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Home My WebLink About03/21/2008. B A K E R S F I E L D Ciiy Nianager's Office Mernoranduxn Mar TO: Honorable Mayor and City Cou il FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager SUBJECT: Generallnformation 1. The Finance Director has provided a sales tax update in the enclosed memo. are down 3% comparing the most recent quarter with the same quarter last ye< 5% comparing the most recent four quarters with the prior four quarters. Thi: provides us with a much clearer picture of year end revenues for sales tax currently estimating a sales tax shortfall of about $4.5 million for the curren Given the continued negative trend, we may use a more conservative sales tax FY 2008-09. 2. If you have not had occasion to drive by the new entry monument sign go Highway 99, attached is a preview photo. The river rock still needs to be p columns and there is some finish paint work to be done, but it already loo Structurecast has advised us that the north entry sign should be put into plac We again thank Brent Dezember for his generosity in making the new sic Recreation and Parks will also be making plans for the addition of enhanced la the south location, as the Council has directed. We will let you know when we for the ribbon cutting ceremony, which will take place at the south entry sign loca 3. Dianne Hoover and the youth garden project at Dr. Martin Luther King Communi featured in this month's issue of the National Recreation and Park Associatior The article is about the vision to create the garden project for the children to brir from water, soil and seeds to harvest, to the kitchen, and to the table. A copy is 4. You are invited to join us for the grand opening of Tradewinds Park, located a1 Rose Drive, on Wednesday, March 26th at 3:00 p.m. 5. The Recreation & Parks Department will be holding a public meeting to seek design of Greystone Park and provide an update on the construction of Fire Si The meeting will be held at the BPD Westside Substation located at 1301 Buer on Thursday, March 27th at 6:00 p.m. . Honorable Mayor and City Council ` March 21, 2008 Page 2 h � L 9. Responses to Council requests are enclosed, as follows: Councilmember Carson • Regulations related to housing of sex offenders; Councilmember Couch • 4-way stop or signal study at Olive and Alderbrook; and, • Direct payment of health premiums from deferred compensation account. AT:rs:rk cc: Department Heads Pamela McCarthy, City Clerk Roberta Gafford, Assistant City Clerk m �. - a��)111��f��%, � TO: FROM: DATE: SUBJECT: MEMOR.ANDUM Alan Tandy, City Manager Nelson K. Smith, Finance Director �l�j March 19, 2008 Sales Tax Update I received the most recent quarterly sales tax data this morning. This quarter reflects and sales during the most recent Christmas season ( Oct/Nov/Dec. 2007 ). The trend is as follows: Comparing the most recent quarter with the same quarter last year — down 3`. Comparing the most recent four quarters w-ith the prior �our quarters — down : As you may recall, the previous quarter results showed a quarterly 13% decline whet the same quarter of the prior year. So even though the revenue trend is still additional quarter of information gives us a much better picture of yeax end revenue sales taxes. It is now clear that we will not meet original budgeted projections for this revenue currently estimating a sales tax shortfall of about $4.5 million for FY 2007-08. We h been using a 1% growth rate for sales tax projections into FY 2008-09. Given � negative trend in sales tax and the general perception of a weakening economy we make some adjustments and take a more conservative budgetary position on this issu� Attachments cc: John W. 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I � � �� .. - � � ,� I :y:� '� � - ` - � � � __" �' }� ' • ��'� � � � ''`' _ . � I � ti � �I � , �I �� ._ � '� I ,, �.-. il '� � 1 � � 1 � . --�1�_�w.. --'s� I �#N _ . , � i �i��.�'�- � _�� .� � ?� �;� '�� , �� .� ,. � ,° .; ��:� � _�': ,-i� _�'...� .�"��. . ;.; R '�� , �'s!t ��ii.sQ� -«i».«-----'— •:�- ; ;�;� ,��,u > ��.4tJ� . `�� i. � +. .•'�4 � :, ' \--�� r' M,�rL r - t �t.•7 «�� ,; .� f �I• . ,,�� . . �: .�� 1 '�d �'. _ _ r :'� .� • • . "'."� ��_ ,i��, , , ,�, � , t '"r ..F'.. �'�� ''�i F � �^�1 ��l�� •'!S� �� '� ��lr� �• .`!,: Y .' `':� r l.�i,, ,. ' � ��.��:� �� ' 'i. � =�� .. t � . ,?'- � �r�� ?`l� 1�� • � `��'� i �' � , .� . � '''� .. . , .�i + :�' �r,` � ,�� . `.�� .�r � ' �� ,. � . . ..- . r r� ,:� � . �. ` �► `\ `, `, � • � • � - �, .- . � �' _ �,' , i� ,t I� �! �; � i � � , ; ,; '� �' � � �i I �i l i � 3 i i � ,'�. +f. �� '�" ! � �.i I I . �. , j, ; � i, ; i'i f'��. � 1 { + � 1 ', t. � 3 � �� ' ;� .�:�.�. , � � . .� _ . _ . . .,_ :: � �; � . � Dianne Hoover, C'PRP Director, City of Bakersfielcd {Ca�if.) Recreation and Parks Department _ .r., ., � E` `Y � � T f � - }�,-�� a ,� �� :=�. �� T�� RP,� ha zjcfi�it � c.hilcire play, as [rcnds ��c�`',1'�il]1I77CCti � �):'.1114�T i:l ti �� Ci 4V �?1�1V il�iiVltltl l xschard L��u ir� !Jte lti'voc��, c ers, ai�d ��ther 4vith c:hilclren ' gct c�ur yc�uth In C;aliti�rni Recrc.itian an I � � �: -= struggled with how to make the out- door experience memorable, meaning- fu], fun, and educational. The depart- ment had not budgeted for extravagan- cies such as weeklong trips to the wilderness. But once the word got out that we were open to new ideas, things started NRPA Partnership Programs: Bringing Kids Ctoser to Nature looking for creative programs to get kids back to nature? NRPA partners with national organizations to provide programs and initiatives focused on youth and the outdoors: :;y << h ►� ��:. �'al�.eme �s . a�: . ,"9 y,; ry �d. '�'` "' � Take Me Fishing, a program ftom the ��'� Recreational Boating & Fishing Foun- dation, offers education materials, �� marketing tools, and grant opportuni- �°;�' ties to promote an appreciation of fish- . � �._ ing as a lifetime activity. �sit www.nrpa.org/fishing for details. �1% � Sc��t�l_ ��E� • The Sajai Wise Kids Outdoors pro- gram is focused on exposing kids ages 6-11 to outdoor experiences and nature in fun, safe ways. For more information, visit www.nrpa.orql wisekids. � OUTDOOR INDUSTRY F O U N D A T I O N • Teens Outride, a new pilot program with the Outside Industry Foundation, falling into place. The publisher of our local newspa- per, ihe Bakersfield Californian, wanted to donate money to a community gar- den project. As staff inet with her, dis- cussions centered on the pros and cons of community garden projects, how people tend to lose interest if vandalism occurs and how the garden can become a neighborhood nuisance. She was not to be deterred from moving forward. What was needed, we realized, was a program with greater definition and a mission. On the heels of this conversation, a graduate student from a local college called with an idea to do her master's thesis on a children's garden project. Now we were on to something. The combined energy from staff, the student, and the donors made the proj- ect come together in an exciting way. The vision was to create a children's garden in an area of the city where chil- dren would either not be exposed to gardens or would be unlikely to have the space to create one. We also wanted a place where the children could take the garden full circle: from water, soil, and seeds to harvest, to the kitchen, and to the table. Along the way, we wanted them to learn about the nutrirional benefits of healthy foods. Once the mission was fully estab- lished, selecting a location was simple: �`� , the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commu- nity Center. The MLK center had the �`. outdoor space, kitchen facilities, and after-school pragram space to bring this project full circle. Center supervisor Linda McVicker worked with park staff to come up with a design for the garden: five planter boxes within a fenced area. The news- paper provided $10,000 toward the fencing, hoxes, soil, water hook-ups, tools, and mulch to get started. ml . rr . . �_ __' Ruby knew most o; signed up for the free commanded their attE immediately. It took � sider and stranger, a li the kids' trust and res� However, within a few was working side t�y si the children. A pre-test was cond garden knowledge, anc performed fairly well. : trouble discerning herl vegetables, were unfarr names of the garden to realize that things gro� could be used for arts a ects. Ruby's enthusiasm fc continues to be contagi personal experience an� the soil content, fertiliz� and seasonal plants is ir success of this project. � ingness to assist in the � vide her knowledge of p they thrive together is a� The students chose th project: Garden Masters munity members have g by donating seeds, glove, items. One parent create corner by building a bric helping the children plar bushes that attract butte� tians of carrots for the gi came from a 1ocaI growe� Farms. The Garden Masters' K been in place for a handfi but staff has already seen the children's appreciatio: outdoors, getting their ha learning more about the e what it has to offer. Beyor. they've learned the value � ity, teamwork, and produc � B A K E R S F I E L D DFI'AR"T'1II�,�T OF RECREATION & PARkS DIAI�'I��: HnOVI:R. DIRi:CTOR PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2008 CONTACT: Terry McCormic� (661) 326-3415 Ribbon Cutting - Tradewinds Park Please join us in opening the city's newest park. There will be a brief prese and ribbon cutting, followed by light refreshments and children's entertai Developed by Lennar Homes, Tradewinds Park is located on 8 acres on Beac Drive, north of Harris Road (west of Gosford). Some of the amenities neighborhood park include the following: Tot Lot for 2-5 year olds Play Area for 5-12 year olds Picnic Areas with Barbecues 2 Horseshoe Pits Backstop When: Sand Volleyball Court 2 Gazebos Basketball Court Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. Location: Tradewinds Park I 1 u B A K E I� S F I E L D DEPART'�iE\T OF RECKEATION & YARKS UTAN1�� HOO�'rR. DIRECTOR PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2008 CONTACT: Terry McCormick (661) 326-3415 Public Meeting - Greystone Park Please join us in planning the city's newest park. This public meeting will bE opportunity for input into the design of Greystone Park, currently an 8 acre s the southwest corner of Harris Road and Mountain Vista Drive. Also, there will update on the construction of Fire Station 14. Design consultants and city st� be on hand to answer any questions. When: Thursday, March 27, 2008 6:00 — 7:30 p.m. Location: BPD Westside Substation 1301 Buena Vista Rd. Paqe 1 of 2 STREETS DIVISION — WORK SCHEDULE WEEK OF MARCH 24 — MARCH 28, 2008 Resurfacinq/Reconstructinq streets in the followinq areas: Reconstructing streets (Annuai Contractor) in the area between No. Halfr Drive & Edgemont Drive, east of Ashe Road. Reconstructing streets (City crew) in the area between Olympia Drive & Way, west of Ashe Road. Preparing streets for reconstruction, by City crew, in the area between PI� Road & White Lane, east of Stine Road. Miscellaneous Streets Division prolects currently in progress: Aera Park Project. Fire Station #5 project. Calloway Median Island Project Paqe 2 of 2 STREET SWEEPING SCHEDULE Mondav, March 24, 2008 City streets in the area between Allen Road and Jasmine Parker Drive, Avenue north to the canal. City streets in the area between Alien Road and Rider Street, from John: north to the canal. Tuesday, March 25, 2008 City streets in the area befinreen Olive Drive and Meany Street, Coffee R Knudsen Drive Area between Columbus Street and 34th Street, Chester Avenue to San Wednesdav, March 26, 2008 City streets in the area between Snow Road and Hageman Road, Jenkir Jewetta Avenue. Between Niles Street and Jackson Street, Union Avenue to Beale Avenu Between Sumner Street and E. Truxtun Avenue. Beale Avenue to Browr Thursdav, March 27, 2008 Between Snow Road and Hageman Road, Jewetta Avenue to Calloway Between Berkshire Road and Astor Avenue, So. "H" Street to Union Ave Fridav, March 28, 2008 Between Coffee Road and Calloway Drive, Norris Road to Granite Falls. Between Hageman Road and Meacham Road, Old Farm Road to Callo�n Alfred Harrell Highway - 178 Highway to the N/W City Limit. Streets in the neighborhood north of 178 Highway, east of Valley Street. Mira Monte Drive - 178 Highway to the south end. � �� j, s.:._ •.. .e i TO: FROM: MEMORANDUM CITY ATTORNEY March 14, 2008 HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUN�IL VIRGINIA GENNARO, CITY ATTORNEY � � �- SUBJECT: REVIEW OF SEX OFFENDER REGULATIONS COUNCIL REFERRAL N�. 001896 ,J �� M,�� =�r Councilmember Carson referred to the Safe Neighborhoods and Community R Committee a review of regulations related to housing of sex offenders. The attached response was submitted to the Safe Neighborhoods and Relations Committee. TO: MEMORANDUM CITY ATTORNEY March 11, 2008 SAFE NEIGHBORHOODS AND COMMUNITY RELATIONS COMMI Irma Carson, Chair Zack Scrivner Jacquie Suilivan %� FROM: VIRGINIA GENNARO, CITY ATTORN MICHAEL RICHARDS, DEPUTY CITY SUBJECT: SEX OFFENDERS LODGED IN BAKERSFIELD MOTELS Recentiy, attention has been placed on the large number of sex offen concentrated in two local hotels. This memorandum addresses the sevE surrounding the placement of sex offenders upon their release from prison. Specifically, there are finro motels that recently have had large gro� offender parolees placed in them: the EI Don Motel at 800 S. Union Bakersfield Lodge at 1219 S. Union Ave. Both of these motels are in the cour Jessica's Law: Proposition 83, also know as Jessica's Law, was overwhelming pas; voters in 2006. Among other things, the law prohibits sex offenders living w feet of schools and parks (Penal Code Section 3003.5). Violation of this pro parole violation. However, the law does not specify that violations are a crimir can be prosecuted. Therefore, enforcement has been exclusively thoro� agents and probation officers. Jessica's Law also calls for the monitori offenders with GPS devices. A federal court ruled that this restriction cannot be "retroactive." The�� law does not apply to sex offenders who were registered before the law went (November 8, 2006). The law clearly applies to sex offenders who were con� November 8, 2006. However, it is an open question if the law applies to p� were convicted before November 8, 2006, but reqistered upon release after I Safe Neighborhoods & Community Relations Committee March 11, 2008 Page 2 However, adding additional restrictions raises constitutional and en issues. The law is unclear as to how restrictive a local jurisdiction may Equally unclear is the responsibility of enforcement. The Bakersfield Police D does routinely conduct compliance checks on sex offenders. However, regulation of the distance provisions in Jessica's law are accomplished by st agents. State Parole places parolees in areas deemed to be in compliance law. However, there are no guidelines that clarify who is responsible for e local jurisdiction's special restrictions or, where the funding to enforc� jurisdiction's additional restrictions originates. In addition, the report from the newly-formed Califomia Sex Management Board details several shortcomings in how the law is implementE First, sixteen months after the law passed, many offenders were rele� prison, yet they still do not have the required GPS devices. Many local ju have declined to implement this part of Jessica's law. This is presuma� funding, as Jessica's Law does not provide any money for any of its provisions Second, Jess+ca's Law also has resulted in more paroled sex offenders themselves as transient. In fact, the number of sex offenders registering a: has increased since Jessica's Law's enactment, which to some extent c offenders off the grid and makes them more difficult to track. Finally, tl producing concentrations of sex offenders because it is difficult to find loca would not be a violation of Jessica's Law. In conclusion, local jurisdictions can make restrictions more burden; presumably could monitor GPS devices. However, both approaches raise le� as well as practical issues concerning enforcement and funding. � B A K E R S F I E L D CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE MEMORANDUM Marc TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Rick Kirkwood, Management Assistant SUBJECT: 4-Way Stop at Olive and Alderbrook Council Referral No. 1870 Councilmember Couch requested staff look into the feasibility of a 4-wa signal at the corner of Olive and Alderbrook. Traffic Engineering completed an intersection study at this location. The stud that no State warrants were met for an all-way stop control or traffic signal s� change in traffic control is recommended at this point in time. MEMORANDUM TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Nelson K. Smith, Finance Director .��--� DATE: February 15, 2008 SUBJECT: Council Referral # 001882 Direct Payment of Health Premiums from Deferred Compensati� Councilmember Couch requested staff to look into the feasibiiity of retireE withdrawal from deferred comp for direct payment of health insurance premi� be subject to tax or penalties. If allowable, explore how this can be facilitated Response: There is a program available to public safety employees who under a service or disability retirement where they can pay up to $3,000 per their medical premiums via a direct deduction from their deferred compensatic The program structure requires the funds to be sent directly from tl compensation company to the insurance provider and credited to the individu policy of the retiree. This process would work very well for any retiree who h insurance policy outside the City's group plan. Unfortunately, the retiree medical benefits offered to retired employees is a g the name of the City of Bakersfield where the City pays the premiums to insurance carriers. Retirees who benefit from the City subsidy pay thE premium cost to the City, who in turn pays the entire premium due to th providers. The City could offer this program to those public safety employees who rei City that do not become participants in either COBRA or the City's retii program. The program simply does not function in a manner where retirees direct payments to the insurance provider when they belong to a group plai City is the policyholder.