraging healthy turf growth. Where feasible and where existing irrigation can support new plant material, replacement shrubs and ground cover compatible with the existing landscaping will begin to be replaced, and continue over the next few months.

Community Input

We are currently working on a recommendation for how to proceed with formal community engagement on a go forward basis. We hope to have a solid plan by the end of the year and will provide another update with further details.

We welcome continued community input on both the Skylark project and the general landscape through the santiagohills@cityoforange.org email address. This allows us to promptly review the information and be as responsive as possible.

October 2017

Skylark Renovation Project

On October 24, 2017 the City Council approved the contract with Nieves Landscape for the Skylark Renovation Project. Based on community input, the project was modified from the original plan and includes turf grass in the corners and parkways, Rockrose in the median and low water use plantings in the planter areas. The cost of the project is $133,908 and the work is scheduled to begin Monday, November 6, 2017 and is expected to take approximately three months. Please refer to the September 26 update for more information about the project. View the construction notice.

Trails End Renovation Project

Regarding Trails End, the City Council concurred with the staff recommendation to leave Trails End as it is currently until an approach to the landscaping can be developed for the entire District. This will allow the community to evaluate the outcome of the Skylark Project and will allow us to analyze water consumption data for the renovated areas.

Maintenance

As previously communicated, we are also continuing to closely monitor overall landscape and tree maintenance, with an added focus on removal of dead plant material, adding mulch where needed, encouraging healthy turf growth, and addressing needed infrastructure repairs and safety concerns.

Hand Creek Paseo/General Renovations

The Handy Creek Paseo Renovation and other landscape renovations are on hold until a process is developed for moving forward. We are considering options for the best method to gather input regarding future landscape renovations for Santiago Hills and will be bringing them forward for future City Council consideration.

Community Input

Thank you for your patience as we worked through the process of gathering community input on this project and other landscape issues in Santiago Hills. We will continue to provide updates via email, Nextdoor and the City website, however, we encourage Santiago Hills property owners to contact us at any time if you have questions or would like to provide input on Santiago Hills landscaping. Please feel free to contact us at santiagohills@cityoforange.org.

September 2017

Santiago Hills Assessment District Landscape Renovations - Proposed Next Steps

Since the August 30 community meeting, City staff has been reviewing and consolidating information received at and following the meeting in an effort to determine next steps to move forward. Many Santiago Hills property owners provided input at the August 30, 2017 meeting, and others have contacted us by email since then. Through this process, there appears to be community consensus regarding the following:

• Keep turf grass in the landscaped areas where it currently exists
• Remove and replace dead plants
• Improve maintenance of existing landscape
• The advisory liaison committee established in 2015 is not sufficient and a process which provides more input from more residents is desired

The Trails End project was the first of the landscape renovations funded with the increased assessment. In an effort to be prudent with funding and efficient in completing planned renovations, efforts on Skylark Place were already underway when the initial community feedback on Trails End was received. The area was cleared in May and a contract to relandscape the area on Skylark from Newport to Presidio Way was brought before the City Council on August 8. At the August City Council meeting, City staff was directed to work with the community to receive their input on the plant palette before an award of contract was brought back to the City Council. Since then, a majority of the feedback we received communicated the following:

• Replace the meadow grass at Trails End
• Move forward to landscape Skylark Place since it is currently dirt, creates dust and is unattractive
• For the remainder of landscaped areas going forward, maintaining a blend of turf and replacing dead plants with water efficient plants as needed on a smaller scale (not large renovation projects)

As a result of the feedback received to date, we have developed the following options for Trails End and Skylark Place:

Trails End

• Option A: Develop specifications and bid out the work to remove the meadowgrass and replace it with sod of WestCoaster turf grass which is similar to what had previously been featured. View the specifications for the WestCoaster turf grass. The cost is estimated to be about $80,000 and the replacement could begin after the bid process, around January 2018.
• Option B: Leave Trails End as it is currently until a comprehensive plan can be developed for the entire District landscaping. City staff will explore the possibility of modifying maintenance practices for the meadow grass, to include turf like mowing, to create a visual appearance more similar to a typical lawn.

Skylark Place

• Option A: Bring back the award of contract on October 10 substituting the meadowgrass with WestCoaster turf grass sod on the corners and parkways, substituting Rockrose for meadow grass in the median, and utilizing low water use plantings in the planter areas. View the specifications for the West Coaster turf grass. For a visual representation of the proposed landscaping, including the proposed specific plants, shrubs, and trees after about 1-2 years of growing and filling in, view picture 1, picture 2, and picture 3. This proposed plan will cost $133,400. If this option is chosen, the work would commence in October and be completed by January 2018.
• Option B: Develop specifications and bid out work to prepare the soil for future planting, and cover the existing area with mulch, until a comprehensive plan can be developed for the entire District landscaping. The cost estimate for option B is $17,300 and the work would commence around December 2017.

Staff also evaluated a third option for Skylark to install irrigation and turf in the parkways where it had been previously, and filling the planter areas with mulch until a comprehensive plan can be developed for the entire District. This option would require re-bidding and therefore would cause a delay of about 3 months over Option A, with the turf installation not occurring until January 2018. In addition, this option would be more costly since the future plantings would be a separate project without the economy of scale of one project, and planting and irrigation installations in the planter areas would likely cause some damage to the previously planted turfed areas. Therefore, this option was not pursued further and is not recommended.

Maintenance

City staff has directed the contractor to increase removal of dead plant material, apply mulch where needed, and replace like for like plant material in spare areas, where current irrigation will support it and as funds allow. Beginning in October, turfed areas will be aerated, fertilized and overseeded to encourage healthy growth and to fill in bare and thinning spots. In addition, a pre-emergent herbicide will be applied to prevent weeds in the turfed areas. This is the first year since the assessment was approved and after the drought related watering restrictions were lifted, that these enhanced turf maintenance practices are able to be reinstated. In addition, staff will evaluate the cost for increased frequencies for maintenance services to be in line with expectations expressed, and either amend or re-bid the existing landscape maintenance contract to include these changes, if financially feasible.

Future Direction

• The Handy Creek Paseo renovation and other District wide landscape renovations are on hold until a process is developed for moving forward.
• City staff is evaluating options for additional community input and development of an overall landscape plan for SHAD.

We anticipate staff recommending Option A for Trails End and Option A for Skylark Place at the October 10 City Council meeting. Please be assured that we will do only what the Santiago Hills community desires. As such, your opinion matters and we continue to welcome and appreciate your feedback. Please provide your further input to Santiagohills@cityoforange.org by October 1.

August 2017

• August 30, 2017 Presentation
• Handy Creek Paseo - Render 8-22-17
• Handy Creek Paseo Conceptual Diagram
• Handy Creek Paseo Plant Materials
• Meadowgrass Alternatives Handout
• Meeting Agenda August 30, 2017
• SHAD Community Meeting Summary Report
• Skylark Conceptual Diagram
• Skylark Planting Materials
• Tabletop Exercise Results
• Tabletop Exercise Results Visual