HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/02/2018AT
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
February 2, 2018 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager
SUBJECT: General Information
Notable Items
The League of California Cities recently released a report titled, Retirement System
Sustainability Study and Findings (http://www.cacities.org/2018PensionSurvey). The
purpose of the study is to better understand the cost drivers behind increasing local
employer CalPERS contribution rates and impacts on member cities, including Bakersfield.
The study analyzed anticipated pension contributions rates for cities as a percentage of
payroll and attempted to determine how future contribution rates would impact cities
general funds. The key findings of the study include:
o Rising pension costs will require cities over the next seven years to nearly double the
percentage of its general fund contribution to CalPERS;
o For many cities, pension costs will dramatically increase to unsustainable levels; and
o The impacts of increasing pension costs as a percentage of general fund spending will
affect cities even more than the state because employee costs, including police, fire
and other municipal services, are a larger proportion of spending for cities.
The study reaffirms what the City Manager’s Office has previously shared over the past
two years. Much like cities across the state, Bakersfield will be greatly affected by rate increases mandated by CalPERS. The report also outlines the limited options for cities to
address the rising employer rates; several are not applicable to Bakersfield and others are unattainable due to current fiscal circumstances. Please note an option listed is the
issuance of pension obligation bonds (POBs); however, both the League of California Cities and the Government Finance Officers Association does not recommend POBs
(www.gfoa.org/print/3546). This approach delays and compounds the inevitable financial impacts. Notwithstanding, all options to reduce costs will be further evaluated.
General Information February 2, 2018
Page 2
The City Manager’s Office will continue dialogue with the League of California Cities and
other agencies to obtain the latest information and to keep abreast of any further
changes to the CalPERS rates that may be on the horizon. As well, City departments have
been notified of this report via the attached memorandum.
Nearly all of the structures have been removed from the Centennial Corridor right of way,
and we have a new flyover video that shows the alignment is ready for construction. The
video also captures the progress of the Kern River Bridge Improvements Project, the
sanitary sewer relocation work in the Westpark neighborhood, and the construction at the
State Route 58/99 Interchange. The video is just over two minutes long and can be viewed online from the Centennial Corridor webpage on the TRIP website or link directly
to https://youtu.be/Zpka63nzObo.
Construction has began on the sound walls along the north side of 24th Street in the residential area. The contractor is working on the wall footings and anticipates initiating
block placement in February. The wall construction work began at Beech Street and will continue eastward toward Bay Street, with project completion expected this spring.
It has been an extremely dry this year in our watershed. The trend to date has been worse than the driest year on the history of the river (Fiscal Year 2014-15). Let us hope that we
catch a break and get some late season precipitation!
Attached you will find the monthly Thomas Roads Improvement Program (TRIP) Status
Report for the month of February. The report gives a summary of each TRIP project in
construction, in design, and under review. Completion percentages and pictures of
projects are also included.
The month of February is Heart Health Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death
for both men and women in the United States. It is also one of the most preventable.
Making heart-healthy choices, knowing your family health history and the risk factors for
heart disease, having regular check-ups and working with your physician to manage your
General Information February 2, 2018
Page 3
health are all integral aspects of saving lives from this often silent killer. Make a difference
in your community by spreading the word about strategies for preventing heart disease
and encouraging those around you to have their hearts check and commit to heart-
healthy lives. Additional information can be found at www.theheartfoundation.org.
Below is a photo of staff from the Bakersfield Police Department who are bringing
awareness to Heart Health Month.
Congratulations to Fire Chief Doug Greener who will be receiving the Darrel Hildebrand
Distinguished Leadership Award from the Kern Council of Governments during the
Regional Awards of Merit ceremony on March 1st. Chief Greener has served our
community as a firefighter since 1988, and has led the Fire Department since 2010. During
his tenure, he has led the Fire Department with passion and a commitment to excellence.
General Information February 2, 2018
Page 4
Traffic Advisories
Night Work on Westside Parkway Bridge
Work on the eastbound Westside Parkway bridge across the river will require nighttime
ramp closures, Monday, February 5th, through Thursday, February 8th. This bridge will be
widened to accommodate the future connection with the Centennial Corridor project,
and the closures are needed to allow for saw cutting and demolition of the existing
bridge barrier rail. Temporary concrete barrier rail was placed last week in advance of
this work. Also, the eastbound off-ramp to Truxtun Avenue is expected to be closed each
night between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 5:00 a.m. Eastbound motorists will need to exit the Westside Parkway at Mohawk Street while work is underway. The ramp is expected to
re-open daily in time for the morning commute. Reports
Streets Division work schedule for the week of February 5th Event Notifications
Event calendar for the Rabobank Arena Theater and Convention Center
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
MEMORANDUM
February 2, 2018
TO: Department Heads
FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager
SUBJECT: League of California Cities Retirement System Sustainability Study and Findings
The League of California Cities recently released a report titled, Retirement System
Sustainability Study and Findings (Attachment A). The purpose of the study is to better
understand the cost drivers behind increasing local employer CalPERS contribution rates and
impacts on member cities, including Bakersfield. The study analyzed anticipated pension
contributions rates for cities as a percentage of payroll and attempted to determine how
future contribution rates would impact cities general funds.
The key findings of the study:
Rising pension costs will require cities over the next seven years to nearly double the
percentage of its general fund contributions to CalPERS;
For many cities, pension costs will dramatically increase to unsustainable levels; and
The impacts of increasing pension costs as a percentage of general fund spending will
affect cities even more than the state because employee costs, including police, fire
and other municipal services, are a larger proportion of spending for cities.
The study reaffirms what the City Manager’s Office has shared with you all and presented to
the City Council over the course of the past two years. Much like cities across the state,
Bakersfield will be greatly affected by rate increases mandated by CalPERS. These rate
increases preserve existing pension benefits for existing and retired employees. The report
outlines the limited options for cities to address the rising employer rates; several are not
applicable to Bakersfield and others are unattainable due to current fiscal circumstances.
CalPERS Study
Page 2 of 2
Please note an option listed is the issuance of pension obligation bonds (POBs); however,
both the League of California Cities and the Government Finance Officers Association does
not recommend POBs (Attachment B). This approach delays and compounds the inevitable
financial impacts. Notwithstanding, all options to reduce costs will be further evaluated.
As discussed during the budget kickoff meeting, it will become increasing challenging to
meet service demands and simultaneously absorb the rising CalPERS costs. Work continues
on polling perspective voters for a potential sales tax measure to provide additional
resources for maintaining and enhancing service levels. However, there is no assurance that
revenue enhancement will occur; therefore, we must continue to adjust to the reality of the
circumstances as they exist today. Our office will continue dialogue with the League and
other parties to obtain the latest information and to keep abreast of any further changes to
the CalPERS rates that may be on the horizon.
As always, our office will continue to provide information to you as it relates to CalPERS costs
and all other factors affecting the City’s fiscal outlook. Questions and discussion are
welcome, so please do not hesitate to contact us.
Attachments
A. League of California Cities Retirement System Sustainability Study and Findings
B. Government Finance Officers Association – Pension Obligation Bonds
Page 1
TRIP projects are moving rapidly through the various stages of project development.
This report is to provide a periodic up-to-date snapshot of each project’s recent major activities and progress. If
you have questions, or need additional information, please contact Janet Wheeler at the TRIP office, (661) 326-
3491. Regular project updates are also available on the TRIP website at BakersfieldFreeways.us
MILESTONES
The TRIP office has been notified that the State Route 178 Widening Project will receive two awards in
upcoming weeks. The Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG) selected the project for a Regional Award of
Merit in the category of transportation. The award will be presented to the City at Kern COG’s annual
awards dinner on March 1, 2018 at Seven Oaks Country Club.
The Orange County Engineering Council has also selected the project to receive an Engineering Project
Achievement award at the Council’s annual banquet in Santa Ana on February 17. The project’s design team
is located in Orange County and nominated the project for consideration.
The State Route 178 Widening Project widened and made other improvements to three miles of State Route
178 and realigned the connection with State Route 184. The project was completed in spring 2017.
A groundbreaking ceremony was held and construction began on the Truxtun Avenue Operational
Improvements Project in January. The project limits extend from Empire Drive to approximately 100 feet
east of Elm Street. The pre-existing median has been removed and traffic lanes have been shifted toward
the north side of the roadway to maintain two traffic lanes in each direction during daytime hours.
Construction also began on the sound walls along the north side of 24th Street in the residential area. The contractor is
currently working on the wall footings and anticipates initiating block placement in February. The wall construction
work began at Beech Street and will continue eastward toward Bay Street, with project completion expected this
spring.
PROJECT STATUS
Beltway Operational Improvements
Contractor: Security Paving Company
80% complete; anticipated completion: late spring 2018
This project includes various improvements along State Route 58, from State Route 99 to Cottonwood Road,
and on State Route 99, from north of Ming Avenue to Wilson Road.
The Storm Water Pumping Plant located on northbound State Route 99 near Ming Avenue was energized in
January. Caltrans function testing is expected to occur within the next month. Drainage and paving activities are
also scheduled to be underway along northbound State Route 99 in February. Excavation for a new drainage
basin adjacent to the Ming Avenue on-ramp to southbound State Route 99 has been underway for several
weeks and is expected to be completed in February.
Crews began forming the barrier rail on the new State Route 99 to eastbound State Route 58 connector ramp
bridge last month and a concrete pour is planned for February.
February 2018
TRIP Status Report
TRIP Status Report
February 2018
Page 2
Wall construction continues along eastbound State Route 58 in the vicinity of the State Route 99 to eastbound
State Route 58 connector ramp. Crews have begun laying block for the sound walls atop the 20-plus foot tall
retaining walls already constructed in this location. The contractor is also working on the underground drainage
system along eastbound State Route 58 in the vicinity of the new bridge.
The contractor anticipates completing the paving work in the eastbound direction of State Route 58, between
Chester Avenue and Union Avenue, in February.
Kern River Bridge Improvements
Contractor: Security Paving Company
36% complete; anticipated completion: summer 2019
This project will construct new bridges crossing Truxtun Avenue and the Kern River for the future exit from
Centennial Corridor to Mohawk Street and will widen the existing eastbound bridges crossing the Kern River and
Truxtun Avenue to accommodate the future Centennial Corridor mainline.
Excavation, pile driving, and the placement of reinforcing steel and concrete continued throughout the month
of January for the future bridge columns and abutments. Crews are working at various locations throughout the
project site, which extends from north of the Kern River to the south side of Truxtun Avenue. Pile driving for
new bridge abutments is expected to be completed on the south side of Truxtun Avenue and switched to the
north side of the roadway during the month of February.
The contractor continues to work within the median on the Westside Parkway, between Coffee Road and
Truxtun Avenue. The area has been graded and concrete paving is complete; asphalt paving is underway.
The contractor is also extending the temporary concrete barrier rail across the existing eastbound Westside
Parkway bridges crossing the Kern River and Truxtun Avenue (in advance of the loop exit ramp). The existing
barrier rails on the northeastern sides of these bridges will soon be removed to allow for bridge widening.
Nighttime lane and ramp closures will be required as this work moves forward.
Truxtun Avenue Operational Improvements
Contractor: Granite Construction
2% complete; anticipated completion: January 2019
A groundbreaking ceremony was held on January 5 and construction is now underway. Initial activities have
included the installation of storm water control measures, median demolition, and temporary paving and
striping on Truxtun Avenue. Travel lanes were restriped in January, shifting traffic northward to make room for
construction activities along the south side of Truxtun Avenue. Motorists will not be able to make left-hand
turns from eastbound Truxtun Avenue onto Westwind Drive during this stage of construction. The
recommended detour is to use Oak Street north to 19th Street.
During February, the contractor plans to begin an extension for the existing culvert on the Carrier Canal. This
will take several weeks to complete, but is not expected to further impact traffic. Additional work for the coming
month includes fence removal, demolition of existing curb and gutter, and grading activities. All of this work is
along the south side of Truxtun Avenue.
24th Street Improvement Project
Designer: TYLin International
Design 99% complete; Right-of-Way 100% complete for full acquisitions
Construction began in January for the new sound walls on the north side of 24th Street, between Beech Street
and Bay Street. The contractor is currently working on the wall footings between Beech and Myrtle Streets and
anticipates beginning to lay block in February. Wall construction will move eastward from Beech Street to Bay
Street and is expected to be completed in late spring.
The project designer submitted 100% plans in January. Caltrans and the City are reviewing the plans and will
provide comments prior to accepting final plans. The streetscape design is nearing completion and the
remaining right-of-way activities are expected to be completed in spring.
TRIP Status Report
February 2018
Page 3
Centennial Corridor
Designer: Parsons
Design: 95% complete
Staff is pursuing potential State-sponsored funding opportunities for the project phase that would replace the
Belle Terrace Bridge over State Route 99. Staff is also seeking additional State and Federal funding opportunities
for other project phases.
Final design plans for various parts of the project are at or nearing completion; including:
• 100% Local Roads and Bike Path plans
• 100% Roadway plans
• 100% plans for structures in Zones 1 and 2 (Zone 1 includes the roadways and structures from the
Kern River Bridge Improvements through the California Avenue Bridge; Zone 2 includes the Marella
Way and La Mirada bridges, which will facilitate neighborhood circulation across the future freeway.
This phase also includes bridges at Ford Avenue, Stockdale Highway, and Real Road)
• 100% submittal for structures associated with the State Route 58/99 Interchange (Zone 3)
• Various environmental revalidations have been drafted due to design development and have been
approved or are under review
The City has obtained legal possession of all full parcels necessary for construction of the project, and the
acquisition of the necessary partial parcels is underway. To date, 225 structures have been cleared from the
corridor alignment.
The relocation of City-owned sanitary sewers in the Westpark neighborhood is 42 percent complete.
Construction work for the Westpark local streets package will follow behind the sanitary sewer relocations and
is expected to begin in early spring.
The City has advertised a Request for Statements of Qualifications for the Centennial Corridor – Sound Wall
Project (Westpark). Construction would begin following the sanitary sewer relocations and Westpark local
streets packages.
Hageman Flyover
Designer: Caltrans
Design 100% complete
The team is working with affected utilities to develop relocation plans so this project will be shovel-ready for
potential funding opportunities.
Please Note: Rain and other inclement weather conditions can impact construction activities and project
schedules. Many activities cannot be performed in the rain, when the ground is wet, or when temperatures are
too low. In addition, Caltrans does not allow lane and ramp closures during rain or foggy conditions. Construction
activities may be canceled and rescheduled without prior notice. TRIP staff appreciates the public’s patience as
our contractors make the necessary scheduling adjustments to work around changing weather conditions.
TRIP Status Report
February 2018
Page 4
PROJECT PHOTOS
Top: Local officials broke ground on the
Truxtun Avenue Operational
Improvements at Jastro Park (the east
end of the project) on January 5, 2018
Middle left: An aerial view of the State
Route 99/State Route 58 Junction
showing the current connector ramps
and the future connector ramp bridge
Bottom left: Crews cover slopes along
State Route 58, near Cottonwood Road,
with hydro seed to prevent erosion
Bottom right: Workers remove old
asphalt from northbound State Route
99 near Ming Avenue
TRIP Status Report
February 2018
Page 5
Top left: Work is underway on sound wall footings
along the north side of 24th Street
Top right: Crews work during nighttime hours to
remove the median on Truxtun Avenue, between the
State Route 99 overcrossing and Oak Street
Middle right: Pile driving on the south side of Truxtun
Avenue for a new bridge abutment – part of the Kern
River Bridge Improvements Project
Bottom left: Construction continues on the new
columns for widening the eastbound Westside
Parkway Kern River Bridge. The widened bridge will
support future Centennial Corridor traffic lanes.
Bottom right: An aerial view shows the progress on
the Kern River Bridge Improvements Project
Week of February 5_2018_Work Schedule
Page 1 of 2
STREETS DIVISION – WORK SCHEDULE
Week of February 5, 2018 – February 9, 2018
Resurfacing/Reconstructing streets in the following areas:
Section repairs in preparation for a Grind & Pave on Monitor between White Ln and Fairview
(SB1)
Preparing a Maintenance Grind & Pave on Bernard St between Union Ave. and Kern St. (SB1)
Preparing a Maintenance Grind & Pave on Allen Rd between Olive Dr. and Noriega (SB1)
Maintenance Grind & Pave on No. Halfmoon between Ashe Rd and Edgemont
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
Concrete work on Streets that are funded with SB1 money
THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Week of February 5_2018_Work Schedule
Page 2 of 2
STREETS SWEEPING SCHEDULE
Monday, February 5, 2018
Between Golden State & 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/Bernard St. & Niles St.
Between Olive Dr. & Riverlakes Dr. (ext.) – Riverlakes Dr. & Coffee Rd.
Tuesday, February 6, 2018
Between California Ave. & Brundage Ln. – Oak St. & Union Ave.
Between Renfro Rd. & Jenkins Rd. – Stockdale Hwy. & Kern River Boundary.
Wednesday, February 7, 2018
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, February 8, 2018
Between Carr St. & California Ave. – Mohawk St. & Stockdale Hwy.
Between Stockdale Hwy. & Marella Wy. – California Ave. & Montclair St.
Between La Mirada Dr. & Chester Ln. – Montclair St. & No. Stine Rd.
Between California Ave. (ext.) & Stockdale Hwy. – No. Stine Rd. & 99 Hwy.
Between Stockdale Hwy. & Ming Ave. – New Stine Rd. & Ashe Rd.
Between New Stine & Ashe Rd. – Taft Hwy. & Berkshire Rd.
Friday, February 9, 2018
Between Ming Ave. & White Ln. – Buena Vista Rd & Old River Rd.
Between Stine Rd. & 99 Hwy. – Belle Terrace & Adidas.
Between Panama Ln. & Birkshire Rd. – Ashe Rd. & Stine Rd.
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.
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 January 29th
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 2 – Condors vs Iowa 7:00 PM
$37, $27, $22, $18, $14, $12 On Sale Now
February 9 – Condors vs Ontario 7:00 PM
$37, $27, $22, $18, $14, $12 On Sale Now
February 10 – Curling Pop-Up Noon/1:15
$20 On Sale Now
February 13 – WWE Smackdown 4:45 PM
$95, $70, $50, $35, $25, $15 On Sale Now
February 19 - Harlem Globetrotters 2:00 PM
$90, $50, $40, $33, $25, $18 On Sale Now
March 2 – CIF Wrestling Session One 9:00 AM
$23, $20, $17, $16, $15, $14, $13 ($10)On Sale Now
March 3 – CIF Wrestling Session Two 9:00 AM
$25, $22, $19, $18, $17, $16, $14 ($11)On Sale Now
March 3 – CIF Wrestling Session Three 5:00 PM
$27, $24, $21, $20, $19, $18, $15 ($12)On Sale Now
March 30 – Bronco, ElCoyote 8:00 PM
$53, $43, $33 On Sale Now
April 13 – Comedy Get Down 8:00 PM
$135, $79.50, $55, $45, $35 On Sale Now
May 12 – Kevin Hart 8:00 PM
$126, $80.50, $50.50, $36 On Sale 1/31
June 15 – Sugarland w/ Brandy Clark 7:00 PM
$99.50, $69.50, $49.50, $29.50 On Sale Now
February 10 – Bakersfield Symphony 7:30 PM
$45, $35, $30, $20 On Sale Now
February 11 – Mariachi Festival 6:00 PM
$93, $73, $58, $38, $18 On Sale Now
February 27 – Buddy Holly Story 7:30 PM
$55, $45, $35 On Sale Now
March 10 – Bakersfield Symphony 7:30 PM
$45, $35, $30, $20 On Sale Now
March 27 – The Avett Brothers 7:30 PM
$77, $44 On Sale Now
March 30 – Jay Owenhouse 7:30 PM
$50, $40, $30 On Sale Now
April 7 – Bakersfield Symphony 7:30 PM
$45, $35, $30, $20 On Sale Now
May 9th – PAW Patrol Live!10 A & 6 P
$110, $50, $35, $25, $19 On Sale Now
May 12 – Bakersfield Symphony 7:30 PM
$45, $35, $30, $20 On Sale Now
www.rabobankarena.com - www.spectrumamphitheatre.com