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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/24/2020 Staff: Committee Members: Jacqui Kitchen, Assistant City Manager Councilmember, Chris Parlier – Chair Councilmember, Andrae Gonzales Councilmember, Jacquie Sullivan Special Meeting of the Legislative and Litigation Committee of the City Council – City of Bakersfield Monday, February 24, 2020 12:00 p.m. City Hall North, First Floor, Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93301 A G E N D A 1. ROLL CALL 2. ADOPT AUGUST 12, 2019 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion and Committee Recommendation Regarding Adoption of the 2020 Committee Meeting Schedule – Kitchen B. Discussion and Committee Recommendation Regarding Junk Vehicles – Boyle/Burns C. Discussion and Committee Recommendation Regarding Shopping Carts – Iger/Gallardo King 5. COMMITTEE COMMENTS 6. ADJOURNMENT B A K E R S F I E L D Committee Members Staff: Jacqui Kitchen Councilmember, Chris Parlier, Chair Assistant City Manager Councilmember, Jacquie Sullivan Councilmember, Andrae Gonzales SPECIAL MEETING OF THE LEGISLATIVE AND LITIGATION COMMITTEE Monday, August 12, 2019 12:00 p.m. City Hall North, First Floor, Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT The meeting was called to order at 12:00 p.m. 1.ROLL CALL Committee members Present: Councilmember, Chris Parlier, Chair Councilmember, Andrae Gonzales Councilmember, Jacquie Sullivan City Staff: Alan Tandy, City Manager Chris Huot, Assistant City Manager Brianna Carrier, Administrative Analyst III Nathan Gutierrez, Management Assistant Ginny Gennaro, City Attorney Richard Iger, Deputy City Attorney Jason Matson, Police Captain Julie Johnson, Animal Control Executive Director Others Present: Members of the Public 2.ADOPT MARCH 18, 2019 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT The Report was adopted as submitted. 3.PUBLIC STATEMENTS There were no public statements. /S/ Chris Huot DRAFT ____________________________________________________________________________________ S:\Council Committees\2019\Legislative and Litigation\08_August Page 2 JK:pa:mc 4.DEFERRED BUSINESS A.Discussion and Recommendation Regarding Breeder Permits – Iger Deputy City Attorney Iger provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the implementation of a breeder permit ordinance. The presentation included a summarization of four possible ordinances that included: 1. updating the current Bakersfield Municipal Code (BMC) animal laws; 2. Adoption a commercial kennel ordinance; 3. Adoption of a breeder permit ordinance; and 4. Adoption of a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance. Committee member Sullivan inquired about the timeframe commercial kennels would have to acquire a license to operate if an ordinance were adopted. Deputy City Attorney Iger responded that commercial kennels who do not have a license, would be required to acquire it immediately following adoption of the ordinance by the City Council. Police Captain Matson and Bakersfield Animal Care Center Director Johnson spoke in support of the commercial kennel ordinance. Committee Chair Parlier inquired about the difficulties related to police enforcement of the possible ordinances. Police Captain Matson responded that several challenges exist and that both the breeder permit and mandatory spay/neuter ordinances would be the most difficult to enforce. Committee member Gonzales asked why the current policy was being updated. He stated that he supported the update to policy and requested that language requiring animals that are impounded more than once, be spayed or neutered prior to the owner’s redemption be included in the update. Deputy City Attorney Iger responded that updating the BMC was necessary to be consistent with state law. Bakersfield resident Michelle Vallejos made comments in support of adoption of a breeder permit ordinance. Committee Chair Parlier made a motion to present the update of current policy on animal laws including the language requested by Committee Gonzales and the commercial kennel ordinance to the full City Council for consideration. The motion was unanimously approved. Committee Chair Parlier directed staff to research the breeder permit ordinance further and present the findings to the Committee at a later meeting. 5.COMMITTEE COMMENTS 6.ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 12:51 p.m.DRAFT Legislative and Litigation Committee Calendar January 2020 Through December 2020 Legislative and Litigation Committee Meetings 12:00 p.m. Budget Departmental Workshop 12:00 p.m.Holidays - City Hall Closed S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 29 30 31 S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S 1 2 3 4 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 26 27 28 29 30 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S 1 2 3 4 1 1 2 3 4 5 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 26 27 28 29 30 31 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 30 31 S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 League of California Cities Mayors and Council Members Executive Forum - June 17 - 19, 2020 League of California Cities Annual Conference - October 7 - 9, 2020 OCTOBER NOVEMBER DECEMBER APRIL MAY JUNE JULY AUGUST SEPTEMBER All meetings will be held at City Hall North, First Floor, Conference Room A Approved: DRAFT City Council Meetings 3:30 Closed Session 5:15 p.m. Public Session Budget Hearing 06/05, Budget Adoption 6/28 JANUARY FEBRUARY MARCH MEMORANDUM  February 19, 2020  TO: LEGITISLATIVE AND LITIGATION COMMITTEE  Chris Parlier, Chair  Andrae Gonzales  Jacquie Sullivan   FROM: Phil Burns, Building Director  THRU:  Christopher Boyle, Development Services Director  SUBJECT: Junk Vehicle Ordinance  This item is in response to a referral made by Vice Mayor Parlier at the October 23, 2019 Council meeting.  Background  At the October 23, 2019 City Council meeting, Vice Mayor Parlier requests that the Municipal Code  regarding junk vehicles be discussed in the Legislation and Litigation Committee.  Staff Analysis  The issue of junk vehicles on resident’s property has been a difficult issue for Code Enforcement Officer’s  to address for years.  This is a complex issue as our community does have quite a few car collectors that  work on their “prize possessions” in their garage or driveway.  To frame the issue in simple terms, a couple  questions need to be answered:  1.What is an abandoned or junk vehicle? 2.We currently allow one junk vehicle with a fitted opaque cover at single family residences. a.Should this practice continue? b.If so, what exactly qualifies as a fitted opaque cover? Ordinances relating to Abandoned, junk or inoperable vehicles of the 13 Comparable cities ordinances  were reviewed and summarized by staff as depicted in Exhibit A.  The City of Bakersfield’s ordinance is  considerably in line with the other jurisdictions with a couple small differences.    The Bakersfield Municipal Code (BMC) defines an “Abandoned or Junk Vehicle” as follows:   PB Legislative and Litigation Committee  Junk Vehicle Ordinance  February 19, 2020   Page 2  10.64.040.A. “Abandoned or junk vehicle” means a vehicle or any major portion thereof which is  incapable of movement under its own power and will remain so without major repair.  10.64.040.B. “Major repair” means the removal from any vehicle of a major portion thereof  including, but not limited to, the differential, transmission, head, engine block, or oil pan.  The BMC states that an “Abandoned or Junk Vehicle” shall be stored as follows (emphasis added):   10.64.020.A. It is unlawful for any person to maintain an abandoned or junk vehicle on public  or private property in such a manner that the vehicle is visible to the general public; provided,  however, that this section shall be inapplicable to a vehicle or part thereof which is stored or  parked in a lawful manner on private property in conjunction with the business of a licensed  dismantler, licensed vehicle dealer, lawful junkyard, vehicle repair business or school training  program; further provided, that this section shall be inapplicable to one such vehicle parked on  any paved surface of any single‐family residence; provided, that such vehicle, except for such  times as one or more persons are present and working on such vehicle, is covered by a fitted  opaque cover and no vehicle parts or tools are visible.  Common Issues Related to Enforcement  Code Enforcement receives many complaints regarding “Abandoned or Junk vehicles" in the driveway of  single family residences.  The majority are related to property maintenance like car covered with dust and  spider webs or a flat tire or two.  These instances do not rise to the standard of an “Abandoned or Junk  vehicles".  In some cases it is difficult to determine if the vehicle is operable.  Many times from a visual perspective  the vehicle appears to be completely assembled and a conversation with the owner is necessary to verify  in many instances.  The issue of the fitted opaque cover is another complaint Staff receives as many  property owners purchase various colored tarps and use “bungee cords” to ensure a tight fit.  Therefore, Staff offers the following recommendations:  Potential Municipal Code Revisions:  1.The definition of an “Abandoned or Junk vehicles" could be simplified to remove the “major repair” reference from the current ordinance and include inoperable per some other municipalities.  Not sure if this change would make any actual difference in the outcome of enforcement. 2.Further define the “fitted opaque cover” to be a neutral earth tone in color and specifically not a tarpaulin.  This would at least remove the blue and silver tarpaulins that are used in many neighborhoods. Exhibit A Summary of Comparable Cities ‐ Junk, Abandoned and Inoperable Vehicles Definition "Junk,  Abandoned Vehicle""Inoperative" Number Allowed  (Residential Zone) Conditions if allowed Bakersfield a vehicle or any major  portion thereof which is  incapable of movement  under its own power and  will remain so without  major repair. Major repair  means removal from any  vehicle a major portion  thereof including but not  limited to, the differential,  transmission, head, engine  block or oil pan. see abandoned or junk  vehicle 1 Completely within a  building where not visible  from public; one such  vehicle parked on a paved  surface of any single family  residence; provided that  such vehicle is covered by  fitted opaque cover and no  vehicle parts or tools are  visible. Otherwise by  zoning. Fresno Inoperative, wrecked,  dismantled, abandoned (1) mechanically incapable of being driven (2) prohibited from being operated on the street VHC 4000,5002,24002, 40001 0 Only in Permitted Zones Riverside Abandoned vehicle means  a vehicle considered to be  left on a highway, public  property, or private  property in such inoperable  or neglected condition that  the owners intent to  relinquish all further rights  of interest in it may be  reasonably concluded… means incapable of being  driven. States "a vehicle or part  there of" Completely within a  building where not visible  from street or other private  property, Otherwise by  zoning. Stockton Inoperative, wrecked,  dismantled, abandoned Not currently registered or  prohibited from being  operated on the street  commencing at VHC 4000 1 Completely within a  building where not visible  from street or other private  property, Otherwise by  zoning. San Bernardino Inoperative, wrecked,  dismantled, abandoned States "a vehicle or part  there of" Completely within a  building where not visible  from street or other private  property, Otherwise by  zoning. Page 1 of 3 Definition "Junk,  Abandoned Vehicle""Inoperative" Number Allowed  (Residential Zone) Conditions if allowed Modesto Inoperative, wrecked,  dismantled, abandoned (1) mechanically incapable of being driven because missing any part essential for movement or such parts are broken or defective (2) prohibited from being operated on the  street VHC 4000,5002,24002, 40001 list 3 exceptions could have  multiples depending on  location etc. Completely within a  building where not visible  from street or other private  property, behind 5' solid  fence, under carport  covered by tarpaulin or  similar covering.   Otherwise by zoning. Oxnard Inoperative, wrecked,  dismantled, abandoned "A vehicle or parts thereof" A vehicle or parts thereof  that is completely within an  enclosed structure or that  is located behind a solid  fence six foot or more in  height and not visible from  public or private property.  Otherwise by zoning.  Ontario Wrecked or otherwise  disabled or abandoned except in case of  emergency and in no event  for a period longer than  five (5) days. fully enclosed space,  carport, garage, or  approved wrecking yard Fremont Abandoned, Inoperable,  Dismantled or Wrecked.CVHC 22660‐22664 No limit but must meet  location requirements Completely within a  building where not visible  from street or other private  property,  Otherwise by  zoning. Glendale Inoperative, wrecked,  dismantled, abandoned (1) mechanically incapable of being driven (2) prohibited from being operated on the street VHC 4000,5002,24002, 40001 "A vehicle or parts thereof" Completely within a  building where not visible  from street or other private  property,  Otherwise by  zoning. Pasadena The Accumulation and  storage of abandoned,  wrecked, dismantled or  inoperable vehicle or parts. VHC 4000,5002,24002,  40001 No limit but must meet  location requirements Completely within a  building where not visible  from street or other private  property,  Otherwise by  zoning. Page 2 of 3 Definition "Junk,  Abandoned Vehicle""Inoperative" Number Allowed  (Residential Zone) Conditions if allowed County of Kern Wrecked, Dismantled or  inoperative vehicle ‐ "WDI"  (County defines vehicle  broad to include cars,  trucks, rv's, trailers, water  craft on or off its hauler... WDI= Vehicle or any  significant collection of  vehicle parts incapable of  movement or being hauled  by the mean for which it  was designed with its own  power or otherwise will  remain so without major  repair or assembly. 2) such  vehicle not having all  licenses required by the  state of California...1* One visible from right of  way with specific  exceptions otherwise has  to be screened from ROW. County of Tulare Abandoned, Inoperable,  Dismantled or Wrecked. CVHC 22660‐22664 No limit but must meet  location requirements Completely within a  building where not visible  from street or other private  property,  Otherwise by  zoning. County of Fresno Abandoned, Inoperable,  Dismantled or Wrecked. (1) mechanically incapable of being driven (2) prohibited from being operated on the street VHC  4000,5002,24002, 40001 Garage or Carport, can not  be a public Nuisance Garage or Carport, can not  be a public Nuisance Page 3 of 3 Documents Presented At The Legislative and Litigation Committee February 24, 2020 Meeting Legislative and Litigation Committee –Feb 24, 2020 City Council Referral (Ward 7) City Council Committee Meeting Legislative & Litigation Junk Vehicles Background Background At the October 23,2019 City Council meeting, Vice Mayor Parlier requests that the Municipal Code regarding junk vehicles be discussed in the Legislation and Litigation Committee. Current Regulation What is an Abandoned or Junk Vehicle ? The Bakersfield Municipal Code (BMC)defines an “Abandoned or Junk Vehicle”as follows: 10.64.040.A.“Abandoned or junk vehicle”means a vehicle or any major portion thereof which is incapable of movement under its own power and will remain so without major repair. 10.64.040.B.“Major repair”means the removal from any vehicle of a major portion thereof including,but not limited to,the differential, transmission,head,engine block,or oil pan. Current Regulation Where are Abandoned or Junk Vehicles allowed to be stored ? The BMC states that an “Abandoned or Junk Vehicle”shall be stored as follows (emphasis added): 10.64.020.A.It is unlawful for any person to maintain an abandoned or junk vehicle on public or private property in such a manner that the vehicle is visible to the general public;provided,however,that this section shall be inapplicable to a vehicle or part thereof which is stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in conjunction with the business of a licensed dismantler,licensed vehicle dealer,lawful junkyard,vehicle repair business or school training program;further provided,that this section shall be inapplicable to one such vehicle parked on any paved surface of any single- family residence;provided,that such vehicle,except for such times as one or more persons are present and working on such vehicle,is covered by a fitted opaque cover and no vehicle parts or tools are visible. Junk Vehicles Some Abandoned or Junk Vehicles are obvious Neighborhood Situations Some Various Situations Encountered Cover Situations Examples of Some Vehicles with Covers Potential Revision Potential Municipal Code Revisions The definition of an “Abandoned or Junk vehicles"could be simplified to remove the “major repair”reference from the current ordinance and include inoperable per some other municipalities.Not sure if this change would make any actual difference in the outcome of enforcement. Further define the “fitted opaque cover”to be a neutral earth tone in color and specifically not a tarpaulin.This would at least remove the blue and silver tarpaulins that are used in many neighborhoods. Next Steps Questions and Direction End Shopping Cart Ordinance February 24, 2020 Viridiana Gallardo-King Deputy City Attorney Introduction •Late 2019-Councilmember Rivera referral re: abandoned carts to Legislative and Litigation Committee •In 2013 and 2017 –City Council asked staff to research issues with abandoned shopping carts –City dealt with abandoned carts on a complaint basis –There was a local app (cartsnap) where one could report abandoned carts (*no longer in existence) Introduction •Today we will discuss: –Current state shopping cart laws –Our ordinance –Options State Shopping Cart Law •Business & Professions Code 22435-22435.8 prohibits the removal of shopping carts from a parking lot or other premises of a business •Requires owner to identify its ownership interest. (ie. giving notice to public that shopping cart removal is prohibited) Steps to Take: Notice •The cart owner must place a permanent sign on each shopping cart that: 1.Identifies owner of the cart or the retailer or both 2.Notifies public of the procedure for authorized removal of a cart 3.Notifies public that unauthorized removal or unauthorized possession of a cart is a violation of State law (misdemeanor) 4.Lists a valid telephone number or address for returning the cart to the owner City Shopping Cart Law •Chapter 9.28 of BMC is similar to State Code (Business & Professions Code 22435 -22435.8) ‒Does not require the businesses telephone number or address to be listed When Notice Is Given •State and local laws penalize the individual who takes the shopping cart –Can be charged as a misdemeanor or infraction (wobbler) •Despite current law, abandoned shopping carts continue to be seen throughout the City of Bakersfield When Notice Is Not Given? •Business owner cannot claim ownership of the cart •No one is held responsible for maintaining the cart •Cannot cite the person that took the cart Other Approaches •Cities have updated their ordinances and added the following: –A containment and/or retrieval provision that requires business owners to submit plans to City –Is usually triggered by the number of shopping carts the business owner supplies NOTE: The provisions hold the business owners accountable for abandoned carts Provisions Defined •Containment Provision-provides specific measures a business owner must implement to prevent cart removal from their business premises. The measures typically include any of the following: –Disabling devices on all shopping carts which prevent removal –On-site security guard to act as a deterrent –Installing bollards or chains around the business premises –Signs affixed to each cart (B & P Code 22435 -22435.8) –Employee training concerning containment provision Provisions Defined •Retrieval Provision-requires a plan for the retrieval of lost, stolen or abandoned shopping carts. The measures typically include any of the following: –Hire cart retrieval personnel. Can be an employee or independent contractor –Prompt retrieval of carts (within 24 hours, depending on the location of the cart) –Monthly reports to the City regarding retrieval statistics ie. # of lost, stolen and retrieved carts –Daily cart confinement at the end of each day Top 10 Cities City Shopping Cart Ordinance? Triggered by Type: Containment, Retrieval , state mandate, or other? Timeframe to Implement? Who enforces the provisions? Los Angeles Grandfather clause Yes (2012) 6 or more carts Containment for new retail establishments or major remodel retail establishment Within 30 days of effective date of the ordinance Building Dept. San Diego No N/A Rely on state mandate N/A N/A San Jose Yes (2001) 26 or more carts Containment & retrieval ** Within 30 days of effective date of the ordinance Community Dev. Dept. Director San Francisco Yes (2005) N/A Rely on state mandate N/A Public Works Dept. Fresno Yes (2014) 26 or more carts Containment & retrieval; EXCEPTION: No retrieval policy if business has contract with qualified retrieval service ** Within 30 days of effective date of the ordinance Building Dept. Long Beach Yes (2007) Any # of carts Containment. EXCEPTION: business has contract with qualified retrieval service Within 30 days of effective date of the ordinance Building Dept. Sacramento Yes (2002) Any # of carts Containment & retrieval. EXCEPTION: No retrieval provision if business has contract with qualified retrieval service ** Within 90 days of effective date of the ordinance Building Dept. Oakland No N/A Rely on state mandate N/A N/A Bakersfield Yes N/A Other N/A N/A Anaheim Yes (2006) 6 or more carts Containment OR Retrieval Existing businesses have 120 days to comply New businesses must comply immediately Community Develop.Dept. Survey Cities City Shopping Cart Ordinance?Triggered by Type: Containment, Retrieval, state mandate, or other? Timeframe to Implement? Who enforces the provisions? Riverside Yes (1999) 1.Any # of cart for an existing business 2.10 carts for new business, new owner, and new construction Containment & retrieval ** Within 30 days of effective date of the ordinance (for all businesses) Public Works San Bernardino Yes (1999) N/A Rely on state mandate N/A N/A Stockton Yes (2012) Any # of cart Containment; retrieval provision is permissive, not required Within 60 days of effective date of the ordinance Community Dev. Dept. Director Fremont No N/A Rely on state mandate N/A N/A Modesto Yes (2008) Any # of cart Must contract with a cart retrieval service Within 60 days of effective date of the ordinance Building Dept. Oxnard Yes N/A Rely on state mandate N/A N/A Glendale Yes (2005) Any #of cart Retrieval; (must contract with a cart retrieval service) Within 30 days of effective date of the ordinance Community Dev. Dept. Santa Monica No N/A Rely on state mandate N/A N/A Tehachapi Yes (2014) 10 Containment &retrieval ** Existing businesses have 120 days to comply New businesses must comply immediately Building Dept. Do Containment and/or Retrieval Provisions Work? •Mixed Results: ̶Some cities get pushback every year from local businesses since they are required to pay an annual containment or retrieval fee ̶Other cities: Do not enforce the ordinance/no statistics available Only deal with shopping carts on a complaint basis Contract with a cart retrieval company to pick up carts Sample Contracts With Retrieval Companies Annual Contract Amount Cost per Cart Total # of carts retrieved per year $2,500 $3.50 714 $5,000 $3.50 1,428 $7,500 $3.50 2,142 $10,000 $3.50 2,857 $12,500 $3.50 3,571 Do Containment and/or Retrieval Provisions Work? –All cities surveyed continue to find unidentified carts that they ultimately destroy Unable to trace the cart to the owner or business –CA Grocers Association: recommends that an ordinance have both containment and retrieval provisions because Containment provision is proactive Retrieval provision provides a solution once cart is taken How Would The Provision(s) Work? •Retrieval and/or Containment •A designated department would enforce provision(s) City Council would amend ordinance and add provision(s) How Would The Provision(s) Work? •Create application •Apply directly with Dept. approve/deny •Pay annual fee for provision(s) A City Dept. How Would The Provision(s) Work? •Dedicate staff to oversee businesses •Issue warnings and admin. citations if provision(s) violated Dept.'s Responsibility Current Services Available •BC Shopping Cart Service –Local cart service –Charges $5 per cart; has direct contracts w/business •RMS, Inc. –Requires a service contract; charges $3.50 per cart –Call 1-888-992-4778 retailsolutionsus.com Options 1.Maintain status quo and continue to respond to abandoned carts by complaint 2.Amend ordinance by adopting containment and/or retrieval provisions 3.Enter into agreement w/cart retrieval company Questions