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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/24/03 B A K E R S F I E L D CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE MEMORANDUM January 24,2003 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager /~ 7"~u./, /'-'~--,~'. SUBJECT: General Information 1. Items of interest related to the State budget crisis: · Since we are uncertain what will happen at the State level with the Governor's proposed budget, we are continuing our comprehensive planning process for the current and future fiscal year budgets. The department heads and I met yesterday, and instead of reconvening today, we will postpone our second session until next Tuesday. Staff needed some time to review the proposals and compile more detailed information before we continue our analysis. · At the Kern Association of Cities meeting last night, Senator Florez was optimistic that the Legislature will vote in favor of raising the VLF back to prevent the cuts to local government. He also indicated they are working on some ideas regarding the redevelopment housing monies and a proposal for a .02 cent increase in the gas tax, with .01 cent going to local government for road maintenance. A memo is attached with further information. Let's hope the Legislature is leaning our way. · Three articles from this week's Sacramento Bee, covering topics on the Legislature's recommendations for budget cuts (far less than the Governor's proposal) and the Governor's stance on the VLF tax. Note that both the Assembly and Senate Budget Committees have rejected the Governor's proposal to halt payment of the VLF in-lieu fees to cities. · News article on Visalia's plan to deal with the budget shortfall. · Letter from Senator Ashburn indicating his support to protect local funding, which is very much appreciated. ~ - ---Honorable Mayor and City Council January 24, 2003 Page 2 2. The League of California City Managers' meeting takes place during the February 12'h Council meeting. Although one of our reactions to the Governor's budget will be to severely limit travel, that meeting may have great value as to how other cities are dealing with it, lobbying updates, and probability, etc. If we stay on the course of current trends, I feel it is essential that I go and have John Stinson cover the meeting. That is Super WalMart night, but any work on that subject will be done earlier, anyway. 3. On Monday, January 20'h, the newspaper featured the enclosed Community Voices article that was critical of the City Council and Redevelopment Agency actions regarding the land purchase costs for public projects in the downtown area. Donna Kunz submitted the attached "counterpoint" article, which has not been published, to date. 4. A report is enclosed with information on the process used to review rates for ambulance service within the city. 5. Per the enclosed news release, the Police Department announced yesterday that the Red Light Enforcement Program will officially start today, beginning with the intersections at Bernard and Oswell and Brundage Lane and Chester Avenue. Initially, there will be a 30-day warning period, but the Police Department will begin issuing formal citations after that. Installation of the next system will be at Truxtun Avenue and Coffee Road and is expected to begin next week. 6. An update on various EDCD special projects is enclosed for your information. 7. In accordance with a request from the Urban Development Committee, staff has been corresponding with several FAA officials. Enclosed is our most recent reply from the regional administrator again denying our request to expand the controlled airspace for safety reasons. The FAA has now twice denied us the right to shut it down and refused our request for air traffic control. I believe we have exhausted our appeal opportunities on both subjects. 8. A status report from Water Resources is enclosed regarding the construction progress of the Northeast Bakersfield Water Supply Project. The project is on schedule for an April 2003 start-up. 9. Congratulations to Cheryl Perkins, Treasury Supervisor, for receiving certification from the California Municipal Treasurers' Association. 10. The latest CIP Status Report from Public Works is enclosed. Honorable Mayor and City Council January 24, 2003 Page 3 11. Responses to Council requests are enclosed, as follows: Mayor Hall and Councilmember Benham Replies from GET regarding the lack of transit service to the Bakersfield Homeless Center and other locations; Councilmember Benham · Report on status of request for stop sign at 20'h and B Streets; · Response to citizen concerning the need for a bike park for local riders; Councilmember Carson · Update on Third Street and Chester Avenue crosswalk; Councilmember Maqgard · Feasibility study and recommendations for traffic control measures at Christmas Tree Lane and Columbus Street; Councilmember Couch · Status report on Riverlakes Ranch Master Association design review of apartment project on Southshore Drive; Councilmember Salvaggio · Status of surface repairs at railroad crossing at Hughes Lane, south of White Lane and north of Pacheco Road; · Timeframe for feasibility study of three-way stop at Lacy and Elmhurst · Status report on three-way stop at Faith and Doefield and traffic analysis results. AT:rs cc: Department Heads Pam McCarthy, City Clerk Trudy Slater, Administrative Analyst B A K E R S F I E L D OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER MEMORANDUM January 24, 2003 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: John W. Stinso ,~ssistant City Manager SUBJECT: Kern County Association of Cities Meeting Last night I attended the Kern County Association of Cities meeting in McFarland. The speaker was Senator Dean Florez who spoke regarding the state budget. He said that he expects a vote by the Assembly and the Senate on the Governor's mid- year budget cuts by Tuesday or Wednesday next week and that he has received resolutions from several cities regarding the raising of the VLF back to 2% which has been helpful. He said it is still uncertain that even if the legislature passes the VLF increase, whether the Governor will sign the bill. He said Senator Burton has said the Senate will "go home" if the Governor does not sign the bill, since they will be unable to work with him to adopt a budget. He indicated, he thinks the VLF fee is pretty much a done deal as far as the legislature is concerned and told the cities "don't start cutting yet, give us 4-5 days to work on this". He said they are working on several ideas regarding the redevelopment housing monies. Instead of capturing the housing set aside, the state could gain some funds by refinancing all the redevelopment debt state-wide. He didn't give much detail but it seems they are looking at alternatives to the capture. He also discussed another proposal to add 2 cents to the gas tax with 1 cent going to the state and 1 cent to local government for road maintenance. He also confirmed what I had heard from the League about VLF payment continuing absent any action from the Legislature. I asked if there was any discussion of booking fees in the budget deliberations. He and his staff said they would contact me to provide information on its status. Document2 ,.~The Sacramento Bee -- sacbee.com -- Panels carve out midyear budget cuts Page 1 of 4 7 Newsletters ~ Site Map I Subscribe to the Print Edition I Traffic I Weather I _Wireless Delivery  Search Archives or [ Site Search ~,~ (~rg~ Hey Top ~ I News l Sports I Business I Politics I 0pinion I Ente~inm~ I ~ifes~!e I Travel I Women I C!~.ssified.s I Homes I Cars I Jobs I vi I ~ Sacbe~.:/Politics Powered by: a~_~B~--~rn~t_~( Sections: 24-HOUR NEWS COLUMNS LEGIS~TURE INFO · g~r.~.~.Ur...~O!J~Jg~ · Ca!ilo.mia Insider · Legis.!ati~e_A~i. on...Center · Da n...Wa.!ters 30-DAY ARCHIVES · D~.~i~!...W~i~r~.u~ HULTIHEDZA, ETC. · C~.lJfornJ~ · Na~io~ · P.eger_Sg~rag. Au. di~_~id~oZSpe~.ia!..Ar~hives .:~;~ ............ ~'~ · El~.ion · .Loc~ i Go~e.r~ m~ nt Politics _Nurse $iena~C R N~(L_V N ..._. B._O._O K*_E!~..P_ ~.~. 'anels carve out midyear budget cuts ,ut the governor and Republicans say the trims aren't hough to end the fiscal crisis. SU.~_.P~.R_~...P~c~ ¥ John Hill -- Bee Capitol Bureau Admini~ativ~ t:~5 a.m. P~T Friday~ ~anua~ 24~ 2003 Proje~' .., islative commi~ees approved midyear budget cuts Thursday, but ~blicans and Gov. Gray Davis said they fell sho~ of what's needed to put ~.~r~.~.~d. ~e brakes on the state's fiscal crisis. EN~.EN Jnfo~unately, they didn't go nearly far enough," Davis, a Democrat, said in a SA~.LE~..F/~.. )ared statement. "We are facing an unprecedented problem, and we won't )lve it by nibbling around the edges." The corn mittees' ~_~eyi[e ......... recommendations are ~nsurance ~la expe~ed to be taken up in ~a~gem_ffnJ the Senate and Assembly next week. Budget writers said the differences .Carpeoters...H~ between the Assembly and Senate versions were minimal. But the committees did · depa~ substantially from ~DCIAL WOR} the proposals Davis made Fos~r Care in December and Janua~ for an initial round of cuts http://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/story/5973919p-6932520c.html 1/24/2003 ~The Sacramento Bee -- sacbee.com -- Panels carve out midyear budget cuts Page 2 of 4 in the middle of the fiscal MANAGERS o. yea r. Eor...~r.~. er_par They rejected many of the most severe cuts Davis recommended for health care ...N_.ARK.E~NG. and social services. These included eliminating benefits such as adult dental CQ.C)._RD!NAT_O care for Medi-Cal recipients and slashing rates paid to doctors and other providers. Office _Mgr to _Sac elec ... Assembly budget writers claimed that their committees' recommendations would erase $12.4 billion of the budget shortfall through the next fiscal year, CAgET_A~K~B_E estimated at $26 billion to $35 billion, pdv_a~e_dey, e!.c The Assembly's estimate would approach the amount proposed by Davis in D!RE~OR G.QY.ERN!?IEN] December and January. But the administration took issue with the claim, saying .CA ..... the numbers don't add up. DELIVERY US~ "We don't agree with their assessment of the magnitude of the cuts," said Anita s_eeking reliab Gore, a spokeswoman for Davis' Department of Finance. Part of the discrepancy has to do with a move approved by both budget ~!.es_..~r. gao.iz~ committees to delay more than $1 billion in educatiOn spending from June to July. Although checks to school districts would be delayed by only weeks, the $.a.!es..14ar.ket spending would be shifted to the next fiscal year and chalked up as savings in Coordinat.or_ the current fiscal year, which ends June 30. CON.S._T_RUC!I_( "It's not really reducing," said Assemblyman John Campbell, R-Irvine, vice PU_RC__H.ASIN_G_ chairman of the Assembly Budget Committee. .~arch.bro_o_k ENVlRQN~4EN' Both budget committees also rejected Davis' proposal to halt payments to cities Project_ Mare and counties to compensate them for loss of revenue from the vehicle license fee. The fee was reduced by the Legislature by increments starting in 1998. AU.?Q.BO D~_..! Cit~y....!m medi.~! But the Assembly committee approved a bill that would clarify the · circumstances under which the fee could be returned to its former level of 2 ~!.LE_.S_E~.!~.._ER..: percent of the vehicle's value. If the bill passed, Finance Director Steve Peace _W_AG_ES~_IN_T_~ could declare that the fee should go back up. That, in turn, would render the state's payments to cities and counties unnecessary, saving about $4 billion a Finance CHIE year. FINANCIAL OFF~'CER Davis has said repeatedly that he doesn't like the idea of raising the car tax. Instead, he has proposed $8.5 billion in other income, sales and cigarette taxes S_ U _R _VE _Y_ O_ g to fund a shift of state responsibilities to counties. S.a~ra_me_nto__._, Democratic lawmakers said the committee actions were good first steps to CLERICAL St~! solving the fiscal problem. .adminis~[ati~( Assemblywoman Jenny Oropeza, D-Long Beach, chairwoman of the budget committee, called it "a down payment on work to come." vi~ew All _T~p_ Her counterpart in the Senate, Wes Chesbro of Arcata, warned that programs that had been spared in the current round can't count on charmed lives. "The reality is that the problem is severe and not going away," he said. http://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/story/5973919p-6932520c.html 1/24~2003 ~;The Sacramento Bee -- sacbee.com -- Panels carve out midyear budget cuts Page 3 of 4 Democrats said they took most of the actions needed right away to garner savings. Republicans disagreed, saying that Democrats balked at some of the tough measures proposed by their own party's leader. "Our bond rating and our very ability to borrow money are at risk ... ," Campbell said. "If this state becomes insolvent, if this state can't borrow money, if this state's checks can't clear, then every program that everyone cares about will be in jeopardy." Davis seemed to agree with the Republican assessment, saying that" ... those who think we can solve this problem without painful cuts are in a state of denial. The longer we wait, the more painful these cuts will be." Democratic lawmakers said they needed more time to consider some of the more draconian cuts, especially those that aren't needed right away. "We rejected many of these proposals due to the crippling effect they would have on the state's health care system," said Assemblywoman Judy Chu, D- Monterey Park. Meanwhile, some of the actions the committee did take could prove controversial. Prisons, relatively unscathed in Davis' proposal, would have their budgets cut by releasing some nonviolent inmates one month early and releasing nonviolent parolees from supervision earlier if they successfully complete 12 months of parole. Another measure would prohibit prison terms for people convicted of shoplifting as long as their prior convictions were only misdemeanors. Inmates would be given work credits toward early release even if they were unable to work because no positions were open. And a controversial prison in Delano would wait a year longer to open its doors. The Senate estimated the prison and parole actions would garner about $188 million in savings through the next fiscal year. The Senate Budget Committee approved a budget-related bill that would allow K-3 classrooms to contain as many as 22 students, as long as the districtwide average didn't exceed the current limit of 20. The Assembly did not consider such a measure. About the Writer The Bee's John Hill can be reached at (916) 326-5543 or jhill@sacbee.com. Contact ~U~s/Fe_e_db_ac._k I Priv__ac_y .P_0_l_i_c__y I Terms of Use http://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/story/5973919p-6932520c.html 1/24/2003 The Sacramento Bee - sacbee.com -- Legislators have a go at Davis' budget Page 1 of 3 This story is taken from p_ol[tj~¢~ at sacbee.com. Legislators have a go at DaVis' budget A Senate committee recommends cuts that are far less than the governor's proposal. By 2ohn Hill -- Bee Capitol Bureau - (Published Sanuary 22t 2003) The Legislature got down to grappling with the state's fiscal crisis Tuesday, with the Senate Budget Committee reworking Gov. Gray Davis' proposal for midyear cuts. The committee recommended about $1.2 billion in cuts, far short of what Davis had proposed as a first step to dealing with a shortfall of at least $26 billion. But the committee planned to meet again Thursday to trim more spending, especially in K-12 education. The committee rejected Davis' proposals in hledi-Cal, such as a 10 percent reduction in the rates paid to providers and ending optional benefits such as adult dental care and medical supplies. It threw out his proposal to end payments to local governments to compensate them for lost revenue from reductions in the vehicle license fee. The panel plans to add some ideas of its own, in prison spending and fees paid by polluters. And it postponed some decisions until it has more information. Committee Chairman Wes Chesbro, D-Arcata, said the panel is focusing on actions that have to be taken right away to save money. "If it wasn't necessary for us to act now and there are substantial policy concerns, we are not taking those items," he said. In other cases, he said, the committee believes it would be premature to act before all the policy implications are considered, even if it means missing the opportunity to save money. In the Medi-Cal program, for instance, the Legislature needs to consider the effects of Davis' proposal to shift parts of the program to counties, and several bills to reform the state's health care system. "It would be premature to take dramatic actions on Medi-Cal" without considering those implications, Chesbro said. In other cases, the Davis administration hasn't yet provided enough information for the committee to act, Chesbro said. http ://www.sacbee. com/content/politics/v-print/story/ 5 95 5 916p-6915686c.html 1/22/2003 The Sacramento Bee -- sacbee.com -- Legislators have a go at Davis' budget Page 2 of 3 But Sen. Dick Ackerman, R-Irvine, vice chairman of the committee, said Democrats are avoiding the tough choices. "They were unfortunately showing an unwillingness to look at certain areas," Ackerman said. "The stuff they did today was the real easy stuff." Ackerman said he has asked nonpartisan Legislative Analyst Elizabeth Hill to estimate the costs in later years of failing to follow some of Davis' recommendations, such as ending a subsidized child care guarantee for former welfare recipients. "My feeling is that a number of those will be gargantuan," he said. Ackerman dismissed the idea that the Legislature needs more time to deliberate, saying that many of the cuts were considered -- and rejected -- in the past two budgets. Davis spokeswoman Hilary McLean said the Democratic governor believes his cuts must be approved to garner enough savings to start bridging the budget gap. "Each dollar we don't save now means more pain down the road," she said. The Assembly Budget Committee plans to meet Thursday. Speaker Herb Wesson, D-Culver City, said Tuesday that he expects the Assembly to approve a midyear budget package that would cover about $10 billion of the shortfall. Wess0n's number includes about $4 b!llion from increasing the annual fee that Californians pay to register their vehicles to 2 percent. That was the rate before 1998, when the Legislature started reducing it. For the past few years, the state has been paying local governments to make up for the revenue they lost from the fee reductions. Davis has proposed ending these payments without increasing the fee, meaning that local governments would have to get by with less. But Wesson introduced a bill Tuesday to clarify a law that determines when the fee should go back up. If the measure were approved, counties and cities could get the same revenue even though the state ended its payments. The Assembly would also make $6 billion in cuts and other adjustments for a total of $10 billion toward covering the deficit. Fire and police officials from around the state held a press conference Tuesday to rally support for Wesson's bill. In Sacramento County, as many as 400 sheriff's deputies would have to be laid off if the state ended its payments without the fee going back up, Sheriff Leu Blanas said. "These officers are right from the backbone of the department," he said. About the Writer The See's John Hill can be reached at (916) 326-5543 or_lhlllt~sacbee.¢0m. Budget proposals http ://www. sacbee.com/content/polifics/v-printJstory/5955916p-6915686c.html 1/22/2003 The Sacramento Bee - saebee.eom -- Legislators have a go at Davis' budget Page 3 of 3 Considering Gov. Gray Davis' proposed midyear budget cuts, the state Senate Budget Committee recommended: * Suspending cost-of-living adjustments for the elderly, blind and disabled: $24 million. * Reducing academic and institutional support at the University of California: $20 million. * Increasing workers' compensation user funding: $25 million. The committee rejected Davis' plans for: * A 10 percent provider rate cut for Medi-Cal providers: $90 million. * Ending payments to local governments to compensate for reductions in vehicle license fee: $1.2 billion. * Eliminating dental services for adult NedI-Cal recipients: $49 million. Go to: S.a.cb_ee / Bac.k.._tosto. ry ._C_qn_ta~,"tJ_U_s_/Fe_e_d_b.~c_k I Pr!v_~a_c_y Polic~_ I T__er_mms~o~f~J_se_ News I Sports I Business I Politics I O_Diniofl I Entertainment I Lifestyle I Travel I Women C~_rs I Ci.~_s.sJ.fl.e~.s I Home.s I ,!.0b_S I Y_Lrt. u.a._H.~.!! HellO I Newsletters I Site Ma0 I Subscribe to the Print Edition I Traffic I Weather I Wireless Delivery About Us I Advertise in The Bee I Advertise Online I Contact Circulation Customer Service I Events [ Sacramento Bee Web sites ] Sacbee.com I SacTicket.com I Sacramento.com This article is protected by copyright and should not be printed or distributed for anything except personal use. The Sacramento Bee, 2100 Q St., P.O. Box 15779, Sacramento, CA 95852 Phone: (916) 321-1000 Copyright © The Sacramento Bee / vet. 4 http://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/v-printYstory/5955916p-6915686c.html 1/22/2003 '~he Sacramento Bee -- sacbee.com -- Dan Walters: Davis, lawmakers, local governments ~... Page 1 of 2 This story is taken from politics at sacbee.com. Dan Walters: Davis, lawmakers, local governments doing weird car-tax dance By Dan Walters -- Bee Columnist - (Published Sanuary 24t 2003) There are many odd aspects to the state's immense budget crisis, but one of the strangest is the political dance over restoring -- or not -- the vehicle fees that were slashed by billions of dollars when the state was rolling in surplus money. The vehicle license fee (VLF) is a property tax on cars that's collected along with the state's $30 registration fee each year, and by long-standing law, all VLF proceeds go to cities and counties. About five years ago, Republicans began demanding reduction of the "car tax," as they called it. And over the next few years, under Republican Gov. Pete Wilson and Democratic successor Gray Davis, the VLF's bite on car owners was reduced in stages to less than one-third of its original size. Local officials, of course, were alarmed about losing a major source of no-strings-attached revenues, but the legislators and governors promised that the state's surplus-fat treasury would "backfill" the revenues to the locals. The politicians enacted a "trigger" that, they said, would automatically restore the tax if the state ever ran short of backfill money. It's now a nearly $4 billion-per-year budget item. Davis proposed last year that the VLF trigger be pulled and the tax be fully imposed on cars again, but it didn't happen because a bipartisan budget deal relied on borrowing rather than higher taxes. The budget shortfall grew wider, and now Davis is proposing what he says is a comprehensive plan to cover it. A big piece is his proposal to eliminate the VLF backfill to local governments, thus saving the state more than $4 billion over 17 months -- but he doesn't, for some reason, propose restoration of the VLF itself. The prospect of losing such a large chunk of unrestricted revenues has, understandably, sent city and county officials into a tizzy. And they're employing their most potent political weapon -- threats to cut popular police and fire services -- to demand that the VLF be reinstated. Scarcely a day passes without some new apocalyptic warning. On Tuesday, some of the state's top cops gathered at the Capitol to talk about how they'd be forced to slash patrols. On Wednesday, Oakland Mayor Jerry Brown -- a former governor whose chief of staff was Davis -- appeared before a Senate committee to echo those warnings. "This is not a time for polls as usual," Brown said in an apparent reference to the poll-obsessed Davis. "This is time for profiles in courage." · The question that lingers is whether Davis really wants the cities and counties to take a multibillion-budget hit or just wants the cops and local officials to fuel public anxiety so that when the VLF does return, it won't carry the onus of a "tax increase." http://www, sacbee.com/content/politics/v-print/story/5973922p-6932527c.html 1/24/03 ~The Sacramento Bee-- sacbee.c°m -- Dan Walters: ~aVis, lawmakers, local governments ,... Page 2 of 2 When Davis unveiled his budget on Jan. 10, he and his minions offered what may have been a deliberately unintelligible explanation for not reinstating VLF, something so technically complex and pointless that it doesn't bear repeating. When asked about it again during an appearance before the Sacramento Press Club a week later, Davis retreated into the same gobbledygook before being asked directly whether he was open to a reimposition of the VLF to replace the backfill or really wanted locals to take the $4 billion hit. Davis described himself as "very unenthusiastic" about bringing back the car tax but stopped short of saying he'd veto a VLF reinstatement bill being pushed by Democrats. Then he confirmed that he wants the locals to suffer, saying, "! want them to be part of the solution." Five days later, Davis' finance director, Steve Peace, added to the rancor by describing VLF money as the "crack cocaine of local government." Peace is a Iongtime advocate of boosting property taxes on business. Notwithstanding the word games, there's little doubt that Davis' underlings, either Peace or the director of motor vehicles or both, could reinstate the VLF with, as Brown says, "a stroke of the pen today." "It just takes a phone call, and it's done," Brown indirectly told Davis. Davis may not want to make the call for political reasons, but even if it's reimposed by legislation, he would have to sign a bill for it to take effect. At the same time, it's also fairly certain that the Legislature won't agree to eliminate the backfill unless the tax is reimposed. It's some kind of weird political dance whose finale is far from certain. About the Writer The Bee's Dan Walters can be reached at (916) 321-1195 or dwalters~sacbee.com. Go to: Sacbee / B_~_c_~_Lo Contact Us/Feedback I Privacy Policy I Terms of Use News I Sports I Business I 'P_q_lLt_i_c_s_ I Opinion I Entertainment I Lifestyle I Travel t Women Cars I Classifieds I Homes I ;lobs I Virtual Nail Help I Newsletters I Site _Nap_ I Subscribe to the Print Edition I Traffic_ I Weather I Wireless Delivery About Us I Advertise in The Bee I Advertise Online I Contact Circulation Customer Service I Events [ Sacramento Bee Web sites ] Sacbee.com I SacTicket.com I Sacramento.corn This article is protected by copyright and should not be printed or distributed for anything except personal use. The Sacramento Bee, 2100 Q St., P.O. Box 15779, Sacramento, CA 95852 Phone: (916) 321-1000 Copyright © The Sacramento Bee / vet. 4 h ttp ://www.sacbee.com/content/politics/v-print/story / 5 97 3 922p-6 9 3 2 5 2 7 c.html 1/24/03 ~ ,.fresnobee.comlSouth Valley Page 1 of 3 PLAN YOUR WEDDING WiTH STYLE. Home ~ LocaI News I Marketplace I Sports I CentralValley I JobQuest I Archive I acce,' }> NEWS ~ email this ~ print this ~ qet the daily ~subscribe to the print BE -- article article ~ Local · South Valley Po,tics Visalia braces for $7m in cuts Or, seato City manager will present his ideas to the council today forI!? ?',"~.~a Education dealing with shortfall. Crime & Court By Jason Platoons The Fresno Bee Expa Agriculture (Published Tuesday, January 21, 2003, 5:35 AM) Faith & Values Births En Espafiol VISALIA -- The state's budget crisis is hitting communities statewide, Local and city leaders here are preparing to deal with news that they may lose State kids more than $7 million -- roughly the size of the city's Fire Department Nation budget -- over the next 18 months. · Foam World on_p_pile f War on Terrorism This year's projected loss is at more than $2.1 million, while next year it Sports could be more than $4.5 million in general-fund dollars alone. Business Real Estate ' City Manager Steve Salomon will update the City Council today on what state Lifestyle he thinks the city should do to deal with the shortfall. · One d inlured Out There involvim Opinion The city's general fund is used to pay for services such as police and fire Columnists departments and to provide funding for parks, public works and City ·Contai Special Reports Hall government. Of the city's $35 million general fund, about 62% pays Bakersfi for public-safety services, rqodestc En Espafiol Galleries Obituaries Salomon has placed a hiring freeze on all open positions in city . San .lc leaves o Speak Out government, and he is ready to tell City Council members that he wants several all city departments with a stake in general-fund dollars to cut their Mobile Edition budgets by 10%. Natio~ Text Only · I_r. aq s, Weather The majority of the funding cuts are from the state's vehicle license fees, shot do~ Contact Us which all car owners pay when they register their vehicles. In 1998, disaqre( Feedback those fees were cut by nearly two-thirds. }> RESOURCES ~ Aborti su_~l~porb Marketplace But the fees were a major source of money for cities anniver,, Newspaper Ads Wade Yellow Pages statewide, and to partially make up for the cuts, the state agreed to Schools reimburse cities. Now, Gov. Davis is proposing lawmakers end the · west' blast kill Shops reimbursements. National Parks Sport Comics State legislators convened a special session this month and began , sulipu Crossword debating Davis' proposal, which would cut $3.4 billion in spending by to stay Games June 30 and calls for $6.8 billion in cuts and savings for the 2003-04 Newspapers in budget, which begins July 1. ,49ers http://www, fresnobee, com/local/sv/v-print/story/5948017p-6908171 c.html 1/22/2003 "~snobee.com I South Valley Page 2 of 3 Education Education, transportation and health and social services are the sectors .with 3 c Subscribe that would be hardest hit. · Dodge ~* COMMUNITIES table fora Central Valley City staff members have frozen three positions from the 2002-03 budget. Vide en el Valle A fire prevention inspector, a park maintenance worker and a personnel Visalia Cityview analyst will not be hired, saving the city about $200,000. Neighbors Cityview A major impact might be felt in the city's redevelopment agency, which C~ovis tries to pump up blighted areas of the city.with projects designed to Indel~ndent attract businesses and homeowners. Cornmuni~ Calendar  Find events : happening in Before Davis announced his budget this month, the city was bracing to the Valley lose at least $1 million in redevelopment funds. Under the proposed cuts, News Right Nowl ~ Get the latest, the city would stop seeking a loan program that encourages downtown [tl~lf] breaking news property owners to convert their unused second-floor spaces into ~ l delivered to your -'---' ~n-~ox. housing. An end also would come to a program designed to attract restoration projects in the city's historic districts. In addition to losing $4.5 million in vehicle license fees in 2003-04, Visalia also may lose more than $200,000 in booking-fee reimbursements from the state. The city currently pays Tulare County a fee that helps pay the cost of housing inmates at the jail. Officials are expecting the city to lose $150,000 more in funding from other changes as well, driving the total loss in 2003-04 to more than $5 million when lost interest earnings are taken into account. The city keeps a reserve account to help pay for vital city services such as fire and police, if necessary. The reserve is currently about $8 million, Salomon said, and could be used as a Short-term solution. But that's not something the city wants to do on a permanent basis, he said. The reporter can be reached at jplemons@fresnobee.com or 622-2409. IF YOU GO The Visalia City Council will receive an update on state budget cuts and what they mean to city services at 4 p.m. today at Visalia City Hall, 707 W. Acequia Ave. The meeting is open to the public. Speak Out! on News We invite your comments about this article. _Registration is required for participation in our Speak Out! forums. Please be aware you are entering a public forum and your messages can be viewed by others. If you are trying to contact the reporter, please visit our About Us section. You only need to register once. If you have already registered please click on Post to participate or View to read messages. http://www.fresnobee.com/local/sv/v-print/story/5948017p-6908171 c.html 1/22/2003 STAT~' CAPITOL sacramento, ca 95814 SENATOR ROY ASHBURN EIGHTEENTH SENATORIAL DISTRICT January 15, 2003 City of Bakersfield .Attn.: ~aJa0..Ta_~_dy, Ci~tyJVlan_____age~r 1501 Truxtun Ave. Bakersfield, CA 93301 Dear City Manage~T'~dy, Thank you for taking the time to sharo your thoughts on the need to protect local funding sources as the state continues to address its budget crisis. As always your views are most appreciated. Rest assured that while I support necessary cuts to ensure that our state is not further impacted by the slowing economy, I will be working to protect funding to local jurisdictions. As a former county supervisor, I will object to any plan that disproportionately imposes cuts to cities and counties. I have long been an advocate of local government and I remain committed to that belief. Again, thank you for taking the time to share your views with me. Your feedback is most appreciated. If there is ever an issue that I may be of assistance to you in the future, please do not hesitate to contact me. Best regards, Roy ashburn '" '~ :;, .'::' :.~":;.i ~:/;-:,~:',. ' ;·',::;',' ..:.' ,.'. -..: _.,·:. bakersfield.com - Opinion Page 1 of 2 bakersfield com , nome. : ~amet~rtace,.. t:nte~inmen[ commumty: .etp' News Home I Local I Business I Sports I Entertainment I Features I Opinion I Columnists I Religion ............................................. HQ.m.el~age > News Home > ~ _P. ri0._t...t_his_~.[c.!e. ~ Eme. iL!;his.ArticJe ~ Discuss..!~h.i.s. ~ Search ~ page I ~j Community Voices / Jack t~n Balfanz: PublicagenciesOpinion .avigation =: mau.n~ and need business ins s Monday danua~ 20, 2003, 06:15:06 PM Editor ~:~ ~ Dianne Hardis~ ~ Email Recent a~icles in The Californian disclosed that ~o new ~ ~ 395-74~4 affordable housing projects are to be developed in the ci~ of Bakersfield in the near fu~re. ~ .~.c.e.~Lgg.r[~.c~i.~.Bs The first project featured is 80 units of apa~ments to be SoapBox built adjacent to the Bakersfield Senior Oenter on Fou~h Street. The majori~ of these units will have a single bedroom and bath and be approximately 600 square feet. There will be no swimming pools, tennis coups or garages. These units will be offered exclusively to Iow- and moderate-income seniors at rents substantially below market. That's the good news. The bad new is that the projected cost is almost $8 million or $100,000 per unifi Most of the cost is being funded with a grant from HUD. The ciys share is several hundreds of thousands of dollars. Discussion The other project is the brain child of the Ci~ Pa~icipate in online discussions with other bakersfield.com usem. Redevelopment Agency. The a~icle indicated that the agency was purchasing eight acres of vacant land across from Central Park for $2 million or $250,000 per acre~ The C.b.~ developers of the successful No~hwest Promenade paid PaAicipate in online chats with about half that amount for a much larger parcel in a other bakersfield.com users. superior location. Stay up-to-date on local news and The obvious analogy is that knowledgeable entrepreneurs ente~ainment by geeing understand the fundamental economics of a deal and that newsletters sent to your email. politicians and bureaucrats think they do. Perhaps the ci~ thought it was buying prope~ across from Central Park in New York Ci~. The prope~ does have an irrigation canal Sound .Off Share your criticisms, on one side so maybe they confused that with beach compliments or questions about frontage, news coverage. Questions are answered by Executive Editor These projects are ~pical examples of how inept the Mike ]enner. http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/story/2490405p-2545260c.html 1/22/2003 bakersfield.com - Opinion Page 2 of 2 public sector is in providing affordable housing. The amount of money being spent on these projects should Local Poll - Pre.~t!ous Results produce at least a third more units than what is being Should parents be able to proposed, alter the genes they pass on to their children? I trust that most of us do no object that our tax dollars are C5 Yes. I'm all for using being used to create sensible, affordable housing. These science to make our children programs provide Iow- and moderate-income families an stronger, smarter and more opportunity to experience a safer, healthier and more immune to disease. comfortable environment. It is this kind of social consciousness that will make our community a better C'~ Yes. But only to avoid place for all of us. disease and birth defects. C~ No. Gene tampering is What is unconscionable is the waste and excess that is so immoral. We should accept synonymous with affordable housing. We must challenge life as it is. our elected and appointed officials to make them more accountable for such excesses, Is our City Council in a coma? Did the failed City Center debacle permanently impair their ability to make rational financial decisions? Did they seek counsel or expertise from anyone in the private sector as to what reasonable cost should be incurred in developing these projects, It was my understanding that at least some members of the City Council were experienced business and professional people, If this is their perception of a proper oversight of public resources they should consider resigning or at last not seek re-election, Jack Balfanz is a real estate development consultant and past-president of the Building Industry Association of Kern County. Community Voices is an expanded commentary that may contain up to 500 words. The Californian reserves the right to republish contributed commentaries in all formats, including on its Web page. ~ [~r.[~_Lt.!~.!.~_~rticl~ ~ ._E.m.~il. tl~i.s...~,.~!_c..t~ ~ D.i~.~...~!3!~ P~g~ Copyright © 2003, ~be...Bake.rsfie!d..Ca!i.[p[r~!ar[ I Emai!..the..Webmas~(e[ ~,ew~.~, a~ t~. r. _v.~_c. y_. _P_ cfi (;:y. State_me_[~t I ~_erm s_oL.U.~ http://www.bakersfield.com/opinion/story/2490405p-2545260c.html 1/22/2003 Community Voices This is in response to Mr. Jack Balfanz's recent commentary on public financial participation in redevelopment projects. Over the years, and especially prevalent in the 60's and 70's as cities have grown, development occurred in the suburban areas surrounding the city. The primary reason for this was the relatively inexpensive cost of abundant vacant land, and the related development cost savings for the builders. As suburban neighborhoods sprang up, commercial followed. Our once vibrant downtowns became empty shells with streets of vacant retail and commercial buildings remaining in the aftermath. Downtown became a virtual deserted island with limited or no activity. This lack of activity led to further retail business failures, and provided an invitation for crime and blight, all contributing factors in the ongoing spiral decline and mass retail exodus downtown. Bakersfield was no exception to this experience. Over the past 10 years, downtown revitalization has returned. In more recent years, substantial public investment and reinvestment in cultural arts, special districts, streetscape themes and destination entertainment centers now compliment the rich cultural and diverse community thriving in our downtown center. One component that is still missing is sensible affordable housing, which is also a critical aspect of achieving sustainable commercial development in our downtown. Rarely are public agencies fortunate to locate parcels of land in their downtown that are vacant (not requiring relocation of businesses and homes), environmentally clean and under single ownership for their large projects. The city found such a site located adjacent to Central Park. These typical urban development obstacles add hundreds of thousands of dollars to the cost of a project after a parcel is purchased. A beautifully designed affordable housing project is being planned in conjunction with a local private housing developer. The project will bring over $10 million dollars of private 'investment to our downtown. These seven acres sat idle and blighted for many years due to lack of developer interest in building downtown housing. The entire real estate development economics of this housing project were examined when the price for this land was negotiated. In addition, the downtown housing project is a direct result of a community vision, a market study, much arm twisting in the development community and some amazing state and owner financing opportunities. If it were easy and a "fundamental investment" for a private developer, it wouldn't need any public encouragement or financial assistance! Through public participation, complex and difficult projects that would not be attempted by the private sector because they do not make "economic sense" receive focused attention and the financial investment required to make sense. These projects also reverse deteriorating conditions, create jobs, revitalize businesses and add to our affordable housing stock. Most importantly, they gain further private participation and investment from citizens and developers to areas which would not otherwise occur. Thank you community and business minded City Council and Redevelopment Agency members, for supporting necessary public financial participation in key projects. Donna L. Kunz Economic and Community Development Director City of Bakersfield B A K E R S F I E L D OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER MEMORANDUM January 22, 2003 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager Ci~Ma~e FROM: John W. Stins~,,,, ,-,osistant r SUBJECT: Ambulance Rate Setting History and Process You requested that I provide some background information on the process used to review rates for ambulance service in the city. The City began regulating ambulance rates in 1969. Between 1969 and 1984 the city tied its rates to those allowable in the City of Los Angeles. In 1984 this approach was changed by the Council to one where staff conducted rate surveys of several other cities and reviewed this information 'with the City Council and ambulance providers to determine rates. Staff would make ,recommendations regarding proposed rates and the Council, after review by the Budget and Finance Committee and discussions and negotiations with the ambulance providers would adopt certain rate adjustments or in some cases changes to rate categories. Ambulance companies generally would justify the rate changes due to cost of living increases, increases in insurance costs, fuel costs, etc. This process was time consuming for the Council, staff and the ambulance providers. There was often much discussion and disagreement between the city and the ambulance companies about the validity and comparability of cities used for survey purposes given the number of variables that affect local ambulance rates and emergency services such as geography, economic and work force differences, state and local regulatory practices and service delivery standards. That is why staff in the past would typically take a simplified approach and look at similarly sized-cities and to the extent possible compared rates and looked at percentage increases proposed for rate categories for reasonableness when compared to cost index information. As indicated above, Council would then make the final determination as to the reasonableness of rate increases and take action to implement changes to the rate structure. Councils would often modify the rates from those originally proposed by ambulance providers or recommended by staff and would add or remove rates categories in some years. Ambulance rate structures are not consistent throughout the State or Kern County and due to differences in billing methods, State and Federal reimbursement methods and limits, inconsistent rate categories, and local regulatory and operational criteria the comparison and benchmarking of rates is cumbersome and a somewhat subjective process. For example, the City of Bakersfield Ordinance requires that all ambulances responding to emergency calls be staffed at an Advanced Life Support (ALS) level, other cities may. not have that requirement. Some providers have the ability to utilize a "laundry list" of fees for additional items such as use of a cervical collar splints, etc. Some have all inclusive fees. One of the cities S:~JOHN\Projects~MB~003 Ambulance Rate Review Process Memo. DOC surveyed in the past (Sacramento) has their Fire Department provide ambulance service and there is a $50.00 charges for a medical response by the fire truck where there is no medical transport. Some counties provide rate regulation and some do not. The County of Kern tracks but does not currently limit ambulance rates in the County. Some areas provide for exclusive operating areas for ambulance providers. Over the years the rate structures for Hall Ambulance (and previously Golden Empire Ambulance as well) within the 'City of Bakersfield and those for the unincorporated areas of the County of Kern have differed by varying degrees. There also may be some differences in the rates based on the different implementation dates of rate setting for geographic areas used for comparison. The County currently allows ambulance providers outside the City of Bakersfield to charge from a laundry list of additional charges on top of base rates. We have restricted the number of rate categories in comparison. It is difficult to precisely measure the net result of rate increases on the ambulance providers business absent a detailed audit. There are a multitude of factors, including state and federal reimbursement rates, contracts with private medical and insurance companies, the level of reimbursements for indigents by the County, and the amount of uncollectible charges which must be accounted for. It is also difficult to separate the non-regulated costs and revenues of the ambulance companies from those that are regulated by the city. These and other factors make rate review a complex matter. Rate review became even more complicated when the state gave virtually all .control over performance standards to County EMS agencies which resulted in the City regulating rates but the County setting performance standards and criteria. After the change to state law shifting responsibility for Emergency Medical Services to the County the City's only remaining roles in Ambulance regulation 'were determining the need and necessity for the provision of ambulance service (however, applicants must first receive a County permit) and rate regulation within the city. On March 10, 1995 the City Council, in response to a request by ambulance service providers, amended the Ambulance Regulation Ordinance to provide for a new method of ambulance rate review by the City Council. The Ordinance now requires the companies to submit their proposed rates by January 1st each year and that a public hearing be conducted within 60 days. The Council may increase, decrease, accept or alter the charges as submitted by the ambulance service providers. The new rates are to take effect on April 1 following the public hearing and upon adoption of a resolution by the City Council setting the rates. The new process was intended to provide a greater opportunity for public input and reduce the time needed to review every proposed change to the rates. The addition of the public hearing also provided an opportunity for the Council to determine the reasonableness (from the consumer's point of view) of a proposed rate increase. Staff receives rate requests and performs a basic review of the rate request information provided by ambulance companies and submits the proposed rates and supplemental information (such as rate surveys) to the Council. Pursuant to the Code any changes would take effect on April 1 following the public hearing. Therefore the City Council could if they desire, consider this matter at Council meetings subsequent to the public hearing which has typically been conducted in late January or early February. The code does not require action to be taken by a date certain; however it is assumed to occur prior to April Ist. Should the Council not formally accept by resolution the proposed charges or any modifications prior to April 1st, the application to alter the charges would be deemed denied and the current charges would continue to be in effect. I have attached a chart of past rate schedules for your information. S:~JOHN\Projects~,MB~003 Ambulance Rate Review Process Memo. DOC CITY OF BAKERSFIELD AMBULANCE RATES HISTORY I BASIC UFE ADVANCED ADVANCED ~ CHARGE NIGHT EMERGENCY OXYGEN WAI'nNG DISPOSABLE SUPPORT UFE LIFE SUPPORT PER MILE RATE RESPONSE PER STANDBY SUPPMES SUPPORT W/ ALS PROC. RATE CYUNDER TIME (15 rain) MAX.AMT. (1) Bet';;=c,n 1/27/69 and 1/11/84 rates were not to exceed those allowable in Los Angeles. Prior to 1/27/69 rates were not regulated. Adopted 1/11/84 (Res. 2-84) $97.00 $252.00 $5.75 $22.50 $25.00 $20.00 $14.00 Adopted 8/14/85 (Res. 111-85) $121.00 $284.00 $6.00 $24.00 $26.00 $21.00 $14.00 Adopted 6/17/87 (Res. 117-87) $133.00 $296.00 $7.00 $31.00 $27.00 $21.00 $14.00 Adopted 11/1/89 (Res. 183-89) $145.00 $175.00 $325.00 $7.50 $35.00 $30.00 $23.00 $14.00 Adopted 1/9/91 (Res. 2-91) $164.00 $200.00 $364.00 $10.00 $46.00 $36.00 $33.00 $17.00 Adopted 3/11/92 (Res. 85-92) $212.00 $227.00 $409.00 $10.85 $48.25 $30.00 $42.00 $17.00 Adopted 2/17/93 (Res.28 -93) $255.00 eliminated $470.00 $12.00 $54.00 $40.00 $46.00 $17.00 Adopted 3/22/95 (Res. 58-95) $255.00 $470.00 $12.00 $54.00 $40.00 $46.00 eliminated Adopted 3/97 $293.25 $540.50 $13.80 $62.10 $46.00 $52.90 Adopted 4/98 $307.00 $566.50 $14.50 $65.00 $48.00 $55.50 Adopted 4/99 $342.00 $575.00 $15.00 $67.00 $50.00 $57.00 $375.00 Adopted 4/00 $357.00 $575.00 $16.00 $70.00 $52.00 $57.00 $375.00 Requested 1/03 $536.00 $718.00 $21.00 $92.00 $92.00 $71.00 $375.00 (1) This category was added by the City Council last April to allow recoveryof disposable items not restocked by hospitals. Charges must be itemized and the maximum charge for ALS or BLS supplies is $100, and for drugs and medications the total is $275, with the total amount not to exceed $375. i,Bhonda S~,iley: BAKERSFIELD POLICE ~,EPART._M.ENT ....... '" · .......... .?~i~i,ii!i~J From: Mary DeGeare To: Tim Taylor Date: 1/23/03 5:24PM Subject: BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT BAKERSFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT P.O. BOX 59 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93302 Lieutenant Tim Taylor (661) 326-3896 NEWS RELEASE DATE: 01/23/02 Effective Friday, January 24, 2003, the. Bakersfield Police Department will officially begin the 30 day warning period of its Red Light Photo Enforcement Program During the warning period, drivers who disobey the photo enforced traffic signals at the intersections of Bernard and Oswell Streets, and Brundage Lane and Chester Avenue will receive a letter informing them that a vehicle registered in their name was photographed violating the red signal at one of those locations. The letter is only a warning and serves as an informational tool for the program as required by the vehicle code. At the conclusion of the 30 day warning period the police department will begin issuing formal citations · - requiring the driver to pay the fine for the violation, attend traffic school or appear in court to contest the violation. No doubt the next 30 days will be a significant learning experience for everyone from the violator to the court. This is the only warning period required, as other intersections come on-line we will immediately issue citations. The system installation at Truxtun Avenue and Coffee Road will begin next week. B A··K E R S F·I E L D · Economic and .Community Development Department ME M O R A. ND U M january 21,2003 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Donna Kurtz, Economic Development Director SUBJECT: Various SPecial Projects Update Central Park Cottages - Land has been acquired. A development agreement with Petrinni Homes will be considered by the RDA in March. A Project Zone change and Planned Urban Development designation was approved by Planning Commission Jan 03, and will go before the City Council in March. Baker Street - This is a mixed use, office, commercial and residential project encompassing most of 2 blocks between Lake and Kentucky. Developer RFP's are do back in to the department at the end of January. We sent out about 20 solicitations to interested developers. We have acquired two residential properties, are negotiating with a non profit Community Service Organization (CSO) for a large parcel adjacent to the City's parking lot and we are in the appraisal process for several others. We are also designing the streetscape from Truxtun to Niles in three phases. Public funding resources identified for the proposed project are outlined below: Section 108 Loan $1 Million Approved (Land Acquisition) BEDI Grant $ 250,000 Approved (Demolition/rehab) EDI Special $ 490,000 Approved- Streetscape Phase I EDA - Jan 04 * $ 650,000 Applying for - Offsites and Plaza (Phase III) EDI - Special 04* $ 500,000 CongressmanThomas is working on this for us for the Streetscape Phase III CDBG - 03/04 $ 251,500 Streetscape Phase II HOME' 03/04 $ 400,000 Land for affordable housing Total $3,541,500 · received very positive encouragement from EDA Rep. and Thomas's office C:\Documents and Settings\rsmiley\Loca] Settings\Temp\speciai projects update.doc Pool Financing Status - Section 108 funds Documents are being traded between our Legal, Finance, EDCD and HUD. We expect to have all the required documents ready by mid-February with funding available by mid to the end of March. CDBG funds are in place and we need to spend those funds first. We have been notified by the Public Works engineer, that all of consultants interviewed for the pool rehabilitation projects believe the projects may be short funded by $500,000. We will work to refine these numbers and plan accordingly from our 03-04 CDBG allocation should this shortfall materialize. Southeast - Various Streetscape projects - Section 108 Loan funds We submitted the application for $800,000 with HUD and are waiting to hear from HUD on approval and documents. This funding should follow closely to our other Section 108 loan financing for the Aquatics Center. Southeast - Technical Training Center This Project is proposed to be located on 2.7 acres of Housing Authority land on East California near MLK Center. We are in the planning, financial analysis and development stages and are working with a development team that includes: Manufacturers Assn, Bakersfield College, Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Mexican American Opportunities Foundation (MAOF) and the Housing Authority. The development plans include; a child development center, a vocational training school and a couple of small pads for retail and restaurant use. We have located a federal funded competitive technical/vocational training operating grant source. The application is due by June 15th and it can be used to fund operating monies for the training facility. (MAOF or SBDC with a new non-profit is exploring the operating grant). They are also exploring the possibility of creating a "Charter Vocational Training High School". Senior Housing - North of Central Park- 60 units of senior housing The Housing Authority has recently purchased the site and will require some financial assistance from HOME funds in FY03/04 or FY04/05. C:\Documents and Settings\rsmiley\Local Settings\Temp\special projects update.doc Western-Pacific Region P.O. Box 92007 U.S, Deportment Los Angeles, CA 90009-2007 of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration JAN 1 8 2003 Mr. Brad B. Underwood Bakersfield Public Works Department Central Services Division 4101 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93309 Dear Mr. Underwood: This is in response to your letter of November 25, 2002, requesting that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reconsider expansion of the controlled airspace at Bakersfield Meadows Field Airport (BFL) to include the Bakersfield Municipal Airport (L45) and reclassify the airspace from Class D to Class C. In your recent letter on this subject, you again indicate that the city of Bakersfield is ':::-t.. '. concerned with air safety between traffic at L45 and BFL. As stated in our previous correspondence, the FAA takes such concerns very seriously. Previously, the FAA and the city of Bakersfield agreed on several actions to address this issue. Those actions included safety seminars for local pilots conducted by the Fresno Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) and the Bakersfield Airport Traffic Control Tower, new signage for L45 describing the correct departure and arrival procedures, and instruction to the Bakersfield Police Department regarding their role in enforcing the Public Utility Code sections concerning aviation. In previous correspondence with the city of Bakersfield, we described the requirements for implementation of Class C airspace and explained why BFL did not meet those criteria. FAA airspace management policy and criteria for establishment of Class C airspace has not changed since that time. Under existing federal guidelines, the FAA cannot arbitrarily establish regulated airspace in areas that do not meet at least the minimum criteria, nor is it appropriate for the FAA to over regulate airspace at one airport to control the actions of pilots operating from an adjacent un,controlled airport. I appreciate your concerns and hope this letter is helpful in explaining the FAA's position with respect to regulatory responsibilities. If you have any questions or desire further information, please contact Mr. John Clancy, Air Traffic Division Manager, Western-Pacific Region, at (310) 725-6500. Sincerely, ithycombe Regional Administrator "% ~EivE~ ~}~2/~3 3:55PMj ->CITY Of BAKERSFIELD; #145; PAGE B A K E R S F I 'E L D asutst'~osss PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT BZ~O a. t~O~wOOO Dmecn~.crrY e~n~.,~ ~uc wo~r,s oPe~Tm~S ~O~ " November 25, 2002 Mr. William C. Withycombe, AWP. 1 Regional Administrator Federal Aviation Administration, Western Pacific Region P. O. Box 92007, WWPC Los Angeles, CA 90009-2007 -..., SUBJECT: Reconsideration of Air Safety , Bakersfield Municipal Airport (L-45) .. Dear Mr. Withycombe: As you are aware the City of Bakersfield is concerned with air safety between traffic of Bakersfield Municipal Airport (L-45) and Meadows Field (BFL). In the past we had; requested that the airspace designation at BFL be upgraded to Class C, which would incorporate L-45 and allow air traffic controllers to monitor traffic at both airports. You have previously denied the designation change because it has not met minimum FAA guidelines. We are requesting that you review the conditions again for changing the BFL airspace to Class C or Class C from 1500'-- 3000'. We believe this change in airspace would alleviate our safety concerns and protect the ILS to Meadows Field. We would accept any other ideas that you may have to control traffic that would further protect the ILS into Meadows Field. The City of Bakersfield remains concerned about aircraft safety and would like a remedy to the conflict of airspace between BFL and L-45. Thank you for your assistance. Very truly yo~ur~ ad B. UnderwooO/ Airport Manager c: Alan Tandy, City Manager Raul M. Rojas, Public Works Director PUBLIC WORKS OPERATIONS ' 4101 TRUXTUN AVF. NUE (661) 326-3781 ,. BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA 93309 Fax (661) 852-2113 B A K E R $ F I E L D MEMORANDUM (White paper due to photographs) January 16, 2003 TO: Gene Bo~ Resources Manager FROM: Florn Core, Water Resources Director SUBJECT: Northeast Bakersfield Water Supply Project - Construction Progress The Northeast Bakersfield Water Supply Project is to bring high quality Kern River drinking water to the citizens of northeast and central Bakersfield, as well as provide the catalyst for orderly development of the dry foothills on the eastside. The project began with the City constructing a Kern River turn-out structure, located below the California Living Museum. The entire project, a public-private cooperation between California Water Service Co. and the City, will include a river pumping station, two adjoining reservoirs, the purification/filtration plant and distribution pipelines to and from the purification plant. The Cai Water/City Kern River pumping plant, the City reservoirs, the Cai Water Treatment Plant and the Cal Water pipelines are under construction at this time. The Kern River Pumping Plant, located just east of the reservoirs, is now over 95% complete. A 54" raw water pipeline already installed extends from the pumping plant, crosses Alfred Harrell ~ .. Highway and follows the bike path southerly until turning east at the PG&E substation (recently completed and pictured below) until it reaches the Cai Water purification/filtration plant. The pumping and treatment plant Kern River Pumping plant with raw water reservoirs in background facilities will be served through this PG&E substation. Phase two of the reservoir construction, the liner installation blanketing the bottom and sides of the two raw water reservoirs is 50% complete. The liner is a geomembrane (flexible polypropylene) seal to prevent leakage. The liner has been installed in reservoir 1 and reservoir 2 should be completed by the end of Pacific Gas & Electric power substation the month. Page - 2 - Northeast Bakersfield Water Supply Project The California Water Service Co. Bakersfield Treatment Plant is approximately 75% complete. Construction of the major buildings have been completed. Laboratory equipment and electrical monitoring controls are now being installed. A state-of-the-art micro filtration system, using membrane technology is almost complete. The piping and hardware have been completed and the membranes will be installed just prior to start-up. All underground piping is Liner installation in reservoir # 1 complete. Construction is on schedule for an April 2003, initial start-up and demonstration of the plant and distribution system. This will analyze the facilities for any adjustments prior to officially serving City residents in May 2003. Treatment Plant building Cal Water is currently installing almost 7 miles of transmission and distribution water pipelines that range in size from 18" to 54" in diameter. That portion of pipeline along Alfred Harrell Highway and the major transmission lines along Paladino and Morning Drive have been completed. Pipeline installation along Panorama Cai Water Treatment Plant, Drive to the Panorama tanks near Columbus is office and Laboratory scheduled to be completed by mid-February. Pipeline along Fairfax Road and Auburn Street should be finished in April 2003. Minor traffic lane disruptions are expected on these streets during this installation period. Electronic controls and automatic chemical dispensers Pipeline construction Cal- fornia Mt nicipal Treasurers Association Janua~ 10, 2003 ~_ Cheil Perhns, CCMT Treas~ Supe~isor Ci~ of B~ersfield P.O. Box 2057 Bakersfield, CA 93303 Dear Cheryl: Congratulations! As Chair of the Certification Committee of the California Municipal Treasurers Association, it is my pleasure to notify you that on January 10, 2003 your application for certification was accepted and approved by the Board for a four year tenn. Therefore, your name will carry the initials of CCMT in the roster, and should you desire, they may also be used on your business cards and official correspondence. Your plaque and pin will be presented to you at the annual conference in Indian Wells at the awards luncheon. If you are unable to attend, please let me know prior to the conference so that I can make arrangements to forward your plaque to you. Once again, congratulations and welcome to the ranks of the CCMT designation. May you be proud of your accomplishment! Very truly yours, Judith L. Oltman, CCMT Certification Chair cc: City Managert~'/ 400 K Street, Suite 400 '~ Sacramento,. California 95814 · (916)858-8209 * Fa.',((918) 858-8240 : ~;JANZ3 2003 CITY OF BAKERSFIELD MEMORANDUM January 23, 2003 TO: ~ ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER FROM: (~\~RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR ~( T SUBJECt. CIP REPOR Attached please find our monthly report reflecting the status of Public Works ClP projects. If you have any questions, please call me at 326-3596. G:\GROUPDATXDani\CIPkmemo Feb 03.doc wor[ s capi a[ mprovcmcnt 'rooram scbcbu[c r, isca[ Year zooz-zoo NUM ~NUM~ ~ END (est.) BEGIN (est.) END (est.) ~ Feb-03 Apr-03 Jun-03 Aug-03 T3K057 BRIMHALL ROAD WIDENING; CALLOWAY TO JEWETTA T2K033 STREET IMPROVEMENTS; WHITE/ 6 in design, need final layout concept conurrence Sep-02 Jun-03 DOVEWOOD Feb-00 Jan-02 ' Aug-02 Mar-03 E9K011 MOHAWK SEWER CONSTRUCTION 4, 5 under construction ~HASE II Feb-01 Dec-01 May-02 Sep-02 TOK144 SOUTHWEST BIKE PATH 4 construction completed T9K015 SIGNAL NEW, COMANCHE/SR 178 3 under construction Mar-00 Mar-02 Nov-02 Feb-03 T1K028 STREET IMPROVEMENTS; COLLEGE/ 3 tank site piping mods - bids in - street widening to begin May-01 Dec-02 Feb-03 Apr-03 FAIRFAX February '03 TOK013 BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION - OLIVE/ 4 first phase under construction Jun-99 Oct-02 Nov-02 Jul-03 'CALLOWAY Jan-02 Mar-02 Aug-02 Oct-02 T1KOO7 RESURFACING VARIOUS STREETS VAR completed 00-01 KEN659 WIDEN TRUXTUN AVENUE, F TO EYE ? in design, 30% complete, work w/E9K012 Sep-01 Feb-03 May-03 Jun-03 E9K014 MTVERNON TRUNKSEWER IMPROV 1 completed Mar-00 Mar-02 Sep-02 Nov-02 T1K011 SIG NEW AUBURN AT EISSLER 3 'construction completed May-01 Oct-01 Jul-02 Sep-02 T1KOO9 SIG NEW MT VERNON AT PANORAMA 3 bids opened, awarded in September. Waiting for Notice to Nov-01 Aug-02 Nov-02 Feb-03 ~roceed T1KO24 SIG NEW VERDUGO AT HAGEMAN ~ awarded, waiting for Notice to Proceed Oct-01 Mar-02 Oct-02 Feb-03 T2K036 FS #11 MEDIAN & SIG MOD 5 Design complete. Frank Electrical Service Build Dec-01 Nov-02 Jan-03 Feb-03 T2K028 SIG NEW BRUNDAGE AT WASH 1 in design Feb-02 Dec-02 Feb-03 Apr-03 T2KO23 SIG PLANZ AT REAL 6 design complete Jan-02 Nov-02 Jan-03 Mar-03 --'1'2K027 SIG PLANZ ATWILSON 5, 6 design complete Feb-02 Nov-02 Jan-03 Mar-03 P3KOO4 COUNCIL CHAMBERS EXPANSION ~ currently under construction Jul-02 Aug-02 Aug-02 Jan-03 1/23/2003 G:\GROUPDAT~Dani\CIP\CIP FY 02-03 FEB.xls 1 of 6 :~ PROJ PROJECT TITLE WARD COMMENTS DESIGN PHASE CONSTRUCTION PHASE ~, NUM NUM BEGIN (est.) END (est.) BEGIN (est.) END (est.) ETK005 SEWER REHAB MAIN/SO CHESTER 1 study by Ruettgers & Schuler completed Nov-02 Mar-03 Jul-03 Nov-03 reseamh for construction method P1KO03 HVAC UPGRADE, CITY HALL 2 under construction, abatement and monitoring also May-02 Jun-02 Nov-02 May-03 E 1K003 SEWER IMPROV PACHECO #10 7 in design - not enough funds for construction, 70% design Mar-02 Feb-03 Jul-03 Sep-03 complete P1H004 FS #4 ELEC UPGRADE 2 construction completed Nov-01 Jan-02 Apr-02 Jul-02 T1K034 ~IING INTERSECTION EXPANSION 3 in design Dec-00 Jan-03 Mar-03 Jun-03 AT ASHE AND NEW STINE PG&E to relocate facilities T2K022 MING INTERSECTION EXPANSION 4 working on comments received from CalTrans, design complete Nov-01 Mar-03 May-03 Aug-03 AT SR99 continued with right turn lanes on Truxtun Extension T1K027 ST IMPROV RR CROSSINGS 3 in design, awaiting Public Utilities Commission approval Jan-02 Jun-03 Aug-03 Dec-03 T8K002 BRDG WIDENING WHITE LANE AT SR99 7 project report in approval process Mar-02 Jan-03 Apr-03 Dec-03 95% PS&E in review by CalTrans T2K031 TRAFFIC SIC OLD RIVER RD AT 4 construction complete, waiting for PG&E to power signal Feb-02 Apr-02 Aug-02 Jan-03 RIDGE OAK DRIVE T7K021 INTERCHANGE ON SR178 3 project report submitted to Caltrans. consultant has begun Jul-99 Feb-03 Jun-03 Nov-04 AT FAIRFAX final design TOK006 STWIDENING ROSEDALE HIGHWAY 2 in design Aug-01 Jan-03 Jul-03 Oct-03 P1C020 RIO VISTA PARK 4 in design Mar-01 Feb-03 Jan-03 Sep-03 TOK012 BRIDGE CONST, HAGEMAN AT SR99 2 in design, PSR approval anticipated for September Jul-01 Dec-03 P5C002 LANDSCAPE MEDIANS 6 :onstruction completed Jan-02 Feb-02 Feb-02 Apr-02 COLUMBUS/PANORAMA T3K045 RIGHT TURN LANE - MING/TRUXTUN 5,7 working on comments received from CalTrans, design complete Oct--02 Mar-03 May-03 Aug-03 continued with right turn lanes on Truxtun Extension P8HO01 FS #15 4 consultant designing project Aug-01 Jan-03 Mar-03 Nov-03 POCO09 CENTENNIAL GARDEN SMOKE 2 construction is complete Nov-01 Feb-02 Sep-02 Nov-02 HATCH MODIFICATION T1K023 STREET IMPROVEMENTS; HAGEMAN 4 in construction Sep-01 May-02 Jan-03 Apr-03 T4K055 STREET IMPROVEMENTS; LAKE STREET 2 design complete, construction by City crews scheduled to start Jan-03 Mar-03 in Sept., 2002;delay caused by accelerated resurfacing projects -'TOK138 CASA LOMA #6 STREET IMPROV'S 1 construction by City crews scheduled to start in Sept., 2002; Jan-02 Feb-02 Sep-02 Jun-03 delay caused by accelerated resurfacing projects G:\GROUPDAT\Dani\CIP\CIP FY 02-03 FEB.xls 2 of 6 1/23/2003 PROJ PROJECT TITLE WARD COMMENTS DESIGN PHASE CONSTRUCTION PHASE NUM NUM BEGIN (est.) END (est.) BEGIN (est.) END (est.) T9K012 NORTHEAST BIKE PATH 3 construction completed "Q9KO03 NATURAL GAS FUELING STATION 2 design complete. Waiting on site placement NOV-02 Mar-03 TOK011 STREET RECONSTRUCTION-WHITE LANE 6 construction completed Apr-02 Jun-02 T2K026 ,TRAFFIC SIG-STINE @ BEECHWOOD 6 under construction Feb-02 Aug-02 Dec-02 Feb-03 T2K043 TRAFFIC SIG-STOCKDALE @ McDONALD 2,5 in design, pole ordered Mar-02 Jan-03 Feb-03 Apr-03 TRAFFIC SIG-MT VERNON ~ CHURCH 3 awarded, waiting for notice to proceed Feb-02 Jul-02 Sep-02 Nov-02 ETK012 WWTP#3 HEADWORKS out to bid POC009 CENTENNIAL GARDEN BULLET 2 new contracts have been awarded. Construction started Sep-01 Oct-01 Oct-02 Feb-03 RESISTANT GLASS ~n October, 2002, installation contingent upon events in arena. T2K048 PANAMA LANE RECONSTRUCT 6,7 construction completed Sep-02 Nov-02 T3K024 STREET IMPROVEMENTS 4 under construction Jan-03 Apr-03 OLD FARM ROAD T3K014 ~,KERS ROAD RR XlNG/BRIDGE 6,7 awaiting Public Utilities Commission approval Jan-03 Jun-03 Aug-03 Nov-03 T3K047 AKERS ROAD CONSTRUCTION 6 awaiting approval for railroad crossing Jan-03 Jun-03 Aug-03 Nov-03 E2J121 BIKE PATH WIDENING CSUB TO MANOR 2,3,4 in design, PS&E 75% complete Sep-02 Jan-03 Mar-03 May-03 T8K083/ SEISMIC RETROFIT OF 4 CITY BRIDGES 2,3 bids received for construction Jan-98 Sep-02 Feb-03 Dec-03 T8K084 TSK085 SEISMIC RETROFIT OF NORTH 3 in design Apr-02 Feb-03 Apr-03 Jun-04 CHESTER BRIDGE T8K083 SEISMIC RETROFIT OF MANOR BRIDGE 3 waiting on environmental clearance, design complete Jan-98 Sep-02 Apr-03 Jun-04 LEFT AND RIGHT T3K048 NALL STREET IMPROVEMENTS 2 construction completed 10/25/02 Feb-02 May-02 Aug-02 Oct-02 T3K058 FREEWAY BEAUTIFICATION MASTER VAR in design, recommendation to CMO on 1-27-03 May-02 Mar-03 N/A N/A PLAN P3C088 ACQUISITION AND DEMO 1,2 ongoing Sep-02 Mar-03 Sep-02 Jun-03 P3K003 REPLACE FiRE ALARM SYSTEM 2 in design Sep-02 Dec-03 Jan-03 Apr-03 ,- ------~ ~----.:.T;,'-,~,.;',,";=',.";= ='.' ,",':_,'~'~ ~g., 3 ulr ~ h'~3i2~3 PROJ PROJEC'~'TITLE WARE COMMENTS DESIGN PHASE CONSTRUCTION PHASE NUM NUM BEGIN (est.) END (est.) BEGIN (est.) END (est.) P3C084 JEFFERSON & MrK POOL REHAB 1,2 in design; scope change causes new RFQ soliciation Nov-02 Mar-03 Sep-03 Feb-04 LBS301 BAKER STREET STREETSCAPE 2 in design; bid date 2-25-03 Sep-02 Dec-02 Feb-03 May-03 T3K056 20TH STREET PARKING MALL 2 Mar-03 May-03 Jul-03 Sep-03 T3K133 HWY 58 ENTRY MONUMENT 1 ' on hold pending results of Freeway Beautification Master Plan Feb-03 Sep-03 Nov-03 Mar-04 T3K046 IMPROV MEDIAN ISLANDS VAR Jan-03 Apr-03 Jul-03 Dec-03 T3K052 NEW STINE ROAD LANDSCAPING 5 in design, seeking Council consensus on plan Feb-03 Apr-03 Jun-03 Aug-03 T3K049 NORTH CHESTER STREETSCAPE 2 in design, coordination with museum required Mar-03 May-03 Jul-03 Oct-03 E3K010 "L" STREET SEWER REHAB 1 base map complete Nov-02 May-03 Jul-03 Sep-03 E3K009 BRUNDAGE LANE SEWER REHAB 1 base map complete Nov-02 May-03 Jul-03 Sep-03 T1K038 SIGNAL MT VERNON AT CHURCH AVE. 3 awarded, waiting for notice to proceed Dec-01 Jul-02 Nov-02 Feb-03 T3K055 SIGNAL HAGEMAN AT JEWETTA 4 in design Mar-03 Apr-03 May-03 Jun-03 SIGNAL BUENA VISTA AT DEER PEAK 4 in design Dec-02 Feb-03 May-03 Jun-03 T9K011 TRAFFIC PRE-EMPTION VAR in design Jul-02 Mar-03 Apr-03 Jun-03 T3K013 UPGRADE OPTICOM VAR in design Jan-03 Mar-03 Apr-03 Jun-03 E9K012 TRUXTUN STORM DRAIN 2 Sep-01 Feb-03 May-03 Jun-03 T3K008 RESURFACING VARIOUS STREETS VAR in design - federal funds - $2.7M Sep-02 Mar-03 Apr-03 Jul-03 T3K059 RESURFACING VARIOUS STREETS VAR in design - non-federal funds - $2M (6 projects) Sep-02 Mar-03 Apr-03 Jul-03 T3K053 STOCKDALE HWY MEDIAN RECONSTR Mar-02 Jun-03 Jul-03 Sep-03 T3K012 SIGNAL JEWE'I-I' AT 34TH in design Oct-02 Jan-03 Apr-03 Apr-03 ~ P3K002 MTVERNON FACILITY AC PAD 1 in design Feb-03 Mar-03 Apr-03 Apr-03 G:\GROUPDAT\Dani\ClP\CIP FY 02-03 FEB.xls 4 of 6 1/23/2003 PROJ PROJECT TITLE ~/ARD COMMENTS DESIGN PHASE CONSTRUCTION PHASE NUM NUM BEGIN (est.) END (est.) BEGIN (est.) END (est,) T2K012 CAPE/CHIP SEAL' VAR in design, Arnold and Stuart to approve Jul-02 Nov-02 Jun-03 Jul-03 TOK14B SLURRY SEAL 1 in design Nov-02 Feb-03 Jun-03 Jul-03 BAKERSFIELD AIRPORT ' BIKE PATH EXTENSION - PALADINO T3KO51 BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION-BERKSHIRE RD coordinating with Developer, design TBD AT KERN ISLAND CANAL T3K050 BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION - HOSKING RD coordination with Developer, design TBD AT KERN ISLAND CANAL TOK013 BRIDGE CONSGTRUCTION - OLIVE DRIVE AT CALLOWAY ROAD T3K041 BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION - SR 99 AT HOSKING AVENUE T8KO02 BRIDGE WIDENING - SR 99 AT WHITE LN P3KO05 FUELING STATION AT FIRE STATION 15 T3K044 IMPROVE CITY SIDEWALK P3C081 NEW AQUATIC FACILITY 2 bids open January 31, 2003 Dec-02 Jan-03 Mar-03 Apr-03 P30082 NEW ICE FACILITY POBO01 PARKING LOT EXPANSION - P STREET &14TH STREET T3KO06 SIGNAL MODIFICATION MISCELLANEOUS T3KO07 STREET IMPROVEMENT- MISC CONST E3K011 TEVIS RANCH DRAINAGE IMPVMNTS new design required. Must revise out fall location for lift station or find new sump area. T3K060 TRAFFIC SIGNAL - BUENA VISTA AT DEER PEAK ... T3K013 UPGRADE OPTICOM T2K046 WESTSIDE PARKVVAY E3KO04 WVVTP #2 EFFLUENT STORAGE 1 boilerplate specs for Derrill Whitten at plant. Dec-02 Jan-03 G:\GROUPDAT\Dani\CIP\CIP FY 02-03 FEBxls 5 of 6 1/23/2003 January 21, 2003 Harvey Hall, Mayor City of Bakersfield 1501 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 - H0ndrabl~/)lglfi3;oYH all: ~ ~ ...................... ~ I was surprised to receive your January 15, 2003 letter in which you expressed disappointment at the lack of public transportation service to the Bakersfield Homeless Center. It appears that my January 16, 2003 letter passed your January 15, 2003 letter in the mail. My prior correspondence was intended to identify the obstacles to serving the Bakersfield Homeless Center, located on East Tmxtun Avenue. If the nearest route to the Center were modified to provide more convenient service, all westbound buses would be required to make a left turn onto East Truxtun at an unsignalized intersection. East Tmxtun is a four-lane road with a 45 mph speed limit. It would be unsafe for a 35 foot bus to attempt this maneuver during certain times of the day since buses are unable to accelerate as quickly as automobiles. This option would also require the Center's residents to continue to cross East Truxtun Avenue to catch eastbound buses. Your January 15, 2003 letter acknowledges the hazards of crossing a busy street without crosswalks or traffic control devices. The need to make a left turn at an unsignalized intersection could be eliminated by requiring all westbound buses to make only right tums on nearby streets and stop across from the Center on the south side-of the street. Unfortunately, this option would require the Center's residents to cross East Truxtun Avenue to catch buses in both directions. District staff has determined that these problems could be eliminated if traffic signals were installed at the intersections of East California Avenue/Williams Street and East Tmxtun Avenue/Williams Street. It would also be necessary to install a crosswalk at East Truxtun Avenue and Williams Street. This would permit buses to make safe turning movements and would also enable the Center's residents to cross East Truxtun Avenue at a signalized intersection. A sketch of the proposed service and necessary improvements is enclosed for your review. 1830 Golden State Avenue Bakersfield, California 93301-1012 (661) 324-9874 FAX (661) 869-6394 January 21, 2003 Page 2 I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and appropriate City staff to discuss this issue at your earliest convenience. If you have questions or require additional information, please contact me at 869-6312. Sincerely, Chester C. Moland Chief Executive Officer cc: GET Board of Directors Bakersfield City Councilmembers Alan Tandy, City of Bakersfield Bart Thiltgen, City of Bakersfield Eric Matlock, City of Bakersfield Raul Rojas, City of Bakersfield Mona Twocats, Kern County Homeless Collaborative Louis Gill, Bakersfield Homeless Center enclosure Homeless Needs Traffic Signal N -'x & Crosswalk ~ E, Truxtun ~ E, California ~ E, California ~ '--'> ~ Needs Traffic Signal RECc;V ' Golden Empire Transit District -- A Pollution Solution !i JAN 2 I 2003 ~Cf ,";'Y MANAGER'S ~,~': January 16, 2003 Mona Twocats Kern County Homeless Collaborative 1400 South Union Avenue, Suite 130 Bakersfield, CA 93301 Dear Ms. Twocats: I have reviewed your January 7, 2003 letter to Jill Smithregarding lack of transit service to the Bakersfield Homeless Center and other locations within the Metropolitan Bakersfield area. GET has investigated various options to serve the Bakersfield Homeless Center over the past several years. Unfortunately, the Center is located in an area that is extremely difficult to serve with public transportation. This fact was known when the East Truxtun Avenue site was originally selected. The lack of front door service to the Center is based on operational realities, not insensitivity to the conditions faced by the Center's residents. If the nearest route to the Center were modified to provide service on East Truxtun Avenue, all westbound buses would be required to make an unsafe left turn onto East Truxtun Avenue at an unsignalized intersection. Your January 7, 2003 letter acknowledges the dangers associated with attempting to cross a four-lane highway with a 45 mph speed limit. This maneuver is virtually impossible during certain times of the day for a thirty-five foot bus weighing nearly twenty tons. This option would still require residents to cross East Truxtun Avenue to catch an eastbound bus. Another option would require the westbound buses to make a "loop" in front of the Center by making only right tums on nearby streets and duplicating a portion of the route. This alternative would require additional travel time and is likely to adversely impact the route's ability to maintain its schedule. This option would require that all buses stop on the south side of the street; the Center's residents would have to cross East Truxtun Avenue to catch buses regardless of their destination. You expressed concern that GET has failed to improve public transportation service in low income minority neighborhoods, while making multiple improvements in higher income non-minority neighborhoods. This assertion is untrue and not supported by the facts. In fact, the opposite is true. 1830 Golden State Avenue Bakersfield, California 93301-1012 (661) 324-9874 FAX (661) 869-6394 During the past several years, the majority of GET's service improvements have focused on routes serving low income and minority neighborhoods. The level of public transportation service provided to the higher income areas identified in your letter is significantly less than service provided to most parts of GET's service area. The route that serves the Riverlakes and Liberty High School areas only offers forty-five minute service compared to 20 - 30 minute service in the overwhelming majority of low income and minority neighborhoods served by GET. There is no Sunday or late evening service. A significant percentage of residents in those areas are more than one-half mile from the nearest route. The route that serves Ridgeview High School only passes the school two times each weekday. No service is provided on Saturday, Sunday or during the evening hours. Stoc_kdale~ Hi_g~ ~School is curre~ntl7 served ev.e~ thir[_y_minutes, but staffi__s e~va_luat_ing._~ plans to reduce service to that area. Service to the Marketplace is provided seven days a week and is operated every thirty minutes. The Marketplace serves as a major employment and recreational center for persons residing in all parts of our community. In fact, the route provides a direct connection to the Marketplace for low income and minority residents in the Kern Medical Center area. Limited financial resources have required the District to allocate service in a manner that benefits the greatest number of citizens. For this reason, portions of GET's service area do not have convenient access to public transportation service, including several thousand residents in the Silver Creek area who reside more than one (1) mile from the nearest route. There simply is not enough money at this time to provide the appropriate level of service to the entire community. District staff is well aware of the requirements to consider the impact of GET's service planning activities on minority communities. In fact, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) requires transit agencies to complete an extensive review of their activities to ensure compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This review is completed each three (3) years and a report is sent to FTA for their review and approval. The District's triennial Title VI evaluation has consistently demonstrated that GET does not discriminate in providing public transportation service in the Metropolitan Bakersfield area. The report shows that the areas with the highest level of public transportation service tend to be in minority and low income communities. District staff evaluates systemwide service changes and proposed improvements during the planning stage to ensure that overall benefits and costs are not discriminatory. Staff also uses extensive outreach activities to ensure that all persons are provided an opportunity to become involved in the local public transportation planning process. Eighteen (18) public outreach meetings were held at various locations and times prior to implementing the latest significant service improvements. Meetings were held at such diverse locations as the Bakersfield Adult School, Department of Human Services, Mercado Latino, Bakersfield Senior Center and Friendship House. Meetings were held over a three week period fi.om 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Detailed descriptions of proposed service changes are also placed on each bus and customers are encouraged to write or call if they are unable to attend a meeting. All outreach information is printed in English and Spanish. GET also publishes all notices regarding major service changes in minority newspapers. I hope this information clarifies some of your concerns regarding GET's public transportation services. If you have additional questions or desire to discuss this issue in more detail, please feel free to contact me at (661) 324-9874. Sincerely, Chester C. Moland cc: GET Board of Directors Mayor Harvey Hall, City of Bakersfield City Councilmember Sue Benham, City of Bakersfield Ron Brummett, Kern Council of Governments Daaiyeh Islam; Southeast Neighborhood Partnership Louis Gill, Bakersfield Homeless Center Alan Tandy, City of Bakersfield B A K E R S F I E L D CITY OF BAKERSFIELD MEMORANDUM January 21, 2003 TO: ~_ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER FROM: ~ RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR SUBJECT~:~X~TOP SIGN AT 20TM AND B Council Referral #000355 Councilmember Benham requested a report from the Traffic Engineer regarding the status of a request for a stop sign at 20th and B Streets. Traffic Engineering completed a traffic study of the intersection of 20th and B Streets (both local streets). The total intersection volume was only 873 vehicles per day. The average intersection volume for the eight hour warrant period was only 69 vehicles per hour. The minimum warrant is 500 vehicles per hour. The minor street average volume for the same eight hour period was only 29 vehicles per hour, much less than the minimum warrant of 200 vehicles per hour. Only two collisions have been reported in warrant period of the past twelve months. Since this is an uncontrolled local street intersection that does not meet warrants for multi-way stop control, a two way stop control is proposed. The stop signs will be placed to stop traffic on 20th Street at B Street. Currently there are no stops on 20th Street for a three block segment. This will be consistent with stop sign controls on the surrounding streets to limit the segments to two block lengths or less and improve traffic operations at the intersection. A work order will be sent to General Services for installation of the stop signs. G:\GROUPDATX, Referrals~2003\CC Mtg 01-15X355 - Traffic.doc JAN 2_ Z~ 2003 MANAGEWS DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS DATE: January 23, 2003 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Stan Ford, Director ~ SUBJECT: LOCATIONS FOR RIDING BIKES Ref000354 (WARD 2 ) Councilmember Benham requested staff respond tO an e-mail from Brent Bookout concerning / the need for a bike park for local bike riders. Staff contacted Brent Bookout by e-mail explaining to him the reasons for the "no bike rule" at Beach Park and the feasibility of a future BMX park. We informed him that the city does not allow BMX riders into the skate park because of liability and wear. Beach Park's Skate Park was not designed for BMX. In regards to wear, staff has direct evidence that the "pegs" on BMX bikes cause additional damage to skate park facilities. Constructing a bike only park in addition to the skate park involves issues of location, facility size, and funding. Preferably, a new parcel of land 1% to 2 acres in size would be acquired in a appropriate location. A BMX facility would need to be about 20,000 square feet with landscaping, parking and restrooms. The approximate cost of such a 'facility is one million dollars. S:\Council Referrals\RefO00354. doc January 23, 2003 (1:59PM) i JAN 2 Zl 2003 B A K E R S F I E L D RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT IC~TYMANAGF_;~,S DATE: January 23, 2003 TO: City Manager's Office ~ .__7~ ;~° FROM: Ken Trone, Park Construction and Facilities Planner ~'~o,,~V, /~/'~o ~ SUBJECT: Referral #Ref000354 - Councilmember Benham requested staff respond to an e-mail from Brent Bookout concerning the need for a bike park for local bike riders. The following was e-mailed on January 23, 2003. Dear Donald: On behalf of councilmember Sue Benham, I would like to thank you for your concern regarding the "no bikes allowed" rule at Beach Park Skate Park and the construction of a separate BMX park for freestyle riders. Bakersfield does not allow BMX riders into the skate park because of liability and wear. Government Code Section 831.7 gives agency immunity by listing bicycle racing or jumping as a "hazardous recreational activity" but only limits their liability if the facility was originally designed to be used for BMX activities. Bakersfield's was not designed for BMX. In regards to wear, staff has direct evidence that the "pegs" on BMX bikes cause additional damage to skate park facilities. Constructing a bike only park in addition to the skate park involves issues of location, facility size, and funding. Placement of a BMX facility would be very challenging in any existing city park. Preferably, a new parcel of land 1 ½ to 2 acres in size would be acquired in an appropriate location. The cost is likely'to range from $100,000 to $300,000. A BMX facility would need to be about 20,000 square feet. Current construction costs are about $30 per square foot for an estimated total of $600,000. This total does not reflect cost to improve the balance of the parcel with landscape, parking, and restrooms. Assuming a 1~ acre parcel, this cost could range from $200,000 to $300,000. As you can see the cost of providing a BMX only facility is substantial, about a million dollars. In addition, the city is facing severe budget constraints in the foreseeable future. I would like to thank you again for your interest, and should you have further questions about any recreation and parks issues, please feel free to contact me at 326-3117. Sincerely, ~ Park Construction and Facilities Planner c Sue Benham, City Clerks Office P:\BMXNEEDREFERRAL.DOC JRM 17 2003 9:41AM HP LASER JET 3200 =.1 CityCOundl- local bike riders , i""i' ,'. ",.' Page From:. "Brent Bookout' <RydeBMX427~bak.rr.com> To: <city_council~ici. bakersfleld.ca.us> Date: Fd, Jan 3, 2003 4:58 PM Subject: local bike riders Hi, my name is Donald. There is a local Issue that has been talked about by many kids who ride freestyle bikes. It's that there is nowhere for us to dde our bikes. We do the same type of stuff that skatebearders and rollerbladers do, but we don't have a local bike park to ride at. Skaters and bladers can go to the skate park in Beach Park free of charge, but the only thing is is that there is "No Bikes Allowed.' What is up with that? I know about all ~ safety issues and things like that, but if that is the mason then why isn't there a 'Bikea park to ride at with bikes only that way bikers don't have to worry about hurting a skater or blader. Then eveq/one would be happy because there would be a.place for everyone to go to free of charge. I also Enow that we can go to Vans Skatepark, but Ihey only have to bike days and they are only 2 hours and are on the worst days and times possible and It costs 155. Local stores always call the cops on us for riding on the property, but we have nowhere else to ride now do wel So why doesn't the city counsel get together and make somewhere for us bikers to ride at, that is all that we ask. We deserve the same rights as skaters and bladers. Distributed to: Mayor v Council C~t7 Mgr City Atty~ Other By City Clerk Date ~ U'O B A K E R S F I E L D CITY OF BAKERSFIELD MEMORANDUM January 21, 2003 TO: \ ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER FROM: ~1, ~UL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR SUBJECT~' \~4~;HiRD STREET AND CHESTER AVENUE CROSSWALK UPDATE Council Referral #000350 Councilmember Carson requested an update on the Third Street and Chester Avenue crosswalk. The traffic study for the pedestrian crosswalk at 3rd Street and Chester Avenue is still in progress. Data collection traffic counts are expected to be completed in the next week with analysis and recommendations to follow. G:\GROUPDAT~Referrals~2003\CC Mtg 01-15',350 - Traffic.doc 15 A K E R S F I E L D CITY OF BAKERSFIELD MEMORANDUM January 21, 2003 TO: ~ ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER FROM: (~~UL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR SUBJECT: TRAFFIC CONTROL STUDY - CHRISTMAS TREE LN/COLUMBUS Council Referral #000349 Councilmember Maggard requested staff contact him regarding preparing a feasibility study and make recommendations regarding appropriate traffic control measures at the intersection of Christmas Tree Lane and Columbus Street. Traffic Engineering completed a stop sign warrant study for the intersection of Columbus Street (arterial class) and Christmas Tree Lane (local street) this week. The intersection does not meet minimum warrants for a four way stop and does not meet warrants for a traffic signal. The volume is about one half of the minimum volume warrant and the intersection has only had two accidents on record for the warrant period of twelve months. The intersection had parking removed a few years ago around the apartments to improve sight line visibility to meet or exceed the City Municipal code. No changes are proposed at this time. G:\GROUPDATXReferralsX2003\CC Mtg 01-15B49 - Traffic. doc MEMORANDUM TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER // FROM: JACK HARDISTY, DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIREC~~ DATE: January 17, 2003 SUBJECT: REVIEW RIVERLAKES APARTMENT DESIGN Council Referral No. REF000334 COUNCIL MEMBER COUCH REFERRED A LETTER FROM MEG RASMUSSEN REGARDING RIVERLAKES RANCH MASTER ASSOCIATION DESIGN REVIEW OF SOUTHSHORE APARTMENTS TO DEVELOPMENT SERVICES DIRECTOR JACK HARDISTY FOR STATUS REPORT. Staff is in receipt of the correspondence from the Riverlakes Master Association regarding their architectural committee's review of the two apartment projects along Northshore and Southshore Drives. Plans have not yet been submitted to the City Building or Planning Departments for final review. Staff has been in contact with the respective developers who state they are working with the homeowner's group to resolve their issues before they submit final plans to the city. Once those plans are submitted for permit issuance, staff will evaluate the homeowner's comments to ensure that the relevant issues are satisfied in accordance with the requirements of the Riverlakes Specific Plan. JH:djl CC: Rhonda Smiley, Office Administrator/Public Relations P:\CCReferral~Ref000334.doc BAKERSFIELD CITY OF BAKERSFIELD MEMORANDUM January 21, 2003 TO: ,., ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER Council Referral #000353 Councilmember Salvaggio requested Public Works Director investigate performing surface repairs at the railroad crossing at Hughes Lane, south of White Lane and north of Pacheco Road. The repair work on the Hughes Lane railroad crossing will start Tuesday, January 28, 2003. It will take approximately two days to complete the necessary repairs. G:\GROUPDAT~Referrals~2003\CC Mtg 01-15X353 - Streets.doc B A K E R S F I E L D CITY OF BAKERSFIELD MEMORANDUM January 21, 2003 TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER FROM: ~./RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR SUBJECT:~\'j/~'THREE-WAY STOP AT LACY AND ELMHURST Council Referral #000351 Councilmember Salvaggio requested staff conduct a feasibility study to determine the need for a three-way stop at Lacy and Elmhurst. A stop sign warrant study has been added to the schedule for Traffic Engineering. The study should be completed in the next two weeks as work load permits. G:\GROUPDATXReferrals\2003\CC Mtg 01-15B 51 - Traffic.doc B A K E R S F I E L D CITY OF BAKERSFIELD MEMORANDUM January 21, 2003 TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER FROM: t~J~UL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR SUBJEC'I~.'VTHREE-WAY STOP AT FAITH AND DOEFIELD Council Referral #000352 Councilmember Salvaggio requested a status update on a three-way stop at Faith and Doefield and requested results of the traffic analysis at that intersection. The traffic study for the intersection of Faith and Dolfield was just completed by Traffic Engineering. No warrants for a multi-way stop were met. The intersection volume was only 1,607 vehicles per day. The average hourly intersection volume for the peak eight hours was only 130 vehicles. The minimum warrant is 500 vehicles per hour. The crossing street average volume was only 54 vehicles, much less than the minimum 200 vehicles for the warrant. No recorded accidents have occurred in the past twelve month warrant period. No traffic control changes are proposed at this time. The Police Department has been notified to provide additional patrol. G:\GROUPDATXReferralsX2003\CC Mtg 01-15X352 - Traffic.doc