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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/11/15 CC MINUTESBAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL MINUTES MEETING OF FEBRUARY 11, 2015 Council Chambers, City Hall, 1501 Truxtun Avenue Special Meeting -2;30 p.m. Regular Meeting -5;15 p.m. SPECIAL MEETING - 2:30 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Hall, Vice -Mayor Hanson, Councilmembers Rivera, Maxwell, Weir, Smith, Parlier Absent: None 2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None. 3. CLOSED SESSION a, Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code section 54956 +9(d)(1) regarding City v. Kern County, Kings County Superior Court, Case No. 13 C 0180, Mohamed Harb v. City, et al„ Court of Appeal, Fifth District No, F066839+ b. Conference with Legal Counsel- Initiation of Litigation, Closed Session pursuant to Government Code section 54956 +9(d)(4) (one potential issue). C. Conference with Legal Counsel- Potential Litigation; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code section 54956,9(d)(2), (e)(1) (two matters). ACTION TAKEN Motion by Councilmember Weir to remove one item FAILED from Closed Session item 3.c., to allow time for the NOES HANSON, concerns he has made know to the City Attorney to RIVERA, MAXWELL, PARLIER be addressed. 3. Bakersfield, California, February 11, 2015 - Page 2 CLOSED SESSION continued ACTION TAKEN Motion by Vice -Mayor Hanson to adjourn to Closed APPROVED Session at 2:35 p.m. Motion by Vice -Mayor Hanson to adjourn from Closed APPROVED Session at 4:59 p.m. 4. CLOSED SESSION ACTION a. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing AGR 05- 329(1) Litigation; Closed Session pursuant to COUNCIL Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1) AUTHORIZED CITY regarding City v. Kern County, Kings County ATTORNEY TO MOVE Superior Court, Case No, 13 C 0180, FORWARD WITH AN Mohamed Harb v, City, et al„ Court of Appeal, APPEAL TO THE Fifth District No. F066839, CALIFORNIA SUPREME COURT ON City Council voted 7 -0 and approved a SECOND MATTER Settlement agreement on the first matter. KENDOR FAMILY b. Conference with Legal Counsel- Initiation of COUNCIL Litigation; Closed Session pursuant to AUTHORIZED CITY Government Code section 54956,9(d)(4) (one ATTORNEY TO INITIATE LITIGATION potential issue). AGAINST C. W. REALTY, KEN PETERS, INDIVIDUALLY, AND IN HIS CAPACITY AS TRUSTEE TO THE KENDOR FAMILY TRUST C. Conference with Legal Counsel- Potential NO REPORTABLE Litigation; Closed Session pursuant to ACTION ON FIRST Government Code section 54956.9(d)(2), MATTER, STAFF WAS (e)(1) (two matters). GIVEN DIRECTION ON SECOND Mayor Hall recognized County Supervisor Couch MATTER. and invited him to speak. County Supervisor Couch expressed his appreciation to Mayor Hall, Councilmembers, and staff for working with County staff and the Board of Supervisors to reach a resolution on the fire fund issue. Vice -Mayor Hanson expressed his excitement regarding the settlement agreement and the cooperation between the County and City; and thanked County Supervisor Perez and County Supervisor Gleason for their cooperation and effort, along with Councilmember Weir. I 'icr1 Bakersfield, California, February 11, 2015 - Page 3 5. ADJOURNMENT ACTION TAKEN Mayor Hall adjou MAYOR of the City of Bakersfi ATTEST; CITY LERK and Ex Off t Clerk of the Council of the City Bakersfield REGULAR MEETING -5:15 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL Present: Mayor Hall, Vice -Mayor Hanson, Councilmembers Rivera, Maxwell, Weir, Smith, Sullivan, Parlier Absent: None 2. INVOCATION by Rev. Rob Dalyrmple, Northminster Presbyterian Church. 3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE by Ava Steward, 4m grade student at Leo B. Hart Elementary School. Mayor Hall acknowledged Boy Scout Troop 47, with Scoutmaster Stacy Hoffman; and the students from the Bakersfield College Political Science class in attendance at the meeting to learn about City government. 4. PRESENTATIONS a. Presentation by Mayor Hall of a Proclamation declaring February, 2015 as "Safely Surrendered Baby Awareness Month" to Heidi Carter Escudero, Safe Surrender Coalition Member. Ms. Carter Escudero accepted the Proclamation, made comments, and submitted written material. Fire Chief Greener made additional comments. Bakersfield, California, February 11, 2015 - Page 4 4. PRESENTATIONS continued ACTION TAKEN b. Proclamation presented by Mayor Hall to Sean Battle, Mentoring Manager, Garden Pathways Bakersfield, declaring February 11, 2015, Gang Violence Prevention Awareness Day. Mr. Battle accepted the Proclamation and made comments, C. Presentation by Mayor Hall of a Certificate of Appreciation, and a thank you card from the community by Councilmember Parlier, to the Police Department for protection and services provided to the community by the department. Councilmember Parlier made comments and presented a community thank you card to the Police Department. Police Chief Williamson accepted the card and made comments. Tony Witnack, KNZR Radio, made additional comments in support of the Police Department, 5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS a. Bob Coons spoke in support of the City Council's position on rejecting the installation of a crosswalk at 24th Street and A Street because he feels it would not be productive to the project goal of moving traffic smoothly, safely and efficiently through the corridor, b. The following Individuals spoke in support of the addition of signalized crosswalks as part of the 24th Street Widening Project: Anna Smith (submitted written material); Linda Fiddler; Tara Dellis; Julie Malcolmson; and Kellyanne Ravenaugh. C. Marvin Dean commended the City Council and City Attorney for entering into a settlement agreement with the High Speed Rail; spoke in support of Consent Calendar item 8.1. and asked the Council to consider entering Into a local DBE job readiness training program with the Kern Minority Contractors Association; and submitted written material. Bakersfield, California, February 11, 2015 - Page 5 5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS continued ACTION TAKEN d. Mark Englien, Executive Director of the Bakersfield Museum of Art, spoke regarding the history of the museum and invited the Council and audience to stop by the museum and view their newest exhibit; and submitted written material. e. Andy Stanley, Chairman of the Bakersfield Museum of Art, spoke regarding a partnership between the museum and local schools that introduces children to art and requested the opportunity to share what they are accomplishing at the museum and bringing to the community with each Councilmember, f. The following individuals spoke in support of safety for bicyclists and NACTO guidelines: Denise Holmes; Louie Bravos; Glenn Hammett; and Greg Walker. 6. WORKSHOPS a. Golden Empire Transit District Board Update, (Board Members Elliott Kirschenmann and Cindy Parra). Board Member Kirschenmann made comments and provided an update on the Golden Empire Transit District Board. Board Member Parra made additional comments. 7. APPOINTMENTS None. 8. CONSENT CALENDAR Minutes: a. Approval of minutes of the January 21, 2015, Regular City Council Meetings. 21.83 Bakersfield, California, February 11, 2015 - Page 6 8. CONSENT CALENDAR continued ACTION TAKEN Payments: b. Receive and file department payments from January 9, 2015, to January 29, 2015, in the amount of $23,164,792.06, and self- insurance payments from January 9, 2015, to January 29, 2015, in the amount of $474,300.45, totaling $23,639,092.51. Ordinances: C. Adoption of Ordinance amending the City's Standard Services Agreement. d. Adoption of Ordinance amending the Official Zoning Map in Title 17 of the Municipal Code by changing the zone district from County A -1 (Limited Agriculture) to C -2 (Regional Commercial) on 11.30 acres located at the northwest corner of Stockdale Highway and Heath Road (ZC # 14 -0329 - Rosedale Land & Development Inc. /Bryan Batey, representing Gregory & Catherine Hillier). (Ward 4 upon Annexation) e. Adoption of ordinance amending the Official Zoning Map in Title 17 of the Municipal Code by changing the zone district from R-1 (One Family Dwelling) to R -3 /PUD (Multiple Family Dwelling /Planned Unit Development) on 13.15 acres located along the south side of College Avenue, approximately 200 feet east of Valencia Drive (ZC # 14 -0338; JB Consulting Services, LLC, representing 13 Bakersfield, LLC), Resolutions: Resolution confirming approval by the City Manager designee of the Chief Code Enforcement Officer's report regarding assessments of certain properties in the City for which structures have been secured against entry or for the abatement of certain weeds, debris and waste matter and authorizing collection of the assessments by the Kern County Tax Collector, REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION ORD 4802 ASS SMITH ORD 4803 RES 014 -15 Bakersfield, California, February 11, 2015 - Page 7 8. CONSENT CALENDAR continued g. Resolution determining that certain Schwarze Industries, Inc., equipment parts cannot be obtained through the usual bidding procedures and authorizing the Finance Director to dispense with bidding therefore and purchase Schwarze Industries, Inc., equipment parts through Municipal Maintenance Equipment, not to exceed $150,000. h. Resolution determining that certain Vac -Con equipment parts cannot be obtained through the usual bidding procedures and authorizing the Finance Director to dispense with bidding therefore and purchase Vac -Con equipment parts through Municipal Maintenance Equipment, not to exceed $100,000. i, Sewer connection and construction fee assessments for 7712 Hooper Avenue: 1. Resolution confirming assessments for sewer connection and construction fees and authorizing the collection of assessment by the Kern County Tax Collector. 2. Agreement with Timothy Hall and Carolyn Irey -Hall, to pay sewer connection and construction fees through the Kern County Tax Collector, j. Resolution of Intention No. 1827 to order the vacation of the alley between 2280 Ming Avenue and 2300 Ming Avenue from Ming Avenue to June Avenue. k. Resolution of Intention No. 1825 to order the vacation of the south 11.25 feet of 381h street and the west 11.25 feet of "L" Street, adjacent to 3731 L Street. Agreements: Agreement with the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation to provide participants to assemble refuse and recycling carts at the Solid Waste Division's cart storage area as part of a job skills training program at no cost to the City. ACTION TAKEN RES 015 -15 RES 016 -15 RES 017 -15 AGR 15 -020 ROI 1827 ROI 1825 AGR 15 -020 'i5 Bakersfield, California, February 11, 2015 - Page 8 8. CONSENT CALENDAR continued ACTION TAKEN M. Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) with Chelsea Investment Corporation ($5,716,184) for the development of 63 units of affordable senior housing and a 100 -space parking facility located at 518 19th Street, n. Reimbursement Agreement with North Kern Water Storage District (not to exceed $53,776.50) for Weather Modification Program. o. Agreement with Provost & Pritchard Consulting Group (not to exceed $60,000) to provide final design, bidding and construction phase engineering services for the Brimhall Area Water Pipeline Improvements Project. P. Final Map and Improvement Agreement with John Balfanz Homes, Inc., for Tract 6362, Phase 2, located south of McKee Road and west of Hughes Lane. q. Final Map, Improvement Agreement and Landscape Agreement with D &A Premler Properties, LLC, for Tract 6410, Phase 1, located north of Taff Highway and west of Stine Road. Consultant Agreement with Parsons Brinckerhoff, Inc. (not to exceed $232,993.00 - 80% funded by federal monies, 20% local monies) for Construction Management Services for the State Route (SR) -58 GAP Closure Project. S. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 12 -153 with Spear Security & Management Co. ($75,960.00; revised not to exceed $296,856.00) to provide daily 24 -hour on -site security services at the Bakersfield Amtrak Station and to adjust rates for minimum wage Increase. t. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 13 -055 with NV5, formerly Nolte and Associates, Inc. ($212,488.29; revised not to exceed $3,160,490.45 - funded by Transportation Development Fund (TDF) local match fund) for Westside Parkway Phase 6c. (TRIP) AGR 15 -021 ABS RIVERA AGR 15 -022 AGR 15 -023 AGR 15 -024 AGR 15 -025 AGR 15 -026 ABS SMITH AGR 15 -027 AGR 12- 153(1) REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION Bakersfield, California, February 11, 2015 - Page 9 8. CONSENT CALENDAR continued U. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement 14 -111 with San Joaquin Valley Railroad Company (SJVRR) for improvements to their railroad crossing needed for the Rosedale Highway Widening Project, (TRIP) V, SR -178 and Morning Drive Interchange Project; (TRIP) 1, Contract Change Order Nos, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32 to Agreement No. 13 -118 with Granite Construction ($208,829.30; revised not to exceed $26,179,471.94; change orders funded with Federal Earmark Funds {88.53 %) and Capital Outlay Utility /Roads Fund {11,47 % }), 2. Service Agreement with California Water Service Company (Calwater), ($116,148.00); (Agreement funded with 100% Transportation Development Funds) for a water pipeline extension. Property Acquisition Agreements - TRIP: W, Agreement with Frankie and Dolores Camacho, Trustees of the Camacho Family Trust ($235,000) to purchase real property located at 812 Del Rey Court for the Centennial Corridor Project. Agreement with Myrna Rojas ($287,000) to purchase real property located at 4409 La Mirada Drive for the Centennial Corridor Project, Y. Agreement with Michael Werlinich ($255,000) to purchase real property located at 4309 Kentfield Drive for the Centennial Corridor Project. Z. Agreement with Candice Collins ($212,000) to purchase real property located at 4401 Marella Way for the Centennial Corridor Project, aa. Agreement with Miguel Ayala ($138,000) to purchase real property located at 117 Dunlap Street for the Centennial Corridor Project. ACTION TAKEN AGR 14- 111 (1) REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION AGR 15 -029 DEED 8139 AGR 15 -030 DEED 8140 AGR 15 -031 DEED 8141 AGR 15 -032 DEED 8142 AGR 15 -033 DEED 8143 V Bakersfield, California, February 11, 2015 - Page 10 CONSENT CALENDAR continued ACTION TAKEN ab. Agreement with Kristina Stratton ($136,500) to AGR 15 -034 purchase real property located at 15 North DEED 8144 Stine Road for the Centennial Corridor Project. ae. Accept bid and approve contract to San ac. Agreement with 3857 Stockdale LLC aka REMOVED FOR Stockdale Podiatry Group ($980,000) to SEPARATE purchase real property located at 3857 CONSIDERATION Stockdale Highway for the Centennial Corridor Project, Bids: ad. Accept bid from Golden State Peterbilt REMOVED FOR ($346,431,17) for one additional side loading SEPARATE refuse truck for the Public Works Department, CONSIDERATION Solid Waste Division. ae. Accept bid and approve contract to San AGR 15 -036 Joaquin Fence & Supply (not to exceed amount of $697,790,75) for the annual contract for installed fencing. af, Accept base bid and award contract to Shade AGR 15 -037 Structures, Inc, ($41,870.97) for Jefferson Shade Structure Project. ag, Accept base bid and Additive Alternate No. 1, AGR 15 -038 and approve contract with High -Light Electric, Inc. ($358,838.00) for the installation of traffic signal interconnect (Part 11) at various locations. ah, Accept bid and approve contract with Pelagic AGR 15 -039 Engineering ($72,660,00) for the installation of pedestrian countdown timers (Part 3), ai. Pedestrian Countdown Timers - Part 4; Accept bid and approve contract with AGR 15 -040 A -C Electric Company ($52,090,00) for construction of project, 2. Appropriate $71,060 Transportation Development Act Article 3 Grant funding to the Public Works Department's Capital Improvement Budget within the Bikeway and Pedestrian Pathway Fund, Bakersfield, California, February 11, 2015 - Page 11 8. CONSENT CALENDAR continued Miscellaneous: aj, Transfer $3,000 Council Contingency to the Non - departmental contribution account within the General Fund for contribution to the Downtown Business Association (DBA) for year - round lighting on Chester Avenue. ak, Approval of plan to re- engrave the damaged and broken granite slabs at the Centennial Plaza, Successor Agency Business: al, Receive and file successor agency payments from January 9, 2015, to January 29, 2015, in the amount of $349,796.52. Assistant City Clerk Drimakis announced a memorandum was received from staff regarding item 8,m„ correcting exhibit B of the agreement, Councilmember Rivera announced that he would abstain, due to a perception of conflict of interest, a source of income to himself, on item 8.m. Councilmember Smith announced that he would abstain, due to a conflict of interest, a source of income to himself, on item 8.d.; and will abstain on item 8.q., due to a conflict of interest, an interest in real property nearby. Councilmember Sullivan requested that item 8.aj. be removed for separate consideration. Councilmember Weir requested that item 8.c. be removed for separate consideration. Councilmember Maxwell requested that items 8.m., 8.v., 8.ac., and 8.ad. be removed for separate consideration. Vice -Mayor Hanson requested that item 8.t. be removed for separate consideration. Motion by Vice -Mayor Hanson to adopt Consent Calendar items 8.a. through 8. al., with separate consideration of items 8.c., 8.m., 8.t, 8.v., 8. ac., 8.ad., and 8.oj. ACTION TAKEN REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION APPROVED Q Bakersfield, California, February 11, 2015 - Page 12 CONSENT CALENDAR continued ACTION TAKEN Councilmember Parlier left the Chamber at this time. C. Adoption of Ordinance amending the City's ORD 4801 Standard Services Agreement, Motion by Vice -Mayor Hanson to adopt Consent APPROVED Calendar item 8.c. NS WEIR AB PARLIER aj. Transfer $3,000 Council Contingency to the Non - departmental contribution account within the General Fund for contribution to the Downtown Business Association (DBA) for year - round lighting on Chester Avenue, Councilmember Parlier returned to the Chamber at this time. Motion by Councilmember Sullivan to adopt Consent APPROVED Calendar item 8.aj. M, Disposition and Development Agreement CONTINUED TO NEXT (DDA) with Chelsea Investment Corporation MEETING ($5,716,184) for the development of 63 units of affordable senior housing and a 100 -space parking facility located at 518 19th Street. Motion by Councilmember Maxwell to continue APPROVED Consent Calendar item 8.m. to the meeting of March ASS RIVERA 4m, 2015. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No, 13 -055 AGR 13- 055(1) with NV5, formerly Nolte and Associates, Inc. ($212,488.29; revised not to exceed $3,160,490.45 - funded by Transportation Development Fund (fDF) local match fund) for Westside Parkway Phase 6c. (TRIP) Councilmember Maxwell called for the question. Motion by Vice -Mayor Hanson to adopt Consent APPROVED Calendar item 8.t. 8. Bakersfield, California, February 11, 2015 - Page 13 CONSENT CALENDAR continued ACTION TAKEN V. SR -178 and Morning Drive Interchange Project; (TRIP) 1. Contract Change Order Nos, 28, 29, 30, AGR 13 -118 31 and 32 to Agreement No. 13 -118 with CCO 28, CCO 29, Granite Construction ($208,829.30; CCO 30, CCO 31, revised not to exceed $26,179,471.94; CCO 32 change orders funded with Federal Earmark Funds {88.53 %) and Capital Outlay Utility /Roads Fund {11.47 %)), 2. Service Agreement with California Water AGR 15 -028 Service Company (Calwater), ($116,148.00); (Agreement funded with 100% Transportation Development Funds) for a water pipeline extension. Councilmember Maxwell requested staff inform him of where the adequate and local funds, to cover the additional $116,148.00 in costs, were budgeted. Motion by Councilmember Maxwell to adopt Consent APPROVED Calendar item 8. v. ac, Agreement with 3857 Stockdale LLC aka AGR 15 -035 Stockdale Podiatry Group ($980,000) to DEED 8145 purchase real property located at 3857 Stockdale Highway for the Centennial Corridor Project. Motion by Councilmember Maxwell to adopt Consent APPROVED Calendar item 8.ac. ad. Accept bid from Golden State Peterbilt ($346,431,17) for one additional side loading refuse truck for the Public Works Department, Solid Waste Division. Motion by Councilmember Maxwell to adopt Consent APPROVED Calendar item 8. ad. 9. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS None. Bakersfield, California, February 11, 2015 — Page 14 10. HEARINGS ACTION TAKEN a. Public hearing to consider U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) Action Plan Amendments: 1, FYI 3/14 Action Plan Amendment No, 4 2. FYI 4/15 Action Plan Amendment No. 3 3. Transfer $50,000 from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Union /Brundage Curb, Gutter, Sidewalk and Reconstruction project, and $17,000 project savings from completed CDBG projects to the Lake Street Curb, Gutter, Sidewalk and Reconstruction Project, Community Development Director Mclsaac made staff comments. Hearing item 10.a, opened at 7:06 p, m, No one spoke, Hearing item 10.a, closed at 7:07 p.m. Motion by Vice -Mayor Hanson to approve Hearing APPROVED item 10. a. b. Public Hearing to consider a proposed plan to Improve access to the Kern River Parkway Trail from the south side of Truxtun Avenue just east of Quaiiridge Road. Assistant City Clerk Drimakis announced that correspondence in opposition was received from four individuals; one email was included in the Council packet; the other three were provided as a supplemental memorandum from staff; in addition, the City Attorney's Office received six phone calls in opposition. Associate Attorney Iger made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works Director Fidler made additional staff comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation. Hearing item 10.b. opened at 7:20 p,m, Bakersfield, California, February 11, 2015 - Page 15 10. HEARINGS continued ACTION TAKEN The following individuals spoke in opposition; Clarissa Wilstead; William Morris; Lora Burnett (submitted written material); Jana Tarjan; Ingrid Morton; Kenneth Richter; Damon Wilstead; Kathy Marvel; Nona Tolentino; Ginter Struzyna (submitted photographs and written material); Joshua Worley; and Carleen Worley, The following individuals spoke in favor; Rich O'Neill; and Bill Cooper, President of the Kern River Parkway Foundation. The following individuals spoke in rebuttal opposition; Clarissa Wilstead; Kenneth Richter; Lora Burnett; and Jana Tarjan. Hearing Item 10.b, closed at 8;03 p,m, Motion by Councilmember Maxwell to not approve APPROVED Hearing item 10. b. NS SMITH, SULLIVAN 11. REPORTS None. 12. DEFERRED BUSINESS None, 13. NEW BUSINESS None, 14. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS Vice -Mayor Hanson asked staff for an update regarding his referral on the red light cameras on Ming Avenue and Old River Road. Public Works Director Fidler responded that Public Works staff has been working with the Police Department who oversees Redflex; Redflex has to perform their own studies for each of the intersections in question; and they are waiting on the results from their review. D !. o Bakersfield, California, February 11, 2015 — Page 16 14. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS continued ACTION TAKEN Vice -Mayor Hanson recognized Assistant City Manager Teglia and expressed gratitude for his work with the City Attorney and the County's legal staff on reaching a settlement agreement. Vice -Mayor Hanson advised that he has requested Councilmember Maxwell and Councilmember Padier to work with the City Attorney and the City Manager on the possibility of a Council Retreat and to report back to the Council as a group. Vice -Mayor Hanson stated he liked the report from the GET Board Members tonight and recommended Committee Chairs provide a similar brief report to the Council in the future. Councilmember Maxwell expressed gratitude to Vice - Mayor Hanson for entrusting him and Councilmember Parker to come up with ideas for a Council Retreat that is worthwhile for everyone. Councilmember Maxwell expressed his appreciation to everyone that attended the community meeting regarding the 241h Street Widening Project last Wednesday, and requested to be involved in any meeting regarding the 24th Street Widening Project and be involved in how the presentation is provided to the Community Services Committee. Councilmember Maxwell thanked Police Chief Williamson for putting a plan together to issue tickets to people who cross in the middle of streets; he feels this will be a great program and that it will show fewer of the undesirable people and less crime in the downtown area because people will know they are being watched; and stated they have already issued over 84 tickets in their first efforts. Councilmember Maxwell advised the Public Works Department that there is a large pothole on L Street, between 23b Street and 24th Street, and encouraged the public to report potholes on the City's website. '200 Bakersfield, California, February 11, 2015 — Page 17 14. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS continued ACTION TAKEN Councilmember Maxwell made a referral to the Legislative and Litigation committee to look at the ordinances for maintenance of empty buildings in the downtown area; and described his vision of downtown would be to revitalize the area and turning it into an area for professionals. Councilmember Rivera thanked staff for being open to the agreement with the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation; thanked the City Council for approving the agreement in which the City will partner with MAOF to have members of their foundation help assemble refuse and recycling carts at the Solid Waste Division as part of a job skills training program at no cost to the City; and stated he is excited and looks forward to monitoring the progress of this program. Councilmember Rivera requested staff provide him with a historical account of how the City has allocated and spent CDBG money over the last ten years, he would like to see a total amount, where it has gone, and how it has been split between Wards. Councilmember Rivera expressed his concern on the increase in vacant structure fires, and requested to restore at least one position in the Arson division to help with fire investigations, and asked to be more involved and accompany the Fire Department when performing vacant structure inspections and believes they might be able to help people out of a structure and into a supportive program or stable home. Councilmember Smith made comments regarding a traffic fatalities report which indicated we had twice the number of traffic fatalities than homicides last year, he expressed disappointment that the Council did not approve the adoption of NACTO guidelines and does not understand why they do not see any reason to improve infrastructure or the way we design and manage our streets, and referred this issue to the Planning and Development Committee. Councilmember Parlier shared that he explored the parks and programs in Ward 7 with Recreation and Parks Director Hoover and her executive staff; they discussed in length the green belt areas and maintenance; and stated there are a few areas of concern but Recreation and Parks Director Hoover indicated they will address those issues. Bakersfield, California, February 11, 2015 - Page 18 14. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS continued ACTION TAKEN Councilmember Parlier expressed gratitude to Police Chief Williamson and stated that he went on an eleven hour ride -along on Saturday night; and asked Police Chief Williamson to stay after the meeting to discuss a couple of things with him. Mayor Hall announced that 56 tons of litter was picked up in the month of December; and stated that since beginning the program that placed residents of the homeless center who were head of households or families into jobs at the Animal Care Center and the Green Waste Recycling Facility a year ago, 76 families now have a place to call home with their families and children; and expressed his gratitude for wonderful programs such as this and what they are doing to give back to the homeless population. 15. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Hall adjourned the meeting at 8:41 p.m. MAYOR of the City of Bakersfield, ATTEST; — �4k CITY CLERK and Ex Off Clerk of the Council of the Ci of Bakersfield 1 D