Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/21/2014 OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER March 21, 2014 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager AT/al Subject: General Information Good News!  The City of Bakersfield and the Kern County Board of Supervisors jointly announced that a settlement has been reached regarding property taxes and annexations. Under the proposed settlement terms, the County agrees to make the City financially whole regarding recent recalculations of property tax revenues from past annexations, the City agrees to drop its lawsuit against the County, and both parties will negotiate an agreement to develop a tax split arrangement for future annexations. Thank you for all those who have worked tirelessly on this issue. A check in the amount of $713,000 is to arrive on Monday.  The quarterly sales tax report reflects good news! Our view is that it is up by 7.99% for the quarter and 6.534% for the four most recent quarters. I encourage you to read the Finance Director’s report that is enclosed, as this quarter’s data is complicated. Sales tax has been highly variable in recent quarters; a big increase, followed by next to nothing, then a negative amount, and now this. In any event, measured cumulatively and inclusive of the recent quarter, staff is more optimistic about the next fiscal year than we have been to date!  The California Transportation Commission (CTC) confirmed this week that the Centennial Corridor project is in line for a $33 million STIP grant in FY 2017-18, which is very good news. Next year, another $20 million will be requested, which, if approved, will be distributed in FY 2018-19. TRIP Advisories:  The Chester Avenue/H Street westbound on-ramp to State Route 58 will be closed during nighttime hours for a three-week period beginning March 20th. The ramp closure will be in effect between the hours of 7 p.m. and 6 a.m. on the following dates: Thursday, March 20th, Sunday through Thursday, March 23rd - 27th, and March 30th - April 3rd. The ramp will be open to traffic during daytime hours. General Information March 21, 2014 Page 2 During this period, motorists wanting to access westbound State Route 58 to connect with northbound or southbound State Route 99 will need to enter the freeway via the State Route 58/Union Avenue Interchange, located approximately one mile to the east. Al ternately, motorists can continue west on Brundage Lane for approximately one mile to access northbound or southbound State Route 99. The full closure is necessary to allow the contractor for the State Route 58 Gap Closure Project to install shoring to construct a pump station in this area.  The contractor for the Westside Parkway placed concrete for the stems and soffit on the east half of the Renfro Bridge on Thursday, March 20th. The bridge is being constructed in two halves to accommodate the relocation of a high pressure gas line. Once the gas line has been relocated, the contractor can begin excavating for the west half of the bridge. The bridge is not expected to open to traffic until fall, 2014. Council Referrals: Attached are responses to the following Council referrals:  Councilmember Maxwell o Potential Improvements at Westwind and Truxtun  Councilmember Sullivan o PSA Regarding Pedestrian Safety o Dog Licensing Efforts: Spay and Neuter Program Reports: For your information, the following reports are enclosed: 1. Streets Division work schedule for the week of March 23rd; and 2. AT&T U-verse letter regarding possible programming changes. Event Notifications:  Attached is the Event Calendar for Rabobank Arena Theater and Convention Center.  The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center and Park have been identified as the recipient of Macy’s “Heart Your Park” fundraising program. From March 7th to March 31st, customers at Macy’s at the Valley Plaza can donate $1 or more at the register, with 100 percent of the donations benefiting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center and Park. On top of that, Macy’s will match the total customer donation across all stores, dollar for dollar, up to $250,000 in total. Please see the attached notice. Thank you Macy’s for your contribution to our City! AT:rs:al:cb cc: Department Heads Roberta Gafford, City Clerk C:\Users\alawrenc\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\EKYRKENF\Referral__439x3[1].docx CITY OF BAKERSFIELD PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Raul Rojas, Public Works Director DATE: March 19, 2014 SUBJECT: Potential Improvements at Westwind and Truxtun Referral No. 439 There were two reported accidents at the intersection in 2011 and one accident in 2012. In 2013, there were 4 collisions near the intersection. Three of the four were prior to the opening of the Westside Parkway. One was from a vehicle turning north (left) in front of a westbound vehicle on Truxtun. Two were from vehicles tuning right (westbound) onto Truxtun Avenue in the pathway of westbound vehicles. One was a sideswipe on the eastbound approach but not in the intersection. The TRIP Division is working on a project to widen Truxtun Avenue from just west of SR 99 to the intersection of Oak Street which will add a third lane in each direction. The project is in design phase and staff is working with Caltrans for the widening of the roadway under SR 99. The additional lanes will provide additional capacity in the roadway and may improve the operation of the intersection. In addition, there are several other proposed improvement projects, such as Rosedale Hwy, 24th Street and Centennial Corridor, which will improve the traffic circulation of the area around the Truxtun Avenue corridor ultimately taking vehicles off this segment of Truxtun Avenue. Staff has also been adjusting the timing of the signals on Truxtun at Oak Street and at Empire Street to reflect the traffic volume changes with the opening of the Parkway. New traffic turning move counts have been taken and the timing at Oak Street has been modified to help traffic flow through the segment. This may help create gaps in the westbound traffic flow for vehicles to make their left turn from eastbound Truxtun to northbound Westwind Drive. Staff also continues to monitor the operations of the signals and the traffic volumes on Truxtun Avenue in this segment as the use of the Westside Parkway continues to increase. Also, another traffic study for the intersection of Westwind Drive and Truxtun Avenue has been done. Based on the results of the study, the intersection still meets warrants for a Councilmember Maxwell requested that staff look at the intersection of Westwind Drive and Truxtun Avenue, and come up with a proposal to make it safer, such as a traffic signal or a cul-de-sac. C:\Users\alawrenc\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5\EKYRKENF\Referral__439x3[1].docx traffic signal; the intersection was originally studied nearly 15 years ago. However, there are many safety concerns with placing a traffic signal at this location. For one, it is only 1100’ feet from the heavily congested signalized intersection at Oak Street. Also, due to the Hwy 99 Bridge 380’ feet east of the intersection, there would be limited visibility of the signal heads for eastbound traffic. Thus, rather than a traffic signal, a median was installed after the initial study to restrict left turns out onto Truxtun Avenue. Staff has also evaluated installing a cul-de-sac at Westwind Drive just north of Truxtun Avenue. Unfortunately this is not a viable option due to the close proximity of the buildings on both the east and west sides of the street. The additional right-of-way required for the cul-de-sac would extend into the existing buildings on both sides of the street requiring modifications to the buildings. This is true even for a cul-de-sac signed “No parking” to reduce the radius requirement. In addition, staff evaluated installing a westbound right turn acceleration lane on Truxtun Avenue. However, there is insufficient width adjacent to the restaurant on the northwest corner. BAKERSFIELD POLICE MEMORANDUM TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER FROM: GREG WILLIAMSON, CHIEF OF POLICE DATE: MARCH 17, 2014 SUBJECT: PSA Regarding Pedestrian Safety Council Referral No. 451 (City Wide) Councilmember Sullivan requested that staff prepare a Public Service Announcement, educating pedestrians on their safety, such as wearing light colored clothing at night. Public Information Officer, Sgt. Joe Grubbs, is working with staff from the Traffic detail to coordinate a Public Service Announcement on pedestrian safety. Sgt. Grubbs has a professional working relationship with staff from the Kern County Superintendent of Schools Office, and being familiar with a video production class at East Bakersfield High School; he made an inquiry and was referred directly to the principal of the school. The East Bakersfield High School class was looking for a project and felt the partnership and cause would be an excellent opportunity. Students from the class are working with staff from our Traffic detail; they have developed the concept and they are currently defining the story line. Police staff has enlisted the assistance of local area mascots including Colonial Claw (Bakersfield Condors); Torch & Heater (Bakersfield Blaze); Rowdy the Runner (CSUB); Chipper (CHP); and McGruff the Crime Dog (BPD) to participate in the Public Service Announcement pending their availability. The filming is scheduled for the week of April 14th and it is estimated to take about four hours; an additional week will be required for editing and production. There are no costs involved except for staff time in working with the class. BAKERSFIELD POLICE MEMORANDUM TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER FROM: GREG WILLIAMSON, CHIEF OF POLICE DATE: MARCH 17, 2014 SUBJECT: Dog Licensing Efforts; Spay and Neuter Program Council Referral No. 463 Council Member Sullivan requested that staff provide a report regarding dog licensing efforts, and a discounted spay and neuter program. The following information has been compiled in response to Council Member Jacquie Sullivan’s request regarding dog licensing efforts, and a discounted spay and neuter program. The Animal Control section has conducted focused responses to hot spots in Bakersfield where stray animals have been reported by citizens. Animal Control also offers “Low Cost Rabies, Licensing & Microchip Clinics” on a monthly basis. These clinics are presented at local parks throughout the city and are advertised to encourage dog owner participation. These clinics are held at convenient times at city parks within geographical areas of Bakersfield that have been identified as a location with a need for assistance. Temporary Animal Control Officers are also used for canvassing neighborhoods throughout the City to promote licensing compliance. The clinics have been responsible for micro chipping 2,352 pets since September of 2012. These clinics are multi-purpose and are offered to encourage citizens to have their dogs vaccinated, licensed, and micro-chipped at one convenient location. Citizens are provided information on spay/neuter programs and offered vouchers to assist with the related costs. Citizens who have been cited for violations have the opportunity to become compliant and have their citations resolved. Citizens with unaltered pets have an option to purchase a temporary pet license at the altered animal fee rather than the unaltered license fee. Citizens then have 60 days to spay/neuter their pet. Within the 60 days a notice is sent to the pet owner requesting spay/neuter verification. If the pet owner does not comply the license is voided. These clinics have been very successful and received many compliments from the attending community members. The following clinics were completed for 2014 and have served the animal community. Council Referral 463 Dog Licensing Efforts; Spay and Neuter Program Page 2 of 4 January – The Park at River Walk • Rabies Vaccinations: 118 • City licenses sold: 133 • Microchips implanted: 91 February – Jefferson Park • Rabies Vaccinations: 120 • City licenses sold: 131 • Microchips implanted: 65 March – Beale Park • Rabies Vaccinations: 246 • City licenses sold: 250 • Microchips implanted: 144 Next event April 5, 2014 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park The Bakersfield Police Department has requested $20,000 to begin a pilot program to provide 500, $40, vouchers to deserving citizens to offset the cost to spay/neuter their pets. Additional vouchers are available from independent non-profit organizations which partner with the vaccination clinics to increase awareness and further assist citizens. Kern Humane Society vouchers; $20 value, maximum of two vouchers per address and vouchers can be used at any local vet. Friends of the Kern County Animal Shelters Foundation vouchers; $30 off the cost of spay or neuter for a dog, maximum of two (2) vouchers per household per calendar year. GSW/rc/mh Week of March 24_2014_Work Schedule Page 1 of 2 STREETS DIVISION – WORK SCHEDULE Week of March 24, 2014 – March 28, 2014 Resurfacing/Reconstructing streets in the following areas: Reconstructing various streets west of Columbus and south of University Reconstructing various streets north of White Ln and west of Gosford Paving streets in the area south of E. California Ave and west of MLK Blvd (HUD funded area) Maintenance grind & pave on Coffee Rd between Meany & Olive Dr Sealing streets in the area south of Olive Dr. and east of Jewetta Miscellaneous Streets Division projects: Video inspection of City owned Sewer & Storm lines to evaluate condition of pipes Repairing damaged sewer line found during video inspection Miscellaneous concrete repairs throughout the city Concrete work on Chadbourne off of Calcutta Installing a Cul-de-sac on “A” St south side of 24th St. Concrete and brick work a Rabobank Arena Concrete work on various streets in the area north of E. California Ave and west of Williams in preparation for street reconstruction / resurfacing (HUD funded area) NOTE: If raining, there will be no street sweeping service and all street cleaning personnel will be assigned to cleaning plugged drains and part circle culverts. This also applies when a large number of street sweeper are in Fleet for repairs. Areas that have been missed during this time will be swept at the end of the month. THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Week of March 24_2014_Work Schedule Page 2 of 2 STREETS SWEEPING SCHEDULE Monday, March 24, 2014 Between Coffee Rd. & Verdugo Ln. – Brimhall Rd., south to the Kern River boundary. Cul-De-Sacs, west of Windsong St., between Brimhall Rd. & Thistlewood Ct. City areas between Rosedale Hwy. & Stockdale Hwy. – Verdugo Ln. to the west City Limit. Between Jenkins Rd. & Allen Rd. – Stockdale Hwy. & Birkenfeld Ave. Between Hosking Rd. & Astro Ave. – So. “H” St. & Union Ave. Tuesday, March 25, 2014 City areas between Olive Dr. & Downing Ave. – Coffee Rd. & Knudsen Dr./Mohawk St., including Patton Wy. From Weldon Ave. to Meany Ave. Between W. Columbus St. & 34th St. – Chester Ave. & San Dimas St. Beween Union Ave. & Madison St. – Casa Loma Dr. & White Ln. Between Westwold Dr. & So. Laurelglen Blvd. – Gosford Rd. & Woodglen Dr. Wednesday, March 26, 2014 City areas between Snow Rd. & Rosedale Hwy. – Jewetta Ave., west to the City limit. Between Ming Ave. & So. Laurelglen Blvd. – Coffee Rd. & El Portal / Laurelglen Blvd. Thursday, March 27, 2014 Between Snow Rd. & Olive Dr. – Jewetta Ave., east to the canal boundary. Between Olive Dr. & Hageman Rd. – Jewetta Ave. & Calloway Dr. Between Niles St. & Sumner St. – Union Avenue & Beale Ave. Between Sumner St. & E. Truxtun Ave. – Beale Ave. & Brown St. Between Brundage Ln. & E. Belle Terrace St. – Union Ave. & Kincaid St. Between Camino Media & Kroll Wy. – Coffee Rd., west to the PG&E easement. Friday, March 28, 2014 Between Etchart Rd. & Pavilion Dr. -- Calloway Dr., west to the canal boundary. Between Norris Rd. & Olive Dr. – Calloway Dr. & Coffee Rd. Between Olive Dr. & Noriega Rd. – Calloway Dr. & Verdugo Ln. City areas between Coffee Rd./Riverlakes ext. & Allen Rd. – Hageman Rd. & Rosedale Hwy. City areas between Pacheco Rd. & Harris Rd. – Stine Rd. & Wible Rd. BOX OFFICE HOURS Mon-Fri 10 AM - 5 PM Closed Saturday & Sunday (Excluding Event Days) TICKETMASTER LOCATIONS Walmart - 2601 Fashion Place Walmart - 6225 Colony Street Walmart - 8400 Rosedale Hwy CHARGE-BY-PHONE 1-800-745-3000 GROUP SALES INFORMATION 661-852-7309 SEASON TICKET INFORMATION Bakersfield Condors 661-324-PUCK (7825) www.bakersfieldcondors.com Bakersfield Symphony 661-323-7928 www.BSOnow.org Bakersfield Community Concert Association 661-589-2478 661-663-9006 www.bakersfieldcca.org UPCOMING EVENTS March 18 – Condors vs Las Vegas7:00 PM $30, $23, $18, $15, $10, $8 On Sale Now March 22 – Condors vs Ontario 7:00 PM $30, $23, $18, $15, $10, $8 On Sale Now March 25 – Condors vs Alaska 7:00 PM $30, $23, $18, $15, $10, $8 On Sale Now March 28 – Condors vs Ontario 7:00 PM $30, $23, $18, $15, $10, $8 On Sale Now March 31 – Guns ‘n Hoses Football6:00 PM $23.00, $18.00, $13.00, $8.00 On Sale Now April 4 - US Army All-Star Bowl 7:00 PM $12 On Sale Now April 5 – Condors vs Las Vegas 7:00 PM $30, $23, $18, $15, $10, $8 On Sale Now April 6 – Condors vs Las Vegas 4:00 PM $30, $23, $18, $15, $10, $8 On Sale Now April 11 – Condors vs Stockton 7:00 PM $30, $23, $18, $15, $10, $8 On Sale Now April 13 – Condors vs Las Vegas4:00 PM $30, $23, $18, $15, $10, $8 On Sale Now March 21 – Roberto Tapia 8:00 PM $200, $55, $45, $35 On Sale Now March 27 – Hair 7:30 PM $52, $42, $32 On Sale Now April 2 – Stringfever 7:30 PM Call BCCA – 661-589-2478 April 12 – Bakersfield Symphony Orch.7:30 PM $45, $35, $30, $20 On Sale Now April 27 – Rain: A Tribute To The Beatles7:30 PM $52, $42, $32 On Sale Now June 3-4 – Sesame Street Live $50.00, $32.00, $24.00, $17.00 On Sale Now April 5 – Dave Mason’s Traffic Jam8:00 PM $12.50 On Sale Now May 17 – Pablo Cruise 8:00 PM September 13 – Starship 8:00 PM $12.50 On Sale Now October 4 – Bluffett 8:00 PM $12.50 On Sale Now $12.50 On Sale Now www.rabobankarena.com - www.bhnamphitheatre.com CONTACT: Linda McVicker 661-322-9874/LMcVicke@BakersfieldCity.us DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMUNITY CENTER AND PARK IDENTIFIED AS MACY’S “HEART YOUR PARK” FUNDRAISING PROGRAM RECEPIENT IN BAKERSFIELD Macy’s partners with the National Recreation and Park Association to raise funds for local parks nationwide, with every dollar matched by Macy’s, up to $250,000 (Bakersfield, CA) – March 6, 2014 – Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center and Park has been selected for “Heart Your Park,” a program introduced as part of Macy’s “Secret Garden” campaign, that aims to raise awareness and dollars for local parks across the country. From March 7 to March 31, customers at Macy’s at the Valley Plaza can donate $1 or more at the register, with 100 percent of the donations benefiting Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center and Park. To further spread the love, Macy’s will match the total customer donation across all stores, dollar for dollar, up to $250,000 in total. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center and Park is one of more than 550 parks nationwide that will benefit from Macy’s “Heart Your Park” this spring. In partnership with the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the national non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of community parks, recreation and conservation, Macy’s stores across the country have each selected a local park or green space in their community to support through the program. Donations will go toward making improvements, such as maintaining trails, playgrounds, and ball fields, and everything in between. “We are thrilled to partner with Macy’s and NRPA for ‘Heart Your Park’ this spring,” said Dianne Hoover, Director of Recreation and Parks for the City of Bakersfield. “Through this wonderful program and donations by Macy’s customers, we are excited about the increased awareness and additional funding for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center and Park. This community center and park is a great asset to the community, and we greatly appreciate Macy’s support.” “Heart Your Park” is part of Macy’s “Secret Garden” spring campaign that will come to life at Macy’s stores and on macys.com with an infusion of garden-inspired merchandise, special promotions and events. For more information on “Secret Garden,” visit macys.com/secretgarden. For a full list of the parks benefiting from Macy’s “Heart Your Park,” visit macys.com/parks. About Macy’s Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc. (NYSE:M), delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at approximately 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam, as well as to customers in the U.S. and more than 100 international destinations through its leading online store at macys.com. Via its stores, e-commerce site, mobile and social platforms, Macy's offers distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for such epic events as Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Macy's flagship stores -- including Herald Square in New York City, Union Square in San Francisco, State Street in Chicago, Dadeland in Miami and South Coast Plaza in southern California -- are known internationally and leading destinations for visitors. Building on a more than 150-year tradition, and with the collective support of customers, employees and Macy's Foundation, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities giving more than $70 million each year to help make a difference in the lives of our customers. For Macy’s media materials, including images and contacts, please visit our online pressroom at macys.com/pressroom. About National Recreation and Park Association The National Recreation and Park Association is a national not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing park, recreation and conservation efforts that enhance quality of life for all people. Through its network of 40,000 recreation and park professionals and citizens, NRPA encourages the promotion of healthy and active lifestyles, conservation initiatives and equitable access to parks and public space. For more information, visit www.NRPA.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit www.parksandrecreation.org.