R-17-01RESOLUTION NO. R-17-01
A resolution establishing city policy with regard to requests for city assistance in the
repair of existing vehicular and pedestrian bridges along a section of Howerton Avenue.
WHEREAS, there are six bridges, one of the six being a pedestrian bridge, spanning a
city storm water channel situated entirely on private property on Howerton Ave. that provide
vehicular or pedestrian access to seven separate residences located at 10603, 10605, 10607,
10609, 10611, 10613, 10615 Howerton Ave., and
WHEREAS, the city of Fairfax has participated in the repair of, or has provided
reimbursement of partial expenses related to the repair of two of the bridge structures located
at 10603 and 10605 Howerton Ave. in the past, and
WHEREAS, it is anticipated that each property owner at the addresses listed above
will eventually incur damage to their bridge structure and will seek the same partial
reimbursement from the city, and
WHEREAS, the city has no liability for the repair of such structures inasmuch as
these structures are on private property, and
WHEREAS, such payments or repairs to the owners of property on Howerton Ave.
have been made so as to conform to a precedent established by the city some years ago, and
WHEREAS, owners at 10611 and 10613 Howerton Ave., joint owners of the bridge
entering their properties, recently contracted for repairs to their bridge and the owner of 10613
Howerton Ave. is seeking full reimbursement of the costs of the repair, and
WHEREAS, the city now wishes to establish a policy that will authorize a partial
reimbursement for expenses related to the structural repair of the bridges in this area, if
necessary due to damage caused by stormwater, and on a one time basis only, based on the
city's precedent earlier established.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED;
1. The city hereby establishes a policy that will authorize the City Manager, or designee,
to provide for the repair or partial reimbursement of the costs of the repair, on a one time
basis, to each of the bridges identified at the address above. This one time policy shall also
apply to the two properties where the repairs have been made previously such that these
properties and the bridges situated thereon will no longer be eligible for a contribution or a
repair from the city and all future repairs to the bridges located at 10603 and 10605 Howerton
Avenue will be the sole responsibility of the property owner.
2. If structural damages or deterioration occur to any of the other bridges, the city will
either provide a onetime minor repair or reimburse the owner for a portion of the costs based
on the previous levels of partial reimbursement. The Director of Public Works shall consult
with each property owner to insure the repair being contemplated will be of sufficient scope
and quality so as to qualify for city repair or partial reimbursement. It is in the city's sole
discretion whether to repair or provide partial reimbursement for the one time repair.
3. The amounts of payment of partial reimbursement requests shall be determined by the
City based on the following formula:
• $4000 (the amount of the first reimbursement given) X CPI increase since base
year 2006 (based on CPI -U) = amount of reimbursement.
• If the cost of the repair is lower than $4000, then that amount will be
reimbursed on a one -time -only basis. The City's reimbursement shall be
capped at $6000 and no reimbursement shall exceed this amount.
4. Landscaping or aesthetic improvements will not be considered eligible items for
reimbursement.
5. With regard to any property with a walk bridge, the one -time -only reimbursement will
have a base amount reimbursement of $1000, plus inflation factor, or, if repair is less than
$1000, then actual amount will be reimbursed.
6. The City Manager shall notify the owners of record of all subject properties of the
City's policy with regard to private bridge repair on Howerton Ave.
Adopted this 10th day of January, 2017.
Attest:
City Clerk
The vote on the motion to approve was recorded as follows:
VOTE:
Councilmember DeMarco
Aye
Councilman Greenfield
Aye
Councilman Meyer
Aye
Councilmember Miller
Aye
Councilmember Schmidt
Aye
Councilmember Stehle
Aye