2016-05-09-minutes-public-works-study-session

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information and identification of all parameters that will attect final oecis!cns wtien made. It is important to identify, at the beginning of a project, those facets which are unchangeable and those which can be affected by public response. Identify procedures which will be followed, and inform the public as .o when input will be accepted or solicited. When an LID project is large or complex and potentially controversial it is often advisable to prepare a regularly published project newsletter. The newsletter will provide accurate and up to date information regarding project progress including; changes, schedules and major costs and funding developments. It is also advisable to have a website with the latest information upon which the newsletter would also be published. LID financed projects are unique in that property owners have the powerto decide, collectively, whether they will pay assessments for improvements to be built in the project. If they are not convinced thatthe project is needed and cost effective in the early stages, they may vote against it. An ideal LID financed projectwould be one in which specific propertyowner needs and overall city goals coincide precisely at minimal cost to both, with no adverse environmental impacts. ideal projects are rare. More common are projects where compromises are needed and in which a certain degree of disaffection exists or is generated between the city and property owners. Educating the public as to the what, how, when, why, etc., of a project is a never ending challenge, as new people are always entering the process. In addition, even those who have been previously involved will remember the project as it existed at that slice of time when they were last involved. It is important, in preparation for any meeting or project discussion, to think about the public participants in the meeting and where they are in relation to the current status of the project. Spend at least a few minutes at the beginning of the meeting making sure that all participants are aware of the current project status and on the same wavelength as nearly as possible. informal and Formal Meedogs Meetings can be the bane of a public servant's existence. In fact, an LID administrator is defined as a person who is in one meeting and mentally preparing for the next. All kidding aside, meetings with property owners and the general public are the most important element of any project's public relations plan. Informal meetings with individual or small groups of property owners in the early stages of a project can help the city to determine a possible scope for the project, provide education about project approval and LID processes and help to evaluate probable support for an LID. Apen houses are particularly effective in the predesign and EIS stages of a project, before any alternatives have been formulated. Larger, more formal meetings will be heeded as the project progresses. In addition to require public hearings for EIS, design approval, or L! D processes, a working (steering, advisory) committee should be established. With representation from as many competing interests as is possible (including property owners from the potential LID area), this committee can be an effective way to review design alternatives, identify potential fatal flaws, avoid unnecessary disruption to adjoining property owners and monitor probable LID support. This committee should meet monthly during the redesign and EIS stages and as frequently as needed during the design and approval stages. When the LID formation hearing is scheduled, project staff should be very open to individual or group meetings to explain overall LID processes and the type of testimony that is appropriate at the formation hearing. During construction, informal meetings or mailingsto each LID participant at least monthly will keep your public relations star shining bright. Be sure to include financial information, good or bad. When the final assessment roll hearing is scheduled, project staff 6 Local and Road Improvement Districts Manuel for Washington State Sixth Edition