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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/14/1976 MINUTES CCBakersfield, California. June 14, 1976 Minutes of a regular meeting of the Council of the City of Bakersfield, California, held in the Council Chambers of City Hall at 7:00 P. M., June 14, 1976. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hart, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation by Councilman Donald A. The City Clerk called the roll as follows: Present: Mayor Hart, Councilmen Medders, Rogers, Sceales, Strong, Barton, Bleecker, Christensen Absent: None Minutes of the regular meeting of June 7, 1976 were approved as presented. Correspondence. Upon a motion by Councilman Rogers, letter from Congress- man William M. Ketchum, dated May 25, 1976, requesting the Council's views on a bill which recently passed the House Ways and Means Committee entitled "Umemployment Compensation Act Amendments", was received and referred to the Legislative Committee for study and report back to the Council. Council Statements. Approval of Agreement between the City of Bakersfield and Kern Delta Water District for the Sale of Kern River Water Rights and Canals. Upon a motion by Councilman Rogers, Agreement between the City of Bakersfield and Kern Delta Water District for the Sale of Kern River Water Rights and Canals, was approved and the Mayor was authorized to execute same. Reports. Councilman Barton, Chairman of the Business Development and Parking Committee. read Report No. 4-76 regarding Request for Loan of $135,000 to Purchase, Demolish and Surface Old Elks Building Site, as follows: The Business Development and Parking Committee met with a committee of the Redevelopment Agency on June 4, 1976. Rogers. Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 2 The Agency is negotiating for a project which would require utilization of the Old Elks Build- ing site. It would be necessary for the Agency to acquire the Old Elks Building property for parking from the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Committee concluded, after much discussion, it would be best if the Agency borrowed the necessary funds from the City after July 1, 1976, at the City's normal interest yield, the note to be renewable on June 30th, and the loan repaid to the City when the property is sold. The property has been appraised by an independent appraiser for HUD at $130,000 with no value given to the structure. The Agency's appraisal was $125,000. Demolition will cost approximately $55,000. The Agency's offer to HUD will be $70,000. The Committee agrees that this property is a good buy. The lot will be surfaced for parking; this will cost about $10,000. The lot will be used as a public metered parking lot until the proposed development occurs on that block. The committee, in support of the downtown redevelop- ment effort, recommends that the City Council approve a loan to the Redevelopment Agency for $135,000 for the purchase, demolition and resur- facing of the Old Elks Building property. Upon a motion by Councilman Barton, Report No. 4-76 of the Business Development and Parking Committee regarding Request for Loan of $135,000 to Purchase, Demolish and Surface Old Elks Building Site, was accepted and loan to the Redevelopment Agency in the amount of $135,000 for the purchase, demolition and resur- facing of the old Elks Building, was approved. Councilman Rogers, Chairman of the Water and City Growth Committee, read Report No. 9-76 regarding the Sign Ordinance, as follows: The Water and City Growth Committee met with the Special Advisory Committee to the City Council on the Sign Ordinance to seek reasonable compro- mise upon which the Council may act. Compromises were reached, although they have not all been agreed to by all members of the Advisory Committee or the Water and City Growth Committee. This report reflects the majority opinion of the Water and City Growth Committee on proposed changes to the draft Sign Ordinance submitted to the Council by the Advisory Committee. Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 3 105 Discussion was focused upon those few areas where there was a major split in opinion among members of the Advisory Committee. We believed that approach was more productive than an item by item review of the various sign ordinance proposals which have been submitted to the Council for consideration within recent months. The topics discussed, our recommendations, and reasons for these recommendations are as follows: Roof Signs and Projecting Signs. The major area of question was whether roof and projecting signs should require Con- ditional Use Permits, as recommended by the majority members of the Advisory Committee, or be permitted for all businesses without conditions. These types of signs significantly con- tribute to sign clutter throughout much of the City, and in some cases may actu- ally hinder good business identifications. The Advisory Committee believes that roof and projecting signs should only be per- mitted where other more preferred signs (freestanding and wall signs) cannot effectively identify and advertise the business; we agree with the position of the majority members of the Advisory Committee and recommend keeping the provisions related to roof and projecting signs. Outdoor Advertising. The major area in question was the desired spacing between billboards on the same side of a street within the C-2 zone. The Advisory Committee members were split on this issue with the majority favor- ing 600 foot spacing and the minority favoring 300 foot spacing. We recommend changing the provisions related to spacing of billboards on the same side of a street from 600 to 300 feet. Wall Signs. The major issue in question was the area of wall signs within the C-2 zone. The Advisory Committee recommended i sq. ft. of sign area for each lineal foot of building frontage. We believe that this standard is too restrictive. Too many existing signs which we believe are in good taste would not conform to this standard. An alternative standard was discussed and approved by the Advisory Committee during our meeting; the alternative for wall sign area within the C-2 zone would be 2 sq. ft. for each lineal foot of building frontage or 25% of the signable 106 Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 4 wall area, whichever is greater, but not to exceed 450 sq. ft. of sign area per building elevation. We recommend changing the provisions related to wall signs within the C-2 zone to the alternative standards approved by the Advisory Committee during our meeting. Comprehensive Sign Plans. The major issue in question was the require- ment for 100% signed approval of pro- perty owners or businessmen before the Planning Commission could approve an application for a Comprehensive Sign Plan. We believe that this would be virtually impossible to achieve. A more reasonable require- ment would be signed approval by a majority of the property owners or businessmen and notification of all property owners prior to any hearing on a proposed Comprehensive Sign Plan. We recommend that the provisions re- lated to Comprehensive Sign Plans be changed to require majority approval of property owners of businessmen and notice prior to hearing. Administrative Tolerance In Enforcement. This question related to the desirability of permitting a deviation over the defined standards for height and area of signs within each zone district before signs might be determined to be noncomforming and subject to abatement. The majority members of the Advisory Committee believe that such a tolerance factor would mini- mize appeals for existing signs which may marginally exceed the standards and make the ordinance more acceptable to these businessmen. We agree with this opinion and recommend that the provision of a 5% tolerance factor be included in the ordinance. We believe that the changes recommended above address the major questions about the ordinance draft submitted to us by the Advisory Committee. Surely, many within the community will claim that further changes should be made. However, we believe that the revised Sign Ordinance draft submitted to the Council with this report represents a reasonable standard for signing in Bakersfield and is consistent with the intended purposes of the ordinance. We believe it provides a generous time frame for en- forcement and abatement. and contains adequate provisions for appeals and legal due process. Before taking action on this ordinance, the Council must certify the completeness of the EIR. Although the EIR was written to address the draft prepared by the Planning Commission, the ordinance now being presented is adequately covered by the "More Stringent Controls Alternative" included in the EIR. The ordinance presented is the direct result of efforts to minimize the possible adverse environmental Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 5 effects cited in the EIR and the California Environmental Quality Act have been served. the purpose of We recommend that the City Council adopt the attached resolution certifying the EIR and adopt the Sign Ordinance as presented. Councilman Barton, member of the Water and City Growth Committee, stated he did not totally agree with the majority report on the Sign Ordinance, and he read a minority report as follows: Let me first make it clear that I agree with the other Water and City Growth Committeemen and the Advisory Committee in the desire that we should remove from our city the sign clutter and improve the aesthetic value of our community. But we have reached different views as to how this can best be accomplished. The many factors of the proposed sign ordinance that the majority of the Advisory Committee has recommended has numerous ramifications on the business community and the citizens of our city. The predominate factor that has caused me to submit a minority report is based on the economic impact a sign ordinance will have on the sign users and the consumers of our city. Economical adversities to our citizens are continually being imposed by some govern- mental jurisdictions, be it Federal, State, or local. It is not my intention to blindly participate in establishing laws that would impose unbearable economic hardships. The proposed ordinance interpretation of non- conformity signs, even with a liberal abatement period. does call for elimination of hundreds of signs in our community; this to any reason- able person means we are imposing an adverse economic impact. It is my opinion that the issue of the amount of signs and, in most cases, the size of signs as proposed in the Advisory Committee Majority. Planning Commission, and the Advisory Committee, Minority sign ordinance drafts, can be resolved into a workable ordinance. It is also my opinion that the restrictive or implied elimination of roof and projecting signs as proposed by the Advisory Committee ordinance goes beyond the reason of governmental control. As stated in the draft ordinance, a sign user can, if he is able to, demonstrate the need for a roof or projecting sign to the Planning Commission that such a sign will not adversely affect the public health, safety. 10'? 108 Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 6 and welfare, and whether the application com- plies with the matters stated in Section 17.54.010 relating to the objectives based on four purposes of this chapter. (1) To protect and enhance the character of residential neighborhoods and property values by prohibiting obtrusive and incompatible signs. (2) To promote and maintain healthy com- mercial centers and property values for effective identification and communication of the nature of goods and services and avoidance of wasteful and unsightly competition in signs. (3) To attract and direct persons to various activities and enterprises, in order to provide for the public convenience. (4) To provide a reasonable system of controls of signs, supplementing the comprehensive zoning plan set forth in this Title. (5) To encourage signs which are well designed and pleasing in appearance and to provide incentive and latitude for variety, good design relationship and spacing. (6) To encourage a desirable urban charac- ter which has a minimum of clutter. (7) To enhance the economic value of the community and each area thereof through the reasonable regulation of such things as type. number, area, height, location and illumination of signs. (8) To encourage signs which are harmonious with adjacent land uses and to encourage architec- tural compatibility. (9) To reduce possible traffic and safety hazards through good signing. (10) To provide a reasonable amortization period for the removal of nonconforming signs. (ll) To implement the purposes, policies and programs of the General Plan. The Planning Commission or the Council can grant a conditional use permit or variance. With the many hundreds of projecting and roof signs in our city, I can readily see a great flood of variances being granted or a select discrimination of variances granted; either way, our city taxpayers will bear the financial burden of enforcement or litigation. I believe the issue of roof and projecting sign control was somewhat resolved in our committee meeting when it was agreed upon the criteria for a Comprehensive Sign Plan--51 percent of the owners or businessmen in a block could have a comprehensive sign plan approved by the Planning Commission. Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 7 109 They, and I want to emphasize they, could eliminate signs or develop as strict a plan as they want. This idea enables the users within the plan to develop their own aesthetic and economics without dictating a minority wish on the rest of the business community. My recommendation is that the entire Council review the three proposed drafts--Advisory Committee Majority, Minority, and Planning Commission ordinance drafts and be able, in the very near future, to input their own recommendations of a final Ordinance based upon their reasoning, fairness, and workability. This I firmly believe is our responsibility to the entire citizenry of our community and not a reaction to a vocal few. Mr. Leon Thomas, 320 Golden State Highway, Mobile Message of Bakersfield, spoke in opposition to the proposed Sign Ordinance. Councilman Christensen stated, for the record, that he has followed the facts leading to the proposed Sign Ordinance very closely and has received only one complaint from a businessman; the rest have come from sign manufacturers and salesmen. It is his sincere feeling that the policy for the Sign Ordinance should not be set by sign manufacturers and salesmen but by businessmen, who buy and use the signs, and the people who look at them. The proposed Sign Ordinance is flexible enough and should be given a chance to function, and if it does not work as intended, then the Council can amend it. Councilman Strong stated that no matter how long it takes, the Committee should review each of the concepts that are set forth in the Sign Ordinance, especially in view of the fact there seems to be just one or two areas where there is a division of opinion. He would hope that the Council would follow Councilman Barton's recommendations to review those areas of the Committee members, and perhaps, could be reached. standards that are unacceptable to all as in the past, some compromise Councilman Medders questioned the freeway oriented signs. Community Development Director Foster stated that the for the freeway corridor have not been set out in the proposed Sign Ordinance. Bakersfield, California, June 14. 1976 - Page 8 Upon a motion by Councilman Rogers, Report No. 9-76 of the Water and City Growth Committee regarding the Sign Ordinance, was accepted. Adoption of Resolution No. 39-76 of the Council of the City of Bakers- field certifying the adequacy, accuracy and objectivity of the Final Environmental Impact Report Re the Proposed Sign Ordinance, stating the Council has reviewed and considered the information contained therein, making certain findings and approval of the project. Upon a motion by Councilman Rogers, Resolution No. 39-76 of the Council of the City of Bakersfield certifying the adequacy, accuracy and objectivity of the Final Environmental Impact Report Re the Proposed Sign Ordinance, stating the Council has reviewed and considered the information contained therein, making findings and approval of the project, was adopted by the roll call vote: Ayes: Noes: Absent: Abstaining: certain following Councilman Medders Adoption of Ordinance No. 2281 New Series of the Council of the City of Bakersfield repealing specified sections of Title 17, and adding Chapter 17.54 to Title 17 of the Municipal Code, concerning the regulation of Signs within the City of Bakersfield. Upon a motion by Councilman Rogers, Ordinance No. 2281 New Series of the Council of the City of Bakersfield repealing specified sections of Title 17, and adding Chapter 17.54 to Title 17 of the Municipal Code, concerning the regulation of Signs within the City of Bakersfield, was adopted by the following roll call vote: that it Ayes: Councilmen Rogers. Sceales, Bleecker, Christensen Noes: Councilmen Medders, Strong, Barton Absent: None Councilman Medders clarified his negative vote by stating bothered him to place these types of restrictions on people. Councilmen Rogers, Sceales, Bleecker, Christensen Councilmen Strong, Barton None Bakersfield, California, June 14. 1976 - Page 9 City Manager Bergen reported that the Sheriff, Chief of Police, a representative of the County Counsel, District Attor- ney's Office and City Attorney's Office will be meeting this week to prepare a suggested draft Bingo License Ordinance for sub- mission to the City Council and the Board of Supervisors for action at a later date. City Manager Bergen reported that the City has received a copy of the Draft Environmental Impact Report - Revised (DEIR) for the San Joaquin Nuclear Project which will be in the City Clerk's Office for public perusal. Public hearings to receive oral comments on the DEIR will be held in Bakersfield, July 19, 1976, at 7:30 p.m. in the Bakersfield Civic Auditorium, 1001 Truxtun Avenue, and in Los Angeles, July 21, 1976, at 7:30 p.m. in the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power Auditorium, lll North Hope Street, Los Angeles. Consent Calendar. The following items were listed on the Consent Calendar: (a) Allowance of Claims Nos. 4667 to 4750, inclusive, in the amount of $120,445.20. (b) Notice of Completion and Acceptance of Work on street and sewer improvements under Tract No. 3680 - Unit E - Contract No. 76-18 with Moreland Engineering Inc. (c) Application for Encroachment Permit from Golden Empire Transit for installation of bus stop signs at various locations throughout the City. This is a blanket permit and allows Golden Empire Transit to change locations and add or delete signs upon approval of the Public Works Department. a motion by Councilman Christensen. Items (a), (b), Consent Calendar, were adopted by the following roll Upon and (c) of the call vote: Ayes: Councilmen Medders, Bleecker, Noes: None Absent: None Rogers, Sceales, Christensen Strong, Barton, 110 Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 10 Councilman Rogers stated that there is an error in Section 17.54.090 (2) (b) of the Sign Ordinance that should be corrected before printing. It should state"(b) Such signs shall be at least three hundred (300) feet apart on the same side of a public street." Action on Bids. Upon a motion by Councilman Strong, low bid of James G. Francis for improvement of Baker Street between East Truxtun Avenue and Southern Pacific Railroad, was accepted, all other bids rejected and the Mayor was authorized to execute the same. Upon a motion by Councilman Medders, usual bidding requirements were dispensed with, in accordance with Section 5.20.060 of the Municipal Code, and the Finance Director was authorized to negotiate a price with Marcon Ltd. for a voice analyzer. Deferred Business Adoption of Ordinance No. 2282 New Series of the Council of the City of Bakersfield repealing Ordinance No. 2232 and approving a Formal Agreement relating to a Public Leaseback, and the execution thereof, by and between the City of Bakersfield and the Southeast Bakersfield Wastewater Treatment Facilities Consolidation Corporation. Upon a motion by Councilman Rogers, Ordinance No. 2282 New Series of the Council of the City of Bakersfield repealing Ordinance No. 2232 and approving a Formal Agreement relating to a Public Leaseback, and the execution thereof, by and between the City of Bakersfield and the Southeast Bakersfield Wastewater Treat- ment Facilities Consolidation Corporation, was adopted by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilmen Medders, Rogers, Sceales, Strong, Barton, Bleecker, Christensen Noes: None Absent: None Approval of Minute Order fixing time for public hearing regarding Petition for Cancellation of Land Use Contract under Williamson Act. Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 11 113 Owners of 37.42 acres of land on the south side of White Lane between Wible Road and Stine Road filed a petition on June 8th to cancel Williamson Act contract. City Council has control, due to 1969 annexation of the land, fee is 1/8 of the full cash value of the land and is paid into County Treasury for the State. Upon a motion by Councilman Sceales, Minute Order fixing Monday, June 28. 1976 at 8:00 P. M. as time for public hearing regarding Petition for Cancellation of Land Use Contract under Williamson Act, was approved. Approval of Application by Bakers- field Neon Sign Company to replace a 65 foot double faced sign located at the corner of White Lane and E1 Potrero Lane. The J's Coffee Shop sign is 6 x 30 feet supported by 4 poles. high. Pursuant to Section 13.40.080 of the Municipal Code no permit for a sign exceeding fifty feet from grade level shall be issued without prior approval of the City Council. The proposed sign is a double faced metal sign with channel letters J's Coffee Shop illuminated with neon tubing. Other signs in the immediate area over 50 feet in height are the The nsw sign will be a 65 foot sign 20'6" wide and 27 feet Bakersfield Neon Sign Company to replace a 65 foot double faced sign for J's Coffee Shop located at the corner of White Lane and E1 Potrero Lane, was approved. Councilman Strong questioned the staff regarding a report that was given the Council concerning a rate increase for refuse collection. The funds are included in the budget. and the contract will be submitted for formal consideration on June 28, 1976. Councilman Rogers expressed his and the Council's apprecia- tion for a job well done to everyone who was involved in the drafting of the Sign Ordinance. Arco - 75 feet, Shell - 75 80 feet. Upon a motion by Councilman Sceales, application by feet, Denny's 90 feet, and Motel 6 - 114 Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - 12 Adjournment. There being no further business to come before the Council, upon a motion by Councilman Christensen, the meeting was adjourned at 8:20 P. M. ersfield, ATTEST: CITY ~IJ~RK and Ex-O~icio Clerk of the Council of the City of BakerSfield, California ma Calif. Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 115 Minutes of the Council of the City of Bakersfield, California, meeting in budget sessions at 8:30 P.M., June 14, 1976. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Hart. The City Clerk called the roll as follows: Present: Mayor Hart. Absent: None Councilmen Rogers, Sceales, Strong, Barton, Bleecker, Christensen, Medders City Manager Bergen stated the detailed requests and backup material that goes into making up the Operating Budget is comprised of four volumes, and a great deal of effort has gone into reducing it into a concise document for Council consideration. The budget was done in a new format that puts more emphasis on programs and objectives and should give an indication of what is being accomplished or achieved with the funds allocated. Councilman Medders, Chairman of the Budget Review and Finance Committee, read Report No. 8-76 regarding Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 1976-77, as follows: It has been customary practice over the years to have the Budget Review and Finance Committee make recommendations on the proposed annual Operating Budget, the adequacy of restricted reserves, and the proposed property tax rate. The Committee will meet after 1975-76 financial records have been closed, salary determinations made, and final assessed valuation figures are available, to review revenues, reserves, and the property tax rate. Therefore, this report will be restricted to the Operating Budget for 1976-77. It is important that action be taken on the Operating Budget at this time prior to the beginning of the next fiscal year. The Budget Review and Finance Committee has always been interested in improving the budget format in order to make it a more informative document. The staff has made various changes in this year's document in order to help achieve this result. These changes have required considerable effort on the part of all departments and especially staff from the City Manager's Office and Finance Department. This year's budget has been expanded to include more than just the traditional detailed expenditure accounts in each budget. These Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 2 changes have focused primarily on putting more importance on programs and objectives. In other words, emphasis has been placed on what the City is doing or attempting to achieve within a certain funding level rather than merely on what it is buying. The budget document has been divided into six major areas of service: Environmental Services Public Safety Services Development and Transportation Services Recreation and Cultural Services Support Services Management Services An overall goal statement has been prepared for each major service area. Each major service area, in turn, includes those programs (depart- ments or divisions) that are part of this functional category. For example, Police, Fire, Building, Street Lighting, and Repair and Demolition Budgets are all included under the Public Safety Service Area. Program Budgets, such as Police, have, in turn, been divided into major functional categories called sub programs. For the first time, for example, the costs of the major operational activities in Police (i.e., Operations, Technical Services, Vice, Investigations, and Administration) are identified in the budget. Goal and objective statements have also been identified for each program and sub program. addition, major specific objectives to be achieved during the year are also listed for each sub program. The Operating Budget, which represents less than one-third of the total General Tax Rate Category Budget, consists of operating expenses, fixed assets purchases, and equipment replacement. Operating expenses consist basically of materials, supplies, utilities, etc. Fixed assets and equipment replacement consist of departmental capital outlay items, e.g., office equipment, automotive equipment, etc. The Operating Budget does not include salaries and supplemental wage benefits nor capital improve- ment projects. The Governmental Efficiency and Personnel Committee will make recommendations on all salary matters at a later date. The entire City Council will review the proposed Capital Improvement Program which has been evaluated and recommended by the Planning Commission. Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 3 The departmental operating budgets have again been prepared in a manner to reflect the total direct (i.e., salaries, supplies, and equipment) and indirect (i.e., data processing, legal, personnel, etc.) costs of providing a particular program. This is accomplished by the inclusion in the budgets, where applicable, of the following accounts: (1) Custodial Services Cost Allocation, Object No. 5300; (2) Administrative Cost Alloca- tion, Object No. 5400; and (3) Rental Internal Organizations (Equipment Maintenance), Object No. 6200. The Custodial Services Cost Allocation reflects those programs which receive custodial services. In such cases, each program is charged for their proportionate share of this cost based on the total square footage of office space. The Administrative Cost Allocation entails an allocation of the cost of staff programs (i.e., City Manager's Office, City Clerk, City Attorney, and Finance) to the various line programs (i.e., Police, Fire, Public Works, etc.) based on the percentage that the cost of each line program bears to the total cost of all line programs; the theory being that staff programs are designed to provide services to the line programs. The allocations are, of course, deducted from the budgets of the staff programs as "Costs Applied," Object No. 0001, so that the total city budget remains unchanged. The Equipment Maintenance Division of the Public Works Department provides a central equipment pool for all departments except Fire. All departments using this equipment are charged a rental rate which reflects the total cost of maintenance and a replacement allowance. This rental charge is reflected in each using department's budget under the account entitled "Rental Internal Organizations," Object No. 6200. The total rental charges are taken as a reduction in the budget of the equipment maintenance program as "Costs Applied," Object No. 0001, so that the total city budget is not changed. For 1976-77, these rental rates have been increased by 20 percent to reflect the increased costs of fuel, equipment parts, etc. The Operating Budget is directly related to the level of service provided by the City. For example, it is estimated that it will cost $286,500 to pay for street lighting energy charges during 1976-77. This level of service is provided to residents in conjunction with city policy to provide street lighting on all city streets. Funds in the Operating Budget for parks are directly related to the City's decision over the years to provide parks throughout the community for recreation and leisure use. 118 Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 4 The Committee is recommending approval of an operating budget for the 1976-77 fiscal year the amount of $5,644,015 or approximately 27 percent of the $20,966,700 General Tax Rate Category Budget. in In view o£ the relative size of the Operating Budget and the nature of the items comprising it (i.e., utility costs, fuel and oil, stationery supplies, equipment parts), any significant reductions cannot be made without changing the level of service and resulting in added costs in the future. Many of the operating expenses, such as utilities and pay- ments for outside services such as refuse contractors, are difficult to reduce. For example, proposed 1976-77 utility costs total $867,765; payments to private refuse contractors are estimated at $517,780; and fuel, oil, and vehicle parts are projected to cost $539,500. During the next fiscal year, these costs alone will amount to 34.1 percent of the entire Operating Budget. Many other increases in operating expenses are attributable to infla- tion; however, the Committee carefully reviewed all accounts and has made some reductions. These have been made in the fixed assets category and for consultant-type studies. The following is a summary of the Operating Budget indicating (1) the amount proposed for each city program, (2) the increase or decrease over the amount approved last year, and (3) pertinent comments concerning the items included in the specific budgets. The total costs in some operating budgets show a greater than normal or less than normal increase over the previous year. These changes are the result of City Council actions related to the changing of certain operating functions from one department to another during the year (i.e., transfer of custodial and police vehicle maintenance functions to Public Works, and transfer of Fire communications operators to Police). Councilman Bleecker requested a more detailed explanation of the 20% increase in the Internal Equipment Rental Rates. Assistant Finance Director Kelmar stated that that particular program is comprised of three separate programs: 1. Parts & Materials Warehousing 2. Equipment Maintenance 3. Equipment Management The Equipment Maintenance Budget comprises about 95% of the cost in that particular program. The Equipment Rental rates are based on the projected cost of that maintenance activity and Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 5 119 the cost as requested for that activity versus the rental rates that were in effect prior to July 1st of this coming year which needed to be increased by 20% in order for this particular budget to operate properly as a working capital-type budget. Director of Public Works Bidwell stated one of the reasons why there is a significant percentage increase is that rates were not raised for the current fiscal year and the City is operating with a large deficit; that is why the increase, percentage wise, is considerable. During a lengthy discussion, Councilman Bleecker stated that he does not want to see the budget pumped up out of propor- tion on projections so that next year there is purposefully created a large reserve that may not be necessary, and it looks like the City is running well when perhaps it may not be running as cheaply as possible. MANAGEMENT SERVICES - $1,372,765 (+$123,564) Mayor - $5,645 There is no change in this budget from funds approved in 1975-76. City Council - $117,985 (-$1,825) The budget decrease is due to a reduction in property taxes on city-owned properties outside the city limits. City Manager - $190,485 (+$86,249) The major increases in this budget are due to funds for next year's municipal election. Funds are included for the replacement of two typewriters, storage shelves, and a bookcase. Community Promotions - $29,000 This budget provides funds, on a contractual basis, to the Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce for industrial promotion and city growth. The Chamber has requested an additional $10,000 to assist in their industrial advertising campaign. Due to limited funds, the Committee recommends that the request not be granted this year. 120 Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 6 Employee Retirement - $115,000 There is no change in this budget approved in 1975-76. from funds Insurance - $325,000 (+$54,600) Additional funds are included due to increased liability and fire insurance costs. Debt Service - $589,650 (-$15,460) The Debt Service Budget is down from 1975-76 due to lower interest payments. Councilman Bleecker requested an explanation of the difference in the figures in the report as compared to the Preliminary Budget under the Management Services category. Deputy City Manager Sumbardo stated that the reason is that the Budget Review and Finance Committee report, being given by Councilman Medders, is the operating portion of the budget only, which does not include the salary and fringe benefit portions. ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES - $1,275,305 (+$206,563) Waste Treatment Services - $275,290 ~$45,179) This budget is up due to inflationary price adjustments and higher utility rates. Funds are included under equipment outlay for an emergency stand-by sewage pump for the new police building and replacement of a pipe locator. Refuse Management Services - $1,000,015 (+$161,384) The increase in this budget is due largely to rate adjustments and an increased number of refuse service pickups for private refuse contractors. DEVELOPMENT AND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES - $1,106,720 (+$337,801) Development Services Administration - $29,115 (+$11,643) This budget is up due primarily to funds being included for consulting services (parking assess- ment district; land appraisals) as needed. Funds are included for the purchase of an adding machine. Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 7 121 Planning - $76,580 (+$28,325) Additional £unds are included this year for assistance in preparation of major EIR's, general plan element revisions and updating of the zoning ordinance. Public Works Administration - $80,475 (+$36,539) The increase in this budget is due largely to funds being included for the implementation of a work measurement program in the Streets Division of the Public Works Department. Monies are included for replacement o£ a typewriter. Councilman Bleecker asked why City personnel couldn't conduct the Work Measurement Program study and save all the money. Deputy City Manager Sumbardo stated that originally there was more money budgeted and after discussions it was deter- mined that installing this type of program in the Street Division was the most important and the best place to start. As far as the staff doing this program, it is a very technical and time consuming type of implementation. We are talking about studying standards; for example, in the Street Division, what should the standard be as to how long it takes to fill a hole or pave a certain number o£ lineal feet of street. This fee would include training all the employees in the Street Division and, before training, orient them as to why this program would be effective and not just a program to work harder and also set up standards and actual implementation. It is not a study; it is an implementation of a work measurement or work management program. In a letter from Kapner, Dull, & Wolfberg, Inc., Management Consultants of Sherman Oaks, California (they do only work measurement or work management programs), they state, "If the current annual rate of productivity improvement savings that you are realizing within one year after the completion of our program does not exceed your work management program fee (in this case $32,000.00), we will return to you the difference between the fee and your annual rate of savings. Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 8 City Manager Bergen stated that this would only provide the funds for the Work Measurement Program. The Governmental Efficiency and Personnel Committee would meet to make final determination. Councilman Barton questioned the total of nearly a half million dollars for Professional and Consulting Services. Councilmen Medders and Christensen explained what each individual amount was for and where it is located in the budget. During a lengthy discussion, Councilman Barton stated he has reservations about this Work Measurement Program from the standpoint that he would assume that the level of productivity in certain phases of street work would have some comparability with the private sector, which is in a profit making business and this is a point that should be explained to the Council, whether it's being done or not. Deputy City Manager Sumbardo stated that this is one of the aspects of the program to apply tried and true business practices to government. In the past there hasn't been too much done in the area of productivity in government, but today, with people not wanting to increase taxes, etc., government is becoming more interested in getting productivity out of their personnel. Engineering Services - $103,960 (+$13,173) Additional funds are included in this year's budget for contracting out engineering work as necessary. Funds are included under equipment outlay for the purchase of an additional file cabinet. Streets - $603,425 (+$211,354) Additional funds are included this year for street and sewer materials due to both price increases and city expansion. The increase in the rental internal organization account reflects a 20 percent adjustment in equipment rental rates and the purchase of new equipment. Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 9 123 Traffic Control - $213,165 (+$36,767) The increases in this budget are due almost entirely to projected higher electrical utility charges and repair and maintenance costs to operate traffic signals. Funds are included for the purchase of a file cabinet for the Traffic Engineer. PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES - $2,542,648 (+$533,584) Police Services - $1,445,578 (+$372,659) The majority of the Police Budget increase is in the materials and charges category. Additional funds are budgeted for chemical supplies needed for the new crime lab. The awards and uniforms account is up due to increased uniform prices and additional uniforms for the reserve unit. Increases in the office supplies account are due to the purchase of tab cards for the new key punch equipment, additional traffic citation forms, and general price increases in office supplies. The materials and supplies account is up due to additional funds for firearms training, creation of a police library, and replacement of tear gas and other chemical agents. Funds are included under the rental account for the lease of two mag-card typewriters, a card sorter, and a key punch machine. Utility accounts are also up due to rate increases. Funds are included under office equipment for additional files and two calculators. Under signal and communications equipment, funds are budgeted for tape recorders and walkie-talkies for reserve officers; replacement of 15 motor- cycle radios and l0 obsolete burglar alarms: and modernized light bars and electronic sirens for patrol cars. Also included under the equip- ment outlay category are new radio testing equipment, camera equipment, training films, hand guns and ammunition for reserve officers, and fire extinguishers and rescue tools for patrol cars. In addition to the above, funds are provided to continue the contractual agreement with Horace Clark for school crossing guard services. The Committee recommends approval of the request for an increase in the hourly rate for crossing guards of from $2.35 to $2.50 an hour and from $115.00 to $122.50 per guard per month for administrative and operating expenses. The Committee also recommends approval of the Police Department request for an additional crossing guard to serve the Castle School area in the southwest. The agreement for school crossing guard services will be placed on the June 28 City Council agenda. Chief of Police Price answered questions of the Council regarding various equipment requests and the $50,000.00 that was Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 10 cut from the budget relevant to an efficiency study in the Police Department. This study can be made with assistance of P.O.S.T. Fire Services - $736,760 (+$90,027) The major increases in the Fire Services Budget are due to the following: additional telephone expenses for the new communications network, utility rate increases, and funds for a fire station location study. Under equipment outlay~ funds are included for a variety of office and station equipment; replacement of two sedans and one pumper; replacement of fire hose, nozzles, and fittings; fire hydrants for new development; camera equipment; training films; and vehicle maintenance equipment. Fire Chief Needham answered questions about a Fire Station Location Study. Building Services - $43,810 (+$6,778) The budget is up slightly over 1975-76. Funds are included for a variety of office equipment items. Repair and Demolition - $30,000 There is no increase from funds approved in 1975-76. This budget provides funds for the demolition of substandard dwellings. Costs incurred by the City are assessed against affected property owners and ultimately paid back to the City. Finance Director Haynes explained the funding for the demolition of substandard dwellings. Street Lighting - $286,500 (+$64,120) The increase in street lighting is due to higher electrical energy charges. RECREATION AND CULTURAL SERVICES - $867,265 (+$128,944) Recreation - $117,055 (+$22,217) This budget is up due to higher utility costs and the budgeting of funds for the Recreation Budget's share of custodial services. Funds are included for replacement of a hot water heater at the California Avenue Neighborhood Facility. Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 125 Auditorium Manager Graviss explained that the original hot water heater purchased for the California Avenue Neighborhood Facility is not large enough for their needs and should be replaced with a larger one. Parks - $518,925 (+$92,615) The major increases in the Parks Budget are due to higher utility costs and equipment rental rate adjustments. Other increases reflect price increases in various material and supply costs. Funds are budgeted under equipment outlay for replacement of gas chlorinators, chemical tanks, playground equipment, sprinkler heads, irrigation tanks, and picnic table tops. The Committee also reviewed a report from the Public Works Department related to tree spraying and private brush hauling services presently provided by the City (see attached report). The Committee concurs in the reports recommendations that (1) the spraying of trees on private property be discontinued except where it is necessary to protect public trees and (2) the fee for brush hauling be increased to a minimum of $25.00 per location to help defray the City's cost for this service. Auditorium - $226,530 (+$11,672) The Auditorium Budget increase is reflected in higher utility rates, equipment rental costs, and administrative cost allocations. Funds are included under equipment outlay for the replace- ment of microphones, monitor speakers and amplifiers, portable audio console, stage draperies and tables. Cunningham Art Gallery - $4,755 (+$2,440) The increase is due to funds being charged against this budget for custodial services. SUPPORT SERVICES - $1,391,935 (+$385,953) Finance - $55,390 (+$7,340) Increases in the Finance Budget are due to normal increases in the cost of materials and supplies. Funds are included under equipment outlay for three calculators, two filing cabinets, and replacement of two chairs. Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 12 Data Processing - $68,160 (+$7,176) The Data Processing Budget is up due to normal increases in the cost of materials and supplies. Under equipment outlay, funds are included for additional disk storage packs, a computer halt alarm device, fire extinguisher, and replacement of three chairs. City Attorney - $85,600 (+$907) This budget is up due to the increased cost of materials and supplies. Funds are included for a desk and chair for the Deputy City Attorney. General Services - $173,195 (+$44,116) Increases in this budget reflect the transferring of all custodial personnel and supplies from the Auditorium-Recreation Department to the Public Works Department. Other increases are largely attributable to higher utility rates. Equipment outlay monies are included for air conditioning improvements at City Hall. EQUIPMENT MANAGEMENT - $116,725 The Equipment Management Division is responsible for the maintenance of 425 pieces of equipment for all departments except Fire. The above total budget request consists of the sum of the total salaries and supplemental benefits, operating expenses, and departmental capital outlay, less the equipment rental charges made to other depart- ments for the use of this equipment. The operating budget included in the total des- cribed above amounts to $1,116,375 or $382,854 more than last year. The increase is due almost entirely to the transfer of police vehicle maintenance costs to this budget. This is in line with the Council's decision to transfer police vehicle maintenance functions to the Public Works Department. Funds are included under equipment outlay for the purchase of four pickup trucks, drill press, metal working equip- ment, hydraulic tree-trimming unit, traffic line marker, portable air cleaner, and the installation of safety equipment on various pieces of equip- ment. Equipment Replacement - $892,865 (+$403,615) The Equipment Replacement Fund is up consider- ably over last year due to increases in the number of pieces of Public Works, Police, and Fire equipment scheduled for replacement next year. The original cost of city equipment as of June 30, 1975 totals $3,183,230. The replace- ment cost of this equipment today would be substantially higher. Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 13 127 Survey of City Charges and Fees It has been a number of years since the City did an in-depth analysis and evaluation of all charges and fees for city services. The Committee recommends that the staff make such a study prior to Council consideration of the 1977-78 budget next year. Conclusion The Committee has reviewed all program budget requests in the recommended Operating Budget for 1976-77. These requests have been reviewed in light of both city growth and continued inflation. Reductions have been made where possible. However, since the Operating Budget is so closely tied to current levels of service, no major reductions have been made. The Committee recommends acceptance of this report and approval of the 1976-77 Operating Budget as outlined above. Councilman Bleecker asked the total amount that the Budget Review and Finance Committee cut from the Preliminary Budget. Councilman Medders answered that the Committee originally cut $116,702.00 from the budget, but they had to add the cost for private refuse contractors in the amount of $53,075.00 and school crossing guards to the Police budget in the amount of $4,125.00, bringing the total amount cut from the Preliminary Budget to $59,502.00. Councilman Barton asked if the Parks Budget reflects a savings in manpower, equipment, etc., since tree spraying is being discontinued and the fee for brush hauling is being increased. Deputy City Manager Sumbardo answered that if the City got out of the private tree spraying business, the savings would be 850 manhours and the Public Works Director would transfer these employees to General Park Maintenance. Each year the City has added more parks; and Public Works has requested additional employees; but they have not been approved. Public Works Director Bidwell stated that the recommen- dation on brush hauling is not to discontinue the service but to increase the fees to offset a loss due to the price now being charged. 198 Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 14 Councilman Medders made a motion to accept Report No. 8-76 of the Budget Review and Finance Committee regarding the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 1976-77, and approve the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 1976-77. Councilman Bleecker offered a substitute motion that the 20% increase in the Internal Equipment Rental Rates be cut to a 10% increase prior to adopting the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 1976-77. Councilman Strong asked Councilman Bleecker if he would be willing to defer this part of the report until tomorrow night and the staff could provide more details. There also seems to be a question regarding deficit figures, and the staff should be given the opportunity to come up with a more definite amount. Councilman Bleecker stated that would be fine if the staff will come up with the actual projected departmental requests for the various items included in the Internal Equipment Rental Rates, such as gas, oil, etc.; and if it averages 20%, then I might be able to support it. Councilman Bleecker changed his substitute motion to exclude the Internal Equipment Rental Rates from the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 1976-77 and hold over until tomorrow night. Councilman Christensen requested that the staff also provide a more detailed explanation of the amount of funds budgeted for Professional and Consulting Services, as it seems to be an excessive amount. Councilman Bleecker stated that he would include Councilman Christensen's request in his substitute motion. Councilman Barton requested that the staff provide a more detailed report on the Work Measurement Program. Councilman Bleecker stated that he would include Councilman Barton's request in his substitute motion. Councilman Bleecker's substitute motion to exclude the Internal Equipment Rental Rates, Professional and Consulting Bakersfield, California, June 14, 1976 - Page 15 129 Services and Work Measurement Program from the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 1976-77 until tomorrow night for more detailed explanations from the staff, was approved by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilmen Rogers, Sceales, Strong, Barton, Bleecker, Christensen, Medders Noes: None Absent: None Councilman Bleecker stated he would hope that with the salaries that the City pays and the expertise it has in all depart- ments that the City could get to a point where "we could run our own ranch" in an economical manner, particularly in regards to filling holes in the street, without hiring outside help to tell us how to do it. It is understandable to pay fees for outside services where the City needs legal expertise in highly compli- cated matters, such as water. Councilman Medders questioned whether the entire Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 1976-77 would be held over until tomorrow night. Recess. Upon a motion by Councilman Bleecker, the Council recessed its budget hearings at 10:40 P.M. until Tuesday, June 15, 1976 at 7:00 P.M., by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Councilmen Rogers, Strong, Barton, Bleecker, Christensen Noes: Councilmen Sceales, Medders Absent: None ~~ersfield, Calif. ATTEST: CITY CLERK and Ex~Officio Clerk of the Council of the City of B~t~ersfield, California ma