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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/19/14 CC MINUTES1 q 4O BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MEETING OF MARCH 19, 2014 Council Chambers, City Hall, 1501 Truxtun Avenue Regular Meetings - 3:30 p.m, and 5:15 p,m. REGULAR MEETING - 3:30 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Hall, Vice -Mayor Weir (seated at 3:36 p.m.), Councilmembers Rivera, Maxwell, Smith, Hanson, Sullivan (seated at 3:35 p.m,), Johnson (seated at 3:45 p.m.) Absent: None 2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None, 3. CLOSED SESSION a. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation, Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 549569 (d)(1) for the following: City v, Kern County, et al., Fresno County Superior Court Case No. 13CECG02817. 2. Truxtun Court Partners, et al, v. City, et al., Kern County Superior Court Case No. S- 1500 -CV- 278941 -SPC, ACTION TAKEN b. Conference with Legal Counsel - Potential Litigation; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 549569 (d)(2), (e)(1) (one potential case). Motion by Councilmember Hanson to adjourn to APPROVED Closed Session at 3:31 p.m. AB WEIR, SULLIVAN, JOHNSON Motion by Vice -Mayor Weir to adjourn from Closed APPROVED Session at 5:06 p.m. AB HALL 1gyI 4. 5. Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 - Page 2 CLOSED SESSION ACTION a. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1) for the following: 1. City v. Kern County, et al., Fresno County Superior Court Case No, 13CECG02817. 2. Truxtun Court Partners, et al. v. City, et al., Kern County Superior Court Case No, S- 1 500-CV-278941 -SPC. b. Conference with Legal Counsel - Potential Litigation; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(2), (e)(1) (one potential case). ADJOURNMENT Vice -Mayor Weir adjourned the meeting at 5:13 p.m. ACTION TAKEN CITY ATTORNEY WAS GIVEN DIRECTION NO REPORTABLE ACTION NO REPORTABLE ACTION MAYOR of ATTEST: y4 CITY CLERK and Ex Offici erk of the Council of the City of Bakersfield REGULAR MEETING -5:15 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Hall, Vice -Mayor Weir, Councilmembers Rivera, Maxwell, Smith, Hanson, Sullivan, Johnson Absent: None 2. INVOCATION by Pastor Jason Klopenstein, Rosedale Bible Church. �-iLAZ Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 - Page 3 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE by Justus Nunez, 5th grade ACTION TAKEN student at Bessie Owens Intermediate School, Mayor Hall acknowledged the students from the Ridgeview High School Government class and the Bakersfield College Government class in attendance at the meeting to learn about City gove4m6nt. 4. PRESENTATIONS a, Presentation by Mayor Hall of a Proclamation to Jason Cohen, President of the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Kern County, declaring March 23 -29, 2014, as National Boys & Girls Clubs Week. Mr. Cohen accepted the Proclamation and made comments. b. Presentation by Mayor Hall of a Proclamation to Julia Gonzales, declaring March, 2014, Women's History Month. Ms. Gonzales, of Club GEN, accepted the Proclamation and made comments. Mayor Hall recognized City Manager Tandy, who presented a plaque to Public Works Director Rojas in commemoration of his 19 years, 4 months of service to the City, and wished him well in his future endeavors. Mr. Rojas accepted the plaque and made comments. Mayor Hall announced that Deferred Business Item 12.a. is being moved forward on the agenda, and that any public speakers to this item will have the opportunity to speak at this time. 12. DEFERRED BUSINESS a, First Reading of Ordinance enacting Chapter FR 9.32 of the Municipal Code relating to aggressive panhandling /solicitation. (deferred from the meeting of 03105114) Staff recommends First Reading of Ordinance. \ q A 7.) Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 - Page 4 12. DEFERRED BUSINESS continued ACTION TAKEN Item 12,a, continued Kevin Bartl, representing the Board of Directors for the Downtown Business Association, is in support of the Ordinance and submitted written material; Dr. Gerald Cantu, Chair of the Homeless Collaborative ad hoc committee that was formed to respond to panhandling issues, is in support of the Ordinance, but asked for a delay in Implementation, and he submitted written material; Jim Wheeler, on behalf of the Kern County Homeless Collaborative, is In support of the Ordinance and asked for a delay In implementation until January 1, 2015; Keith Barnes, downtown business owner, Is in support of the Ordinance; Bob Bender, downtown business owner, is in support of the Ordinance; Kenneth Gibson, Major, Retired Salvation Army Officer, is in support of the Ordinance; Curtis James Bingham, Sr., street evangelist, is in support of the Ordinance; Wayne Wright, representing the Veterans of Foreign Wars, is In support of the Ordinance; and Jeff Hayward, representing the Bakersfield Marriott, is in support of the Ordinance. City Attorney Gennaro made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation. Councilmember Johnson made a motion to move First Reading of the Ordinance enacting Chapter 9.32 of the Municipal Code relating to aggressive panhandling solicitation with direction to staff to bring the second reading back in May. Councilmember Maxwell offered a friendly amendment to change the motion to have First Reading tonight and have the second reading as soon as possible. Motion by Councilmember Johnson, with the APPROVED friendly amendment by Councilmember Maxwell, to give First Reading to the Ordinance and have the second reading as soon as possible. lot 4q Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 - Page 5 5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS ACTION TAKEN a. The following individuals spoke regarding cul -de -sacs: William Hickey, Jr., his concerns have been addressed and he is in support of a t cul -de -sac on Cedar Street; Nancy Frick is in support of a cul -de -sac on Cedar Street; Romain Clerou expressed some concerns with respect to the aesthetics of the cul -de -sac on Cedar Street; and Tomas Deltoro Diaz is in support of a cul -de -sac on Beech Street. b. Bob Bell, Chairman of the Downtown Bakersfield Development Corporation, spoke regarding the Urban Development Plan for Downtown, requested the City's participation in this endeavor, and asked that the matter be referred to the Planning and Development Committee. Councilmember Smith requested that this matter be referred to the Planning and Development Committee. c, Nora Weber spoke regarding a package of marijuana she found on the street next to her property, expressed her concerns for the children getting on and off the school buses in the area, and submitted written material, d. Scott Whyte spoke regarding an incident at McMurtrey pool on December 26, 2013, and requested a public hearing, with cross - examination of witnesses, to address his complaint. e. John Black spoke regarding the TRIP program and some property he owns near Rosedale Highway and Jet Way; and advised that he does not want the City, State, or anyone to do anything there that would preclude a developer from developing that land and using that intersection. Jason Cater, Executive Director of Bike Bakersfield, spoke regarding new installation of bike lanes on 4th Street, 30th Street, Alta Vista Drive, and Haley Street, and thanked the City for its commitment to continuing to improve our road network to make it more bicycle friendly, tgy5 5. Q 7. L Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 - Page 6 PUBLIC STATEMENTS continued g. Dora Martinez spoke regarding her stolen vehicle and urged the City to put a stop to the criminals getting away with auto theft. Councilmember Rivera requested that the Police Department revisit the issue of auto theft and to come up with creative ways to get the word out to the public, and to follow -up with Ms. Ramirez on her case. Councilmember Johnson requested that the Police Department include in that response an update on the grant regarding auto theft and any successes achieved, and to also look at improving customer service. WORKSHOPS None, APPOINTMENTS None. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes: a. Approval of minutes of the March 5, 2014, Regular City Council Meetings. Payments: b. Receive and file department payments from February 21, 2014, to March 6, 2014, in the amount of $12,824,447.18, and self- insurance payments from February 21, 2014, to March 6, 2014, in the amount of $161,981.84, totaling $12,986,429.02. Ordinances: C. First Reading of Ordinance amending the text of the Municipal Code, specifically Chapter 17.10 (One Family Dwelling Zone) and Section 16.28.170 (Subdivision Lot Design Standards) creating a new R -1 -4.5 zone district (Small Lot One - Family Dwelling - 4,500 - square foot lot minimum) with related changes to the front and rear building setback requirements, and subdivision lot design standards. ACTION TAKEN REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION 8. Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 - Page 7 CONSENT CALENDAR continued ACTION TAKEN Resolutions: d. Resolution approving the Updated Kern Multi- RES 033 -14 ' rJurisdiction Hazard Mitigation Plan. e. Sewer connection and construction fee assessments for 7804 Hopper Avenue: 1. Resolution confirming assessments for RES 034 -14 sewer and construction fees and authorizing the collection of assessments by the Kern County Tax Collector, 2. Agreement with Shawn E. Elliott and AGR 14 -035 Leaha M. Elliott, to pay sewer connection and construction fees through the Kern County Taxes. f. Sewer connection and construction fee assessments for 128 Suzanne Street: 1. Resolution confirming assessments for RES 035 -14 sewer and construction fees and authorizing the collection of assessments by the Kern County Tax Collector. 2. Agreement with Pamela Lynn Cain, to AGR 14 -036 pay sewer connection and construction fees through the Kern County Taxes. Agreements: g. Agreement with Mary E. Lee Properties, Inc. AGR 14 -037 ($82,800), to purchase real property located at DEED 7846, 7847 4000 Rosedale Highway for the Rosedale Highway Widening Project. (TRIP) h. Agreement with Bernard Arduain Family Trust AGR 14 -038 ($53,000) to purchase real property located at DEED 7848, 7849 4001 Rosedale Highway for the Rosedale Highway Widening Project. (TRIP) i. Agreement with Harmon Revocable Living Trust AGR 14 -039 ($175,000) to purchase real property identified DEED 7850 as APN 387 - 150 -24 for the State Route 178 Widening Project. (TRIP) tolLW ALVI Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 - Page 8 8. CONSENT CALENDAR continued ACTION TAKEN Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No, 12 -095 with Mark Thomas and Company, Inc, ($332,477.50: $241,908.67 Federal, $31,341,83 Local TDF, and $59,227 Water Enterprise Funding; revised not to exceed $3,083,638,46), for engineering design services for the Rosedale Highway Widening Project, (TRIP) Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 13 -059 with Gilliam and Sons, Inc, (extending term to December 31, 2014), for the earthmoving and hauling annual contract (non - prevailing wage), Security Services at Creekview Villas: 1. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. CD 13-030 with Construction Protective Services, Inc, ($53,500; revised not to exceed $93,500), for security services at Creekview Villas, 1300 R Street, 2, Appropriate $53,500 Housing Successor program income to the Operating Budget within the Housing Successor Administrative Fund, M. Contract Change Order No, 1 to Agreement No. 13 -172 with Crosstown Electrical & Data, Inc, ($18,656; revised not to exceed $322,256), for the project known as Traffic Signal Synchronization - Part 3, located at the Intersection of Chester Avenue and 271h street. Bids: n, Reject bids for three replacement four door midsize utility vehicles for the Police and Water Departments. o. Accept bid from JM Equipment, Fresno, California ($53,164,58), for two replacement fork lift trucks for the Rabobank Arena. REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION AGR 13- 059(1) REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION P. Accept bid and approve contract with Gilliam AGR 14 -041 and Sons, Inc. (not to exceed $1,610,020), for the earthmoving and hauling annual contract (prevailing wage rate). Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 - Page 9 8. ,r, jCQNSENT CALENDAR continued Miscellaneous: q. Appropriate $2,700,000 of Public Transportation Modernization, Improvement, and Service Enhancement Account (PTMISEA) Funds to the Public Works Department's Capital Improvement Budget within the Capital Outlay Fund for the construction of the Amtrak Station parking structure. Successor Agency Business: Receive and file successor agency payments from February 21, 2014, to March b, 2014, in the amount of $41,145.48. Assistant City Clerk Drimakis announced that a supplemental memorandums was received for Item 8.c., indicating there are two Ordinances to be given First Reading on this item; and a supplemental memorandum was provided for Item 8,j„ reflecting an updated contract, Councilmember Maxwell requested that items S.a., 8.c., 8.j., 8.1., and 8.m. be removed for separate consideration. Councilmember Johnson requested that item 8.q. be removed for separate consideration. Motion by Vice -Mayor Weir to adopt Consent Calendar items 8.a. through 8.r., with the removal of items 8.a., 8. c., 8.j., 8.1., 8.m., and 8.q. for separate consideration. a. Approval of minutes of the March 5, 2014, Regular City Council Meetings. Councilmember Maxwell requested, with regard to Reports Item l 1.a., the ad hoc committee for the TRIP oversight, that the Minutes be corrected to reflect that there was an offer between the City Manager's Office and Councilmember Maxwell that he would be invited to the monthly TRIP meetings. City Manager Tandy clarified that, due to the Brown Act issues, the offer was for Councilmember Maxwell for one meeting. ACTION TAKEN REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION APPROVED 01 Lie) I q IAOi 8. Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 - Page 10 CONSENT CALENDAR continued Item 8,a, continued Councilmember Maxwell requested an open invitation to go to TRIP meetings, and if another Councilmember should attend, he would be happy to leave the meeting. Motion by Councilmember Maxwell to approve Consent Calendar Item 8.a., with the correction as stated above. C. First Reading of Ordinances amending the text of the Municipal Code, specifically Chapter 17,10 (One Family Dwelling Zone) and Section 16.28,170 (Subdivision Lot Design Standards) creating a new R -1-4,5 zone district (Small Lot One - Family Dwelling - 4,500 - square foot lot minimum) with related changes to the front and rear building setback requirements, and subdivision lot design standards, Councilmember Maxwell made a motion to delay this item and move it to a presentation either at the next Council meeting where we have a full Council. Councilmember Smith made a motion to approve the Ordinance as submitted by staff. Councilmember Maxwell amended his motion to give First Reading to the Ordinances tonight and then at the first opportunity to have a full Council that we get a presentation and if, at that point, there are not any questions, that everything is acceptable to the full Council, that we go ahead and approve it at that time. Motion by Councilmember Maxwell to give First Reading to the Ordinances in Consent Calendar Item 8.c., and come back in May with Second Reading and a presentation before the full Council. ACTION TAKEN APPROVED FR FR APPROVED NOES HANSON Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 - Page 11 8. CONSENT CALENDAR continued j. Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. 12 -095 with Mark Thomas and Company, Inc. ($332,477.50: $241,908.67 Federal, $31,341.83 Local TDF, and $59,227 Water Enterprise Funding; revised not to exceed $3,083,638.46), for engineering design services for the Rosedale Highway Widening Project. (TRIP) Councilmember Maxwell advised that the reason he requested this item be removed for separate consideration was because he wanted to point out that this change represents a 12 percent increase in costs because of changes in the Caltrans rules and regulations. Motion by Councilmember Maxwell to adopt Consent Calendar Item 8.j. Security Services at Creekview Villas: 1, Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. CID 13-030 with Construction Protective Services, Inc, ($53,500; revised not to exceed $93,500), for security services at Creekview Villas, 1300 R Street. 2. Appropriate $53,500 Housing Successor program income to the Operating Budget within the Housing Successor Administrative Fund. Councilmember Maxwell advised that the reason he requested this item be removed for separate consideration was because he wanted to explain that the increase in funding is to provide security services until June due to the amount of pilferage and vandalism taking place at the site during construction. ACTION TAKEN AGR 12- 095(3) APPROVED AB SULLIVAN AGR 14 -040 Motion by Councilmember Maxwell to adopt APPROVED Consent Calendar Item 81, and come back later and re- evaluate the need to get rid of the security or to keep it longer. I q51 Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 - Page 12 8. CONSENT CALENDAR continued ACTION TAKEN M. Contract Change Order No. 1 to Agreement AGR 13 -172 No. 13 -172 with Crosstown Electrical & Data, CCOi Inc. ($18,656; revised not to exceed $322,256), for the project known as Traffic Signal Synchronization - Part 3, located at the Intersection of Chester Avenue and 27th street. Councilmember Maxwell explained that the money for this project is coming out of gas tax revenues, which is not an unending fund; and he feels that the City has to be cautious about committing that kind of money to something that will be a short term job producer but a long term liability. Motion by Councilmember Maxwell to adopt APPROVED Consent Calendar Item 8.m. q. Appropriate $2,700,000 of Public Transportation Modernization, Improvement, and Service Enhancement Account (PTMISEA) Funds to the Public Works Department's Capital Improvement Budget within the Capital Outlay Fund for the construction of the Amtrak Station parking structure, Councilmember Johnson explained that the reason he requested this item be removed for separate consideration was because he had a question about it after he had prepared for the meeting and had not had a chance to confer with staff. Motion by Councilmember Johnson to adopt APPROVED Consent Calendar Item 8.q. Mayor Hall recessed the meeting at 8;07 p.m, and reconvened the meeting at 8;16 p,m, Mayor Hall announced that, at the request of the City Manager's staff, Deferred Business Item 12.b. was being moved forward on the agenda to be heard at this time. 1 q 52 Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 - Page 13 12. DEFERRED BUSINESS ACTION TAKEN b, Cul -de -Sacs at Beech and Cedar streets. Assistant Public Works Director Fidler made staff ,comments, provided a PowerPoint 'presentation, and recommended Council determination on who is responsible, whether it is the City or the residents, for the extra costs in construction if Option 2 is selected for the Cedar Street cul -de -sac; and he pointed out that the southwest property owner has indicated he will move forward with this project, as proposed, and dedicating the right -of -way necessary to maintain the 4 -foot sidewalk. Property owner Keith Barndon advised that he is willing to pay the $3,000 in extra construction costs. Property owner Romain Clerou requested the following; that the sidewalks north of the cul -de -sac be removed now; minimize the sidewalk in front of his house; and consider options, such as signage, and not painting the curb red. Councilmember Maxwell made a motion to move forward as the Assistant Public Works Director described for Option 2 on the Cedar Street cul -de -sac; and that the Beech Street cul -de -sac be delayed until the Public Works Department has been able to meet with one of the property owners and work out an equitable solution to their situation. City Attorney Gennaro suggested that Councilmember Maxwell clarify in his motion that the homeowners on Cedar Street are going to cover the additional construction costs, and then direct staff to continue to work with Mr, Clerou on the issues that he brought up. \ O� 53 Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 - Page 14 12. DEFERRED BUSINESS continued ACTION TAKEN Item 12,b, continued Motion by Councilmember Maxwell to move APPROVED forward with Option 2 on the Cedar Street cul -de -sac; that the homeowners, other than Mr. Hickey, will pay for the additional cost for the alteration on this particular cul -de -sac; that staff continue to work with Mr. Clerou to resolve his issues in terms of the painting, the sidewalks, and any other issues he may have; and that the Beech Street cul -de -sac be delayed until staff has been able to meet with one of the property owners and work out an equitable solution to his situation. 9. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS None. 10. HEARINGS a. Public Hearing to consider Resolution approving RES 036 -14 the Issuance by the Housing Authority of the County of Kern of rental housing bonds (not to exceed $15 million) for the purchase and rehabilitation of approximately 160 units of multi- family rental housing located at 7000 Auburn Street. Staff recommends odoptlon of resolution. Councilmember Johnson announced that he would abstain, due to conflict of interest, source of income, on Item 10.a. Community Development Director Mcisaac made staff comments, Hearing opened at 8:41 p,m. No one spoke. Hearing closed at 8:42 p.m, Motion by Vice -Mayor Weir to adopt the APPROVED Resolution. ABS JOHNSON Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 - Page 15 10. HEARINGS continued b. ::Pib1ic•Hearing to consider 10 Resolutions of Necessity (RON) to determine whether the public interest and necessity require acquisition by eminent domain, of partial interests in the following real property for public purpose, known as APNs: (1) 332 - 230 -01, (2) 332 - 230 -06, (3) 368- 060 -07, (4) 368- 082 -12, (5) 368 - 111 -01, (6) 368 - 111 -22, (7) 496 -050 -16, (8) 332 - 260 -01 and -02, (9) 332 - 260 -22, -23, -24 and 25, and (10) 452 - 060 -05, -39 and -41, for the Rosedale Highway Widening Project (Code Civ. Proc. §1240.010), (TRIP) Staff recommends adoption of Resolutions. City Clerk Drimakis announced that a supplemental memorandum was provided transmitting correspondence from John and Sue Black, and Mr. Springer, Assistant Public Works Director Fidler made staff comments. City Attorney Gennaro made the following comments for the record: "Mayor and Council, for the record, as Mr, Fidler has indicated, this project requires that certain properties be acquired, The maps and legal descriptions of each of those subject property interests are attached to the Resolutions of Necessities or the RONs as we call them, in your packet, I should also note that your staff was successful in acquiring one of the parcels on tonight's agenda, so, as opposed to the ten Resolutions of Necessity, tonight you are looking at approval of nine of the Resolutions of Necessity, and those RONs basically allow the City to begin the legal process of acquiring those nine properties. And again, for the record, it should be noted that when you approve the RONs tonight, you are making a finding on each one of those properties that: number one, the public interest and necessity requires the. project, in other words, this project, you've come to the conclusion, is going to alleviate present and future traffic congestion, which is vital to the public health and safety in that area; number two, you're also making the ACTION TAKEN RES 037 -14 RES 038 -14 RES 040 -14 RES 041 -14 RES 042 -14 RES 043 -14 RES 044 -14 RES 045 -14 RES 046 -14 IC 5y ,Ov515 Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 — Page 16 10. HEARINGS continued ACTION TAKEN Item 10.b, continued finding that the project is planned and located in the manner that will be compatible with the greatest public good and the least private injury, in other words, it's not possible to widen this property or widen Rosedale Highway unless you acquire these certain properties; number three, you're making a finding that the subject property interest described in the RONs are necessary for the project, in other words, there Is no practical way to complete this project or to widen Rosedale Highway unless you acquire these certain properties; and finally, you're making the finding that the City has made the offers required under the State Government Code to the owners of record of the real property that we're seeking to acquire. Again, as your Admin Report indicates, staff has obtained fair market value appraisals on each of these pieces of property, We have passed them on to the owners of record, I want to emphasize for the record, that staff is going to continue to work with the property owners to resolve as many of these acquisitions as possible without the need to proceed to Eminent Domain, but that the RON is the first step In this process," Hearing opened at 8:45 p.m. John Black spoke in support of the staff recommendation, Hearing closed at 8:51 p,m, Motion by Vice -Mayor Weir to adopt the APPROVED Resolutions. Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 - Page 17 • 1-15U 11. - REPORTS a. 2014 City Council Goals update: Report on Accomplishments of Goals for 2012 and 2013. 2. Update of Goals Documents for 2014. Staff recommends Council review the attached Highlights and Accomplishments Report for the 2012 and 2013 City Council Goals. In addition, a draft version of the Goals document with the inclusion of updates for 2014 is submitted for the Council's consideration and direction. Assistant to the City Manager Smiley made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation. Councilmember Rivera advised that, regarding Goal 4., "Plan for Growth and Development ", with respect to the Municipal Airport and related to examining methods to encourage and support development in the area near the airport, he would like to have a conversation related to some type of improvement zone in that area; also, along the lines of growth and development, there is a drop off in funding sources for curb, gutter, and sidewalks in areas that don't quality for CDBG funds, and he feels that needs to be updated. Councilmember Rivera suggested adding a section related to lighting up the City, and specifically looking at the street light installation policy and potentially updating that with some type of reaffirmation about installing more lights or lighting up the streets. Councilmember Rivera suggested, regarding Goal 3., some type of mention about older areas of town, including southeast Bakersfield. Councilmember Rivera suggested, regarding "Public Safety", more on community outreach and potentially expanding the Neighborhood Watch Program. ACTION TAKEN 12. Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 - Page 18 REPORTS continued Councilmember Rivera advised that some major updating needs to take place in the original governing document regarding combating gang violence and the progress that has been made, as well as updating some of the goals and objectives. Councilmember Johnson advised that, regarding Goal 2.6.5., he would like to put in something that codifies that the City is going to seek a bill to change State law that will allow us to add amenities to our community such as multi -use trails along canal corridors, and that if we need to ask or find someone to shepherd it through the Legislature for us, that we could put the money behind the process. Councilmember Johnson asked, regarding Goals 3.1.13. and 4.4.2., relating to infill policies, why are we charging people fees on a small scale basis where you have an existing structure and not adding to something that wasn't already there in the first place in terms of infrastructure, and there is no real impact. Councilmember Johnson requested, regarding Goal 6.1.2., on page 11, "promote and encourage community gardens," that something be added to the last sentence to come up with an action plan to implement additional community gardens, perhaps with the involvement of either the Greenfield Walking Group or Keep Bakersfield Beautiful. Councilmember Smith suggested, in addition to Councilmember Johnson's recommendation, also looking at the fee structure for sewer and traffic in the downtown because we want to do all we can for the older areas of town. DEFERRED BUSINESS a. First Reading of Ordinance enacting Chapter 9,32 of the Municipal Code relating to aggressive panhandling /solicitation, (deferred from the meeting of 03105114) Staff recommends First Reading of Ordinance. ACTION TAKEN MOVED FORWARD ON THE AGENDA - SEE PAGE 3 Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 - Page 19 12. DEFERRED BUSINESS continued b. Cul -de -Sacs at Beech and Cedar streets. Staff recommends Council determination. 13. y ,ZNEW BUSINESS None. 14. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS Councilmember Hanson advised that he had passed along some information to staff regarding the oil severance situation that Sacramento is suggesting, and he would like to see if Council would like to take some action on it through the Mayor's Office. Councilmember Smith requested that the Community Services Committee explore the opportunity of putting artwork on our freeway that tells the Bakersfield story. Councilmember Maxwell advised that he would like to get together with Assistant Public Works Director Fidler to discuss how speed limits are determined, and that a constituent had expressed his concern about the high speed limits in our city. Councilmember Maxwell announced that there is a problem again with illicit behavior behind Carpet Cave on Sumner Street, and he asked the Police Department to put some extra effort into that area. Councilmember Maxwell once again expressed his concerns regarding the synchronization of the traffic lights on 23rd and 24th streets between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m., and 7:30 and 8:30 a.m.; and he stated that he would hope that by the next Council meeting in four weeks, he would see a substantial difference in the way that traffic moves, at least during those two hours of the day. Vice -Mayor Weir advised that the City has received a request to support the KCERA investing at least a portion of their money in the local community, and he asked staff to come back at the next meeting with a resolution in support of that. Vice -Mayor Weir urged the Councilmembers to talk to appropriate staff to resolve any questions related to agenda items prior to the meetings. ACTION TAKEN MOVED FORWARD ON AGENDA - SEE PAGE 12 A w5t \ _ 5� Bakersfield, California, March 19, 2014 - Page 20 14. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS continued ACTION TAKEN Councilmember Johnson announced that the Water Forum for the urban water purveyors was successful, a number of referrals were made by members of the Water Board, and some of the other committees are looking at options to help reduce water use. Councilmember Johnson advised that he had a request from a constituent to improve the intersection of Berkshire and Union with a streetlight; and he asked that staff to look into that. Mayor Hall commended Bakersfield Memorial Hospital, Garden Pathways, and Councilmember Maxwell for the outstanding work that they are doing with the neighborhood transformation projects, and helping the residents and the children in the school in that area to make life better for themselves. Mayor Hall announced that the Council and the Board of Supervisors have settled a lawsuit regarding property tax revenues received by the City from annexations in the County territory; and he indicated that he feels the climate is changing in the relationship between the City and the County. 15. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 9:43 p.m. ATTEST; J 2vz��z CITY CLERK and Ex 04 11,4 Clerk of the Council of the City of Bakersfield