HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/30/2016AT
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
September 30, 2016 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager
SUBJECT: General Information
Notable Items
Chief of Police – Greg Williamson – has advised me that he intends to retire at
the end of the calendar year. We congratulate him and concurrently thank
him for his exemplary service over the past 27 years with the Bakersfield
Police Department (BPD), including the last seven years as the Chief of
Police. Chief Williamson has been an open and forthright communicator
throughout his tenure. He recently led the BPD through an analysis by the
International Association of Chiefs of Police and the team effort to implement
its recommendations. As a result, those actions have shortened response times, increased transparency and efficiency, and improved community
relations. In addition, his service was exemplary in the aftermath of the tragic
death of Police Officer – David Nelson.
The City Charter requires that the Chief of Police be appointed from within
the ranks of the BPD. An internal process to find his successor will begin
immediately. The Civil Service portion of that process will produce a list of up
to three eligible candidates. The appointment from that list is made by the
City Manager.
Attached is a copy of the Sales Tax Quarterly Summary Report by Industry,
summarizing and comparing the top 10 industry categories 2nd quarter results
of 2016 to the 2nd quarter results of 2015. The general categories of
eating/drinking places (without alcohol), family apparel, and building
materials display above average results, while department stores, new car
dealers, service stations, eating/drinking places (with alcohol), heavy
industrial equipment and machinery, grocery stores, and full-time specialty
stores display below average results. Sales tax from oil and gas services and
Page 2 General Information
September 30, 2016
equipment has decreased approximately 41% during the same period.
Please see the attachment for additional information.
We are excited to announce the completion of the Rosedale Highway
Widening Project. Work began on the $18 million construction project in
spring 2015. The project widened the roadway to provide six traffic lanes
(three in each direction) and made improvements to intersections between
Calloway Drive and Gibson Street. This project increases road capacity along
one of Bakersfield’s busiest commuter routes, thereby improving circulation
and travel times. The roadway is currently open to traffic, but workers will
remain in the area for a few more weeks to stripe lanes, install signal loops,
and finish other final details. Thank you to those who attended the ribbon cutting ceremony earlier this week.
Last week the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) posted a notice
seeking “Expressions of Interest” for a new 30,100 square foot Outpatient
Clinic in Bakersfield. The VA is seeking responses from representatives of
vacant land or existing structures by October 24, 2016. Construction of a new
VA Outpatient Clinic in Bakersfield is an opportunity to provide important veteran services and potential revitalization efforts in our community. For the
past year, City staff has been working closely with the VA to identify areas of
Page 3 General Information
September 30, 2016
opportunity and potential sites for the new facility. With ongoing assistance
from City staff, the VA has also elected to expand their area of interest to
consider multiple sites throughout Bakersfield, including potential infill sites
that are in need of redevelopment. Construction of a new VA facility greatly
benefits our community and City staff will continue efforts to assist the VA’s
site selection process. More information on veteran health services can be
found at www.va.gov/health.
The map above illustrates the VA’s Delineated Area for the Clinic’s future location
Traffic and other Road Advisories
Continued Traffic Control on State Route 178 at Alfred Harrell Highway
Intersection Reconstruction Scheduled
Motorists should anticipate intermittent traffic control continuing next week,
October 3rd through 7th, at the State Route 178 and Alfred Harrell
Highway/Comanche Drive intersection as the contractor prepares to
reconstruct this intersection in conjunction with the State Route 178 Widening
Project. Delays are not expected to last longer than 10 minutes.
The contractor plans to begin the reconstruction of the State Route 178 and
Alfred Harrell Highway/Comanche Drive intersection during night time hours
on Monday, October 10th, through Thursday, October 13th. Work is expected
to continue the following week, Monday, October 17th, through Thursday,
October 20th, also during nighttime hours. If necessary, work may continue on
Friday night of each week. Work hours will be between 7:00 p.m. and 7:00
a.m., each night.
Page 4 General Information
September 30, 2016
This project will replace the full-depth of pavement within the intersection
and will entail grinding out and removing the old pavement and aggregate
base then installing new aggregate base and asphalt. The intersection will
remain open while this work is underway, but the signal will be set to flashing
red. Motorists should anticipate shifts to traffic lanes as work proceeds across
the intersection.
This work will be conducted during nighttime hours to minimize impacts to
daytime traffic. Flagging personnel will provide traffic control as necessary
during periods of heavy traffic to minimize delays, but motorists are advised
to take alternate routes or allow extra time to reach their destinations. Council Referrals
Councilmember Maxwell
o Park Improvement Projects
Reports
Streets Division work schedule for the week of October 3rd
Bright House Networks regarding possible programming changes
2016 Summer Season Aquatics Report Event Notifications
Event calendar for the Rabobank Arena Theater and Convention Center
On October 1st (9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.), the Bakersfield Animal Care Center is
co-sponsoring “Dog Day at the Park” at Central Park at Mill Creek. Activities
include no/low cost microchip clinics, licensing and vaccinations, adoptions,
and more much! For more information, please see the attached flyer.
We enhance the quality of life through a variety of programs, parks, and partnerships.
Department of Recreation and Parks
DATE: September 15, 2016 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Dianne Hoover, Director
SUBJECT: Park Improvement Projects
Councilmember Maxwell requested staff provide information on park improvements
currently budgeted or planned for parks that are at least 30 years old. Attached is a
comprehensive list of parks which are at least 30 years old along with projects that
have been completed or currently budgeted since 2012.
During this time period, the Department has completed or is currently carrying out
numerous capital improvement projects within parks that fall within this age range.
Highlights include:
• 4 playground rehabilitations
• 8 shade structures
• Improved playground safety surfaces at 7 locations
• Rehabilitation of 3 tennis facilities
• Installation of Maxicom system at 21 locations
• New skate park and restroom at Planz Park
• New spray park at Siemon Park
• Gym Floor and Weight Room Rehabilitation at the Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center
• Park Lighting Upgrade Project at Martin Luther King Jr. Park
The Recreation and Parks Department continues to identify and prioritize projects at all parks. Included in the 2016-2021 Capital Improvement Plan are two projects for FY
2017-18 at parks at least 30 year’s old. These projects are:
• Improvements to the Beale Park Amphitheater
• Improvements to the Maintenance Building at Lowell Park
Both projects are currently planned to for 2017-18 based on current prioritization,
subject to available funding.
We enhance the quality of life through a variety of programs, parks, and partnerships.
In addition to the 5 year CIP, the Department is in the process of updating its Master
Plan. This update is a collaborative effort between the Department and the CSUB Public Administration program. The Master Plan process includes surveys of residents,
which will assist the Department in identifying projects that are important to the community. As the Master Plan is finalized, a more detailed list of future projects will
be identified.
Park and Improvements Year Completed/to be Completed
Amberton Park
Maxicom Irrigation Program Project 2015
Beach Park
Playground Rehabilitation Project 2012
Maxicom Irrigation Program Phase II Project 2016
Beale Park
Playground Rehabilitation Project 2012
Maxicom Irrigation Program Project 2015
Playground Shade Structure Project 2017
Castle Park
Maxicom Irrigation Program Phase II Project 2016
Centennial Park
Tennis Court Resurfacing Project 2012
Maxicom Irrigation Program Project 2015
Playground Safety Surfacing Project 2015
Central Park at Mill Creek
Central Park South Mill Creek Parking Lot Project 2012
Playground Safety Surfacing Project 2015
Grissom Park
Maxicom Irrigation Program Project 2015
Jastro Park
Tennis Court Resurfacing Project 2012
Shade Structure Project 2014
Maxicom Irrigation Program Project 2015
Playground Safety Surfacing Project 2016
Jefferson Park
Playground Shade Structure Project 2012
Picnic Area Shade Structure Project 2015
Playground Safety Surfacing Project 2015
Maxicom Irrigation Program Phase II Project 2016
Kroll Park
Maxicom Irrigation Program Project 2015
Lowell Park
Maxicom Irrigation Program Phase II Project 2016
Martin Luther King Jr. Park
Bleachers and Playground Shade Structure Project 2012
Tennis Court Rehabilitation Project 2013
Maxicom Irrigation Program Project 2015
Playground Safety Surfacing Project 2015
Gym Floor and Weight Room Rehabilitation Project 2016
Park Lighting Upgrade Project 2017
Park and Improvements Year Completed/to be Completed
Patriots Park
Shade Structure Project 2013
Maxicom Irrigation Program Project 2015
Planz Park
Playground Shade Structure Project 2012
Skate Park and Picnic Area Project 2013
Restroom Project 2015
Playground Safety Surfacing Project 2015
Maxicom Irrigation Program Phase II Project 2016
Quailwood Park
Maxicom Irrigation Program Project 2015
Playground Safety Surfacing Project 2015
Saunders Park
Playground Rehabilitation Project 2012
Maxicom Irrigation Program Phase II Project 2016
Siemon Park
Tennis Court Resurfacing Project 2012
Splash Pad Project 2013
Maxicom Irrigation Program Phase II Project 2016
University Park
Maxicom Irrigation Program Project 2015
Wayside Park
Tennis Court Rehabilitation Project 2013
Maxicom Irrigation Program Phase II Project 2016
Playground Rehabilitation Project 2017
Weill Park
Maxicom Irrigation Program Phase II Project 2016
Westwold Park
Maxicom Irrigation Program Phase II Project 2016
Wilson Park
Maxicom Irrigation Program Project 2015
Playground Shade Structure Project 2017
Week of October 3_2016_Work Schedule
Page 1 of 2
STREETS DIVISION – WORK SCHEDULE
Week of October 3, 2016 – October 7, 2016
Resurfacing/Reconstructing streets in the following areas:
Sealing streets in the area south of Brundage Ln between So. “H” St and Union Ave
Maintenance grind and pave on Chester Ave between 24th St and 30th St
Reconstructing Sorrano Ave off of Akers Rd south of Ming Ave
Reconstructing 21St St west of Oak St
Reconstructing Westwind Dr between Truxtun Ave & 21St St
Reconstructing 19th St west of Oak St
Reconstructing streets in the area north of Panorama Ln and west of Fairfax Rd
Miscellaneous Streets Division projects:
Video inspection of City owned sewer and storm lines to evaluate condition of pipes
Repairing damaged sewer line found during video inspection
Miscellaneous concrete repairs throughout the City
Concrete repairs to various bus stops throughout City limits
Asphalt work in the area of California Ave to Verde St from “A” St to Chester Ave (HUD area)
Installing storm and sewer lines at next phase of Mesa Marin Sports Complex
Grading for sidewalk at Mesa Marin Sports Complex
Working with the Railroad to repair both crossings on Ashe Rd south of White Ln
NOTE: If raining, there will be no street sweeping service and all street cleaning personnel will be assigned
to cleaning plugged drains and part circle culverts. This also applies when a large number of street
sweepers are in Fleet for repairs. Areas that have been missed during this time will be swept at the end of
the month only when possible.
THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Week of October 3_2016_Work Schedule
Page 2 of 2
STREETS SWEEPING SCHEDULE
Monday, October 3, 2016
Between Golden State Ave. & 16th St. – “F” St. & Oak St. /Kern River Boundary
Between 34th St. & 30th St. – Chester Ave. & San Dimas St.
Between San Dimas St. & Beale Ave. – 34th St/Bernard St. & Niles St.
Between Olive Dr. & Riverlakes Dr. (ext.) – Riverlakes Dr. & Coffee Rd.
Tuesday, October 4, 2016
Between California Ave. & Brundage Ln. – Oak St. & Union Ave.
Between Renfro Rd. & Jenkins Rd. – Stockdale Hwy. & Kern River Boundary.
Wednesday, October 5, 2016
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. – Fountain Dr. & Raval St.
Between Ming Ave. & White Ln. – Allen Rd. & Buena Vista Rd.
Thursday, October 6, 2016
City areas between Kentucky St. & Quincy St. – Owens St. & Virginia St.
Between Union Ave. & Washington St. – E. Truxtun Ave. & Brundage Ln.
Between Gosford Rd. & Old River Rd. – Panama Ln. & Pacheco Rd. (alignment)
City areas between Progress Rd. & Old River Rd. – Meadow Falls Dr. & Rose Creek Dr.
Friday, October 7, 2016
Between Buena Vista Rd. & Allen Rd. – Pensinger Rd. & Panama Ln.
Between Buena Vista Rd. & Mountain Vista Dr. – Panama Ln. & Berkshire 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 Pl. – 178 Hwy. & Hickory Dr.
Between 178 Hwy. & Reynard Rd. – Kern Canyon Rd. & McKenna St.
Between Stockdale Hwy. & Joseph Dr. – McDonald Wy. & N. Stine Rd.
Department of Recreation and Parks
DATE: September 20, 2016
TO: Dianne Hoover, Recreation & Parks Director
FROM: Terri Elison, Recreation Supervisor II
Ja’Nette Beck, Recreation Specialist
RE: 2016 Summer Season Aquatics Report
In the 2016 Aquatic summer season, Bakersfield experienced the national Aquatic industry problem
of not being able to hire enough Lifeguards to cover all the programs at the pools. The season
started with 75 Lifeguards with 41 of them being returners and 34 being new hires; this was a 46%
retention rate. Within two weeks, 4 returners left the job for other opportunities leaving 71 Lifeguards.
Needing around 90 Lifeguards to cover the programs at the 4 pools, 3 staff were allowed to only
have their Waterpark Lifeguard Certification and 1 staff possessed a Water Safety Instructor
Certification only. With the availability of Lifeguards to work, and having those without both
certifications, capacities were reduced for swim lessons to ensure there were enough Water Safety
Instructors to cover classes. In 2015, 83 Lifeguards were hired and in 2014 there were 88 Lifeguards.
With the reduced number of Lifeguards this summer, Pool Managers struggled to schedule enough
staff to cover the pools.
In response to the challenge of hiring enough Lifeguards, the recruitment process this year was also
changed by waiving the $85 fee for the Waterpark Lifeguard Course and providing it free to those
individuals who passed the assessment and interview process. Those individuals who successfully
completed the course were hired and the $85 fee to the Water Safety Instructor Certification Class
was waived. Those hired were put on payroll and paid to take the Water Safety Instructor Class.
Even with these measures, only 34 individuals successfully completed the hiring process.
Due to the City’s difficult financial situation, the Aquatics budget was significantly reduced the last
two years. This resulted in eliminating several programs and reducing hours on others. These
reductions combined with the number of Lifeguards contributed to lower attendance overall.
This next chart depicts the attendance by programs at each pool and revenue generated.
Attendance JeffersonMLKMCMurtrey Silver Creek GrantsTOTAL
Recreational Swim 8,1876,97829,5448,604 53,313
Swim Lessons 3,6002,40017,57015,280 38,850
Pool Programming 741 2,50015,1804,694 23,115
Special Events / Parties/ Rentals001,547*0*1,547
Total Attendance 12,52811,87862,29428,578 116,825
Operations
Revenue $8,134.00$4,707.90$172,744.13$53,012.58 $238,598.61
USA Swimming Grant - 100 lessons $3,576$3,576.00
Kasier Permanente Operation Splash $31,500$31,500.00
First 5 Kern -Make A Splash - 525 Lessons $23,625$23,625.00
Total Revenue$8,134.00$4,707.90$172,744.13$53,012.58$58,701.00$297,299.61
*Eliminated pool party rentals and held 1 Family Fun Night
CITY POOL FINANCIAL & ATTENDANCE SUMMARY
2016 Summer
This chart below shows the total attendance by pools the last five years.
JeffersonMLK PoolMcMurtrey Silver Creek Total
2016 12,52811,87863,84128,578 116,825
2015 16,01312,53371,91032,518 132,974
2014 10,7567,45673,83828,831 120,881
2013 9,4995,08166,12928,083 108,792
2012 7,1893,30660,30316,980 91,510
0
10,000
20,000
30,000
40,000
50,000
60,000
70,000
80,000
Jefferson MLK Pool McMurtrey Silver Creek
Attendance:
Total attendance at the City pools for the summer was 116,825, a 12.1% decrease from last year’s
132,974. Programs eliminated included: Silver Creek and McMurtrey pool party rentals, 6 Parent & Me
Pool Times and 2 Family Fun Nights at McMurtrey. Further reductions involved reducing one half hour
daily from Recreation Open Swim at all pools and mid-day Lap Swim at McMurtrey.
In addition, the drought restrictions were lifted and spray parks were opened on June 10th. With these
openings, the $1 fee for adults 18+ was reinstated at Jefferson and MLK Pools. In 2015, both Jefferson
and MLK Pools were free for Recreation Open Swim all summer which increased attendance at those
pools.
Furthermore, this summer experienced an increase in vandalism and behavior problems from some
participants at Jefferson Pool. Staff implemented measures at the beginning of the summer to help
combat this problem by scheduling a security guard and 2 Pool Management staff during each
Recreation Open Swim. As the problems continued, the Police Department stepped up patrols
which helped residents and staff feel safe as they enjoyed the community pool.
All these factors contributed to lower overall attendance, but the number of participants taking swim
lessons this year increased by 4.4% due to the three grants the Department received.
Swim Lessons
Drowning is the leading cause of death for children between the ages 1 to 4 and the second leading
cause of death for adolescents under age 14. In Kern County alone, from 2000 - 2012, 47 children
drowned. Knowing that participation in formal swim lessons could reduce the likelihood of childhood
drownings by 88%; the Department applied for and received grants from First 5 Kern, Kaiser
Permanente’s Operation Splash and USA Swimming Foundation “Make A Splash Program”.
These grants provided $5.00 discounted swim lessons to 955 eligible children and adults; the regular
price for swim lessons is $50. Discounted swim lessons were offered each session throughout the
summer. Along with swim lessons, water safety and “Rethink Your Drink” information was presented to
the parents and guardians.
Lifeguards taught 2,460 participants swim lessons this summer. This computes to 2,333 children,
72 Camp King campers, and 55 adults. This is a 4.4% increase from last year’s 2,357 total.
MLK Swim
Lessons
Jefferson Swim
Lessons
Silver Creek Swim
Lessons
McMurtrey
Swim Lessons
# of Swim
Lessons 182 225 955 1098
Funding from the First 5 Kern grant provided 515 children ages 6 months to 5 and 10 parents
who have children between the ages of 0 to 5 years $5 discounted swim lessons for Sessions 3
and 4.
In Session 1, $5 discounted swim lessons were also provided to 80 children ages 3 to 17 years
whose family met the free and reduced meal income guidelines. These swim lessons were
provided through a grant from the USA Swimming Foundation.
Kaiser Permanente Operation Splash Grant provided funding for 350 children ages 3 to 17
years whose families met the same eligibility requirements as USA Swimming Foundation.
As part of the Kaiser Permanente Operation Splash Grant- a free Recreation Swim Season Pass
called “Operation Splash Pass”- was provided to 150 income eligible individuals. This pass was
valid at all four City Pools and allowed individuals the opportunity to practice their swimming
skills.
Another component of the Kaiser Permanente Operation Splash Grant was having Pool
Managers do a “Tip of the Day” presentation on Water Safety and Healthy Beverage
Education during swim lessons. They provided information to families on the health benefits
gained by reducing their intake of sugar-sweetened beverages and encouraged them to
“Rethink their Drink” by drinking more water. They also provided water safety tips for parents.
There were 1,095 parents this summer sign a “Rethink Your Drink” Pledge to promise to be a
role model and limit their intake of sweetened drinks. They also promised to keep their family
healthy by not buying or serving sweetened drinks.
According to the swim lesson evaluations, 96% of parents believed that the Rethink Your Drink
information was beneficial and would help them in making more informed drink choices for
their families. Also, 97% of parents believed the water safety information was extremely
important.
After receiving the “Rethink Your Drink “information last year, 42% of parents reduced their
child’s intake of sugary beverages over the past year.
Overall, 1,267 Swim Lessons Evaluations were collected from all the pools for the 4 sessions and
they were very positive with comments such as:
o “My daughter was very afraid of the water and getting her face wet but by the
second week the instructor helped her overcome her fear and is now doing an
amazing job.”
o “I am incredibly impressed with the quality of the swim lessons from the instructor
and with the positivity and enthusiasm of the whole team. My child went from
being fearful of the water to voluntarily jumping in within 2 weeks!”
o “I loved our instructor. She definitely helped my son feel more comfortable in the
water. He went from crying his whole first session to being super excited to come
to swim lessons.”
o “My 5 year old was in Level 1 and after 2 weeks she now swims.”
o “The swim instructors are all knowledgeable, enthusiastic and friendly to both
students and parents. This is our second year bringing our grandson and we will
do so again next year. You are running an excellent program with a safe and
happy environment!”
Grant Highlights
Staff presented “Water Safety Workshop” to 7 Parent Community Groups and accomplished
the Integration of Services goal for the 2015-2016 First 5 Kern “Make A Splash” grant.
Through First 5 Kern’s Make A Splash Grant staff taught Pediatric CPR with AED, First Aid and
Water Safety classes to 25 participants this summer.
A total of 67 participants who were either a parent, grandparent, guardian, expectant parent,
or childcare worker for children 0 to 5 years of age, received certifications in American Red
Cross Pediatric CPR with AED, First Aid, and Water Safety Education for First 5 Kern Make A
Splash 2015-2016 year. This exceeded the target goal of 60.
The kick-off event for Operation Splash Grant from Kaiser Permanente was held on Memorial
Day, May 30 th at McMurtrey from 1:00 to 4:00 pm. There were 596 participants who enjoyed
the pools, slides, diving boards, and the Water Safety and “Rethink Your Drink” booths.
As part of the Kaiser Permanente Operation Splash Grant, Jr. Lifeguard classes were offered at
MLK and Jefferson Pools for a discounted rate of $5. Ten participants from the neighborhoods
surrounding these pools learned lifeguarding skills that hopefully will translate into future
lifeguards.
A total of 2,350 participants received Water Safety and “Rethink Your Drink” Healthy Beverage
information this summer, exceeding the grant target of 2,250.
“Rethink Your Drink” and Water Safety Education was promoted through banners, “A” frame
information boards, and with a booth at the Family Fun Night at McMurtrey, 2 Movies in the
Park, and at each of the Wacky Fridays at MLK, Jefferson, and Silver Creek Pools in June and
July.
Summer Highlights
McMurtrey Aquatic Center hosted a Family Fun Night event:
“Beach Blast” on July 15th with 564 participants.
Event included games, activities, slides, basketball, diving boards, and “Rethink Your
Drink” and Water Safety Booths. Participants enjoyed learning about healthy
beverages and tips to keep their children safe around water by playing games,
spinning the wheel for prizes, and sampling the 3 infused water drinks. Everyone also
received educational materials including recipe cards and raffle tickets for a chance
to win a lifejacket.
Wacky Fridays were also held in June with a Pirate’s Cove theme and in July with a Beach
Blast theme at Silver Creek, Jefferson, and MLK Pools. These events were held during
Recreation Open Swim and had games, contests, an infused water station, and a Rethink Your
Drink and Water Safety Booth.
The community generously responded to the Bathing Suit Drive held on Friday, June 10th at all
City pools and facilities. There were 113 swimsuits and 1 rash guard donated this summer and
provided to those in need. Today’s Cleaners co-sponsored this event and cleaned gently used
swimsuits.
The 100 Mile Club swam a combined total of 45,555.65 miles this summer. Lap swim
attendance for the summer was 6,005 which is a slight decrease from last year’s 6,827
participants.
The City Championship Swim Meet was held on July 23rd at McMurtrey Aquatic Center with
two teams from McMurtrey and Silver Creek, and one team at both Jefferson and MLK for a
total of 190 participants. Everyone competed for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place medals and 4th through
18th place ribbons. Total attendance at the City Swim Meet was 388.
In celebration of July as Recreation & Parks Month, the Department held a Discount Day on
July 12th. The $1 off discount made it free admission for Recreation Swim at Jefferson, MLK and
Silver Creek Pool and $3 per person or $12 for a group of 4 at McMurtrey.
Parent & Me Pool Playtime were held on June 24th and July 22nd from 10:00 to 11:30 am at
McMurtrey. This program provided parents and their children, ages 5 and under, the
opportunity to enjoy the McMurtrey Activity Pool in a smaller setting.
Participants enjoyed the variety of classes offered this summer from Deep Water Intervals,
Diving, Jr Lifeguarding, to CPR. Classes were taught by qualified instructors and held at
McMurtrey. In addition, Bakersfield Scuba continued to rent lanes in the Competition Pool for
their scuba classes and Kern River Divers held their practices at McMurtrey as well.
Lifeguard Audits
On June 25th & 26th and July 30th, Total Aquatic Management conducted unannounced
observational and facility audits on all 4 City Pools. The overall audit score was “Above
Average” for both visits at each pool facility. There were several categories scoring an
“Outstanding”.
This is the first time the Department has received a perfect “Outstanding” on all the Lifeguard
Practical Skills section for each pool and both audits. The Lifeguards are videotaped as the
auditor asks 4 different Lifeguards at each pool to demonstrate specific rescues on a
designated victim. Having 32 Lifeguards demonstrate various rescue skills at the
“Outstanding” level shows all the training required of our Lifeguards is paying off.
Overall, the audit stated “This was a real good audit, scanning was good, rotations were
good, and the supervisors were on the deck. Rescue skills at all pools were solid and the hard
work shows.”
After auditing Jefferson Pool, the auditor further commented, “The pool was real busy and
there are a lot of distractions around the pool, in the park, and on nearby streets. Staff did a
good job of maintaining order and keeping it safe. Rescue skills were very good; this is
obviously a result of great in-service trainings this year.”
Pool Operation
A summary of closures, rescues, and incident/accidents the Lifeguards handled this summer:
Pool Closures
38 Total Pool Closures- Every closure was for the duration of the required 30 minutes before the
pool reopened. Each closure followed the Kern County Environmental Health Requirements.
Pool Number of
Closures
McMurtrey 15
Silver Creek 10
MLK 5
Jefferson 8
Water Rescues
57 Total Water Rescues- Each of these rescues represent a Lifeguard spotting someone in
distress and quickly assisting them so no first aid was needed.
Pool
Number of
Rescues
McMurtrey 25
Silver Creek 4
Jefferson 11
MLK 17
2016 Incident/Accident Summary
Pool Number of Incidents/Accidents %
McMurtrey 16 27%
Silver Creek 7 12%
Jefferson 34 57%
MLK 3 5%
Total Incidents 60
Type Number %
Bee Sting 7 12%
Nosebleed 7 12%
Suspected Heat Exhaustion 3 5%
Scrape, Cut, or Laceration 8 13%
Misc. Injury‡ 12 20%
Patron Issues† 16 27%
Vandalism 6 10%
Other 1 2%
Subtotal 60
‡Includes collision with wall or other hard surface, object embedded in foot,
unresponsive or otherwise ill patrons, and previous injuries
†Includes roughhousing, threats against staff, staff being pushed into the water,
failure to follow rules, etc.
2015 & 2016 Incidents/Accidents Comparison
Pool 2015 2016
McMurtrey 52 16
Jefferson 14 34
Silver Creek 4 7
MLK 23 3
Total Incidents/Accidents 93 60
The number of incidents/accidents at McMurtrey decreased by 69%
The number of incidents/accidents at MLK decreased by 87%
The number of incidents/accidents at Jefferson increased by 143%
The overall number of incidents/accidents decreased by 35%
Sponsorships and Donations
Goggles for Guppies, a non-profit affiliate of USA Swimming Foundation - Make A Splash
Program- donated 40 new Speedo men’s, women, and children’s swim suits valued at
$2,223.00.
Today’s Cleaners co-sponsored the 2016 Swim Suit Drive and provided $1,598 in-kind donation
for cleaning swimsuits at no cost.
Community members donated 113 swimsuits and 1 rash guard valued at $1,128.
Pool Safely , a public education campaign from the U.S.Consumer Product Safety
Commission, donated water watchers tags, story books, t-shirts, posters, whistles, beach balls,
fans, tattoos and Water Safety informational materials valued at $435.
The Department’s application for the California Kids’ Plates Program Child Safety Equipment
Distribution was selected and Aquatics received 40 lifejackets valued at $1,000. These
lifejackets were distributed at CPR classes and special events.
Total donations or sponsorships for the 2016 summer were $6,384.
Summer Season Summary
Aquatic faced several challenges this summer. The 2015 California Title 22 Regulations which
identified Lifeguards as “First Responders” placed Lifeguards under the authority and over-sight of
Kern County Emergency Medical Services. In order for Lifeguards to provide the level of patient care
dictated by their American Red Cross Certifications and industry standards, Kern County Emergency
Medical Services required Lifeguards to be under the umbrella of the City’s Fire Department for
administering oxygen and AED. This required additional training by the Fire Department to ensure all
regulations and procedures were correctly followed. Staff are still working on the application to Kern
County Emergency Medical Services and hopes the details can be worked out this year.
Another big concern was the minimum wage increase which resulted in the City paying Lifeguards
minimum wage. In order for an individual to be hired by the City as a Lifeguard, they must pass a 45
hour American Red Cross Waterpark Lifeguard Certification and a 32 hour Water Safety Instructor
Certification along with Blood borne Pathogens, Administering Oxygen, Epi-Pen and Asthma Inhaler
Certifications. These certifications require the holder to maintain their skills and complete the
required hours of in-service training. The level of their responsibility does not equal a minimum wage
job. Lifeguards were making as much as a Program Leader which collects the dollar fees or directs
and counts individuals as they enter McMurtrey. The minimum wage increase also caused a
compaction issue with the other hourly wages made by key Aquatic staff. These include Assistant
Pool Managers, Pool Managers, Aquatic Coordinators, etc. These factors contributed to not having
enough individuals complete the Lifeguard and Water Safety Instructor’s classes to meet the needed
staffing levels. The availability of the Lifeguards also proved to be challenging as the majority of them
took summer school, had a family vacation, or another job.
Despite all these challenges, Aquatics had a very successful summer. Aquatic staff were very busy
making sure the pools were safe for the 116, 825 people attending the 4 City pools. Lifeguards taught
2,460 individuals to learn to swim, coached 190 participants in swim teams 4 days a week, held 16
swim meets, rescued 57 individuals, handled 60 incidents/accidents and coordinated 9 special
events. Pools were open early morning until late at night, 7 days a week and Aquatic staff from the
Clerks, Program Leaders, Maintenance Staff, to Lifeguards, Pool Managers and Aquatic Coordinators
did this with the professionalism the City expects.
BOX OFFICE HOURS
Mon-Fri 10 AM - 5 PM
(Excluding Event Days)
CHARGE-BY-PHONE
1-888-929-7849
GROUP SALES INFORMATION
661-852-7309
SEASON TICKET INFORMATION
Bakersfield Condors
661-324-PUCK (7825)
www.bakersfieldcondors.com
Bakersfield Symphony
661-323-7928
www.BSOnow.org
Broadway In Bakersfield
661-852-7308
Week of September 19th
UPCOMING EVENTS
September 29 – Chris Young 7:30 PM
$55, $39.50 On Sale Now
October 8 - Preseason: Condors vs Stk6:00 PM
$10, $5 On Sale Now
October 13 – Disney On Ice 7:00 PM
$60, $35, $12 On Sale Now
October 14 – Disney On Ice 7:00 PM
$60, $35, $24, $18, $15 On Sale Now
October 15 – Disney On Ice 11A/3 P/7P
$60, $35, $24, $18, $15 On Sale Now
October 16 – Disney On Ice 1 PM/5 PM
$60, $35, $24, $18, $15 On Sale Now
October 2 – Gospel Fest 3:00 PM
Free Admission
October 8 – Bakersfield Symphony7:30 PM
$45, $35, $30, $20 On Sale Now
October 18 – Intocable 9:00 PM
$157, $117, $97, $72, $62, $47 On Sale Now
October 28 - Apocalypse World8:00 PM
VIP $35, Advance $20, DOS $25On Sale 9/23
October 29 - WWE: NXT Live 7:30 PM
$75, $40, $20 On Sale Now
November 5 – Bakersfield Symphony7:30 PM
$45, $35, $30, $20 On Sale Now
December 18 – Merry-achi Christmas7:30 PM
$45.50, $35.50, $25.50 On Sale Now
February 4 – Bakersfield Symphony7:30 PM
$45, $35, $30, $20 On Sale Now
March 11 – Bakersfield Symphony7:30 PM
$45, $35, $30, $20 On Sale Now
April 8 – Bakersfield Symphony 7:30 PM
$45, $35, $30, $20 On Sale Now
May 13 – Bakersfield Symphony7:30 PM
$45, $35, $30, $20 On Sale Now
www.rabobankarena.com - www.bhnamphitheatre.com