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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04.17.2020CC OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER April 17, 2020 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Christian Clegg, City Manager SUBJECT: General Information COVID-19 Updates  I’d like to take a moment to THANK the community for their help and understanding as we have been addressing the COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic. It has truly touched every aspect of our lives in some way, and has been an adjustment for all. Thank you for not gathering in the parks during the Easter holiday weekend. Our staff reported seeing few, if any, groups together in the parks over the weekend, even on Easter Sunday. We are sure it was a sacrifice for many families in Bakersfield, but we appreciate your cooperation and help in trying to keep as many people safe and healthy as possible. I would like to address a related issue, however: The large gathering at an apartment complex in East Bakersfield over the weekend. While the total number of people at that party may be debatable, the actual size doesn’t matter. The fact that there was a large gathering (more than 10 people) who obviously do not live in the same unit or home, is unacceptable. The City understands that social distancing may be taking a toll on the public. We are working with our partners at the Kern County Department of Public Health, and as the local health experts and leaders, they have said social distancing is an important tool in fighting the virus and keeping its impact to a minimum. The better we are at social distancing and following the guidelines set forth by Public Health, the state and the Centers for Disease Control, the sooner those guidelines can be relaxed. But we need everyone to be on board. You ALL will help us make a difference. Remember: Stay Home. Save Lives. We’re in this together. We’ll get through this TOGETHER. General Information April 17, 2020 Page 2  City Staff are currently preparing the next fiscal year budget, which originally projected modest growth in revenues. However, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Bakersfield – like other Cities across the country – is expected to face declines in revenue from key funding sources this fiscal year and the next. Hotel occupancy is down compared to the same point last year and retail sales have slowed as well due to business closures and continued adherence to the Governor’s Stay-at-Home order and social distancing guidelines as issued by state and local health officials. Due to these changes in our fiscal circumstances, staff is working to update next year’s budget proposal based on these new realities. There are currently no staffing reductions for the City of Bakersfield. New and vacant positions will be closely reviewed through our annual budget process. Staff is working to identify certain budgeted capital projects that could be eliminated in light of the expected decline in revenues and to reduce operating costs.  The Bakersfield Police Department couldn’t hold its annual Easter Egg hunt the same way it’s been traditionally held, but they came up with an innovative way to give kids something fun to do for the holiday, while also encouraging residents to stay home. The department shared a picture of an egg and badge for kids to download, print and color before hanging them up in their windows. Officers and staff went around and snapped pictures of the eggs! (right and below)  BPD officers recently met a homebound senior needing assistance with shopping for basic needs. Officers were able to reach out and provide the things he needed and put him contact with services provided for the community. There are services available for the City’s most vulnerable members, including senior citizens. General Information April 17, 2020 Page 3 Notable Items  McMurtrey Aquatic Center is getting new lights! The light installation project has been ongoing for a few weeks and is paid for by Community Development Block Grant funding approved last year (below). Musco Lighting installed the lights. They specialize in facility lighting. The lighting is directed onto the facility with very little – if any – spillover of light outside the facility. The lights were tested on Tuesday, April 14, with Musco representatives, parks supervisors and the city’s electricians present. The lights are used during morning swims, swim team practices in the winter, and evening classes. We look forward to opening McMurtrey Aquatic Center in the future.  The “Don’t Create a Monster – Think Before You Flush” campaign billboards are now up around the City. The campaign’s goal is to remind the public what shouldn’t be flushed down the toilet. Anything other than waste and toilet paper can cause costly problems for the City to repair in our wastewater system. You can see some of the graphics used on the billboards here.  The City of Bakersfield has hired Disability Access Consultants to continue the evaluation of the City’s public right of way (sidewalks, intersections, paths of travel) and some park facilities for the City’s Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Self Evaluation and Transition Plan. The City has evaluated approximately 200 miles of high traffic and high priority right of way in the past and will now be embarking on evaluating the remainder of the City in phased segments, prioritized by residential and commercial density, development date, and sensitive use concentration. This first phase will be focusing on the downtown and central Bakersfield areas and includes 125 miles of evaluation. The project is part of the City’s ongoing effort to maintain compliance with the ADA and improve the City to allow accessibility for all! Workers will be practicing appropriate social distancing and have a letter on hand that includes contact information for the City Manager’s Office in case a member of the public has any further questions about their work. General Information April 17, 2020 Page 4 Traffic Advisories  Sinkhole repairs require Fairfax Road closure at College Avenue On Monday, April 13, crews from the City of Bakersfield’s Public Works Department started working to repair a 12-foot wide sinkhole that opened near the intersection of Fairfax Road and College Avenue. Crews closed the intersection with the exception of the right turn lanes in each direction. Due to the extent of the work required to repair the sinkhole and related storm drain damage at the intersection, Public Works has closed Fairfax Road in both directions at College Avenue. Local access for residents remains open. The closure is expected to last until Tuesday, April 21. Drivers are asked to avoid the area if possible and use alternative routes during the repairs and construction. The City thanks the public for their patience as the repairs are completed.  Daytime closure planned for Ming Avenue on-ramp to Highway 99 The contractor for the Belle Terrace Operational Improvements project plans to close the Ming Avenue on-ramp to northbound State Route 99 on Thursday, April 16 and Tuesday, April 21. The closure is expected to be in effect from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on both days. These closures allow for work on the new retaining wall along northbound State Route 99. Motorists can enter northbound State Route 99 from the Wible Road on-ramp located approximately one mile north of Ming Avenue. Work may be rescheduled without notice due to unforeseen circumstances. Please slow down and watch for construction workers and equipment while driving in the vicinity of this work. The Thomas Roads Improvement Program apologizes for any inconvenience this work may cause the traveling public.  Lane closures planned for Stockdale Highway Utility potholing will require lane closures on Stockdale Highway Monday, April 20 through Thursday, April 23. This work will require the closure of the two outside eastbound lanes and the outside westbound lane on Stockdale Highway between Wible Road and Real Road. The closures are expected to be in place between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., each day. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes or allow extra time to reach their destinations if they must travel through this area while work is underway. This schedule may be changed without notice due to unforeseen circumstances. Please slow down and pay attention to construction and detour signage while driving through General Information April 17, 2020 Page 5 the area. The Thomas Roads Improvement Program apologizes for any inconvenience this work may cause the traveling public.  Three-week closure of part of Ford Avenue planned Ford Avenue, between N. Stine Road and Dunlap Street, will be closed for three weeks beginning Monday, April 20. This will be an around-the-clock closure and is needed to erect falsework for a new bridge structure. Residents can detour around the work area by using Joseph Drive. This schedule may be changed without notice due to unforeseen circumstances. Please slow down and pay attention to construction and detour signage while driving through the area. The Thomas Roads Improvement Program apologizes for any inconvenience this work may cause the traveling public. Event Notifications  All nonessential meetings, committees, boards, commissions and events have been CANCELED until further notice.