The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About12/30/2011OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER December TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager ,��ch SUBJECT: Generallnformation As a reminder, City Hall will be closed Monday, January 2 in observanc New Year Holiday. Please note, to find the current and previous editions of General Inforrr the City's web site, go to www.BakersfieldCity.us, on the right side of th under "How Do I Find?" - scroll down and click "General Informati documents are sorted by year and include all backup materials. Redevelopment News • The State Supreme Court decision this week on redevelopment rE the worst possible outcome for our agency. The basic issue was the state legislature could charge us $5 billion in spite of propc being approved by voters in November 2010. Honorable Mayor and City Council General Information December 30, 201 1 Page 2 The Court's decision not only devastates us, it creates larger defic State going into next year's budget process. Where they make u additional shortfall, no one can say for sure. Redevelopment funds have been used to positively imp community through projects such as: Rabobank Arena, Chester Streetscapes, Amtrak Station, Mill Creek, McMurtrey Aquatic Bakersfield Ice Sports Center, Maya Cinemas and many affordc senior housing projects. As a result of the Court's decision, the s these funds no longer exists. The Court's decision totals 83 pages and is currently being ana EDCD and legal staff for clarification related to current and projects. Staff will be providing more information to you once wE clarification on multiple items. Additionally, editorial comment on the legislature, Court anc brought about by the League of California Cities and C Redevelopment Association would be warranted, however we v� for now. Miscellaneous News ■ We have some very good news to report to begin 2012. After mc of analysis and work by staff, we now believe we can offer a recycling option for residents within the current refuse rate struc concept and further details are enclosed in two memos: one pro� overview and historical context and one providing more program information. ■ Recently signed Assembly Bill 341 outlines requirements to diversion of solid waste by 25 percent by 2020 for certain busine multi-family residences. The bill falls short of requiring the City to irr new or enhanced collection programs, but will require the participate in outreach and educational programs for those impacted by this bill. The good news is the City already has pro place which will assist businesses and property owners in meetii Honorable Mayor and City Council General Information December 30, 201 1 Page 3 provides information on recent outreach efforts via outdoor ac and the City's mass transit system. High Speed Rail News ✓ In the past we have heard that the `fall back' plan for tl construction segment of the high speed rail line is for Amtrak tc track for its San Joaquin Valley line until the entire high speed r trains, electrification sources and support facilities are in place. 1 High Speed Rail Authority's plan to satisfy funding requirements rel usable segment provision in Proposition 1 A. The enclosed LA TimE sheds light on the fact that "[Amtrak] has no commitment to use � and has not been directly involved in the planning of the route." Event Schedule There are two public event scheduled for the next week at City facilil o Polar Bear Pluncle o Jan 1 St ; 1 1 a.m. o McMurtrey Aquatic Center o $5 to plunge o $25 to plunge & sweatshirt o Gabriellqlesias o Jan 5th; 8 p.m. o Rabobank Theater o Tickets: $41.50 Council Referrals � Councilmember Salas: o Signal At Panama Lane And Union Avenue Reports For your information, we enclose the following information: ➢ The Streets Division work schedule for the week beginning Jan 2nc OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER MEMORANDUM Dece TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager�� SUBJECT: Potential Good News for 2012 Some sound management practices, good luck, hard work and cooperatic have led to what may be positive news for 2012. On November 7, 2007, the City Council considered an action that would hc blue cart residential recycling program available to all residents in the City, rc voluntary program, which is available for a fee. At that time, Council � accept a grant for recycling equipment, and a condition of the grant was 1 implement "universal service." The program was to have cost $36 � household, and the "no" vote was primarily a desire not to impose that cost c Times have changed, as you can see from the memorandum from Public December 23, 2011. We have saved enough money to buy the blue carts �n private sector interests are now willing to purchase the recycling equipmenl we are now in a position to be able to redefine our basic service to include � a biweekly basis, and we can do that within the current rate structure! More detail is included in the attached memo. Staff suggests that the topic I the Budget and Finance Committee for initial discussion. Many people in the community have long advocated that we extend citywide. The cost was the primary reason why we did not in the past. C space constraints, or who have other reasons for not wanting the service, c Overall, it should be a good news item for 2012! �" ��y. �� -�� .�'�, `9P''�13"�`^ f5�a,-��GgA�'xS�o'k'�'��e�s>a'-.',y"'�I4�Y�y!�3' �� .�� . � �. �:s � � � = � � �C1��..I� �� 3��° ��`�` � ��iV�U � v+r '; � � � . � , �'i: � � � �' � � = aM= ,.. ( � i s � ,�s ; ; �� a : :� r.� Solfc� �'�sfie sf�ff ;�c�� den�ifie� �n app�rtunity �or the Ci�y to ccr�sic�er �cfdir�g univ�rsa! cu��sid� r�cyciis�� prog�c�m ra t�e Ci�y's bas�c ref��se se��ic�� wifhc�ut c 3e� i�crease to the �ubli�c. F�v��ab�e ��nancic�l car�cfiti�r�s, ar�c�Qing ��gc�tia�io�s wafh Fhe iocc�f haul�rs re��ding a contract �xtensao�, anc� posit�vz recycli�g d�vefapm�nis h�v�e come �oc�eth�r �o m��e u€�i�ersc�l ��sidentia� cur�side rE�yc(in� a possi�;eli�y for ovr carnrr�uni E�. F��s�� it�ra¢�s is��c��: � ihQ �5.3 mi�iic�� ccsr� replacement reserve is adequa7eiy �ur:dec� �eca�se c�r�s are I�siing �ignificant[y long�r tJ�ar� initial i�dustry exp�c�;�tio��. � Sc��rings t�� 2 ,'viillian !r�i�l �e rea�iz�d in �he ��snd�i[I C;�sUre R��e--v� �ur�d �eca�se �� s�aff's work v�rith �egu=a;ors �nd the favorable b;ds rac�iv�d o� the rec�n��y �wvardec� confrt�ct for cl�sure of �he �ancfilE. � Signcf��art ��atior�a� sawirgs vvere rea�ized tn�ough re-rouf�n� co�mercic�! and r�sic�er��ia( refusP ro�;�es �rci throug� sav;ngs fro�n fihe �r�_e�n V�1cs��e Fc��if;�y �i�ctrifi�a��o� Project. These s�vings have mc�de i� �oss;�le �o �ro�ric�� refuse �ervice v�ri�;�o�f a ra`� i�crec�s� for �h� (as{ fou� years. � Stronaer �-narkets �or sales of recycicbles, compost and woc�� chi�s !�c�ve yi�Eded hi�her ret�r�n��s �� .5 r�iflior). ��sit�� y�� s ��c��: � S�ro�g c�na s�ec�c�y marke� �r�ces €o� recycla�ees h�ve mo��,�afiE�c� fi�e �c€�c�rsfielc.� �RG �BARC; and the ioc�i haulers fic� bui�c� rQcycli�c� proc�ssina cznt�rs. �:r��icipat�d r�ver��es from f�e sal� cf recycla�les ar� key 3r� keepir�g ci�r�s�de rec�clina cosTS c�own and i� precipi�c��in� ��f� ha�,�f��'s d�sire tc� neg�tiade a cor��ac� ex�ensiun. I� is ��portant to poi�i� ou� tha� �i � l�aug� �nc�rke� pr�c�s �or r�cyc�ab(�s are c�rre��tly stea�ly�, th;s rnay nc�r a��ays b� ti^� case. �a[ifc°r�c�'s new cammerci�l �ec;�c!$�c� I��r, r�✓hich vui�l b ��fec�i�re Jj.�lv ?�12, r�a� af��c� both the suppf� ane� ciemar�d c:;f �he m�rke� L�.. ..� �. ...�i �.,I..�i..�... !Jniv�rsa! Cur�si;�e cecy�r.:;inc� Pc�c 2 �f 2 � 1v°ic�ter=�l pro�essing cosfis, wh;ch werE a�ig part o� the hic�h cs�s# es�im�tes i ��evio�s di5c�ssions on cu�bsi�e re�yclina, have decrease� si<�nificGr�fly. Cu�rentf��, Br�RC c��G' tvtefir�po�i�c�r� Recyclir,� Center �pvtRC} 4��ve r�c��cfir�g capa�ify �a�� ofih infend f� �xpand. F�srt�li�g for fheir ��op�s�cf �xpansion wiil not b� �a�d by r��usc� cuswnrners - grants c�nd revenues ger�e�ated b� �h� recycfing mar�e� v�ri�i f�nd fihe prop�se� ex�a�sior�s. . ' - �: �: � . �. s ' +� � . � � ,� ; :� ; �; � � :s �; • � Start-�� c-os�s are es�ima�ea at ��.7 mi[lior� anci wil� be ��i� f�r av� af fvr�d balance. T�eSe c�re one-�i�e cos�s �or recycl�ng trucks and bf�.� ca�,. /�!� blt�e carfs �ilf be purc�ased b�y fh� Ci�y to keep c�s�s �owr�. ��nuc�( flperat�ng c�s�s are estimc��ed at $2.5 rs�i�iio� —�;�ese ccas�s can be f�.�nde�z initic�fly aut o� fund bc�lc�nce. 1Nh3!p rec�v�atio�s and ma�y oth�r �a��c vc�ry w�th tim�, i# is hop�d that �a�e increases c�n be avai�ec� ':=or t�e n�x� cou;�le o� yec�rs. ��he �ro�rarr� cou{d be phased-in over �hree years, spreacfing �;�f �he cash fiow r�e�cs �ar �afih c�ne-�ime c�ra c�n�ua� cc�s-�s. � ` ° ;- ; y F i�. �. r► : ' . �; �, �. � , �; ' . .� : : , � � . �, ... . _, ,� . :� .�. �� i�{�proxir�narely 9,a0Q currenT volun�c�ry blve car� sub$cri�,ers w•c�ula s�ve �48 p�r year, � C�liectio� dc�ys cou�d be s�rucfu; ed so ihat res��en�s ��ill nQ� h�ve tnree ai�feren� �t�ifec�ior� r��ys {tan, �re�n, c�r�e� k�l�ej. [n most cases, the �lue ct�r c�ay vwif� c�incic�e wifih fihe grears carf c�ay. � �iuE c�rt c��!�c�ian ��ri;� rer;�ain �v�;�-y �th�r wee�C. � Resider��s can opf flu� of a blue cart i� circ�rns��c�s �r�ere t��e}� l�c�v� i��dec�ue�}� s�orage ror inrEe ca;ts or p��fer r�o bl�.�e c��t. Ho��•✓er, sirc� un;v�rsal i��u� cart u�fal �z pa�fi oi t�e b�sic servi�� iev�ls, no ra�e r�d�cti�n co�Id be pr��scfecf ��r those opting out of thp bfue cart p;�gr�m. � De�aen�ir�g on pa�ti��pat;vn levels, rhe C;�y recyciinc� �evel �.a�.Id increa�e ap�rCxim��ely 4�a (current�y bl�oj. ��sed-in imple�entc�t;on w�ul� fikely �egin in are�s �vher� ��.�rrenf car; densi;;es �re F�igf�er, he[ping t� keep initial s�arf-�� casts dfl�n. � �iii�"P{��'tC�il O� f�IS �i�C7C�r�;"T'i �OUi� C4i'Ylil£:fICE; �S f�?C�il'y' C�S �JU�y � , �'�� . i�hese ��vora�le co��it�or�� roviae the Cit� ��e apportuni�y to con��c�� c� �raiversa:l recycling progrc� ��r �esidenria� c�a�torr��rs. � S A K E I� 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: December 22, 2011 SUBJECT: Commercial Recycling Issues Update California Assembly Bill 341 (Solid Waste - Diversion) was recently signed by Brown. A short summary of this bill follows: AB341 requires CalRecycle (the state solid waste agency) to increase the di� solid waste from the current mandate of 50 percent to 75 percent by 202i requires certain businesses and apartments to arrange for recycling servi requires local governments to implement a commercial recycling program. The implementation date for commercial recycling is July 2012; however, i phasing will be permitted. This recycling mandate applies to both specific a dwellings and commercial business owners. It includes apartments over 5 businesses with over four cubic yards of weekly trash - these parameters impc 55� of businesses in Bakersfield. Although apartments and commercial k impacted by this mandate have primary responsibility to comply with this r local agencies will be required to perform certain administrative duties. Important to point out is AB341 does not require local agencies to implemen types of collection programs (per the attached Q&A section from the State Rather, the local government's program must educate and reach out to the businesses to inform them of local recycling opportunities. These would includ� wood and green waste drop-off center, referrals to a list of local scrap buyer� City's small, but well established, commercial cardboard bin program. A tenants could be referred to the City's existing recycling drop-off centers. AB 341 Mandatory Commercial Recycling Questions and Answers Excerpts Taken from CalRecycle Website December 13, 2011 (highlights add Jurisdiction Requirements 1. Will my city/county need to adopt a mandatory commercial recycling ordinance? No. Some communities may choose to adopt a mandatory commercial recycling ordinance; r ordinance is not required. Approaches to enforcement might include: 1) requiring businesses to � the recycling services that are already available in the city or county, 2) requiring businesses to i waste processing facility, or 3) implementing a mandatory commercial recycling program using an o 2. What are the jurisdiction's requirements in terms of providing education, out monitoring to businesses? The regulation requires jurisdictions to implement education, outreach, and monitoring prograrr businesses of the state requirement to recycle and how they can recycle in the jurisdiction. Jurisdic choose methods to provide education and outreach that maximize existing resources including u: websites, brochures, on-site meetings, etc. The requirement for jurisdictions to monitor means identifying and notifying businesses that are r and informing them about the state law and the various ways that they could recycle. The i monitoring can differ greatly depending upon a jurisdiction's resources, hauler arrangement, etc. 3. Do we need to develop a specific type of program (e.g., commercial food waste col site recycling collection, construction and demolition debris recycling) to comp regulations? Jurisdictions are required to conduct education, outreach, and monitoring programs to inform busin� state requirement to recycle and provide information about the recycling opportunities that are ava the jurisdiction. However, a jurisdiction does not need to implement a specific type of collection comply with these requirements. The proposed regulations do not require specific programs, how be recycled, or what type of materials must be recycled by businesses. The regulations also do types of materials that could be included in a recycling program. By not specifying which materi recycled, jurisdictions, businesses, and service providers have greater flexibility in determining thE effective approach(es) to commercial recycling. ### * F A K E R S F I E L D CITY OF BAKERSFIELD PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM T0: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Raul M. Rojas, Public Works Director DATE: December 21, 2011 SUBJECT: Anti-Litter Campaign Support Update This awareness campaign is a continuation of efforts to reduce litter as set forth in response t Council Referral #CRMS 192. Recently, Lamar Advertising and Golden Empire Transit respecti donated ad space in-kind to promote the campaign slogan "Litter: It's Beneath Us." The Lama billboards will run until Dec. 26, 2011 (unless the ad space is sold) at these locations: • Ashe RD (West side of road, North of District BLVD) • Chester AVE (East side of avenue, South of 11t" ST) • HWY 99 (East side of highway, North of Rosedale HWY) • Fruitvale AVE (West side of avenue, South of Meany AVE) • 24t" ST (South side of street, West of L ST) The slogan will also be on the interior of all 85 G.E.T. busses. The County of Kern used one of grants to pay for the cost of printing. G.E.T. and Lamar Advertising intend to find more opportunities to benefit this campaign. � IT' S B�N�ATH �S Plan to use Amtrak as fallback for high-speed rail criticized - latimes.com http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-b� latimes.com/news/1oca1/1a-me-bullet-train-20111227,0,2904247.story latimes.com Plan to use Amtrak as fallback for high-speed rail criticize Federal rules require another use for the track if the high-speed project un. Amtrak officials have concerns about changing their popular Central Valle By Dan Weikel and Ralph Vartabedian, Los Angeles Times December 27, 2011 When the Obama administration gave California $3.4 billion advertisement in startup money for a high-speed rail system, it insisted on a guarantee that the project would not become a white elephant — something critics could brand as a train to nowhere. The first section of track had to run down the spine of the Central Valley and have another use, should the rest of the bullet train project collapse. Those requirements are now at the center of an intensifying political battle, waged by critics who say the state's fallback plan to use a 130-mile stretch of track for slower Amtrak service is a sham because there's no guarantee the national rail service will ever use it. Amtrak said it has no agreement to operate on the track and has not analyzed the possible ne€ one of its most successful rail lines. Still, the California High Speed Rail Authority has estim� could be shaved off Amtrak's current service between Bakersfield and Merced. "Our purpose is to build a high-speed rail system between Northern and Southern California,' Umberg, the chairman of the California High Speed Rail Authority. "But if there are any dela track will have independent utility and provide increased efficiencies in the Central Valley." In a letter sent last year to the authority, Amtrak officials said they supported the project and � thP his�h-anePrl �nrririnr Thev citPr� nntPntial imnrnvemPntc in travPl time anrl reliahilitv hnt a Plan to use Amtrak as fallback for high-speed rail criticized - latimes.com http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-b� ridership, which now ranks among Amtrak's five most traveled routes. Without a viable alternative use for the bullet train's first segment, the controversial decision � in the Central Valley is likely to draw more political fire. Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Tulare), who the project, called the assertion that high-speed rail construction would benefit Amtrak "a lie. The bullet train agency plans to starting building the first section next year between Bakersfif and finish the work in 2017. But no high-speed service would operate on the line partly becal insuff'icient funding for signals, maintenance facilities and an electrical system to power the t_ $20 billion or more in funding will be needed to begin running trains to L.A. or the Bay Area Starting construction in the Central Valley is growing more controversial as the project nears groundbreaking late next year. At least four local governments in the Central Valley are rebel effect on their communities. Also, agricultural interests are gearing up for a major legal battlE plan, while critics in urban areas question why the project is not starting in a major populatio� severe traffic congestion. At a recent hearing by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in Washington legislators asked if the construction plan could be changed. But Joseph Szabo, the Obama adr chief of the Federal Railroad Administration, said California has no flexibility to rethink the � "The ability to shift dollars is not there," he said. Roelof van Ark, the project's chief executive, insists the bullet-train corridor will not become elephant. He has conceded, however, that re-routing Amtrak would be relatively expensive fc The federal government has set aside $108 million to link the high-speed segment to the trac� Amtrak, which it shares with freight hauler Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. High-spe say that's enough for the job. But a number of rail experts said that more money will be needed to integrate the two system unclear how the financially struggling Amtrak system would pay any difference. Amtrak officials said they have "not been directly involved in the design or development of t] They added that they have "made no commitments to [the] idea to move the popular San Joac from its present route." The current service uses diesel-powered trains and runs from Bakersfield north to Stockton, ` connections can be made to Oakland or Sacramento. Stops include Fresno, Hanford, Wasco a where many passen�ers stop to visit prisoners at a state correctional facility. Plan to use Amtrak as fallback for high-speed rail criticized - latimes.com http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-b� rail authority has not shown that the benefits outweigh the costs of using the $6-billion starte� something other than high-speed trains. How Amtrak service in particular would benefit rem� the report said. Being forced off its current tracks could dramatically raise Amtrak's costs, eliminate passeng� create potentially serious operational problems. Under its current operating plan, Amtrak pays a small maintenance fee to Burlington Norther tracks, but it could be forced to absorb the entire cost of maintaining the dedicated high-spee� Lowenthal notes. The high-speed rail track also would bypass existing stations in Hanford, V� Corcoran, which could eliminate direct service to those communities. "It would be a loss," said Elizabeth Helgesen of Corona, who rides the train several times a y� gets off at Hanford on her way to visit relatives. "It won't make very many people happy." Officials in Hanford, the Kings County seat, say their station is a gateway to downtown, one � Valley's cultural and historical attractions. They estimate that its loss would cost local busine� millions of dollars a year. "Plan B would be devastating for the Kings County economy," said Supervisor Richard Valle opponent of the project. "We benefit tremendously from the passengers who come off those t� Then there is the problem of train control. Burlington Northern dispatchers space Amtrak trai freight trains. If an Amtrak train were to switch onto the new high-speed rail line, it could dis dispatcher's view and make it difficult to find a new slot when the train wanted to merge back conventional track. The signaling, control and dispatching to make the line operate smoothly complex, state officials say. So far, the rail authority has not worked closely with Amtrak or the California Department of which partially funds Amtrak's service in the state, state officials say. Caltrans rail officials h� the alternate plan to use the bullet train track for conventional rail service, they said. Michael Murray, a spokesman for the federal agency that insisted on a backup plan for the hi; said the state's proposal meets the requirement. It will be cheaper and better to build in the CF now, he said, before the region's population grows substantially and complicates the project. dan. weikel(�a,latimes. com �alph. va�tabedian(�a,latimes. com • S A K E I� 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: December 27, 2011 SUBJECT: SIGNAL AT PANAMA AND UNION Referral No. 286 COUNCILMEMBER SALAS REQUESTED THAT STAFF LOOK AT THE LEFT TURN SI� PANAMA AND UNION FOR SHORT-CYCLING, CAUSING A REGULAR BACKUP IN � General Services Traffic Signal Technicians reviewed all left turn phases for 1 signal at Panama Lane and Union Avenue. The Traffic Signal Technician founc detector for the eastbound to northbound left turn phase had failed and detecting vehicles as they approached the intersection. The detector r repaired and is now working properly. Paqe 1 of 2 STREETS DIVISION — WORK SCHEDULE Week of Jan. 2, 2012 — Jan. 6, 2012 Resurfacinq/Reconstructinq streets in the followinq areas: Reconstructing streets in the area south of Planz Rd and west of Wible Rd (weather Miscellaneous Streets Division projects: Video inspection of City owned Sewer & Storm lines to evaluate condition of pipes Repairing Curb & Gutters at Bus Stops in various areas Crack Sealing on Chester Ave north of 30t" St. to River Bridge (weather permitting) Sidewalk repairs at City Hall South THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Paqe 2 of 2 STREETS SWEEPING SCHEDULE Monday, Jan. 2, 2011 No sweeping service due to Holiday. Tuesday, Jan. 3, 2011 Between California Ave. & Brundage Ln. — Oak St. & Union Ave. Between Renfro Rd. & Jenkins Rd. — Stockdale Hwy. & Kern River Boundary. Wednesdav, Jan. 4, 2011 Between Panorama Dr. & Bernard St. -- Union Ave. & Loma Linda Dr. Between River Blvd. & E. Columbus St. — Panorama Dr. & Columbus St. Between College Ave. & Azalea Ave. — Mountain Dr. & Raval St. Between Ming Ave. & White Ln. — Allen Rd. & Buena Vista Rd. Thursday, Jan. 5, 2011 City areas between Kentucky St. & Quincy St. — Owens St. & Virginia St. Between Union Ave. & Washington St. — E. Truxtun Ave. & Brundage Ln. Between Progress Rd. & Old River Rd. — Panama Ln. & Pacheco Rd. (alignment) City areas between Progress Rd. & Old River Rd. — Meadow Falls Dr. & Rose Creek I Friday, Jan. 6, 2011 Between Buena Vista Rd. & Allen Rd. — Harris Rd. & Panama Ln. Between Buena Vista Rd. & Mountain Vista Dr. — Panama Ln. & Birkshire Rd. Between 178 Hwy. & Paladino Dr. — W. Columbus St. & Morning Dr. City areas between Sterling Rd. & Morning Dr. — 178 Hwy. & College Ave. Between Valley St. & Lene PI. -- !78 Hwy & Hickory Dr. Between 178 Hwy. & Reynard Rd. — Kern Canyon Rd. & McKenna St. Between Stockdale Hwy. & Joseph Dr. — McDonald Wy. & N. Stine Rd.