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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/20/2020CC OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER Nov. 20, 2020 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Christian Clegg, City Manager SUBJECT: General Information Notable Items  While we received the disappointing news that the County – including the City of Bakersfield – was required by the state to move back to Tier I (purple) in the state’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy, the City wants to remind everyone that it is still offering several opportunities to local businesses and organizations to help get through the pandemic and the restrictions. Since May, the City has made COVID-19 Special Event Permits available to City businesses and restaurants, allowing them to set up tables, chairs and retail space in private parking lots and on some sidewalks and streets. There is no fee for these SEP and they are valid throughout the duration of the City’s Emergency Declaration, which was issued in March. So far, the City has issued more than 100 SEP to local businesses. In September, the City’s Recreation & Parks Department began offering churches, gyms and youth sports associations to apply for Special Use Permits to hold gatherings in nine City parks. And the City continues to offer its B-CARES program, making $3 million in financial support available to local small businesses. The City has approved 244 grants so far for a total of $1.41 million, leaving $1.59 million still available through the end of the calendar year. Any business that could be eligible is encouraged to apply through the B-CARES grant program. Also, as a direct result of the City’s contribution to the Kern Recovers Non-Profit Grant Program, 59 local non-profits have received grants totaling $960,000. The City contributed $2 million total for the program, which is accepting applications until November 29. General Information Nov. 20, 2020 Page 2  On Tuesday, November 18, City staff participated in the Kern Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s weekly Small Business Academy webinar, explaining some of the options that are available to local businesses. Assistant City Manager Chris Huot, Finance Director Randy McKeegan and Public Information Officer Joe Conroy spoke with several members of the KHCC via zoom, discussing the B-CARES program, the Kern Recovers Non-profit Economic Support grant program, as well as the rental and mortgage assistance program administered by the Housing Authority of the County of Kern. The City has contributed $2 million to the Kern Recover non-profit program and $5 million to the rental and mortgage assistance program.  Visit Bakersfield unveiled its new electronic messaging sign on Friday, November 20. The sign (right) was created to resemble the legendary Bakersfield arch and is designed to be a highly-visible tool to promote Bakersfield and local events. It features color and video displays and can be programmed remotely, allowing Visit Bakersfield staff to quickly change and update information. Its screen can be seen not only by local motorists passing by the visitor center at 515 Truxtun Avenue, but also those on departing Amtrak buses. The new sign is illuminated at night to resemble the lighting of the Bakersfield arch that spans Sillect Avenue. Visit Bakersfield’s new electronic messaging sign was built by Vital Signs of Bakersfield. It replaces an older sign that was difficult to view in daylight and had displays that were hard to change.  This week the City completed its Annual Canned Food Drive, collecting almost 6,500 pounds of canned and non-perishable food items! The 6,477 pounds of food is 1,390 pounds more than employees donated in 2019. The items have been delivered to the Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK), which will then distribute the food General Information Nov. 20, 2020 Page 3 within the City (below and page 2). The Wastewater Division of the Public Works Department led the way with 47.5 pounds of food donated per employee! And a special thanks to the Employee Incentive Team and of course all of our City employees for their generous spirit this holiday season! Last Saturday’s low-cost vaccine and licensing clinic at Kroll Park was a success. TheCity’s Animal Care Unit vaccinated 162 pets and administered 302 vaccines in total. This month’s clinic was held drive-thru style to help limit the potential spread of COVID-19.We are planning to host another similar clinic in December at Liberty Park. The Bakersfield Fire Department congratulatesHoward Wines and Esther Duran (right) forbeing selected for the Excellence In Action awards. They were recognized for theiroutstanding accomplishments in customer service, diligence, leadership, and problemsolving. Both were recognized, along with other EIA award recipients, in a special commemorative video which was played at the November 4 City Council meeting and posted on the City’s social media platforms. Traffic Advisories Traffic control planned for State Route 43 andStockdale Highway roundabout Traffic control has been scheduled for the State Route 43 (Enos Lane) and Stockdale Highway roundabout on Friday, November 20 and Monday, November 23 for lighting work. Flagging personnel will be stopping traffic for up to 10 minutes at a time between the hours of 7 a.m. and 4 p.m. These operations will affect all directions of travel. Motorists are encouraged to use General Information Nov. 20, 2020 Page 4 alternative routes or allow extra time to reach their destinations if they must travel along through this intersection during this time period. Please slow down and watch for construction workers and equipment while driving through the work zone. The Thomas Roads Improvement Program apologizes for any inconvenience this work may cause the traveling public.  Reconstruction of Truxtun Avenue and F Street intersection planned The City of Bakersfield will begin work on the reconstruction of the Truxtun Avenue and F Street intersection on Saturday, November 21. This work will require traffic detours and lane closures from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. During the first phase of reconstruction, traffic heading south on F Street will be detoured at 17th Street, northbound traffic will be detoured at 16th Street. During the second phase of the project, the intersection of Truxtun Avenue and F Street will be reduced to right turns only. These changes are expected to result in traffic delays. Drivers are advised to use caution and allow extra travel time while driving in the area, or to use alternate routes. The intersection is expected to be open to traffic in all directions by 7 p.m. Saturday, November 21. Please note: Construction work may be postponed and rescheduled without notice due to inclement weather or other unforeseen conditions. The City thanks the public for its patience during the completion of these improvements. Reports  WARN notice from Advanced Sleep Medicine Services, Inc.  AT&T U-verse programming changes through January 2021. Events  Live Stream Vaccine: The Entertainment Cure: Orphan Jon and the Abandoned with Charlie Zanne Band, 7 p.m. Friday, November 20.