Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/25/97 BAKERSFIELD CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE MEMORANDUM July 25, 1997 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL.c, FROM: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER //'/~ / SUBJECT: GENERAL INFORMATION / 1. A memo is enclosed regarding available funding for the Chester Avenue Streetscape project. We will have an additional $250,000, due to a grant from the California Transportation Commission and are continuing to look for other sources to adequately fund the project. 2. A status report on the URM Incentive Program is enclosed. 3. Attached is a summary of the Fair Housing Program statistics for the fiscal year ending 1996-97, with a comparative analysis to the previous year. 4. The arena construction schedule through mid-August is enclosed. Dirt removal activities have slowed - they are doing sheet piling or shoring work that is necessary prior to moving on with excavation. 5. An update on the annexation program is enclosed. The progress is, overall, going very well. 6. Also enclosed is a memo regarding our kick-off plans for refuse collection in the newly annexed Casa Loma area. The attached "welcome flyer" and Automated Service Brochure will be handed out to residents in the area by August 1st. 7. Our tax credit allocation for the Mortgage Credit Certificate program has been significantly reduced, so we are considering a second mortgage program through the California Rural Home Mortgage Program. A major advantage of the new program is that it allows higher income limits, so we could offer assistance to more families and individuals, while still continuing to assist those with lower incomes. A memorandum from EDCD is enclosed. Honorable Mayor and City Council July 25, 1997 Page 2 8. The June activity report for the Department of Recreation and Parks is enclosed. 9. As you are probably aware from the media, the first motions were made on the arena lawsuit this week, and the judge has the matter under advisement. This is a preliminary motion - we can win, but can't lose at this stage. "Losing" here simply means we go to the next round of preliminary motions. 10. We are preparing a mailer to go out to those who may want to reserve a suite early for the arena. If you know of interested parties, please give me a call or drop me a note, so we get them on the mailing list. We'll advertise it also, but, often, people don't see such ads. AT:rs cc: Department Heads Pamela McCarthy, City Clerk Trudy Slater, Administrative Analyst B A K E R S F I E L D Economic and Community Development Department MEMORANDUM July 17, 1997 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Jake Wager, Economic Development Director ~x~~?~ SUBJECT: Additional Funds Needed for Chester Avenue Streetscape Project The purpose of this memo is to advise you of two occurances that are now impacting the proposed Chester Avenue Streetscape Project. As you may be aware, the City of Bakersfield received a single bid for the Chester Avenue Streetscape Project. Unfortunately the bid was high and exceeds our current available budget. Staff is continuing to identify additional funds and/or economize in some areas of the project in order to bring it in at the available budget while preserving the essential elements of this project. On July 15th, the city was advised by the California Transportation Commission that we have been awarded the $250,000 EEM grant. The following is a breakdown of funds that are or might be available for construction in excess of the original budget: Original Additional Revised Funding Source Available Funds Available CDDA Funds $448,000 $448,000 CDBG Funds $685,000 $685,000 TEA Grant Funds $623,000 $623,000 EEM Funds $250,000 $250,000 Clinica Sierra Vista (CDBG) $87,000 $87,000 Desert Counseling (CDBG) $50,000 $50,000 Totals $1,756,000 $387,000 $2,143,000 The optional funding sources are Clinica Sierra Vista and Desert Counseling, both of which are projects that would require no City Council action and the transfer of funds could be handled R E C E IVE O C)TY MANAGER'S OFFICE administratively. As a side note, it is our understanding that in order to preserve TEA and EEM grants funds for the project, we must build the project we submitted in the grant proposal. This means that the scope of work must be substantively the same as our proposal. However, some savings may be achieved by revising construction techniques and materials used in the project. Do not hesitate to contact me if you have further questions. cc Raul Rojas, Public Works Director Alan Christensen, Business Manager Donna Barnes, Development Associate Jacques LaRochelle, Engineering Services Manager Arnold Ramming, Civil Engineer III PSBUDGET~EEMGNT2.MEM B A K E R S F I E L D Economic and Community Development Department MEMORANDUM July 22, 1997 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager ~ FROM: Jake Wager, Economic Development Direc SUBJECT: July URM Activity Report The July URM activity report has 98 applications for properties participating in the URM Incentive Program. Currently 16 properties have been granted reimbursement checks representing a total of $64,093.95 in retrofit projects. They include: 801 18th Street, New China Cafe 1330 19th Street, Serrano's Furniture 822 18th Street, Thorp's Motorcycle 1918-1920 Eye Street, Jelly's (Former Water Company Building) 2526-2530 Chester Avenue, Waterbed Warehouse and Mattress Outlet Building 1025 18th Street, Italian Grocery Store 1207 19th Street, The Mint Building 1928 19th Street, Old Paine Mortuary House 2407 Chester Avenue, Granada Furniture Building 2101 Chester Avenue, Guarantee Shoes 430 East 19th Street, commercial property 1017-1023 Baker Street, vacant retail space 2509 Chester Avenue, Patton's Discount Office Furniture Building 1914 Truxtun Avenue, medical office 1919 Chester Avenue, Palla property 1228 19th Street, Griffin Pawnbrokers RECEIVED In addition, 24 properties have been given authorization to start their projects (ie. Notice to Proceed). We anticipate processing several reimbursement checks before August's report. Furthermore, 24 applications are awaiting documents prior to issuance of notice to proceed, 10 applications are awaiting expression of intent by property owner, and 24 applications have been determined inactive or ineligible. Recognizing the increased reimbursement activity, the "first-come, first-served" nature of the incentive program, and our collective desire to accelerate this project and progress we continue to bring active accounts to closure. We have witnessed more phones calls and counter contact due to a new contractor from out of the area that has aggressively solicited retrofits and participation in our program. This memorandum is intended to provide you with a brief update on the status of the URM assistance program. A more detailed memo will follow based on our July 15, 1997 meeting with Development Services. cc: Jack Hardisty, Development Services Director Dennis Fidler, Building Director Jack Leonard, Asst. Building Director Mike Quon, Building Plan Check Engineer Andre Devereaux, Development Associate, ED/CD p:\urm\urmmemo, at B A K E R $ F I E L D Economic and Community Development Department MEMORANDUM July 22, 1997 TO: JAKE WAGER, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR GEORGE GONZALES, COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR VINCE ZARAGOZA, PRINCIPAL PLANNER .,~ FROM: BRET J HELGREN, FAIR HOUSING DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIA SUBJECT: FAIR HOUSING FISCAL YEAR 1996-1997 STATISTICS Please find a copy of the fiscal year end statistics for 1996-1997 attached to this memo. A comparative analysis between this fiscal year and last fiscal year reveals the following: · Discrimination calls on the fair housing hotline have significantly increased from last fiscal year's 154 discrimination calls to this fiscal year's 223 calls, a thirty-three percent (33%) increase. Discrimination calls now constitute seventeen percent (17%) of all calls received on the hotline as compared to twelve percent (12%) of all hotline calls during FY 1995-1996. · While the total number of overall calls remain statistically unchanged, (1,412 for FY 1995-1996 and 1,372 for FY 1996-1997), the total number of discrimination cases reviewed and investigated by this office rose forty-four percent (44%), (36 filed cases in FY 1995-1996 to 52 filed cases during FY 1996-1997.) These cases were filed from 123 registered complaints. · Twenty-four cases or forty-six percent (46%) of all cases were mediated. Fifteen of the twenty-four mediations ended in mutual resolutions and written settlement agreements, a sixty percent (60%) success rate. · Nine cases or approximately eighteen percent (18%) of all cases were ultimately referred to enforcement agencies for administrative legal proceedings and prosecution under fair housing and other related Acts. The remaining cases not resolved or forwarded for adjudication were either withdrawn, administratively closed for lack of cooperation and responsiveness or were determined to have been not substantiated after investigation. The basis of discrimination for complaints and inquires received break down as follows: Race: ............. 49% Gender: ............ 1½% Religion: ........... 1% Familial Status: ..... 29½% Disability: .......... 3% Marital Status: .......1% Other Arbitrary ...... 15% *Other includes age, sexual preference and other protected classes under case law. It appears that the significant increase in discrimination calls and cases filed (while overall calls have slightly dropped) is indicative of the program awareness level in the community and the local need to facilitate equal opportunity in housing. Further supporting 'this conclusion is that many of the complainants are word of mouth referrals from friends and relatives having prior experience with this office. CITY OF BAKERSFIELD ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT FAIR HOUSING OFFICE Fiscal Year 1996-1997 Statistics NUMBER OF CALLS 1372 HOUSING CONCERNS: Discrimination Counseling (Provider) 18 Discrimination Inquiry (Consumer) 205 Tenant/Landlord 936 Other Agency 213 POTENTIAL DISCRIMINATION CASES INTAKE: Complaint packet mailed 123 Complaint packet returned 52 Client dropped complaint 0 Case re-opened 0 CASES: Carried over from last period 3 Established this period 52 Closed this period 51 Open cases 4 MEDIATION: Successfully resolved 15 Unable to resolve 9 TESTING: Telephone tests 0 Confirmed allegation of discrimination 0 Did not confirm allegation of discrimination 0 On-Site tests 0 Confirmed allegation of discrimination 0 Did not confirm allegation of discrimination 0 CASES CLOSED: Referred to DFEH 9 Referred to HUD 0 Referred to private attorney/legal aid 1 Referred to Department of Justice 0 Complaint withdrawn after investigation 5 Uncooperative/could not locate complainant 4 Closed by successful mediation 15 Complaint did not allege housing discrimination 2 Investigation did not support allegation 15 SUBSTANTIAL SERVICE CALLS DEMOGRAPHICS Fiscal Year 1996-1997 NUMBER OF CALLERS WHO WERE: Male 29 Female 59 Female Head of Household 117 Non-English speaking 3 HOUSEHOLD SIZE: One 26 Two 49 Three 57 Four 33 Five 25 Six 8 Seven 5 Eight or more 2 Pregnant 0 INCOME LEVEL: Low 166 Moderate 39 ETHNICITY: American Indian 3 Asian 1 Black 78 Hispanic 43 Caucasian/European descent 80 Other 0 COMPLAINTS BASED ON: Race/color/national origin 102 Sex 3 Religion 2 Familial status 59 Disability 5 Marital status 3 Other arbitrary 3 CASE TRANSACTION TYPE: Tenant applicant 12 Established tenant 36 Sale 1 Advertising 2 Lending/insurance 1 PCL CONSTRUCTION SERVICES, INC. LOOK AHEAD SCHEDULE WEEK OF JULY 21, 1997 BAKERSFIELD ARENA DESCRIPTIONS 21 22 23 24 25 28 29 30 31 1 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 COMMENTS PERMIT /111, BUILDING BB IBB BBB iii FOUNDATIONS SHEAR WALL FND R37 MUD SLAB FORM REBAR POUR / SHEAR WALLS SOUTH 7/24/97 BAKRSCH.XLS 7.21.97 JULY AUG DESCRIPTIONS 21 22 23 24 25 28 29 30 31 1 4 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14 15 COMMENTS MUD SLAB __ __ ~ FORM .......... REBAR POUR I PERIMETER WALL FOUNDATIONS START AUG 18 I I I I WALLS IIII STARTAUG 20 7/24/97 BAKRSCH.XLS 7,21.97 BAKERSFIELD CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE MEMORANDUM JULY 24, '1997 TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER FROM~,//'~'OLORES 'FEUBNER! ASS,STAN'F TO 'F~-~E C,TY MANAGER SUBJECT: ANNEXATION PROGRAM UPDATE There has been a great deal of activity with the annexation program over the last few weeks that I wanted to update you on. The first event was the official annexation of the Chester area on Friday, July 18, 1997 when the annexation was recorded. Basic services are now being provided to the area. In addition, Public Works is developing plans for installation of street lights for the whole area and curb, gutter and sidewalk work particularly adjacent to Stella Hills School. They are working on time lines, locations, costs, etc. I will forward you those plans as soon as they are ready. The projects will be funded with the $100,000 of CDBG money that was approved in the FY 97-98 budget for the Chester area. Per a previous memo, we will be holding a "Welcome to the City" Faire and neighborhood clean-up on August 16, 1997 in the area. The second event was the "Welcome to the City" Faire held in Casa Loma on July 19, 1997 at Casa Loma Park. We had approximately 150 to 200 attendees from the neighborhood who came to get information about all City services available and to meet Councilmember Carson. A special thanks should go to all of the departments that had staff at the Faire and especially Police which had approximately 15 officers that came by throughout the day to talk to and meet residents. We also held a neighborhood clean-up on that weekend which was very well attended by the residents. A status report from Solid Waste on the success of the event is forthcoming, however, an unofficial estimate indicates that we took in approximately 700 used tires. Neighborhood volunteers were picking them up from alleys, vacant lots and streets and bringing them to the site of the clean-up. On Tuesday, July 22, 1997 we held a neighborhood meeting in the Palm area which was attended by 8 area residents. The meeting went well and the sense from those that attended is that the neighborhood is interested in annexation. We will be sending the neighborhood surveys out in the next two weeks in both Palm and Olive which will precede the filing of the application of annexation for those areas in September. We S:kDOLORES\julanex.upd.wpd will also continue to hold meetings in the areas. On Thursday, July 24, 2997 we held the Southgate Business Forum where we invited business from the Southgate area to come and hear information about annexation. Approximately 40 business owners attended. Their were a couple of vocal opponents at the meeting which did have the effect of making the meeting less productive. However, several business owners came up and expressed interest in annexation after the meeting. We will be hosting another forum for businesses in August. In addition, we have two meeting dates for Southgate residents which are coming up on Thursday, August 8, 1997 at 6:00 p.m. and Saturday, August 23, 1997 at 10:00 a.m. These meetings will be focused on residential annexation issues and we will be aiming for larger meetings than our typical small neighborhood meetings. Finally, we are reinitiating the Dennen annexation as the Panama #12 annexation and focusing on the commercial properties. In addition there is a concentration of residential supporters adjacent to Panama Lane that we may also take in. We are currently working on getting consent letters from the targeted property owners. We will likely reinitiate the annexation application in the Fall. We have also done our introductory mailing in the Castro area and should begin neighborhood meetings in late August or early September. We do have a fairly good core of supporters in the area to start with. If you need any additional information, please let me know. S :"~DOL ORES\j ulan~x .upd.wpd B A K E R S F I E L D Economic and Community Development Department MEMORANDUM July 24, 1997 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager ~ FROM: Jake Wager, Economic Development Direct SUBJECT: Kern Cities Mortgage Credit Certificates (MCC) - California Rural Home Mortgage Finance Authority As addressed in the memorandum dated May 28, 1997, the City's tax credit allocation authority from the California Debt Limit Allocation Committee (CDLAC) has been reduced from $5.2 million in 1995, to $3.9 million in 1996, to $1.7 million in 1997. This reduction was caused by a change in the allocation formula adopted by CDLAC. The tax credit allocation provides the needed authority to implement the MCC program. The $1.7 million would allocation only provide 30 MCC's for Kern Cities participants. Given that these certificates are available to Bakersfield and seven other cities (with a total population of 324,848) we question the viability of this program. Staff has been working with the City's housing consultant to identify possible replacement for this very popular home ownership tool which provides higher income homebuyers the need assistance to buy their first home. California Rural Home Mortgage Finance Authority (Cal Rural) has been implementing a second mortgage program which is similar to the City's very successful first time homebuyers program. The program they offer, parallels the City's program, in that the downpayment assistance (up to 6% of the first loan amount) is secured by a thirty year second trust deed (at a 5% interest rate). Their program does require repayment while ours is forgiven at the end of the thirty year term (or if title is transferred before the expiration of term the full principal amount is due). The Second Mortgage Program (as it is known) requires no payment for the first ten years but interest does compound. For the last twenty years of the term, the repayment is fully amortized. One distinct advantage to the second Mortgage Program is the higher income limits allowed when compared to HUD's income restrictions. Thus, we would continue to assist the lower income household while also allowing us to assist higher income families and individuals. R EC ~VED :':TY h,~ANAGER'S OFFIC We have discussed this program with the other seven Kern County cities currently participating in the MCC program and they have expressed their interest in converting the Kern County allocation to the Second Mortgage Program. In addition, the Kern County Debt Advisory Committee of the County of Kern has also expressed an interest in pursuing the Second Mortgage Program. At the July 29, 1997 Board of Supervisors meeting the Committee will request an approval of a letter of intent to join the Cal Rural program. Should the County of Kern apply to join the program all residents of the County can then access to the Cal Rural program without any further action. One major benefit of joining the Cal Rural program is that Bakersfield/Kern County's $1.7 million tax credit allocation from CDLAC will be assigned to Cal Rural together with funds from up to 42 other California communities to comprise a combined bond pool of up to $60 million. This program presents no financial risk to the County or cities nor does it require City staff or funds for support. The final issue at hand is the timing of the submission and the preservation of the $1.7 million tax credit allocation for Bakersfield/Kern County. CDLAC's deadline for a submission of a tax credit application is August 15, 1997. The final resolution must be in CDLAC's office no later than September 1, 1997. The Board of Supervisors will be conducting budget hearings until August 25, 1997. The final resolution to join the Cal Rural program is scheduled for August 26, 1997. Should there be a delay in the Boards action, the Bakersfield/Kern County allocation may be at risk. I am therefore proposing to request the City Council approve a resolution at the August 6, 1997 meeting to assign the Bakersfield/Kern County $1.7 million tax credit allocation to Cal Rural if the County of Kern is not able to approve the necessary resolution. dlk:P:\GEORGE\MCCRURAL.MEM BAKERSFIELD PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager · . FROM: Raul Rojas, Public Works Director ~ DATE: July 24, 1997 SUBJECT: CASA LOMA AREA REFUSE COLLECTION Refuse collection in this new area got off to a good start with last weekend's special cleanup event. Over 58 tons (14 truck loads) of material were collected and either recycled or disposed of, including over 500 old tires. The automated cart system was on display at the neighborhood fair, and residents were very pleased to find out that all 600 homes in the area will soon be on the service. Considering that only 200 of the 600 homes have had trash service in the past, this is viewed as a great improvement. The automated carts will be delivered during the last week of August. To help with refuse collection in the meantime, we are handing out a 4 week supply of trash bags to all residents for use in the month of AuguSt. These are needed because 2/3 of the homes lack household trash cans. The attached welcome flyer and Automated Service Brochure will be handed out with the bags by August 1. By including the "Free Dump Days" announcement in the flyer, we hope to direct a large amount of accumulated material directly.to the County's landfills. KB: smp c: Karen Fisher, Police Department Dolores Teubner, Assistant to City Manager Andre Devereaux, Economic/Community Development 2ITY MANAGER'S OFFICE S:\WPDATA\R CASLOM.MEM ~ Your area has recently been added to the city limits. This entitles each household to trash collection service. Automated refuse and greenwaste recycling collection will be coming in September. From now until the new refuse carts are delivered, you will have curbside trash collection. To help, the City provided you with these trash bags. Please place the bags at the curb. Your trash collection days are Tuesday and Friday. Your collection days will change when your collection becomes automated. Bags must be out for pick-up by 6 am. Limit two trash bags per pick-up day. 401b. limit per bag FREE DUMP DAYS ARE COMmNG! THE COUNTY LANDFILLS. (See maps on reverse) This will be the time to get rid of your old appliances, furniture, swing sets, tires (Imnt--- 4 per person), etc.. If you need help taking your items to the dmnp look in the classifieds under clean-up and haul~ng-- ® m~,i.~ ~'~,4'i.~ ~.® B,&4~i.~ 4~I.® m ~ if I am' physically unable lo handle 1he Carls? ' ~ 'The Ci~' ~/11 provide free toll-out service for B A K E ' R S , F I' E L ' qualified residents. Medical verification is required. >- Please call for more information. ' utomated ' Refuse and What if my collection day falls on a - Greenwaste >- If your,trash Or greenwaste service falls on or Ro¢¥¢ling after a holiday, ~service will be delayed one day Jl~ ~l~ that week. Forexample:IftheholidayfallsonaTuesday,-; service will be on Wednesday. Wednesday's service will be delayed tO Thursday and so on. Holidays are: dan. Ft July 4th Thanksgiving Day Z)ec. 25~ '~ ~, The resourceful way to take the tra3ht. 'For mom intomm~iOn or queslions about refuse collecfionand recycling, Men. - Friday, 8 am - 5 pm Solid Waste Division m n < ~ =, Solid Waste Division public Works Dept. O. = _. ~ ~, 4101 Truxtun Ave. city of Bakersfield .'- -=-- ~ ~ ~" Bakersfield, CA 93309 Your neighborhood will Soon be part .of Do I r'~'cd speck31 conl~iners? ~. Carts placed near vehicles, other carts, or any_ a new automated refuse and green- oth6r obstruction cannot be picked up._~ waste recycling system: > Please set' your cart out by 6 am on collection ~- Yes, thc City will provide you wi~ special new day. ,Carts should bc kept out of view from thc -, ~ carts which arc included in thc price you already street Or alley between pick-up days. :~ These carts are.much larger and more ddrablc than your old cans and they should adequately Whclt if I have bulky ~'rlems [i.e. couch, -~ hold your. trash and yard cuttings, refrigercn'0r, etc..}? ~-Your old cans may be put to good usc as recycling containers._ Recycling ~op-offcentcrs >-Look in thc classifieds under cleanup and arc located throughout, thc city. Please call for hauling serwces for more information. . more information, z - ~ fWhat ifI get lost, stoleh 'How many containers will I get, and what lype of refuse Can I put in them? ~-Automated collection is exactly what it says. Instead of having a worker lift your refuse into the track, a mechanical arm does it for you. The ~ You will receive 2 containers; 1 greenwaste worker is in the truck cab operating thc recycling cart and 1 m refuse cart Thc carts ' mechanical arm, which is a safer and more ~411 be picked up once a week on separate days. c£ficicnt way to handle your refuse and grecnwaste. · Tan Refuse Cart-~ All REGULAR household trash. ;' Greenwaste Recycling Cart+ Grass, leaves, Why is automQted colleclk:)n Izngt~er brush, and small branches. Grcenwaste is ltxan ~radilional me, hods? recycled into compost and mulch for hom~ and >- Carts are labeled with your address and cart · garden use._ serial number· Before reporting your c~rt as - mis~ing, please verify ,that it was not misplace& > The curbside containers are maneuverable and Whoa shoUld ldo on collecliondoy? ~-The City will repair~or replace all damaged easy to roll· No more strained,, backs from ~containers at no charge, except thOse damaged "carrying out the garbage." -- due to negligence or abuse. ~ Place your cart on ~e sidewalk curb, with the >- Automation eliminates manual loading, thus handle facing your house. ' ~- Carts are assigned to the property address. If you reducing job related injuries. move, they must be left behind for the new >-'You need to leave at least 5 fi. of space around resident. ~" It allows us to collect garbage more efficiently, the cart. DIVISIONS OF RECREATION AND PARKS DATE: July 18, 1997 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Stan Ford, Director SUBJECT: Monthly Report for June 1997 The information below is a general overview of the divisions activities for June. Detailed information is available. If you have any questions or require additional information, please let me know. STAFF I have attached copies of correspondence that I received that complement the staffon their progress of reaching our continuing goal of world-class customer service. I would request that you consider incorporating recognition for these types of compliments in the city's employee recognition program. Also attached is a copy of an article that I co-authored a couple of years ago. Several individuals have expressed interest in finding out more about how I implemented a reinventing government approach to parks and recreation in my previous position. The article Was published in the February 1995 issue of Parks and Recreation. RECREATION Concerts: The concert series has started at both Beale and Silver Creek parks. They continue to be very popular and will continue through July 20 at Beale, and August 12 at Silver Creek. Aquatics: The pools opened to the public on June 9. Attendance for recreational swimming in June was 15,505. Swimming lesson registration for the first session was 683, and 893 for the second session. Competitive swimming had 582 participants. The first of three operational safety audits was conducted by Elli'~~Oci~..'~-~:: The auditor reported that we "looked good" for a new client. iJUL 2 5 1997 ~CIT¥ MANAGER'S Summer Playground Program: This program also began on June 9. Average daily attendance for the month by park site was: Grissom 55 Jastro 18 Lowell 26 Siemon 30 Stella Hills 20 Wayside 84 MLK Center: Total participation for the month was 2,652. The staff also collaborated with other agencies on several community events. Camp King began on June 16 with 105 participants. A new program; Healthy Mind, Healthy Body, Healthy Community, which is designed for seniors started on June 9. Hershey Track and Field Track Meet: The first Hershey Track and Field meet was held June 9 at Bakersfield College. There were 43 participants. Softball: This program has three co-rec leagues and four mens leagues. Total participation for the month was 2,070 and there were 1,035 spectators attending the games. Basketball: The men's basketball league concluded with playoffgames at Stockdale High School. There 90 participants in the tournament and approximately 200 spectators. PARKS Lights at Tevis Park: This item was covered in a separate memo. As mentioned at that time, shielding has been ordered and the lights have been re-aimed. Siemon Park Tennis Courts: This was also addressed in a separate memo. Centennial Rose: As previously mentioned, the majority of the plants had been stolen. Staff has procured additional plants and will be taking measures to avoid future theft of the plants. c: Community Services Citizen Advisory Committee John Stinson, Assistant City Manager Gail Waiters, Assistant City Manager Division Supervisors ~hanks for a job'well done! WEST HIGH SCHOOL KERN HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES 12o0 NEW STINE ROAD J. B~yan Batey BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA Bob J. Hampton 93309-3599 Sandra V. Serrano Fred L. Starrh (805) 832-2822 Connie Watlenbarger FAX (805) 831-5606 SUPERINTENDENT DONALD E. CAUTHRON, PRINCIPAL Thomas N. Jones, Ed. D. June 18,1997 City of Bakersfield Parks Department Terry Mc Cormick, Now that the 1996/97 school year is behind us here at West High school, I would like take this opportunity to give special recognition to Randy Blay and Joan Shepherd, two employees of the City of Bakersfield responsible for the care and rnaintenance of Patriots ~'""]~ ~,,,,,,. I have had the opportunity to watch the quali~ and care of the park increase throughout the year as they both have dedicated themselves to the cleanliness and safety of the park for the general public and the students at West High-school. I would also like to give a special thanks to Randy Blay for his profound interest in the personal sal~ty and security of the public and students in this area. Through good communication with me and a caring attitude, Mr. Blay made me aware ora potentially dangerous situation regarding a sex offender exposing himself to students in the park. Through his hard work, diligence, and ability, to recognize potentially dangerous ~,~;,..~,;.,,.o,,~,,,,,,~, I was able to apprehend this individual as he was about to expose himsel( or worse People like MR. Rlay and MS. Shepherd make the difference, and exemplify the mission of the City of Bakersfield by providing a safe, pleasant, and enjoyable atmosphere for the citizens of Bakersfield. On behalf of myself, the students, and thculty of West High School, again, 1 commend them both tbr a job well done. ledon Senior Investigator West High School AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION / EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER B[INV[NTIN6 R[CR[RTION · ·here is a revolution taking place in American government. The White House, state legislatures, county commissioners, and city councils all are actively "reiu- venting" their goveruments. Two publications, Osborne and Gae- :~! .. bler's Reinventing Government: How the Entrepreneurial Spirit is Transforming the Public Sector and From Red Tape to Results--Creating Government that Works Better: The Report of the Nation- al Performance Review are the primary treatise sparking this uprising. Public sector park and recreation profession- als are joining in the battle cry and ad- vocating entrepreneurial public service provision. Reinventing government not only im- pacts parks and recreation but has in- spired parks and recreation to make i; snme changes of lheir nwn. An examl)le of this can be found in Rio Rancho, New Mexico. Reinventing Rio Rancho Incorporated in 1981, the City of Rio I Rancho was recognized in 1989 as the ~ fastest growing "small city" in tile Unit- P & R F E B R U A R Y I 9 9 5 ,)~,, 6 I ed States, with a 224% rate of growth, mands for services continue to grow at Catalytic Government: Steering Today, Rio Rancho is the lifth largest a rapid rate. In response to the needs of More, Rowing Less city in the state and boasts many at- an ever-changing and-growing popula- tractions for its' residents in terms of tiou, the department has made a delib- Municipal leisure services depart- employment, housing, and their quality erate effort to "reinvent" itself. This merits are shifting from sole provider of life. reinvention process has gained the de- and producer status to being one of The Department of Parks and Recre- partment 14 national and state awards many parties responsible for creating ation faces many challenges as the de- since 1990. leisure time activities and facilities. The effective leisure services profes- sional enters into partnerships with the private and volunteer sectors. Many / parks and recreation departments use volunteers for the parks, employ con- tract maintenance services, and solicit corporate sponsorship for special events or facility construction. It is ar- guable that leisure services profession- als have long recognized their need to steer more and row less. At Rio Rancho, prior to reinvention, the department's programmers planned and led the majority of the ac- tivities offered by the department. The current approach is to have the pro- grammers plan and monitor each pro- gram rather than lead the leisure activ- ities. Instead of being the direct service producers, the programmers facilitale the provision of parks and recreation Don't Think Twice goods and services. The responsibility for orchestrating About Saving A Life themajorityofprogramsnowrestswith contracted personnel and volunteers.  This allows the department to offer a much greater variety and number of programs. Community-owned Governance: Co-producing Rather than Just Serving You don't have time to worry about cross-contamination An entrepreneurial parks and recre- with a victim in need of CPR. ation manager recognizes that he or she Specific'ally designed for rescuer protection, cannot do everything alone. The re- the CPR Microshield provides a flexible barrier with an sulting cooperative provision of leisure anti-reflux valved airway to prevent contact with services should be pursued for a variety the victim's bodily fluids, of reasons, including: · Communities tend to be cominitted to Don't think twice about saving a life, use the CPR their members, and they work hard to Microshield in confidence for emergency resuscitations. serve their own best interests. Contact your medical disposables distributor today, or call · In many instances, the community co- 1-800-323-9035 producers understand their leisure ser- vice needs better than the paid profes- · Communities, working together over time, have a history of solving their G. RFI. MIGFIOSHIELD .... p ob, m . We,-o aniz a bu- reaucracies can deliver public goods PLEASE CIRCLE READER SERVICE CARD NO. 39 and services, but rarely do they solve 62 '~ P&R FEBRUARY 1995 community-based problems, pate--or not participate--in our pro- Recreation Department decided to · Community-based leisure services grams. Parks and rec personnel are adopt a consumer-driven phih)sophy, it tend to be more flexible and more re- striving to know our markets and deliv- became clear that it had to have citizen sponsive to their immediate needs, er the products and services consumers input regarding leisure service oppor- demand. As a result, many departments tunities. Competitive Government: are collecting essential nmrketing in- The lirst step was to create a parks Enhancing Market Share formation through a variety of methods, and recreation master plan, which his- Leisure services professionals have including customersurveys, communi- torically had been facility plans. An long recognized that the public has lim- ty-based needs assessments, direct con- analysis establishing the demand for ited time and money to invest in leisure tact with consumers, and citizens advi- the master plan was conducted in a services goods and activities. Conse- sory boards, rather innovative way. The department quently, many proactive departments Once the Rio Rancho Parks and administered a door-to-door survey of have competed with the private sector for consumers' time and dollars. In 1990, the Rio Rancho Parks and Recreation Department decided to re- design itschildren'ssummercamp, an Award Them With activity-based program with "typical warehousing" of community children. Medals As l~ldividual The new program is called Sportz- Camp. Itisaninstruction-basedpro- ASTl e¥ ~re. gram in which participants learn the rules anti skills associated with sports. The kids at your park are dif- To reinvent the summer camp, sev- |*Cl'CllU They're doing a lot lllOl'C eral major changes became necessary, with their lives than hanging out For example, highly qualified summer at the mall-they're setting goals camp counselors had to be employed, and working hard to achieve They had to possess a certain level of them. Give these kids the recog- proficiency in specific sports or activi- nition they deserve. Award thcln ties, compared to the counselors hired with custom medals from in previous years. The expense associ- Maxwell Marketing-per- ated with employing these experts was sonalized, one-of-a-kind calculated and passed onto the con- medals, with a hand sumers. The cost of the new and tm- crafted look and feel proved SportzCamp increased by ap- they'll appreciate. proximately 53%. Our custom medals Surprisingly, the enrollments in- are also very affordable creased as well-educated consumers - no one offers finer recognized the superior value of the medals - or better service new program. Later, surveys showed - for your money than that parents of participating children Maxwell Marketing. were highly satisfied with the Sportz- * Low manufacturer prices Call now for your free catalog Camp. · No die charge and Salnple. Our award special- SportzCamp is now the most recog- * Low 50 piece minimum ists have earned a nation-wide nizable program the department offers. * In-house designers with reputation for friendly, helpful Additionally, many private sector child 24-hour turn around time service - they'll make sure your care providers have had to respond to * On-time delivery - custom medals are perfect for your the quality of the program to compete guaranteed needs. Also available: Stock medals, with the camp. * Thousands of satisfied pins, patches, oak display cases Consumer-driven Government: customers in all 50 states and laser- Meeting the Needs of the engraved pi MAXWELL MARKETING People aques. A S S O C ' A '1~ E S. ' N C. Parks and recreation professionals are in the process of changing their P.O. Box 2336 Traverse City, MI 49685 1-800-331-1383 thinking, recognizing that taxpayers are consumers who make market-like choices when they decide to partici- PLEASE {~IItCLE READER SERVICE CARD NO. 40 P & R F F_ B Rtl A R Y I 9 9 5 0;: 6 3 570 residents. Department members help facilities operate in a self-sufficient land for parks since the community be- hand-delivered the instruments to a ran- manner, came an incorporated municipality. The domly selected sample and instructed Marketing information is used by the original ordinance remains intact, and respondents to take approximately one Rio Rancho Department to establish the city has acquired a majority of their' lo complele the survey. The team re- consnmer demands. Once demands park land via this method. The ordi- turned at a later time to retrieve the have been identilied, tile programmers nance also gives the development corn- completed instrument, try to match their offerings to con- munity the option of cash-in-lieu of raw This approach provided the opportu- sumer needs, land. nity for families to get together and dis- The result to date has been increased The connection between the land in cuss the survey questions. It also re- participation in programs, which--in the community, the community itself, duced the pressure of being rushed or turn--has contributed to the financial and the parks and recreation depart- distracted, and respondents reacted fa- success of most programs. Additional- ment led Rio Rancho to produce a pro- vorably to tile survey method, iy, the use of contract services has en- motional video. The show, which re- This same approach now is used for abled the programmers to control costs, views the department's facilities and program evaluations, personal follow- The combination of these strategies programs, was sponsored by a local real ups, and input from special advisory has enabled the department to move estate company that uses the video to boards and focus groups. These com- toward the establishment of enterprise showcase the quality of life opportuni- bined efforts have increased the de- funds for all programs and allows in- ties in Rio Rancho. As a result, this tool partment's participation rate to a level creased participation on the partofcor- benefits both the real estate profes- which is three times greater than the porate sponsors such as McDonald's, sionats and the parks department. national average. K-Mart, Kentucky Fried Chicken, and Reinventlon: Are You Next? Albertson's. Enterprising Government: A large number of leisure service Earning, Not Just Spending Market-oriented Government: providers face fiscal constraints and Most public agency managers think Leveraglng Change budgetary shortfalls during the 1990s. in terms of budgetary line-items and tax Parks and recreation departments They also must deal with a public that revenues. However, there are a few who can work to structure the marketplace is less tolerant of government ineffi- think in terms of fee structures and so that individuals and businesses are ciencies and wants government to do ,~eneraling a proli! fi'om lhe pruvision of given the l~roper incentives lo prnvide more with less. public goods and services, leisure services for their conmiunities. To overcome these challenges and Parks and recreation departlnents And municipal governments can use shape the future of leisure services have ample opportunities to use mar- their power to influence private sector management, we need to change the ket-like user fees to offset the costs decisions that can work toward collec- manner in which we conceptualize gov- that are associated with the provision of tire public goals, ernment. We need to develop a new vi- leisure services. Many departments As a relatively young city, Rio Rancho sion of government services delivery have established enterprise funds that has required developers to set aside and reinvent our agencies. · 64 ~ P&R FEBRUARY 1995