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Home My WebLink About04/15/2011UFFICE C�F THF CITY NIANAGER TO: Honorable Mayor and City Coun � / FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager SUBJECT: Generallnformation f T. R.1. P hlews :- For the last two years we have been wor�:ing with Cal Trans and Highway Administration to remove any obstacles to using the c $130 million dedicated to beltway projects in the Thomas Roads the Centennial Corridor. Attached is a letter from FHWA which ii are on the right track and when the enviror�mental on the centenn done we should be able to use those fur�ds that way. It is not c clear as we would have liked but we arf� dealing with the con federal bureaucracy so that is to be expected. We interpret it as on a big issue! Y A progress update meeting for the propo:sed Centennic�l Corridoi take place on May 1 1 th in the Kern Cour�ty Administrative OfficE Rotunda from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. This meetir�g will provide updated on the status of the proposed Centennial C;orridor Project, includin refinements that have been made to thE: build alternatives. ThE have the opportunity to talk with project development team mE provide input on the project. This meeting v�ill be held in an open h and may be attended anytime between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. Ple� enclosed notice. y Unfortunately we must report with some IikE�lihood that Phase 4 of t Parkway may be delayed due to the atypic:ally high volume of wat the Kern River. Under normal river flow circumstances the contract� able to builcl temporary water diversions, which would allow for co� the bridge supports in the river bed. It looks like the water volume that until mid-July. Honorabl� Mayor and City Council General Information April 15, 201 1 Page 2 the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Truck�, will exit State Route 99 Avenue, then proceed north to Truxtun Av�enue to the constructic leaving the site will exit at Truxtun Avenue and continue west to C heading bGCk to the borrow site at Santa Fe Way and Hagemar earthwork operation is expected to continue for three weeks. Niqh Speed Rail N�ws �� As of Tuesday Federal officials removed all funding for the future o high speed rail project as part of their plan to reduce spending t $2.5 billion originally slated for high speed r��il projects was reducec during last week's, last minute budget negotiations to keep governmen� from shutting down. Nevertheless as of this week, the r billion was cut. See the enclosed articles from the San Jose Mercu the New York Times. This is not the money to build the segmeints previously announcE money that might have been used to conr�ect those segments to c According to the enclosed news release from Congressman Jeff C money from Florida cannot now be transfei�red to California. If thal would not appear that they can get the project to Bakersfield, but other confirmation of this from any other so��rce. 1Vliscellaneous Ne�rs • The City has for the most part received positive support from the pu regarding our efforts to get water in the Kern River year round. Now efforts are being recognized on a statewidE: level. Please see the ei opinion piece from the San Jose Mercury N�ews. • Two City projects were highlighted in the April 201 1 issue of the AmE Works Association Reporter Magazine. The articles, written by Ass Works Director Brad Underwood and Wasi�ewater Manager Louis remodeling projects the City's General S�°rvices Division recentl� and give an overview of the Wastewater Treatment Plant #; project, respectively. Please see the enclos�d articles. Honorable Mayor and City Council General Information April 15, 201 1 Page 3 Redevelopmen� News ♦ League of California Cities President and Nlodesto Mayor Jim Rider penned the enclosed article regarding rE�development in the Ic Western City Magazine. The article gives succinct and str� reasoning as to why redevelopment is irnportant to cities acro including Bakersfield. ♦ The redevelopment issue has entered a sil��nt period in the legisla unknown how long it will last. Recret�fiian and Pc�rks News O AI Stewart will be headlining the first concE�rt of the season at the Networks Amphitheater on Saturday, April 16th at 7:30 PNl. All ticke and everyone is welcome to bring their ov��n food and drinks. It is < venue - low cost and with quality entertainment. O Eggstravaganza at McMurtrey Aquatic cer�ter is Saturday, April 1 bt 10:00 AM. Children are $5.00 each, observers are free. O MLK egg hunt will be Saturday, April 23 a�f 10:00AM. Following th Stay Focuse�d Ministries is offering free foc>d and entertainment f from 1 1:00 to 3:00 PM. O The Movies in the Park series return this summer, due to the � Community Hospital sponsorship. One rnovie will be held in and four movies will be shown at the Bright House Networks Amphi� full summer movie schedule is attached. O The Downtown Business Association is spons:oring Third Thursdays at and Mill Creek beginning Thursday, April 21 st. Beginning at 5:30, � plenty of things to do for all ages. These re��lace the downtown str� will be every month from April through October, except Septembe Kern County Fair. . � ,�: . Honorable Mayor and City Council General Information April 15, 201 1 Page 4 four positions came from development services and the department. ❖ Oakland: Facing a structural budget deficit now estimated at $5� officials will have to cut 80 percent of its discretionary spending by the proposed cuts are slashing 22 full-time jobs in parking enforcen an unnamed library branch, eliminating ��treet-sweeping service. otherwise reducing costs for senior centE�rs and requiring furlou police officers. Pension Reform ✓ Newport Beach: A proposa) to reduce pension obligations by City � Dave Kiff includes layoffs for 25 workers andl the elimination of 30 vc positions, outsourcing parts of the city department that maintains st beaches and more. R�ports For your information, we enclose the following information: > The Streets Division work schedule for the wE�ek beginning April 18th > Updated events schedule for Rabobank: Arena, Theater and Center and Bright House Networks Amphitheater. > The Homeless Prevention & Rapid Rehousing Update > Recreation and Parks March 201 1 Monthly F:eport AT:rs:ch cc: Deparfment Heads Roberfa Gafford, City Clerk r` �-�.. ♦ . �• ..��•a s t :,�:.. �, , • .. :;. . � .. NIr. `I�heodc�re Vdright "I'RIP Program Manager City of Bakers�ield 900 Truxton A�-enue, Suite 200 �3akersf�eld. C'A C�33(�1 Dear Mr. Wri�ht: Federal Highway Administr�tian California Division April 6, ?O11 By Email SLiBJ�C�': �akersf�eld Earmark O�ligation Status 650 Capitol Mal(, Suit Sacramento CA (916) 4< (916) 498-F In Reply Rc f-�I I am writin� t� provide an update of� ot�r evaluation of y-our z-equest to use (unds earmarkec the �3akers�ield �eltwt�y (desi�nated in Section I 301 of� th� Safe, Accountable, Flexible, I:� Z'ransportaiion I;quily Act: A Legacy for Users-SAFE"I�L11.-L�.1) on the C'entennial Corridc project. "I'l�is status is bascd on infornlation received from �}:��. city in October 2010 and C� in .F`ebruary ?Ol 1. �s notec� in prcvious correspondences ii-oin this otfice, it m�y be possible to use funds desz�nated for tl��: Fiakersfield Beltway on ihe Gentennial C��•idor project if the �:'entenni� C'UI'1'1C�02' 1S an element c�l� the �akersfieIc� Beltway. Also as pr�vic�usly documented, there ilumber of� requirements related tc� defining the Centennial C.'c>i-ridor a5 �u1 e(ement c�l� the 13akers�icld Bcltway ai��i obligating federal funds. B�low i.a � surnmary af these requiremf {�vhich may riat be aIl-inclusive), alona with brief statu5 of aur review of� �ach. Kevise the city's tran�portation planning documents 'I�he City has provided a cop�� of City Council Resolution I%2-10, which amends the "I1rce section of the �3akersfield General Plan. �I'he Ueneral .Plan amendment, apprc�ved at a�ubl hearing on Uctober 1�, 20 � 1, indicates the Centennial Carrid�r is now an ele;ment of� the Bakerstield Beltu��ay system. "T�he r�soltition furth�;r indreates ihe gener��l plan amendment su�ject to environmental review and otller requiretnents of state law. i2evise the appropriate ��-ogramming �ocuments "I�l�e city has �a�-cn�ided ai� excerpt frozn the K�rn Council of� C�overnments 241 1�� ederal "I'i-ansportati�n Im�rovement Probram (F`I�IP). That excerpt ?ncludes a total of $3�3, 0�4,� tecicral firndin� from SA��E1�EA-I:U Scctions 13U1 and I30?. �I�he projcct description for i .r-�m��v� • Y • , , 1 l"1 .. _ _ _ � _ 1 i, � � •� )'� i'� _ . . .._ . . . . - ---- a _ _ _ ,. .. � ., t ,...�. ,�... � �5�� I3akersfield 13cl�vs�y IeTEI'A I}ocumentation FI-iW� staff inet with Caltrans I�istrict 6 environmental revtew staff on I�ebruary 1, 2U1 l. purpose of that meetin4� was for Galtrans to clescribe its stra.te�y for completin� N� PA documentation for the �3akersfield Beltway prc�ject, as moditied to incluc�e the C'entenni�l C'orridor. C'aitrans i�idicated the NEPa analysis will address several critical questions rai5 FHW�. At that meet�nb, FF-iWA accepted the information pa-esented by C:altrans and note ap�roach appears to be appropriate. It should be noted that ef%rts by the city appear to document that the Centennial Cvrridor been incorporated as an elem�nt of the Bakersfield B�ltway and appropriate environmenta analysis for the Bakersfield Fieltway is underway. We woLild lilce to reiterate that the earn� fiulds in question may no longer be available when the NI;I'A analysis for the Bakersticld Beltway is completed. Finallv, FI-�Wf1 will make a f nal detcrniination regai-ding thc use c federal funds on the Centennial Corridor upon completion of� a?I siatutory requirements for obliaating those funds and after the request for obligatin� the funds is reccived. We look iorward tt� continue ��orkin� with you to resolve issues related ta funding of thes projects. Please feei fre� to call Steve Pyburn at (916) 49$-��7 should you have any que Sincerely, � � ( ----,. 1�or � Kvbert F'. Tall}�, Jr. Acting Division Administrator C: f3r�tt C.'�ainer Su� Kiser Karen �ic�bo Gary Sweeten Joe Vaughn Aaron Ilakinli, Caltrans District 6 Christine CAox-Kovacevich, Caltrans District 6 f.: �� ° • i RANERSfIELO You Are Invited to a Progress Update Meeting for the proposed Centennial Corridor Project May 11, 2011 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Kern County Administrative Offices - Building Rotunda 111 S Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 This meeting will provide updated information on the status ofthe proposed Centennial Corridor Project, including alignment refinements that have been made to the build alternatives. You will have the opportunity to talk with project development team members and provide your input on the project. This meeting will be held in an open house format and you may attend anytime between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m. A Public Hearing will be held following the circulation of the Draft Environmental Document. Comments received on the. draft document will be addressed in the Final Environmental Document, scheduled for early 2013. If you cannot attend the meeting, information will be uploaded to Caltrans and TRIP websites (www.dot.ca.gov/dist6 or www.BakersfieldFreeways.us) on the following day. If you'd like to offer input, please submit your suggestions to your Citizen's Advisory Group representative (listed on website) or to Kirsten Helton, Environmental Manager, Caltrans, 2015 E. Shields Avenue, Suite 100, Fresno, CA 93726-5428 or by email at Kirsten_Helton@dot.ca.gov. Individuals who require special accommodations (e.g. American Sign Language interpreter, accessible seating, documen- tation in alternate formats, etc.) are required to contact Caltrans District 6 Public Affairs Office at 559-488-4067 at least 5 days prior to the meeting.Telecommunications Devices for the deaf (TDD) users may contact the California Relay Service TDD at 800-735-2929 or Voice line at 800-735-2922. IFYOUR PROPERTY IS RENTED OR LEASED, WE REQUESTTHATYOU PROVIDEYOUR TENANT(5) NOTICE OF THIS PROGRESS UPDATE MEETING. �� T�i.�..�..�v�. � �r=�;� 1rR1� - � Caltrans Central Region Environmental I 2015 E. Shields Avenue, Suite 100 Fresno, Ca 93726-5428 The Proposed Project The California Department ofTransportation (Caltrans), in cooperation with the City of Bakersfield and County of Kern, proposes to establish an alignment for a transportation facility to provide increased connectivity for traffic traveling within Bakersfield, and to provide a continuous route along State Route 58 to Interstate 5. The project will promote economic growth, increase interregional and international trade, reduce regional and commercial commute time, improve local east-west circulation, and improve operations and safety. Updated Information A Preferred Alternative has not been selected. Environmental studies and reviews continue on the proposed build alternatives, Transit and Transporta- tion Systems Management (TSM) alternative, and the"No Build"alternative. The alternative alignments have been refined during the preliminary engineering process and sections of these alignments may be slightly different from previous meetings. The project development team also plans to drop the Alternative D alignment from further study for reasons that include prohibitive costs and potential California High Speed Rail conflicts. Visit: www.dot.ca.gov/dist6 or www.BakersfieldFreeways.us �nnection a � o` z �Future Connection v � L R m x �Centennial Corridor Segment 3 r..�..__ � r r-____a- EI Proyecto Propuesto Caltrans, en cooperacion con la Ciudad de Bakersfield y del Condado establecer una ruta de transporte para proveer una mejor conectivid� trafico local de la Ciudad de Bakersfield y proporcionar continuidad d 58 a la Autopista Interestatal 5. Este proyecto promovera el desarrollc aumentara el comercio interregional e internacional, y reducira el tier regional y comercial. Tambien mejorara la circulacion local del Este ai la seguridad, y la forma en que opera esta ruta actualmente. Actualizacion Ninguna alternativa ha sido seleccionada aun. Los estudios ambienta nes continuan en las cuatro alternativas de construccion, en la altern< publico "Transit yTransportation Systems Management"(TSM), y en I< construir" Las alternativas de construccion se han refinado durante e de ingenieria. Algunos segmentos de estas alternativas puden haber reuniones anteriores. EI equipo de desarrollo del proyecto esta consic eliminacion de la alternativa D por razones que incluyen costos muy � conflictos con el Tren de Alta Velocidad de California (High Speed Rail Visite: www.dot.ca.gov/dist6 o www.BakersfieldFreeways.us � � o d c a m � Westside Parkway under construction $ Rosedale Hwy �, (SR 58) � 3 � � 3 _° �' tll � `'� O �'Brimhall Rd � ,. y — 3 m L �� Truxtun Ave Stockdale Hwy � � �� M I ng Ave Centennial Corridor Segment 2 Westside Parkway Centennial Co Segment 1 rv n 7 � � � � C � Potential al underconsi � Cuts to U.S. High-Speed Rail Funds Endangers Calif.'s Project � Digital Wires from ENR.com _ _ _ `. subscribe coniact us advertise �� careers :{ events FAQ ENR $ubscribe.r Logm >-. . Subscnbe tc Eh . 582 a year {incl �,�..�,.,�..�. � Search our site: �r��i��ri�� —��c� i'�r^�d;S?'NC�;'i�V3:`e: :>1.UZ:a biZ�'�flf�Ei;? rCL.€r'Y �QtiiPPe;E':ti7 F`�+J3�'�.E i:;L'[.Tii•r�Ei3tA tS�IP'J€S.J:'v TE!:�'i'! �,DV�r�r�;3:'ti Er�L)EJCl�r7iC�u 70�'1.35'S RE:>=G digiiai wir� -;+:: . ..>..... ,�.:.. ...�..:, , 3.::. : <.u� � �,:::; ,.. ,. Cuts to U.S. High-Speed Rai! Funds Endangers Calif.'s Project O4�3 "s. �'� :1 ..,,. , c..., %;:i,. . ,.,., . :r Ia � By Mike Rosenberg, San Jose Mercury IJews, Calif. April 13--Ir� another swift biow to Ca►ifarnia's $43 billian high-speed rail plan, federai officials Tuesday stripped all proposed funds for the mega-project this year -- casting r�nore doubt on the builet train Mine's extension into the Bay Area anc3 Southern California. Officiais in Washington had said Monday that President Barack �barna and congressional leaders had cut this year's high-speed rail budget from $2.5 to $3 biilion during Friday's last-second deal to avert a government shutdown. But on Tuesday, officials elirninated the final $1 billion, essentiaily erasing ail subsidies for local high-speed rail prajects, inciuding California's 52fl-mife line from San Frar�cisco to Los Angeles. IYs stili unclear if the fundirig could be resfored in the future, although the odds are stacked against bullet train backers. Republican deficit hawks have targeted high-speed rail as an easy chaice ta cu1: spending since being swept inta aifice last November. And Obama, a huge bullet train baosfer, was set Wednesday to lay out long-term plans to slash the federal debt. California officials stiEl need at least $14 billion more from Uncie Sam, about half the funds required ta complete the project. Now the only federai fast-train funds availabfe are same S2 billion spurned by Florida's gavernor, who scrapped the Sunshine State's bullet train project. The key question now: How will the state find the money to extend the project into tfie Bay Area -- where the tracks wo�dd run aEong the Caltrain line befween San Francisco and San Jase -- arid Southern California? Without extra money, a S5 biiiion stretch of tracks will sit in the Central Valley, with no buliet irains or riders. Caiifornia High-Speed Raii Authority officials said Tuesday they expect fo get a che.mk af the Florida money fater this year to tide them over. Sut they wouldn't discuss a backup plan in case federal funding is not restored in the long term. A new project funding plan is due to the state Legislature this fall. "We'11 continue to need additional federal funding," rail auihority spokeswonian Rachel Wall said. Without federal aid, officials in Calitornia face few choices to find the remaining two-thirds of fGinding for the system: Look to the private sector; tap cash-strapped state and local governments or put the project on hold. � 81ogs: ENR Staff � Critical Path: ENR's editors anci biv� cool-beaded analysis and hot-heade� ___ _...__ __ '• Astoria Veker �" � Treatment Pa �:� � �. '� �, � . fdYC k.�di��or<_ �'i;�'� E � . .'��.. .... ,;��_... � .;'; ��?� �<` tSPDRiE: Mor � iram Budget I ` %�•� � �: �'.U(YI_ICf11110N � ,..�o _ . .�-: ;�...� ivew Details E at StaEe Scho ,: robert._c3r15 ,�:� .., Featured Video � '�� _ � �� } � a: �� : <: s�: �� ,��:� �, � „�, d �,` �.��'� � � . �. Cuts to U.S. High-Speed Rail Funds Endangers Calif.'s Project � Digital Wires from ENR.com "It's going ta cause the overali national system to be delayed, but I don't think it's a death kneli by any means." Contact Mike Rosenberg at 408-920-57Q5. To see more of the San Jose Mercury News, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.mercurynews.com. Copyright (c) 2011, San Jose Mercury News; Calif. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Informatian Services. For more information about the content services offered by McClatchy-Tribune informatian Services (MCT), �isit www.mctinfoservices.com. A service af YeilowBrix, Inc. By utilizing the conient on this paye, you agree to the leyai Yeems. �Y1 Source for Printed Hardhats - Set up FRGE Intlus[ry Leader for Prin[etl Hats MSA, All safe, Fibremetal ERB &)ackson. Set up & art work is FREE! Surety• lnsurance Manage your cons[ruttion risk under one, in[egrated insurance program. Cr.rtificafes in Project Management 100 % Online in 8 wks - PMBOK 4[h Edition Compliant. FREE PMP Exam Vrep! w�v a .irst�' ao�. , , �---------- �ref. �fiJh�te Pu�ers �"f�� iit��i��t i..t�u¢s C�fi_�g �vo ��r�l�i�: �l�;��ss; t€n�: i�sic;��-f��rf�r �C'�j��:£:�_ 1�41�5: �S�"�x;:'s�,Y%"i: __ __ _.._..__. "i`<s�� <:citr��s�� f �9€�€a �rn<3€� ,��c;hiarir��; _ . ... ... .. .. .. _ ... _.. .. ..._.._ . ... .. _ . .. .. ...... ... aF �, ., . � a.: . . ,. .. ri T�:.`� �V R Li £ `.,.F<,,.. � !.._�...% n..a� ..,.�M, � ,> F, s �,, s ./ ,. ^ ? . v ;esou;c^s � c�:toriai calerdar � contact us � eboui �is ; subrc:issions ; sitt� map ;�t�R s:it�sc.�iber login ��NR cortrnunity bac.k issi�r-;s � adve:i�se � terms o's;�s� ��nvacy noticG � C�) 2011 The McGraw-Hill Corr�panies; Inc All Rights Reserved Budget Deal Deeply Cuts High-Speed Rail Program - NYTimes.com '�:�� ''�11' ��'��'� �t�`�� Reprints �.ill:� :;:3J� i::i itfi' �1J;..<. �"E'.�'Si�P:ci �"iC�il:��:}ii':€�''s::t"�;.( i � <;- �/ . r ,) � rn F<� xY �}� � , G3t �:.i�; �i�i . 3 :):`' �c� � ��e�:r p..I�:. �i" ��±:.. !li"�'-i�..<a'C� C£1�'I�S �{�t L'�'..�`>�t"F�L<•i:`O: E iL': �r.�i.al' t;f:;f��r'��l>�;i: �:�i�;CZi:S ;7? �:'..iS°�3�€1C:i;i here Oi' i,i�t? 4�1`��. "�ii?:?i'ifli�" �£�G� ��t ��?;�e�:�� r�;,��i: =<3 �?r�y ��fi��;�. �t';�ii www.nytreprints.com `��s� <>«��i�� an� ��i�i��6 ;r��rni�t��. Order a reprint of this article now. Apnl 12, 2011 Budget Deal Deeply Cuts H igh-Speed R Program ��- MICHAEL COOPER President Obama's fledgling high-speed rail program was dealt a serious setback by the bu struck with Republicans last week: new details released Tuesday showed that the agreeme� eliminate financing for high-speed rail this year, but will also ta�ke back some of the money approved for it last year. The cut is a major blow to one of Mr. Obama's signature transportation goals, which he set in his State of the Union address when he called for giving 8o percent of Americans access within 25 years. And it casts serious doubt on his proposal for spending $53 billion on a hi program over the next six years. The cuts will not bring the rail program to a halt, as there is still unspent rail mc�ney that c� projects. But they leave the future of high-speed rail in the United States unclear, to say th� $lo billion has been approved for high-speed rail so far, but th�t money has been spread tc projects around the country. If Congress does not approve more money, it is possible that 1 all that spending will be better regular train service in many areas, and a small down paym train, in California. This year, newly elected Republican governors in Florida, Ohio and Wisconsin decided to r dollars in federal rail money that their predecessors had sought and won, arguing that the costly boondoggles. Florida spurned $2.4 billion that would have nearly paid for the natior speed train, connecting Tampa and Orlando. The depth of the cut in the budget deal came as something of a aurprise. As late as Monday administration official had said that there would still be $i billir�n available for high-speed Budget Deal Deeply Cuts High-Speed Rail Program - NY"I,imes.com cut from the $2.5 billion in last year's budget, and the $8 billion in rail money in the stimu the program started. But when the budget bill was released overnight, that money w�as gone: "Notwithstanding level for `Department of Transportation, Federal Railroad Administration, Capital Assistar Rail Corridors and Intercity Passenger Rail Service' shall be $o." Another section of the ne called for taking back $q.00 million of the $2.5 billion that was approved last year. The trims — coupled with cuts to transit spending — were deno�unced by transportation ad prices in many parts of the country topping $4 a gallon, now is not the time to choke off fu speed rail and transit, which saves oil and provides travelers with a more efficient and con� alternative to sitting in traffic on America's increasingly crowded roadways," said Dan Smi federal transportation issues for the U.S. Public Interest Resear•ch Group. But the cuts were cheered by many Republicans, who have questioned the program all aloi of Florida, a Republican with 'Tea Party support who canceled the Tampa-to-Orlando line, release on Monday celebrating premature reports that the high-speed rail program would � billion (it was ultimately cut by $2.9 billion). Under the headline "Governor Rick Scott Helps Avoid Government Shutdown and Save Fe $i.5 Billion," it began, "This weekend as Washington, D.C., insiders struggled to find billio government shutdown, they found $1.5 billion worth of taxpayer money exactly where Go� left it: in the boondoggle high-speed rail proposal." But if some states have rejected the money, others are still clam�oring for it: 24 states, the I Columbia and Amtrak have applied for the money that Florida �turned down. Denham Votes to Ft�nd Government for Remainder of Fiscal Year 2011... http://den�am.house.gov/press-release/denha Home » Media Center » Press Releases I�e��ham ��tes to �und :-- 5�� z . . �E ... �overnm e�t f�r R.e�na�r��er af �`�sc�� '��e�r 201.1 Apr 14, 201 1 Washington, D.C. — Representative Jeff Denham today voted on legislation that will fund the government for the rest of the fiscal year while making $38.5 billion in Washington spending cuts. The conversation in Washington has changed. The Administration has joined House Republicans in the effort to put an end to destructive Washington spending and get our country back on the right track. The legislation, backed by the President, eliminates all new funding in fiscal year 2011 for the high-speed and intercity passenger rail program. In the eye of a$14 trillion dollar debt, we must make fiscally responsible decisions. We cannot throw taxpayer money at ideas with no coherent strategy. "I have always said, without an honest, disciplined blueprint that demonstrates to people and investors how this system would be run and paid for, a high-speed project will not work in California. You cannot throw money at a multi-biilion dollar vision without responsible management to apply cost controls, maintain transparency and provide the oversight tax�ayers deserve," said Rep. Denham. California's high-speed rail plan was first introduced as $33 billion plan reaching all major population centers in California. Voters were told the plan would operate without a subsidy, follow existing transportation corridors and create thousands of jobs. Due to a complete lack of Congressional oversight and planning for the past few years, the "visionary" project has produced zero results - no rail, no jobs, no confidence from private investors and no train. Californians have only heard giorified ideas about a vision that in reality, is leading them head first into a financial train wreck. Finally the Administration -- following the lead of House Republicans -- has realized the severity of the $14 trillion deficit facing our country and they have agreed to a bill that eliminates new funding for High Speed Rail and rescinds $400 million in previous appropriated funds, for a total reduction of $2.9 billion from fiscal year 2010 levels. The agreement will also ensure that the money returned to the Department of Transportation from Florida wiil not be able to be passed out to other states. For.�- ,t Dynamics :: Dell Viewer ��e,��e�cu� �eu�� MercuryNews.cam � � i' ) ' i . ' ' f . : , . � . . 1 ` . . + . � . � . � . . �y ��ar��a ��f�€i�� sp�c€�l �o the �1i�r�a��y �� =>`?5:�..�A. �i�,tiJ`�1I�� , t.i...:i1t�'.€�� i �'(..I". I heart Bakersfield. There, I said it. And lately, I've been scanning headlines, hoping that the ninth- largest and most polluted city in California will point the rest of us in the right direction. Why? Bakersfield residents sent more than 4,000 emails and petitions to the State Regional Water Quality Control Board, and just recently crowded into a City Council meeting to ask that the Kern River be routed back through town -- for wildlife, for an economic boost, for scenic beauty and for quality of life. The river is drained by various agencies and water districts and often runs dry in summer -- like many waterways in our state. This community gathering happened in a conservative, rural city, not an urban liberal enclave like the Bay Area. And that's significant. California water battles are often cast in terms of opposition: Democrat versus Republican, environmentalist versus farmer, and city versus country, but those divisions don't apply here, and Bakersfield might actually accomplish something because of it. "This isn't a red or blue issue. People here care about agriculture," says Bakersfield Cal�fornian columnist Lois Henry. "But they want to see that water." But there is something amiss. Bakersfield's representative in Congress, Kevin McCarthy, the Republican majority whip, and three other Central Valley representatives are currently working to raise the McClatchy dam on the Merced River. The binartisan bill (HR 869), sponsored by Rep. Jeff Denham, R- Modesto, would flood a section of the river protected under the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act. The project would provide additional water storage, but only 70,000 acre-feet -- just enough to aid one-tenth of 1 percent of the population. It would roll back legislatioii that protects rivers in the process. Who wants to be surrounded by cement, strip malls, gas stations, fast-food joints, freeways and parking lots? Not many of us. Regardless of poli�tical affiliation, most of us want to live in a nice place. So we're tasked with restoring some of our state to its natural condition, which presents major challenges. California must balance out the urban, suburban and rural equation, for the health of its citizens and for the long-term health of all living things. We already know that cities impair our basic mental processes -- after a few minutes on a crowded street, we are less able to remember things, and we suffer from reduced self-control. But given a fleeting glimpse of nature, and our brain function rapidly improves. A simple walk in a park brings our senses back -- and not just any park, but a biodiverse region in particular, something natural and uncontrolled, like Format Dynamics :: Dell Viewer t � e �e�cu� �"eu�� h � MercuryNews,cam a river or a wilderness area. The California River Parkways Act of 2004 set aside $62 million for the acquisition, restoration, protection and development of river parkways for just this reason, and California has near.ly 30 organizations dedicated to river conservation. Still, the city of Bakersfield provides a glimmer of hope. Big problems are often solved by a collection of people working earnestly together, and Bakersfield has a history balancing human complexities and extremes. It's the largest oil- producing county in the U.S., and it's been a Tree City USA for 10 years. It's located near the largest interconnected wilderness area in the lower 48. Can its citizens find a way to provide farmers with necessary water, residents with a river, and other species with a chance to thrive? They've already bridged so many differences, they might just do it. Cooperation has long been an essential part of a successful civilization, just as a river is a center point for life. ,; � � ;�� . �� a, .r� jti .��'�� y �p � �4 � � �� "� ��`� � ! � � �' -�A�� _ �,_, � �� ,�"� �`� � :=��§,z .'di az� � i 4•:.3 �:✓. .,`d� . . - � � 2� 9 i t<i' r�� `�'� `'� � A_a l`�''s 1 � ka? .� - - - - No ordinary remodel Brad B. Underwood, L5, RCE Assistant Public Works Director City of Bakersfield, California Member, APWA Facilities and Grounds Committee n normal financial times, in-house remodeling consists of minor al- terations to existing office space. However, when budgets are shrink- ing and manpower is a threatened commodity, out-of-the-box thinking is imperative. That's what the City of Bakersfield did when an entire floor needed remodeling. The remodel was met with enthusiasm and fervor by the craft workers within the Plant Mainte- nance Section of the General Services Division. They are journey-level crafts- men who embrace these projects as they allow an opportunity to showcase their carpentry skills and creativity. The remodel would require major work by the City's electricians and HVAC technicians as well. In December 2006, the City purchased a five-story, 50,000-square-foot office building that was across the street from the existing 55-year-old City Hall. The plan was to expand across the street to alleviate desperately crowded condi- tions. However, the first floor of the new building had previously been an institution of higher learning, com- plete with large classrooms, accordion walls, professor offices, a lounge, and administrative space. Major alteration was needed as the existing configura- tion would not meet the City's needs. Normally on a project of this size, an architectural firm would be contracted _ ,:.; . � . ,; _ , v� �. - .�, �; - r ;�. r. - ��,�.aea� •aA , �� y ;�� , . � �, � _ � ". �..r,�. , , ..�:: �.��.¢ ; ,,+. ��' - �. I � a . � ' »�i , _, � �: I�.�� r_.. . ... -� .. _ �.;.> needed to assist in keeping the General Fund budget stable. That is where our Plant Maintenance staff of eight comes into play. With only a rough budget estimate provid- ed by the General Services Superin- tendent, a floor plan and a tight time frame, they were given an opportunity to renovate the entire first floor. The 10,000-square-foot space would be transformed into offices for the Human Resources Department; a secured office and counter space for the Treasury Di- vision; office and counter space for the (-'i+v (�larlr�c c+oFf• hrooL r�nm ��mr�lo+o more senior craft workers opportunity to direct the allowed him to order r. schedule the work of Cifi City HVAC technicians contractors, as he was cor. job site. Another benefit was that the Plant Maintf visor was then free to r work within the section. To begin, the entire first be gutted from floor to ce sulted in a few critical di: presented challenges to tl : - -�-.N.,�;, �� _ � � � , ::r� �,__s. ,. �-' � � ':�� _ , �.. �.. � _ �� `� � , . ,. � �_ ...;� --. :....-e- -�'�. to moisture. Due to the severity with a solution. Crews properly ing condition of the of the rusting, it seemed that this sealed the penetrations made in cluded oak paneling moisture problem had been going the fire walls and fire-coated the ceiling. This led to a on for several years. Staff contacted structural steel above the first floor. the grand entry sty] the City Building Department and conference rooms tr came up with a solution. Crews ' Direct access from the visitor park- coming space for th� replaced the metal studs that were ing lot into the large conference In addition, the ne deteriorating. The structural steel room where public meetings were lighting reduced the was treated with a rust inhibitor to be held was desired. The access ity use, plus the Cit� had to meet current ADA codes so and then sealed for waterproofing. from the electrical The grade outside the building a concrete ramp had to be poured duction in power lo; was altered to slope away from the and railing installed. thought went into tr building and the landscaping and Initially the City did receive some the types of material irrigation modified to reduce the negative press about spending money to be more durable -------� -�--�--��--� - ,�----� . ,,.� � fire sprinklers, fire alarms, floor cov- erings, service windows for counters, asbestos removal, access control and concrete coring. The City of Bakersfield has 35 build- ings that are maintained by eight staff members. These include high-profile and major facilities such as City Hall (three buildings), Police Department � � .,�. �� . � ;,� �;�:.� �� :� � � � � � � ; _ .. ,�,� .t '� � ''�..; a�' ��'' � , �`.' `�''"�!* � � i � � �.� � � ,,.�.' �w. � � ��ry �.�.+.r.�...,� Headquarters, Planning and Develop- ment, Convention Center, Rabobank Arena and the Ice Center. Historically, remodels within these and other City buildings have been done by the Gen- eral Services staff. The City has com- pleted these projects in-house because of the following benefits: • Labor Cost — These positions are - �a. ' .��'�"''� ... �o� et� ier�e �i � �v � �he ��a�� For the details, piease go to our website and click on the icon www.plasti�pipe.org funded through the � As a result, there is n to City departments ect because it is just time allocation. � Customer Service to provide outstand service to the City tr ployees of the City? derstands the custor needs and is always ten to their requests • Scheduling and �I Flexibility is the key accommodate any � to avoid office di; noise or odors) d business hours. This mornings and/or w Staff can be moved t� projects or provided maintenance assign is a need to vacate for any reason. � Design Change � tion — No additior delays for change c es can be made to any time during thE work. • No markup on m: Due to the success of North renovation projE large project was unde� General Services staff. T] the 10-year-old, 10,000-; Arena. The project was isting conference room sion and lounge area ar concession area into a s� within the Arena. It is bE successes and others tha continue to complete re� by in-house staff. Brad B. Underwood can (661) 326-3724 or bur fieldcity.us. Contributions Bakersfield Wastewater Plant 3: An as: the Bakersfield community Louis Sun, P.E., Wastewater Manager, Public Works Department, City of Bakersfield, California; Surendra Thakral, P.E., BCEE, Senior Vice President, Paul Skager, FE., BCEE, Project Manager, Madan Arora, Ph.D., FE., BCEE, Technical Director, and Louis Yu, P.E., Design Manager, Parsons Corporation, Pasadena, California akersfield's Wastewater Treat- ment Plant 3(Plant 3), 32 mgd after expansion, serves the City of Bakersfield west of California Highway 99. Before expansion, Plant 3 was a 16-mgd secondary treatment fa- cility treating high-strength wastewater flows above its rated capacity and was in violation of its effluent discharge requirements of 40 mg/L biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and 40 mg/L total suspended solids (TSS). In 2004, the City decided to upgrade and ex- pand Plant 3 to address its capacity, re- liability and operation needs—as well as new regulatory requirements, in- cluding nitrogen reduction to 10 mg/L as nitrogen. Parsons (Design Engineer) was retained in 2004 for the Plant 3 master plan (64 mgd), detailed design, permitting, and construction and startup support services. Kiewit Pacific Company (Con- tractor) was the general contractor on the project and Jacobs Engineering (Construction Manager) provided con- struction management services. The expansion project, the single largest Netting TrashTrap� America's leading net capture systems for Stormwater, CSO, and urban runoff of trash and floatables. ,w; _ �:.: K F . � � ;'�, . <; ; capital improvemer kersfield's history, h� tional since July 20 plant includes new 1 ment facilities, new ment facilities, LEEL groundwater rechar� recycled water, and eration via biomas� and solar photovolt� The entire 32-mgd f be treated to the cu� required for grour (including nutrient tection of the loca sources. Furthermoi cludes a tertiary trea produces recycled water, which reducf potable water. As a part of this prc older generation in (IC) engines were re er, lean-burn IC en exhaust emissions. control facilities we� fully capture and tre The use of energy-e and the generation gy onsite significant reliance on grid pov� _..a....,.� ��.,. �,..��,,. ... Sports Village—an ambitious develop- ment featuring baseball, football and soccer fields, plus commercial facili- ties. This development is possible due to the plant's extensive odor control, availability of recycled water, and aes- thetically pleasing and harmonizing landscaping. Regular communication among all project team members helped the team deliver the project without any claims or disputes. The project construction was completed on time, within bud- get, and with no recordable OSHA ac- cidents. A collaborative effort among all mem- bers of the project team in reviewing design changes and developing value engineering techniques kept the to- tal cost increase to the project (due to change orders) below 4% over the ini- tial bid amount—which was under the budgeted contingency of 5%. The project team's goal was to design and construct a sustainable wastewater treatment plant, considering the "tri- ple bottom line" of economic, environ- mental and social value. The Design Engineer's strategy to achieve this goal maximized the use of existing facilities and the application of innovative, re- liable and cost-effective technologies with an integrated renewable energy system to make Plant 3 both self-suf- ficient and capable of exporting power for other uses. Innovative applications for the triple bottom line include: Converting Decommissioned ., - � y - , ..:�;�� :�. . _ _��.� ��,��. f -,.s•� ; �, ai��.�.�t�41�r�.c�A�� .«,.�-. _.;� � � �.�...,_ ._ /, . odors, thus avoiding synthetic media Design Engineer's many and the associated disposal issues. design features reduced the Innovative and Cost-Effective De- odor control facilities. Flat sign of Odor Control System. The covers for odor-producin �� r.. � � �:: : SC�APE s W I "� SA�'��1� .. ..,r'��".. _. �'�' , ; � z � - titi.r . , , _ . �� , _.� �. . . , . _ , . . , : = ,� ,. -_, ,�;. .., . :._. _ . ^'�-+si`v�.u"fi"^'s.°,".'�y'^._..T^'.FR]T'°__�l.G�'�31^�7..`.Y`.>.'�"^:�'iC:["!e"FeT.:-�'�'nF�:7^.'�.1CD7'S^'AJ�2:�X'Y.�;v::?S^a;-ex.�ZT:S.T'.`� ..�tTCt_t=.�._ - . -- ....__-_ -_ _ ..-. _. _ . -_ . _- minimized the air space between the covers and the water surface. Centri- fuges were provided to dewater digest- ed sludge, and only foul air from the centrifuge casing was withdrawn for treatment. ,:.;,,,�� . . � '_ _ . �_ �.�._� _s..�,.. _L- .�r J ' I - � 1t y , . ; � �..a1 ��.. `� . .,� �;;^ ,�;; �� . � �� _ sisuctur�s weri n�ou�i«� iu naa5e coni Biomass and Solar Energy In- tegration. Plant 3 is one of the few wastewater treatment plants nation- wide that produces energy onsite with both a biomass energy recovery system and a PV solar system. These systems were integrated not only to cater to Plant 3 power needs but also to provide capabilities to export power. FOG Addition to Optimize Bio- mass Energy Recovery. To maxi- mize biomass energy recovery, exten- sive use of fat, oil and grease (FOG) was considered for anaerobic digestion with sewage sludge. Grease haulers from San Diego, Santa Barbara, Fresno, and oth- er cities bring grease to Bakersfield and pay the City an attractive tipping fee for handling their grease waste. Energy-Efficient Equipment and Facilities. The local utility (PG&E) es- timates that the energy-efficient equip- ment specified by the Design Engineer will reduce the demand for power by The project team encountered many challenges during the course of the project. These challenges included: Keeping Existing Plant Operating During Construction. Maintaining plant operations during construction required intricate coordination and se- quencing between the trickling filters shutdown and startup of the new acti- vated sludge system—as well as intense monitoring of plant hydraulics while the wastewater flow was transferred to new facilities. Challenges in Training Plant Staff for State-of-the-Art Process- es. Operating the new treatment pro- cesses requires a considerably higher skill level than the former trickling filter system. The Design Engineer provided intense onsite training and maintained continuous assistance to the plant staff for several months after new Plant 3 startup. ` .� ' - :�R.i�''�'�-'.k...,:._:- _ __, ,+.�,_ti-.�a::..�. ,: . ,-,� :.,: — � { -�-----` ��— ��.� � � _ , ,� �:� -��..�:-_ _ . . �� n�t Vr('�� 6Vit� The Design Engineer's d and collaboration with � the City's ambitious goa with many social and ec benefits: Accommodates the C The expansion of Plan capacity accommodatE and development of thf Accommodates the of a "Sports Village. a "zero-odor" plant, in ing, and new arterial r City to use the area dire the plant for a Sports V ing the value of the lar. Plant 3. A Boon to the Loc Plant 3 required more lion man-hours to de the project. The Contrs the use of the local � pliers and materials to economy. � An Economically E � ect. The Design Engir, �`�"° mental in securing fi more than $ 7 million tainable features of the 3, including $1 millior Generation Incentive sources of funding redL den of the City and its Complying with PGSZE Require- ments for Interconnecting Two Energy Generation Systems. The solar PV system is eligible for net me- tering bv PG&E: however. IC engines The project team ha� that—through collabo. ative solutions—a w� ment plant can simulta the concerns of multiF Western City � Killina Redevelopment: California's Bi�est Economi Send to printer Close window http://w`Nw.westerncity.com/core/pagetool: Killin Redevelo ment: California's g p Bi est Economic Mista.ke gg BY JIM RIDENOUR � �, �{; :, �. The battle over the governor's proposal to shut down local redevelopment agencies continues to � the state Capitol. It is unlikely to be resolved quickly. Eliminating redevelopment will bring little financial benefit to California. However, it will permanentl hundreds of thousands of jobs, wipe out billions of dollars in local economic activity and obliterate that local governments use to meet the state's infill land-use objec:tives. Assessing the Damage The state Department of Finance acknowledges that after FY 2011-12, �the state will realize zero savings down redevelopment. Redevelopment agencies have more than $87 bill�on in bond and other contractual legally must be repaid before revenues can be made available for any other purpose. In addition, killing redevelopment will cause serious and permanent economic damage at the local level. Re activities: Western City � Killing Redevelopment: California's Biggest Economi... http://www.westerncity.com/core/pagetool; Furthermore, redevelopment is the second largest funder of affordable h�ousing, after the federal governme Redevelopment agencies have helped build 98,000 units of affordable housing since 1993. Twenty percenl taxes generated from redevelopment activities must be spent on affordalble housing. Proposal Is Unconstitutional Shutting down redevelopment agencies violates multiple state Constitutional provisions, including Article X\ which requires tax increment to be paid to redevelopment agencies to rEpay the public cost of redevelopme and Article XIII, section 25.5, which explicitly prohibits the state from taking tax increment from redevelopme Abolishing redevelopment could violate the U.S. and California Constitutions, which prohibit impairment of c Redevelopment agencies have more than $87 billion in contractual oblig�ations and have entered into tens � of contracts with banks, developers and bond issuers. The Legislature cannot constitutionally abrogate tho or unilaterally substitute a new party to replace the redevelopment agency without the consent of the other contract. Long-Term Costs Jeopardizing these contractual obligations will shake investor confidence and the creditworthiness of the st increase state and local bonding and borrowing costs for years to come. In my city, Modesto, losing redevelopment funding would have devastating consequences for our communit redevelopment, the city's efforts to revitalize the downtown area and provide affordable housing would com� halt. The city has two major projects on the horizon that will not be possible without redevelopment. The threat of losing redevelopment as an economic development tool is exacerbated by the ongoing grim conditions. Unemployment in California is high, and jobs are few. If the state succeeds in killing redevelopment, five or six years from now it is likely to be regarded as one of mistakes California ever made in terms of economic development and growth. A broad coalition of mayors, council members, local governments, business and labor organizations, enviroi leaders and affordable housing advocates oppose the state's attempt to kill local redevelopment. If you hav� joined this effort, I urge you to do so now. �lsit www.ProtectOurLocalEconomy.com and www.MyVoteCount: learn more. The Modesto Bee � 64 layoffnotices sent in Merced Pi7nt'I'his t�rticli .......... .. ... ......................................... ...... ...... Posted on Thu, Apr. i4, 2oi1 64 layoff notices sent in Merced By Ameera Burt abutt(t7jnercedsun-s#ar, cam last updated: April 94, 2011 91:37:29 PM MERCEC3 -- ] http: //www.modbee.com/2011 /04/ 14/v-prir �� T'he city of Merced sent out 641ayoff notices to employees Thursday, with more than half in the Police T move to address a$5.5 million general fund deficit. The layoffs include 29 sworn police officers, five nonsworn officers an�3 i2 firefighters in the Merced Fir� The next hardest-hit department was public works, which lost i2 positions, said City Manager John Brar The remaining four positions came from development services and the city finance department, he adde of work for affected employees will be June 2�. Notices were also given to employees ranging from execi management to front-line staff, Bramble said. The layoffs still must be approved by the Merced City Council. The cuts were part of the i5 percent budget reduction ordered by Brarmble's office for all city departmen the city is proposing a total of 80 layoffs — 64 filled positions and i6 unfilled. The Police Department takes up the lion's share of the general fund, with more than $1�.i million budge fiscal year. The Fire Department receives $8.2 inillion from the general fund, the second-largest expend� The lay�ffs will reduce the number of sworn officers in the Police Department to 66 from 95• The Fire Department issued i2 actual layoff notices to firefighters, but the department is budgeted to los The division fire chief position, which the department froze, equates to two firefighter positions, explain� Mike McLaughlin. They've also had three retirements, a voluntary separation and the divnsion fire chief position. That redu department to 52 sworn officers from 69 sworn officers, he added. Twelve positions, primarily in the operations staff, will be cut from the public works department, accord Murdock, director of operations. This article is protected by copyright and should not be printed or distributed for anything exce�pt personal use. Copyright O 2011, The Modesto Bee, 1325 H St., Modesto, CA 95354 Phone: (209) 578-2000. Format Dynamics :: Dell Viewer . �: _ �, � & �k .��» � �� Oakland facing cuts to 80 percent of discretionary spending By Sean Maher Oakland Tribune Posted: 04/11/2011 07:47:53 PM PDT Updated: 04/11/2011 08:35:46 PM PDT OAKLAND -- The city will have to cut 80 percent of its discretionary spending by July, and with one exception — maybe two -- nothing is off the table, Mayor Jean Quan and her stafF said Monday. Quan, the City Council and the heads of most city departments met in a grueling daylong retreat at the Joaquin Miller Community Center to consider how to handle a structural budgetdeficit now estimated at $58 million, a figure that puts the city $12 million deeper in the hole than Quan's first reports. The meeting was designed in partto give Quan a sense a priorities from the council, which will have to vote on a final budget in time for the July 1 beginning of the next fiscal year. Department heads made the case for their staffs, offering arguments why they should be spared the deepest cuts and proposing ideas should those cuts be mandated. While council members e�ressed supportand sympathy for most departments' needs, nobody said "absolutely not" to any proposal. "I'm not laying off any cops," Quan said. "If anything, I'm going to bring on more." Also probably safe, she said, is the Oakland Film Office, which coordinates between the city and filmmakers who produce work in the city and which drew a handful of supporters to give public comment. But pretty much everything else could go on the chopping block as the city faces budget challenges that council President Larry Reid said are greater than any the current council members have ever faced. http://www.insidebayarea.com/fdc The cit�s total budget is just under $1 billion, less than half of that made up by the general where the deficit lies, largely as a result of plummeting property taxes. Of those funds, B Director �abrina Landreth said, only about $ i million is discretionaryat this point, leaving al no wiggle room to tackle the $58 million defici Among the proposed cuts are slashing 22 full jobs in parking enforcement, closing an unnai library branch, eliminating street-sweeping services, rlosing orotherwise reducingcosts senior centers and requiring furlough days foi police offirers. Many department heads argued that cuts to tl services wil result in costlier losses to the cit� parking enfor�ement, for example, would mea revenue from violations, while leaving the city already-crumbling roadways in disrepa� only necessitai:es an increasing number of ineffect patch jobs. Interim City Administrator Lamont Ewell said, ' reality is that everyone will be impacted by thi "If we're not careful," he added, "if we're usinc primarily one-time remedies, or gimmicks ... ci rating agencies will begin downgrading the cii rating and that will mean costing more long te with more e�ensive debt," Ewell said. Quan use�d the meeting to advocate for her proposed special election to ask voters for a f year $80 parcel tax, an effort opposed by at IE two of the council's eight members. �;� - �:_ ,� r. The requested page has been bl of the internet accepta Format Dynamics :: Dell Viewer bring in each year, Quan said tothe council, "you'll need to make all these cuts and a few miliion dollars more." The parcel tax issue is schedu�d to be voted on at the council meetings May 3 and May 17. One major issue that was barely discussed was how to handle PFRS, a police and fire pension system that's come due for a$45.6 million contribution from Oakland after a massive investrrent in bonds bought the city a 15-year payment holiday. Quan's proposed a new set of more short-term bonds along with a$5 million annual payment, which has been hotly opposed by City Attorney John Russo, but hasn't yet seen much loud oppos�ion from council members other than Ignac'so De La Fuente, who represents the Fruitvale district. Quan said she'll likely use that plan in the budget she submits to the council at the end of April. In the meantime, Quan is inviting public comments to be emailed to budgetsuggestions@aaklandnet. com. http://www. insidebayarea.com/fdc Newport Beach may lay off workers to reduce pension obligations - 1... http://wv��w.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-r latimes.com/news/local/la-me-newport-beach-pension-20110411,0,1748838.story latin� es. co m Newport Beach may lay off workers to reduce pension obligations The proposal by City Manager Dave Kiff includPS layoffs for 25 worker� elimination of 30 vacant positions, outsourcing parts of the city departm maintains streets, parks, beaches and more. By Mike Reicher, Los Angeles Times April 11, 2011 In a move to stave off rising pension costs and save advertisement money for capital improvement projects, Newport Beach officials may lay off 25 workers and eliminate 30 vacant positions. City Manager Dave Kiff proposed cuts Z'hursday that would reshape the Municipal Operations Department, which maintains streets, parks, beaches and other public areas. Some lifeguards could be demoted to part-time. "I'm trying to prepare the organization for the increase in [pension] costs and do it in a thoughtful way," he said. "This is the beginning of the discussion." Kiff will present his fisca12011-12 budget to the City Council in May and hopes to know precisely who will be laid off then. About 60 employees received letters Wednesday, saying someone in their position could 1 eliminated, but the actual layoffs will be based on seniority. The plan would outsource all park maintenance, restroom maintenance, street light maintf street sweeping, parking meters and beach trash collection. Some of those services have a approved by the council for partial or full outsourcing. Residential trash collection would Newport Beach may lay of�workers to reduce pension obli�ations - 1... http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-n Compared with this fiscal year, the elimination of positions v�ould reduce the city's workf 800 to 750. Some full-time employees have already been let go. In total, Kiff said, he hopes the plan will save the city $9.2 million annually in payroll and such as vehicles. But he said he does not know how much it will reduce the city's pension The city annually pays about $20 million to the California Public Employee Retirement S; Projections show that amount increasing by $8 million to $10 million in the next two year Public employee unions, which have increased their share of pension contributions in recf were caught off guard. "We expected it to be a lean year, and not filling positions, but to actually go to layoffs w eye-opener," said Brent Jacobsen, president of the Lifeguard. Management Assn. Four year-round lifeguards would be made seasonal guards, serving during the warm mon under this budget proposal. "It's a pretty dramatic cut in our staff," Jacobsen said. "It will have significant impacts on levels." Kiff said he hopes these cuts will also free up soine money for capital improvements, suc� streets, alleys and sidewalks; replacing street trees; and reno�vating medians. "We've been shorting [capital improvements] in a way I don't think is sustainable," he saic But some have criticized the city for building an expansive C'ivic Center, at a cost of morf million, during difficult fiscal times. "I regard that as indicative of short-term thinking," Henn said. "These are tremendous val additions to our community ... for many generations to come." nzike.i°eichey� c�lcr.tirnes.com Copyright �O- 201 l, I.,os �1i��el�s �I,imes Paqe 1 of 2 STREETS DIVISION — WOR�t: SCHEDULE Week of April 18, 2011 — April 22, 2011 Resurfacinq/Reconstructinq streets in the followinq are�as: (CDBG funded area) Resurfacing streets in the area north of Belle Terrace and west Sealing streets in the area between Gosford Road & Ashe Road from Ming Ave to Stc (weather permitting) Reconstructing Benton St. north of Planz Rd Preparing streets in the area east of Oswell St and north of Brundage Ln for resurfacii Miscellaneous Streets Division projects: Installing Handicapped ramps and repairing concrete in the Kern City area Preparing parking lot for paving at Mesa Marin Sports Complex (CDBG funded area) Installing & Repairing curb, gutter & sidewalks in the area eas north of Flower St (CDBG funded area) Installing & Repairing curb, gutter & siidewalks in the area west � of California Ave (CDBG funded area) Installing & Repairing curb, gutter & sidewalks in the area East c south of Freeway 58. (CDBG funded area) Installing & Repairing curb, gutter & aidewalks in the area east north of Niles St Repairing damaged sewer lines found during video inspecti�on Video inspection of City owned Sewer & Storm lines to evaluate condition of pipes Paqe2of2 STREETS SWEEPING SC:HEDULE Monday, April 18, 2011 City areas between 99 Hwy. & Stine Rd. — Panama Ln. & Taft Hwy. Tuesday, April 19, 2011 Between Panama Lane & Woodmere Dr. — Ashe Rd. & Stir�e Rd. Between District Blvd. & Panama Ln. -- Gosford Rd. & AshP Rd. Between Akers Rd. & Phyllis St. — Harris Rd. & Panama Ln. City areas between Akers Rd. & Stine Rd. — Harris Rd. & Panama Ln. Cul-De-Sacs on the north side of Angela Wy., between Manely Ct. & Cris Ct. Between Oswell Park Dr. & Brundage Ln. — Oswell St. & Leeta St. Wednesday, April 20, 2011 City areas between Workman St. & Sterling Rd. — 58 Hwy. � Baja Dr. Between Morning Dr. & Parl� Dr. — College Ave. & Willis Av�. Between Buena Vista Rd. & Old River Rd. — White Ln. & P�inama Ln. Between Old River Rd. & Gasford Rd. — White Ln. & Pacheco Rd. Thursday, April 21, 2011 City areas between Stockda�e Hwy. & Ming Ave. — Ashe Rd. & Gosford Rd. Between EI Portal/Laurelglen Blvd. & Ashe Rd. — Ming Ave. & So. Halfmoon/Olympia Between Ashe Rd. & Stine Rd. — Ming Ave. & So. Halfmoori/Edgemount Dr. Between Coffee Rd. & Wilson Rd. (ext.) — White Ln. & So. I-�alfmoon/Olympia Dr. Fridav, April 22, 2011 Between Etchart Rd. & Pavilion Dr. -- Calloway Dr., west to the canal boundary. Between Norris Rd. & Olive Dr. — Calloway Dr. & Coffee Rd. Between Olive Dr. & Noriega Rd. — Calloway Dr. & Verdugc� Ln. ■ ■ ■ an oa u�n ommun� os � a re� �� ,. Friday night movies in the park are back! This Bakersfield traditio provide a summer full of family entertainment. Watch your fa movies at various parks throughout the summer. Don't forget to your picnic gear, lawn chairs and blankets. There's no better place this summer than your neighborhood park! Movies are rated G or For more information, contact Recreation & Parks at 661-322-987� June 3 June 10 June 17 June 24 July 8 July 22 July 29 August 5 August 12 August 19 FREE ADMISSION Movies begin at Dusk Open Season 3 Yogi Bear Shrek Forever After Monsters vs. Aliens Despicable Me Megamind Planet 51 Gnomeo & Juliet Up The Longshots Pin Oak Park *TPRW *TPRW *TPRW *TPRW Siemon Park Jastro Park Wilson Park Silver Creek Park Dr. ML King, Jr Pai *TPRW: The Park at River Walk in the Rabobanlc A RENA WO/IONYOI EfllMIMTlIR On0 COl1Y!!1lMn 1TIlYf MlfilOr/n[�t( WW'W'.RA130BANK�RENA.CO'�1 BOX OFFICE HOL?RS Mon-Fri I 0 a.m.- 6 p.m. S211 � � B.III.- -� P.III. Sunday closed, unless there's an e�ent /l1/11-Condors Pla��off 26.$21.�17.g14_�11.� TICI�ETMASTF,R LOCATIONS Walmart- 260] Fashion Place 873-7]?0 Walmart- 6225 Colonv St. 398-7297 5/8/I 1-Vicente Fernandez "I'oll f'ree: 1-800-745-3000 � ] G9. $1 ?4. $89. $65, $4H GROUP SALES TICKET INFORAIATION Nick Wynne 661-85?-7309 Fax:S61-9904 FOR SEASON TICKET WFORNIATION Bakersfield Condors Profe�ssional Hockev 661-32�-PUCK(7825) ��v.condorsonli ne.com Bakersfield Svmnhonv 661-323-79�8 ��N�.bak�rsf i� I��m��h�,n��.��r�= 4/38/ll-Womens Business Conference For more info. please call CS-i-7Ci;;. �/16/l 1-2U11 Junior High Music Festi�al Event is ft�ee & open to the q�iblic. �/23/11- 2U11 Glementar� I�tusic Festi�al Event is f�ree & open to the qublic. Bakers�eld Conununitv Concert Associatiun 661-589-?-178 6/4/] l- CPR Saturdav 661-663-9006 Event is free and open to the public. �� a .hakertfiel�lr�:�.c,r,� Al Stweart April 16. ?Ol I On S;ilr '��,�� l;ats .�pril ?9. 201 1 On Sale No�� EVENTS �4/29/11-Cats 7:00 p.m. Adults- $54.00. $=31.50. $31.50, Children under 14- $49.00 5/5/11-Community Conert For more info. please call 53J-'=�78 or 663-9006. �� P•�� 5/14/11-Season Concert On Sale Now y;�g, ��;�. $;�0. $32-students & seniors are half price 6/7/11-Sesame Street Live "Elmo's Healthy Heroes" $54.50, $3�.50, $2d.50. $16.50, $1 1.50 6/8/11-Sesame Street Live "Elmo's Health� Heroes" 6:00 i�.n�. �54_50. �3.1_5�_ 9�?�1.50. 9;1 C�.50_ $ I I.50 7:30 p.m. 4/16/11-A1 Stewart $10. $30 for the BHNA 201 I Concert Series 6/l l/l l-Dan Hicks R The Hot Licks 7:30 p.m. �10. $�0 for the BHNA 20] 1 C:oncert Series 7:C)0 a.m. Vicente Fernandez ��tay 8. 201 1 On .ti.�lc No�n� �� 9/10/l 1-Karla Bonoff $10, $�U f�or the BHNA 201 1 Concert Series 10/1/11-Lisa Hale,y & 1'he Z,y�decats $] 0. $�0 for the f3HNA 201 1 Concert Series Sesame St. Live Elmo's Healthy House June 7-8. ?O1 1 On Sale April 15, 201 ] i B 1� � E I� S F I E L D Economic and Community Development Department April 13, 2011 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Donna L. Kunz, Economic Development Director SUBJECT: Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Update Attached is the HPRP Progress Report. Among the P�ighlights: •The City of Bakersfield is far ahead of the program s�pending requirements. As � end of March, 67.7% of program funds have been sp�ent. Program regulations rE that 60% of funds be spent by August 2011. •Homelessness f�revention services have assisted about 1,426 individuals in 501 households. •Rapid Rehousing services have assisted about 1,00�� individuals in 469 househc DL S:\HPRP\Reporting\Monthly Reports\Monthly Report Mar 2011.docx r � 0 N T M t :.i L � � � � N N � a a � 2 a� > � � � o � � � a� ._ U � � (6 � 7 � � C > tn O � a�+ C .� w � � � N � � � d � � +--� � � tn (0 � � -p O N � N N � N � , � 2 co t a� � � � � m O � N � 'a f�'C � � d a x w d � � � m � � � � � � � � Ef� � � lf') Ch � N � d' c� 0 O O N � ti T � � a� � .� � c� � > � (� � L � � � N ._ U � � (� � 7 � � �l > C � fn C � -- L O � N O � � � � � � � �- o � � � � rn �i � rn c� N N W d' �' � M � c� O 0 O N d� ti � rn ti � � � N d' N � O C7 � N � � : .� • � � o � o � ° � � o 0 O � � �Y' tt 6F} �{} � d- � � t1') c+� O 0 � � � � � Ef3 � � c � �. � � � co � � � � .., 0 3 � � •� U � � � � 'V � � O � Y +_' X O �+ �� vi �� V >, uj N N V `� U � � � � � � � � � � � � � � �� — � � � o � c�a Q� _ � c�v o� � � � � ° � � -� ac� � o a� a. _ c� cn -� a� � o�.� ca cn �" = 3 L C in U � in � Q Qi L � (� U � � (� Q Qi � � � 4- � � '� � Q � � � 'U � � '� � Q Q � � .0 � � � � c c � � � � c = � � � c� -o .� c%� > o � Q � � - ca � a� �° N o -- u�i � � � N � aoi o ° � � ,� c�n o c � �n � v� -o � i� a� ca �� n �� ca �° �� a� � c O � � L �� ; � cII � c� � a (� � � N � � � •Q �+ � L ,� � Q � � .Q � Q- O L c0 •— a � E � a�i � _ � �Y n' � � � � � � �Y �j � � � " � v� � N vi � 'v� o � � � >, � � •c�—n YO -° `' �� 'o � � � � v � a� � ° � � � � c�i � � � o � � o � �,° � �,� �� int �,� � �� c � � ' � ca = o � � '�n � �. � _ � E c Q °' � � ° c � � � � � '_ � ° v�i � � o ° � � � c`v u� � Q- •— � ' Q c6 ��n � � � cB � • � � � � a� ' V � (�6 .� � � � N � •U � (�6 .� � � U � � p � � � (n � � � \ U . V � � L � O tn \ CJ -p � � L U � � C O � � � Q � "� � � � 'Q � � � Q a� '� � � � 'Q c� � � � � i� >�-°�a � c°�n cn a�i �°� ii >��.° oi .� a�i �°� � u°� c�a Q n. � I I I I L �' O � O f� N N O I� N � � � 0 0 o O � � N N M O O N � r M � EA � C .� � a� U 0 Q L 0 � c� .r � O � c � c � a� .? N � O � u�i .r � � Q ,� � L VJ Q Q '� r N O M � N rn � O 0 � M N � M r � Date: To: From: Subject: ,� S 1� K E R S F I E L D Department of Recreation and Parks April 13, 2011 Alan Tandy, City Manager Dianne`�Hoover, Director of Recreation & P��rks March 2011 Monthly Report ADMINISTRATION: %- March Monthly Total Attendance: 36,360 (Includes all programs, reser� volunteers combined for the month.) • City in the Hills Park - Grading activities are approximately 90�0 Irrigation and electrical to be installed. . . . . Greystone Park: o Grading is complete o Sewer and storm drain are complete o Domestic water line is complete o Prefabricated Restroom building is complete o Irrigation system is complete o Basketball court slabs are poured. o Wet Playground is being installed. Shade Structures - The contract with Mr. IVleyer is complete an< underway for Lowell, MLK, Jefferson and Planz playground shade struc Special Events for the month of March included: o TPRW, Cystic Fibrosis Walk/250 Guests o Wayside Park, Club de Pervianos Soccer Tournament, 200 Gues Total Attendance: 6,330 - Reservations/Special Events AQUATICS: • Attendance at the McMurtrey Aquatic Center decreased by .-. ,. ,,.,.. .., .-., _ � ...i t _ i i- - - -- -- - - 1' - - - � _ � T � � � � . .. . . . DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS MARCH 2O11 MONTHLY REPORT PAGE TWO • Aqua Aerobics attendance increased by 124�o compared to same in the prior year. • The decline in monthly attendance is attribut��d to a 15.8�o decrease school swim team practice & high school swi��n meet attendance. Hi swim team practice and meet attendance for March was 3,874; last attendance totaled 4,603. • 100 Mile Club - The 100 mile lap swim club is currently made up of 28� members. The club has swum a combined total of 74,289 miles. One the club had swum a total of 58,016 miles! • Aquatic activities currently taking place at the McMurtrey Aqu� Include: o Lap Swimming 0 100 Mile Club o Water Walking o High School Swimming/Diving o Lifeguard Courses o Water Safety Instructor Courses o CPR/AED Recertification o Try Fly Fishing o Deep Water Aerobics o Kern River Divers o Kayaking o Stroke and Turn Clinics o Aqua Conditioning o SCUBA o Pool Care 101 • Total Attendance: 6,840 ATHLETICS: • Adult, Youth, Fitness and Adaptive Programs over-all attendance for of March was 15,706 a decrease from last year's attendance of 17,� due to a cap set on this year's Spring Adult Softball League of 120 other March classes and programs have increased their attendanc year's attendance. • League of Dreams - Adaptive T-Ball DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS MARCH 2O11 MONTHLY REPORT PAGE THREE o Each participant has an "Angel Volunt�er" to help them play. � majority of these volunteers came from the CSUB Athietics and Programs. • Other Sports Highlights: o Pee Wee Sports and Soccer Champs had classes at Silver Cree month. Pee Wee Sports had 15 participants which was the san year's and soccer had 9 participants compared to 7 last year. o Golfi lessons were also held this month with 5 participants. o Valerie Rodriguez was appointed to be the new CPRS District X Therapeutic Representative. • Below are some of the activities staff is currently working on: o Pee Wee Sports - Jastro Park o Adaptive Youth Tennis o Celebrate CSUB 5 K Fun Run/Walk o League of Dreams - Adaptive T-Ball o T-Ball League o Adaptive Coed Softball League o Little T-Ball Starts o Mesa Marin Sports Complex o Pee Wee T-Ball League • Total Attendance: 15,706 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. COMMUNITY CENTER: • Overall attendance for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center was 3,936 8% decrease from March 2010. Last year sp�ing break was in Marcr children attended Spring Camp and the Springtime Egg Hunt. • Children's Garden o The children have replanted the butterfly garden. o Participants harvested the Swiss char� and peas and used t healthy cooking class to build a salad. � The after-school children made bird feeders and placed th the garden. • Healthy Cooking Class o Several parents have stopped by the h�ealthy cooking class an are very pleased with what their children are learning in the cla � Th� inc+n i�+nr hr-rr�J +hA c+i ir�lAn+c r�ror�rro /"Y C/'`iI!'Y/"i Tho�� i icc DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS MARCH 2O11 MONTHLY REPORT PAGE FOUR SILVER CREEK COMMUNITY CENTER/SAUNDERS MULTI-USE FACILITY: • Silver Creek Community Center o There were two(2) rentals to report for the month of Mc attendance for Silver Creek Community Center was 1,048 whic classes and the After School Program. • Due to weather conditions, youth spent most of their time indoor craft projects and doing homework. • Saunders Recreational Facility o Total attendance for the Saunders Recreational Facility was 2� o The new season for Soccer began i�� March with a total c registered. o Hockey season ended in March. The summer league will begi • Total Attendance for Silver Creek & Saunders Recreational Facility : 3 PARKS: • During the high winds on March 20th, the electrical was disrup McMurtrey Aquatic Center causing the pumps and heaters to go off- power was restored, number two (2) heater reignited and over-heat the heating coils to sag and leak. This took the heater out of service. • Arbor Day was held on March 12th- It �Nas a joint project wit Foundation of Kern and the City of Bakersfield. This year's event v�, Hageman Road between Calloway and Je�wetta; trees were plani streetscapes along the North wall. There were a total of thir Votunteers and the City of Bakersfield Urban Forestry Department < Volunteers to insure proper planting of forty-tvvo (42) 15 gallon trees. • The annual tree contractor Stay Green is continuing to trim trees witr The locations are as follows: • McKee from Rock Hampton to Akers N/Wall 37 trees trimme removal. • Akers from canal to Panama E/Wall 33 �frees trimmed. • Scarlet Oak from Mt. Oak to Ming W/Wall 227 trees trimme� removal. • Beach softball lights were monitored the last two weeks of March a� t'l(�t C�C�P.fC'itlYl�'i ('7C Cl'{'1P('�II�P� �itv PIP�trir-�irync triPrl cr�vr�rnl rAr�r DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS MARCH 2O11 MONTHLY REPORT PAGE FIVE • Trees Trimmed: 87 Clearance: 161 Removals: 100 • Service Tickets received: 327 Completed: 301 • A total of $300 in vandalism occurred during the month. UPCOMING EVENTS: • Registration for Programs and Sports began on April 1 St. • Summer Adult Softball Registration Begins on Apr�l 1 gth • On-line Aquatic's Registration begins on April 25t". • City Lifeguard Course Academy - April 16-19 8ann-bpm • Spring Blast - April 18-22 & April 25th from 12:OOpm-5 pm/Free at MLK Cer • Springtime Egg Hunt - Saturday, April 23rd at l0am /Free at MLK Center years old. • Underwater EGGStravaganza, Saturday, April • Celebrate CSUB Alumni Family & Friends 5K CSUB. 16th at McMurtrey Aquatic =un Run/Walk, Saturday, � • Third Thursday's at Central Park sponsored by Downtown Business Assoc on April 21 St from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m.