Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/08/2021CC OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER Jan. 8, 2021 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Christian Clegg, City Manager SUBJECT: General Information B-CARES Update  City Staff continues to review and process applications for B-CARES small business assistance grants, having already awarded more than $4.3 million to 694 local businesses as of today (January 8). There are still applications that need final check- off items before they can be approved and businesses with outstanding issues with their applications have been notified that they have until January 12 to provide any missing information or documentation. Notable Items  Mayor Karen Goh and newly-elected Ward 6 Councilmember Patty Gray were officially sworn-in to their positions in a special meeting on Tuesday, January 5 (right). The installation ceremony can be viewed on the City’s YouTube page, here. Like the previous councilmember installation at the December 16 meeting, this ceremony was limited in scope due to the ongoing pandemic. Both then participated in the first full council meeting of 2021 on Wednesday, January 6.  The year 2020 was unlike any other most of us have experienced. The City of Bakersfield’s Technology Services Division each year puts together a Year in Review video and 2020 was no exception to that. Check out the City’s accomplishments General Information Jan. 8, 2021 Page 2 and some of the most memorable parts of last year here.  City Recreation & Parks Department staff worked with the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce to hold a free COVID-19 testing site at the Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center on December 30. The testing was done by Kern Public Health from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There were approximately 25 Public Health Volunteers that did several hundred tests during the event. New Councilmember Eric Arias (Ward 1), who helped setup the event, also assisted those in line with paperwork.  City-supported efforts to address the homeless crisis in Bakersfield continue to progress, with the expansion projects at the Mission at Kern County and the Bakersfield Homeless Center (BHC) completed or near completion. The BHC’s $90,956 30-bed expansion remodel project was finished in late 2020 (right). The project included converting a lounge space into a dormitory that could fit 30 beds and is currently in use by the BHC’s clients. Additional expansion projects at the BHC are expected to get underway in the coming weeks. The Mission’s 40-bed expansion project is more than 99% complete to date (below). The more than $1.12 million project will expand the shelter’s capacity and includes an additional restroom and shower facilities. The project is expected to be completed by January 22. The City helped facilitate both of these expansion projects with State Homeless Emergency Aid Program (HEAP) grant funds.  New pedestrian safety technology will be activated on 24th Street starting next week. General Information Jan. 8, 2021 Page 3 As part of the 24th Street Improvement Project, a High-Intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) signal was installed at Pine Street to help walkers cross 24th Street safely. That HAWK signal will be activated on Monday, January 11, and drivers will need to be aware of the changes moving forward.  The City’s pop-up drive-thru-style trash drop-off events was quite the success! Residents told staff they appreciated the opportunity to drop off their excess holiday trash. The events, held in the parking lots at Mechanics Bank Arena and Aera Park on January 2 and 3 are part of our Clean Cities Initiative, offered by the Solid Waste Division. Almost 73,000 pounds of trash and 12,520 pounds of recycling were collected at these free events.  The Bakersfield Animal Care Unit held its monthly low-cost pet vaccine and licensing clinic on Saturday, January 2 at the Park at River Walk, vaccinating 253 pets. There were also 89 total licenses issued and 31 microchips given as well. The next clinic is set for Saturday, February 6 at Jefferson Park (801 Bernard Street). Traffic Advisories  Overnight lane closure planned on northbound Highway 99 and 99 to Highway 58 connector A nighttime closure has been scheduled for the northbound State Route 99. The number #3 lane (outside lane) will be closed between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. on January 11. The northbound State Route 99 to eastbound State Route 58 connector will also be closed during this time. The closure is needed for striping and the shifting of k-rail. During the closure, northbound State Route 99 to eastbound State Route 58 traffic will be routed through the ramp to California Avenue and detoured to southbound State Route 99 where they will use the eastbound State Route 58 connector. Construction schedules may be changed without notice due to unforeseen circumstances. The Thomas Roads Improvement Program apologizes for any inconvenience this work may cause the traveling public.  Lane Closures planned on eastbound Westside Parkway Lane closures are scheduled for the Westside Parkway, between Allen Road and Calloway Drive, on Wednesday, January 13. The #3 lane (outside lane) in the eastbound direction will close at 7 a.m. The #2 lane will close at 9 a.m. and both lanes are expected to be closed until 5:30 p.m. to allow for road work in this area. At least one eastbound lane will remain open while work is underway. No impacts are anticipated for westbound traffic. The closure may be in place on Thursday, January 14, if needed. General Information Jan. 8, 2021 Page 4 Construction schedules may be changed without notice due to unforeseen circumstances. The Thomas Roads Improvement Program apologizes for any inconvenience this work may cause the traveling public.  Nighttime closure planned for Stockdale Highway A nighttime closure has been scheduled for Stockdale Highway. The closure will be in both directions on Stockdale Highway at Stine Road from 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. on January 13. The closure is needed for the placement of k-rail. During the closure, westbound traffic will be routed north onto Oak Street and west onto California Avenue, traveling back to Stockdale Highway. Eastbound traffic will be routed north onto California Avenue and then south onto Oak Street, traveling back to Stockdale Highway. Construction schedules may be changed without notice due to unforeseen circumstances. The Thomas Roads Improvement Program apologizes for any inconvenience this work may cause the traveling public.  Freeway closure for northbound Highway 99 A nighttime closure has been scheduled for the northbound State Route 99. All lanes will be closed from 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. on January 14. The closure is for large equipment mobilization. During the closure, traffic will be detoured to the eastbound State Route 58, exit at H Street and take westbound State Route 58 to re-enter the northbound State Route 99 from the tunnel ramp. Construction schedules may be changed without notice due to unforeseen circumstances. The Thomas Roads Improvement Program apologizes for any inconvenience this work may cause the traveling public. Reports  Recreation & Parks Department monthly report for December 2020.  TRIP Status Report for January 2021. Public Works Department 1501 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 661-326-3724 FAX: 661-852-2120 TRAFFIC ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Joe Conroy Friday, Jan. 8, 2020 Public Information Officer (661) 326-3074 JConroy@bakersfieldcity.us CITY TO ACTIVATE “HAWK” PEDESTRIAN CROSSING SIGNAL ON 24TH STREET The City of Bakersfield is excited to announce the use of new pedestrian safety technology on 24th Street at Pine Street. The City will activate its new High-Intensity Activated crossWalK (HAWK) pedestrian signal on Monday, January 11. The HAWK signal is a traffic control device used to stop vehicular traffic on a roadway to allow for pedestrians to cross safely. Unlike an ordinary three-light traffic signal, the HAWK signal is activated by pedestrians and stops the vehicular road traffic only when triggered. Pedestrians using the HAWK signal can expect very similar crosswalk experience to crossing at a traditional signalized intersection. To activate the signal, the pedestrian presses the button on the signal pole. They will see a solid red “don’t walk” hand turn on. The symbol will turn to the “walk” symbol indicating it is the pedestrian’s turn to carefully enter the crosswalk, still using caution to watch for oncoming vehicles. They will then see the flashing “don’t walk” hand come on which allows the pedestrian to complete their crossing, but also indicates for them not to start crossing if they are not already in the crosswalk. The “don’t walk” hand will then turn solid again and will remain so until another pedestrian activates the HAWK signal again. While the pedestrian’s perspective is similar to that of a traditional signal, the motorist’s experience will be much different. When not used, the HAWK signal is dark and motorists are allowed to drive thru the signal while still exercising caution as they would any other traditional crosswalk. When a pedestrian activates the HAWK signal, the signal will start flashing yellow, alerting the motorist to prepare to stop. It will then turn to a solid yellow, telling the motorist they must come to a complete stop. It will then turn to a solid red as the pedestrians are utilizing the crossing. The HAWK will then have the red lights alternate back and forth, which means once the motorist has stopped and all the pedestrians in the crosswalk have cleared, the motorist may continue through the intersection. If another vehicle approaches the stop bar during the red toggle phase, that vehicle must stop and make sure the crosswalk is clear before they proceeding through the intersection. Once the HAWK signal goes dark, motorists may again travel through the intersection as normal, still exercising caution and still looking out for pedestrians as they would at any pedestrian crossing. The City of Bakersfield is excited about the opportunity to implement this new innovative HAWK traffic signal technology. It is a great addition to our existing traffic signal system and we look forward to the successful use of it by both pedestrians and motorists. For more information, please contact Ed Murphy, Civil Engineer III for the City of Bakersfield, at (661) 326-3958. ### 8/07/21 City of Bakersfield Animal Control 2021 Vaccination & Licensing Clinics For Dogs ALL PARK CLINICS ARE HELD FROM 9:00 AM TO NOON *DUE TO COVID ALL DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE OR BE CANCELLED. PLEASE CHECK OUR WEBSITE BEFORE ATTENDING A CLINIC FOR POSSIBLE ADJUSTMENTS OR CANCELATIONS.* APPOINTMENTS WILL BE ISSUSED ON ARRIVAL; IT IS FIRST COME FIRST SERVE BASIS. (MASKS ARE REQUIRED) https://bakersfieldcity.us/gov/depts/animal_care_center/clinics.htm January Saturday 1/02/21 The Park at Riverwalk 11200 Stockdale Hwy February Saturday 2/06/21 Jefferson Park 801 Bernard St. March Saturday 3/06/21 Beale Park 500 Oleander Ave. April Saturday 4/03/21 Wilson Park Wilson Rd. 2400 M ay Saturday 5/ 08/21 Lowell Park th St. 800 4 June Saturday 6/ 05 /21 Jastro Park Truxtun Ave 2900 July Saturday 7/03/21 Silver Creek Park 7011 Harris Rd. August Saturday MLK Community Center S. Owens St. 1000 September Saturday 9/ 04 /21 Beale Park 500 Oleander Ave October Saturday 10/ 02 /21 Central Park at Mill Creek 600 19 th St. November Saturday 11/ 06 /21 Kroll Park 7500 Kroll Way December Saturday 12/ 04 /21 Liberty Park 11225 Brimhall Rd. Vaccination & Licensing Information • California Law requires all dogs over the age of three months are vaccinated against the rabies virus and a license must be purchased within 30 days of vaccination.  At the low-cost park clinics, your dog can be vaccinated for a reduced fee. • A license must be purchased along with a rabies vaccine at the clinic. • If your dog has a current rabies vaccine, you may purchase a license only if you have a copy of the rabies certificate. Vaccine Fees: Rabies Vaccine - $10.00 DAPP Vaccine - $10.00 Bordetella Vaccine (Kennel Cough) - $10.00 License Fees: Spayed or Neutered: 1 Year License - $15.00 3 year license - $30.00 Natural (NOT spayed or neutered): 1 Year License - $60.00 3 Year License - $120.00 Senior Rates (62 and older): Dog MUST be spayed or neutered for discount! 1 Year License - $5.00 3 Year License - $15.00 Temporary Licenses: Dog MUST be spayed or neutered within 60 days. 1 Year Temporary License - $15.00 1 Year Senior Temporary License - $5.00 Visit us on the web for up to date clinic information: https://bakersfieldcity.us/gov/depts/animal_care_center/clinics.htm We enhance the quality of life through a variety of programs, parks, and partnerships. Department of Recreation and Parks Date: January 7, 2020 To: Christian Clegg, City Manager From: Darin Budak, Interim Director of Recreation & Parks Subject: 2020 December Monthly Report ADMINISTRATION December Summary Highlights: Recreation and Parks Department experienced many staff changes during the month. We had multiple retirement’s including 3 parks staff, a Supervisor II in Recreation and the Director. When all the dust settled, we lost over 100 years of experience. While challenging, these changes have brought opportunities to the department to critic current operating processes and look for ways to improve and modernize the department. The future looks bright! COVID restrictions have eliminated all but a few recreation programs. Our staff have found new and creative ways like #RecTheHouse to provide new programs in a safe fun manner. We held an invite only holiday event at the MLK that provided presents to over 200 deserving children in the community. Most of the presents given to the children were donated by staff from various city departments! Public Safety & Vital Services • Tumbleweed Clean-up at the following locations: o Kaiser Permanente Sports Village o Coffee Road (See Attachment B) o Johnson Road o Westside Parkway o BLNC o City Corporation Yard & Truxtun Avenue Department of Recreation and Parks December 2020 Monthly Report Page 2 We enhance the quality of life through a variety of programs, parks, and partnerships. • Playground repairs at the following locations: o Centennial Park – tube slide replacement. o Saunders Park – playground equipment replacement. o Stone Creek Park - playground equipment replacement. o Wilson Park - playground equipment replacement. o Siemon Park – tube slide replacement. • Encampment Clean-up at the following locations: o San Miguel Grove o Behind The Home Depot o Wayside Park (See Attachment A) o Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park • Planz Park restroom repair. • Bollard post installation at Sam Lynn Ball Park. • Trenching for hardwire installation at weather stations. • Irrigation and modification to flowerbed at the Truxtun Ave Visitors Center. • Storage room door repair at Windsor Park due to vandalism. • Wood chip installation project on Wible Rd. • McMurtrey Aquatic Center lettering painting. • Greystone restroom door repairs. • Kaiser Permanente Sports Village trimming and brush clean-up. • Wible Rd N. of Ming Ave – Staff along with the RRT installed woodchips on the west side of Wible Rd. 194 cubic yards. Wall Repairs: In Progress: 1. 4100 block of Pascara St – “San Lauren” wall sign 2. S/E corner of Buena Vista Rd & Campus Park Dr. – “Chandler Ranch” wall sign 3. McMurtrey Aquatic Center – Monument Sign 4. Mohawk @ Sienna Ln – “San Lauren” wall sign 5. 300 Block of E. Berkshire Rd 6. Allen Rd & Sable Point Dr. S/E corner 7. 2900 block of Old River Rd – East wall 8. 7500 block of El Portal Dr 9. 7200 block of El Portal Dr 10. Rosslyn & Grandlakes (N/W corner) 11. 2300 block of Bladen St @ New Stine Rd Completed: 1. 20th Street & Eye St / 20th & H St – Raised Planter Department of Recreation and Parks December 2020 Monthly Report Page 3 We enhance the quality of life through a variety of programs, parks, and partnerships. PARKS UPDATES Area 1 • Tree contractor finished trimming and removing trees throughout Area 1. Area 2 • C Street – Contractors planted four (4) trees as directed. • General Tree Contractors – completed tree trimming on Chester Ave north of 24th St. on 12/5/20. Contractors also trimmed medians from Union Ave to Chester Ave on 12/19/20. • East Truxtun Ave Medians – Contractors planted five (5) trees as directed. • Mill Creek Canal - Water Resources lowered the water level enabling staff from Parks and Water to clean up and haul off debris along the canal embankment from Central Park to California Ave. Parks staff was also able to re-install the Otterbine Fountains with the assistance of City electricians. Area 3 • Westside Parkway – In the month of December, Staff along with Bakersfield Homeless Center removed tumbleweeds on the north side at Allen Road off ramp. • Bakersfield Municipal Airport – On 12/23, 12/29 and 12/30, staff applied pre-emergent herbicide. Area 6 • San Miguel Grove – was flail mowed. Barriers are continuously added to prevent people from driving on bike path and river bed. Trimming: • Trees Trimmed: 32 Clearance: 23 Removals: 3 RECREATION Total monthly attendance for all programs, reservations and volunteers combined for the month of December totaled 2,298 as compared to last year’s total of 11,859. Aquatics The City of Bakersfield Recreation and Parks Department lap swimming program continues to be a core program for the community. Aquatic Programming & Attendance Overall aquatic monthly attendance and McMurtrey attendance for December was 2,148; due to COVID-19 restrictions, we are offering limited City run programming and are not offering rentals at this time. Department of Recreation and Parks December 2020 Monthly Report Page 4 We enhance the quality of life through a variety of programs, parks, and partnerships. Lap Swimming: • Staff continue to follow State and County COVID-19 guidelines for public swimming pool facilities. A total of 8 time slots are available Monday through Thursday, 5 time slots on Fridays and 3 time slots on Saturdays. A Family Lap swim option is also available Saturdays at 11 a.m. Total Lap Swim Visits for December 2,057: • This is the highest number of lap swim visits for the month of December since the program began. • Donations: $140 Athletics Programming was nonexistent in December as a result of COVID-19 related precautions and orders in place. Sports staff spent the entire month working in parks maintenance. 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: o 288 Grab N Go meals were distributed to children ages 2-18, Monday through Friday from 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm. • Santa’s Winter Wonderland – was held on December 18th with approximately 200 in attendance. Due to COVID-19, this year, the event was held by invitation/appointment only for kids in the afterschool meal program. The event was a success with over 100 children receiving gifts which were donated by Toys for Tots and City Employees. • #RectheHouse – Staff recorded different videos showcasing a variety of games/activities children can do at home, within guidelines of social distancing. Staff from various departments are assisting in demonstrating the fun. • Attendance for December was approximately 200. 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 December. • Special Use Permits Approved: • Churches – 2 • Sports Association – 3 • Gym – 1 • Other – 1 Non-profit doing COVID-19 testing. • City/Community Event: • December 19th – MLK Park, Winter Wonderland/Christmas Event – 200 Guests Department of Recreation and Parks December 2020 Monthly Report Page 5 We enhance the quality of life through a variety of programs, parks, and partnerships. COVID-19 SPECIAL USE PERMIT (SUP) • In light of the COVID-19 Emergency Declaration issued by the City of Bakersfield on March 19, 2020, the City of Bakersfield Recreation & Parks Department has created a “COVID-19 Special Use Permit”, to help churches, fitness gyms, and sport associations comply with “social distancing” and other operating requirement mandated by the State. The process will provide businesses an opportunity to temporary operate in designated parks throughout the city. The new COVID-19 Special Use Permit process will be available through the duration of the City’s local Emergency Declaration; and it is designed to help businesses move outdoor quickly, while also ensuring the public’s health and safety. Businesses are responsible for compliance with any and all other federal, State, County orders and regulations. 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 December 2020 Monthly Report Page 6 We enhance the quality of life through a variety of programs, parks, and partnerships. Wayside Park Homeless Encampment Clean up Before/After Photos Attachment A Department of Recreation and Parks December 2020 Monthly Report Page 7 We enhance the quality of life through a variety of programs, parks, and partnerships. Coffee Road Over Path Tumbleweed Clean-up Before/After Photos Attachment B Page 1 TRIP projects are moving rapidly through the various stages of project development. This report is to provide a periodic up-to-date snapshot of each project’s recent major activities and progress. If you have questions, or need additional information, please contact Kari Pressler at the TRIP office, (661) 326-3700. Regular construction updates are also available on the TRIP website at BakersfieldFreeways.us MILESTONES  The eastbound bridge over California Avenue has been completed and the false work was removed; contractor is now setting false work for the westbound bridge over California Avenue.  The new bridge structure for both east and west bound Centennial Corridor, over Ford Avenue has been completed and the false work was removed. PROJECT STATUS 24th Street Improvement Project Contractor: Griffith Company Construction completed The project added a lane in each direction between Oak Street and M Street, improved the 24th Street/Oak Street intersection, and landscaped the corridor in the residential section of 24th Street. The project also installed a new drainage system to address frequent flooding along this downtown corridor. Centennial Corridor Phase 1 - Kern River Bridge Improvements Contractor: Security Paving Company Construction completed This phase constructed new bridges across Truxtun Avenue and the Kern River for the future westbound Centennial Corridor (State Route 58) exit to Mohawk Street and widened the existing eastbound bridges at the Kern River and Truxtun Avenue to accommodate the future freeway lanes. January 2021 TRIP Status Report TRIP Status Report January 2021 Page 2 Phase 2 – Belle Terrace Operational Improvements Contractor: Granite Construction 91% complete; anticipated completion: early 2021 Sidewalk, curb and gutter work was completed along all local roads within the project limits. Construction of the concrete coping slab and barrier along the top of the retaining wall along Northbound State Route 99 between Ming Avenue and the State Route 58 Eastbound Connector was completed this month. The fencing and northbound bridge mounted sign have been installed at the Belle Terrace Bridge. Construction of the concrete barrier along both sides of the Belle Terrace Bridge was completed. The bridge is planned to be opened to the public this month. The final step is to complete the traffic signals and lighting at the intersection of Belle Terrace and Wible Road, which is expected to occur this month. All final striping will be completed within the project limits and temporary traffic handling devices will be removed. Phase 3 – Bakersfield Freeway Connector Contractor: Security Paving Company 54% complete; anticipated completion: summer 2021 This phase of Centennial Corridor reconstructs the westbound-to-southbound loop ramp at the State Route 58/State Route 99 interchange. The project also constructs a new barrier-separated off-ramp to Ming Avenue from southbound State Route 99. The contractor is finishing the construction of the Ming Avenue Off-Ramp alongside the southbound State Route 99. The contractor will be working on a temporary detour-ramp that will take traffic from westbound SR58 to southbound SR99. This temporary work will allow the construction of the second phase of the cut and cover tunnel and the reconstruction of the existing loop connector ramp. Mechanical and electrical installation for the new storm water lift station near Elcia Drive has been completed, and is ready for PG&E to provide power. The old lift station will be demolished once the new lift station is operational and tested. Drainage work continues at various locations within the project site. Phase 4 – Mainline Contractor: Security Paving Company 40% complete; anticipated completion: fall 2022 This phase constructs the freeway and multiple bridge structures between State Route 99 and the Westside Parkway. TRIP Status Report January 2021 Page 3 Construction continues on the columns near the State Route 58/State Route 99 Junction for the future northbound-to-westbound flyover. The contractor has completed 11 of the 15 columns at this location. Falsework for the westbound bridge over California Avenue and eastbound bridge over Commerce Drive will be complete during the first week in January. Installation of the reinforcing steel for the bridge structures will follow the completion of the falsework. Retaining walls are under construction along Del Rey Court just south of California Avenue and along Easton Drive on the north side of California Avenue. Various walls and drainage systems are also under construction throughout the project area. State Route 43/Stockdale Highway Roundabout Contractor: Griffith Company Construction is complete This project replaced an existing 4-way stop with a roundabout at the State Route 43 (Enos Lane) and Stockdale Highway intersection. TRIP Status Report January 2021 Page 4 PROJECT PHOTOS Top: Crews working to mount signage at the Belle Terrace Bridge. Right: Paving the median islands along Wible Road, near the 58 East connector bridge. Bottom: Concrete paving along the 58 East connector ramp. TRIP Status Report January 2021 Page 5 Top: Aerial view of tunnel and SR58 and SR99 separation bridge. Top right: Contractor compacting spring line at drainage system #64. Left: Aerial view of the Ming separation bridge. Bottom left: Aerial view of the cut and cover tunnel that will be part of the new loop ramp taking traffic from westbound SR58 to southbound SR99. Bottom right: Aerial view of retaining wall #15. TRIP Status Report January 2021 Page 6 Top left: Placement of Mechanically Stabilized Earth Retaining Wall 501. Top right: Aerial view of Commerce Abutment #1, Bent #2 and Abutment #3 Left: Aerial view of Stockdale Abutment #1, Bent #2, Bent #3 and Abutment #4. Bottom: Contractor placing falsework at Commerce Drive.