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Home My WebLink About04/02/2015 B A K E R S F I E L D Staff: Committee Members Chris Gerry, Administrative Analyst Jacquie Sullivan, Chair Caleb Blaschke, Management Assistant Willie Rivera Bob Smith REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE of the City Council – City of Bakersfield Thursday, April 2, 2015 – 12:00 p.m. City Hall North 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 First Floor, Conference Room A A G E N D A 1. ROLL CALL 2. ADOPT FEBRUARY 5, 2015 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Committee Discussion Regarding Landscaping and Walls of the 24th Street Improvement Project – Tandy B. Committee Discussion Regarding Landscaping the 23rd and 24th Street Couplet – Tandy 5. COMMITTEE COMMENTS 6. ADJOURNMENT B A K E R S F I E L D Committee Members: Chris Gerry, Administrative Analyst Jacquie Sullivan, Chair Bob Smith Willie Rivera AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING Thursday, February 5, 2015 12:00 p.m. City Hall North First Floor - Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93301 The meeting was called to order at 12:05 P.M. 1. ROLL CALL Committeemembers Present: Councilmember Jacquie Sullivan, Chair Councilmember Bob Smith Councilmember Willie Rivera Staff Present: Alan Tandy, City Manager Steven Teglia, Assistant to the City Manager Chris Huot, Assistant to the City Manager Christopher Gerry, Administrative Analyst Caleb Blaschke, Management Assistant David Lyman, CVB Manager Virginia Gennaro, City Attorney Richard Iger, Associate Attorney Thomas Geddes, Associate Attorney Nick Fidler, Public Works Director Stuart Patteson, Public Works Operation Manager Kris Budak, Public Works TRIP Manager Dianne Hoover, Recreation and Parks Director Darin Budak, Assistant Recreation and Parks Director Doug McIsaac, Community Development Director Others Present: Members of the Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee Members of Bakersfield Young Professional Members of the Public Members of the Media Community Services Committee Meeting Agenda Summary Report Thursday, February 5, 2015 Page 2 2. ADOPT SEPTEMBER 25, 2014 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Adopted as submitted 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None 4. DEFERRED BUSINESS A. Update Regarding the Installation of Artwork Along the Westside Parkway Management Assistant Blaschke provided the Committee an overview of a newly created website and tri-fold brochure to be used to reach out to organizations and solicit their interest in placing artwork along the Westside Parkway. He also stated that staff is in the process of obtaining approximate cost estimates for different styles of artwork. Committee Chair Sullivan asked if the current samples of artwork displayed in the presentation represent windproof materials. City Manager Tandy stated Caltrans and the City would require any artwork installed to be windproof and weatherproof. Management Assistant Blaschke stated it would be part of the design process. Public Works Director Fidler stated the sustainability of the artwork will be carefully reviewed to ensure it is self-weathering. Several additional aspects including location and actual placement of the structures will also be reviewed in the process. Member of the public, Kyle Carter, stated he would like to see an established long-term landscaping plan, which includes waterlines for future landscaping irrigation. City Manager Tandy stated the Westside Parkway will be transferred to Caltrans jurisdiction in the future. Any artwork or fixtures installed without Caltrans approval would need to be removed at that time. Current Caltrans standards are reflective of the State’s current water drought and are stringent on the inclusion of greenery for landscaping. Public Works Director Fidler concurred with City Manager Tandy’s comments. Committee member Smith stated he liked the brochure presented by staff and requested staff explore landscape concepts. He also asked staff to reach out to Caltrans and exchange concepts which they may approve, particularly oak tree clusters. Committee Chair Sullivan asked if a CAL FIRE grant could be used to fund irrigation and trees. Community Services Committee Meeting Agenda Summary Report Thursday, February 5, 2015 Page 3 Public Works Director Fidler stated the purpose of the CAL FIRE grant is for the installation of trees. Recreation and Parks Director Hoover stated staff has applied for CAL FIRE grants in the past and will continue to apply when it is available. Committee member Rivera stated he was in favor of seeing landscape concepts that include more greenery. B. Committee Discussion Regarding the Installation of Artwork in the Downtown Area Management Assistant Blaschke provided the Committee several concepts prepared by the Bakersfield Young Professionals to display artwork on the City’s parking garage wall. The artwork would reflect Bakersfield’s residents and history. The estimated cost of such artwork is approximately $1,100 - $2,000 contingent upon its size. The estimated life span of the artwork is 3 to 5 years, after which it would need to be replaced. There are several ways to mount the artwork on the wall. In surveying other cities, such downtown improvements are funded by local businesses or Business Improvement Districts. Austin Smith with Bakersfield Young Professionals thanked Committee member Rivera for his interest in their concepts and stated he was in support of staff’s presentation. Committee member Rivera asked for additional concepts that would take advantage of the available space. He inquired about funding options where large donations could be accepted to fund future artwork throughout Bakersfield. City Attorney Gennaro stated donations can be received through the Bakersfield Foundation designated for artwork projects. Committee Chair Sullivan agreed larger artwork to encompass as much space available would be preferable. Committee member Smith asked what was the process to eliminate billboards from the Downtown area. He was also interested in having more artwork projects. City Attorney Gennaro stated a required change would need to occur to the sign ordinance. A referral can be made at a City Council meeting to refer this matter to the appropriate Committee. C. Discussion and Committee Recommendation Regarding the Centennial Plaza Granite Tiles Management Assistant Blaschke provided a brief update regarding the improvements made to the Centennial Plaza, including relocating the bricks, replanting of several trees, and continuing an analysis of the fountain. There are 10 damaged granite slabs that need re-engraving. Community Services Committee Meeting Agenda Summary Report Thursday, February 5, 2015 Page 4 There are several additional slabs with space available where the images of the damaged slabs can be engraved on. Committee member Smith asked if the new engravings would last longer than the original engravings and what would happen to the damaged granite slabs. Management Assistant Blaschke stated the new engravings will be deeper than the originals, which will last longer. The granite slabs will be placed on a mortar bed, which will hold the slabs securely in place. The damaged slabs will be completely removed and replaced with stamped concrete. The area with granite slabs will decrease in size. Public Works Director Fidler stated the granite slabs will be relocated to areas with less foot traffic as well. Committee member Smith also inquired about the status of the fountain. Public Works Operation Manager Patteson stated meetings have been held with the designer and the fountain should be completed by July 2015. Committee member Smith made a motion to recommend re-graving the images of the eight damaged slabs onto any of the 20 un-engraved areas available on other undamaged slabs to the full City Council for approval. The motion was unanimously approved. 5. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion and Committee Recommendation Regarding Adoption of the 2015 Committee Meeting Schedule Committee Chair Sullivan stated the Committee schedule for adoption was for the current year 2015, not 2014 as erroneously indicated on the agenda. It was adopted as submitted. 6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS Committee member Rivera asked staff to provide him and the full City Council a copy of the presentation provided at the 24th Street Community Meeting held at the Rabobank Arena on Wednesday, February 4th. 7. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 1: 25 P.M. cc: Honorable Mayor and Council OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER MEMORANDUM April 2, 2015 TO: Community Services Committee Jacquie Sullivan, Chair Willie Rivera Bob Smith FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager SUBJECT: 24th Street Improvement Project – Landscaping and Walls On January 21, 2015, City and Thomas Roads Improvement Program (TRIP) staff presented to the City Council the draft design of the 24th Street Improvement Project. The presentation included, but was not limited to, the design of the street, landscaping, and walls. The design options were based upon previous feedback from the community. On February 4, 2015, City and TRIP staff held a public workshop at the Rabobank Arena to present the draft design. The purpose of this workshop was to gain community consensus regarding the design options. The City Council requested that staff present the workshop results to the Community Services Committee for further discussion. Below you will find the results and recommendations for the design of the landscaping and walls. Landscaping A majority of the comments attained by the community were in favor of the landscaping identified as “Palette A.” The preliminary landscaping concept is estimated at $2.75 million, excluding sound walls. Please note that the estimate is based upon the current design and may change slightly. Walls The community did not display an overwhelming consensus regarding the design options for the walls; however, some residents requested a design that incorporated a brick facade. As a result, in addition to the two design options previously presented to the City Council and at the public workshop, staff has added two design options that incorporate a brick facade. Below you will find four design options for consideration. Please note that the estimated costs are based upon the current design and may change slightly. Concept Design Options Estimated Costs 1 2/3 Colored Shotblast Block, 1/3 Colored Split Face $ 1,265,000 2 2/3 Colored Angled Block, 1/3 Colored Split Face $ 1,304,000 3 2/3 Colored Shotblast Block, 1/3 Colored Split Face (Brick Facade Pilasters) $ 1,285,000 4 Entire Brick Facade $ 1,228,000 Community Services Committee 24th Street Landscaping and Walls Page 2 of 2 Also, many residents inquired about adding vines along the walls. Please note that vines along the walls have proven to be problematic throughout Bakersfield. They attract insects and rodents as well as deteriorate the wall mortar. In some locations, staff has previously removed vines upon the request of the neighborhood. Staff Recommendation Staff recommends selecting the landscaping from Palette A, choosing two wall designs from the four options, and not planting vines along the walls. The Committee’s recommendation will be presented to the City Council at a future meeting. OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER MEMORANDUM April 2, 2015 TO: Community Services Committee Jacquie Sullivan, Chair Willie Rivera Bob Smith FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager SUBJECT: 23rd and 24th Street Couplet Landscaping Staff originally proposed an improvement plan along the couplet that complements the future landscaping plans on 24th Street, west of C Street (24th Street Project). Proposed improvements included new signage, ornate banners, and decorative concrete features on handicapped accessible ramps. Upon review of the proposed improvement plan, several City Councilmembers requested a feasibility study to extend the aesthetic elements of the 24th Street Project throughout the couplet (Couplet Landscaping Project). Below you will find items for consideration following a review of the Couplet Landscaping Project. Items for Consideration Design Continuity The Couplet Landscaping Project has numerous site constraints that limit the scope of the proposed project. Constraints are primarily related to the lack of space and costs associated with excessive concrete removal, distance to a water source for irrigation, and existing drive approaches that require a clear line of site. As a result, staff has identified only 31 potential landscaping areas (approximately 17,400 square feet total) along the couplet. Please note that these areas do not occur contiguously and consistently. Thus, the Couplet Landscaping Project may not achieve Council’s vision of a continuous, rhythmic pattern of landscaping as displayed in the 24th Street Project. The potential landscaping areas can be found as Attachment A. Environmental Clearance and Remaining Federal Earmark The Couplet Landscaping Project was not included in the Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for the 24th Street Project. Therefore, there has not been an evaluation and public comment regarding the impacts to parking and aesthetics (especially, as the impacts relate to business visibility). In order to appropriate funds toward the project, supplemental documentation would first have to be approved before moving forward. However, the remaining federal earmark is Community Services Committee 24th Street Couplet Landscaping Page 2 of 2 only approximately $7.6 million, which will be expended exclusively on street widening. Thus, the City would have to identify a source of local funds. Costs As previously mentioned, there are multiple site constraints that increase the costs of the Couplet Landscaping Project. Please note that the 31 potential landscaping areas would cost approximately $2.3 million in local funds. As a result of the scattered tree locations, lack of irrigation, and extensive areas of sidewalk reconstruction to establish the planting areas and irrigation system, this amount equates to approximately $32,000 per tree. Compared to typical landscape irrigation projects, the installation cost per tree is very high. A budget for design and construction can be found as Attachment B. Parking Impacts The existing on-street parking along the couplet will be removed as a component of the 24th Street Project. Parking is most likely critical to the property owners adjacent to the Couplet Landscaping Project. Please note that landscaping may impact parking adjacent to 9 of the 31 potential landscaping areas. While there has not been a survey conducted of the property owners, staff believes that most likely a substantial amount of these property owners would not support the Couplet Landscaping Project if facing an additional loss of parking. Future Landscape Improvements Please note that 14 of the 31 potential landscaping areas are attractively landscaped or scheduled for the installation of landscaping improvements. Within these 14 identified areas, trees could be added contingent upon discussions with the property owners; planting trees may interfere with existing landscaping financed by the property owners. In addition, the responsibility of ongoing maintenance of the trees could become an issue, along with the maintenance of the scattered tree/landscape locations along the couplet. Staff Recommendation Staff does not recommend pursuing the Couplet Landscaping Project due to the inability to achieve design continuity, lack of federal funds, high costs, and parking impacts. Instead, staff recommends creating visual continuity between the respective projects by implementing alternative means to landscaping. These elements include, but are not limited to, monument signs, street markers, signage, banners, and colored concrete. Renderings of signage and plans from other jurisdictions that serve as a model can be found as Attachment C. In addition, the property owners along the couplet could finance their own voluntary landscaping program. Staff could provide guidance to the property owners to initiate such a program as well. Alternative As an alternative, staff could survey the 31 property owners to see if they support the Couplet Landscaping Project. If the property owners are supportive and subsequently upon Council’s consideration, another project such as the widening of Truxtun Avenue (Empire Drive to Oak Street) could be postponed to fund this project. #Adjacent AddressAdjacent Business NameSquare FootageUnnecessary Because of Existing LandscapeUnlikely to SupportSupport Unknown 12324 C StreetUnknown (For Sale)734x- Required to be Landscaped when Developed 22331 E. StreetTony's Auto Upholstery231 & 252x- Loss of Parking 31921 24th StreetMultiple Businesses844 x 42301 F StreetARCO ampm602x 52310 F StreetMcDonalds319x 61815 24th StreetMultiple Businesses245x 71730 24th StreetDoug Hoff Automobiles976 x 81600 24th StreetSuperior Used Cars1,022 x 92336 Eye StreetMercy Plaza Pharmacy418 x 102331 Chester AvenueFirestone391x- Loss of Parking 112301 Chester AvenueFurniture Liquidators877 x 122407 Chester AvenueMultiple Businesses282 x 131423 24th StreetArchery & Barber Shop286 x 141415 24th Street24th Street Café456x- Loss of Guest Seating 151400 23rd StreetCruz Car Wash240x 161331 24th StreetDowntown Auto Sales894x- Loss of Parking 171414 24th StreetUnknown (Empty Lot)946x Subtotals:10,015647 #Adjacent AddressAdjacent Business NameSquare FootageUnnecessary Because of Existing LandscapeUnlikely to SupportSupport Unknown 12129/2125 F Street Multiple Businesses973x- Loss of Parking 22301 F StreetARCO Gas Station537x 32310 F StreetMcDonalds772x 42222 F StreetRamco Express252x 51800 23rd StreetFast Auto Loans637x 62235/2237 H StreetUnknown (For Sale)197 & 252 x 72300 H StreetTaco Bell231 & 193x 82315 Eye StreetLimited Motors839x- Loss of Parking 92229 Chester AvenueGood Guys Auto Outlet257 & 94x- Loss of Parking 102220 Chester AvenueJack In The Box189 & 200x 112300/2308 Chester AvenueMultiple Businesses368 & 102x 121330 23rd StreetTrends Detail Auto133 & 170x- Loss of Parking 132230 L StreetKern Com. College Dist.682x- Required to be Landscaped when Developed 141201 23rd StreetMultiple Businesses355x- Loss of Parking Subtotals:7,433851 #Square FootageUnnecessary Because of Existing LandscapeUnlikely to SupportSupport Unknown 110,015647 2 7,433851 Grand Total:17,4481498 Location 24th Street 23rd Street 24th Street Attachment A 23rd and 24th Street Couplet Landscaping Potential Landscaping Areas 23rd Street 23rd and 24th Streets It e m U n i t Q u a n t i t y U n i t C o s t T o t a l 2" W a t e r M e t e r C o n n e c t i o n E A 6 2 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 $ 12,000.00$ El e c t r i c a l S e r v i c e C o n n e c t i o n E A 6 1 , 5 0 0 . 0 0 $ 9,000.00$ Ir r i gat i o n C o n t r o l l e r a n d E n c l o s u r e E A 6 2 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 $ 12,000.00$ 1- 1 / 2 " B a c k f l o w P r e v e n t e r A s s e m b l y a n d E n c l o s u r e E A 6 1 , 8 0 0 . 0 0 $ 10,800.00$ La n d s c a p e , 3 6 " B o x T r e e s E A 72 7 5 0 . 0 0 $ 54,000.00$ La n d s c a p e , S h r u b b e r y S F 7 2 0 0 5 . 0 0 $ 36,000.00$ 3" H D P E I r r i gat i o n S u p p l y L i n e L F 8 4 0 0 7 5 . 0 0 $ 630,000.00$ 2" G a t e V a l v e E A 24 3 5 0 . 0 0 $ 8,400.00$ 1" P l a s t i c P i p e (Sc h e d u l e 4 0 ) LF 2 6 0 0 5 . 0 0 $ 13,000.00$ Sp r i n k l e r T y p e B - 2 E A 50 0 2 5 . 0 0 $ 12,500.00$ Sp r i n k l e r T y p e C - 2 E A 15 0 2 5 . 0 0 $ 3,750.00$ Tr e e W e l l G r a t e E A 72 2 , 2 5 0 . 0 0 $ 162,000.00$ Si d e w a l k / d r i v e w a y r e m o v a l a n d r e p l a c e m e n t S F 3 6 0 0 0 1 0 . 0 0 $ 360,000.00$ 1- 1 / 4 " c o n t r o l w i r e c o n d u i t L F 7 2 0 0 3 . 0 0 $ 21,600.00$ Co n t r o l n e u t r a l c o n d u c t o r s L S 1 4 , 2 5 0 . 0 0 $ 4,250.00$ Tr a f f i c c o n t r o l L S 1 3 0 , 0 0 0 . 0 0 $ 30,000.00$ 1,379,300.00$ 30 % C o n t i n gency413,790.00$ 1,793,090.00$ De s i gn S e r v i c e s (As s u m e 1 0 % o f c o n s t r u c t i o n c o s t ) 179,400.00$ RO W S e r v i c e s 25,000.00$ Le gal S e r v i c e s 50,000.00$ Pe r m i t t i n g 25,000.00$ Te m p o r a r y C o n s t r u c t i o n E a s e m e n t s 50,000.00$ Co n s t r u c t i o n M a n a gem e n t (As s u m e 1 0 % o f c o n s t r u c t i o n c o s t ) 179,400.00$ 508,800.00$ 2,301,890.00$ At t a c h m e n t B 23 r d a n d 2 4 t h S t r e e t C o u p l e t L a n d s c a p i n g De s i g n a n d C o n s t r u c t i o n B u d g e t To t a l C o n s t r u c t i o n C o s t To t a l P r o jec t C o s t Su b t o t a l S o f t C o s t s Su b t o t a l 30 % Attachment C ‐Wayfinding Signage04/02/2015 1 City of Bakersfield January 5, 2015 04/02/2015 04/02/2015 Attachment C ‐Wayfinding Signage04/02/2015 2 04/02/2015 04/02/2015 Attachment C ‐Wayfinding Signage04/02/2015 3 04/02/2015 04/02/2015 Attachment C ‐Wayfinding Signage04/02/2015 4 04/02/2015 04/02/2015 Attachment C ‐Wayfinding Signage04/02/2015 5 04/02/2015 DOCUMENTS HANDED OUT AT THE COMMITTEE MEETING 4/3/2015 1 Community Services Committee –Design Update April 2nd, 2015 Presented by: Roland Genick–Parsons Transportation Group 24TH STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT •Initiated as response to feedback from residents on environmental review (Early 2012) •Developed initial vision with double row of trees and landscape median (Aug. 2012) •Presented landscape vision to City Council (Aug. 2012) •Held three stakeholders meeting on landscape design (Sept. 2012 to Nov. 2012) •Initiated coordination with adjacent cul-de-sac project (October 2012) •Coordination of landscape vision with environmental process (Oct. 2012 to Jan 2014) •Presentation of landscape vision to Planning Commission and Council (January 2014) •Presentation to City of Bakersfield Recreation and Parks (Oct. 2014) •Presentation to City Council (January 2015) •Community Workshop (February 2015) 24th Street –History of public design process 2 4/3/2015 2 3 24th Street –Current Schematic Landscape Plan •Overall positive feedback on landscape and urban design features •Strong request for continuity and holistic approach to design features •Plant Palette A is preferred over Plant Palette B •No conclusive feedback on soundwallmaterials and textures, some preference for brick •Some desire was expressed for crosswalks at A-Street and Beech Street •Some desire was expressed to continue landscape treatment into the couplet •Some desire was expressed to incorporate bike lanes and make it a “complete street” •Some focused criticism -Southside should receive walls just like north side -Wall design should consider utilization of brick -Proposal will increase traffic -Widening of street will seperateneighborhood 24th Street –Feedback from Community Workshop 4 4/3/2015 3 5 24th Street –Preferred Plant Palette White Crape Myrtle London PlaneTree Fortnight Lily QueenVictoria Agave New ZealandFlax Blue Sage Blue Oat Grass Mexican Primrose TREES SHRUBS GROUND COVER 6 24th Street –Existing View at Spruce Street 4/3/2015 4 7 Spruce Street & 24th Street –Looking North-East 24th Street –Proposed View at Spruce Street 8 Alder Street & 24th Street –Looking North-West 24th Street –Proposed View at Spruce Street 4/3/2015 5 9 Alder Street & 24th Street –Looking North-West 24th Street –Proposed View at Spruce Street 10 Spruce Street & 24th Street –Looking South-East 24th Street –Proposed View at Spruce Street 4/3/2015 6 11 Spruce Street & 24th Street –Looking South-East 24th Street –Proposed View at Spruce Street 12 Alder Street & 24th Street –Looking South-West 24th Street –Proposed View at Spruce Street 4/3/2015 7 13 Alder Street & 24th Street –Looking South-West 24th Street –Proposed View at Spruce Street 14 24th Street –Current SoundwallLocationPlan Sound Walls 4/3/2015 8 15 24th Street –Preliminary SoundwallDesign Alternative 1: Preliminary 12 ft. Soundwall 16 24th Street –Preliminary SoundwallDesign Alternative 2: Preliminary 12 ft. Soundwall 4/3/2015 9 17 24th Street –Preliminary SoundwallDesign Alternative 3: Preliminary 12 ft. Soundwall 18 24th Street –Preliminary SoundwallDesign Alternative 4: Preliminary 12 ft. Soundwall 4/3/2015 10 24th Street –Monument Sign Concepts 19 24th Street –Monument Sign Concepts 20 4/3/2015 11 Community Open House February 4th , 2015 24TH STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT