HomeMy WebLinkAboutUtilities 2007-08-08 Item 3C - Discussion - Allentown Phase II / Foster Point Draft Sewer NoticesTo: Mayor Mullet
From: Public Works Directorh
Date: August 1, 2007
Subject: Allentown Phase II and Foster Point Water Sewer Improvements
Project No. O1 -SW02
Notices to Residents
ISSUE
Approve information notices that will be mailed to the Allentown Phase II and Foster Point
neighborhoods.
BACKGROUND
The City of Tukwila has completed the water, sanitary sewer, and surface water improvements in
the Allentown Phase 11 and Foster Point neighborhoods. Notices will be mailed out to the residents
informing them of the fees.
ANALYSIS
Listed below are the attached notices that will be mailed after the Ordinance has been approved by
City Council:
Financial assistance is available for the City's sewer connection fee that starts at $15,000. The City
has set a low- income level at 60% of the median income of the HUD Income Guidelines. The side
sewer connection has assistance available through the King County Housing Repair Program and
their low- income level is at 80% of the median income of the HUD Income Guidelines.
RECOMMENDATION
Information Only.
attachments: see list above.
(p:project3 \01sw02\memo080107sm Notice to Residents)
INFORMATION MEMO
1) August Letter to Residents
2) September Letter to Residents
3) Flyer
4) HUD Income Guidelines
5) King County Housing Repair Programs Brochure
6) King County Sewage Treatment Capacity Charge Brochure
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Subject: Allentown Phase II Foster Point Sewer Construction Comnletion
Dear Resident:
The sewer pipes have been installed, tested and accepted by City Council and are now ready
for the side sewer connections to occur. Connection must occur under the following three
circumstances:
1. Septic or health problems identified by King County Health Department; or
2. The home changes ownership; or
3. Remodeling occurs adding a bathroom or bedroom
King County will be recording the City's Sewer Ordinance on all parcels in this sewer
connection area identifying the requirement to connect to the sewer system. Your property has
been identified as being in this sewer connection area and you must connect if any of the above
conditions should occur.
Council finalized City Ordinance No. with the following dates and amounts on August
20, 2007. Houses in the City's Allentown Phase II and Foster Point Sewer System Project will
be subject to a sewer connection charge of $15,000.00. This amount is available until
December 31. 2008. in order to encourage early connections. After December 31, 2008, the
cost increases to $15,600.00 and will increase 4% or $600.00 annually.
The City is offering 5 10 and 15 -year payment plan options for the sewer connection charge.
The monthly payment plan can be started now or at any time prior to actually connecting to the
sewer system. There is an option to pay off the balance early without penalty. The cost of the
payment plan will be determined by the current sewer connection amount when starting the
plan. If the house is sold before payments are completed, the balance must be paid off at the
time of sale. For any questions about the payment plan, please contact Gail Labanara in the
Tukwila Public Works Department at 206- 431 -3660.
In addition to the connection charge, all homeowner's connecting to the sanitary sewer system
will pay a King County (Metro) Capacity Charge. King County will bill the homeowner
directly after the sewer connection is completed and the side sewer permit has been signed off.
At this time, the 2007 capacity charge is $42.00 per month for 15 years. The capacity charge is
billed semi annually and all billings can be prepaid at a discounted amount. The King County
capacity charge will increase to $46.25 per month in 2008. Questions on the capacity charge
can be directed to King County at (206) 296 -1450.
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Residents
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Septic system abandonment and connection from the house to the property line sewer stub
(which requires a City side sewer permit) are the responsibilities of the homeowner. Financial
assistance may be available through King County Housing Repair Program (206- 296 -7640) to
help low- income people afford the side sewer connection costs. Assistance is a no- interest
loan supported by a lien on the property. The lien must be paid off prior to or when the house
is sold. The City has also initiated a similar program through the City's Finance Department to
help low income property owners afford the connection charge. Please see the enclosed HUD
income guidelines for the eligible amounts. The City Council has defined eligible low income
homeowners as making 60% of the median income or below.
The sanitary side sewer permit cost is approximately $500.00 and is to be submitted in person
to the permit center at 6300 Southcenter Boulevard, Suite 100. Questions relating to permits or
connections can be directed to Mike Cusick in the Public Works Department at 206 431 -2441.
Sincerely,
Enclosures
Jim Morrow, P.E.
Public Works Director
W uk2 voll\pubworks\PROJECTS\A- SW Projects101sw02 Mown II Foster Pactter to Residents Aug 2007.doc
September X°2 00'T
Dear Resident:
1. Do I have to connect to the sewer?
DRAFT
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Sewers are now in place and ready for connection.
This letter explains what you need to know as a resident.
I am writing to let you know that the new Allentown Phase II and Foster Point sewers have been
installed, tested, and accepted by City Council, and are now ready for side sewer connections. This
fact affects you as a property owner. Let me answer some questions you may have.
The answer is either "yes, you must connect now" or "no, you may remain on septic at this
time Because your property is in the sewer connection area designated by the City's Sewer
Ordinance, you MUST connect now if you meet any one of these three conditions:
(1) Your property changes ownership;
(2) You remodel and add a bathroom or bedroom; or
(3) A septic or health problem is identified by the King County Health Department.
If you do not meet one of these three conditions, you may remain on your septic system at this
time.
2. How much will it cost to connect to the sewer system?
The sewer connection fee (starting at $15,000.00) must be either on a payment plan with the City
or paid in full. Connecting to the sewer "side sewer connection" as it is called involves two
charges.
(1) The side sewer connection cost. This includes running a pipe from the house to the
sewer line stub, which varies in length for each property. We can only give an
approximate average cost range of $5,000.00 since every property is different. Again,
this will also vary if you hire a contractor, or if you do some of the labor yourself.
(2) After sewer connection, a King County (Metro) capacity charge. For 2007, the
capacity charge is $42.00 per month for 15 years. The capacity charge is billed semi-
annually (every six months) and all billings can be prepaid at a discounted amount.
The King County capacity charge will increase to $46.25 per month in 2008. Questions
on the capacity charge can be directed to King County at (206) 296 -1450.
City of Tukwila's current 2007 monthly sewer rate for residential homes is $36.75 per
month.
L W U B W O R K S I P R O J E C I S A SW Projects \01 s 02 Atown II Foster Metter to Residents Sept 2007.doc
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Resident
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S4fe4 l er XX 2007
Sincerely,
3. Is there any assistance for low income households?
Financial assistance is available through the King County Housing Repair Program to help low
income people afford the side sewer connection costs. Assistance is through a no- interest loan
supported by a lien on the property. The lien must be paid off prior to or when the property is
sold. Please see the enclosed HUD income guidelines for the eligible amounts.
4. What are the steps when I am ready to connect to the sewer system?
The first step is to fill out a utility permit and submit it with a site plan to the Public Works
Department for review. The permit fee is based on the cost of the construction. After approval of
the permit, connecting to the sewer line can then begin. After the line has been tested by the
City's utility inspector and the connection has been approved, you will then be able to abandon
and fill the septic tank. Questions about the permit or connections can be directed to Mike
Cusick in the Public Works Department at (206) 431 -2441.
We know the new sewer system will bring benefits to the area increased property values, improved
sanitation, the elimination of possible soil pollution, and cleaner, safer ground water. We also
recognize that connecting to the sewer system involves a substantial sum of money.
We are committed to doing as much as possible to ease the financial burden and keep you informed.
Should you have any questions or want more information, please call the Public Works Department.
We are eager to assist you.
Jim Morrow, P.E.
Director of Public Works
I:\PUBWORXSIPROIECCSA- SWProje s\0Isw02AtownII 4 Foster Pt\ Letter to Residents Sept 2007.doe
Sewer Fees August 2007
Allentown Phase 11 and Foster Point Neighborhoods
Hookup to the new sewer system is only required if:
Your septic system fails, or
Remodel, adding a bedroom or bathroom, or
Home ownership changes
New construction
Estimate of charges for sewer connection include:
1. Connection Charge 15,000.00
2. Side Sewer Connection
(the line from your house to the street) Estimate 4,500.00
3. City of Tukwila Permit Fee Estimate 500.00
4. King County's Sewer Capacity Charge (2007) 5,195.65
Approximate Total 25.195.65
Again, you will not have to pay any of these charges until you connect to the sewer
system. We know the new sewer system will bring benefits to the area improved
sanitation, cleaner, safer ground water, and increased property values. We also
recognize that connecting to the sewer system involves a substantial sum of
money.
We are committed to doing as much as possible to ease the financial burden and
keep you informed. Payment plans of 5, 10 or 15 years will be available to all
households for the Connection Charge. The 15 -year payment plan on the $15,000
connection fee at 4.0% interest would be $111.00 a month. King County also
offers a 15 -year payment plan on the Sewer Capacity Charge. Assistance will also
be available for low income households.
For information on the project and financial assistance, please call the City of
Tukwila's Public Works department at (206) 433 -0179.
Official HUD Income Guidelines for 2007 (effective March 20, 2007)
(Income amounts have been rounded to the nearest 50)
King County Median Family Income: $75,600
Moderate Income (below 80% of median)*
60% Median
Low Income (below 50% of median)
Moderate income capped at national average
c:gaillmy\exceRHUD guidelines
1
2 3
Number of Persons per Household
4 5 6 7
8
41,700 47,700 53,650 59,600 64,350 69,150 73,900 78,650
32,700 37,380 42,060 46,740 50,460 54,240 57,960 61,680
27,250 31,150 35,050 38,950 42,050 45,200 48,300 51,400
Extremely Low Income (below 30% of median) 16,350 18,700 21,050 23,350 25,250 27,100 29,000 30,850
Eligibility is determined by gross annual income of ALL
household members.
Family Maximum Gross Income
Size to be eligible for:
Loan Assistance' Grant Assistance
2 $47,700
3 $53`;'
4 $59,600
5
6
$31,150
W
$38,950
$69,150
7 $73,900,.
8 $78,650 $51,400
Other eligibility requirements include:
One year residency
Owner- occupied
Asset limitations
Sufficient home equity
$45,200
NOTE: Income limits are adjusted annually.
Necessary health and safety repairs are a priority.
If you borrow against the equity of the house in
the future, your new lender may require the
King County Than to be repaid.
0702
For information about other King County
Housing Repair Programs, please call
Home Accessibility Modification Program
(206) 296 -7640
King County Housing
Repair Programs
82] Second Avenue, Suite500
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 296 -7640
TTY: 71 (Relay Service)
www.metr
elk
uuu
■11.11
EQUAL MOUSING
OPPORTUNITY
Sign language and communication material in
alternate formats can be arranged
given sufficient notice.
Please call (206) 296 -7605
or TTY: 711 (Relay Service)
King County
Department of Community and Human Services
HOUSIn
REPAIR
PRO GRAMS
2J flI
u
Homeowners: -who. live. in King County,
outside the cuty Iiniuls of Seattle, may
a'Ilf,prograns are available
infalf.areas.
Deferrer' Payment Lana Program
This program provides financing for the total
cost of eligible and necessary repairs up to the
maximum loan amount.
Maximum loan $20,000
0% interest
No monthly payments
Repaid at the time the home is sold or title
transferred, or is no longer your primary residence.
Matchinc Sands Program
King County provides one half of the funds and
the homeowner MATCHES the funding with a
loan from a local lender or private funds.
Repair costs exceeding $40,000 will be the total
responsibility of the homeowner.
Maximum County loan $20,000
0% interest
No monthly payments
Repaid at the time the home is sold or title
transferred, or is no longer your primary residence.
Unlike loans, grants are not repaid.
Eligibility for a grant is determined by a
lower gross annual income than for a loan.
Mobile Home Grants
Maximum grant amount $5,000
Available for mobile homeowners WITHOUT
ownership in the land on which the mobile home
is located.
Emergency Grants
Maximum emergency grant amount $3,000
Available for life threatening repair needs in owner
occupied homes.
WHY IS THE RATE OF MY
CAPACITY CHARGE BILL DIFFERENT
FROM MY NEIGHBOR'S, YET OUR
HOUSES WERE BUILT ABOUT THE
SAME TIME
The capacity charge rate is based on the date
of the property's final side sewer inspection.
Homes built about the same time may have
been inspected in different years. Rate in-
creases do not apply to existing connections.
Each property is billed at the prevailing rate
at the time the inspection took place.
WHY DIDN'T THE DEVELOPER PAY
THIS CHARGE?
By law the capacity charge is a monthly
charge triggered by connection to the sewer
system, not an upfront cost of development.
The capacity charge is the responsibility
of the current property owner.
WHAT IS THE LEGAL BASIS FOR
THIS CHARGE?
The Revised Code of Washington,
Chapter 35.58.570, and King County Code
No. 28.84.050 are the legal basis for the
capacity charge. Under these laws, a lien
may be filed against a property that has
delinquent or unpaid charges.
WHO CAN I CONTACT
ABOUT MY BILL?
For questions about your
capacity charge bill:
King County Capacity
Charge Program
Phone: 206 296 -1450
Fax: 206-263-6073
Internet: http /dnr.metrokc.gov /wtd /capchrg
E -mail: capacitycharge@metrokc.gov
For questions about your sewer service bill,
contact your local sewage service provider.
Alternate formats available
206 296 -1450 or TTY Relay 711
C O King County
Department of Natural Resources and Parks
Wastewater Treatment Division
Capacity Charge Program
KSC -NR -0502
201 South Jackson Street
Seattle, WA 98104 -3855
Printed on 100% recycled stock. Please recycle.
File Name: 0608wrDChargeBrochindd sk
SEWAGE TREATMENT
CAPACITY CHARGE
Effective January 1, 2007
WHAT IS THE CAPACITY CHARGE?
The sewage treatment capacity charge is a
charge in addition to sewer service billed to
those customers who connected to the sani-
tary sewage system on or after Feb. 1, 1990.
WHY DO WE HAVE A CAPACITY
CHARGE?
To protect public health and the
environment, King County's
C wwastewater treatment system must
keep pace with growth in our region.
That means building more
pipes, pump stations, and
treatment plants.
(continued inside)
()King County
Department of Natural Resources and Parks
Wastewater Treatment Division
V
The capacity charge
distributes the costs
for this expanding
infrastructure to customers with the newest
sewer connections. In other words, the
capacity charge helps make sure that
"growth pays for growth."
WHO MUST PAY?
All homeowners and building owners in
King County's service area whose home or
building was connected to the King County
sewer system on or after Feb. 1, 1990 pay
the capacity charge. King County provides
sewage treatment services to most cities and
sewer agencies in King County, areas of south
Snohomish County, and a small part of
Pierce County.
HOW MUCH IS IT?
The 2007 capacity charge is $42.00 per resi-
dential customer equivalent (RCE) per month.
To calculate a residential property's monthly
rate, use the following formulas:
A single family house =1 RCE x $42.00=
$42.00 per month.
2-4 units in a multi family building=
.8 RCEs per unit.
For example: 2 units x .8 1.6 RCEs x
$42.00 $67.20 per month.
5 or more units .64 RCEs per unit.
For example: 6 units x .64 3.84 RCEs x
$42.00 $161.28 per month.
For other non residential property, the
capacity charge is determined by plumbing
fixtures or wastewater flow projections
converted to RCEs.
HOW IS IT BILLED?
King County sends capacity charge bills
to property owners about three months
after connection to the sewer system.
King County will then send a bill every
three months for 15 years, or until the
balance of the property's account is paid.
WHAT ARE MY PAYMENT OPTIONS?
At any time during the
I5 -year duration of the
charge, you may pay the
remaining balance of your
future charges at a discounted
rate. If you include the payoff
amount in your mortgage, it
might provide a tax advantage. However if
you are likely to sell your property within
a few years of buying it, you may not want
to prepay future charges because the
remaining payments could be passed
along to the next owner.
WHAT DO I DO WHEN I SELL MY
HOME AND THE 15 -YEAR BILLING
PERIOD IS NOT OVER?
You may want to consult with your
real estate agent regarding disclosure to
prospective buyers and escrow
agents handling
Y our transaction.
(RCW 64.06.020 and
RCW 60.80)
�`4 ±::M ia�.17.C1:- ..:�:i
WHAT IS THE MONEY USED FOR?
King County's wastewater treatment system
protects public health and the environment
by treating wastewater before
recycling it or releasing it into
Puget Sound. Increasing
demand on the regional
sewage treatment system has
meant building new treatment
facilities and expanding capacity
of the current system. Examples
of this needed expansion include the new
Brightwater Treatment Plant in Woodinville,
expansion of the Bellevue Pump Station, and
the Southwest Interceptor project in
the Kent Auburn area.
WILL THE RATE GO UP?
The King County Council reviews and
establishes the amount of the capacity charge
annually. Increases apply to new connections
only —they are not retroactively applied to
existing accounts.
WILL I ALSO GET A BILL FOR SEWER
SERVICE?
Yes. You will receive a sewer service bill
from your local sewage service provider.
The bill from your local agency will include
both local charges for sewage collection and
regional charges from King County for sewage
treatment and disposal. The bill from King
County will be for the capacity charge only.
(continued on reverse)