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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/26/2008� B r1 K E R S F I E L D CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE MEMORANDUM Septer TO: Honorable M r nd City Council FROM: Alan Tandy, y anager SUBJECT: Generai lnformation 1. We are very pleased to inform you that the Bakersfield Police Departmeni the 2008 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in the Public Safety categoi Interrupted" program. The award was officially announced at the LeaguE Cities Annual Conference on Wednesday, September 24t". The progr showcased in the winning cities' exhibits at the conference. Congratulatl staff and citizens who have contributed their time and efforts to the out Interrupted" program! Congratulations also go to Recreation and Parks staff for receiving Honora the Community Services category for the Bright House Amphitheater projec 2. The most recent quarterly sales tax data is enclosed and reflects the acti during the months of April, May and June of 2008. The quarterly and information is as follows: • Comparing the most recent quarter with the same quarter last year — � • Comparing the most recent four quarters with the prior four quarters - This is the seventh quarter in a row where sales tax revenues have sho� trend compared to prior year figures. Sales tax revenue is the largest revei the General Fund, and this seventh consecutive quarter of negative trend is for concern and we will develop plans to deal with the situation! On a related note you will find enclosed an article from the September 2 UCLA economists are predicting a very bad California economy for the next 3. The TRIP Centennial Corridor Project Development Team will host a publ Thursday, October 2"d, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., in the Kern County Administ _ . . . . . . . . _ _ . . �. . .,, . „ . Honorable Mayor and City Council September 26, 2008 Page 2 5. A meeting for the Centennial Corridor Focus Group to discuss Alernative on October 1 St at 7:15 p.m. in the area of Sunset Avenue. 6. The Recreation & Parks Department's monthly report for August 2008 is enc 7. The Streets Division work schedule for the week of September 29t" is enclo: 8. Responses to Council requests are enclosed, as follows: Councilmember Benham • Condition of the alley in the 1600 block of Olive; • Embankment along the south side of Golden State between "F" St. and E Councilmember Carson • Drainage problem at 6th and "P" Streets. AT:rs:rk cc: Department Heads Pamela McCarthy, City Clerk Roberta Gafford, Assistant City Clerk .��--,!�) �IJKG. �✓il1LW _ .� . � � ' � ' • � �'�� c :�. i-� .� � � � � t��C� ���� ; r'OLl �;v��` �.;, Date: September 25, 2008 To: Alan Tandy, City Manager From: W. R. Rector, Chief of Police �/�- Subject: 2008 Helen Putnam Award The Bakersfield Police Department's "A Life Interrupted" program was selected t� receive the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence in the public safety category, by League of California Cities. The award winners were announced Wednesday, 9/24/08, during the League of California Cities Annual Conference in Long Beach, California. A local award ce will be scheduled in Bakersfield in the near future. "A Life Interrupted" is a powerful and interactive program presented by the Baker Police Department in partnership with families of victims who have died as the re an automobile crash involving alcohol, drugs or unsafe driving practices by youn� inexperienced drivers. MEMORANDUM TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Nelson K. Smith, Finance Director DATE: September 22, 2008 SUBJECT: Sales Tax Update I received the most recent quarterly sales tax data, which reflects the activity and sales � months of April, May and June of 2008. The quarterly and annual trend information is Comparing the most recent quarter with the same quarter last year — down 3.39 Comparing the most recent four quarters with the prior four quarters — down 5.� This is the seventh quarter in a row where sales tax revenues have shown a ne� compared to prior year figures. As you know, we estimated a 1% growth rate in sales tax as part of our budget plan f Each percentage point of variance equates to about $600,000; so, if the negative 3% � through the remainder of the fiscal year, that equates to a negative swing of 4% ( from and an estimated budget impact of approximately $2.4 million. If the negative tre follow the annual decline of 5% ; that would equate to a 6% negative impact, or $3.6 m While sales tax revenue is not the only revenue source for the General Fund, it is the la source, and this seventh consecutive quarter of negative trend is clearly cause for conce Attachment cc: John W. Stinson City of Bakersfield *** Sales Tax - Quarterly Reporting Comparison *** 2007-08 and 2008-09 Net Reported (Apr-Jun) Triple Flip Cumulative Net Reported (Jul-Sept} Triple Fiip Cumulative Net Reported (Oct-Dec) Triple Flip Cumulative Net Reported (Jan-Mar) Triple Flip Cumulative Sales Tax as Reported by State 2007-08 2008-09 Quarter 12,191,901 4,105, 868 16,297,769 11,005,282 3, 706, 922 31, 009, 973 11,810,454 3, 980,160 46, 800, 587 11, 774, 346 3, 970, 873 " 15,745,219 0 0 * 15,745,219 0 0 * 15,745,219 11,088,088 0 3,741,526 0 * fi1,630,201 15,745,219 -3.39% -100.00% -100.00% -100.00% :�. ' Los Angeles Times: UCLA economists issue gloomy California forecast 4�0� w�.�aFle� �,in�e� � �4r�op� a Pe� Today! Saturday, September 20�h, �1ANf �0 3PM - Roxbury Park, 8ever�y Niils http:/lwww.latimes comMewsllocai/la-fi-caleCOr.24-2008sep24,0.191956.story From the Lcs Angeles Times tJCLA economists issue gloomy Califarnia forecast 7ne state's housing sector will rebound next year, but its broader economy will struggle (or months after that, the UCLA Anderson Forecast says. By Marc Lifsher and Peter Y. Hong Los Angeles Times S'aff UVniers 1 G:39 F'M PDT, September 23, 2008 Housing prices will hit bottom some time next year, but the California economy will be in distress for months to come, according to a closely tollowed t scheduled to be released today. In a series of d�re predict�ons echoed by experts throughout the state. the UCIA Anderson Forecast says that unemployment will continue to increase deciine and tax revenues will plummet. "We can expect 'doidrums' to be the operative word describing the California economy over the next i 8 to 24 months," said Jerry Nickelsburg, an auth the national and state economies. Government layoffs and job losses in sectors such as retail, he said. will offset any benefit from the settling of reai estate prices. Economists and business owners said the UCIA ferecast — which predicted the current housing bubble -- matches their expectations and the experie. The proposed $700-billion federal bailout of the financial system will have little effect on these longer-term trends. several economists said. The mass�ve government relief plan, if implemented, wil! stop the downturn in housing, sa�d Stephen Levy, director and sernor econemist at the Cente the California Econamy m Palo Alto, "but is uNikely in the short term to r2verse the sharp falloff in wealth and the loss of jobs that's already occurred." ih2 problem is that the housing crash caused severe job losses in construction and finance, and pulled down propeRy values and consumer spendinc revenue sar the state. So even if housing !evels out, it will take months or years to repair the damage in other sectors. "By mid-2009 we don't see [constructionj being a drag on the California economy anymore." Nickelsburg said. "Other services and government will be State and Iocal govemments are now seeing property tax collections fall because of lower property values and foreclosures. Sales tax revenues are a irdividuals spend less. Government employment declined by 6,000 jobs from July to August, according to state figures. Retail jobs are also being cut in areas such as clothin and building and garden supplies. the UCIA report said. There couid be other Iooming dangers in the economy: said Sung Won Sohn, an economist with the Martin V. Smith School of Business and Economi Islands. Among ihem are commercial building, high-tech manufacturing, logistics and warehousing. Other ecanomists point to travel, tourtsm and entertainment, all areas in which people ha�e reduced spending following the housing crash. The forecasc also predicts that mcreased govemment intervention in the economy will spur inFtation and result in higher taxes -- no matter which candi Tne forecasters declined to use the term recesslon to describe the situation at either the state or the national level Edward Leamer, also an author of the �eport, said the housing turmoil did so much damage in large part because the economy is too dependent on cc "The low rates of mterest, the �nnovations in the financial markets and the tax cuts have tumed us into a consumption-{oving, debt-ridden, foreign-dep the forecast. As homeowners lost equiry in their homes -- or lost them altogether -- they were no tonger able to borrow against the properties to pay tor remodeling or other expenses. Massive detaults on I�ome rrtor�gages also caused banks to tighten lend+ng, not only to individuals but to businesses as well. Businesses unable to fin turn laid off workers and unemploymert in the state has climbed to 7.7%, with 240,000 jobs lost in the last year. M�chaei D. Pattinson, chief executive of Barratt American Homes, a Carlsbad builder, said he laid off 100 of the company's 130 employees this year. t homes a year durmg the height of the housmg boom, but has only 20 under construction now. Pattinson says that the credit crunch has kept him from additional houses for which he says there �s still demand, and that with financing he could have saved at least 20 of those jobs. Government jobs will drop further in 2009, as declining tax revenues and budget cuts cause more layoffs and open positions to be left unfilled, said Hc for Gav. Amold Sch�varzenegger. Other sectors that might have compensated for declines in government spending and consVuction also appear troubted, said economist Sohn. Touris. wiil probably be weakened as foreign consumers face their own economic challenges. Thomas Roads Improvement Program 900 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 200, Bakersfield, CA 93301 Telephone: (661) 326-3700 • Fax: (661) 852-2195 PRESS RELEASE September 25, 2008 Ttroaras R� oa�s tmp CoHBaka � FOR IMMEDIATE F Contact: Holly Vogel, Caltrans PIO, (6fi1) TRIP TO HOST CENTENNIAL CORRIDOR PROJECT PUBLIC MEETING TO PROVIDE ENVIRONMMENTAL PROCESS UPDATES AND NEXT STEP Bakersfield—The Thomas Roads Improvement Program (TRIP) Centennial Corrid� Development Team, will host a public meeting Thursday, October 2, 2008, from 4:; 7:30 p.m., in the Kern County Administrative Building rotunda located at 1115 Truxtui Bakersfield, California. The team will present all project alternatives reviewed c prelimina .ry screening process and details about the alternatives that were elimin; further study and those that are anticipated to be carried through the environmental prc During the open-house format meeting, attendees will have an opportunity refined alignment alternative maps; get information about the environmental process, of-Way process and project timeline; learn how to get involved in the public pa process; and have an opportunity to volunteer for the Citizen's Advisory Group curre formed to engage the public in the project development process. The alternatives that are anticipated to be carried into the environmental revie� include: Alternative A- West of State Route 99 connecting to Westside Parkway Mohawk Street and Coffee Road; Alternative B- West of SR-99 connecting to Parkway at Mohawk Street; Alternative C- Parallels SR-99; Alternative D- Unio� Alignment; Mass Transit alternative; and Transportation System Management (TSM) a as well as the No-Build alternative which will also be carried through the environment� phase. Earlier in the month, the team eliminated several alternatives from further stud� they did not meet the project's purpose and need requirements; could not be buil Caltrans safety and operational standards; or exceeded the cost threshold of $800 mill The proposed Centennial Corridor is one of a dozen transportation projecl forward under TRI P, which is a unique collaboration between Caltrans, the City of B� Kern County, and Kern Council of Governments. The organization was created to m< freeway-type projects designated for funding in the 2005 Safe, Accountable, Flexible Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). It is named in honor C�nnressman William M_ Th�mas_ wh� successfullv earmarked �630 million in federa � B A K E R S F I E L D Department of Recreation and Parks Date: September 17, 2008 To: Alan Tandy, City Manager � From: Diann er, Director of Recreation & Parks Subject: 2008 August Report ADMINISTRATION: • Aera Park - Irrigation contract to go out to bid in September. • Mesa Marin Park — Demolition of existing infrastructure near complet "90% Complete" plans reviewed by staff and returned with comment: MIG. • Planning process currently consists of 23 active projects, 6 new applications, and 26 projects on hold. • Inspection process accepted one tract into a 1 year maintenance per Three tracts have been accepted for City maintenance. • The Bakersfield Police Department hosted the annual "Night out on ( on August 5th, at The Park at River Walk. This event was attended b approximately 1,500 people. • There were 11 special events in city parks throughout the month, witl approximately 1,970 guests attending. • Park reservations totaled 150 with 9,811 estimated guests. AQUATICS: • Jastro Spray Park has become the most popular spray park. Staff h� received numerous positive comments from families enjoying the fac • Over 1,500 Discount Swim Passes were distributed this season to fa meeting the HUD income guidelines. This allows them to swim at a reduced fee at McMurtrey and Silver Creek pools, and at no charge � MLK, Planz, Jefferson and Siemon pools. • Attendance at Citv 000ls increased bv 15% this summer. with a total f 2008 September Report Recreation & Parks Page 2 ATHLETICS: • The 132 teams of the Summer Adult Softball League completed their season the last week of August. Twenty-two First place teams were awarded trophies and championship t-shirts. Second place teams received a trophy. • The Manager's meeting for Fall Adult Softball League was held Thursday, August 28, 2008. To date there are 42 Co-Ed and 72 Men's teams registered. • The League of Dreams adaptive Basketball program held two tryouts in August and will continue into September. The six-week league will begin October 12th. At the Silver Creek Community Center. • Twenty-four children attended the bowling camp conducted by AMF at Southwest Lanes. Parents were required to attend with their children and it was a fun family event. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. CENTER • Overall attendance for the month of August, 2008 was 2,913. • Planning has begun for a basketball league in coordination with Stop the Violence Group. The league is scheduled to begin October 11, 2008 and end November 22, 2008. SILVER CREEK COMMUNITY CENTER • The facility and park area was rented 14 times with approximately 980 guests. • After school program began the fall session on August 18, 2008. The program is expected to easily meet capacity of 50 children. "We create a quality community through people, parks and programs." 2008 September Report Recreation & Parks Page 3 PARKS DIVISION • Beach Park — Irrigation well construction is complete. • Stockdale/Jenkins — Landscape and Irrigation project is complete and the site is prepared for planting. • Beach Park soccer field opened August 29, 2008. • Kroll Park Dog Park — Sod was installed around new area in the park. Two new tables were placed in the dog park. • Began work on Beach Park irrigation well system. • Renovated the irrigation system at Gosford Rd./White Ln. and planted new shrubs and groundcover. . Enhanced landscaping at entrance to The Vineyards on Kroll Way. Plantings: . . 500 1 gallon Groundcover 0 5 gallon Shrubs 0 24" box Trees 0 10 15 gallon Trees • Trimmings: o Trimmed: o Clearance: o Removals: o Fallen Limbs o Stumps Ground: o Loads to Wood waste 30 394 37 7 0 79 • Estimated monthly vandalism costs: $1,850 • Total service requests received: 299 • Completed tickets by craft worker section: 286 "We create a quality community through people, parks and programs." Paqe 1 of 2 STREETS DIVISION — WORK SCHEDULE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 29 — OCTOBER 3, 2008 Resurfacinq/Reconstructinq streets in the followinq areas: Preparing streets to be reconstructed in the area between Fairfax Road Morning Drive, north of Panorama Drive. Resurfacing streets in the area befinreen Mountain Vista Drive and Buen Road, north of White Lane. Miscellaneous Streets Division projects: Working on the Mill Creek project. Working on the Aera Park project. Sealing streets in the area between Bernard Street & Truxtun Avenue, Avenue & Beale Avenue. Paqe 2 of 2 STFBEET SWEEPING SCHEDULE Monday, September 29, 2008 Sweeping routes that are not on a set sweeping schedule. Tuesdav, September 30, 2008 Sweeping routes that are not on a set sweeping schedule. Wednesday, October 1, 2008 City streets in the area between Panorama Drive and Columbus Street, F Boulevard to East Columbus Street. Befinreen West Columbus Street and Bernard Street, San Dimas Street Avenue. Between Stockdale Highway and Truxtun Avenue, Coffee Road and Hev� Thursdav, October 2, 2008 Between Truxtun Avenue and Brundage Lane, Union Avenue and Washi Between Bernard Street and Niles Street, Alta Vista Drive to Owens Stre City area befinreen 4wens 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 Fridav, October 3, 2008 Streets in the area between Columbus Street and Morning Drive, Paladir 178 Highway. City streets in the area between 178 Highway & Azalea Avenue, �swell ; Morning Drive. Area befinreen Ming Avenue and White Lane, So. Allen Road and Old Riv Area between Pensinger Road and Panama Lane, Buena Visa Road anc Wav. � B A K E R S F 1 E L D CITY OF BAKERSFIELD PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Raul Rojas, Public Works Director , `�-----� DATE: September 4, 2008 SUBJECT: ALLEY REPAIRS IN 1600 BLOCK OF OLIVE Referral No. 7 COUNCILMEMBER BENHAM REQUESTED THE STREET DEPARTMENT LO THE DETERIORATING CONDITION OF THE ALLEY IN THE 1600 BLOCK OF PHOTOS AND CORRESPONDENCE IS ATTACHED. An inspection of the alley was completed and the location has been added to 2C resurFacing list. The resurfacing will be done in November 2008. � B A K E R S F I E L D CITY OF BAKERSFIELD PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Raul Rojas, Public Works Director DATE: September 4, 2008 SUBJECT: EMBANKMENT AT GOLDEN STATE AND F STREET Referral No. 8 COUNCILMEMBER BENHAM REQUESTED STAFF TAKE A LOOK AT THE EMBANKMENT ALONG THE SOUTH SIDE OF GOLDEN STATE BETWEEN "I STREET AND ELM. THIS PROPERTY MAY BE UNDER CAL TRANS JURISD SO PLEASE CONTACT THEM. IF NOT, PLEASE ADDRESS THE CITIZENS CONCERNS. Street staff determined that this location is maintained by Cal-Trans. Cal-Trans been contacted and notified that the embankment needs to be cleaned. � B A I` E R S F 1 E L D CITY OF BAKERSFIELD PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Raul Rojas, Public Works Director l._—� DATE: September 4, 2008 SUBJECT: DRAINAGE ISSUE AT 6TH AND P Referral No. 9 COUNCILMEMBER CARSON REQUESTED STAFF LOOK INTO A DRAINAGE PROBLEM CAUSED BY AN UNCOMPLETED PROJECT AT 6TH & P STREET MAY BE IN THE AREA OF 5TH & P, SO CHECK BOTH INTERSECTIONS. Street crews repaired the broken part-circle culverts creating the drainage problE and P Street. Mr. Hines believes that more repairs are needed to completely el drainage problems at this location. A video inspection of the culvert will be performed by Street staff to make sure tt no other broken culverts. Mr. Hines will be notified when the video inspection is The small amount of water still standing at that location could be the result of de the gutter. (See Attached Photo).