HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/19/03 B A K E R S F I E L D
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
MEMORANDUM
September 19, 2003
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Alan mandy, City Manager /~ T/~W f'-/c~-
SUBJECT: General Information
1. I have good news and bad. The first quarter sales tax distribution came in at an
8.3% increase over the same period last year, and well over what we projected in
the budget. This more accurately reflects the "common sense" health of our local
economy, as opposed to last year's disappointing, and difficult to understand,
trends.
The bad news - even though last year we covered a $5 million self insurance
shortfall, Workers' Compensation costs continue to grow at amazing rates. An
actuarial study shows an additional $8.5 million unfunded liability.
The value of the "good news", even if the trend continues throughout the year, is
less than the bad news, I am sorry to report.
2. We have sent appeals to our legislators to request $1 million in special funding for
The Mill Creek Plan. The monies would come from specially earmarked HUD
economic development initiative funds. A memo from EDCD and the letter is
enclosed for your information.
Community meetings to gather input on the proposed Mill Creek project will be
held on September 25th and 29th. A flyer with details on both meetings is enclosed.
3. A status report and timeline prepared by Kern Cog is enclosed regarding the
CalTrans highway rehabilitation project on Rosedale Highway.
4. We installed credit card terminals at several Recreation and Parks locations
approximately three years to give our customers the option to pay for fees by that
method if they desire to. In 2001, a terminal was installed at the Solid Waste
Office for payment of refuse fees. Now, with the recent addition of a terminal at the
Treasury Division license and permit counter, all monies due to the City for any
license, permit, invoice, or deposit can be paid by credit card. Our next goal will be
to offer that option online to the general public. A memo from City Treasury Bill
Descary is enclosed.
Honorable Mayor and City Council
September 19, 2003
Page 2
5. As a reminder, I will be at the International City Management Association annual
meeting from September 20th though 24th' I will be back for the Council meeting, if
there are no travel problems that day. If I should not return in time, Alan
Christensen will sit in for me at the meeting.
6. The proposed recommendations for notifying tree trimming contractors about their
responsibilities relating to the Tree Ordinance are enclosed.
7. A status report on the use of the $2 Million in funding that was allocated to the
southeast area is enclosed.
8. SMG held a press conference and media tour at the Ice Sports Center of
Bakersfield on Wednesday, September 17th. A summary fact sheet with
information about the facility and programs to be offered is attached.
9. Responses to Council requests are enclosed, as follows:
Councilmember Carson
· Addition of traffic signs at California and Chester Lane due to possible visual
conflict;
Councilmember Benham
· Public Works staff attendance at the California Urban Forestry Conference;
· Correspondence from GET with information on the most recent proposal to
provide more convenient service to the Bakersfield Homeless Center;
· Status of sewer spillage on Park Way;
· Details regarding the purpose of the Great Valley Center Workshop held on
September 17th and local representation;
Councilmember Couch
· Staff response to citizen inquiry regarding refuse and recycling service rates;
· Resolution of water overflow in median island on Olive Drive, west of
Riverlakes;
· Staff research regarding cost savings on street lights in Santa Rosa;
· Status on further analysis of potential cost savings related to transfer of median
and streetscape maintenance to Public Works;
· Staff report on other projects done by Bakersfield Systems Study consulting
firm;
· Status on inquiry regarding assistance for Liberty Garden Memorial;
· Report on cost cutting measures for City landscape maintenance;
· Response to concerns from Riverlakes Homeowners Association and analysis
of landscape maintenance in assessment districts;
· Actions to improve traffic visibility caused by high trees at Olive Drive and Via
Pescara;
· Completion of wall repair on Main Plaza Drive;
Honorable Mayor and City Council
September 19, 2003
Page 3
Councilmember Sullivan
· Status of road repairs in the area of Ming and Nottingham Road;
· Feasibility of curb cuts on the landscaped medians at the Amtrak Station;
Councilmember Salvaggio
· Information regarding the empty tree wells in the median on South H Street,
south of Planz Road;
· Code enforcement actions regarding the railroad property at the east side of
Hughes Lane, south of White Lane, north of Pacheco.
AT:rs
cc: Department Heads
Pam McCarthy, City Clerk
Trudy Slater, Administrative Analyst
BAKERSFIELD
Economic and Community Development Department
MEMORANDUM
September 18, 2003
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manag~/.~¢..
FROM: Donna L. Kunz, Economic Development Director
SUBJECT: Urgent Funding Request for The Mill Plan
The attached urgent request for funding consideration was sent by the Mayor this week to
Congressmen Thomas and Dooley and to Senators Feinstein and Boxer, urging them to
request special funding from the federal 2004 budget in the amount of $1 million dollars for
The Mill creek development plan. The funding is being requested from special earmarked
HUD economic development initiative funds. EDCD staff is planning to apply for a State
Urban Park Development grant in January 2004 in the amount of $3 million dollars. Staff
will continue to seek out special grants and funding that can help bring this recreational
plan to fruition in the near future.
S:\The Mill\millmemo.doc
September 15, 2003
The Honorable William M. Thomas
2208 Rayburn House Office building
Washington, DC 20151-0522
Urgent: Request for special funding for Mill Creek Project from HUD/VA appropriations,
Dear Congressman Thomas:
We have been closely watching the progress of the HUDNA Appropriation Bill for next year and
are dismayed to see that no federal assistance for the Bakersfield Mill Project has been
included in either the Economic Development Special Initiative funds or the Neighborhood
Initiatives funds. Our project, "The Mill", will completely change the face of our downtown and
has been embraced by the entire community. Not only will the physical landscape of the most
seriously blighted areas of our downtown be dramatically transformed, we will also have an
opportunity to positively improve the image of our city and create an economic stimulus.
The Mill calls for the creation of a linear park and redevelopment of the Kern Island Canal into a
meandering urban stream and recreation area. This new recreation feature will provide a
beautiful, new, year-round water element slated to become a key regional and community
attraction. The City of Bakersfield has recently invested over $10 million dollars for a new state
of the art aquatics and ice facility in the adjacent recreation and entertainment district, and we
have also attracted two large mixed use developers that plan to invest over $30 million dollars in
the development of a new theater to compliment new commercial and retail venues. We also
have agreements with developers in place to construct over 400 new affordable urban housing
units that will be slated for our seniors and young families. These outstanding recreation,
commercial and housing elements will provide the energy and sustainability for the area and
strengthen the core of our downtown. As you can see, Mill Creek is not a pipe dream but a
critical element of our entire plan!
Congressman Thomas, we only have a one time window of opportunity to bring this dynamic
community vision to reality! In the next few months, City staff will be submitting a competitive
grant application to the State of California Parks Department requesting urban park
development funds from a one time bond allocation to financially assist in the development of
this urban linear water parkway. We have established a grant team of our best municipal minds
from every City Department to make sure that we submit the best possible application to the
State. Our grant team will be requesting $3 million dollars in January 2004 from this competitive
and limited funding resource. The total cost of the public works and park development
component of this phenomenal development plan will exceed $10 million dollars, and federal
financial assistance is absolutely critical to succeed with this ambitious downtown revitalization
plan.
1501 Truxtun Avenue · Bakersfield, California 93301 · (661) 326-3770 · Fax (661) 326-3779
E-mail address: mayor@ci.bakersfield.ca.us
The Honorable William M. Thomas
September 15, 2003
Page 2
On behalf of the Bakersfield City Council and the citizens of greater Bakersfield, we respectfully
request federal financial support for this catalyst project for our city. We recognize that our need
may be as much as $5 million dollars in total federal financial assistance; however, we have
developed a phased financing plan for the project over a four-year period and implore you to
support a $1 million dollar request from either of the HUD programs mentioned above for this
upcoming fiscal year to help us achieve the required funds. We assure you we intend to pursue
ev.ery private, federal and state grant and other financing opportunity available to us to bring this
exciting project to fruition. The special HUD federal financial assistance we are requesting will
allow us to meet the extraordinary public works construction costs required for this exciting plan.
Thank you, again, for your past help with projects in Bakersfield, and we appreciate your
outstanding support of all of our redevelopment efforts.
Harvey L. Hall
Mayor
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
Join your neighbors to identify
recreation and park needs.
~o~.= ~,,-=~ C o m m u n i t y M e e t i n ,q s
MILL CREEK ;i"~
· ~ ~., -Thurs., Sept. 25, 2003, 6:30PM
~,-~ ....................... ~ ...... Park Place Senior Apa~ments
,~ ~ [ -and-
.,~ Mon., Sept. 29, 2003, 10:30AM
Convontion Contor, lruxtun Room
~ ~ ~00~ lruxtun Avenue
~,~~ ~ Handicapped Accessible · Plenty of Parking
~~ English / Spanish Translation Available
~~~ a~ Children Wolcomo
For more information: (661) 326-3765
Kern Council
of Governments
September 17, 2003
Vice-Mayor David Couch
City of Bakersfield
1501 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, California 93301
Dear Vice-Mayor Couch:
The Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG) recently updated you on the status of a safety project currently in progress
on Rosedale Highway. As requested, we are forwarding additional information on key points related to the status,
progress and the anticipated completion date. This information was received by staff, from the Resident Engineer for
Caltrans, assigned to this project.
General Project Description: This project is funded in the State Highway Operations and Protection Program, which is the
highway maintenance program for Caltrans. The project limits are from Van Buren Place to Camino Del Rio, to rehabilitate
the roadway. Project components include: Traffic Signal at Patton Way; guardrail replacement; pavement replacement
from Van Buren Place to Camino Del Rio; striping and pavement markers; raised median work and some traffic signal and
lighting modifications.
As of Friday, September 12, 2003, Caltrans staff provided the following information regarding the status of this project; the
project is listed as 15% complete; the original timeline called for the project to be 41% complete at this time. The
Contractor is approximately 3 weeks behind schedule.
1. Griffith Construction Company was awarded the contract to deliver this project.
2. March 2004 - The project is scheduled for completion. This is the original programmed scheduled benchmark and the
contractor is committed to meeting that completion date.
3. Mid September 2003 - As of this week, the Contractor plans to complete asphalt pavement work on all left turn lanes.
Roadbeds for the left turn lanes are compacted and ready to be paved.
4. Mid November 2003 - Over the next two months, the Contractor plans to complete all asphalt concrete work on the
"mainline" portions of the projects, or lane work. The intent is to complete all asphalt work prior to winter weather.
5. December 2003 - Striping and pavement work should be completed.
6. Mid January 2004 - Guardrail work should be completed.
7. February 2004 - Remaining asphalt concrete work in the raised median will be completed.
8. Mid March 2004 - Signalization and lighting work should be completed.
Kern COG staff will contact Caltrans for updates on the progress of this project. Should you require more information,
please contact Joe Stramaglia at 861-2191 or istramacdia~kemcoc~.orc~.
Sincerely, C~py
Ronald E. Brummett,
Executive Director
Kern Council of Governments
1401 1!lth Street, Suite 300, Bakersfield, California 95301 (661) 861-2191 Facsimile (661) 324-8215 TTY (661) 832-7433 www.kerncog.org
B A K E R S F I E L D
MEMORANDUM
To: Alan Christensen, Assistant City Manager
From: William C. Descary, City Treasurer ~
Subject: Credit Cards
This memo is in response to your request for the status of the City's ability to accept
payments by credit card (Visa and Mastercard).
Credit card terminals were first installed at three locations in the Recreation and Parks
Department in November 2000. The three locations were Silver Creek Park, Martin
Luther King, Jr. Park and the Recreation and Parks Department Office at the Corporation
Yard.
In November 2001, a credit card terminal was installed at the Solid Waste Office at the
Corporation yard. The impetus for this terminal was to facilitate advance payment prior
to delivering a large bin to a construction site. Additionally, all refuse invoices and
deposits for service could be paid by credit card at the Solid Waste Office.
Recently, a credit card terminal was installed at the Treasury Division license and permit
counter in the Development Services Building. The significance of this is that all monies
due the City for any license, permit, invoice or deposit can now be paid by credit card.
Looking to the future, a secure system has been purchased (Click2Gov) by the
Information Technology Department whereby city utility invoices (commercial refuse
and sewer) can be paid by credit card over the intemet. This program allows a customer
with a pin number as a password to look up his or her account, review invoices and make
a credit card payment. Information Technology is working on an implementation
schedule with Solid Waste, Wastewater and Treasury.
cc: Alan Tandy, City Manager
Gregory J. Klimko, Finance Director
Bob Trammel, IT Director
Nelson Smith, Asst. Finance Director
B A K E R S F I E L D
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
MEMORANDUM
September 12, 2003
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Alan Christensen, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: Enforcement of Tree Ordinance
Attached is a copy Paul Graham's proposal for notifying tree trimming contractors of
their responsibilities under the new ordinance. It is a education-based approach for the
contractors and the public.
Let me know if you have questions.
B A K E R S F I E L D
Department of Recreation and Parks
Date: 9/12/2003
To: Alan Christensen, Interim Director of Recreation and Parks
From: Paul Graham, Urban Forester
Subject: Recommendations for Public announcement of changes to
BMC Chapter 12.40 the Tree Ordinance
The following are a listing of first year recommendations for announcing to
contractors and the public, changes in Chap. 12.40.00, the Tree Ordinance. We
intend to use this time to orient practitioners and their clients through non-
punitive measures, toward standards compliance with focused education and
media coverage.
· Send a certified letter to all Tree Services and Landscape/Gardening firms
outlining/including:
o requirements of the revised ordinance
o grace period and timeline for compliance to the improved standard
o expected long-term results of city-wide compliance
o copy of permit application and maintenance standard reference
o location of additional resources and contact information
· Collaborate with the Bakersfield Californian to provide media coverage
discussing:
o Changes in regulatory requirements
o improved maintenance standards
o goals for improving public safety
o Environmental goals; Air Quality mitigation, reduction of Heat Island
Effect, reduction of peak stormwater runoff
o Economic and social ramifications; attracting and retaining
business, Quality of Life
· Provide similar information and/or interviews with other media outlets.
· Utilize K-GOV to provide a PowerPoint presentations on topics discussed
with the media in addition to
C:\BUF Doc's~2003~Administrative\Memo's\Chap12AnnounceRecommed.doc
Paul Graham Page 1 9/12/2003
o ISA certification for the professional
o Educational opportunities for the professional
o Resources for consumers
o Web resources
· Provide through the City's Urban Forestry web site Information with regard
to:
o Permit application and Permitted Contractors
o Local ISA Certified Individuals
o Pruning guidelines
o Species Selection Database (upon approval of Planning
commission and Council)
o Service Request Submission (in development)
o Tree Technical Manual and landscape design standards (upon
approval of Planning commission and Council)
· During educational period, confer with legal and code enforcement to
provide:
o familiarization with revised maintenance standards
o familiarization with pruning permit process
o develop methodology for enforcement
o document range of infraction descriptions, penalties or fines.
C:\BUF Doc's~2003~Administrative\Memo's\Chapl 2AnnounceRecommed.doc
Paul Graham Page 2 9/12/2003
B A K E R S F I E L D''7
Economic and Gommunity Development Department
MEMORANDUM
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manage~,~J~ ~1'~'~'''~
September
17,
2003
FROM: Donna L. Kunz, Economic Development Director
SUBJECT: Status Repo~ on S.E. Projects - $2 Million
This memo updates the use of funds ($2 M) for the SE area. The Lakeview Avenue
Streetscape project was completed last spring and the status of the remaining five activities
is listed below.
Brunda.qe Lane Street Improvement Project
Funds in the amount of $325,000 (FY 2002-03 Amendment #4) of Section 108 funds for
construction only were budgeted for street improvements. They include installation of
median streetscape, sidewalk and street lighting improvements on Brundage Lane from
Chester Avenue to Union Avenue. Design is scheduled to start in November and be
completed by February 2004. Construction is scheduled to start in April 2004 and be
competed by June 2004. The PW Department is the lead agency.
California Avenue Street Improvement Project
Funds in the amount of $413,500 (FY 2002-03 Amendment #4) of Section 108 funds for'
construction only were budgeted for street improvements. They include installation of
median streetscape, sidewalk and street lighting improvements. The Section 108 funds will
be primarily targeted along California Avenue from Union Avenue to the railroad tracks -
west of Washington Avenue. Design is scheduled to start by September 2003 and to be
completed by end of the year. Construction is scheduled to start by May 2004 and to be
completed by July 2004. The PW Department is the lead agency.
Union Avenue Street Improvement Project
Funds in the amount of $61,500 (FY 2002-03 Amendment #4) of Section 108 funds for
construction only were budgeted for street improvements which include installation of
median streetscape, sidewalk and street lighting improvements on Union Avenue from
California Avenue to Belle Terrace. Design scheduled to start in January 2004 and be
completed by May 2004. Construction is scheduled to start by July 2004 and to be
completed by September 2004. The PW Department is the lead agency.
S:\SE Community Revitalization\SE Activity Reports\Sep03SEMemoTimeline.doc
East California Avenue Career Trainin_cl Facility
Section 108 funds in the amount of $200,000 for design was budgeted to develop a career
training facility on three acres of land owned by the Housing Authority of the County of
Kern (HACK) located at east California Avenue and south Robinson Street. The facility will
be comprised of a training center, childcare center, police satellite office and office/retail
space. The total construction square footage is estimated at 22,600 square feet, with the
training center occupying 18% of the total area.
HACK, Golden Empire Affordable Housing, Inc., Fred Consulting, Grubb & Ellis, and a to-
be-named architectural/engineering firm make up the development team. Development
costs are estimated at $3.12 million. As the lead entity in the development team, HACK is
arranging for private financing in the neighborhood of $2.5 million. They are also currently
reviewing working with a private developer for constructing the project (see S.E. Business
Loan fund below for additional information).
S.E. Business Loan Fund
A Statement of Interest letter was mailed last fall to over 400 business and property owners
along four major commercial corridors in Southeast Bakersfield, where current and future
streetscape improvements are being planned (i.e. Lakeview Ave., East California Ave.,
Brundage Lane and Union Avenue). The statement identified about $740,815 was
originally available for qualified City economic development projects. However, about
$110,000 of ED funds were recently used from this fund (via Council amendment) to
construct Union Ave & Brundage Lane street improvements. Off-site improvements to two
businesses are underway to benefit a McDonalds at Brundage and Chester, and a new
commercial retail building at 600 Union Avenue (both activities are within the southeast
redevelopment project area).
To date, staff has received 10 written requests for financial assistance. Staff is in the
process of defining their funding need and outlining the City's requirements in using CDBG
funds. HACK has requested, and staff is considering, additional assistance for their East
California Avenue Career Training Facility in the form of a $300,000 loan from the SE
Business Loan Fund to a private developer entity which may take over the project from
HACK. EDCD is the lead agency for the business loan fund.
S:\SE Community Revitalization\SE Activity Reports\Sep03SEMemoTimeline.doc
Fact Sheet
BUILDING
Size: 40,82 square feet
Ice Floor: NHL standard rink 200' X 85'
Locker rooms: 4 tournament locker rooms
Each locker rooms has four showers
Condor Locker Room: Full locker room with eight showers and a coach's office.
Seating: Bleacher seating for 160
Pro Shop: 320 ft pro shop.
Concessions: A staffed concession stand'serving hot food and drinks.
PROGRAMS
Skating School
Public Skating
Adult Hockey (CSHL)
Youth Hockey
In-House Hockey
Figure Skating
Freestyle Sessions
Private Parties
Birthday Parties
Corporate Parties
B A K E R S F I E L D
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
MEMORANDUM
September 16, 2003
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM: RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR,/~Zt~
SUBJECT: TRAFFIC LANES AT CALIFORNIA AND CHESTER LANE
Council Referral #$79
I
Councilmember Carson requested staff review dual left turn traffic lanes at I
California Avenue and Chester Lane. Possible visual conflict.
The Traffic Engineer reviewed the intersection for operation and visibility. The
intersection operates in a sequential manner for traffic on Chester Lane. One direction
of traffic on Chester Lane receives an exclusive green signal for all dual left turns, right
turns and straight crossing movements and then the other direction receives an
exclusive green for all vehicle movements. This increases efficiency for the intersection
and appears to operate well. The Traffic Engineer did verify that drivers making right
turns from Chester Lane onto California Avenue may not see all opposing left turn traffic
when attempting to make the right turn after stopping on red. To reduce this occurrence,
signs prohibiting right turns on red will be installed on Chester Ln. at California Avenue.
Other aspects of the signal and intersection operation remain the same.
G:\GROUPDAT1Referrals~003\CC Mtg 09-10\579 - Traffic.doc
B A K E R S F I E L D
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
MEMORANDUM
September 16, 2003
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM: RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR///~
SUBJECT: URBAN FORESTRY CONFERENCE IN LONG BEACH
Council Referral #578
Councilmember Benham requested Public Works Administrator attend the 2003
Annual California Urban Forestry Conference in Long Beach, to be held October
23-26.
Brad Underwood, Public Works Operations Manager will be attending the conference.
G:\GROUPDAT~Referrals~2003\CC Mtg 09-10\578 - Brad.doc
Golden Emplre'rmnMt
Pollution
Solution
R"' ¢ I v., D
SEP !. 5 200,t
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
September 11, 2003
Stephen L. Walker
Traffic Engineer
City of Bakersfield
1501 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93302
Re: Bakersfield Homeless Center
Dear Mr. Walker:
The Golden Empire Transit District and City of Bakersfield have investigated
several options to provide more convenient service to the Bakersfield Homeless
Center. I submitted a proposal to the City requesting a crosswalk on East Traxtun
Avenue at Williams Street and stop signs on East Tmxtun Avenue at Williams
and *Washington Streets to facilitate pedestrian and vehicle movements. The
City's evaluation determined that there was insufficient vehicle and pedestrian
activity to justify additional traffic control at this time. You also stated that the
Bakersfield Police' Department reported that there had been no accidents at either
intersection during the prior twelve months.
During our September 2, 2003 meeting, you offered alternative proposals to
address GET's concerns. I indicated that the proposals looked promising, but it ~" '
would be necessary to review this issue with GET's operations staff and legal
counsel prior to agreeing to the changes.
My operations staff informs me that the problems experienced by the bus
attempting to make a left mm from Washington Street onto East Truxtun are
related to the speed of oncoming vehicles and mad configuration, not traffic
volumes. East Tmxtun Avenue has a pronounced curve just east of Washington
Street that severely limits the bus driver's view of oncoming traffic. In addition,
vehicle speeds in excess of 45 mph on East T .mxtun create a hazardous situation
for a 35 foot bus weighing nearly 33,000 pounds that is unable to accelerate as
quickly as an. automobile. The proposed holding or storage lane you proposed.
would not solve the problem since the driver attempting to merge with: westbound
traffic would still have a limited view of oncoming traffic due to 'thecurve on East .:
Truxtun Avenue ....... '.
Based on these concerns, GET is unable to implement the routing previously
identified in my January 3, 2003 letter without the requested traffic control
devices. In fact, it appears that GET will be unable to provide front door service
to the Homeless Center without additional traffic controls. I am aware, however,
that the City is unwilling to install the requested intersection controls at this time
based on failure of the intersections to meet State standards for such controls.
For these reasons, District staff investigated other options to provide more
convenient access to the Homeless Center that did not include front door service.
District staff now proposes to utilize Brown and Haley Streets. Buses would
travel north on Brown Street, west on East Truxtun Avenue and south on Haley
Street. Buses would then resume their regular route on California Avenue. A
crosswalk would be required on East Truxtun Avenue at Brown Street, but no
additional traffic control would be required at this.time since the proposed route
has be moved far enough away from the curve on East Truxtun to permit a clear
line of sight for mining buses.
The closest bus stop to the Homeless Center would be located on Brown Street,
just south of East Truxtun Avenue. Although this option would not provide front
door service, the stop is located less than one block from the Homeless Center.
Currently, the closest bus stop is more than four blocks from the Center.
I have discussed this proposal with Homeless Center staff and expect to receive
their response this week. If the response is favorable, GET is prepared to begin
this service as soon as the crosswalk is installed.
Please contact me at 324-9874 if you have questions or require additional
information regarding this proposal.
Sincerely,
Chief Executive Officer
cc: GET Board of Directors
Sue Benham, Bakersfield City Couneilmember
Louis Gill, Bakersfield Homeless Center
Raul Rojas, City of Bakersfield
B. A K E R S F I E L D
MEMORANDUM
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager /~_,~ /
FROM: lack Hardisty, Development Services Dir
DATE: September 19, 2003
SUBJECT: Sewer leakage on property/Referral 576
Councilmember Benham requested code enforcement staff contact her regarding a problem on
Park Way. In addition, public works staff to investigate the possibility of a leaking sewer at the
same location.
This rental property has three units, a house in front and a duplex in the rear. The complaint was
for sewage on the property coming from the front house and running into neighbor's yard. The
tenant had removed the sewer cleanout plug because the line was clogged. We were unable to
contact the owner which resulted in giving the tenant a 48-hour notice to vacate. Upon receiving
the notice, the tenant hired a plumber to clear the line. However, the line became clogged again
a few days later. The tenants have again been issued a notice and we will have a contractor do
the cleanup.
S~.P
B A K E R S F I E L D
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
MEMORANDUM
September 12, 2003
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM: RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: SEWER LEAKAGE ON PARK WAY
Council Referral #576
Councilmember Benham requested Code Enforcement staff contact her regarding
a problem on Park Way. In addition, Public Works staff to investigate the
possibility of a leaking sewer at the same location.
Staff contacted Mr. Randy Fidler, Chief Code Enforcement Officer to discuss this
matter. Mr. Fidler indicated that they had the problem under control. The sewer
spillage was on private property.
Public Works assistance was not needed.
G:\GROUPDAT~Referrals~2003\CC Mtg 09-10L576 - Luis.doc
BAKERSFIELD:"
Economic and Community Development Department
MEMORANDUM
September 18, 2003
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manage~u~¢
FROM: Donna L. Kunz, Economic Development Director
SUBJECT: GREAT VALLEY CENTER WORKSHOP
Council Referral No. Ref000577
Councilmember Benham requested a staff member attend the Great Valley Center
Workshop, "Public Policy Roadmap For Advance Communications Services Creating
Better Jobs For California's Great Central Valley," to be held on September 17th in
Hanford.
Staff has checked into the upcoming conference Councilmember Benham mentioned at
the September 10
th City Council meeting.
The purpose of the Great Valley meeting is to develop a plan to "connect" the valley (i.e.
broadband and other IT issues), so the valley will be ready when companies look to move
here. We are about 18 months ahead of Tulare and Fresno as we have completed the
"connecting" survey for Kern County and developed an action plan. KEDC is the lead
agency responsible for sharing our Kern County information with other valley counties and
will be attending the conference. City staff was actively involved in the Kern County
workshops and plan, funding ½ of our plan with the County.
S:\DEBBIE'S\Council Referrals\central valley conference request.doc
B A K E R S F I E L'D
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
MEMORANDUM
September 15, 2003
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM: RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR~_/~/
SUBJECT: TRaSH/RECYCLING FEES & SERVICE
Council Referral #592
Councilmember Couch requested staff respond to an e-mail from Joseph Myers
regarding trash/recycling fees and service. Provide copy of response to
Councilmember Couch.
Staff provided the following email response to Mr. Joseph Myers:
Dear Mr. Myers,
Thank you for your email concerning the difference between refuse and recycling
service rates. You are correct in pointing out that curbside recycling at $6.67 per month
costs more than an extra refuse cart at $3.95 per month. We offer the following
explanation of the relationship between these two services.
The curbside recycling program is designed to be,self-supporting, without subsidy from
refuse collection fees. This is consistent with the majority opinion expressed in a
community survey in 2000. In that survey, about two thirds of the respondents did not
wish to pay a fee for recycling. Therefore, the curbside program is voluntary for those
who wish to pay for it.
As for the cost difference, curbside recycling costs more than servicing extra refuse
carts, due to the extra time and travel between customers. In the case of an extra
refuse cart, the truck is already there, since it is serving the primary refuse cart at the
time. Curbside recycling also includes the cost of sorting out and shipping the
materials, a job that is not needed with the regular refuse.
The second part of your email, in which you request a lower rate for a smaller container,
raises a good point. However, as we consider some important factors, it is difficult to
September 15, 2003
Page 2
Council Referral #592
warrant the use of lower rates and smaller carts. One problem is that, unless the basic
container size fits the majority of the households, many would tend to order the
smallest, and there would be a tendency toward overflowing trash. Therefore, the basic
size is set at 96 gallons, the size of your large cart.
Another reason we do not have lower rates for smaller carts is because of operating
costs. Like most types of services involving labor and equipment, the cost of refuse and
recycling collection is mainly determined by the time it takes. For example, a taxicab
takes a certain amount of time to travel from point A to point B, and the charge is the
same whether there is one passenger or two. In a similar way, a refuse truck takes a
certain amount of time to go from house to house, and to cycle its loading arm.
Whether a cart is full or half full makes little difference in the timing, and thus the cost
per house is fairly constant. The same is true whether the truck picks up a large cart or
a small one.
We hope these explanations help answer your questions. Thank you also for recycling.
If you would like further information, please contact me at (661) 326-3109, or by email at
Kbarnes¢,ci. bakersfield, ca. us.
Sincerely,
Kevin Barnes
Solid Waste Director
G:\GROUPDA'~Referrals~003\CC Mtg 09-10\592 - SW.doc
B A K E R S F I E L D
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
MEMORANDUM
September 15, 2003
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM: RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR~
SUBJECT: WATER OVERFLOW IN MEDIAN
Council Referral #590
-Councilmember Couch requested staff look into water overflowing from a median
island on Olive Drive, west of Riverlakes.
Staff checked into water overflowing from this median island and discovered that the
developer was responsible for the water at this location during the plant establishment
period. The overflow problem has since been rectified.
G:\GROUPDAT~Referrals~2003\CC Mtg 09-10\590 - Jack.doc
B A K E R S F I E L D
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
MEMORANDUM
September 16, 2003
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM: RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR/'~'~'~.....~
SUBJECT: COST SAVINGS ON STREET LIGHTS
Council Referral #591
Councilmember Couch requested staff research what the City of Santa Rosa is
doing to save money on street lights.
According to Santa Rosa's Director of Field Services, Santa Rosa's City Council
decided to save energy dollars by turning off street lights located "mid-block" on all
arterial and collector streets. Of the 14,500 city owned street lights, they have turned off
approximately 1,000 street lights with an estimated savings of $100,000. This was a
direct result of the energy surcharge placed on everyone by the State after the energy
crisis two years ago.
G :\GROUPDAT~Referrals~003\CC Mtg 09-10\591 - GS.doc
S~ I 8 2003
B A K E R S F I E L D
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
MEMORANDUM
September 16, 2003
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM: RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: COST SAVINGS FOR MEDIAN/STREETSCAPE TRANSFER
Council Referral #587
Councilmember Couch requested staff provide further analysis of potential cost
savings due to transferring median and streetscape maintenance to the Public
Works Department.
Public Works staff has been gathering data for analysis and will provide a report upon
completion.
G:\GROUPDAT~Referrals~2003\CC Mtg 09-10\587 - Brad.doc
B A K E R S F I E L D
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
MEMORANDUM
September 18, 2003
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM: RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR~-~...~~'~
SUBJECT: ALTERNATIVE 15 CONSULTING FIRM
Council Referral #586
Councilmember Couch requested staff address the following: Is it true the
consulting firm that worked with URS on the process which resulted in "Alternative
15" is the same firm that worked/represented the group opposed to Wal-Mart and
claimed that the Kern COG traffic model is now flawed? Did this firm express the
same concerns during their work for URS? What were the specifics of the flaws
they "detected?"
VRPA Technologies, Inc. is a traffic engineering firm headquartered in Fresno that was
a sub-consultant to URS Corporation, the prime consultant, for the Bakersfield Systems
Study. The systems study was prepared through a contract with the Kern Council of
Governments. VRPA was also a sub-consultant to URS for the Westside Parkway
project. Earlier this year, VRPA prepared analysis for the attorney representing the
opposition to the Super Walmart project on Gosford Road. Shortly thereafter, URS
became aware of VRPA's involvement regarding this issue and evidently believed it to
be in the best interests of the project to release VRPA from their project team (see letter
from URS attached).
Public Works recognized the report from VRPA as a conflict of interest and notified
them immediately. VRPA acknowledged the conflict and apologized for same.
G:\GROUPDAT~Referrals~2003\CC Mtg 09-10\586 - Ted.doc
16 September 2003
Mr. Raul Rojas, P.E.
City of Bakersfield
Public Works Director
1501 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, CA 93301 ·
Subject: VRPA Technologies
Dear Mr. Rojas:
We are sending this letter to respond to Vice Mayor David Couch's comments at the August 27,
2003 City Council meeting for clarification concerning a subconsultant that had worked for URS on
the Bakersfield Systems Study. The consulting rum referred to at the City Council meeting is VRPA
Technologies (VRPA), a traffic engineering and planning firm located in Fresno. VRPA was a sub-
consultant to D'RS for the Bakersfield Systems Study and for the Westside Parkway project, and also
worked with and/or represented the group opposing the Gosford Village project, which included a
Wal-Mart store.
We are not familiar with the specific details of VRPA's involvement in the Gosford Village project;
however, it appeared to U'RS that VRPA's work related to this development project could be
considered a conflict of interest with respect to their work on the Westside Parkway project.
Therefore, we immediately notified VRPA (this past Spring) that we were terminating their
subcontract, that all work on the Westside Parkway project should cease and that we would not be
able to pay any additional invoices on the project. U-RS took this action primarily to ensure the
integrity of our Westside Parkway project team. VRPA has not, and will not, work on this'or any
other project involving URS in the City of Bakersfield.
The Bakersfield Systems Study and the Westside Parkway project are significant accomplishments
and commendable achievements for the City of Bakersfield. URS is very proud to have had the
opportunity to assist the City with these projects, and we look forward to meeting new challenges on
future transportation projects.
Please contact me if you have any questions or need additional information.
Sincerely,
URS Corporation
Project Manager
URS Corporation
2020 East First Street, Suite 400
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Tel: 714.835.6886
Fax: 714.667.7147
BAKERSFIELD FIRE DEPARTMENT
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM: RON FRAZE, FIRE CHIEF ~(~,
DATE: 9/19/2003
SUBJECT: LIBERTY GARDEN MEMORIAL
Council Referral No. 000582 (Ward 4)
Councilmember Couch requested staff contact Kevin Burton and coordinate efforts for
the memorial at Liberty Garden honoring Police, Fire, and EMS workers lost in the 9-
11 terrorist attacks. In addition, approach City first responders about contributing $1
per pay period to help fund the memorial.
I will contact Kevin Burton regarding the Liberty Garden Memorial and will inform
Councilmember Couch of the details when known.
RF/kec
p:¥nemos\Fraze\Council Referral Liberty Garden Memorial.doc
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS
DATE: September 18, 2003
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Alan Christensen, Interim Director Recreation & Parks
SUBJECT: CUT COSTS FOR LANDSCAPING
Ref000585 (WARD 4)
Councilmember Couch requested Parks Department provide him with information outlining
how the City can cut costs associated with landscape maintenance.
The following is a partial list of items the Parks Department have either implemented to
date or would like to do in the future to reduce operational cost in the landscape
maintenance area.
Designed and implemented the use of a self contained truck with trailer.
Now use a chipper unit with the trucks to reduce trips to Greenwaste.
Promote the Use of landscape materials that require less labor and care to maintain.
Continue replacing manual irrigation clocks with electronic clocks for more efficiency.
Experimenting with different turf grasses that require less water and care.
More efficient use of pre-emergent chemicals and techniques to reduce labor costs.
Contract "specialized" services when more efficient than the use of city forces.
More use of irrigation equipment that conserve water where ever possible.
Replace 36" mowers with 60" mowers whenever possible to reduce job time.
Using temporary's during peak times only rather than employing regular staff.
Installation of concrete mow ramps on medians for safety and efficiency.
Installation of rubberize surfacing around play equipment for safety and efficiency.
Reduce the number of temporary's and the reduction of the service level.
Consider testing more ideals, methods, equipment, and designs to reduce utility costs.
Consider initial stages of using the work release program concept to reduce labor costs.
Consider involving volunteer groups and organizations to participate in special
maintenance projects.
Consider the reduction of "downtime" on vehicles and equipment being repaired.
S:\Council Referrals\Ref000585, doc
September 18, 2003 (10:00AM)
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS
DATE: September 18, 2003
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Alan Christensen, Interim Director Recreation & Parks~__./
Ref000584 (WARD 4)
Councilmember Couch requested the Parks Department and Code Enforcement address issues
raised in a letter from The Riverlakes Homeowners Association and prepare a response to Mr.
Stanton including a description of actions taken or to be taken and also identify when action
will be taken.
Provide Councilmember Couch with information concerning landscape maintenance in areas
where there is an assessment district; including analysis of landscape maintenance in
maintenance districts and provision of higher level of maintenance in these areas as opposed
to non-maintenance areas.
Attached is a copy of our response to the Riverlakes Homeowners Association letter
and below is a summary of that response.
The response to the concerns of the lack of streetscape maintenance in the Riverlakes
area are:
Photo 1. The area under the PG&E transformer box was filled in September 16,
2003.
Photo 2. The area round the fire hydrant will be cleared by September 17, 2003.
Photo 3. The sidewalks along Southshore were cleared on September 16, 2003.
The landscaping along the sidewalks of Hageman were trimmed the
week of September 8, 2003.
The Riverlakes sidewalks north from Hageman will be trimmed the week
of September 22, 2003.
Photo 4-7. All of these drainage culverts in the linear park area were cleaned of
weeds and dirt in late August, 2003.
Photo 8. The area of dry weeds was due to our chemical application to kill the
weeds. It was cleared on September 15, 2003.
Photo 9. This "pampas grass" is part of the landscape planting plan of this area.
S:\Council Referrals\RefO00584.doc
September 17, 2003 (3:20PM)
Information concerning landscape maintenance in areas where there is an
assessment district.
Prior to 1994 there were approximately forty (40) or more individual maintenance
districts in the city to manage and administer. These districts were created after
proposition 13 passed, pursuant to City Council policy, to address funding for
new landscaping and parks which exceeded available funding and standards. In
1994 all of these districts were consolidated into one to streamline the
assessment and budgeting process. The consolidated district provided for four
(4) tiers of assessments which reflected the various levels of landscaping within
the maintenance district areas. Since the passage of proposition 218,
maintenance district assessment amounts have not been increased but the cost
of maintenance operations and number of acres has continued to steadilY grow
each year. During this period the General Fund has increasingly subsidized the
costs of providing landscape maintenance to these areas. The General Fund now
covers approximately 40% of the maintenance costs within maintenance district
areas.
Maintenance district areas typically have more intensive landscaping compared
to non-maintenance district areas. This results in increased maintenance service
and costs for these areas when compared to non-maintenance district areas.
Although residents within maintenance districts pay an additional assessment for
the higher level of maintenance service in the landscape areas. They also receive
a greater benefit with more extensive landscaped areas.
Reductions to the Recreation and Parks department General Fund budget have
resulted in a lowering of landscape maintenance city-wide. This reduction has
been shared by both maintenance district and non-maintenance district areas to
the extent both receive funds from the city's General Fund. So, although
maintenance district areas have assessments contributing to landscape
maintenance, they do not cover all of the costs (only 60%) therefore it is
reasonable to expect some reduction in maintenance level in maintenance district
areas due to General Fund reductions although not to the same extent as non-
maintenance district areas.
While the City is facing fiscal restraints, staff is doing its best to provide quality
landscape maintenance service with limited resources. Efforts are being made to
maintain areas within maintenance districts and non-maintenance districts in a
cost effective manner by focusing on better maintenance techniques, effective
use of remaining staff and looking at ways to address citizen concerns in a timely
manner regarding landscape maintenance in their neighborhoods. Unfortunately,
we must accomplish these goals within the constraints of reduced budgets,
significant reductions in the number of personnel available to perfOrm daily
maintenance tasks, and continued growth in the number of areas of landscaped
areas we maintain within our growing city.
B A K E R S F I E L D
1990
September 17, 2003
David B. Stanton
Riverlakes Ranch Master Association
c/o Pacific Management Company
2131 "G" street
Bakersfield, California 93301
Dear Mr. stanton:
Re: Response to Riverlakes streetscape maintenance letter of August 20, 2003
In response to your concerns of the lack of streetscape maintenance in the Riverlakes
area, we have either completed or will complete the following:
Photo 1-- The area under and around the PG&E transformer box will be
filled in and compacted with soil the week of September 15, 2003.
Photo 2-- The fire hydrant will be exposed by trimming the area around
the hydrant and should be completed by September 17, 2003.
Photo 3-- The sidewalk area along Southshore was trimmed on September
16, 2003 and the sidewalks are now safe to walk.
The landscaping along the sidewalks of Hageman were trimmed
the week of September 8, 2003.
The Riverlakes sidewalks north from Hageman will be trimmed
the week of September 22, 2003.
Photo 4-7-- All of these drainage culverts in the linear park area were cleaned
of weeds and dirt in late August, 2003.
Photo 8-- The area of dry weeds was due to our chemical application to kill
the weeds. This area was cleared of weeds on September 15, 2003.
Photo 9-- This "pampas grass" is part of the landscape planting plan in this
area.
We hope this address's all of your concerns in the Riverlakes area.
Sincerely,
Alan Christensen
Interim Director Recreation & Parks
RECREATION AND PARKS
4101 Truxtun Avenue o Bakersfield · California ° 93309
(661) 326-FUNN o Fax (661) 861-0864
B A K E R S F I E L D
Department of Recreation and Parks
Date: September 18, 2003
To: John W. Stinson, Assistant City Manager
Alan Christensen, Interim Director Recreation and Parks/~.
From:
Subject: TREE VISIBILITY--OLIVE DR./VIA PESCARA
Councilmember Couch requested we investigate a citizen's concern of
several trees blocking the view of oncoming traffic when making a turn at
Olive Dr. onto Via Pescara. Staff members of Parks and Traffic inspected
the area and the visibility issues brought up by the resident of the area.
Traffic determined that the trees were a "line of sight" problem but it could
be solved by "raising" the trees about three (3) feet. While inspecting that
particular area staff also looked at the remaining trees in the median island
on Olive Dr. between Riverlakes and Calloway and determined that in the
very near future trees near the turn lanes would have to be raised for the
safety of all resident drivers.
Staff contacted Coleman Homes as to.this issue and they agreed to raise
the trees for the safety of all. They will have to "raise" about twelve (12) or
more trees along Olive Dr. This area is still under a one (1) year
maintenance period held by Coleman Homes.
The citizen that brought this visibility issue to our attention was contacted
and informed as to our solution to the problem. He was satisfied with the
resolution.
B A K E R S F I E L D
MEMORANDUM
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Jack Hardisty, Development Services
DATE: September 19, 2003
SUBJECT: Wall on Main Plaza Update/Referral 589
Councilmember Couch requested staff provide an update on the wall along Main Plaza, north of [
the Promenade, which needs repair.
I
An inspection of the wall on September 16, 2003 revealed that repair has been completed by the
property owner.
B A K E R S F I E L D
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
MEMORANDUM
September 16, 2003
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Trudy Slater, Administrative Analyst III ~ ~
SUBJECT: Referral #000568, Ming and Nottingham Road Repairs
Councilmember Jacquie Sullivan requested staff to contact her regarding a citizen's complaint of
potholes and street deterioration caused by sprinklers on Ming and Nottingham.
After contacting Councilmember Sullivan, I contacted Streets Superintendent Luis Peralez. Mr. Peralez
indicated that the potholes on Nottingham, east of Ashe Road, were repaired on September 12. The
damage to the streets had not been caused by water. He also indicated sprinklers in the area are on
private property and not under the control of the City.
P:~,'IAM0309162-ReferraI-MingNottingham
Cc: Luis Peralez, Streets Superintendent
B A K E R S F I E L D
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
MEMORANDUM
September 19, 2003
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Darnell Haynes, Assistant to the City Manage~7~d
SUBJECT: Council Referral 000580 Regarding Curb Cuts at Amtrak Station
At the September 10, 2003 City Council meeting Councilmember Sullivan
requested staff review the feasibility of curb cuts on the landscaped medians at
the Amtrak station.
Staff met with Councilmember Sullivan at the Amtrak parking lot to discuss her request.
The Amtrak parking lot circulation plan and rationale behind it was discussed. Staff also
identified some convenient parking stalls located near existing curb cuts and
Councilmember Sullivan agreed there was no need for the installation of additional curb
cuts on the landscaped medians.
S 5Damell\amtrakcurbcutsref00580.doc
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS
DATE: September 16, 2003
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Alan Christensen, Interim Director Recreation & Parks,/~~'''
SUBJECT: EMPTY TREE WELLS IN MEDIANS
Ref000574 (WARD 7)
Councilmember Salvaggio requested staff provide an explanation for the empty tree wells in
the median on So. "H" street south of Planz road.
There are four (4) tree wells south on "H" street and south of Planz that only have
ground cover planted. The first, third and fourth tree wells have only three (3) foot
diameters which is too small for planted trees as well as having a road base (asphalt)
under the tree wells. The second (2) tree well has the canal running underneath it.
Currently slow growing ground cover are planted in the tree wells. We anticipate
planting some Iow growing shrubs in all four wells within the next two weeks. This
should give the tree wells more color and texture.
S:\Council Referrals\RefO00574.doc
September 15, 2003 (2:41PM)
B A K E R S F I E L D
MEMORANDUM
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager ~ f
FROM: Jack Hardisty, Development Services D
DATE: September 19, 2003
SUBJECT: Clean up of railroad property/Referral 575
Councilmember Salvaggio requested staff assist in the clean up and complete the fencing on the
railroad property located adjacent to city property on the east side of Hughes Lane, south of
White Lane, north of Pacheco. Staff to place a lien on the property.
On September 4, 2003, a 7-day violation notice was mailed to Union Pacific Railroad to remove
the overgrown weeds, trash and debris along the railroad property. A reinspection was
conducted and the property has not been cleaned. A second notice will be issued scheduling an
abatement hearing for September 30, 2003.