HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/25/2021
Special Meeting of the Citizens Oversight Committee for
Bakersfield Public Safety and Vital Services Measure (PSVS)
Of the City Council – City of Bakersfield
Thursday, March 25, 2021
12:00 p.m.
Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater, and Convention Center
1001 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93301
The Potato Room
A G E N D A
SPECIAL NOTICE
Public Participation and Accessibility
March 25, 2021 Bakersfield PSVS Committee Meeting
On March 18, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N‐29‐20, which includes a waiver of Brown Act
provisions requiring physical presence of the Committee members or the public in light of the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Based on guidance from the California Governor’s Office and Department of Public Health, as well as the County Health
Officer, in order to minimize the potential spread of the COVID‐19 virus, the City of Bakersfield hereby provides notice
that as a result of the declared federal, state, and local health emergencies, and in light of the Governor’s order, the
following adjustments have been made:
1. The meeting scheduled for March 25, 2021 at 12:00 p.m. will have limited public access.
2. Consistent with the Executive Order, Committee members may elect to attend the meeting telephonically
and to participate in the meeting to the same extent as if they were physically present.
3. The public may participate in each meeting and address the PSVS Committee as follows:
If you wish to comment on a specific agenda item, submit your comment via email to the City Clerk
at City_Clerk@bakersfieldcity.us no later than 5:00 p.m. the Wednesday prior to the Committee
meeting. Please clearly indicate which agenda item number your comment pertains to.
If you wish to make a general public comment not related to a specific agenda item, submit your
comment via email to the City Clerk at City_Clerk@bakersfieldcity.us no later than 5:00 p.m. the
Wednesday prior to the Committee meeting.
Alternatively, you may comment by calling (661) 326‐3100 and leaving a voicemail of no more than 3
minutes no later than 5:00 p.m. the Wednesday prior to the Committee meeting. Your message must
clearly indicate whether your comment relates to a particular agenda item, or is a general public
comment. If your comment meets the foregoing criteria, it will be transcribed as accurately as
possible.
If you wish to make a comment on a specific agenda item as it is being heard, please email your
written comment to the City Clerk at City_Clerk@bakersfieldcity.us. All comments received during
the meeting may not be read, but will be provided to the Committee and included as part of the
permanent public record of the meeting.
1. ROLL CALL
2. PUBLIC COMMENTS
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 11, 2021 OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEETING
4. NEW BUSINESS
A. Fiscal Year 2021-22 Public Safety/Vital Services Proposal Overview
Staff recommends the Committee receive and file the report.
5. COMMITTEE COMMENTS
6. ADJOURNMENT
Special Meeting of the Citizens Oversight Committee for Bakersfield Public Safety and Vital Services Measure (PSVS) Of the City Council – City of Bakersfield
Thursday, February 11, 2021
12:00 p.m.
City Hall South
1501 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield CA 93301
City Council Chambers
MINUTES
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Sanders, Vice Chair Hibbard (participated by phone
arrived at 12:06 p.m.), Committee Members Perez-Andreesen (Participating by phone), Holt, Keller (Participating by phone) Louie, Prince
(Participating by phone arrived at 12:08 p.m.), Rowland (seated at 12:06 pm), Tobias.
Absent: None
2. ADOPTION OF MINUTES FROM THE FEBRUARY 4, 2021 OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEETING
Motion by Committee Member Louie second by Committee Member Tobias to adopt minutes from the February 4, 2021, Oversight Committee Meeting. Motion was unanimously approved.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Chair announced that a staff memorandum was provided transmitting
public comments received after the publication of the agenda.
A. Riddhi S. Patel made comments regarding defunding the Police
Department and encouraged the Committee to consider the
People’s Budget Bakersfield recommendations regarding spending
and investment in the community.
B. Eddy Laine, Sierra club, provided written materials and requested
equitable distribution of parks funding. He further requested that the
Committee pause the process to obtain additional public input.
C. Damon Hunt, DalPiva, spoke regarding collaborating with the city by
offering services at the Navigation Center and requested funding.
D. Michael Turnipseed spoke in support of Mr. Laine’s comments and
expressed concerns regarding staffing and creating positions that will
require a continued funding commitment from Measure N. He further
expressed concern regarding funding for housing and the need to
develop a strategic plan.
E. Arleen Waller made comments stating that Measure N dollars should
be allocated to work towards racial equity. 4. DEFERRED BUSINESS
F. Fiscal Year 2020-21 Mid-Year Measure Budget Update
Staff recommends the Committee find the proposed mid-year PSVS allocations consistent with the projects, programs and
services described within the Measure.
Strategic Plan for Old Town Kern and South East Bakersfield – not agendized Motion by Committee Member Rowland, second by Committee Member Keller, to
recommend to the City Council that they direct city staff to formulate a plan to set aside a significant amount of PSVS money in the upcoming budget for the revitalization of blighted
areas of Bakersfield, including and focused on Old Town Kern and South East Bakersfield. Motion unanimously approved.
Digital Public Safety Regional Radio Project
Motion by Committee Member Rowland, second by Committee Member Louie, to recommend to the City Council approval of the Digital Public Safety Regional Radio
Project in the amount of $3 million. Motion unanimously approved.
Co-Chair Hibbard asked whether the overall cost remains $17 million and what the
ongoing maintenance cost associated with the project would be.
City Manager Clegg explained that the costs remains the same, some ongoing
maintenance cost to be covered by internal services funds that will be planned and
budgeted for.
Enterprise Resource Planning Motion by Committee Member Keller, second by Committee Member Louie, to recommend to the City Council approval of the Enterprise Resource Planning in the amount of $5 million. Motion approved with Committee Member Perez-Andreesen voting no.
Committee Member Perez-Andreesen explained that this item will be implemented in
fiscal year 22-23; therefore the $5 million should be allocated to parks.
Neighborhood Parks Deferred Projects Motion by Committee Member Perez-Andreesen, second by Committee Member Tobias, to recommend to the City Council approval of the Neighborhood Parks Deferred Projects in the amount of $3 million. Motion unanimously approved.
City Reserves/Rainy Day Fund Motion by Committee Member Tobias, second by Committee Member Prince, to
recommend to the City Council approval of the City Reserves/Rainy Day fund in the amount of $4 million. Motion unanimously approved.
Code Enforcement Rapid Response Team
Motion by Committee Member Keller, second by Committee Member Holt, to recommend to the City Council approval of the Code Enforcement Rapid Response Team in the amount of approximately $1 million. Motion unanimously approved.
Differential Response Pilot Program Motion by Committee Member Tobias, second by Committee Member Keller, to recommend to the City Council approval of the Differential Response Pilot Program in the amount of $135,000. Motion unanimously approved.
Downtown Security Patrol Expansion Motion by Committee Member Holt, second by Committee Member Rowland, to recommend to the City Council approval of the Downtown Security Patrol Expansion in the amount of $100,000. Motion unanimously approved.
Downtown Waste Clean Up Expansion Motion by Committee Member Keller, second by Committee Member Perez-Andreesen to recommend to the City Council approval of the Downton Waste Clean Up Expansion in the amount of $50,000. Motion unanimously approved.
Clean City Initiative Coordinator Motion by Committee Member Holt, second by Committee Member Prince, to recommend to the City Council approval of the Clean City Initiative Coordinator in the amount of $50,000. Motion approved with Member Rowland voting no.
Member Rowland cautioned the Committee, city staff, and the City Council about the hiring of positions with PSVS funding as it is a long-term, commitment.
Citywide Weed and Nuisance Vegetation Abatement Program Motion by Committee Member Holt, second by Committee Member Keller, to recommend to the City Council approval of the Citywide Weed and Nuisance Vegetation Abatement Program in the amount of $300,000. Motion unanimously approved.
Committee Member Holt recommended that there be a partnership with the Homeless Collaborate Group identical to other litter abatement programs the city has.
City Manager Clegg clarified that this project is a preventative abatement program that
will spray areas in advance of vegetation and the City will explore whether a partnership
applies in this instance.
Committee Member Prince recommended that the agreement for usage of an outside
private firm be for a one-year term to allow bidding by the public annually. Chair Sanders
supported the recommendation.
5. COMMITTEE COMMENTS
Chair Sanders stressed the importance of the revitalization of parks, and asked for
a way to see what priorities are for the community. She made a recommendation
to suggest a way the community can participate in the upgrades in their parks, to
have the community vested in the upgrades.
Committee Member Rowland mentioned with regard to parks and especially MLK
park, that it is not enough to make the grass green and trim the trees, it is also
important to make those parks safe for people and families who utilize the
facilities. He further stated that the option of police officers being stationed at the
parks, increased patrol or even private security be considered.
Vice Chair Hibbard requested a running total of costs of approved positions and
programs to compare where we are and project future needs to make sure our
percentage of Measure N money that’s going towards staffing is kept within a
range that is acceptable and the majority is going towards one-time projects, not
part of an ever-growing city budget.
Committee Member Rowland stated that instead of hiring a permanent city
employee, the city should consider contracting some of these services out so we
are only committed a year at a time to some of these projects and positions.
6. ADJOURNMENT at 1:48 pm
March 22, 2021
TO: Citizens Oversight Committee
FROM: Christian Clegg, City Manager CC
SUBJECT: Public Safety and Vital Services Fiscal Year 2021-22 Overview
The first meeting of the Citizens Oversight Committee for the Fiscal Year 2021-22 (FY 22) proposal review will
provide a high-level overview of the various factors and issues that will be considered as we move toward the third
full year of Public Safety and Vital Services (measure) measure implementation. As discussed in further detail below,
the City is expecting modest measure revenue growth in FY 22, generally commensurate with the relatively quick
rebound the economy has experienced in the past eight months. The next phase of implementation will look slightly
different than the prior two measure implementation proposals. Although there will be a continued focus on
enhancing public safety and homelessness, there will be a specific focus on funding local parks projects, bolstering
economic development programs and enhancing infrastructure throughout the City to address beautification and
quality of life issues.
This memo and the presentation that will be provided by staff during the meeting will discuss three main areas as
outlined below.
Fiscal Year 2020‐21 Measure Revenue Update and 2021‐22 Fiscal Outlook
The FY 22 measure fiscal outlook is remarkably different
than this same time last year. Around this same time last
year, staff had to significantly alter measure revenue
projections when the state and national governments
took drastic measures, including restricting business
activities within the City, to reduce the spread of COVID-
19. Although the City saw some measure revenue
declines in the first quarter of 2020, the subsequent three
most recent quarters of 2020 reflect notable measure
revenue gains as compared to the same quarters in 2019.
Preliminary data for the fourth quarter of 2020 was
received by the City since the last Committee meeting.
This quarter covers October, November and December of
2020, which accounts for the holiday shopping season.
Cash receipts for the quarter totaled $22.02 million,
which exceed the same quarter in the prior (pre-
pandemic) year by nearly six percent. For the quarter, general consumer goods, auto/transportation,
business/industry and building and construction industry sectors are showing moderate to strong growth when
$18.6 $20.8
$15.3
$19.6 $21.6 $22.0
0
5
10
15
20
25
3Q
2019
4Q
2019
1Q
2020
2Q
2020
3Q
2020
4Q
2020
Measure Revenue by Quarter (in millions)
Public Safety and Vital Services Fiscal Year 2021-22 Overview
March 22, 2021
Page 2
compared to the same quarter in the previous year. Online sales have resulted in significant measure revenue, as the
City receives the additional one percent based on the taxable purchase price and point of delivery. As anticipated,
restaurants and hotels, as well as fuel and service stations have shown declines as compared to pre-pandemic period.
Simultaneously, the state has
allowed some businesses to defer
sales and use tax payments as a
means to assist in mitigating the
economic impacts of COVID-19.
The deferment of payments has
impacted measure revenue
received by the City over the
course of the past four quarters,
however general growth in
economic activity has offset any
significant impacts these
deferments may have otherwise
had on budget projections for the
current year. In the fourth quarter
of 2020 alone, it is estimated that
$1.2 million in sales and use tax
owed to the City was deferred by
businesses. Notwithstanding the
deferrals, as discussed during the mid-year budget update with the Committee, staff is still anticipating revenue for
the current fiscal year to exceed original projections by $4 million.
For FY 22 starting July 1, 2021, staff is estimating total
measure revenues to be $77.9 million or
approximately 4.1 percent greater than the revised
year-end estimates for the current fiscal year. The
projections are developed through significant internal
staff analysis and discussions with the City’s sales tax
consultant. Although revenue projections for the
current fiscal year is trending more positive direction
than originally anticipated, the City remains cautious
that the current pace of economic growth may not be
sustainable. Therefore, staff has determined only
modest growth should be estimated at this time. If
new or changed factors warranted additional review
in the coming months, staff will provide the
Committee with further information.
Fiscal Year 2021‐22 Program Objectives and Focus Areas
City Council Goals and the 13 community measure priorities continue to guide the investments being made by
measure revenues. The 13 specific priorities that are currently and will continue to be addresses within the measure
implementation plan. The priorities include:
1. Increasing police staffing to improve police
response times, reduce crime, and increase
neighborhood police patrols
2. Improving rapid response to assaults and
robberies
3. Maintaining / improving rapid response to
gang violence
4. Investigating and proactively preventing
property crimes, burglaries, and vehicle thefts
5. Keeping public areas safe and clean
6. Strengthening the capacity of the Special
Enforcement Unit
7. Expanding the School Resource Officer
Program
$17.1
$74.5 $74.8 $77.9
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
FY 18‐19
Actual
FY 19‐20
Actual
FY 20‐21
Projected
FY 21‐22
Projected
Measure Revenue (in millions)
General
Consumer
Goods
36%
Autos and
Transportation
19%
Business and
Industry
15%
Building and
Construction
9%
Restaurants
and Hotels
9%
Fuel and
Service Stations
7%
Food and Drugs
4%
Transfers/Unidentified
1%
Sales Tax Data by Major Industry Groups (Q4 2020)
Public Safety and Vital Services Fiscal Year 2021-22 Overview
March 22, 2021
Page 3
8. Maintaining a fully staffed and equipped Class
II Rated Fire Department
9. Reducing homelessness through partnerships
with service providers to increase outreach,
sheltering, and construction of affordable
housing
10. Addressing the fiscal stability of the City
11. Creating jobs through economic development,
business retention / attraction, and workforce
development
12. Enhancing amenities throughout the
community to improve the quality of life and
attract visitors
13. Enhancing neighborhoods through additional
code enforcement and improved park
maintenance
The FY 22 departments proposals that will be coming before the Committee over the course of the next two meetings
will be reflective of the City’s commitment to addressing these priorities through the strategic addition of staffing,
enhanced programs and substantial capital improvement projects. These proposals will reflect the feedback and
input of the City Council, the Committee and public stakeholders over the course of the past several years. In general,
the next phase of measure investments will contain fewer staffing requests in total than in past years, but will
propose strategic investments in key programs and services as well as large capital projects meant to significantly
enhance the quality of life for all residents of Bakersfield.
The proposals will remain resource-intensive for public safety functions, primarily focused on new staffing for the
Bakersfield Police Department, along with continued investments in reducing homelessness and addressing quality
of life issues. Continued emphasis will be placed on ensuring the City continues to meet its general reserve plan,
along with addressing large known capital projects. The proposals for the Police Department, Fire Department,
Development Services Department and the Human Resources Department will generally fall into these broad topic
areas. Several of the proposals for next fiscal will reflect a refined approach to economic and community
development, local/neighborhood park improvements and infrastructure improvements in low income areas of the
City. The proposals from the Economic and Community Development Department, Public Works Department,
Recreation and Parks Department will cover these innovative new or expanded areas. Detailed fiscal, staffing and
capital project information will be forthcoming at the April 9th and second April meeting, as outlined below.
Additionally, staff is estimating all prior year staffing and program enhancements will continue to be funded.
Preliminary estimates project prior year (FY 19, FY 20 and FY 21) ongoing measure costs to be $50.6 million in FY
22. This includes salary and benefits for all previously-approved measure-funded positions and ongoing non-staffing
operating costs, which include items such as the Economic Opportunity Area funding, the Police Department body
camera program and the Clean City Initiative teams. As compared to the estimated measure revenue for next fiscal
year, the ongoing salary and benefits cost totals approximately 36 percent of available revenues, where as the non-
salary and benefits ongoing costs are estimated at 18 percent. This does not include any additional staffing or
ongoing costs associated with the proposals the Committee will receive over the course of the next 30 days.
A summary preview of department proposals for FY 22 is below. These proposals are intended to be in additional
the positions, programs and projects added in prior fiscal years. Some elements of the proposals are continuing to
be refined and final staff recommended proposals will be included within the upcoming meeting agenda packets. No
votes are expected at this first meeting related to items referred to in this summary.
Bakersfield Police Department:
o Addition of 28 sworn positions and necessary equipment/vehicles to continue to enhance call
response, increase proactive patrol and enhancement community engage
o Continues to move toward the hiring of 100 additional sworn officer positions
o Addition of non-sworn professional staff to support ongoing operations and increases for demands
for services in the area of:
Finance and accounting
Crime lab
Property room
Records
Communication center
Public Safety and Vital Services Fiscal Year 2021-22 Overview
March 22, 2021
Page 4
o Exact number and quantity of professional staff is being finalized and will be presented as part of the
Police Department proposal at the April 9th meeting
Bakersfield Fire Department
o No new staffing proposals
Minor capital improvement and equipment acquisition to enhance or maintain specialized services
that contribute to quality of life and cost efficiencies
Public Works Department
o One civil engineer position to provide project management and consultant management for measure
funded projects
o One maintenance craftworker position within the General Services Division to provide facility
maintenance and address space needs for measure-related facility issues
o Clean City Initiative: Minor additional staffing-related costs (overtime and temporary staffing) to
support citywide pop-up bulky item drop off events (<$85,000 total)
o Significant one-time infrastructure investments. Some highlighted Capital Projects are included
below:
Chester Avenue – 4th Street to Brundage Lane Complete Streets Project: will leverage state
grant funds to make significant bicycle and pedestrian improvements within the area
Chester Avenue – State Route 58 to Truxtun Avenue Corridor enhancements (design funding
only)
Additional funding for street light installations based on street light study needs assessment
Westside Parkway Beatification (Phase I)
State Route 99 corridor beautification enhancements at Hosking Avenue Interchange
State Route 99 corridor beautification enhancements – updated monument signage
Recreation and Parks Department
o Augmentation of successful rapid response teams to continue to enhance streetscape and parks
maintenance; four total positions and necessary vehicles/equipment
o Significant one-time infrastructure investments. Some highlighted Capital Projects are outlined
below:
Over $4.6 million in neighborhood parks/local parks projects
Includes a $1 million allocation to begin two local park reinvention projects
Facility needs assessments for Martin Luther King Jr and Silver Creek Community Centers
Five playground rehabilitation projects
Economic and Community Development Department
o Two planner positions to enhance business assistance and workforce development, as well as
developer/new business growth and marketing functions
o Adjustments to the Brundage Lane Navigation Center operating agreement to reflect actual
operational costs
o New or expanded funding for various economic and community development activities:
Cultural resources survey
Business assistance program expansion
Economic development strategic plan/B3K implementation
New business marketing funding
Community revitalization
Workforce development
Public Safety and Vital Services Fiscal Year 2021-22 Overview
March 22, 2021
Page 5
Development Services Department
o Supplement non-rapid response team Code Enforcement staffing to address non-encampment issues
affecting quality of life issues throughout neighborhoods across the City, such as nuisance properties,
illegal property uses and neighborhood stability issues
o Would add eight total positions and necessary equipment/vehicles
o There has been no significant expansion of non-rapid response team staffing since 2018
o Two additional planning positions to provide support for the citywide strategic initiatives of the
General Plan Update and Annexation Strategy
o Capital Projects:
Space modifications and facility improvements to the Development Services Department
building to accommodate expanded Code Enforcement and Planning staff
Human Resources Department
o One Human Resources Analyst II position to focus predominately on the ongoing recruitment efforts
for the Bakersfield Police Department
o New allocation of less than $85,000 to provide funding for ancillary costs associated with measure-
related recruitments and training resources for police recruits
Other Citywide Strategic Initiatives
o Additional funds will be proposed to ensure the City is meeting its plan for a 60-day general reserve
o Additional funds for large known projects, such as the regional public safety radio project, affordable
housing and other facility needs
o Expansion of security and clean up services throughout the City
o Funds for process improvement, performance management and innovation projects
o Funding held in contingency status for large future projects or for future unknown uses
Fiscal Year 2021‐22 Committee Review Process
The Committee is expected to meet a minimum of three times to review the FY 2021-22 measure proposals. The
schedule is structured to allow ample time for the Committee to review and make recommendations on each
proposal. The schedule is as follows:
- March 25th
o FY 2021-22 Measure Overview
Receive and file the presentation only; no further action requested
- April 9th
o Police Department, Fire Department and Public Works Department Proposal Presentations
Please note, department proposal memos, including staffing and project requests, will be
included in the packet of information issued prior to this meeting date
- April (TBD)
o Recreation and Parks Department, Economic and Community Development Department,
Development Services Department and Human Resources Department Proposal Presentations
Please note, department proposal memos, including staffing and project requests, will be
included in the packet of information issued prior to this meeting date
o Staff will request the Committee make recommendations on all department proposals at this meeting