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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/18/2020CC OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER Sept. 18, 2020 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Christian Clegg, City Manager SUBJECT: General Information CARES Act Funding  On Monday, September 21, the City will launch a new program that will make millions of dollars of Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funds available to local small businesses impacted by the pandemic. The Bakersfield CARES (B-CARES) program will allow small businesses to apply for grants from between $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the business’ total of full-time employees. Small businesses can begin applying for the assistance through the City’s website starting Monday morning. Notable Items  Progress continues to be made at the Brundage Lane Navigation Center as we near completion of construction. This week, BLNC operator Mercy House held a job fair to hire critical positions to operate the new Navigation Center! During the six-day event, Mercy House interviewed many candidates with impressive experiences working in the homeless services sector. Job offers were extended to about two-thirds of the staff and Mercy House will continue to fill the remaining positions over the next six weeks in preparation for the opening of the BLNC in late October.  Today, the City has unveiled the new logo for the Brundage Lane Navigation Center (right). The logo design takes obvious inspiration from the City’s official logo and branding, using the “b” from the shield, the green color scheme and the yellow bands, incorporating the facility’s unique architectural feature of the sloped roofline along with a welcoming open door. General Information Sept. 18, 2020 Page 2  The City held two Downtown Revitalization webinars (right) this week to receive feedback directly from the community to discuss the types of projects – including affordable housing, transit and pedestrian and bike infrastructure – it wants for Downtown in the future. The webinars, held Tuesday and Thursday, allowed the community to participate either through Zoom or by phone. Staff also accepted ideas via email. These discussions will help identify the community’s priorities, so the City can most efficiently allocate Transformative Climates Communities grant funds to complete projects to achieve those goals. The City also plans to host a pair of Downtown Workforce Development webinars in October.  The weekly Live Stream Vaccine concerts presented by Visit Bakersfield are proving to be very popular. According to data from The Fox Theater, there were 66,000 interactions from viewers during the first performance from last Friday’s concert featuring La Marcha Sound. Those interactions involved likes, shares, comments, and posts. In appreciation of its sponsorship, the Fox Theater offered Visit Bakersfield its marquee last Sunday (left). As a reminder, the concerts feature local groups performing at the Fox that are streamed live every Friday beginning at 7 p.m. through the end of November. This week’s performance will be by The Capsouls with Chris Murray. You can watch these free concerts on a variety of platforms, including Visit Bakersfield’s Facebook page. General Information Sept. 18, 2020 Page 3    This week Visit Bakersfield launched its “Hotel Heroes” campaign (left). This effort salutes Bakersfield’s hotel employees for their dedication, commitment and hospitality during the past few months. Those employees have been on the front lines to welcome visitors to our city and Visit Bakersfield wanted to recognize those efforts. To date, 12 local hotels have agreed to participate, which involves a sign provided by Visit Bakersfield with the hotel logo and the Visit Bakersfield logo, to be displayed on the hotel counter or in the lobby for employees and visitors to see. The response from participating hotels has been overwhelmingly positive. Each day Visit Bakersfield will recognize the employees of one Bakersfield hotel on Visit Bakersfield’s Facebook page.  The City’s Public Works Department has hired a new Assistant Public Works Director! Public Works Director Nick Fidler today announced the promotion of Zac Meyer to the position. Meyer has served the City for the last five years as the City’s Wastewater Manager. We ask that everyone join us in congratulating him on his new position! Traffic Advisories  Nighttime freeway closures next week Full nighttime closures are planned for State Route 99 starting Sunday, September 20, to remove falsework from the westbound State Route 58/State Route 99 separation bridge. Full closures are expected to be in effect between the hours of 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. each night, but the contractor will begin closing lanes at 9 p.m. Northbound State Route 99 is scheduled to be closed on Sunday, September 20 and Monday, September 21. Northbound traffic will be detoured onto eastbound State Route 58 to Union Avenue. Motorists will exit at Union Avenue and return westbound to re-enter northbound State Route 99. Wible Road between Brundage Lane and Belle Terrace will also be closed on Monday and Tuesday nights from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Motorists can use H Street to detour around the Wible Road closure. Southbound State Route 99 is scheduled to be closed Tuesday, September 22 and Wednesday, September 23. The westbound State Route 58-to-southbound State Route 99 connector ramp will also be closed on these nights. Southbound traffic will exit the freeway at Stockdale Highway and travel east to Union Avenue, south to Ming Avenue, then west on Ming Avenue to reconnect with southbound State Route 99. A freeway closure may be in place in this area on Thursday night, if necessary. Construction schedules may be changed without notice due to unforeseen General Information Sept. 18, 2020 Page 4   circumstances. The Thomas Roads Improvement Program apologizes for any inconvenience this work may cause the traveling public.  Pavement rehabilitation work planned on F Street The City of Bakersfield is expected begin work on the project to reconstruct the roadway on F Street from 24th Street to State Route 204 starting the week of September 21. The reconstruction of the roadway will take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day, Monday through Saturday, from September 21 to November 9. This work will result in traffic delays. Drivers are advised to use caution and to use alternate routes or allow extra travel time when driving through this area. Temporary road closures will be in effect during the reconstruction of the 26th Street, 28th Street, and 30th Street intersections. Detours and alternative routes will be provided during this phase of construction. All work on this project is scheduled to be complete by mid November 2020. Construction work may be postponed and rescheduled without notice due to inclement weather or other unforeseen conditions. The City thanks the public for their patience during the construction of these improvements. Reports  Bakersfield CARES (B-CARES) grant program guidelines for eligible businesses.  Public Works memo regarding hiring of new Assistant Public Works Director.  Recreation & Parks Department Rapid Response Team Report, Sept. 9, 2020.  Streets Division work schedule for the week of Sept. 21, 2020.  WARN Notice from P.F. Chang’s China Bistro.  AT&T U-verse programming changes for September through November 2020. CITY OF BAKERSFIELD BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GRANTS PROGRAM GUIDELINES Grant Eligibility Requirements: 1. Applicant must have a business physically located within Bakersfield’s city limits. 2. Applicant must be independently owned and operated and have a current Business Tax Certificate issued by the City of Bakersfield 3. Applicant must be a for profit small business as defined by the following: a. Have between one and not more than twenty-five full time equivalent (FTE) employees. An FTE employee works an average of 40 hours a week so to determine a business’ FTE count, just add the average hours worked per employee and divide that by 40. The owner operator of a business is considered one FTE. b. Annual revenues are less that $5,000,000 for the calendar year 2019. c. Demonstrate and certify that business has been operating for at least one full year prior to March 1, 2020. 4. Applicant must certify that business has experienced at least a 25% reduction in revenue since March 1, 2020 and that grant proceeds will be used for allowable expenses under the Federal CARES Act guidelines 5. Applicant business cannot have any unremedied City Code violations GRANT AWARD WILL BE BASED ON THE NUMBER FTE EMPLOYEES 1 to 5 FTEs $ 5,000 6 to 10 FTEs $ 10,000 11 to 17 FTEs $ 15,000 18 to 25 FTEs $ 20,000 6. Applicants who have not have received Federal CARES Act funding through the Federal Payroll Protection Program (PPP) or the County of Kern’s Small Business Relief Program (KSBRP) will be given preference. The inclusion of those businesses who have received PPP or KSBRP funds will be considered if funding is available. 7. The allocation of grants will be on a first come first served basis. To be considered, the application must be complete with all required documentation included. It will not be officially placed in the queue for funding until reviewed by program staff. Emails will be sent to applicants with grant request is accepted and placed in the queue. Documentation Required: • Copies of Income tax returns for 2018 and 2019. • Copies of quarter payroll tax filings for the 1st and 2nd quarters of 2020 showing number of employees. If small business is owner operated and has no employees then tax returns are sufficient. • Copy of current Business Tax Certificate. TO: Christian Clegg, City Manager FROM: Nick Fidler, Public Works Director DATE: September 18, 2020 SUBJECT: Promotion of Zac Meyer to Assistant Public Works Director _____________________________________________________________________________________ I am pleased to announce the promotion of Zac Meyer to Assistant Public Works Director overseeing Solid Waste, Wastewater and Operations. Zac has been employed with the City for over twelve years and has served the last five years as the Wastewater Manager. Prior to that position, he worked as the Wastewater Treatment Superintendent, an Engineer III, and an Engineer I. Zac has experience in project management, establishing sewer rates to fund the Sewer Enterprise, and overseeing the operations and maintenance of both City wastewater treatment plants. He also understands renewable energy projects and has experience working with local, state, and federal regulators. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and has been licensed as a Registered Civil Engineer since 2011. Zac’s years of experience and education make him uniquely qualified to assume to responsibilities and challenges of the new Assistant Public Works Director position over Enterprise and Operations. He will be starting his new position September 28, 2020. RRT Weekly Report For the week of 9/09/20-9/12/20 City Council and/or Public Requests • Tumble weed Clean-up on Colony St. City Source Requests • None Projects Completed by RRT 1. Brundage Lane Navigation Center Project. • RRT began modifying the existing irrigation system as part of the new landscape and irrigation project. Work began on 9/9/2020 and will continue on the week of 9/15/2020. 2. Colony St and Berkshire Rd (Tumble weed clean-up) • RRT removed all the existing tumbleweeds located along the north east fence line, from Colony St around to South H St. Work began on 9/12/2020 and was completed on 9/12/2020. • Tumble weed loads were taken to Sports Village City dump site. 3. Tree and irrigation modification. • RRT relocated 1 Crepe Myrtle tree and re-routed the existing irrigation, due to the new asphalt and median construction, located on Ming Ave just west of New Stine Rd. Work began and was completed on 9/12/2020. Miscellaneous 1. None Ongoing Projects 1. Jastro Park (Spray park restrooms) • RRT will continue working on securing the spray park restrooms due to illegal encampments after park hours. Work will continue as time permits. 2. Panama and Wible Rd. • RRT will continue replacing the damaged block wall panels during the week of 9/15/2020 3. Jefferson Park (Trash enclosure project.) • RRT will continue with the new trash enclosure project during the week of 9/15/2020. Weekly Data: Assignment Locations Job Description Date Man Hours Equip/Hours Misc. Cost Weight Approx. lbs. Brundage Lane Navigation Center. Irrigation Modification. 9/9/2020 9/10/2020 9/11/2020 75.5 63 $1,045.61 0 Colony St Tumble weed clean-up. 9/12/2020 60.5 69.5 0 0 Ming Ave Tree and irrigation modification. 9/12/20 20 4 4 $148.38 0 Totals= 3 Projects Completed 140 136.5 $1,193.99 0 Next Week City Source Request • None City Council and/or Public Request • None Priority Projects • RRT will continue to work with Code Enforcement regarding any illegal homeless encampment sites within City Parks, Streetscapes, and/or City buildings. • Jastro spray park restroom building modification. • Panama Ln. and Wible block wall repair project. • Jefferson Park trash enclosure project. • Brundage Lane Navigation Center irrigation project. Training • None See Attached Photos Brundage Lane Navigation Center, irrigation modification.9/9/2020 thru 9/11/2020 Ming Ave Tree and irrigation Modification.9/12/2020 Colony St, Berkshire Rd and South H St, tumble weed clean-up.9/12/2020 Before Clean-up. After Tumble weed clean-up. Week of September 21_2020_Work Schedule Page 1 of 2 STREETS DIVISION – WORK SCHEDULE Week of September 21, 2020 – October 2, 2020 Resurfacing/Reconstructing streets in the following areas: Reconstruct Camino Del Oeste from Kroll to Calle Cerca Section repairs on White Ln from Hughes to S H St Ridge Oak—from Old River to Mountain Oak Street repaving –Westwold west of Gosford Street repaving and repairs—S Chester from Ming to 58 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 work in the Old Town Kern HUD area Concrete work in the Wilson HUD area Brundage Lane Navigation Center Week of September 21_2020_Work Schedule Page 2 of 2 STREETS SWEEPING SCHEDULE Monday, September 21, 2020 Panama Ln to Taft Hwy, Stine to 99 Freeway Tuesday, September 22, 2020 Olive Dr to Downing, Coffee Rd to Knudson Dr Wednesday, September 23, 2020 Snow Rd to Hageman Rd, Renfro to Jewetta Ave Thursday, September 24, 2020 Snow Rd to Hageman Rd, Allen Rd to Calloway, Brundage Rd to Ming, South P St to Cottonwood Friday, September 25, 2020 Seventh Standard Rd to Rosedale Hwy, Verdugo to Coffee Rd Monday, September 28, 2020 Coffee Rd to Renfro Rd, Palm Ave to Westside Parkway Tuesday, September 29, 2020 Makeup Day Wednesday, September 30, 2020 Makeup Day Thursday, October 1, 2020 E. Brundage to Flower, Union to Williams Friday, October 2, 2020 College to Paladino, Morning to Columbus 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. September 18, 2020 Via E-mail and Certified Mail RE: Notice Pursuant to the Federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act and California Labor Code To Whom It May Concern, In compliance with the Federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (“WARN”) Act (29 U.S.C. § 2101 et seq.) and California Labor Code (Cal. Labor Code § 1400 et seq.), P.F. Chang’s China Bistro (the “Company”) is writing to comply with any actual or potential obligation it may have to provide you with notice of a mass layoff, as that term is defined by statute, at our operation located at 10700 Stockdale Highway, Bakersfield, California 93311. In March 2020, the COVID-19 virus reached pandemic proportions causing various governmental agencies to issue various orders that resulted in our Company having to temporarily suspend and/or reduce operations at restaurants across the county including, but not limited to the one identified above. At the time these orders were initially issued in Spring 2020, our Company had no idea of how long the orders would last and, more importantly, the continued impact that the COVID-19 virus would have on our operations. These unforeseen circumstances may have resulted in limiting our ability to schedule shifts and operate as we previously did. Many of our employees, at the restaurant identified above, have suffered a reduction of hours of greater than 50% because of the reduced operations at the restaurant. Supervisor Leticia Perez, Chair Board of Supervisors County of Kern, California Kern County Administrative Office 1115 Truxtun Avenue, 5th Floor Bakersfield, California 93301 district5@kerncounty.com Employment Development Department, Workforce Services Division P.O. Box 826880 MIC 50 Sacramento, California 94280-0001 eddwarnnotice@edd.ca.gov Mayor Karen Goh City of Bakersfield, California City Hall South 1501 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, California 93301 mayor@bakersfieldcity.us Kern, Inyo, Mono County Workforce Development Board Attn: Teresa Hitchcock, Assistant CAO 1600 East Belle Terrace Bakersfield, California 93307 hitchcockt@kerncounty.com As governmental orders limiting restaurant operations remain in place for the foreseeable future, it is now clear to the Company that temporary reduced operations and reduction of hours at the restaurant identified above may last beyond six (6) months from its start back in the Spring. The reduction of work hours at this location are the unfortunate result of sudden, unexpected COVID-19-related circumstances that were conditions outside of the Company’s control and for which the continued duration is still unknown. The reduction of hours lasting beyond six months was not reasonably foreseeable until now. As a result of these unfortunate and unforeseeable circumstances, we are notifying you as soon as practicable, taking into account the great difficulties affecting our industry faces in projecting future staffing needs under the circumstances. Pursuant to 29 U.S.C. § 2101(b)(2)(A), any reduction in the notification period (to the extent a notice is required) is a result of the unforeseeable business circumstances and economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It is unknown how long the reduction of hours will last as our Company has no control over governmental regulations relating to COVID-19. There will be no bumping rights or bumping procedures since the employees of the Company are not covered by a collective bargaining unit or represented by a union. The reduction of hours, and whom is affected remains unclear, but we anticipate that this will affect up to 75 employees who have been employed for more than six months and previously worked an average of more than 20 hours per week. All of the information required by 20 CFR § 639.7(e) is available for your review by contacting me at (312)-718-9177. Sincerely, Rob Kennedy Rob Kennedy Human Resources Business Partner