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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/26/96 BAKERSFIELD MEMORANDUM July 26, 1996 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: ALAN TAND~ITY~GER SUBJECT: GENERAL INFORMATION 1. John Stinson had a brief meeting with Joel Heinrichs on Friday regarding the fire consolidation issue. It appears the County is exploring implementation of some of the JPA refinements, as recommended by the Citizens' Advisory Committee, as a possible alternative to putting consolidation before the voters. It is likely discussions will continue between Alan Tandy and Joel early next week regarding this issue. 2. We had anticipated that the intersection expansion project at Stockdale Highway/California Avenue would begin on August 1st. However, we were unexpectedly informed by PG&E this week that they are still in the process of obtaining an easement from the shopping center located at the northwest comer of the intersection. We may have to consider delaying the project if we can't get a quick resolution to this issue. The report from Public Works is enclosed, and we will keep you informed. 3. The lending company will run the finances of the contractor on the Police Building. Their choice was to return the original general contractor to the site under this arrangement. Subcontractors did return to the job site, and the next month or so should tell if this arrangement will show progress towards completion. 4. An progress report on the landfill/burn dump is attached. The DTSC held a neighborhood meeting on July 1 lth with the residents represented by Klein Wegis to explain the program to them, and they also initiated contact with some of the other area residents. They plan to begin individual interviews beginning August 5th and hope to start bum dump field sampling on September 16th. 5. The latest update on the Coffee Road grade separation project is that Sunland Refinery will not be able to reconstruct their flare by August 8th, and have indicated they will comply with a court order, which was issued today, to shut it down. A memorandum from Public Works is attached. Honorable Mayor and City Council July 26, 1996 Page 2 6. An analysis of the proposed American Cities Investment Act, prepared by the Economic and Community Development Department, is enclosed. 7. The quarterly report from EDCD on housing and community developmen projects is also enclosed, as well as their latest publication of "Blueprints". AT:rs cc: Department Heads Pamela McCarthy, Acting City Clerk Trudy Slater, Administrative Analyst BAKERSFIELD PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM TO: Alan Tandy - City Manager FROM: (~fRaui M. Rojas - Public Works Director DATE: ~ {~'O'~ .luly 23, 1996 SUBJECT: STOCKDALE HIGHWAY/CALIFORNIA A VENUE INTERSECTION EXPANSION We have just received some very upsetting news from PG&E. As you are aware, the above project has been on-going for several years from its initial point of inception, through right-of-way acquisition, design, bidding, and award to its current point of imminent construction. Since last November, we have been in contact with Utility Companies, including PG&E, outlining our project to them and making sure they were aware of the need to clear our street right-of-way for this project. Initial plans were provided at a meeting in January of this year with a requirement that the right-of-way be cleared by June 1st. Subsequent plans were provided at a meeting in Apdl, with an extension for the right-of-way clearance to July 1st. A final set of plans were provided on June 3rd, with another final extension granted to August 1st. Another meeting was held at the site June 7th specifically with PG&E personnel to discuss their utility relocation. This morning, we had the preconstruction meeting for this project with Griffith Company, and a PG&E representative who had evidently not had pnor involvement with this project was in attendance. His initial comment was that PG&E had not yet completed obtaining an easement from the Shopping Center at the northwest comer of the intersection, and that after this easement was secured it would take PG&E 7 weeks to clear the right-of-way for construction. This came out of left field. As late as last week, the PG&E representative familiar with this project (Mark Maytubby, who happens to be on vacation this week) had told staff that no problems were anticipated meeting the August 1st deadline. By pushing this project back 7 weeks, it will be under construction through Thanksgiving and to the middle of December. Worse, as all of the work is to occur at night, it is highly unlikely that adequate temperatures for paving will be present this late into the year. We have scheduled a meeting with PG&E and the contractor Thursday morning to further discuss this issue, but if there can be no improvement on their schedule, then this Department would recommend postponing this project to Spring to miss the Holiday season and to assure adequate paving temperatures. We may want to explore our franchise agreement and determine if there are other remedies we might pursue, as PG&E's performance with this project is totally unacceptable. ; !AGER'S OFF[CE pUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM July 22, 1996 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager i~~tor~/7 7~ FROM: Kevin Barnes, Solid Waste D 7~ RE: UPDATE ON LANDFILL/BURN DUMP PROGRESS The Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) held a neighborhood meeting with the group of residents represented by Klein Wegis on July 11, 1996. The meeting was mostly an introduction to the DTSC program and a question and answer period. No City or County staff were invited. The DTSC reported that the meeting went fairly well yet did not offer many details of the meeting. DTSC also contacted some of the other residents that are not represented by Klein Wegis and filled them in on the program. They were unable to contact three of the property owners and staff has made those contacts since. We do not yet know if the Klein Wegis group will allow access to the backyards for testing. The next step for burn dump program will be DTSC interviews with the residents beginning August 5th. The City and County will not be involved. After that, a meeting on September 12th will be held with the DTSC to go over the results of the interview and incorporate any concerns into the draft work plan. If all goes smoothly, burn dump field sampling will begin on September 16th. The landfill gas system has been performing extremely well and we are pleased to report that the backyard probes at 3700 Panorama Drive are now well within regulatory limits. An old question regarding whether landfill gas contained any natural gas from the oil fields nearby has been answered at last. A chemical analysis of various gas samples indicates that natural gas is not present in any significant quantity. KB:smp c: Raul Rojas, Public Works Director Judy Skousen, City Attorney S:\WPDATA\L UPD719.MEM BAKERSFIELD PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: ~./Raul M. Rojas, Public Works Director DATE: July 26, 1996 SUBJECT: Coffee Road Grade Separation Project Today, Judge Anspach ordered Sunland to decommission their tanks due to their inability to reconstruct the flare in a timely manner. In a statement from Sunland's attorney, Sunland indicated "World has determined that it cannot have its new flare operational by August 8, 1996. Therefore, World has adopted a Protocol for Shutdown and Decommissioning of Refinery Flare by August 8, 1996." BAKERSFIELD Economic and Community Development Department MEMORANDUM JulY 17, 1996 TO: Alan Tandy City Manager ~ FROM: Jake Wager (~ Economic Developm~ SUBJECT: Summary of American Cities Investment Act Congressman Chaka Fattah of Pennsylvania recently submitted an informational packet to the Mayor on the American Cities Investment Act 0t.R. 3349), an Act which would allow governmental entities to access the multi-trillion dollar pool of private investors for funding of community development activities. The mayor requested that we review the draft legislation and provide him with any supportive comments. Our analysis of the American Cities Investment Act is outlined below. Purpose According to H.R. 3349, this new legislation will greatly increase the potential investment in America's neighborhoods by allowing communities to leverage billions in private capital that is needed for revitalization. This legislation would create a new financial mechanism for supporting large scale community development activities for housing and commercial development that create value, are non- incremental, and halt and reverse the decline of American cities. Analysis Legislation under H.R. 3349 does not provide direct funding for community development activities. Rather, it creates a financial infrastructure very similar to what the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae) has done for housing through the use of mortgages. The American Cities Investment Act would allow the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB) system to make substantial advances for community development activities to units of general local government. As a condition for receiving the advance, jurisdictions would be required to mortgage their large-scale CDBG activities. These "mortgages" would then be acquired by a district FHLB, securitized and sold to the -Federal Financing Bank of the U.S. Treasury for resale to private investors on the secondary mortgage market. The capital provided from the resale of these securitized mortgages would be used to rePle_nis_h. ::..: the coffers of the U.S. Treasury and allow additional mortgaged CDBG projects to be purchased from the FHLB system. The payment of principal and interest to the private investors would come [~rr~t~e~J~ third party borrower (i.e., project developer) or from the CDBG entitlement jurisdiction. One major incentive for investors to purchase these mortgage-backed securities created under H.R. 3349 is that the jurisdiction originating the mortgage will be required to guarantee repayment of the FHLB advance with future CDBG entitlements. In certain instances, H.R. 3349 would allow HUD to lower the jurisdictions's loan guarantee equivalent to a portion of the project's potential return on investment (ROI). This would allow cities to use a portion of the cash flow generated by the project to be pledged as collateral in lieu of CDBG funds. Documentation of a financial soundness review identifying the project ROI and cash flow to be used for repayment would be required before the project revenues could be use as security. Another major incentive offered by H.R. 3349 is the maximum borrowing authority for each jurisdiction. Currently, under the Section 108 program, the maximum assistance is limited to five times the annual entitlement for each jurisdiction. Based on our current CDBG entitlement of $2,874,000, the cumulative amount of Section 108 funds that Bakersfield could borrow is $14,370,000 (as you are aware, $2.5 million of Section 108 funds was used to assist the Holiday Inn Select). Under Congressman's Fattah bill, communities could access substantially larger amount of funds for eligible large scale community development projects. H.R. 3349 provides a maximum borrowing authority based on a formula using the prevailing Federal funds rate and the discounted present value of 80% of the current annual CDBG grant that a jurisdiction would receive over a period not to exceed 20 years. If this bill was enacted today, our maximum borrowing authority would be approximately $30,000,000. Another feature of H.R. 3349 is the requirement that in order for a local governmental entity to receive a FHLB advance, the jurisdiction would need to include citizen participation from major community stakeholders in the development of the project. The legislation defines a stakeholder as a public or private entity whose future well-being depends upon the applicant's continued social and economic viability. Examples of stakeholders that might be included are the chief executives of universities, chambers of commerce, labor unions, health facilities, libraries, cultural and religious institutions, and professional and social service associations Conclusion The American Investment Cities Act provides for the following: financing of high impact projects to turn around declining neighborhoods; considerable leveraged investment (public and private dollars); borrowing against future CDBG allocations without directly obligating general tax funds; large amounts of financing at a reasonable and fixed rate with flexible repayment schedules; funding of projects through a non-competitive process; and local control on the use of funds. Since future CDBG grants must be pledged as security to receive a FHLB advance, jurisdictions should be prudent in the use of this new mechanism for funding large scale CDBG activities. In the event future CDBG allocations are substantially reduced and project cash flows are not able to be pledged for repayment, a jurisdiction's ability to fulfill its loan guarantee commitment could be jeopardized. Overall, H.R. 3349 is worthy of consideration and support by local government entities. If enacted, it would be another community development tool that could be used in rebuilding our communities. The legislation for this bill is expected to move forward after the November election. Please let us know if you wish to send a letter of support to Congressman Fattah for H.R. 3349. We are available to prepare one on your behalf. xc:file:hr3349me.v29 BAKERSFIELD Economic and Community Development Department MEMORANDUM July 25, 1996 TO: Jake Wager, Economic Development Director FROM: Vince A. Zaragoza, Principal Planner V SUBJECT: Status of Housing and Community Development Activities This memo will serve as an update for the past quarter regarding on-going housing and community development projects. CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS 1. Oleander - Sunset Park Area Curb and Gutter Project (Parts A,B &C) Design and construction of approximately 4,700 lineal feet of in-fill curb and gutter in the Oleander area bounded by Park Street on the north, H Street on the east, Second Street on the south and A Street on the west. Construction was completed last May. Budget was approximately $278,000. 2. Architectural Barrier Removal Program - Public Buildings A bid for about $10,000 to install handicap (ADA) improvements in the Bakersfield Convention Center to provide greater mobility for handicapped citizens was awarded to American Seating Company. The Convention Center is also installing transmitters for the hearing impaired. The bid was approximately $8,000 and it was awarded to Tech Time communications. Both projects to be completed by late August, 1996. In addition, a low bid of $70,000 for providing handicap ramps to main entrances to City Hall, and a low of bid $60,000 to make the lobby front door and rest rooms of City Hall handicap accessible were awarded to Omega Construction and Ladco Construction, respectively. Improvements to be completed by late August, 1996. 3. Terrace Way Storm Drain Extension Project (Phase I - Design Only) Design of about 1,880 l.f. of storm drain pipe on Terrace Way from Union Avenue to Bemeta Avenue. Design was completed last May. About $11,000 was set aside for Phase I. The construction bid of $123,278 was awarded last June (with non-CDBG funds) to Pacific Resources. Project completion is estimated by end of September, 1996. 4. Panama #10 Sewer Project Construction of 4,200 _+ lineal feet of sewer main and 2,100 _+ lineal feet of sewer laterals for the Panama #10 Area. About 81 residences will have access to a city sewer trunk line. The low bid by Pacific Resources was approved by the City Council on December 13, 1995. Construction started early this year, and was completed in April. Construction budget was approximately $369,000. 5. Street Barrier Removal/Reconstruction Improvements Funds in the amount of $57,000 ($15,000 in FY 95-96 and $42,000 in FY 96-97) are available for reconstruction of existing street barriers for improving pedestrian and traffic flow in the downtown area. Public Works has developed a preliminary design for replacement of steel street barriers within this area. The street barrier design will complement the streetscape design being developed for the Chester Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project. The first barriers to be addressed will be those at 20th & H streets adjacent to the Fox Theater and include a combination of ballards and landscaping. A landscape maintenance agreement with the Fox Theater is currently being finalized. Construction anticipated to be completed by the end of the year. 6. Baker Street Curb Cut Project ~ Removal of architectural barriers along Baker Street from E. Tmxtun Avenue to Hwy. 178. Due to insufficient funds, low bid by Granite Construction for this project is still pending award (P.W. staff combined the project plans and specifications into a consolidated bid package that includes the 20th Street, James Street/Weill Park, and Lake Street improvement projects). Anticipate obtaining City Council approval for additional funding in September. Construction anticipated to start by October, 1996. The budget for this activity is approximately $16,000. 7. James Street/Weill Park Area Curb and Gutter Project Construction of about 531 lineal feet of sidewalk and about 314 lineal feet of curb and gutter along the north and east sides of Weill Park. Due to insufficient funds, low bid by Granite Construction for this project is still pending award (P.W. staff combined the project plans and specifications into a consolidated bid package that includes the 20th Street, Baker Street, and Lake Street improvement projects). Anticipate requesting City 2 ~ Council approval for additional funding in September. Construction anticipated to start by October, 1996. The budget for this activity is approximately $11,000. 8. 20th Street Area Curb and Gutter Project Installation of approximately 1,210 lineal feet of in-fill curb and gutter for an area bounded by Golden State Avenue, 24th and 23rd Streets on the north; by Union Avenue on the east; by California Avenue on the south; and by M Street on the west. Due to insufficient funds, low bid by Granite Construction for this project is still pending award (P.W. staff combined the project plans and specifications into a consolidated bid package that includes the James StreetJWeill Park, Baker Street, and Lake Street improvement projects). Anticipate requesting Council approval for additional funding in September. Construction is estimated to be completed by October, 1996. The activity budget is approximately $34,813. 9. Lake Street Area Curb and Gutter Project Installation of 775+ lineal feet of in-fill curb and gutter with street reconstruction along Lake street between Tulare and Beale Streets in an area generally bounded by Highway 178 and Oregon Street on the north, Gage Street on the east, California Avenue on the south and Union Avenue on the west. Due to insufficient funds, low bid by Granite Construction for this project is still pending award (P.W. staff combined the project plans and specifications into a consolidated bid package that includes the 20th Street, Baker Street, and James Street/Weill Park improvement projects). Anticipate requesting Council approval for additional funding in September. The budget for this activity is approximately $240,000. 10. Union Ave. #10 Area Water Main and Fire Hydrant Upgrade Improvement Project Design and construction of 7,000~_ 1.f. of water line in the newly annexed Union #10 area. Improvements to be owned and operated by Cai-Water. Preparation of a project agreement is underway. Anticipate execution of contract between Cai-Water and Council by September, 1996. Design by Cai-Water is anticipated to be completed by August, 1996. Construction is anticipated to be completed by December, 1996. City's budget is approximately $512,170 (FY 95-96 - $298,000; FY 96-97 - $214,170). 11. Lake Street Area street Reconstruction Project (Phase I) Approximately $113,000 is available to reconstruct the East Side Canal on Lake Street from Gage Street to Williams Street. The reconstruction includes 2,000 _+ lineal feet of Lake Street (the covered canal to become part of Lake Street). Total reconstruction improvements will also include the installation of approximately 4,000 lineal feet of curb and gutter. Design is anticipated to start by August of 1996. Anticipate construction to be completed by February, 1997. 12. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center Driveway Installation Installation of a 2,800 + square foot rear entrance driveway to allow direct access to major meeting rooms when delivering equiPment to the community center. City Parks desires to have the project switch the access to the front of the building, and combine the activity with the parking lot reconstruction project funded for FY 96-97. The redesign is estimated to begin in July, 1996 with installation by December, 1996. The FY 95-96 and 96-97 CDBG budgets are approximately $8,000, and $25,000, respectively. An additional $45,000 in non-CDBG funds will be used by Parks for constructing this project. 13. Sidewalk Reconstruction Project Funds in the amount of $146,000 ($75,000 - FY 94-95; $71,000- FY 95-96) have been set aside for removal and reconstruction of substandard and deteriorated sidewalk improvements in low income neighborhoods. A low bid by Granite Construction in the amount of approximately $75,000 was received last month for in-fill sidewalk reconstruction in Census Tract 22. Construction to start in late July with completion in August, 1996. 14. Chester Avenue Streetscape Improvement Project Approximately $332,000 in CDBG funds have been earmarked for streetscape improvements within the public right-of-way along Chester Avenue between Truxtun Avenue and 23rd Street. An additional $1.5 + million in Federal, State and local funds will also be needed to fund the improvements. Environmental review is underway. Design has been initiated by a Landscape Architectural finn. Final plans and specifications are anticipated to be completed by the end of the year. NON-PROFIT/PUBLIC FACILITY PROJECTS Community Development staff is assisting the following various non-profit organizations to acquire or improve their facilities. 1. Kern County Economic Opportunity Corporation(KCEOC) KCEOC is the designated Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) under the HOME Program guidelines. Using HOME funds (FY 92/93 - $121,500 and FY 93/94 - $81,000), they identified, acquired and rehabilitated three single family residences. Upon completion, these homes are sold to HOME Program qualified low income first time homebuyers. Upon close of escrow, KCEOC repays the HOME funds to the City and the process is repeated. A new FHA insured loan program (203K) will allow KCEOC to acquire up to twenty properties at one time with the same amount of money that previously allowed for the acquisition and rehabilitation of only two properties. 4 During the past three months, a new project agreement was executed with KCEOC for approximately $33,000 set aside for CHDO's. Four potential properties are currently under review by KCEOC and staff for the use of these funds. 2. Alliance Against Family Violence (AAFV) Acquisition closed last April for AAFV's new outreach and counseling facility. Implementation of $14,950 in Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) funds for shelter rehabilitation and the acquisition of a cargo van is underway. In addition, rehabilitation and vehicle procurement is estimated to be completed by December, 1996. 3. Community Services Organigation (CSO) Rehabilitation Project Funds in the amount of $150,000 have been budgeted for rehabilitating the 15,476 sq. ft. CSO facility at 715 Lake Street. An agreement was approved by Council on December 13, 1995. A Request for Qualifications and Proposals (RFQ&P) has been finalized and made available to architects who are interested in completing the design of the facility. Deadline for submittal is July 31, 1996. 4. BOYS and Girls Club Community Center Construction Project An agreement with the Boys Club was approved by the City Council last January for pre- development assistance. Funds in the amount of $16,000 were used to pay "up front" development fees associated with the construction of a 20,160-2_ square foot recreational facility at 801 Niles Street. Construction is underway and estimated to be completed by October, 1996. 5. Bakersfield Homeless Center (BHC) An agreement between'the Council and BHC was approved in December for ESG funds. The $60,000 grant will re-establish a part-time medical and dental clinic for the homeless. Funds will be used to purchase equipment, supplies and other basic tools as well as medical screening and the coordination of volunteer medical staff. Provision of services and purchase of equipment is underway. In addition, the Council appropriated $41,675 in State funds to expand the Center's kitchen and complete other related work. The project bid package has been completed and is under review by the State. The project is expected to go out to bid in August, 1996 with completion by the end of the year. 6. Fox Theater Foundation Improvements Funds in the amount of $19,000 have been set aside for the downtown Fox Theater which will be used for modifications to existing restrooms and the construction of a handicap 5 accessible restroom on the ground floor. Environmental review is underway. The project agreement is anticipated to go before the Council by September, 1996. 7. Kern Count~ Mental Health Association (KCMHA) An agreement between the Council and KCMHA was approved in December for ESG funds. The $11,500 grant is for facility rehabilitation and expansion of their representative payee program. The expansion and rehabilitation is underway with completion estimated by fall of 1996. 8. Elderlife Adult Day Health Care Facility About $73,000 is budgeted for the rehabilitation of a County owned senior day care health facility at 1111 Columbus. The County's contribution is approximately $263,000. The 5,000 + sq.ft, building will consist of a multi-purpose room, offices, physical therapy room and support facilities. The County awarded a construction contract in the amount of $225,739 to Walker Development & Construction. Construction was completed last June, 1996. A ribbon-cutting is tentatively scheduled for September 12, 1996. 9. Anne Sippe Clinic (ASC) Riverside Ranch On March 21, the Council awarded $140,000 to ASC for rehabilitation improvements to the residential care facility on 18200 Kern Canyon Road. The multi-family project is also receiving funding assistance from the County for acquisition and renovation. Plans and specifications have been completed and preparation of the bid package is underway. Construction is expected to be completed by the end of the year. 10. Golden Empire Gleaners Rehabilitation Improvement Project Approximately $340,000 has been earmarked for rehabilitating a 37,033 sq.ft, facility at 3100 Chester Avenue into administrative offices and a food distribution warehouse. This vacant facility will be acquired using CDBG funds from the County. Environmental review is underway. Acquisition is pending. Project agreement between the Gleaners and the City is anticipated to be completed by this Fall. 11. Restoration Communit~ Proiect, Inc. Acquisition and rehabilitation of a single room occupancy facility (11 unit and 4 unit structures) with parking located at 721 8th Street. Approximately $198,000 will be budgeted for the improvements and acquisition. The facilities will be used for transitional housing and include supportive services for adults and children who are homeless and recovering from substance abuse. A draft project agreement is currently under review and is estimated to be finalized by September. NEIGHBORHOOD REVITALIZATION AND HOUSING 1.. Graffiti Removal Proc, ram In 'the past three months approximately 574 Hotline calls were received. An average of 25% of the calls continues to be from CDBG areas. In April, the Anti-Graffiti Poster and Essay contest had 557 participants. Thirty one local businesses supported the contest by donating $3,200. The contest is a great educational tool against graffiti. Besides the contest, school presentations were done throughout the Bakersfield City School District to a total of 3,345 students. The presentations inform local youth about the laws against graffiti and encourages them to have high civic values. On April 27, 1996, Teens Against Graffiti's TAG Day was a success. About 200 high school students painted over graffiti throughout the City using at least 130 gallons Of paint. Community involvement in Paint- Out Days continues to be strong. 2. First Time Home Buyers (FTHB) Program The FTHB program assists low/moderate income first time home buyers. Up to $3,500 per applicant is provided in the form of a no interest, no monthly payment loan for use toward the downpayment and non-recurring closing costs associated with the acquisition. The loan is repayable in full at the time the borrower sells the residence. Over 230 households have benefited from this program to date which includes 40 loans made in the past three months. Approximately $420,000 in prior year HOME funds have been budgeted for this program (all of these funds have been exhausted). FY 96-97 has about $251,000 set aside for this program. 3. . Looking Good Neighborhood (LGN) Program. The LGN Program (Census Tracts 13, 15, and 22) provides for general public service activities such as clean-up days, public health awareness, educational campaigns and an annual neighborhood awareness festival. A neighborhood cleanup and Night Against Crime event is scheduled for the first week in August. Operation of the Good Neighbor Festival has been handed over to the Bakersfield African-American Cultural Association. Staff will continue to participate as a member of the Good Neighbor Festival committee. The City will remain as a co-sponsor of the Festival, acting as the fiscal agent and coordinating the physical layout of the event at-MLK Community Center park. The Festival is scheduled for November 2, 1996. 4. VISTA Volunteer Program Five remaining VISTA Volunteers continue to address the problems of hunger, clothing and urban blight. Many grants have been written by the Food Bank and Lutheran Social Services VISTA Volunteers. The Food Bank's VISTA Volunteer has organized several food drives to provide the necessary staples for the needy in Bakersfield. The Safe 7 Harbors VISTA Volunteer organizes clothing banks in several elementary schools and links social service agencies with family advocates to care for the underprivileged families. The VISTA Program will be phased out at the end of this summer. 5. Single and Multi-Famil_F Rehabilitation Proiects During this quarter, eight single family rehabilitation loans were signed and the projects were started; six projects were completed, eight are under review for approval. We received 22 rehabilitation applications this quarter; 15 work write-ups have been completed by rehab staff, and 16 work write-ups are currently in progress. We will use HOME funds to complete future single family projects. Staff continues to receive inquiries about the availability of multi-family rehab funds. Units at 306 Rodman (5 units), 526-530 E. 3rd Street (7 units), 1018 3rd Street (3 units), 1331 2nd Street (one unit) and 1419 E.18th Street (one unit) are currently under review for loan approval. These projects total $165,000 and will be funded from existing CDBG housing funds. Approximately $100,000 in additional HOME funds have been set aside in FY 96-97 for this program. U.S. Escrow, an independent contractor, was selected to provide escrow services and loan servicing for housing related activities. The transition of our loan files to USE Community Services Group (aka U.S. Escrow) is on-going; amortized loan customers have received their.payment coupon books; deferred customers are making their periodic payments to U.S.E. 6. Home Accessibilit)? and Paint Programs No new home accessibility projects were initiated due to a lack of available funds in May of this year. The 40 backlogged applications will be processed in July after FY 96-97 program funds ($60,000) are made available. The paint program will be phased out as prior year funds are depleted (there are no additional funds budgeted for FY 96-97). 7. Housing Rehabilitation Marketing CD staff marketed housing related programs at the CSO Street Fake on April, 21, 1996, and at the Bakersfield Association of Realtors Home Buyers Expo on May 4, 1996. During the month of June, commercials were aired for the 4% home improvement loan on KGET and KBAK. Staff received over 200 calls and mailed more than 52 applications for the home improvement loan. Staff is also working on a housing rehab marketing video. 8. URM Incentive Program Under the incentive program, eight applicants have been granted reimbursement funds. About fourteen commercial owners of unreinforced property have been given consent to proceed with their project. Of these, all are retrofit projects with one scheduled demolition. At this time, staff is processing approximately 49 applications for URM assistance. These applications represent properties that have either applied or have completed environmental review and are currently awaiting their initial seismic study from their engineer. 9. Business Assistance Pro_gram Marketing efforts continue for the CDBG Jobs Fund. The Council recently approved assistance for $200,000 to Guy Chaddock & Co., a furniture manufacturer, for leasing a 74,000 sq. ft. facility at 12201 E. Brundage Lane (Incentive Area). Approximately 130 jobs would be created. The facility is currently being remodeled. To facilitate Guy Chaddock's relocation into an existing building, staff assisted a small manufacturer, L & A Oak, by moving their operations into a smaller and less costly facility. Approximately 51% of the 61 jobs to be retained will be low income employees. The City assistance for L & A Oak was for the purchase of air pollution control equipment (approximately $30,000) which is required in their new location. Their relocation was completed last May. Additionally, Council approved an agreement with ART (Advanced Records Technology) to provide assistance 'up to $150,000 for acquisition. 51% of all retained and newly created jobs will be filled by low income individuals. Acquisition is underway. Staff has also been in negotiations with potential M-1 businesses who are interested in relocating to the Incentive Area near Mt. Vernon and Hwy. 58. 10. Fair Housing The Fair Housing Program has recently completed the draft version of the Fair Housing Plan 2000. The HUD mandated plan analyzes the public and private sectors with respect to policies and practices affecting housing choice. The Plan contains approximately 200 pages of information, actions and reporting methods which the Fair Housing Office will adopt as guidelines to meet federal fair housing requirements. The draft Plan is presently circulating for public comment and will be finalized on or before August 6, 1996. The Fair Housing Coloring Book has been incorporated into the Department of Teacher Education curricula at CSUB. Fair Housing staff will teach three sections of teacher education classes at CSUB. on housing discrimination, then student teachers will develop individual fair housing presentations and distribute approximately 2100 Fair Housing Coloring Books at various local elementary schools. Fiscal year end statistics have been compiled regarding housing discrimination activity and the Fair Housing Program. The Fair Housing Hotline received over 1400 calls last fiscal year. Although overall calls have decreased 14% from last fiscal year, discrimination cases have risen 8% and landlord tenant calls have decreased 10%. In addition, 62% of all cases during the 1995-96 fiscal year were successfully mediated. 11. Communit~ Reinvestment Act (CRA} Lenders Group City staff assisted in the formation of a public/private parmership with local lenders to address the need for affordable housing in the City of Bakersfield. Meetings are held periodically. A number of lenders are participating in the financing of single family and multi-family housing projects affordable to low income families. To date, approximately $650,000 of federal funds for have been leveraged with $16,000,000 of private sector financing to provide mortgages for 275 low income families within the City. 12. Mortt~aee Credit Certificates (MCC) Program The City is currently administering the MCC program for the City of Bakersfield, as well as the cities of California City, Delano, Ridgecrest, Shafter, Taft, Tehachapi, and Wasco. This program provides housing affordability through Federal Tax Credits. To date, approximately 70 MCC certificates have been issued which includes 31 certificates for the past three months. An additional 32 homebuyers can be assisted with this program. City administrative expenses for operating this program will primarily be funded through cost recovery based on fees from participating lenders, cities, and applicants. 13. Commercial Facade Grant Program Three Applications (preliminary estimates and renderings) for commercial facades on 1100 Union Avenue (The Wellsprings Facility) were received in July and are being reviewed by staff. If approved, these facade improvements will begin in August and use the remaining balance of funds in the program (about $20,000). 14. Business Environmental Incubator Project The City has set aside about $170,000 for design and construction of a business incubator facility in Census Tract 25. The estimated total cost is $400,000. The business incubator is expected to provide environmental related jobs to low and moderate income residents. The proposed lessee for the facility will be the Bakersfield College Foundation (BCF). PG & E and Wells Fargo have each committed $10,000 in support of this project. Solicitation for additional corporate support by BCF continues. County matching funds for this project have yet to be committed. Staff and BCF are currently exploring alternative sites and financing mechanisms. 10 15. Incentive Area Marketing/Training The City, County, Employers' Training Resource (ETR) and Kern Economic Development Corporation have approved the 1996 Incentive Area Agreement. The agreement sets out the duties and responsibilities of each organization in marketing the Incentive Area. A majority of .the funds within the $15,688 agreement goes towards ETR to provide assistance in business certification, job training, and employee referral services. City and County each contribute one-half of the funding for the agreement. Marketing and training are underway. 16. HOME Program Match Waiver The City applied to the Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for a waiver of the 25% match requirement of non-federal funds normally required when accessing HOME funds. The waiver was granted under the Robert T. Stafford National Disaster Relief Act. No match funds will be required for program funds expended from October 1, 1994 through September 1, 1996. Depending on the amount of HOME drawdowns by September 1996, the HUD waiver match could be worth up to $200,000. 17. Self Help Enterprise (SHE) Home Acquisition Project SHE, as a designated CHDO, will be using about $238,650 (FY 93-94- $133,650; FY 94- 95 - $105,000) in HOME funds to acquire a minimum of ten single family residential lots. Upon purchase, SHE will select low-income qualified first time homebuyers to assist in the construction of their own homes under the Self Help program guidelines. Each applicant is estimated to give approximately 1,200 hours of volunteer labor and will be supervised under the direction of SHE managers. 18. New Construction Assistance Approximately $116,000 in FY 96-97 funds is earmarked for housing development assistance for construction of affordable housing. Currently, staff has identified about eight vacant lots that are being offered in a public tax delinquent sale by the County. On July 10 the Council approved a request that the County withdraw these sites from the tax sale in order for the City to make an offer to purchase them for future housing development. Meetings are scheduled with five organizations who have expressed an interest in scattered site development for affordable housing. 19. Mercy Charities Housing, California The City will provide Mercy with approximately $550,000 to assist with the construction of a 56 unit affordable apartment complex designed for low income residents with large families. The total project costs are approximately $4,600,000 and will be primarily financed through the California Tax Allocation Committee (CTAC) tax credit program. 11 A delay was experienced in this project as a result of the administrative procedures in CTAC's tax credit program. The issues were resolved last May and the project has begun to move forward. The project is currently in design with completion estimated by September, 1996. Construction is anticipated to be completed by summer of 1997. file:\vince~luly96qt.vqt 12 / Summer 1996 New Look to Transform ornamental luminaires on peacock green fluted, tapered poles have been selected ~o line the sidewalk. h e s 'hv e n u e ter Seasonal banners would be attached to both sides of the poles, highlight- Trees, pedestrian improvements to build on ing events of the season. Customized street signs have been designed with historic theme of "Main Street" a black matte background and white reflective lettering. A downtown i plan to transform down- clock tower or public art piece at icon made of sheet metal with the town's Chester Avenue has been these intersections when funds detail cut-outs will decorate the completed. The blueprint calls for re- become available, street name signage. creating Bakersfield's main street from Several types of street trees will What will give the street Truxtun Avenue north to 24th Street line the avenue. Planted in tree wells drama, impact and shade is the into an attractive, memorable, and with tree grates, and in planter landscaped median. It features comfortable pedestrian environment, pockets adjacent to the curb, is the London Plane trees, a large decidu- The emphasis is on 'a greener and "Shademaster" Honey Locust. A ous tree with maple-like leaves and cooler urban forest effect while medium sized deciduous tree, it open bare branching for holiday simultaneously revitalizing downtown combines light shade and canopy, lighting displays and visibility to as a commercial and business destina- while allowing visibility of storefront allow open views to merchant tion. and signage from vehicular travel, signage. Lawn interspersed with The southern and northern Purple Leaf Plums and Crepe Myrtles flowering shrubs and groundcovers entrances of Chester Avenue at would be the flowering accent trees Continued on page 4 Truxtun Avenue and 23rd Street will planted in strategic locations. serve as main focal points into the Where basements exist they downtown. These intersections will would be planted in accent receive special treatments. They will containers. The plum tree is a be complemented by flag allees small deciduous tree with providing a dramatic effect and dramatic copper-red leaves in directories identifying the location of spring, turning to dark purple, businesses. Concrete 12" x 24" precast then greenish bronze in late pavers will enhance the crosswalks, summer. Crepe Myrtles thrive Brick paving in a herringbone pattern on hot summers, have great with double brick banding will be flowers, beautiful fall color and found at all sidewalk intersections, very dramatic branching in the The 19th and 20th street inter- winter. Pedestrian level street sections also will be enhanced to create a more pedestrian-oriented lights with double acorn zone by opening the comer node spaces and paving the crosswalks. The Oreening of Chester Avenue: Amenities will include a kiosk, Improvements for Chester Avenue benches, trash receptacles, and lighted include new trees, street'lights, and landscaped medians. The plan will bollards. Such components will open create a more pedestrian-friendly up spaces and are ideal locations for environment along Bakersfield's public art, temporary art displays, and "main street." street vendors. The plan calls for a g,~ ..... ~,y o/~ .... ~. ~ao,, c~^,,o~s Furniture Businesses Discover Makers . Southeast Advantage Build On I o a io , access to transportation, tax credits Southeast cited as keys to success Crystal Geyser Water Com~ Squeeze products in Bakersfield, using Incentive Area piny faced a choice: find a new flavorful rem County fruit juices em..lo..lat Y location for its Bakersfield plant to mixed with natural sparkling water. projects to handle a new beverage line, or Besides the Juice Squeeze, the facility over 200peopleexpand its current East California also bottled all flavors of Crystal Avenue facility. After considering Gey__s~er's Mountain Spring Sparklers. i product not associated many alternatives, Crystal Geyser From this quiet facility, the company with Bakersfield is set to become a chose to stay in its existing location, has distributed these popular products large employment sector in the increasing activity at one of south- nationwide from Bakersfield. Incentive Area: furniture. By the east Bakersfield's largest When Crystal Geyser end of this summer, two furniture employers, decided to launch a major manufacturers will settle into new Most people n~l~]~[l~, ew product line, the locations near each other, em- may not know that~ search was on for the ploying over 200 people in an Crystal Geyser best place to area long targeted for increased bottles many of produce it. The hiring and investment, its products in ~ Bakersfield facility The first company is L&A Bakersfield, let alone was at capacity. at the corner of East Building a new plant, Oak Designs, Inc., a locally- California and Lakeview though, would be a much owned company that has pro- i Avenue. This best kept secret of more expensive proposition. The duced and shipped quality oak products from its IncentiVe Area, ! locations, however, offered just what decision to remain in southeast the company needed--room to add Bakersfield and expand on site offered site for several years. When it. 9,400 square feet to the former almost 35,000 square feet of space. came time to move to another ~ supermarket-turned-bottling plant~. From this expansion comes the location, the company turned to i Besides providing additional company's new Tejava Premium Java the City of Bakersfield. The city's investment and keeping people Iced Tea product. This pure brewed dual commitments to southeast employed, Crystal Geyser is one of bottled iced tea has received rave Bakersfield and business reten- , several businesses tapping into the reviews at taste samplings throughout tion helped L&A keep its 6~ ' / benefits of doing business in southeast town, promoting the product that Continued on page 7 i Bakersfield. The Calistoga-based comes from the nondescript building i company had just off Lakeview Avenue. ~ been operating at Why southeast Bakersfield? Of ~'L~,~, <~'~ >'~ ~?-~'<~ the site for course, the question should be, why (~ ~ ~OOT"~T ~ several years, not southeast Bakersfield? This area ~ [ D~K~FI~L~ They have offers some of the lowest-priced ~. ~. ~ ~ ~v~ ~ ?~< . industrial land in Bakersfield, imme- ~ ~< ....... employed people ~ J ' :~ from the sur- diate freeway access, and a unique ~.~ ,~- z~,, ~ rounding neigh- incentive package offered nowhere : ~g k.:,~ ~<~x~, ~: :. :~,,.. ~ borhoods and else in Kern County. It also is home ~. .. ~ ~ .. ,.: ..~ I .... ~ ..... quietly bottled to many companies doing nationwide ~N ~¥~ ~,...... I . ~ t~ I their products. (and worldwide) business from :%8a5 ::~ ":~,:l i ~ ~ i ~ {-) I Without much southeast Bakersfield locations. ~ ~ ~' ,,~,~,~5~: I ............ notice, Crystal Doing business on such a large :~:::~"- . = :"'~'~ ~"~ ~:~ "' '~":':":' I Geyser has scale is a natural for nearby Calcot, . ~.., ~l~l~:~-..:..s~g;¢~:;.:~:g< I' ~ II I ~ I faithfully bottled Ltd., the cotton cooperative. Calcot ,rtl I ~~__ __ __ all eight Juice ~ ~ .ILL I II t Continued on page 3 Businesses Discover Southeast Advantage Continued from page 2 coordinates the marketing and the hiring credits and sales tax credits have allowed the company to distribution of Kern County's largest reduction on equipment purchases, hired employees from the surrounding crop, cotton, to countries around the Employers' Training Resource area and the sales tax credits reduced globe. The company frequently hosts has provided Newhouse with eligible the overall cost of machinery and visiting foreign dignitaries at their employees and offered additional equipment. East Brundage Lane site. incentive programs to reduce hiring Both the city of Bakersfield and Transportation access is one of and training costs. Newhouse cites county of Kern are committed to Bakersfield's selling points, and this ETR as one reason he has had very helping businesses take advantage of access is evident in the little turnover among his all available programs and incentives. southeast. Freeway 78 ~ A, A,~,LTD ~ five employees, a key to this commitment is a part- provides California s {~l~l_~,~,,~ [ ! The Canadian-bom nership with Employers' Training northernmost all weather ~ [ Newhouse points to the Resource. ETR's Marilyn Hallman east-west route and ~~'?.~J area's affordable rent that calls and visits as many businesses as passes right through the -~'~.i~,~ helps offset the high will let her in to show how she can southeast. Look at a map of , ~ production costs for his save them money. Hallman gets California. When you travel north vinyl liner products. His Incentive Area employers signed up of Bakersfield, the only way east from process requires strict in-house for the state tax credits with no cost California is through Sacramento on monitoring, thorough, independent involved. She also offers ETR's own Interstate 80 or U.S. 50, both routes laboratory testing, and long-term incentives, such as the On-the Job often blocked by winter weather, record-keeping to manage 20-year training program, which can reduce When 1-80 and U.S. 50 are closed, warranties. AccuLiner also competes an employer's training costs by 50% how does that eastbound traffic leave on the world stage, shipping their during the first six months. Hallman California? By heading back to finished landfill covers to customers refers inquiries about local govern- Bakersfield and across Freeway 58 around the world from Bakersfield. ment services or programs to city or through the southeast. This vital link Another former Southern county staff for follow-up. in Bakersfield's transportation access California business operating in the With all these advantages, how ties with Interstates 15 and 40 in southeast is Domino Plastics. Owner does the word get out about the Barstow, providing direct access to Adam Schwartz bought this successful benefits in southeast Bakersfield? the nation's heartland. Newport Beach plastics business and First, there is a team effort that In addition to the area's afford- moved it to East 21st Street in 1992. promotes the area to clients. Using able locations and transportation Domino Plastics makes a product their successful Team Bakersfield access, many parts of southeast everyone uses, but no one thinks approach, City staff works closely with Bakersfield offer significant state about how or where it is made: wallet Kern Economic Development Corpo- credits through Bakersfield's Incen- picture inserts. The company pro- ration (KEDC) to showcase southeast tive Area ("enterprise zone") pro- duces as many as 10,000 inserts a day, Bakersfield to prospects. Then there gram. These savings reduce a business' plus CD and computer memory chip are the many companies already doing state tax liability to Sacramento, holders. From southeast Bakersfield, business here, a ready pool of business while providing incentives to hire Domino Plastics serves a variety of ambassadors satisfied with the area. workers and make significant capital customers, including luggage manu- Add county staff, ETR, and local investments, facturers in Canada and the East brokers to the mix and you can see the A believer in the program is Coast. His location is highly acces- broad base of support eager to sell one Douglas Newhouse, owner of sible to suppliers and support services of Bakersfield's best kept secrets. AccuLiner, Inc. Newhouse moved his such as hydraulic supplies and instru- For more information: David company from the Los Angeles area mentation. Lyman Economic Development, 326- to its location just east of Union The Incentive Area program has 3765 · Avenue. The Incentive Area program enabled Domino Plastics to reduce has saved the company money with the costs of doing business. Hiring Excerpted from an article in Bakersfield magazine and reprinted by permission. Pair Leads to Full House First time homebuyers, mortgage credit certificate programs build home ownership Although Bakersfield remains within the incorporated limits of the deductible expense. The 15% tax one of the most affordable cities in the City of Bakersfield. credit can be taken for each year the state, California housing prices con~ · Maximum household income limits borrowers occupy the property as their tinue to exclude much of the low~ and apply. These income limitations are principal residence. The borrowers moderate4ncome populace from the established by the U.S. Department of may choose to access the tax savings dream of home ownership. To make Housing & Urban Development and by reducing their Federal tax with~ this dream a reality, the City of Bakers~ adjusted for house hold size. holding on a pay period basis, or elect field offers two programs aimed at "first · Loan funds are first used toward to take advantage of the accrued tax time home ownership": the First Time satisfying 50% of required down savings on an annual basis together Homebuyers and Mortgage Credit payment. The remainder, if any, can with the filing of their Federal tax Certificate programs. For these be applied to non-recurring closing forms. housing programs, first time home costs. Other significant program ownership means not having owned a criteria include: principal residence within the most · Acquired property must be located recent three years, within the incorporated limits of Common to both programs is the Bakersfield, California City, Delano, requirement that the prospective t~ Ridgecrest, Shafter, Taft, Tehachapi Or borrowers be approved for primary ~ Wasco. financing (a major loan secured by first · Maximum household income limits trust deed) from one of the many apply. These limits are substantially Bakersfield lenders participating in the greater then' those allowable under the programs. Here is a look at both FTHB program (up to $65,240 annu- programs: ally). First Time Homebuyers Program * Maximum purchase prices apply (up (FTHB) To date, approximately $765,000 in to $206,000). The FTHB program provides a Federal assistance has been leveraged · The requirement for "first time loan of up to $3,500 for the benefit of with $16,400,000 of private sector homebuyer" is waived if purchasing a qualified applicants. This loan is non- financing to help 264 local house- principal residence in a "target" area. interest bearing and requires no holds achieve home ownership. The MCC program provides the opportunity for increased cash flow monthly principal payment while the Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC) through a reduction of the borrowers borrower occupies the home as their This "affordable housing" program Federal tax obligation. This benefit is "principal residence." Payment in full also provides significant financial available for each year the borrower is required upon sale or transfer of title, benefit to qualified applicants, but it occupies the residence. or at the time the owners no longer use differs substantially from the FTHB Applicants meeting the criteria the home as their principal place of program. No money is provided for for both programs are eligible for residence. If the borrower resides in acquisition assistance. MCC's do, assistance under both the FTHB, as the home for thirty years, the loan is however, provide a Federal tax credit well as the MCC. forgiven. Other qualifying criteria equal to 15% of the annual mortgage For more information: Duane include: interest paid. The remaining 85% of Hilton, Community Development, · Property purchased must be located the mortgage interest paid is a tax 323-FTHB (323-3842). · New Look to Transform CheSter' Avenue Continued from cover will make the median user-friendly for street ~faires. Two mid:block pedestrian crossings at 17th and 22nd streets would encourage foot traffic while controlling vehicular movements. The proposed improvements are a result of the Chester Avenue Streetscape Master Plan developed by Urban Design Studio. After the master plan was completed in September 1995, the Central District Development Agency retained Lawrence R. Moss & Associates to develop the final project design based on the concept plan. With an estimated construction price of $1.8 million city sthff continues to look for construction monies for the streetscape. Construction is anticipated start in the summer of 1997. For more information: Donna Barnes, Economic Development, 326-3765. ~ -% 4- Mayor Wants to Hear From Local Employers Retention survey to spotlight expansion, hiring trends Are local employers representative will follow~up satisfied with metro Bakersfield? with each employer to monitor ~i Mayor Bob Price wants to know. the issues raised. Responses At a June 12 news conference, will be kept confidential. The Price announced the city will results will be compiled into a embark on its second survey of final document and presented area employers. "I want employ~ to the City Council in a few ers to tell us what is important months. to them," said Price. "Bakers~ field prides itself in being busi~ Price mentioned four reasons ness~friendly. I want that for such a survey: cooperative spirit to continue." The survey is the latest 1. to identify and solve phase of the city's business immediate problems that may retention program known as hinder an employer's viability; KEEP, Keeping Existing Employ- 2. to address issues before ers Profitable. Price mailed a they become a problem; Bakersfield Report Card: Mayor Bob survey to the top administra- 3. to educate local Price announces the city's latest reten- tor of every employer government about the tion survey. Price mailed about 400 in metro Bakersfield xc~ E~,. '0o wants, needs, and surveys to local employers with 50-99 with between 50 m" g' t' P perceptions of the workers in June. and 99 workers, business commu- About 400 surveys % nity; and were sent to both / o x ~ r, ~ o ~"' °~ 4. to direct any private and public employer problem areas to the appropri- alike. Surveys were sent regard- ate department for action. less of whether an employer is The first KEEP survey was within the city or not. sent in 1994 to employers with Each employer will be 100 or more workers. Accord- asked about plans to expand, ing to Price, "that survey · projections for hiring new showed that 91.5% of our workers, and their experiences' largest employers felt Bakers- in dealing with various city field was a good place to do departments. Any concerns or business." problems mentioned will imme- For more information: diately be referred to the appro- David Lyman, Economic priate department or agency for Development 326-3765. · action, with the request to develop an action plan for addressing the issue. A mayor's Company Chooses Bakersfield fOr New California Facility International oilfield service company relocated from City of Industry Houston-based ICO, Inc., an hopes to increase that number to 60 strengths of the area, Price continued, international oilfield service company, within two years. "ICO recognizes Bakersfield provides a c~hose Bakersfield as their new Califor- "ICO reports the chief advan- central location with clear access to nia facility. In the heart of California'srages of locating in Bakersfield is the California and national markets from oil and gas operations, this operation natural connection to the oil indus- our excellent transportation network." supports regional oil country tubular try, our quality of life, and being close City Councilmember Randy goods and sucker rod service needs, to their customer base," stated Rowles added his support to the "Our new Bakersfield facility Bakersfield Mayor Bob Price. "This project. "ICC) is another example of proves again ICO's commitment to our translates to reducing their cost of the Council's commitment to attract customers," said Roy Pickett, Vice doing business." businesses that create jobs," said President of Production Services. Price added that, "ICC) has a Rowles, who represents the area. "ICC) "ICO's regional customers in Califor- proven record of saving oil producers not only builds on our proud heritage nia will find our Bakersfield facility money. They were instrumental in Continued on page 7 logistically benefits their needs and rewriting the standards of the oil and offers the convenience of 'one-stop' gas service business. What is exciting shopping, is ICO will continue to introduce ~ ICO relocated their City of innovative solutions for exploration B ^ K ~ R s ~ , ~ L ~ Industry sucker rod inspection plant and production markets around the '!% * and expanding tubular operations to world from a Bakersfield business uslness Bakersfield. They employ about 40 address." skilled and semi-skilled people with Pointing out the transportation D lO Who: ICO Inc. What: Sucker rod plant operations, a base for mobile and well- head scanalog operation, and oil country tubular good inspections. Where: A 30 acre site at 4621 Burr Street Jobs: 60 jobs Bakersfield because... "its natural connection to the oil industry provides logistical benefits to our company and More jobs: Celebrating the announcement of ICO, Inc.'s move to Bakersfield are Greg i regional customer base." Whitney, Kern Economic Development Corporation; Bakersfield City Councilmember i our Randy Rowles; Bakersfield Mayor Bob Price; Larry Wolf and Mike Simpson of ICO, Inc. ~ --Stan Boren, Division Manager i for ICO, Inc. The company relocated to Bakersfield fi.om the City of Industry. I Photo courtesy Kern Economic Development Corp. I Furniture Makers Build On Southeast Continued from page 2 , [~LUE?IV, INT5 is published by the employees on payroll while moving to upscale antique furniture reproduc- a nearby location better suited to its tions. City of Bakersfield Economic needs. The city will provide $200,000 City assistance came in the form in financial assistance. In return, the of a loan toward the purchase of a dust company has agreed to offer a large collector, a key piece of equipment for portion of its positions to low- and any furniture manufacturer. The city moderate income residents. David Lyman, Editor offered L&A slightly better loan terms Guy Chaddock & Co. sells :~ Andre Devereaux than those offered from conventional their products nationwide, primarily Jan Fulton financing sources. In return, L&A through interior designers and agreed that at least 51% of all jobs designer showrooms. Kern Economic Contributors: would be made available to low- and Development Corporation has Donna Barnes moderate-income persons for two years, worked closely with city staff for over Charles Webb L&A's new location is in Freeway two years on this project. 58 Business Park, the same East "These two furniture manufac- Duane Hilton Brundage Lane location where it had turers operating in the same Incen- been operating. Its former site will not tive Area business park means an We are interested stay vacant for long. A large Los increase in business activity in Our address: Angeles-based furniture manufacturer southeast Bakersfield," said Eco- 515 Truxtun Avenue, plans to move its headquarters opera- nomic Development Director Jake ', Bakersfield CA 93301. tions to Bakersfield, using L&A's former Wager. "We continue to work with ' Our fax: 805 861-TEAM. location. Guy Chaddock & Company businesses seeking a cost-effective © City of Bakersfield 1996 plans to transfer about 85 workers from' location, and these two compames { · Los Angeles and hire another 45 validate the benefits available in employees locally. The company makes southeast Bakersfield." · Company Chooses has certainly expedited our decision head Scanalog Operations, and Oil Bakersfield... to locate here," according to Stan Country Tubular Goods Inspection. Continued from page 6 Boren, Division Manager for ICO. The existing 10,000 square feet "All of their help with air permits, multiple building layout will be as an oil producing community but utilities and streamlining our loca- converted to meet ICO's needs. also recognizes the advantages of tion process was a great benefit to our The real estate purchase was teamwork, creativity, and a desire company. The City of Bakersfield completed by Vince DeMarco of to excel." also cut the red tape in their permit- Watson Realty and Mel Khachigian "The Team Bakersfield ting assistance with their Team of Cai-Western Properties. ICO, concept of easing the permit Bakersfield approach in the develop- Inc. (NASDAQ-ICOC, BSE) process, coupled with the key ment and planning process." serves the energy industry by locational advantages of Kern KEDC was initially contacted testing, inspecting, reconditioning County, makes Bakersfield an by ICO in August 1994 when the and coating sucker rods and tubular obvious business site," stated Jake company was first considering goods, basic tools used in explora- Wager, Bakersfield's Economic relocation. Since then, KEDC and tion and production for oil and Development Director. "Using our the City of Bakersfield worked with natural gas. Founded in 1970, they project manager concept, clients ICO to secure a site and obtain the are noted for pioneering the sucker are consistently impressed with the necessary permits of both the City rod inspection and reclamation City of Bakersfield's customer and the San Joaquin Valley Air business. service -- it sets us apart from the Pollution Control District. For more information: Andre rest." The ICO facility, located on a Devereaux, Economic Develop- ICO representatives praised 30 acre site at 4621 Burr Street, will ment, 326-3765. · their dealings with Kern-Economic include Sucker Rod Plant Opera- Development Corporation. "KEDC tions, a base for Mobile and Well- 7 NAPD 13,000 square foot training and educa- White-stu~coed Mth a ti'led roof, tion facility along with a 2,700 square the southwest-style architecture of the n°tooses foot administration office, main building is highlighted by a well Carlson Development is nearing landscaped interior courtyard. To completion on the $1.75 million encourage the continued "greening" of · _,,,~ l.r~'-wn*ow'- project for NAeD. When finished, downtown, the Central District Devel- the facility will serve approximately opment Agency provided for the · 150 clients daily with job training andinstallation of street trees that will Agency buys c ty- education classes to assist them in surround the entire block. becoming more productive members For more information: Charles ~ .,.°wnedblock fornew of our community. The new down- Webb, E~onomic Development, 326- tacility town location will employ 25 staff 3765. · ~,. members. In one project the City and its 22nd Street redevelopment agency achieved two · important goals: keeping the revitaliza- tion momentum downtown going and helping the disabled citizens of our community. How was this accomplished? The City sold a vacant block they owned at ' 21st and M streets to the National Association of People with Disabilities (NAPD). NAPD is a local organiza- tion that provides a variety of pro- grams and training for developmen- tally disabled citizens. With commu- nity support; NAPD has continued to grow in the number of clients they serve and services they provide. To keep up with their growth, a new training facility and administra- tion office was needed. Because NAPD clients reside in every part of the city, 21 st Street they wanted a central location to reduce their transportation costs and keep it convenient for everyone. The Newest downtown project: NAPD's new ~towntown facility will encompass an entire city block, providing ample parking and landscaping. 21st and'M site fit their needs for a  · U.S. POSTAGE -- PAID B A K E R $ F I E L D BULK RATE Economic and Community Development PERMIT NO. 883 City of Bakersfield Bakersfield, CA 515 Truxtun Avenue ADDRESS CORRECTION REQUESTED Bakersfield, CA 93301 -~.. :':!. BAKERSRELD Nl-Arnedca City 1990 MOVED? ~fwe do,Vt ha~¢ ¥o.r correct address, let us k .... 515 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301. Please Recycle ~