Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/11/1986 MINUTES CCBakersfield, California, February 5, 1986 Page 11 Councilmember Moore's motion that the Council Meeting to be held in Ward 6 at Sandrini School be information type items and dialogue, and that no action be taken, was approved by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Noes: Absent: Councilembers Moore, Ratty, Salvaggio, Smith Councilmembers Dickerson, Childs, Christensen None City Manager CaravaIho introducted Kenneth Pulskamp as the new Assistant City Manager. Councilmember Dickerson made a motion to direct the City's Negotiator to take no further action until he confers with the Council. This motion was approved by the following roll call vote: Ayes: Noes: Absent: Councilmembers Dickerson, Salvaggio, Councilmembers Moore, Ratty, Smith None Childs, Christensen Councilmember Childs made a motion to hold a Special Meeting of the Council at the first available date, after proper notice. This motion was unanimously approved. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, upon a motion by Councilmember Childs, the meeting was adjourned at 9:20 p.m. MAYOR of the City of B~ke~field, Calif. ATTEST: CITY CL~IRI~ ~nd ~x off'ieio Cl~rk of the Council of the City of Bakersfield, California CW:rg Bakersfield, California, February 11, 1986 Minutes of a special meeting of the Council of the City of Bakersfield, California, held at Sandrini Louise Elementary School, 4100 Alum Avenue, at 7:00 p.m., February 11, 1986. The meeting was called to order by Mayor Payne, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and Invocation by Councilmember Dickerson. The City Clerk called the roll as follows: Present: Mayor Payne. Councilmembers Ratty, Salvaggio, Smith, Childs, Dickerson Absent: Councilmembers Moore, Christensen Mayor Payne indicated that Councilmember Moore is not present because he is representing the City at a Local Agency Formation Com- mission meeting, which was scheduled prior to tonight's meeting, and Councilmember Christensen has walking pneumonia and sends his regrets. Park development activities within 6th Ward with possible locations at Akers and Harris Roads and Alum and Akers Roads. Community Services Manager Dow gave an overview and status report regarding park developments in the area of Planz Road on the north, Stine Road on the west, Wible Road on the East and White Lane on the south, and another development in the area of Pacheco Road on the north, Stine Road on west, Wible Road on the east and the Arvin-Edison Canal on the south. Status of Environmental Impact Report (EIR) dealing with oil well operations within residential areas of the 6th Ward. Principal Planner Hand provided a status report and stated that the Planning Department has contracted with Ultra Systems, Inc,, Irvine, California, to complete the EIR for oil well drilling in the 6th Ward. Don De Mars, Vice-President and Director of Environmental Studies Division, Ultra Systems, Inc., gave a status report on the preparation of the EIR regarding land use studies, aesthetics, noise, air quality, and economics. Status and proposed development of auto park area at Paeheeo and Wible Roads. Public Works Manager Hawley stated that the site for the auto park is located on the east side of Wible Road and south of Pacheco Road. The final map for the south half was approved in January, and the final map for the northern half should be pre- sented within the next couple of weeks. Once it is approved, the developer has one year to complete the improvements. The develop- ment proposed includes improvements such as streets, sewers, storm drains and off-site improvements. Citizen/Council discussion regarding level of City services provided in the 6th Ward. Lucy Bowen, President of Fountain Springs Estates Homeowner Association, expressed concern regarding Stine Road speed limit, curb parking which prevents visibility onto Stine Road, the need for crosswalks, bus loading zones, future plans for schools and parks, inadequate policing relative to the growth of Bakersfield, and the leash law. Public Works Manager Hawley responded that the speed limit in that particular area is 55 miles per hour, and perhaps new speed survey should be undertaken. He indicated crosswalks exist at all intersections and school crossings. City Manager Caravalho encouraged citizens to keep abreast of the 2010 General Plan Update which will reflect the wishes and desires of the community. Bakersfield, California, February 11, 1986 Page 2 Police Chief Price stated that manpower, needs of the Police Department, and the level of service will be discussed. Animal control and leash laws are applicable in the City and enforced by the SPCA in contract with the City. The SPCA should be contacted if problems should arise. Earl Keefer, 5608 Julie Street, questioned if escrow does not close for the proposed park at Akers and Harris Roads, where do we go from here. He also questioned who will maintain the landscaping at the auto park. Public Works Manager Hawley responded that it will be maintained by a Maintenance District for the auto park property. Community Services Manager Dow responded that if escrow does not close, there are two other sites to consider; the area on Pacheco Road near a well site; or the area south of Panama Lane. Jori Tillinghast, 3713 Celine Court, stated he would like to see a large regional park in the southwest area. Councilmember Dickerson stated that the City has attempted to widen Wible Road from Panama Lane to Ming Avenue, giving better access north. Ten new traffic lights are proposed for the associated area. Fred Katz, 4712 Pinecastle Avenue, recommended that the Council define what residential is; stop spending all their money on EIR's; stop spending Public Works time, effort and personnel and disallow any oil companies to drill within residential areas. Lisa Smith, 5113 Marina Drive, requested to receive the qualifications of Ultra Systems, Inc. She requested the proce- dures for reviewing the EIR if citizens have any recourse, and if the firm will be looking at the City's General Plan. She expressed concern that the citizens are not any better off than when they first came to the City ten years ago. She reported a complaint approximately four weeks ago regarding noise she felt was coming from Western Continental. She asked City Building Department to take readings of Western Continental, and called later to find they were investigating Channel because Cal Bidwell did not put the procedure down which was developed months ago by staff. She put the complaint in writing and she has not heard anything from the City Building Department. She questioned if the Fire Department has performed a site inspection. Ms. Smith pro- vided a copy of the letter addressed to Cal Bidwell to the City Clerk. Principal Planner Hand responded that a copy of Ultra Systems' qualifications can be provided. He indicated that 14 similar drill type evaluations were performed by Ultra Systems which far exceeds the number performed by other firms. He pro- vided an overview of the procedure for reviewing the EIR. Lisa Smith questioned if the EIR will affect the exist- ing drilling operations. Principal Planner Hand stated that those with permits would be dealt with in a retroactive fashion. Ultra Systems would not be looking at the General Plan with respect to oil wells; it is a short-term project, and they will provide advice codes and ordinances with regard to oil well drilling. on Fire Chief Needham stated that on-site inspections are performed by the Fire Department relative to distances from struc- tures and the diking around the structure, etc. Mayor Payne requested that Chief Needham investigate, at the earliest convenience, whether a site inspection was performed by the Fire Department on the oil well drilling. Bakersfield, California, February 11, 1986 Page 3 Councilmember Dickerson requested notification and a copy of any inspections made. He requested Chief Needham meet with residents of mobile homes relative to chemical spills in the industrial area north of Pacheco, District Boulevard area. Andrea Way 3300 Margalo Court., questioned if the citi- zens are concerned about the oil well drilling, why did they sign the lease to permit it, and why don't they talk to the oil compa- nies and ask them about sound walls, fires, spills, or dangers. Phil Slocum, 3400 Dogwood, questioned if in any of the EIRs performed by Ultra Systems, there was ever a situation where they could not find sufficient mitigating factors to allow the project to go ahead, or if in every case their goal was to allow the project to go forward at all cost. Don De Mars, Ultra Systems, Inc., stated they have been involved in projects that did not proceed because mitigation meas- ures were too costly to make the project as proposed viable. Hall Hackney, 4316 Thatch Avenue, questioned what the City is going to do about the deterioration of their land, beauty loss, odors, oil leaks, fires, blow-outs, and future permits. What will keep that area west of Stine, east of Wible, north of Pacheco from having 100-300 wells put in there? What is the sta- tus of the oil ordinances? He indicated that as citizens they should not have to contact Channel, the staff should be the arm of this problem. City Manager Caravalho requested that citizens provide their names and addresses, and he insured them that a response will be made to each of them regarding Lisa Smith's letter. Noel Chambless, 605 Redwing Avenue, stated that every homeowner in that area has a Deed restriction for mineral rights. Channel is drilling from an area that is zoned for heavy indus- trial, not residential. Leonard Harrell, 4608 De Ette, indicated that an engine runs all night long because of the oil well, which recently blew up, and an explosion occurred approximately six months ago. He emphasized that this operation is in his back yard in a resi- dential district. Chief Needham as a result of a welder, explosion. responded that the last explosion occurred and the City did not respond to the Ted Buddy, 5600 Julie Street, questioned if take approximately oae and one half years to complete Plan Update to address the oil problem. it would the General City Manager Caravalho stated the General Plan process commenced in July and much of the work in the General Plan will be performed during 1986. The oil situation will be land use and the incompatibility of land use with industry and residential being together, which is a result of inadequate planning and having two jurisdictions responsible for planning in the area. His under- standing is that the citizens are not getting what they want which he intends to address, and provide some response to identify where the City is. Mr. Buddy questioned if the City Manager felt the present General Plan is adequate to deal with the oil permits as they are n.~w granted and operations as they are now performed. City Manager Caravalho stated that based problems experienced, he could only assume that it but after further research, a written response can upon the is inadequate; be provided. Bakersfield, California February 11, 1986 Page 4 Mr. Buddy indicated in the traffic portion of the current General Plan it prohibits the transporation of oil on local streets. He questioned how did the situation come about that the City allows wells to be drilled, yet there are laws prohibiting it from being transported on Iota! streets. Deputy City Attorney Daniels indicated there is a bal- ancing act taking place between the rights of the government and the people, over those of private landowners. He indicated he was not aware that oil transportation was not a]lowed on "any" streets. Marion Bradshaw, 5301 Marina Drive, stated she under- stood that Western Continental had to apply for and be granted a variance in order to drill. She questioned whether the City would have to receive the variance in order to issue the permit. If it was received, where is the variance? Why isn't it part of the public record? She expressed concern about explosions, and that the oil company is not spending the money to protect her home from their mistakes such as spraying oi! onto her property, automobiles, house, fruit trees, animals, and children. She indicated that her concerns were not met after contacting the City Planning Department. She questioned why wasn't the Fire Department noti- fied by Mr. Fidler. Why wasn't there an investigation by the City? Why was there not a citation or fine given to the welder or the primary responsibility laid exclusively with Western Continental? She requested to know what the City is going to do. She requested that a qualified person from the Fire Department be a part of the Ordinance Committee, and the Ordinance Committee meet weekly instead of twice a month. Kenneth Kramer, 4417 Milo Avenue, stated that in Los Angeles area where oil drilling is going on, there are 8 foot walls, and shrubbery. The drillers cannot leave the location after 8:00 p.m. with a truck. The gates open at 8:00 a.m. and no drilling is per- formed at night. The noise can be contained. Gary Heiner, 4508 Harris Road, complained about the noise, and stated that citizen complaints will be made until the noise, contamination and injury to the environment and people are addressed. Leonard Harrell, requested some type of sound-proofing be provided. Lorice Jackson, 4516 Sugar Cane Avenue, questioned if the EIR included a study of the water and if it would be affected; the affect upon the houses when the thumper trucks cruise through the neighborhood; and whether permits are to be issued for more wells. City Manager Caravalho responded that the EIR wil! cover those concerns. David Rawson, 4203 Oceanwood, stated that the residents as well as the oil companies have property rights. Councilmember Dickerson expressed appreciation for the citizens voicing their concerns and taking time to attend the meeting. City Manager Caravalho stated that any comments or con- cerns will be appreciated. A progress report wi]! be made to individuals expressing interest with regard to the questions presented. Bakersfield, California, February 11, 1986 - Page 5 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Council, upon a motion by Councilmember Childs, the meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. ATTEST: MAYOR of the City of Bak'ers~eld, Calif. / CITY CLERK and Ex offieio Ciera COuneil of the City of Bakersfield, California CW:rg