HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/09/19 PUBLIC SAFETY/VITAL SERVICES AGENDAr
Special Meeting of the Citizens Oversight Committee for
Bakersfield Public Safety and Vital Services Measure (PSVS)
Of the City Council - City of Bakersfield
Monday, December 9, 2019
4:00 p.m.
City Hall North
1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93301
1 st Floor, Conference Room A
AGENDA
1. ROLL CALL
2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES FROM THE JUNE 26, 2019 OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEETING
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Time is open to members of the public to comment on any issue connected
with the PSVS Measure. Speakers may elect to speak after an agenda item
should they prefer.
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Mid -Year Implementation Plan Update
B. Fiscal Year 2019-20 Mid -Year Measure Revenue Allocations
5. BOARD COMMENTS
6. ADJOURNMENT
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B A K E R S F I E L D
Special Meeting of the Citizens Oversight Committee for
Bakersfield Public Safety and Vital Services Measure (PSVS)
Of the City Council - City of Bakersfield
Thursday, June 26, 2019
4:00 p.m.
City Hall North
1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93301
1 st Floor, Conference Room A
Minutes
The meeting was convened at 4:OOpm
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Sanders, Vice -Chair Hibbard, Committee Members Holt, Louie, Perez-Andreeson,
Prince, Rowland, Tobias
Absent: Committee Member Keller
2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES FROM THE April 1, 2019 OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEETING
Motion by Committee Member Tobias, second by Committee Member Louie, to adopt the
minutes from the April 1, 2019, Oversight Committee meeting. The motion was approved with
Committee Member Keller absent.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Curtis James Bingham offered blessings to the Committee and commented on the benefits to
the members of serving on the Committee. He expressed his support for law enforcement, city
management and the Mayor.
Lois Gill from the Bakersfield Homeless Shelter offered comments regarding Measure N Allocation
and the need for additional funding for the upcoming year and anticipated increase in
demand for the fiscal year 2019/2020.
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Budget Process Update and Measure Related Adjustments - Newly
Drafted Reserve Policy - Tandy/Huot
Initial comments made by City Manager Mr. Tandy. Assistant City Manager Huot
provided a PowerPoint Presentation and made staff comments.
Committee Member Rowland confirmed with Chief of Police Mr. Martin and City
Manager Mr. Tandy that the Community Prosecution Unit will not deal with violent
crimes, but address the lax enforcement of property crimes and drug offenses.
Committee Member Perez-Andreesen further verified with Mr. Tandy that there is
not a timeline at this time due to pending advocacy from the Kern County Sheriff.
Committee Members Tobias, Rowland, and Vice -Chair Hibbard questioned Mr.
Tandy and Public Works Director Mr. Fidler whether the PD butler building on
California Ave would be esthetically pleasant for those driving down California
Ave and would not detract from the community enhancement. Mr. Tandy
clarified that the PD butler building will be in the back with landscaping and a
privacy fence installed. Mr. Tandy additionally clarified the building and the
layout are POST approved and will be for training purposes only.
Committee Member Prince and Member Perez-Andreesen confirmed with Mr.
Tandy making the City's reserve fund larger will not make the reserve more
attractive to state takeaways. Mr. Tandy discussed the state's practice regarding
revenue takeaways and the state has never taken local generated/allocated
funds tax. They have taken money through the County, complicated triple flip.
Mr. Tandy clarified the states procedure in taking funds it has control over and
the size of the cities reserve fund will not detour future state funds being allocated
to the city. Mr. Tandy further clarified most cities try to have a 10% reserve and
Bakersfield currently has a reserve of 16%.
Committee Member Holt confirmed with Mr. Tandy the funds being allocated in
accordance with the issues voters are in favor of and referred to Mr. Gill's
comments. Mr. Tandy elaborated on the homelessness issue and the $11.5 million
dollars dedicated to the issue and the complexity of coordinating service
providers. Mr. Huot added that there could be additional funding to facilitate the
homeless issue.
Committee Member Louie confirmed with Mr. Tandy that if the community
prosecution program does not take place then funds would be reallocated.
Audyinka Glover from the Leadership and Accountability Counsel made
comments regarding participatory budgeting and the importance of public
participation in the city's budget process. She additionally stated she did not see
a clear portion of the meeting that allows the public to speak. Chair Sanders
confirmed the committee welcomes comments and invited public attendance
at the council meeting on Friday (June 28, 2019.)
Citizens Oversight Committee Meeting
Thursday, June 26, 2019
Page 2
Committee Members Rowland and Hibbard confirmed with Chief Martin that the
city is not spending money to have the butler building up and running quickly in
order to meet the timeline of the new police academy in August 2019. Chief
Martin additionally stated, the quality of training is not effected by the design of
the building. Chief Martin and Assistant police Chief Demestihas further explained
that the building is the appropriate size for growth and it is in a prime location for
the officers to be able to respond quickly if there were an emergency.
Committee Member Prince clarified with Chief Martin the Community
Prosecution Program funding is to hire two prosecutors in the Kern county District
Attorney's Office to handle the quality of life crimes. He further clarified that the
DA does not have the staffing for the drug diversion and low level crimes division.
This creates an issue for the police department because if there is no prosecution
for the arrests the police are making.
Committee Member Sanders confirmed with Chief Martin the building would
accommodate 700 or more police academy participants.
Committee Members Hibbard and Sanders clarified with Financial Manager
Randy McKeegan the recommended reserve for the city is 10% and 16% is where
we ideally want to be. Mr. McKeegan further clarified that the city's actual
reserve is currently a little over 10%. Mr. Tandy stated the priorities right now are
police and homelessness. He further stated that during the early days of these
programs the city can continue to build a reserve. Mr. Huot expanded on Mr.
Tandy's comments.
Committee Member Louie and Tobias clarified with Mr. Tandy the homelessness
issue and the council's primary deriving interest is to address the negative impact
the issue has taken on the community. He additionally elaborated on homeless
services contracts and building. Assistant City Manager Jacqui Kitchen added
that the city is planning an RFP for operational costs. Mr. Tandy provided further
clarification to the committee regarding Mr. Gills request for funds.
Committee Member Louie confirmed with Mr. Gill that the emergency meal
program is for any one in need of the service.
Committee Member Prince clarified with Mr. Tandy the first quarter budget
projections from last year's budget and this year's budget are 14%, but the
annualized increase is only 6% and the forecast for next year is 2% growth. Mr.
McKeegan additionally commented on some of the issues causing the increase
are oil production, new car sales, and retail sales are top contributors.
Committee Member Hibbard confirmed with Mr. McKeegan the city will continue
to monitor the projected 2% growth and will adjust accordingly.
Citizens Oversight Committee Meeting
Thursday, June 26, 2019
Page 3
Committee Member Rowland proposed a motion that these recommendations fall
in line with Measure N. Rowlands additional emphasized that it is not the job of the
committee to strike down proposals because they are not higher priorities. If there
is an opinion regarding other higher priorities the committee can make a
recommendation to the council. Committee Member Holt insisted that is not how
the committee previously handled the issues. Motion failed due to lack of second.
Committee chair Sanders recommended the votes be done by line item and
members make comments for the minority report.
Committee Member Prince made a motion move to approve the cash reserve of
$1 million for 2018-19 as it is within the spending priorities and recommend to city
council. Second Hibbard. Motion was approved with member Holt voting no.
Committee Member Holt requesting more money be allocated to service
providers for the homelessness issue.
Committee Member Tobias motion proposal of $3.3 million to cash reserve meets
the requirements of measure and recommend to the council. Committee Member
Prince second. Motion is approved with member Holt, Perez-Andreesen, and Louie
voting no.
Committee Members are requesting additional funds be allocated to service
providers for the homelessness issue.
Committee Member Louie proposed a motion approving the community
prosecution program. Committee Member Holt second. Motion was unanimously
approved.
Committee Member Rowland proposed a motion approving funding for the police
department. Committee Member Perez-Andreesen second. Motion was
unanimously approved.
5. BOARD COMMENTS
Chair Sanders asked the committee if any of the members planned on attending the upcoming
council meeting. Committee Member Rowland replied yes.
Committee Member Perez-Andreesen, the brief funds for is it possible to get monthly or quarterly
reports to review?
Mr. Huot, it is in our open budget platform. Also we come back to the committee to report,
separate audit.
Committee Member Perez-Andreesen confirmed with Mr. Huot these reports are separate from
one another.
Mr. Tandy, if anyone has trouble navigating Huot will help.
Citizens Oversight Committee Meeting
Thursday, June 26, 2019
Page 4
Mr. Huot it is easy to use, it is updated monthly. He elaborated that there are three funds to
account for the revenue, 14 main operating fund. Fund 14 designations where you will see that.
Fund 312 is a separate fund, all capital projects have fund 312 designation, only measure
related capital funding are there. Fund 19 is the reserve fund where reserve funds are allocating.
Separating and not comingling.
Committee Member Perez- Andreesen requested clarification regarding whether the
committee will get a report for this last quarter and what is being paid out of the measure N.
Mr. Tandy clarified it will be early equipment purchases and 12 million dollar initial will be in the
report.
Mr. McKeegan informed the committee the report will be finalized along with CAFR sometime
in November.
Committee Member Perez-Andreesen requested permission to see the work plan.
Mr. McKeegan informed they are still in discussions.
Committee Member Perez-Andreesen commented that committee may want to add to the
work plan.
Committee Member Louie requested clarification as to whether fund 19 monies are facility
reserve funds.
Mr. Huot clarified that fund 19 is just measure related funds in the cash reserve. Allocated funds,
non -measure funds separate. Fund 19 are just measure funds.
Committee Member Louie, at the end of last meeting we were told to the disposition of the
proposals specifically interest on the ones that were not approved.
Mr. Tandy, informed the committee that Friday is final motion, one thing wasn't done,
subsequent to Kaiser Sport village we received notice of a grant $3 million grant matching, and
funds you did not recommend will now be part of matching funds for expansion. Mr. Tandy's
guess would be that the council is highly likely to fund the improvements of the convention
center and bright house.
Committee Member Rowland requested clarification on the projected $3 million grant and the
councils anticipated approval of the money.
Mr. Tandy explained the initial obligation for $1.5 million was so the city would not have to fund
the matching. It is likely to be approved. The council will not be voting on the future funds at this
time. The $27 million was given out in state and we got $3 million. Doubling your money is
something the council has valued.
Committee Member Sanders thanked everyone for coming out and the way vote and minority
report was prepared.
Thanked Gill for being here.
Citizens Oversight Committee Meeting
Thursday, June 26, 2019
Page 5
Tandy, more information
6. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 5:50 p.m.
ATTEST:
JULIE DRIMAKIS, CMC
CITY CLERK and Ex Officio Clerk of the
Council of the City of Bakersfield
Citizens Oversight Committee Meeting
Thursday, June 26, 2019
Page 6
9
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OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
MEMORANDUM
December 12, 2019
TO: Chair Sanders and Citizens Oversight Committee Members
FROM: Chris Huot, Assistant City Manager CH
SUBJECT: Public Safety and Vital Services Measure Mid -Year Adjustments
In June 2019, the City Council approved the Fiscal Year 2019-20 City budget, which
included $61.8 million in Public Safety and Vital Services Measure (PSVS) allocations. The
PSVS budget was based on revenue projections at that time, which included consultation
with the City's sales tax advisor and comprehensive review of economic conditions, both
locally and globally.
Since that time, the City has received two full quarter distributions of PSVS revenues. At
the end of November, the City received the third quarter (July -September 2019) sales tax
reports from the State. PSVS revenues continue to come in higher than originally
anticipated. Integrating the third quarter PSVS receipts into the long term show the
annual revenue from this source at over $9 million above the original budget for the
current fiscal year. This is a continuation of higher than expected PSVS revenues when
the first full quarter came in 1 1 percent more than budgeted in the prior fiscal year.
This is positive news, which in turn allows staff to make a handful of recommendations for
additional PSVS allocations in the current fiscal year. However, as you will see below, staff
is recommending adjustments that are less than the anticipated increase in PSVS
revenues. Staff continues to take a fiscally conservative approach with PSVS
appropriations as the Measure has only been in place for two quarters.
Mid -Year Appropriations
The following is a summary of proposed allocations of additional PSVS Measure revenue
totaling $6.1 million. These proposals are submitted to the Citizens Oversight Committee
for review and consideration. These items will be brought to the City Council as part of
the overall mid -year budget update in late January or early February, accompanied by
the feedback from the Citizens Oversight Committee.
Additional detail on each of these proposed adjustments is as follows:
Balance of Body Worn Camera Project
Measure Spending Priority #1: Increasing police staffing to improve police response times,
reduce crime, and increase neighborhood police patrols.
Measure Spending Priority #2: Improving rapid response to assaults and robberies.
Measure Spending Priority #3: Maintaining/improving rapid response to gang violence.
Measure Spending Priority #4: Investigating and proactively preventing property crimes,
burglaries and vehicle thefts.
Measure Spending Priority #5: Keeping public areas safe and clean
Measure Spending Priority #6: Strengthening the capacity of the Special Enforcement
Unit.
Measure Spending Priority #7: Expanding the School Resource Officer Program.
Allocation Amount: $800,000
Following a year-long field-testing project, the Bakersfield Police Department entered
into an agreement with Axon Enterprise, Inc. in September 2019 to begin the multi-year
phase in of body worn cameras for all sworn officers and all uniformed police civilian
personnel assigned to field duties.
Objectives of the body -worn camera project include:
• Strengthening community trust through an increase in accountability and
transparency
• Reducing citizen complaints
• Increasing accuracy of citizen complaint resolutions
• Reducing department liability
• Improving quality of evidence in criminal cases
The FY 2019-20 Adopted Budget included PSVS funding for the first phase of this project,
with future phases to be funded through future allocations of PSVS revenues. The first
phase included 210 units to be deployed over 60 to 90 days. This first phase will equip
uniformed personnel comprised of the Department's Patrol shifts, Traffic Detail, K-9 Unit,
Impact Unit, School Resource Officer Unit, and the Special Enforcement Unit of the
Operations Division. These cameras are expected to be fully deployed by December 31.
Citizens Oversight Committee
December 12, 2019
Page 3
Based on the improved fiscal circumstances and the significant benefits derived from the
body -worn cameras, staff is recommending allocating an additional $800,000 to
complete the full implementation within the current fiscal year. If approved, an additional
215 cameras will be deployed by spring 2020, which will full outfit the department. This
allocation includes both the costs of the additional camera equipment and the addition
of two Police Property and Equipment Specialist positions.
These positions will specifically assist the Department in overseeing the day-to-day
management of the cameras. Upon full implementation, there will be significant data
review, management and tracking that will be required.
The two positions will be responsible for:
• Policy compliance - including verifying tagging of incidents by officers
• Preparing data for supervisor review, inspections, etc.
• Facilitating the identification, processing, and transfer of camera -related
evidence to District Attorney's Office and other law enforcement agencies
These positions were originally planned to be added next fiscal year based on the original
implementation schedule of the cameras. However, due to the proposed acceleration
of implementation, staff is recommending moving forward with these positions at this
time.
Early Acquisition of Phase II Equipment - Bakersfield Fire Department
Measure Spending Priority #5: Keeping public areas safe and clean
Measure Spending Priority #8: Maintain a fully staffed and equipped Class 2 rated Fire
Department
Allocation Amount: $320,000
In 2013, the Bakersfield Fire Department (BFD) responded to 16,206 emergency medical
related incidents. In the five-year span ending in 2017, emergency medical calls for
service increased by upwards of 63% totaling 25,357. The BFD foresees this trend
continuing and will have a persistent negative impact on engine company response
times due to the lack of availability when units are required to respond from neighboring
districts to provide emergency medical services (EMS).
In an effort to be proactive due to the ascension of the overwhelming call volume related
to emergency medical calls for service, the BFD will be proposing the to implement a
new level of service to the citizens of Bakersfield in FY 2020-21. The will include six engineers
and six firefighter positions in the form of rescue squad obligations will serve as two -
person, fast response EMS units that would also be utilized as a two -in -two out rescue
component during a structure fire. These strategically placed rescue squads will respond
to EMS calls which are normally handled by neighboring stations when the initial unit is
already assigned to an incident or undergoing training. The rescue squad concept will
provide a higher level of service in regards to more expedient response times and overall
EMS efficiency by assuring engine/truck companies remain in their first -in district to
provide much needed assistance at call time. This type of service enhancement directly
corresponds to the ability to maintain the BFD's Class 11 ISO rating.
Citizens Oversight Committee
December 12, 2019
Page 4
The equipment necessary for these rescue squads requires lead time. Therefore, similar to
what occurred in the previous budget cycle, staff is recommending the Citizens Oversight
Committee recommend early acquisition of two fire rescue vehicles. Beginning the
acquisition process in the near term will allow for these units to be ordered, built,
transported and placed into service at the start of next fiscal year. This will coincide with
the availability of the additional positions to staff this equipment. Delaying the acquisition
will result in the implementation of the rescue squads being deferred until late 2020 or
early 2021.
E -Permitting Software
Measure Spending Priority #11: Creating jobs through economic development, business
retention/attraction and workforce development
Allocation Amount: $500,000
As part of the initial discussions with the Citizens Oversight Committee, staff presented the
concept of acquiring and implementing an e -permitting and plan review software
platform. This platform would deliver enhanced services to the development community
by reducing review time, streamlining internal City workflows and eliminating the
significant amount of paper movement and storage. An e -permitting and plan review
software platform is anticipated to accelerate the permitting process, providing
individuals and developers an easier method to submit plans, review documents and
drawings, process corrections and remit fees. This type of platform will also provide for
internal City efficiencies, including the ability to quickly monitor and enhance the
workflow process. The overall objectives of implementing this platform are to support
economic development efforts and incubate job creation and expansion.
Over the past several months, staff has completed a comprehensive review of e -
permitting and plan review software to determine the City's needs, to better understand
cost parameters and the path to implementation. To this end, staff issued a request for
proposal in September 2019. Staff is in the process of reviewing submissions from vendors
and anticipates awarding a contract in early 2020, dependent on availability of funding.
If funded and a contracted issued, staff anticipates implantation can occur by summer
or early fall 2020.
Homeless Services/Shelter Operations
Measure Spending Priority #5: Keeping public areas safe and clean
Measure Spending Priority #9: Reducing homelessness through partnerships with service
providers to increase outreach, sheltering and construction of affordable housing
Measure Spending Priority #13: Enhancing neighborhoods through additional code
enforcement and improved park maintenance.
Allocation Amount: $1,500,000
Citizens Oversight Committee
December 12, 2019
Page 5
As part of the FY 2019-20 Adopted Budget, over $11.5 million in PSVS funding was
allocated to the enhancement of services and construction of shelter/housing to reduce
the number of homeless individuals within the City. As part of this effort, the City Council
approved two service agreements with two separate vendors to provide for human
waste clean-up and private security patrols within the downtown and Old Town Kern
areas. These services were initiated as pilot programs utilizing PSVS funding, whereby after
the initial 90 -day contract period, staff would review the individual programs and make
a recommendation on whether to fund the services through the end of the fiscal year
(and possibly beyond).
The pilot programs for each service are still underway. However, based on initial
feedback from business owners, residents and staff, it will likely be recommended that
these services continue through the end of the fiscal year, with the potential to add
options for multi-year contract extensions. Therefore, staff is recommending additional
funding be allocated to continue these services. Staff anticipates issuing new request for
proposals for each of these services prior to entering into longer term agreements. This
process is currently underway and staff anticipates bringing the agreements for each
service to the City Council in January.
Additionally, staff has been directed by the City Council to evaluate multiple options as
it relates to establishing a low barrier homeless shelter. Over the course of the past year,
staff has been comprehensively studying the various components of low barrier shelters,
including operational needs, space layouts, resource availability and partnership
opportunities with other government agencies, non -profits and the private sector. This
research included staff visiting other jurisdictions to observe operations of low -barrier
shelters and reviewing costs incurred by other agencies to operate and maintain these
types of facilities. Initially, this Committee recommended and the City Council approved
$4 million in PSVS revenues toward the construction and operation of a low barrier shelter.
Based on additional research, staff is recommending an additional allocation be made
reflective of staff's advanced understanding of costs to operate and maintain this type
of facility. Upon the selection of a preferred location for the shelter, these funds would be
utilized to supplement the previous allocation to operate the facility as envisioned by this
Committee, the City Council and the community.
In total, staff is recommending a $1.5 million allocation for these items.
Allocation to PSVS Reserve
Measure Spending Priority #10: Addressing the fiscal stability of the City of Bakersfield
Allocation Amount: $3,000,000
This Committee previously recommended the City Council consider establishing sufficient
reserves. Reserve funds help mitigate the effects of unanticipated situations such as
natural disasters and significant unforeseen events, as well allow the City to temporarily
buffer against cuts to staffing levels, programs or services in response to economic
downturns and State revenue takeaways. As part of the FY 2019-20 budget adoption
process, the City Council approved a policy to enact a multi-year plan to reach a 60-
Citizens Oversight Committee
December 12, 2019
Page 6
day reserve by FY 2024-25. Upon completion, this plan meets or exceeds the general cash
reserves of most comparably -sized cities within the state and meets recommended
reserve funding levels as established by the Government Finance Officers Association. To
this end, the City Council allocated $3.3 million to the PSVS Measure reserves as part of
the budget process. The plan noted that to stay on track to reach the 60 -day reserve by
FY 2024-25, the City would need to allocate an additional $5.7 million in each of the next
three years to reach the goal of $65.1 million when this plan is fully implemented. Based
on fiscal circumstances, staff is recommending an additional $3 million be allocated to
the reserve at this time. Although this does not meet the stated target of $5.7 million for
the current year, staff anticipates an additional future allocation can occur should PSVS
revenues continue to meet revised projections.