HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/17/2020CC
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
July 17, 2020 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Christian Clegg, City Manager SUBJECT: General Information
Downtown Entertainment District
The City is excited to announce an agreement to sell a five-acre piece of Downtown property to a developer who is expected to bring new entertainment and retail
options to residents! The property at the northeast corner of California Avenue and P
Street will be to ME Development Company, LLC, a company owned by the same
person who developed the Maya Cinemas to the west of the parcel.
The Purchase Sale Agreement was approved by the City Council Wednesday, July
15, by a 5-0 vote. ME Development Company has already made a significant investment in the area with the theater and the City is excited to have this property
further developed so locals and visitors alike have more to experience in Downtown Bakersfield!
General Information July 17, 2020 Page 2
Notable Items
Progress continues to be made in the creation of the Brundage Lane Navigation Center, the City’s new
emergency homeless shelter. Staff provided an update to City Council on Wednesday, July 15, even taking the
councilmembers on a “virtual” video tour of the active construction site. Current work at the facility include the
creation of dorm space for female clients, plumbing
upgrades and changes to accommodate showers and
bathrooms, as well as roofing and
HVAC upgrades and more (right).
The project continues to be on track
for a Fall 2020 grand opening with 50
beds to start, and expecting to grow
to 150 beds in about three months.
Progress can also be followed at
www.bakersfieldcity.us/shelter.
Visit Bakersfield kicked off its webinar series this week with a panel
highlighting local museums. Even during a pandemic, local museums – Bakersfield
Museum of Art, Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science, California Living
Museum, and Kern County Museum – have offerings and programs for the whole
family. The webinar featured a panel of museum representatives discussing their innovative programs, updates on current safety guidelines, online programs, and
upcoming events.
The focus of Visit Bakersfield’s webinar series is to bring information about what to see and do in Bakersfield directly to local travel partners, such as hotels, restaurants and
attractions. Local residents will also find this first webinar to be valuable, especially with kids home during the summer. A recording of the “Virtual Museum Trail” webinar,
along with more information about the series, can be found here.
The newest Bakersfield Police Academy class (right) has started their
training! The class of 28 trainees is the third funded by the Public Safety &
Vital Services Measure (PSVS, or
Measure N). One of the Measure’s
priorities is to hire 100 new sworn
officers over a three-year period.
The project to retrofit the Bakersfield Police Department’s firearms facility
on Truxtun Avenue is getting
underway, with materials and equipment arriving this week. The facility was originally
General Information July 17, 2020 Page 3
built in the late 1940s and is critical for officers to maintain their required training qualifications as well as to train new recruits. The open-air designed facility hasn’t
been changed much since it was built and does not meet modern firearms range design and safety standards.
The upgrades to the facility are funded by the Public Safety & Vital Services Measure
(PSVS, or Measure N). Among the improvements, a modern baffle and trap system will be installed to reduce noise for neighboring property owners, as well as a roof. The
project is expected to be completed by the fall of this year.
The Recreation & Parks Department’s Rapid Response Team started repairs to some
deteriorating wall panels on Wible Road, just north of Panama Lane. Several sections
of the 39-year-old pre-cast concrete wall panels are in disrepair and must be
replaced (before and after below). The damage has been caused by accidents over
the years and abnormal deterioration.
Starting Monday, July 20, the Recreation & Parks Department will be offering a new swim clinic at each pool. The program is designed to help already proficient
swimmers develop their strokes as they prepare to join a swim team. The program is
available at McMurtrey Aquatic Center as well as MLK, Jefferson, and Silver Creek
pools. Registration is open and we are encouraging people to register online only. If
anyone has questions, they can call McMurtrey at (661) 852-7430.
PG&E has sent the City a notice of a request for a proposed rate increase. The proposed increases would raise the average customer’s bill by about $1/month.
Reports
Recreation & Parks Department monthly report, June 2020.
City Manager’s Office
1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
661-326-3751 FAX: 661-324-1850
MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Joe Conroy
Wednesday, July 15, 2020 Public Information Officer (661) 326-3074 JConroy@bakersfieldcity.us
CITY COUNCIL APPROVES SALE OF PROPERTY AS PART OF MILL CREEK VISION PLAN TO REVITALIZE DOWNTOWN AREA WITH NEW ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS
For the past 10 years the City has worked to bring in new construction projects to
revitalize the Mill Creek area of Downtown Bakersfield in an effort to bring new and
exciting entertainment and commercial options to residents and visitors.
On Wednesday, July 15, the City Council – by a 5-0 vote, with two absent – approved
the Letter of Intent for the sale of a vacant five-acre parcel of land at the northeast
corner of California Avenue and P Street to developer ME Development Company,
LLC, kicking off the final step in the City’s Mill Creek Vision Plan.
“This is an exciting opportunity for the City, its residents, and the thousands of visitors
who come to Bakersfield every year,” said Assistant City Manager Jacqui Kitchen.
“We are thrilled to be able to partner with ME Development Company, who has a
history of bringing exactly the type of entertainment and commercial venues this
part of the City deserves.”
Bakersfield continues to grow, as evidenced by recent building trends, with the City’s
population now trending toward young professionals in the Gen Z and Millennial age
groups. The new amenities offered by this project would be extremely attractive to
residents in these age groups.
Since the early 2000s, the City has had a vision to create a unique area for this part
of Downtown Bakersfield, building on a waterfront location close to housing, hotels
and entertainment attractions. The location is well-positioned to attract both locals
and visitors due to the proximity to the Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater and
Convention Center, the Marriott Hotel, Amtrak Station and other amenities.
Over that time, the City has contracted with consulting firm Gensler and Associates
to create an updated Master Plan for the Mill Creek area, including updating that
plan this past March. In a separate 5-0 vote, the City Council approved Options 1 &
2 in the updated South Mill Creek Master Plan.
ME Development Company is owned by Moctesuma Esparza, who also serves as the
Chairman of the Board of the parent company of the Maya Theater and retail
spaces to the west of the purchased property. In 2007, ME Development Company
developed the Maya Cinemas, making an important investment into the area
consistent with the original Mill Creek Vision plan and subsequent growth.
ME Development Company’s plans for the land align with the City’s vision for the
South Mill Creek Entertainment District. The company’s proposal for the site includes
retail, restaurant, hospitality and mixed-use development, all consistent with the
City’s Vision and Master Plan for the area.
###
6- 17 years old $54R/$64NR for McMurtrey Aquatic Center & Silver Creek.
$10 for Jefferson Pool & MLK Pool.
This program is designed for proficient swimmers ready
for swim team. Stroke development and daily workout plans will be provided by an instructor distanced 6 feet from participants.
Session Dates
Mondays and Wednesdays: July 20- August 5
Tuesdays and Thursdays: July 21- August 6
Saturdays: July 25- August 29
Swim ClinicsSwim ClinicsCity of Bakersfield
Location Days Time Code
Specifies Class Session
McMurtrey Aquatic Center M/Wed 8- 9am 259008 A1
McMurtrey Aquatic Center T/Th 8- 9am 259008 A2
Silver Creek M/Wed 1- 2pm 257008 A1
Jefferson M/Wed 1- 2pm 252008 A1
MLK M/Wed 1- 2pm 253008 A1
Silver Creek T/ Th 1- 2pm 257008 A2
Jefferson T/Th 1- 2pm 252008 A2
MLK T/Th 1- 2pm 253008 A2
Silver Creek M/Wed 3- 4pm 257008 B1
Silver Creek T/Th 3- 4pm 257008 B2
Silver Creek Sat.8- 9am 257008 C1
Jefferson Sat.9-10am 252008 B1
MLK Sat. 9- 10am 253008 B1
McMurtrey Aquatic Center Sat.12- 1pm 259008 B1
Silver Creek Sat.1:30- 2:30pm 257008 D1
A few things to keep in mind:
Anyone with the following syptoms will be prohibited from entering the facility:• Fever or chills• Cough• Shortness of breath• Fatigue• Muscle/ Body Aches• Headache• New loss of taste or smell• Sore throat• Congestion or runny nose• Nausea or vomiting• Diarrhea
This list does not include all possible symptoms. CDC will
continue to update this list as we learn more about Covid- 19.
Must Register Online.www.BakersfieldParks.us
• Arrive as close as possible to when the program
begins.
• Participants will be asked to maintain social
distancing from other participants.
• No shared equipment will be provided by the City of
Bakersfield.
• Participants should be dressed and ready to
participate.
• Locker rooms will be limited to toilet and
handwashing. Indoor showers and lockers will not be
available at this time.
• Please limit the amount of spectators. Spectators will
be asked to maintain 6 feet social distancing and will
be asked to wear a mask when in the facility.
www.BakersfieldParks.us
We enhance the quality of life through a variety of programs, parks, and partnerships.
Department of Recreation and Parks
Date: July 16, 2020
To: Christian Clegg, City Manager
From: Dianne Hoover, Director of Recreation & Parks
Subject: 2020 June Monthly Report ADMINISTRATION
June Summary Highlights: COVID-19 has impacted programs, parks and the services we would normally provide
to the public. Staff continues to be diligent in following CDC guidelines and following protocols to many facilities open. Thank you for your patience and understanding as
we navigate new territory.
Public Safety & Vital Services
• Spiral slide removal and installation at Patriots Park.
• Main door entrance repair and modification at Lowell Shop.
• Restroom door modification at Centennial Park.
• Restroom door repairs and modification at Central Park.
• Replacement of vandalized inground electrical box and poured new
concrete slab at Siemon Park.
• Tumble weed and brush clean up at Linnell/Brahma lot.
• Illegal trash dumping clean-up at Mountain Ridge Rd.
• Tumble weed and brush clean-up at Citadel Soccer field.
• Boarding up of damaged block wall and damaged tree removal on
Gosford & Camino Media Rd.
• Installation of 3 security gates on restroom doors at Deer Peak Park.
• Removal of chain link fence and lot clean-up on Kentfield Dr.
• Dry brush removal for fire control on hillside of Fairfax Rd.
• Removal and installation of slide at Castle Park.
• Removal and replacement of crawl tube playground toy at Pin Oak
Park.
• Repairs to storage room door at Jefferson Park.
• Trash and brush clean up on San Miguel Grove bike path area.
• Repairs to trash bin enclosures at Silver Creek Park.
Department of Recreation and Parks June 2020 Monthly Report
Page 2
We enhance the quality of life through a variety of programs, parks, and partnerships.
• Repair to irrigation main line at Mesa Marin Sports Complex.
• Repairs and modification to both men’s and women’s restroom
entrance gates at Silver Creek Park.
CIP/CDBG Project Updates:
• Kaiser Permanente Sports Village Phase 3 Fitness Equipment Project –
Contractor S&B Sons completed deficiency corrections and project
has been completed.
• Beale Park Restroom Renovation Project – Pre-Design “kick-off”
meeting held on 6/19/20 with Meyer Civil Engineering to develop
project specifications & scope of work. Coordination of pre-fabricated
building with Public Restroom Company.
• Seasons Park Playground Renovation Project - Contract was awarded
to CS Construction ($205,473) on 5/20/20. A preconstruction meeting
was held on 6/12/20 with contractor and equipment vendor.
Anticipated project completion in late September 2020.
• Tevis Park Playground Renovation Project - With construction
documents and specification completed, staff preparing to go out to
bid in early July 2020.
• Linnell-Brahma Park Project (Prop 68 Grant) - City approved to proceed with project. Official RFP to be developed and submitted to 3
of the City’s (PW) On-call civil engineering consultants to develop and prepare complete construction plans and bid specifications for the
project. RFP to be submitted in early July. Wall Repairs: In Progress:
1. Centennial Plaza Fountain - Horse Statue 2. New Stine Rd & Ming Ave (North Side)
3. Ashe Rd & Club View Dr. (Eastern Pre-Cast Wall) 4. Ellis Ave & Ashe Road (West Wall)
5. River Run & Mountain Park Drive (NW & NE corner Monument Sign) 6. Lake Arthur Drive & Calloway Dr. (Palisade Monument Sign)
7. Calloway Drive @ Olive Drive (N/W corner-canal wall) 8. 5900 Wilson Road (Castle Park half wall)
9. S/W & N/W corner of South H. and Isile Ave PARKS UPDATES Area 1
o Tree contractor is in the process of removing deceased trees.
o Contractor planted 21 trees of various species to fill in areas on medians. Area 2
o Hwy 178 – cleared weeds from hillside east of Miramonte Dr.
o Fairfax Hillside – staff along with RRT cleared weeds and created a fire break.
o Jastro Park – Staff pressure washed tennis courts and amphitheater.
Department of Recreation and Parks June 2020 Monthly Report
Page 3
We enhance the quality of life through a variety of programs, parks, and partnerships.
Area 3
o Beach Park – Staff relocated irrigation on the south side following installation
of ADA improvements by the Streets Department.
o On June 27th, staff cleared sidewalk from overgrown residential trees and
shrubs located on west side of Wible Rd north of Planz Rd.
o On June 29th, staff removed large pile of tumble weeds located on McKee
Rd east of Hughes Ln.
o Contractor removed seven (7) dead trees. Area 4
o Patriots Park – Installed a replacement spiral slide on 6/10/20.
o Castle Park – Installed a replacement spiral slide on 6/23/20.
o New Area – Berkshire Rd. between Wild Mustang and Laredo. Area 6
o TPRW:
• Seating renovation has been completed.
• Turf has been removed and replaced with decomposed granite.
o Contractor has completed planting trees. Trimming:
o Trees Trimmed: 52 Clearance: 75 Removals: 5 RECREATION
Aquatics
McMurtrey Aquatic Center was closed to the public the entire month of
June in an effort to limit the community spread of COVID-19. Public pools
received guidance for re-opening under the California Department of
Public Health COVID-19 Industry Guidance. Staff conducted research
throughout the state and worked hard to develop a re-opening plan that
fits within California and Kern County Public Health Department, CDC, and American Red Cross re-opening guidelines. Programming Details:
• McMurtrey Aquatic Center will reopen on July 6th for lap swimming only. Participants will complete a pre-screening and temperature check before
entering the program. Per guidelines, participants will be asked to reserve a lane in advance. Staff will limit the amount of participants in the facility
at a time and will complete regular disinfection between each lap swimming session. Lap swimming will be offered a variety of timeframes
Monday through Saturday, with a new Family Lap Swim program being offered on Saturday afternoons.
• Additional programs will be transitioned in, mid-July. Pool programming schedules were restructured to eliminate program overlap and large
gatherings. The registration process will be adjusted to encourage no-contact registrations. Programs planned for late summer and fall include:
youth swim clinics with socials distancing modifications all four City pools.
• Waterslide and diving boards are not authorized to open under current
State guidelines. Due to current socials distancing guidelines, public
recreational swim, swim team, aqua aerobics classes, and special events
are not be offered at this time.
Department of Recreation and Parks June 2020 Monthly Report
Page 4
We enhance the quality of life through a variety of programs, parks, and partnerships.
Athletics:
• Programming was nonexistent in June as a result of COVID-19 related
closures. Sports staff spent the month of June working on parks
assignments throughout the department.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center
• Due to COVID-19, participants are not permitted in the center at this time.
• Superintendent of Schools Free Meal Program:
• 651 Grab N Go meals were distributed to children ages 2-18, Monday through Friday from 1:30 pm to 3:30 pm.
• #RectheHouse – Staff recorded different videos showcasing a variety of games/activities children can do at home, within guidelines of social
distancing. Saunders Recreational Facility/Silver Creek Community Center
• Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Silver Creek and Saunders were closed to the
public the entire month of May. Upcoming/Ongoing Events:
• For additional activities and events offered through the Recreation and Parks
Department, please visit the website at www.bakersfieldparks.us.
Department of Recreation and Parks June 2020 Monthly Report
Page 5
We enhance the quality of life through a variety of programs, parks, and partnerships.
Patriots Park Spiral Slide Installation
Central Park Restroom Security Doors Modification
Department of Recreation and Parks June 2020 Monthly Report
Page 6
We enhance the quality of life through a variety of programs, parks, and partnerships.
Linnell-Brahma Park Clean-Up