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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/10/2015 B A K E R S F I E L D /s/ Rhonda Smiley Committee Members Staff: Rhonda Smiley Bob Smith, Chair Assistant to the City Manager Harold Hanson Ken Weir AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE Tuesday, June 10, 2014 12:00 p.m. City Hall North – Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 The meeting was called to order at 12:00 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL Committee members: Councilmember Bob Smith, Chair Vice Mayor Ken Weir Councilmember Harold Hanson (Absent) City Staff: Rhonda Smiley, Assistant to the City Manager/PIO Steve Teglia, Assistant to the City Manager Caleb Blaschke, Management Assistant – City Manager’s Office Virginia Gennaro, City Attorney Joshua Rudnick, Deputy City Attorney Doug McIsaac, Community Development Director Nick Fidler, Public Works Director Dianne Hoover, Recreation and Parks Director Tom Jones, Park Construction and Facilities Planner–Recreation and Parks Department Additional Attendees: Cathy Butler, Downtown Business Association Kevin Bartl, Downtown Business Association/Bakersfield Condors Bruce Freeman, Castle & Cooke Bob Bell, Downtown Business Development Corporation Troy Hightower, Kern Council of Governments Jason Cater and Cindy Parra, Bike Bakersfield Stephen Schrepfer, Think Green Pedicabs Lauren Smoot, Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce Randy Jackson, Placeworks Members of the media AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Planning and Development Committee Tuesday, June 10, 2014 Page 2 2. ADOPT MAY 8, 2014 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT The Agenda Summary Report was adopted as submitted. 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None 4. DEFERRED BUSINESS A. Discussion regarding a Proposal to Develop an Urban Development Plan in the Downtown Area Community Development Director McIsaac reported that in 2013, a non- profit corporation was formed called the Downtown Bakersfield Development Corporation (DBDC). Bob Bell was elected President. Mr. McIsaac has an ex-officio seat on the Board. The goal of the DBDC is to continue the revitalization of Downtown that began when redevelopment funds were available. They are actively searching for grants and corporate donations to create and implement an action plan, and intend to foster a close working relationship with the City. Randy Jackson, Owner/President of PlaceWorks, a planning and urban design company, was contacted to potentially assist the DBDC in creating a plan. Through a donation from Chevron, Mr. Jackson and his staff conducted a public outreach on the Third Thursday event in Central Park on May 15, 2014, and two workshops on May 28, 2014. DBDC President Bell stated that the goal of the corporation is to seek guidance from the City of Bakersfield only; there is no request for public funding. All of the principals are dedicated to the improvement of the Downtown for the good of the community. Mr. Jackson provided some background on the company, PlaceWorks. He showed the Committee a PowerPoint presentation, and reported on some of the feedback received during the outreach sessions. Some key points included determining through a simple exercise what people liked most about Downtown and what made them uncomfortable. Some positive aspects are the Padre, Arena events, the Fox Theater, good restaurants and shops. Negative aspects included code enforcement issues and the lack of adequate lighting. On a broader scope, suggestions for improvement included increased entry signage to attract businesses and visitors, capitalizing on existing architecture, and creating more green and open spaces. Mr. Jackson noted that there are more than 300 blocks in the Downtown area, informally divided into districts. He suggested dividing some of the larger districts into sub-districts that could stand alone, so that those who are vested in any particular area can move forward with improvements. AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Planning and Development Committee Tuesday, June 10, 2014 Page 3 Additional trees could significantly enhance the Downtown, and the community could plant and maintain them under the City’s guidance. Many comments were received about the lack of adequate and efficient lighting in the area, as it is an important component to the safety and security of residents, customers and visitors. There may be funds available to install more LED bulbs. Another issue raised is to improve the safety and walkability of streets. One way to accomplish this is to create a parking management plan. The City would determine the demand for parking and how to design it for optimal usage. Once the plan is complete, the Downtown Business Association (DBA) could post information about the different parking lots on their website to better advise the public. Part of the process would be to identify funding sources that could generate grants to be administered either by the City or the DBDC. More discussion needs to take place with the City, and that feedback will be compiled into a series of recommendations that will then be taken back to the DBA and business owners. This process will culminate into an action plan. Mr. Jackson provided examples of weekly events and spoke of creating a connection between the Mill Creek Park and Downtown to bring people into the area. He also spoke of the possibility of creating a health hub near hospitals that would combine healthy food events and physical education opportunities, and of building more housing to encourage people to live Downtown. Committee Chair Smith said that there were a lot of good ideas, and that he is interested in hearing more about the process. Community Development Director McIsaac stated that at the last City Council meeting, some conceptual ideas were presented regarding potential economic opportunity areas. Downtown is one of those areas, as it is very important from an economic development standpoint. Enhancement of what has already been achieved Downtown will attract new companies to Bakersfield as a whole. DBDC President Bell said that there is a large group of dedicated and determined individuals who are willing to work hard to make this succeed. He reiterated that it can only succeed if the City is on board. Committee member Weir said he believes the City Council will be supportive, and that when an action plan is in place, he is interested in another presentation. AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Planning and Development Committee Tuesday, June 10, 2014 Page 4 Committee Chair Smith asked for a time estimate, and Mr. Jackson said that it they would expect to have it ready in late Fall. Community Development Director McIsaac reiterated that the challenge is to raise corporate resources to keep the planning effort moving forward. DBA President Butler reported that there is an upcoming fundraiser that will help. One public speaker said that the Downtown is stronger now than in the last 25 years. Another speaker noted that the younger generation is drawn to the Downtown and that should be capitalized upon. Committee Chair Smith thanked Mr. Jackson for the presentation. COMMITTEE AND STAFF COMMENTS There were no Committee or Staff comments. 5. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 12:54 p.m.