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Home My WebLink About05/30/2008� B A K E R S F I E L D City Manager's Office Memorandum TO: Honorable Mayor and City Co,t�ncil FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager SUBJECT: Generallnformation r 'I �. 1. Great news from the CTC! The CTC Board approved the STIP, including � the Westside Parkway. All we are waiting for now is approval of the State k 2. On May 21St, staff participated in the League of California Cities Budget Ac one day program followed the release of the Governor's revised budget � presentation from Michael Genest, Director of the Department of Finan� meetings with legislative representatives. Enclosed is some material provided by the League regarding various issuE local government. Staff met with Assemblymembers Jean Fuller, Mike Villi Arambula, as well as Senator Dean Florez. All expressed that this will be < year in which difficult decisions will need to be made with regards to p. spending. Though support was expressed to protect local government rE added that all programs are on the table and are part of the budget discuss lt is safe to say that the Governor's revised budget, which includes the "sE the lottery and a potential short-term 1% state sales tax increase, has received throughout the Capitol. At this point there is no clear direction oi the Legislature will put together this year's budget and "borrowing" from loc in some form may still be an option. Staff will continue to monitor the o discussion as it intensifies. 3. California Water Service Co. will be initiating conservation or tiered rates residential customers beginning July 1, 2008. This action is only applica customers connected to the Cal Water system, not the City's Domestic The new rate structure is designed to be revenue neutral to Cal Water easier for customers to reduce water bills through conservation. � rnnfini iratinn rP�li i�P� thP mnnthlv �Prvice charae_ sliahtiv increases the c Honorable Mayor and City Council May 30, 2008 Page 2 4. We received word that our application for funding for the Mill Creek Infra was not approved by the Department of Housing and Community DevE were docked points for not having an approved regional blueprint plan � met the minimum density, we could not compete with the density that otl L.A. and San Diego) in our region are able to build. The blueprint � completed in July, and now that we have actual site plans for all of the pr� be able to increase the density. Another application will be submitted in this fall. 5. Motorists traveling eastbound on SR-178 through the Fairfax Road Inter� area will not have access to Fairfax Road from SR-178 for approximately c of Monday, June 2�d, eastbound traffic will be moved from the existing hic newly completed ramps. Westbound traffic will continue to use the existin� late June, at which time all traffic will be moved onto the ramps. At thi Road south of SR-178 will open to traffic, and access north of SR-17� approximately nine months. 6. The Streets Division work schedule for the week of June 2"d is enclosed. 7. Responses to Council requests are enclosed, as follows: ouncilmember Sullivan • Median island upgrade list. AT:rs:rk cc: Department Heads Pamela McCarthy, City Clerk Roberta Gafford: Assistant City Clerk 2008 Budget Aciion Day, May 21 Key Messages: r ; � L� �� : � y -- �F '� h�y' /� ■ � � v The Economic Downturn Hurts Both Local and State Budgets: The wides� economic downtum has had a devastating impact on cities' budgets. Recent rE decreases in local property tax, sales tax and fees charged for services has fo cities to cut critical programs and even lay off city employees. City o�cia/s r+ec� the same forces affecting their budgets have put the state in a similar budget c Support the Principle of Propositions 1A and 42: City officials greatly apprE Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's May budget revise does not propose to borrow share of property taxes through Prop. 1 A and continues to provide full Prop. 4: transportation funding. When Prop. 1 A was approved in 2004 with more than � of the vote, it was clear that voter-s agreed with the importance of retaining loc� police, fire, library, parks and other community services. Further, the Govemoi opposition to "bornowing" local funds also appears grounded in the practical re� any "borrowed" funds must be repaid wiih interest within three years and a bel state must address iis budget problems with state — not local --- r+esources. VI agree. Support Solutions that Restore Budgetary Stability: Cities support efforts t Legislature and the Administration to develop permanent solutions to the state deficit in both the short and long term. The "boom and bust� cycle in the state t creates an unstable environment where it is difficult for all involved to effectivel state provides too many vital services to not have a befter frscal game plan for Recognize the Importance of the Services Cities Provide Residents: With percent of Califomians living in cities, city services such as police, fire, libr�ary, � sewer, planning and recreation are critical components to Califomia's exceptio of life. Cities serve as the economic engine of Califomia, creating attractive ern for businesses to locate and thrive. The level of public services cities provide d impacts the state's ability to attract and retain jobs. Potential cuts to funding of services could limit the state's business climate. Recognize the Importance of COPS and Other Vital City Public Safety Fur Citizen Options for Public Safety (COPS) program provides essential support f frontline police services throughout our 478 cities. The Governo�'s "across-the- proposed 10 percent cut" treats these programs like other state priorities. With reduction cities will have to fighten their belts and wi11 work to keep Califomian: The "Safe Neighborhoods Act: Protecting Victims, Stop Gang, Drug and Street � widely expected to qualify for the November 2008 ballot. This measure enhance penalties for various gang and other crimes and protects state funding for COP� fees and other state-funded local public safety programs. It also proposes sever local public safety programs and requires legislative funding to support them. Le political positioning over this initiative has begun. The League has not taken a p this measure and is conducting a comprehensive ana/ysis. Several Recent LAO Public Safety and Redevelopment Proposals Are Unw Oppose Proposals #hat Take City Money to Fund State Program � Responsibilities: Cities recognize that exploring options to realign or reorg2 services is an appropriate poticy discussion given the current fiscal crisis. Ho when the siate realigns responsibility to another level of goverr�ment, it shoul shift the specific state revenues to fund the program. Legislators should rejec Legislative Analyst's recent proposal to shift state paro/e responsibi/ity to co�, pay for it by faking city Vehic/e License Fee (VLF) and Prop. 172 public safet and shifting special districf property tax funds. Proposals which pif cities, cou specia/ dis�ricts against each other for the state's gain should be rejected. Oppose LAO's Proposal to Shift $200 Million of Redevelopment Funds: one of several "additional savings proposals" the LAO proposed to shift on ai basis $200 million (5 percent of redevelopment revenues) to offset state schc expenditures. This proposal is reminiscent of prior state ERAF-type fund shifi legality of such a proposed shift is questionable, given the existence of redevelopment's existing Constitutional authority and the recent enactment o 1 A. Loca! o�cials should remind their legislaiors of the vital role redevelopmE in their communities and the importance it plays in advancing the state's infrll greenhouse gas reduction obje�ti�res. League Board Policy on the State Budget Crisis The League board recently adopted a five point policy statement on the budget c budget reform and economic recovery: • Achieve state budget efficiencies through restructuring state operations; • Under no circumstances should local revenues be used to rneet state fina obligations; • Enact budget reforms to increase siate general fund reserves; • Additional revenues should be restricied to lower the structural deficit, red Governor Keeps Props. 1A and 42 Commitment as Cities Struggle with Loca! Revenue Losses and Budget Cuts *Story ran in Prior'�fy Focus, May 16. On Wednesday, May 14, Gov. Amold Schwarzenegger released his May revision to the FY : 09 state budget. The Governor's revised budget proposes a number of creative solutions to < now-estimated $17.2 billion shortfall. One aspect of the Governor's proposal includes seekin� voter approval in November to "securitize" $15 billion based upon future state lottery revenue using $5.1 billion of that amount for the FY 2008-09 budget and placing the remainder in a reserve fund mechanism which would also need to be approved by voters. If voters reject thE lottery proposal, a 1 percent sales tax increase would be triggered for three years. Important to cities is the fact that the Governor's plan does not propose to borrow cities' shar� property taxes through Proposition 1A and continues to provide full Proposition 42 transporta funding. The Govemor's reluctance to borrow local funds to fill the deficit appears to be based upon h philosophy that the state rnust address its own budget problems. In his annual State of the S� address in January, the Govemor acknowledged that previously, in times of budget shortfalls Legislature took money from local govemments, transportation, bonds and pension funds. HE Califomians that those avenues are now limited due to several voter-approved initiatives. This theme was reiterated when the Governor discussed his May revise proposal on May 14. response to a reporter's question about proposed additional cuts to Health and Human Servic programs, he said, "Everyone has to tighten their belts. Local govemment has to tighten their belts, we have to tighten our belts." The Governor also mentioned his receni travels and town hall meetings held throughout California this spring. In those meetings, he said he repeatedly heard that the state must fix it budge# system and not spend beyond its own means. The Govemor said in his opening rem2 on May 14, "What they want us to do is to fix our dysfunctional budget system once and for al that we don't have to go through this pain every time the economy cools off." The Govemor's revised budget retains the proposed 10 percent across-the-board cuts to stat agencies, but increases funding for K-12 education to meet the minimum threshofd for Proposition 98, eliminates the prior proposal for the eariy release of 20,000 inmates, and pre� state park closures by increasing fees. Through executive order, the revised budget would also create a bipartisan tax commission c the Tax Modemization Commission. The created body would be comprised of legislative and gubernatorial appointees charged with budget reform that would improve the state's tax laws. Funding Areas of Specific Interest to Cities The Governor's revised budget includes funding allocations for these programs of importance Califomia cities. Public Safetv COPS/Juvenile Justice Grants. The Citizen Option for Public Safety (COPS)/Juvenile Justic Crime Prevention Act Program is subject to the Governor's across-the-board January propose 10 percent cuts to state agencies. The revised budget would continue to fund these programs a level of $214 miflion. for a cost savings of $173.6 million, approximately $75.7 million more than previously estimat for FY 2008-09. "Summary parole" is defined as the status of a person who is under the jurisdiction of the Califomia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) during their parole period bu not subject to regular and active supervision by the CDCR. The CDCR has the authority to continue to provide services, as deemed necessary, to any person on summary parole. Summary parole applies to all inmates serving a sentence in state prison at the expiration of 1 term except those who have been sentenced for, or committed in prison: A violent or serious felony, including murder, mayhem, rape, lewd or lascivious a� or a threat of great bodily harm, or serious felonies involving dangerous or deadl� weapons; or • An offense requiring registration as a sex offender. Additional conditions of summary parole include: • Summary parolees are subject to drug testing and search and seizure, with or wii a warrant, at the request of any peace officer in the performance of his or her duti • The parole authority may revoke an individual's summary parole status and order person retum to prison only upon conviction of a new offense, not related to the original cause for incarceration. • An individual will be released from summary parole if he or she has been continuously on summary parole for one year since the time of confinement in a� prison, unless the CDCR recommends to the Board of Parole Hearings to retain t person on parole. Law enforcement associations and agencies are continuing to review this proposal to estimat� the impact it will have on public safety in Iocal communities. Adult Secure Re-entry Facilities. The revised budget maintains funding to bring the Norther California Re-entry Facility online and operational in 2009. Emergency Response Initiative. The revised budget includes the creation of the Emergenc� Response Initiative (ERI) (formerly known as the Wildland Firefighting Initiative). Through this program, the emergency response capabilities of the Califomia Department of Forestry and Fi Protection (CAL FIRE), the Office of Emergency Services (OES) and the Military Department increased. � The new initiative proposes two levels for the surcharge assessed for those carrying insuranc� residential or commercial property. For those in "high-hazard zones" as determined by CAL F� and OES risk maps, there is a 1.4 percent surcharge. This is roughly equal to the average co: $12.60 per household annually. For those in the "low-hazard zones" the surcharge is 0.75 percent, roughly equal to $6.75 per household. Total revenues from the surcharge are estimai to reach $69.3 million for 2008-09. Collected monies will be deposited into the Emergency Response Account and will be used b� CAL FIRE and OES in FY 2008-09 to cover full staffing for CAL FIRE fire engines during peak and transition fire seasons, maintenance for existing OES emergency vehicle fleet, and Genei Fund backfill for program and administrative costs. Tranennrtatinn Proposition 42 Funds. While the Governor's revised budget estimates a decrease in total F 42 revenues from $1.49 billion to $1.43 billion, there are no changes to the payment schedul FY 2008-09. A city-by-city breakdown of allocations is posted online at www.californiacityfinance.com/Prop42afloc.pdf. Proposition 1 B Funds. As originally outiined in the Govemor's January budget, there is no additional allocation of Prop. 1 B Local Streets and Roads funds to cities for FY 2008-09. As � May 15, the Department of Finance reports that $339.5 million has been allocated to 323 of California's 478 cities (from the total FY 2001-08 allocation of $550 mi(lion). The May revise contains no major alterations to any of the additional proposed allocations of Prop. 1 B transportation funds that were listed in the Govemor's January budget. "Spillover" Funds from Gasoline Tax Revenues. Due to the increase in gas prices, the "spillover" monies collected from gasoline sales tax revenues are $286 million higher than estimated in the Governor's proposed January budget, for a total of $1.177 billion. The spillo� produced when the growth in revenue collected from sales taxes on gasoline sales taxes is higher than the growth in revenue derived from all other taxable sales. An explanation of the "spillover" is posted online at www.californiacitvfinance.com/SpilloverFAQ.pdf. The May revise allocates $30fi million to the Public Transportation Account (PTA) with remaii funds from the "spillover" revenues going to K-12 home-to-school transportation and debt ser on current and prior year transportation-related general obligation bonds. The Califomia Transit Association (CTA) provides an analysis of the PTA allocation for FY 2C 09, concluding that the allocation to transit should be greater ihan the amount stated in the M revise based on applicable statutory formulas and the historic intended use for these funds. The CTA analysis of the PTA FY 2008-09 alfocation is available at www.cacities.orct/resource files/26813.2008-09MavRevision.pdf. Housins� The May revise contains no major alterations to any of the additional proposed allocations of Prop. 1 C housing-infill funds that were listed in the Govemor's January budget. Resources and Environment The Govemor's revised budget proposes an additional $13.3 miflion in funding for the Departr of Parks and Recreation to provide funding for 48 state parks. The proposal provides $11.8 million from the General Fund plus $1.5 million generated by increasing state park fees ($1-$; per person at selected parks). The California Air Resources Board (ARB), under the revised budget, would transfer $48.7 ml from its Air Quafity Improvement Fund to finance loans and loan guarantees to assist truck retrofits proposed by ARB. This would be a one-time transfer. Local government fleets, to the extent that they qualify under the new regulations, may qualify the loans and loan guarantees offered by ARB. Propositions 84 and 1 E. The May revise makes several minor adjustments related to specifi projects funded by Props. 84 and 1 E. Details on Governor's Lottery and Budget Stabilization Proposals The Governor is proposing to securitize the Califomia State Lottery to finance the "rainy day" that would be created through his Budget Stabilization Act. Essentially, this process would bc money against future eamings from the lottery. The Govemor says that "modernizing" the loti would improve its performance and increase pay-out in prizes to spur an elevation of ticket purchases and thus revenue. Generated funds would be used to make the initial down-paym� to the Revenue Stabilization Fund. The Administration estimates that this would provide about $15 billion. For FY 2008-09, $5.1 billion would be used to help reduce the deficit and the other $10 billion would remain in the reserve account for future budget shortfalls. The Budget Stabilization Act and lottery proposal would go before the voters for approval in November. In presenting the revised budget, Gov. Schwarzenegger also put forth an insurance policy to protect the revenue streams that will help close the deficit for FY 2008-09 and into the future. says, however, that he is confident this mechanism won't need to be used. If revenues fall short, or if the lottery doesn't get approved, a temporary 1 percent sales tax increase would be triggered until the Revenue Stabilization Fund has a sufficient balance. Californians will receive a tax rebate equivalent to the revenues collected through the mechanism. This mechanism is similar to what Gov. George Duekmejian created in 1983. Next Step in the Budget Process The fiscal year o�cially ends June 30; however, since FY 1977-78, the Govemor has only sic the next year's budget by that deadline eight times. The LAO and the legislative budget subcommittees will review the May revise in-depth in the coming weeks. Given that some of the initial legislative reactions to the Govemor's lottery anc other proposals were both critical and skeptical, it is not clear how much traction this proposa have as part of the budget solution. The Govemor has proposed a budget that cuts some state subventions to cities (COPS, booM fees, etc. by 10 percent) but does not propose using local tax funds to shore up the staie bud If the Legislature doesn't support the Governor's direction, the result will be a fresh effort to identify other ways to close the budget. This could involve additional proposals for cuts to stai programs, raising tax revenues through various means, transferring or borrowing local government revenue, or other solutions. In short, expect the political climate to be volatile. Ci1 officials should remain on alert and ready to respond quickly to budget-related action alerts. The League's Budget Action Day is May 21. Please see "City Officials Are Urged to Attend Budget Action Day," on page 1. Budget Resources A copy of the Govemor's budget can be found online at www.ebudqet.ca.gov. The Governor's revised budget remarks can be found on his Web site at http://gov.ca.qov/ma revise/webcast. . L'�\i o f �,i ' CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE COMPANY y` ° 3725 SOUTH H STREET • BAKERSFIEID, CA 93304-6538 t� rt�"'L� �661 � 837-7200 • FAX (661 � 396•241 1 May 16, 2008 Mr. Alan Tandy City of Bakersfield 1501 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 Dear Mr. Tandy: E• ; � . � `,°<<Z S',,��(� r:. C.�i�'.� -t, � :, ;-. .. . . . ".. . BAKEI On July 1, Califomia Water Service Company will be implementing conservation rates, a tiered or increasing block rates. The new rate structure has been authorized by the Califo Utilities Commission (CPUC) because it provides an incentive for customers to conserve new rate structure will not change the overall amount collected by Cal Water. Because the price tiers are based upon the average residential customer's annual usage in e area, the typical residential customer will see little change as a result of the new rate struc summer bills may be slightly higher and winter bills slightly lower. Rates for commercial, multi-family residential customers will be structured differently. Their fixed, monthly me� decrease, while their quantiry rate for water use will increase. We have enhanced our conservation programs, including distribution of educational mate and low-water-using fixtures, to help customers reduce their water use. We also introduce friendly web site on May 10. We have used direct mail, bill inserts, and news releases to c about the implementation of conservation rates. As we prepare to implement the new conservation rate structure, we are also reminding ct unrelated, pending rate increases that may become effective at about the same time. We c the amount or timing of these increases, which require CPUC authorization, but we will r public when we receive information from the CPUC. Enclosed is information sent to our residential customers as well as information on the ne� for our commercial, industrial, and multi-family residential customers that is available on c Please call me if you have any questioris or concerns. Sincerely, �� Just a reminder, conservation rates will become effective for all Cal Water metered custoiners on July 1. Take the opportunity now to repair leaks, install low-flow showerheads, and eliminatc water waste outside by repairing misaligned sprinklers, watering bef�re 6 a.m. or after 6 p.m. to rcduce evaporation, and setting timers to water only as needed. (Flat-rate customers will be charged conservation rates when their meters are installed as required by State Assembly Bill 2572.) Note that the conservation rates will not change the overall amount collected by Cal Water each year. The Califomia Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is establishing conservation rates, also known as "tiered" and "increasing block" rates, to encoura.ge water conservation. Following is a look at how the typical residential customer's bill will be affected by conservation rates: • The average summer usage is 42 billing units, and at this usage level, bills will increase 8.23%, or $5.10, per month. • The average winter usage is 15 billing units, and at this usage level, bills will decrease 3.99%, or $1.18, per month. If you are a commercial, industrial, or multi-family residential customer, you will have a different rate structure; please log on to http://www.calwater.com/ conservation-rate/bk.php to see how the conservation rates will affect you. If you do not have access to the intemet, please call your local Customer Center and we will be happy to send you the information. The conservaxion rates will not change the oa�eraU amount collected by Cal Water in Q.uater rates; however, there are two rate increases pending for Bakersfield, and these will a�so become effective in July or shortly thereafter. The first is the escalation rate increase authorized by the CPUC each July following the General Rate Case. This increase—which was 2.90% last year—is based on inflation and new facilities added to the water system each year. In addition, Cal Water has pending its request to the CPUC, made last July, to update costs for its general services, including payroll and benefits cost increases for technical and Conservation Rate Information Bakersfield Commercial, Industrial, and Multi-Family Residential Rates Manthly Metered Service Charge Meter Size Old New 5/8 x 3/4-inch $11.36 $9.09 3/4-inch $17.04 $13 .63 1-inch $28.04 $22.43 11/2-inch $56.80 $45.44 2-inch $90.88 $72.70 3-inch $170.40 $136.32 4-inch $244.25 $195.40 6-inch $422.48 $337.98 8-inch $627.13 $501.70 10-inch $1,306.40 $1,045.12 12-inch $1,874.40 $1,499.52 14-inch $2,556.00 $2,044.80 Quantity Charge (Per Billing Unit*) 5/8 - 8 inches $1.2066 $1.2966 Greater than 8 inches $1.2066 $1.3058 *One billing unit is one hundred cubic feet (CCF) of water Under the new rates, increased quantity rates are partially offset by reduced meter service charges. This makes it easier to reduce your water bill through conservation. Examples: . A commercial customer with a 5/8-inch meter who uses 18 hundred cubic feet (CCF) of water a month would have a water bill of $33.08 ($11.36 + 18 x$1.2066) under the old rate structure. Under the new structure, the same customer would have a bill of $32.43 ($9.09 + 18 x$1.2966) -- a reduction of 2.0%. . A commercial customer with a 1-inch meter who uses 42 CCF of water a month would have a water bill of $78.72 ($28.04 + 42 x$1.2066) under the old rate structure. Under the new structure, the same customer would have a bill of $76.89 ($22.43 + 42 x$1.2966) -- a reduction of 2.3%. • A commercial customer with a 3-inch meter who uses 470 CCF of water a month would have a water bill of $737.50 ($170.40 + 470 x$1.2066) under the old rate structure. Under the new structure, the same customer would have a bill of $745.70 ($136.32 + 470 x$1.2966) -- an increase of 1.1 %. Page 1 of 2 STREETS DIVISION — WORK SCHEDULE WEEK OF JUNE 2— JUNE 6, 2008 Resurfacinc�/Reconstructinq streets in the followinq areas: Resurfacing streets in the area befinreen So. "H" Street and Hughes Lan of Pacheco Road. Preparing streets for reconstruction in the area between Parks Drive an� Drive, north of Niles Street. Miscellaneous Streets Division proiects, currently in proclress: The Mill Creek project. The Aera Park project. Calloway Median Island installation project. Jastro Park wet-play area project. Installing curb, gutters, curb-cuts and repairing sidewalks in the area be1 California Avenue and E. Truxtun Avenue, Baker Street and Williams St�� (CDBG FUNDED). Sealing (oiling with Topin "C") streets in the area between Columbus Street anc Panorama Drive, Mt. Vernon Avenue to Morning Drive. Paqe 2 of 2 STREET SWEEPING SCHEDULE Mondav, June 2, 2008 Between Oak Street and "F" Street, 16th Street and Golden State Fronta Between Bernard and Niles, Chester Avenue to Alta Vista Drive. Between Rosedale Highway and Palm Avenue, Jenkins Road and Allen Befinreen Brimhall Road & Rowland Avenue, Rugger Street & Jenkins Rc Between Allen Road & Jewetta Avenue from Stockdale Highway, north t Tuesday, June 3, 2008 Between California Avenue and Brundage Lane, Oak street to Union Av� Wednesdav, June 4, 2008 City streets in the area between Panorama Drive and Columbus Street, Boulevard to East Columbus Street. Between West Columbus Street and Bernard Street, San Dimas Street � Avenue. Between Stockdale Highway and Truxtun Avenue, Coffee Road and He� Thursdav, June 5, 2008 Between Truxtun Avenue and Brundage Lane, Union Avenue and Wash Between Bernard Street and Niles Street, Alta Vista Drive to Owens StrE City area between Owens Street and Williams Street, Flower to Kentuck Between Kroll Way and Camino Media, Gosford Road to Don Hart Drive Between Pacheco Road and Panama Lane, Old River Road to Progress Friday, June 6, 2008 City streets in the area between Columbus Street and Bernard, Paladinc Azalea Avenue. TO: FROM: DATE: � B A i` E R S F I E L D CITY OF BAKERSFIELD PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM Alan Tandy, City Manager ; �y-� , ,.. Raul Rojas, Public Works Director �� `' � May 28, 2008 SUBJECT: UPGRADING OLDER MEDIANS Referral No. 1918 � �_ COUNCILMEMBER SULLIVAN REQUESTED STAFF TO COMPILE A LIST IDENTIFYING OLDER STREET MEDIANS IN NEED OF UPGRADE AND TO I� TENTATIVE TIME FRAME AS TO WHEN THE UPGRADES CAN BE DONE O� PHASED BASIS, CONTINGENT ON AVAILABLE FUNDING, SUCH AS KERNC FUNDS THAT ARE DESIGNATED FOR THAT PURPOSE. In response to Councilmember Sullivan's report of weeds, Recreation and Pa has removed those weeds from the divider on the west side of New Stine Road Sundale and on the median in Ming Avenue west of SR 99. The existing surface material in the Ming Avenue median islands west of S asphalt concrete pavement, which was installed many years ago. Public Wo has, within the last five years, applied for a Transportation Enhancement gr< Kern Council of Governments for upgrading those median islands. Unfortuna City was not awarded that grant. Staff can submit this project application aga next available Transportation Enhancement grant cycle. Staff is working on a master plan for upgrading the existing median islands tr new surfacing and constructing median islands where there is currently no island. Staff is hopeful that the master plan will be completed by September 20C