HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/23/85 MINUTES RA MINUTES
BAKERSFIELD REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING -- OCTOBER 23, 1985
The regular meeting of the Bakersfield Redevelopment Agency
was called to order by Chairman Rockoff on Wednesday, September 11,
1985 at 5:00pm in the City Hall Council chambers. The Secretary
called the roll as follows:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
James Barton
James Childs
Chris Christensen
Mark Dickerson
Rollie Moore
Art Rockoff
MEMBERS ABSENT:
MINUTES
Donald Ratty
Chairman Rockoff made a motion that the Minutes of the
Regular Meeting of September 11, 1985 be approved as presented.
Agency Member Dickerson seconded the motion. All were in favor and
the motion was carried.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC STATEMENTS
1. Mr. Kenny Reed representing the Downtown Business Association
commented regarding "God's House of Prayer and Facilities for
Children", 1918 "M" Street, regarding the opposition of many
business owners of this facility. He asked that this item be with-
drawn from the Consent Calendar for further consideration by the
Redevelopment Agency.
City Manager George Caravalho recommended that the "God's
House of Prayer and Facilities for Children" be pulled from the
Consent Calendar and be placed under "New Business" for further
discussion on the Agenda or defer it to another meeting or to a com-
mittee.
Agency Member Childs made a motion to remove the item "God's
House of Prayer and Facilities for Children" from Consent Calendar and
be placed under New
mously carried.
Business on the Agenda. The motion was unani-
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Mr. Marvin Lipco, representing Allen's Kern Jewelry and Loan,
1223-19th Street, reported regarding his opposition to "God's House of
Prayer and Facilities for Children" and stressed that the issue was
not the signage, but what the facility would do to the immediate area.
The facility would not only draw the needy, but also draw the tran-
sients, and adequate bathroom facilities and parking will not be
available.
Agency Member Dickerson questioned if there are Agency
Statements for the agenda.
City Attorney Richard Oberholzer responded that there is no
Agency Statement on the Redevelopment Agency Agenda.
Agency Member Dickerson questioned Mr. Oberholzer about
SB-690 and how it's going to impact the City and how it's going to
affect the Redevelopment Agency and the activities of the City.
Deputy City Manager Mary Strenn replied that staff will need
to research the answers and respond at the next meeting.
Agency Member Dickerson referred to a bulletin from the
League of California Cities, page 6, item 26, that indicated the need
to adopt an ordinance by December 31, 1986, which will place some lim-
its on Agency debt and asked for clarification. Mr. Dickerson also
asked for clarification of AB-265, which requires the setting aside of
20% for certain activities and certain projects.
REPORTS
time
Center City Office Commercial Project
City Manager George Caravalho indicated that due to the short
staff has had to review certain technical aspects regarding the
office proposal such as financing, development costs, etc, the report
is not ready for presentation, therefore recommended to the Agency
Board that the report be presented at the November 13th meeting when
this data will be ready for presentation.
gave
they are now very close to achieving
Aircoa had regarding the Hotel. The
Convention Center Hotel Project
Mr. Gordon Bell, West Coast Development Director for Aircoa
a report on the proposed Clarion Hotel. Mr. Bell indicated that
the objective that the Agency and
financing terms have been com-
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pleted and Aircoa has a preliminary commitment on a $15,000,000 mort-
gage for the construction of the Hotel. One principal condition that
has been established by the lending institution is that the
$15,000,000 mortgage would not exceed 75% of appraised value.
Therefore a full appraisal is necessary on the project. In the last
month, an additional $25,000 were committed in non-refundable
fees to the lending institution. Aircoa had entered into an addi-
tional $20,000.00 contract with an independent appraiser, requested by
the institution, Hospitality Valuation Services, out of New York.
They have completed their field work. They will have a letter state-
ment by the end of next week, that will determine whether their
appraisal will support the proposed loan amount. All signs are posi-
tive that they will be able to do that. Aircoa will pay the lending
institution a $300,000.00 commitment fee which will be non-refundable.
That will occur within the next three weeks. Aircoa will then proceed
to engage architects, engineers, and all the necessary design con-
sultants to complete working drawings on the Hotel. Also, Mr. Bell
indicated that all documentation for the loan is in place with the
lending institution for final loan approval no later than November
15th. This time schedule relates to activities that the City will be
engaged in, including the issuance of funding through City offices
necessary for the City side of the agreement. November 15th will be
the target date when all items will be in place and will be the basis
for the City to move forward. On this date, Aircoa will have paid
the $300,000 non-refundable commitment fee in exchange for this, we
will have a letter of commitment from the financial institution, in
order to receive that, Aircoa will have provided the contractual evi-
dence of the availability of equity and operating loss guarantees
that will be provided by Aircoa and the local investors, and those
same contracts and documents will be the evidence that the City will
need in order
will proceed
a lot of work
Construction may begin in
for us to proceed with our commitments. Then the City
with their activities. Mr. Bell indicates that there's
to be done from now to the end of the year.
early spring of 1986.
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The principal issue in the timing is the design process which still
requires all the structural engineering, mechanical engineering and
electrical engineering and specific construction architecture in order
to have documents to proceed with construction contracts and construc-
tion.
3. Beale Library Relocation Project
City Manager George Caravalho, gave a report regarding this
project, and expressed that this project is very important to the
Downtown. In terms of our obligation, we need to close "R" Street
between Truxtun and 16th Street and that will require City Council
action. Also, the alley between "Q" Street and "R" Street, also
requiring City Council action. The one-half block of City owned prop-
erty between Alley and 16th Street and between "R" Street and "S"
Street represents a donation of this property towards the project.
This also, will require a resolution of the City Council. The utility
relocation: Initial meetings have occurred with the utility agencies
including the Kern Island Canal engineers and plans for improvements
are being developed as well as a long term utility relocation improve-
ment program. The City will be responsible for the storm drains and
the sewers. The existing businesses and government relocation: The
developer is responsible for the relocation of both the existing busi-
nesses and the County General Services Office will also be responsible
for this area. The City primarily will assist in this role.
Attorney Richard Monje reported on behalf of the developer,
He felt that this would be an appropriate time to thank staff for
their assistance. He indicated that construction will begin on
December 1st.
4. Proposal for County Administration Building
Deputy City Manager Mary Strenn gave a report stressing that
the Redevelopment Agency had as a stated objective the commitment to
work with the County on facilitating the development of administrative
offices in the Downtown. A presentation was made of a proposal that
had been sent to the County that was a concept of how we might be able
to help them keep their administrative offices in the Downtown. It
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was accepted a good proposal, however, it did not fulfill one of the
things they wanted, and that was a lot of visibility, preferably on
Truxtun Avenue. Another proposal was put together, which shows a
Truxtun address, located between "M" & "N" Streets. It is still
in a conceptual stage. That particular site was suggested mainly
because there is some county owned land. We propose that the role of
the Agency in such a project would be to acquire and clear the site,
considering either the trade of land with the County or perhaps a
pass-through. The role of the Agency would be to also financially
participate in the parking garage, somewhere in the ratio of about 30%
to 50% of the cost. The rational we use with that is that the parking
garage is next door to the Civic Auditorium area, and clearly, what we
wanted is additional parking for the auditorium. The Intergovern-
mental Committee, and the staff at the County, are excited about the
proposal. The Capital Improvement Task Force has met several times
and has asked us to make a presentation before it goes back to the
Intergovernmental Committee.
Agency Member Dickerson asked if the area is south of Truxtun
Avenue between the County Administration
building.
Deputy City Manager Mary Strenn
building and the Court
replied that it is located
west of the Auditorium and east of the court building.
Agency Member Dickerson expressed that one of
Redevelopment Agency is to check these
Redevelopment area so as to provide an
property so that they are developed.
the themes of
projects out throughout the
increase land value to adjacent
In that particular area, there
seems to be great congestion for traffic. Having the administration
north of Truxtun Avenue so that there isn't such a convergence of
traffic, parking problems and circulation problems, would be more
ideal than placing it south of Truxtun Avenue which is already ham-
pered by the railroad tracks and the congestion that is caused by
attempting to cross the railroad tracks to get north or south.
Deputy City Manager Mary Strenn replied that in the
Redevelopment Plan several areas were targeted. One of which is 19th
Street. Another is what is known as the Government Center. Where
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the administration was proposed is in the Government Center. The fact
that it is to the south rather than the north tends to be more a mat-
ter of what land costs are going to be, is there land being made
available? In this case one of the things looked at is the fact that
the County owns some land, so thus the land cost would be less. It is
not felt that this is the absolute site it should be on, however we do
know that it should be in that Corridor, along Truxtun Avenue, is some-
thing that the County made clear that is what they want. Then it is a
matter of where will the project fit, not only physically but economi-
cally.
Agency Member Dickerson indicated that if this project would
be moved north into the 18th and 19th Street area, and kept the park-
ing to one level so that we spread-out area that is needed for
parking, and demolish some of the buildings there and creating differ-
ent use for that land, that we might be able to blot-out that eye-sore
on 19th Street, and that element that seems to be continually raised as
something we want to do. If we are not going to use government
entity, how can we expect private entities, or private developers to
want to go into an area and try to resolve the problems that we have
associated through it that we want to eliminate, which aren't really
dilapidated buildings but elemented people. If we are going to con-
solidate the governmental entities in one area, we are losing the
emphasis of what we are going to go after. He indicated he is going
to have problems in supporting a site at this location without some
thorough and thoughtful discussion and rationnal, and indicted that he
puts the staff on notice that we have to resolve the problems on 19th
Street, and if we can't do it through government entities, then we are
making a mistake.
Agency Member Rockoff stated that he didn't think anyone on
this Agency is not concerned about the situation on 19th Street. The
County has told us approximately where they want their building and we
would rather see it on Truxtun Avenue than on Golden State Highway.
Agency Member Moore indicated that the Council
Intergovernmental Relations Committee has been working very close with
the County Intergovermental Committee and has been addressing this
issue for sometime and one of the first proposals from the City, was
the area that's being identified by Councilman Dickerson which is
north of Truxtun to try and get something started in that blighted
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area. The County was very concerned about the accessibility to the
project that they were building and they indicted that area to them
was not acceptable. There, we have presented additional proposals for
them to review with a major attempt to try and help ensure that they
would be dedicated to the downtown, because they had made a commitment
already to move out on Golden State Highway. The City is faced with the
problem with either having a major part of the governmental body mov-
ing from the Downtown area or to try to accommodate their need and
hold them in the Downtown area. This current proposal is a further
attempt to retain them in the Downtown area.
Agency Member Dickerson indicated that he hoped that the
Intergovernmental Relations Committee is not setting policy for the
Redevelopment Agency. It may be wise to discuss these issues, but if
the Intergovernmental Relations Committee is going to discuss Agency
activities, that the Agency be aprised of what's going on in the
Committee, so that we are fully understanding the issues, the informa-
tion being imported, and the development of the procedures. Now if a
decision has been made to move to that location, and committing that
to the County, it needs to be presented to the Agency and have a thor-
ough discussion about it before we get down the road and some mistakes
are made and some issues are presented, and there's a change in focus.
Agency Member Childs thanked Agency Member Moore for the
update on the Intergovernmental Relations Committee concerns dealing
with the building being located on 19th Street area. He complimented
staff on the various projects we have under development at this time.
5. Development of New Chamber of Commerce Building.
City Manger Caravalho gave a report on this issue and
referred Agency Members to the enclosure in the packet. The initial
plans have been submitted to the architect. They intend to have their
drawings completed in 60 days then take the project out to bid.
Therefore, that project is moving right along and hope that it can be
out to bid and under construction by the first of the year.
6. Golden Empire Transit Activities in the Central City
City Manager Caravalho expressed that from time to time a
Agency Members have discussed their concerns about the Downtown, as
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well as transportation, and especially the 19th & Chester problem. GET
is currently going through substantial growth and has also been
working on the City's bus benches in terms of making them more
attractive. GET staff has worked out some type of program where they
intend to acquire the benches and perhaps with the GET logo, make an
attractive change. Mr. Caravalho indicated we are concerned about
improving the image of the Central City and talked to GET about the
transfer facility and getting the buses off of 19th & Chester. GET is
working diligently in that area and they are currently trying to
acquire property for that transfer facility. Hoping to have something
in a couple of months and have the federal government approve adequate
funds for acquisition of the property and construction of a new trans-
fer facility so that perhaps in about a year they can have this func-
tion moved completely off 19th Street. Mr. Caravalho asked the Agency
if it would be interested in making a trade with GET on property and
working out some repayment program, if it could prove to be beneficial
to both parties and thus expedite the entire process in getting them
off of 19th Street.
Agency Member Barton replied positively to this question, if
it helps expedite the transfer of the buses off 19th & Chester Avenue.
Mr. Christensen asked where GET wants this property.
Mr. Caravalho replied that GET is looking at a couple of
sites currently that are under negotiation, and possibly can acquire
it on their own.
Agency Member Christensen asked if Golden Empire Transit is
thinking of having other bus companies with them.
Mr. Caravalho replied that later on the Agenda there will be
a report about a multi-modal transit facility.
Agency Member Childs asked the City Manager to go forward in
assisting GET.
7. Status of the Multi-Modal Transportation Facility
Economic Development Director Dave Kennon reported that the
City in cooperation with KernCOG is beginning the conceptual develop-
ment of this facility. The City is looking at the area along our
Santa Fe right-of-way, in order to fully develop the potential
"inter-modal" aspects of the facility.
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Staff Member Art Hartenberger gave a presentation of multi-
modal facilities in other cities in Southern California for the
purpose of introducing various concepts.
Agency Member Christensen indicted that 19th Street and
Chester Avenue are a disgrace to Bakersfield and a disgrace to humanity.
He asked how the Southern California cities maintained the clean-up at
these facilities.
Mr. Hartenberger replied that these facilities have mainte-
nance crews on duty at all times. Also, there are litter ordinances
that are enforced.
Agency Member Christensen asked City Attorney Oberholzer why
the City of Bakersfield cannot have a safety ordinance. Why a citizen
cannot arrest an individual violating this ordinance.
City Attorney Richard Oberholzer replied and stated that he
would not recommend giving Council Members the power of arrest. He
said that there are state laws that cover littering that need to be
enforced. He indicated that a Council Member may arrest as a private
citizen. Owners of businesses may not arrest, but employees do have
the power to arrest. Owners of businesses may arrest as private citi-
zens.
Agency Member Christensen asked that the Chairman of the
Redevelopment Agency name a committee to be responsible for the clean-
up of the City.
Chairman Rockoff reminded Mr. Christensen that it was not
proper to take this action at a Redevelopment Agency meeting.
City Attorney Richard Oberholzer reminded the Agency that
there are presently laws that cover littering, individuals presently
have the power to arrest. This is called "Citizens Arrest".
Agency Member Dickerson indicated that he also has had com-
plaints about debris, derelicts, etc. Asked Mr. Oberholzer if there
was direction that he would like. Asked Mr. Caravalho what steps he
can take to enforce that activity in the downtown.
City Manager George Caravalho replied that this would be a
matter of shifting priorities.
Agency Member Christensen indicated that he would like a full
report on a survey on how other cities keep their cities clean.
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City Manager George Caravalho replied that this issue will be
looked into and as soon as they have this information will make a com-
plete report.
Agency Member Dickerson made a motion that a report on the
current activities and enforcement of these codes in downtown what
might be done to strengthen the application of these activities so
that we can have a clean city, for a 30 day period. Motion was unan-
imously approved.
Agency Member Dickerson indicated that because of the late
hour, he suggests that the meeting be recessed until after the Council
Meeting. He then made motion to adjourn to end of Council Meeting
tonight.
Agency Member Moore asked if there was time to accomplish the
rest of the items on the Agenda. There was only one item left that
would require some discussion.
Deputy City Manager Mary Strenn indicated that the Consent
Calendar should be voted on. The other items could be added to the
agenda of the next Redevelopment Agency meeting.
Agency Member Moore made a substitute motion to address the
Consent Calendar and hold other items for the next Redevelopment
Agency meeting and adjourn.
Chairman Rockoff made reference to the New Business item to
be put on the Agenda for the next Redevelopment Agency meeting from
the Consent Calendar, item G.2.c. be moved to Item 2. under New
Business.
City Manger George Caravalho recommended to the Agency that
item #8 and item G.2.c. be placed on the Agenda for the November 13th
meeting and discussed at that time and the balance of items on the
Consent Calendar be passed.
Agency Member Dickerson reminded the Agency that he made a
motion to adjourn the meeting to a time after the Council meeting.
The motion to adjourn the meeting was defeated.
Agency Member Moore made a motion that we only proceed to
approve the Consent Calendar and defer for the next meeting the New
Business Item #1 and Item G.2.c. for discussion at the next meeting.
City Attorney Richard Oberholzer indicated that the motion
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should be to approve the Consent Calendar, deleting those items that
should be continued on the next meeting's agenda. This motion was
approved by the following roll call vote:
Ayes: Agency Members Barton, Childs, Moore, Rockoff,
Dickerson
Agency Member Christensen
Agency Member Ratty
at 6:55pm.
Noes:
Absent:
Adjournment
/~r~go~z~m~, Secretary
Baker~f~l~-'Redevelopment Agency
Bakersfield Redevelopment Agency
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