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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/09/04 B A K E R S F I E L D CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE MEMORANDUM January 9, 2004 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Coun/~l f/ FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager SUBJECT: General Information 1. Since the Governor's action to restore the VLF backfill a few weeks ago, the trend of our financial circumstances has been leaning toward improvement in comparison to my financial report to the City Council on December 10th. Today, the Governor's proposed budget would take $1.3 billion in City and County property tax money. In this insane environment, financial planning is a roller coaster! See your Council packet for a financial report, which is backup to the Budget Workshop item. 2. Various canals are shut down for repairs at different times. Since the 19th Street sinkhole incident, we have been inspecting them each time there is an opportunity. While several have "passed" or needed only minor repairs, five, identified below, have very serious problems necessitating street shut downs and emergency repairs. Since the inspections took place after finalization of the agenda, and since thers is a very short window to repair because the canals are scheduled to be put back in service, an emergency resolution will be prepared for your next agenda. The recommended budget source will be from Facility Replacement Reserve. That is unfortunate because was anticipated to use the Reserve to cover shortfalls to our General Fund covered by actions of the State. Wilson Road between Chester Avenue and Union Avenue. There is a triple barrel pipe. The road has been closed. We have contacted Granite Construction. Work is proceeding immediately to repair the crossing on the Kern Island Canal. White Lane, east of Union Avenue. In addition, we have a similar situation on White Lane, east of Union Avenue, also in danger of failure. The road has been closed. Granite Construction will also start work immediately. Terrace Way, between "P" Street and Chester Avenue: Repairs can begin immediately without road closure, similar to the Truxtun Avenue projects. Terrace Way, east of "P" Street: The road will be closed today. Repairs will begin tomorrow. P Street, between Terrace Way and Hi.qhwa¥ 58: Road closure is necessary for doing maintenance work. Complete pipe replacement is not required at this time. Preliminary cost estimates should be available next week. ~onorable Mayor and City Council January 9, 2004 Page 2 3. Thanks are due the Redevelopment Agency members for their vote this week to pick up $300,000 in what have been General Fund staff costs in EDCD with Agency dollars! Their willingness to sacrifice for the City financial circumstances is appreciated! 4. The General Services Administration actions to locate and build a Federal Magistrate Court building have been going slowly, as some assignments were being shifted about in the GSA. It is our understanding that the process is now gearing up again. It is treated as a private sector bid, with the Feds leasing the privately owned building. We have previously requested consideration of a core area downtown location. 5. The demolition of International Square has proceeded smoothly this week. That property is now back in control of the railroad. 6. You may notice some agenda format changes for the meeting of the 14th. The placement of the Consent Calendar on the 5:15 p.m. meeting has, in the opinion of staff, been extremely successful. You will note that we have discontinued the duplicate listings of items between the 5:15 meeting and the 7:00 p.m. continuation. Agenda item numbering will flow consecutively. We are also adding a Consent Hearing section to the agenda. Hearings that are routine in nature and those where continuations have been requested will be conducted at 5:15. While an ordinance gives my office flexibility to adjust the agenda format to be as efficient as possible, this is an effort to make the Consent Calendar at 5:15 be permanent, unless workload considerations require something else. 7. Congratulations are extended to Councilmember Salvaggio, who has been selected to receive a 2004 Regional Award of Merit from KernCOG for Lifetime Achievement for an Elected Official. I am also pleased to announce that Jim Movius, Principal Planner in Development Services, will receive an award for Distinguished Leadership for a Public Official for his work on the Northeast Bakersfield Parks and Trails Plan. Finally, recently retired Water Resources Manager, Gene Bogart, will receive a well-deserved Lifetime Achievement Award for a Public Official. The awards ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 4th at the Holiday Inn Select. Invitations will be forthcoming from KernCOG. 8. An application to establish a live adult entertainment club has been resubmitted for 3301 Buck Owens Blvd. (N.W. corner of Buck Owens & Gilmore). Some months ago this proposal was unable to meet the City's development standards. It has been scaled back to avoid those problems with right of way and parking conflicts. The application is now undergoing site plan review for compliance with standards and ordinance requirements. 9. To clarify information from a recent news article, Development Services' initial review of the URM list shows about 30 to 40 of the buildings (out of a total of 205) not in compliance with the City's ordinance. Some have been demolished and some have been converted to storage. Staff plans to inspect each one in the near future and will provide a status report. ~onorable Mayor and City Council January 9, 2004 Page 3 10. A report is enclosed from Recreation and Parks on the staffing changes that have been made at the MLK, Silver Creek, and Lowell Community Centers due to the necessity to eliminate the temporary staffing. The loss of temporary staff reduces our ability to keep regular recreation center hours and other programs. 11. Construction has begun on the downtown Parkview Cottages at 21st and R Streets. The developer indicates the project is generating so much interest that it will likely sell out in the next 18 months, which is earlier than originally anticipated. A report from EDCD is enclosed. 12. A memo is attached regarding a Community meeting held on January 5th to discuss the issue of closing Wayside Pool. 13. HPS Mechanical is in compliance with the terms of their loan agreement with the City for the two-year period of their five-year loan, per the enclosed EDCD correspondence. 14. The list of High Five Award recipients for the fourth quarter of 2003 is enclosed. Congratulations to all those who were recognized for their exceptional service as City employees. 15. The Vision 2020 community group has launched an image marketing campaign for Bakersfield. Their information packet on that subject is enclosed. 16. Per a Council request, an update on City sewer projects is enclosed. 17. As an update to a previous Council request, Public Works staff will remedy the sidewalk problem at Ming and Ashe by putting in concrete to replace the cracked asphalt. 18. Per a request from Vice Mayor Couch, the City Attorney provided a report regarding statements requesting the conditions of GPA/ZC 03-0745. AT:rs cc.' Department Heads Pam McCarthy, City Clerk Trudy Slater, Administrative Analyst Los Angeles Times: Governor's Budget Targets Cities, Counties Page 1 of 4 http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-budget9j an09,1,2251228.story?coil=la-home-headlines advertisement Governor's Budget Targets Cities, Counties Schwarzenegger's plan would take $1.3 billion from local governments. It also would cut transit projects and health care for the low income. By Evan Halper, Jeffrey L. Rabin and Nancy Vogel Times Staff Writers January 9, 2004 SACRAMENTO -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is expected to unveil a budget plan today that would take $1.3 billion from local governments, significantly cut back money for transportation and reduce the health benefits for low-income Californians, according to officials familiar with the details. Although some of the cuts had been anticipated, local officials reacted with disbelief, saying they were blindsided by news that the administration planned to shit~ more of their property tax money to other programs. Only weeks ago the governor -- flanked by an assortment of beaming mayors and county officials -- called a televised news conference to announce that he was restoring $4 billion that local governments lost when he reduced the vehicle license fee in November. The governor said at the time that he was keeping his campaign pledge not to harm cities and counties as a result of his tax cut. Chris McKenzie, executive director of the League of California Cities, said Thursday that the property tax diversion would be crippling if the Legislature approved the governor's budget. Two- thirds votes in each house are required for a budget to pass. "This is going to have the same effect on local services that not paying the [car tax money] would have -- the same effect on public safety, library services, parks, public health, the general lineup of local government services," McKenzie said. "It's going to be devastating for some cities." Officials in Los Angeles County warned that the move would cost them about $280 million that paid for public safety, libraries, parks and other services. "They would have a revolution if they tried to take more property tax," said David Janssen, the county's chief administrative officer. http://www.~atimes.c~m/news/~~ca~/~a-me-budget9jan~9~~~2~~3~4~print.st~ry?c~~~=~a-h~me-head~ines i?! 1/9/2004 Los Angeles Times: Govemor's Budget Targets Cities, Counties Page 2 of 4 A spokesman for Schwarzenegger said there would be no comment on the details of the budget until today. The prOposed cuts come as the governor attempts to close what he says is a $15-billion deficit for the fiscal year that begins in July. The budget would include no new taxes. But the governor will propose that some of the deficit be erased by obtaining new revenues from Indian gambling and by significantly raising the fees for graduate and community college students. Schwarzenegger's proposal would involve taking property tax money from local governments and using it to pay some of the state's obligation to schools. City and county officials say they are still suffering from the last time the state made such a shift, during a budget criSis in the early 1990s. That move was supposed to be temporary, but the money was never restored. The budget also includes at least $1 billion of the kind of borrowing that Schwarzenegger criticized when he was elected and that a Sacramento judge declared illegal last year. It would involve selling bonds to cover the state's annual payment to the pension fund for government employees, freeing up other money to pay down the state's deficit. The borrowing would be on top of Schwarzenegger's $15-billion bond proposal that will come before voters in March. The governor had earlier characterized the $15 billion in bonds as the last the state would sell to balance the budget. The governor's staff had briefed Assembly and Senate Republicans on the plan by midday Thursday, but left most Democrats in the dark. Democrats were told they would be briefed this morning, shortly before the Republican governor publicly unveils the plan at an 11 a.m. news conference. Officials familiar with the spending plan say it includes about $11 billion in cuts, borrowing, and accounting maneuvers that delay the payment of various state expenses. Many of the cuts are one-time only, and thus would do nothing to solve the structural imbalance between what the state spends and what it receives in revenue. The governor's budget calls for saving money by not paying more than $2 billion owed to K-12 schools and community colleges. Leaders of several major education groups struck a deal with the governor -- formally announced Thursday -- to support his plan to postpone paying that money in exchange for a pledge not to push for deeper cuts. As a result, payments to schools would be the same as they are this year, plus a modest increase to cover enrollment growth and cost-of-living adjustments. For in-state undergraduate students in the Cal State and UC systems at least, the governor's budget keeps a promise he made in his Tuesday State of the State address to limit their tuition increase to 10%. Also in the budget will be an initiative to shift some of the freshman classes at state universities over to community colleges, where the cost to taxpayers is less than half as much for each student. Those students would then have the opportunity to transfer into the universities after two years. Community college students and graduate students at UC and Cal State, meanwhile, are in for major fee hikes. At community colleges, fees would go up from $18 per credit to $26 under the proposed budget. Graduate students would see fee increases of as much as 40%. Schwarzenegger's finance director, Donna Arduin, signaled the move weeks ago http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la, me.budget9j an09,1,200304,print, story?coll=la-home-headlines 1/9/2004 Los Angeles Times: Governor's Budget Targets Cities, Counties Page 3 of 4 when she noted in testimony to legislative committees that the state's graduate and professional schOols were "heavily subsidized." Students are already mobilizing to fight the proposed fee increases, complaining that their tuition has risen about 40% since December 2002. J.D: Henderson, 37, a third-year law student and president of the UCLA Student Bar Assn., said graduate and prOfessional fee hikes would hurt the quality of California's top-flight schools. "It seems Gov. Schwarzenegger wants our graduate schools to be as mediocre as his movies," he said. Government assistance to low-income Californians would also be reduced under the plan, which proposes capping enrollment in major health-care programs. Officials in the governor's office say the caps should not be characterized as cuts because no one currently receiving care would be thrown off the rolls. But health-care advocates disagree. "There is no way to mince words about it," said Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access, which advocates for the low-income. "It will result in thousands and thousands of folks not getting care." The governor is also expected to try to save at least a few hundred million dollars by moving the elderly, blind and disabled who are now receiving state assistance into more structured managed-care programs. And despite a recent court decision blocking a 5% cut in the rates that the state pays doctors in the Medi-Cal program -- now averaging about $23 per office visit -- Schwarzenegger is seeking to further cut those rates by 10%. Also targeted for major cuts are transportation projects. The governor will propose taking roughly $1 billion in gasoline tax money that is supposed to be earmarked for transportation under voter-approved Proposition 42. That money will instead go to balancing the budget. Transportation officials say that will lead them to put off significant road building and repair projects, as well as alternative transportation initiatives. The governor also will ask the federal government for at least $40 million to defray the $65-million cost of fighting this fall's Southern California wildfires. And he will seek to impose new fees on timber interests seeking approval of logging plans. The California Conservation Corps. would suffer a cut of nearly $13 million, about 14% of its budget. Just as former Gov. Gray Davis did, Schwarzenegger will seek help from Indian casinos in balancing the budget. He is proposing renegotiating gambling compacts to generate $500 million for the state. Tribes have expressed little interest in doing that. Times staff writers Sue Fox, Jessica Garrison, Peter Y. Hong, Gregg Jones and Rebecca Trounson contributed to this report. If you Went 'other stories on this topic, search the Archives at latlmes.conVarchlves. http://www.~atimes.c~m/news/~~ca~/~a-me-budget9jan~9~~,2003~4~print.story?c~~~=~a~h~me-head~ines 1/9/2004 Los Angeles Times: Governor's Budget Targets Cities, Counties Page 4 of 4 Click here for article licensing and reprint options Copyright 2004 Los Angeles Times http://www~~atimes.c~m/news/~~ca~/~a-me-budget9jan~9~~,2003~4~print.story?c~~~=~a-h~me-head~ines 1/9/2004 This story is taken from Politics at sacbee.com. Property tax shift proposed By 3ohn Hill -- Bee Capitol Bureau - (Published Sanuary 9, 2004) The budget proposed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today will take $1.3 billion of property tax from local governments to offset the state's obligation to pay for schools, sources said Thursday. The proposal would closely resemble the property tax shift that occurred in the early 1990s and has been a sore point in the state's relationship with local governments ever since. Schwarzenegger's first budget proposal, which he will send to the Legislature at 11 a.m. today, also will call for suspension of Proposition 42, a constitutional provision that diverts sales tax on gasoline to transportation projects, sources said. That step, taken in the last two budgets, would free up $1.1 billion for the state's other obligations by reducing money available for transportation projects. The GOP governor also will propose moving elderly Medi-Cal recipients into managed care, setting up premiums for some Medi-Cal benefits not required by federal law, and reducing pension benefits for new state workers, sources said. Schwarzenegger, faced with an ongoing annual mismatch between revenues and spending of about $14 billion, has consistently vowed not to raise taxes. That left him the options of spending cuts and other measures, such as putting off costs. Together, the governor will offer cuts and deferrals totaling $11 billion, sources familiar with the budget said Thursday. !t is unclear how the rest of the budget gap will be reconciled, but Schwarzenegger is expected to rely on higher revenues from tribal gambling operations and an improving economy. The proposal to take $1.3 billion from local governments is likely to generate controversy. Schwarzenegger won praise from cities and counties when he unilaterally authorized payments to local governments to make up for the revenue they lost when he rolled back the state vehicle license fee increase upon taking office in November. The payments in the current fiscal year total $2.6 billion, much of which is used for police and fire protection and other local services. The governor proposes to divert $1.3 billion from local property taxes to schools, thereby reducing the state's obligation, sources said. "That would be a bad thing," said Pat Leary, a lobbyist for the California State Association of Counties, after being told about the proposal. She noted that property tax pays for many of the same services funded by the vehicle license fee. "My immediate reaction is, what?" said (3eoff Davey, Sacramento County's chief financial officer. "It would be a tremendous shell game if the vehicle license fees were restored but property taxes taken away." Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo, told of the proposal, responded, "! hope it is not true. This certainly emphasizes the need for the initiative to protect local revenues." The California League of Cities and the California State Association of Counties are trying to put an initiative on the November ballot that would require voters to approve any shift of local sales and property taxes to the state. IVluch of the budget ax is expected to fall on health care and social services, and sources detailed some of these proposed cuts Thursday. In one provision of Schwarzenegger's plan, elderly and disabled people who get Medi-Cal would be moved into managed care plans instead of the state paying fees to medical providers that the recipients choose. In some counties, all Medi-Cal recipients are already in managed care plans, but others make it optional for the elderly and disabled. A 2002 publication by the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office estimated the potential savings of changing the medical plan for I million beneficiaries at $140 million. Some health care advocates argue that it would be hard to realize those savings without reducing medical treatment for a population that depends heavily on it. Schwarzenegger is expected to propose establishing a premium for some Medi-Cal recipients who get benefits not required by federal law. One controversial health care cut will be the rate the state pays to Medi-Cal providers. The budget signed last summer cut that rate by 5 percent, and Schwarzenegger recently called for another 10 percent cut. But on Dec. 23, a Sacramento federal judge blocked the 5 percent cut, saying the state had failed to take the steps required under federal law to justify it. Still, Schwarzenegger's proposal counts on savings from the two provider rate cuts. Together, the reductions would save the state about $700 million. A $400 million cut in the Department of Corrections relies on unspecified reforms in how the prisons are run, sources said. It counts on the state renegotiating its contract with the California Correctional Peace Officers Association. Other state worker unions renegotiated their contracts last year to help balance the budget.. It was widely known that Schwarzenegger had reached an agreement with education groups to provide only half of the $4 billion increase they are expected to be owed in the coming fiscal year under Proposition 98. The 1988 initiative guaranteed school spending would get a growing amount of revenue each year from the state and local property taxes. On Thursday, Schwarzenegger and state education leaders released details in a news conference at Sutter Middle School in east Sacramento, where he also toured a computer room and chatted with students. "During my campaign, I said many times that our children should always have the first call on our treasury," Schwarzenegger said Scott Plotkin, executive director of the California School Boards Association, said the deal made sense, in part, because "we were getting indications that the legislative leadership was prepared to take all ($4 billion)." Under the deal, subject to legislative approval, the K-14 education system would receive much of its $2 billion portion as discretionary funds that could be used for salaries or any educational program. The K-12 system would get about $1.8 billion, and community colleges would receive $200 million. Sources said Thursday that the governor's proposal would defer payment of an additional $1 billion that the state owes schools for the current and previous fiscal years -- the difference between what the state budgeted and the amount it later determined it was required to pay under Proposition 98. Community college fees would increase from $18 to $26 per unit under the governor's proposal, sources said. Lawmakers who have advocated such a move in the past argued the cost for Iow-income students would be more than offset by new eligibility for federal aid. Fees at the University of California and California State University would rise 10 percent for undergraduates and up to 40 percent for graduate students. BY law, the state is not allowed to reduce pension benefits already granted to current state workers. But Schwarzenegger will propose offerin9 new workers reduced benefits, sources said, similar to those in place before the Legislature sweetened pensions in 1999. Budget highlights Among the items expected in the state budget proposal today: * A $1.3 billion shift of property taxes away frOm local governments to offset the state's obligation to pay for schools. * A diversion of transportation funds by suspending Proposition 42, which dedicates sales tax on gasoline for projects. * A $400 million cut to prisons, in unspecified reforms and wage concessions that must be agreed to by the correctional officers union. * A community college fee increase from $18 per unit to $26. Fees at the University of California and California State University would increase 10 percent for under-graduates and up to 40 percent for graduate students. * Establishment of premiums for Medi-Cal recipients for some benefits not required by federal law. * A $2 billion reduction in the $4 billion increase schools would be entitled to under Proposition 98. Another $1 billion owed to schools this year would be deferred. * Return to a two-tier pension system for state workers, offering less lucrative benefits to new hires. Source: Bee research, Governor's Office About the Writer The Bee's John Hill can be reached at (916) 326-5543 or jhill@sacbee.com. Bee staff writers Terri Hardy and Jim Sanders contributed to this report. C.o.~ta ct...B.ee...Cus!;~).m e r Seryic~ Adv~e_._rtise_.~O_nlj.n_e I .R_rj..v_.a.~;y_P.o.!.i_~y I Ter_m.s__Qf__u_s_e. I ...H_~!p I _Site ~_aj~ News I Sports I Business I Politics I Opinion I Entertainment I Lifestyle I Travel I Women Classifieds I Homes I Cars I .lobs I ShoDping GUIDE.~O..~EH.E..BEE..;. I S.ub.s~!:Ti.be I Co.ntacts I Adye.rTtise I Bee .E~er)ts I Co.mmunity..Inyo!.ve.me.!3t [ Sacramento Bee Web sites ] Sacbee.com I SacTicket.com I Sacramento.com Contact sacbee.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 Posted on Fri, .lan. 09, 2004 Cities, counties face loss of money LOCAL OFFZCI[ALS SAY GOVERNOR GAVE, TOOK AWAY BV Ann E. l~larimow, Dion Nissenbaum and Kate Folmar t4ercurv News Sacramento Bureau SACRAt-tENTO - Three weeks after taking bold action to protect local government from steep budget cuts, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger today will propose siphoning off about $:[.3 billion in city and county property taxes when he unveils his first spending plan to tackle the state's $15 billion deficit. In addition, Schwarzenegger will propose lowering state pension benefits and raising $500 million from indian tribes with casinos, and he anticipates $300 million in new federal funds. While the governor plans to increase public school funding by $2 billion, he also would raise higher-education fees. Underscoring the longstanding struggle between Sacramento and local governments, cities, counties and redevelopment agencies would have to divert another $1.3 billion in local property taxes to public schools, according to sources who have been briefed by the administration. That move would relieve some of the state's obligation to education. · ' :It's very disappointing the new governor is going to an old tactic of stealing revenue from local governments to balance his budget," said San .lose budget director Larry Lisenbee. Lisenbee said the city already loses more than $19 million annually through a property tax shift that began during the last recession over a decade ago, when the Legislature shifted more of the school-funding burden to cities and counties. Last month, big-city mayors and county sheriffs stood on stage to applaud Schwarzenegger for guaranteeing $2.7 billion they stood to lose when he lowered the car tax on his first day in office. In an unusual show of power, Republican Schwarzenegger bypassed the Democrat-controlled Legislature to ensure that checks would be paid to local governments. Called perplexing Pat Leary, legislative representative for the California State Association of Counties, called Schwarzenegger's plan perplexing. · ' Why would you go out of your way to restore vehicle license fee money to local governments, say they shouldn't pay the price and then take away property tax money that pays for exactly the same thing?" said Leafy, who hadn't seen the proposal. ' ' :It just doesn't compute." A spokesman for the governor's finance department declined to discuss specifics. H.D. Palmer said the administration would explain in great detail how the overall budget would benefit local government when Schwarzenegger presents his entire budget package today. In a news cOnference Thursday, the governor announced a compromise with educators that was portrayed as a bright spot in a budget that is expected to inflict deep cuts all around. Saying that ' ' our children will always have the first call on our treasury," Schwarzenegger announced schools will receive $2 billion more in funding in the next school year. He made the announcement with various education groups by his side in the library of Sutter Middle School in East Sacramento. Under California's constitutional school funding guarantee, Proposition 98, schools are actually owed an increase of almost $4 billion next year. But the governor struck a novel deal with educators to split the difference. Schools will get a $2 billion increase this year and the rest will be restored starting in the 2005-06 school year. To close the budget gap, Schwarzenegger also wants to scale back benefits paid to state employees through California's costly oublic retirement system -- a chance that would have to be neeotiated with unions. A similar olan to create a less- expensive program for new employees was adopted in the late 1980s, but discontinued in flush times in the 1990s. Steve Trossman, a spokesman for the California State Employees Association, said the union would oppose a two-tiered system that treats some employees differently than others. · ' State employees have a fair pension system that allows them to have a full career serving Californians and have a decent retirement," he said. In addition, the governor anticipates about $300 million in federal funds and about $500 million in new revenue from Indian tribes that operate casinos and want to offer more slot machines. Graduate students and out-of-state undergraduate students at public universities would see their fees increase by 40 percent and 20 percent, respectively. In- state students would face a 10 percent increase. Assemblyman Ray Haynes, R-Temecula, declined to discuss the specific budget proposal, but said local governments have no reason to complain now about any cuts. · ' With all due respect, I don't have a whole lot of sympathy for a city manager that makes $200,000 to $250,000 complaining that he doesn't have enough money to pay the bills," said Haynes. ' 'They were fattening themselves up on the same exact hog as the state government was." Schwarzenegger's deal on school funding has been criticized by some legislators -- who ultimately will have to approve the budget blueprint -- because it leaves other groups vulnerable. But Schwarzenegger said that schools, by not fighting for all that they were owed, helped him spare worse cuts elsewhere. Middle-class concern Schwarzenegger is calling the change ' ' re-basing" -- or tweaking the base school funding level. However, several insiders said it would amount to suspension of Proposition 98 -- a word that people are studiously avoiding because it is heresy in many education circles. The .governor would not discuss higher-education fees at the news conference. However, people familiar with the budget said fees at all levels of the state's public higher-education system would go up under his proposal. The average California State University fee is now $2,572 a year, including campus-based fees that range from $316 to $1,462. The current University of California undergraduate fee is $4,984 a year, and climbs to an average of $5,530 annually when campus fees are included. Both UC and CSU systemwide fees have grown by 40 percent over the 'past year, but still are among the lowest in the nation. Graduate students would take a harder hit. At UC, graduates pay a systemwide fee of $5,200 annually, climbing to an average of $6,843 when campus fees are added. But students in professional schools such as law, medicine and business pay substantially more. Community college fees, which rose from $11 to $18 a unit this fall, would still be the lowest in the nation even if they increase to $26. Still, some students are reeling. · ' Considering last year's 40 percent increase in one year, ! don't think it should be permissible," said Anu 3oshi, a senior at UC-Berkeley. ' ' It is really going to hit the middle class the hardest." hlercury News Staff Writers Aaron C. Davis, hlark Gladstone and Becky Bartindale contributed to this report. Contact Ann E. hlarimow at amarimow~mercurynews, com or (9]6) 325-43]5. 2004 Mercuv,,' News and wire setMce soume$. All Rights Reserved. http://w ww.m ercurynews.com · ...i:.i: . ' ' .: :.:' .:' ' Governor, teachers negotiate funding deal Plan for schools might lessen cuts elsewhere By Ed Mendel STAFF WRITER January g, 2004 SACRAMENTO - Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, reaching agreement with what could have been a major opponent, said yesterday that the budget he will propose today raises school funding by nearly $2 billion. The increase is about half the amount required by the Proposition 98 school-funding guarantee, but members of a coalition led by the California Teachers Association approved the plan and smiled as they joined the governor for the announcement. As Schwarzenegger delivered the good news for schools, other interests braced for bad news as he prepared to unveil his plan to close an estimated $15 billion budget gap next fiscal year without a tax increase. Lobbyists and lawraakers with some knowledge of private budget briefings said they expect Schwarzenegger to propose cuts in Medi-Cal that will reduce services to patients and payments to providers and push for increases in student fees for universities and community colleges. Local governments, which lost $1.3 billion under the current state budget, expect another big hit. Meanwhile, San Diego legislators said transportation funding is a target for cuts, which could delay local freeway projects. Also, reports have surfaced that the governor will propose selling off some state property to help close the budget gap. Reaching an early budget deal with the California Teachers Association could pay political dividends for Schwarzenegger as he pushes to get his budget enacted. The association, which has a large campaign war chest, was at odds with the previous Republican governor, Pete Wilson, and assailed him in statewide television ads during a record budget deadlock in 1992. At yesterday's news conference, Schwarzenegger said people had warned him, during and after his campaign to replace former Democratic Gov. Gray Davis in the October recall election, that he would have a "major problem" with the education community. "Wait until you get hold of the CTA. They will never give you anything," Schwarzenegger said he was told. But the governor said he had a "spectacular experience" working with the teachers union two years ago for PropOsition 49, his successful initiative to provide funding for after-school programs. "As I have always said, I am very positive," Schwarzenegger said. "I am an optimistic guy, and I think we can make things happen. I do not go for the thing that is impossible." But after the recall election, he got offto a rocky start with the teachers when the association's top political strategist, John Hein, resigned from the governor's transition team after Schwarzenegger named former Los Angeles Mayor Richard Riordan education secretary - a longtime foe of the teachers union. Then, in early December, the governor alarmed education officials when he suggested during a nationally televised interview on CNN that he might propose suspending the Proposition 98 guarantee, which voters passed in 1988. But before leaving on a m-day holiday at his vacation home in Sun Valley, Idaho, the governor reached the agreement with the teachers association on school funding, and the other coalition members ultimately agreed. "The way he involved us in this budget proposal is a first, and we appreciate that," Barbara Kerr, the association's president, said yesterday. Kerr said the accord gives schools a bigger increase than they received under the current budget. She said negotiating a solution is "a lot better than standing on the side yelling." The sketchy details of the agreement seemed to suggest that fewer funds will be designated for specific programs, leaving a larger share of the money available for teacher salaries in contract negotiations. "That is very possible, yes," Kerr said. The deal apparently will require a vote by the Legislature to suspend Proposition 98 - something that has happened only once, when a temporary sales tax was imposed in 1989 after the Loma Prieta earthquake - so that the bulk of the money would not have to go to schools. The Education Coalition, which includes representatives of teachers, parents, school boards, administrators and business officials, has vigorously opposed the suspension of Proposition 98 in the past, fearing a precedent. Kevin Gordon of the California Association of School Business Officials said the deal with Schwarzenegger will require an "immaculate suspension" of Proposition 98. "Technically, they will invoke that section of the constitution," Gordon said. "But our view of suspension is it ain't suspension unless we say it is suspension." Kerr said the teachers association supports the governor's proposal to consolidate $2 billion worth of categorical funds, currently earmarked by the state for various programs, in a move to give local school boards more flexibility. Meanwhile, the governor said he supports passage of $m.3 billion in school-construction bonds on the March 2 ballot. He had once suggested moving it to the November ballot so as not to compete with his deficit-bond measure. Voters are being asked to approve record borrowing in March, which includes the governor's $~5 billion deficit bond, to cover the current budget deficit, which does nothing to help close the coming year's deficit. Schwarzenegger said the $2 billion savings under the school agreement enables him to lessen the cuts he will propose in health care and other services. "This is why this was so helpful," he said. "This money will be used for health care, for health services and other things." Still, health care lobbyists said they expect the governor to propose cutting optional Medi-Cal services - dental, vision and medical supplies - and to propose reducing payments to Medi-Cal providers by ~o percent. A 5 percent cut in payments to Medi-Cal providers in the current budget has been blocked by a court. The governor is also expected to call for cuts in health services for children. Others with knowledge of the budget said the governor is expected to propose higher university student fees: lo percent for undergraduates, 20 percent for non-residents, and 40 percent for graduate students. A lobbyist expects the governor to propose increasing community college fees to $26 per credit from $~8. In addition, community colleges might get an increase of only $200 million, far below the $800 million they were expecting and just enough to replace a payment deferred this year. "We lost ~75,ooo students this year," said Scott Lay of the Community College League of California. "This will likely bring another (reduction of) ~oo,ooo or so." Democratic state Sens. Dede Alpert and Denise Ducheny of San Diego said they have been told that proposed transportation cuts could delay or even stop work on improvements like the Interstate 8o5/Interstate 5 merger. Local government officials, who lost $1.3 billion in the current state budget, fear that the governor might propose a similar cut with a promise to repay the money in the future. "We always prefer if you take our revenues, you pay them back," said Pat Leary of the California State Association of Counties. Staff writers Bill Ainsworth and Eleanor Yang and Copley News Service correspondent Michael Gardner contributed to this report Copyright 2004 Union-Tribune Publishing Co. Find this article at-' http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/uniontrib/fri/news/news_l n9budget, html Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. STATE-LOCAL ASSISTANCE STATE-LOCAL ASSISTANCE Both the United States and California of 2003, provided that this "gap" in fund- economies slowed in 2001_. Due to its de- lng would be repaid to local governments in pendence on the personal income tax with its 2006-07. Due to the State's current fiscal highly volatile capital gains component, the environment, this Budget proposes a contin- State faces significant fiscal challenges. How- uation of the 2003-04 gap level of reduction ever, local revenue sources, such as sales and ($1_.3 billion) to local governments in the property taxes are less volatile. Consequently, form of an increased Educational Revenue' cities and counties have not experienced such Augmentation Fund (ERAF) shift beginning drastic swings in revenues as has the 'State. in 2004-0~. Local governments would shift approximately $1.3 billion of property tax Due to the State's current fiscal environment, revenues to the ERAF in order to decrease reductions were required to local govern- the State's General Fund Proposition g8 ment funding in a number of areas. However, the Governor's Budget continues the obligation. Administration's efforts to support high-pri- ~ ............. · ..... · ....................................... ...................... , ............................ ?,: ority programs of mutual concern to both Public Safety State and local governments, such as public safety, health and human services, housing, The Governor's Budget contains ap- transportation, and resources, as discussed proximately $450 million for public safety below. The funding provided for these pro- including the following major programs: grams totals nearly $6.7 billion. · $200 million for the Citizens' Option for In addition, the Budget includes full re- Public Safety (COPS) and Juvenile Justice imbursement to local governments for Crime Prevention Programs. COPS sup- the vehicle license fee offset program, ports front-line local law enforcement, totaling approximately $4.1 billion for sheriffs' departments for jail construction 2004-05. Important to note, however, is and operations, and district attorneys that in 2003-04, local governments' vehicle for prosecution. Through the program, license fee revenues were reduced by $1.3 bil- local governments receive a minimum lion due to lag time necessary to implement grant of $100,000 for front-line law higher fees when the offset was eliminated enforcement services; all other funds on June 20, 2003. Chapter 231, Statutes are allocated on a per-capita basis. The 215 GSA Pacific Rim Region January 5, 2004 RECEIVED Mr. Alan Tandy, City Manager JAN - 8 ?00zl City of Bakersfield 1501 Tmxtun Avenue C~TY MANAGER'S Bakersfield, CA 93301 '~ ..... Re: US Magistrate - Bakersfield Delineated area for lease search Dear Mr. Tandy: Thank you for talking with Cindy Scher and me today regarding the geographic area within which the US Government will consider sites for the proposed US Magistrate lease f.aci!,ity in Bakersfield. Confirming our conversation today, it was discussed and /igreed' that the US Government would consider locations within the delineated area of Bakersfield submitted by Cindy Scher to the City last year, without giving first consideration to sites in any particular portion of that area. This delineated area - outlined in the enclosed May 23, 2003 letter to the Mayor - includes the downtown redeveloPi:nbnt' zone, and extends beyond it. Thank you again for your help. Please call me at 415-522-3251 if you have any questions. Sincerely, Scott Bmnson Realty Specialist Realty Services Branch ,/ Pacific Service Center (9PNE) \ PbbliC Buildings Service ' U.S. General Sei'¢ic~s Administration 450 Golden Gate Avenue San Francisco, CA 94102-3434 www. gsa.gov General Services Administration Pacific Service Center 650 Capitol Mall, Room 8-100 Sacramento, CA 95814 May 23,2003 Mayor Harvey Hall City of Bakersfield 1501 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 Dear Mayor Hall: The purpose of this letter is to solicit your comments on a proposed Federal Space action within your jurisdiction. On March 7, 1996, the Administrator of General Services (GSA) published in the Federal Register and made effective an interim rule (41 CFR 101-17.205) which requires the GSA seek comment from local officials prior to attempting to satisfy space requests of Federal agency's in urban areas. The purpose of this interim rule to serve to reaffirm this Administration's commitment to Executive Order 12072 and its goals of giving first consideration to centralized community business area when filling federal space needs. Therefore, in consideration of the above, and any and all prior consultation between the GSA and your office on the issue to urban revitalization through Federal Space Management, please be advised that the GSA proposes to satisfy the US Magistrate Court and US Marshal's space request by soliciting offers for the acquisition of leasehold interest for approximately 12,000 rentable square feet within the area delineated by: 30a Street/Rosedale Hiqhwa¥ to the North~ Union Avenue to the East~ California Avenue/Stockdale Hi.qhwa¥ to the South Coffee Road to the West. Please provide any recommendations or concerns regarding the proposed space action by written reply within thirty (30) days of your receipt of this letter. If you have any questions or comments or more immediate concerns regarding this action, please do not hesitate to contact me at (916) 498- 5379. Sincerely, Cynthia J. scher Contracting Officer Real Estate Services From: Alan Tandy To: Amber Lawrence Date: 1/9/04 8:47 Subject: Fwd: Update on URM list add an item to gen info- as a clarification of numbers that were in a recent article >>> Jack Leonard 1/8/04 5:10:38 PM >>> jack, our initial review of the URM list shows about 30 to 40 of the buildings (out of a total of 205) not in compliance with the City's ordinance, we made a preliminary drive-by to spot check a few of these buildings and found some had been demolished, and some have been converted to storage (meeting the requirements of the ordinance), we plan to inspect each one and update our list accordingly, upon completion, we'll notify the state, as well as mr. burger, and provide you with a current URM status report. jack I. our list grew from 200 to 205 due to an annexation of 5 URM buildings from the county (one of these i believe has been demolished) .... CHANGES TO COMMUNITY CENTER STAFFING (DUE TO TEMPORARY STAFF CUTS) Martin Luther Kinq Jr. Center (MLK) · Dean j°nes, Recreation Supervisor, Kevin Ross, Program Coordinator, and Cheryl Washington, Clerk Typist are regular staff members at the center. · Holly Larson, Recreation Supervisor, has been moved to this center to cover program hours and lunch hours · Monday thru Thursday the center is open for evening programs from 8am to 8:30pm. Fridays the center is open from 8am to 5pm. All regular staff are being scheduled to shift hours to cover the center when open. · Since Iow staff at the center, a maximum of 40 people.will be allowed inside the center at one time and only one room will be open to ensure adequate supervision. Whenever possible two rooms will be opened with a maximum of 20 participants in each room. · Recreation Superintendent will cover hours when staff is on vacation or sick leave. · In addition, management staff will be supplementing evening hours in case of illnesses and vacations. SilverCreek Community Center (SCC) · Terri Elison, Recreation Supervisor, and Kim Aleman, Clerk Typist are currently assigned to the SCC. · There are currentlY two fee supported temporaries running the after school program from 2:30 to 5:30pm, Monday thru Friday. · Linda McVicker, Recreation Supervisor, has been moved to Silver Creek and will work with Terri to cover center rentals and classes. · This center has classes from 8am to 10pm, depending on the day (classes are scheduled once or twice a week night). ·Kim will cover the 8am to 5pm shift. Either Linda or Terri are coming in · later to cover the later shift. · Terri has given keys and code access to two responsible instructors that have been working with the city for years to close the center when classes goes past 10pm. These instructors have access to city staff home phones should there be any problems in closing the center. Lowell Community Center (LCC) · The temps to conduct the Lowell Center activities were let go, because they are not fee supported. · Parents of youth attending the center were notified a week prior to closing and referred to the McKinley After School Program, the Police Athletic League Program and the MLK Center. · The Senior Center was notified in July 2003 that Recreation & Parks would be vacating to utilize an alternate facility. At that time we were planning to install trailers at Lowell Park. No official contact has been made to relinquish the city's financial responsibility to the Senior Center for usage of their building. Thirty-day notice is required per our agreement. P:\Budgets\EFFECTS OF CUTS ON THE COMMUNITY CENTERS.doc1/5/20043:07 PM JAN - :ITY MANAGER'S OFF',C'i: BAKERSFIELD Economic and Community Development Department MEMORANDUM January 8, 2004 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager ~;~3''~' '~ FROM: Donna L. Kunz, Economic Development Director SUBJECT: Construction work begins on Downtown Parkview Cottages at 21st and R Streets The first phase of development of Parkview Cottages began in late December with grading and infrastructure anticipated to be completed by mid February. Three models and two units are scheduled to be completed and available for showing and sale by June. The project build out was originally estimated to be January 2006, however, the developer has stated that based on the current interest rate conditions and demand for housing, it is more likely to be sold out in the next 18 months. The developer is receiving requests for information and loan pre-approval on a daily basis. The current list of interested buyers as of this date is approximately 112. Direct lenders and other real estate professionals are also requesting information on the project and we are directing them to Petrinni. This project is one of the most anticipated and talked about developments under construction in the community and should bring a quality new neighborhood to our downtown. S:\Cottages~AT Update project memo.doc ..... RECEIVED ~ ~ ,.2~TY MANAGER'S OF-:" B A K E R S F I E L D DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS ~~.~J/ January 9, 2004 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Alan Christensen, Assistan~City M~ lager RE: Wayside Pool Closure The issue of closing Wayside Pool is still unresolved at this time. At the last Community Service Committee meeting staff recommended closing Wayside Pool this year. Staff's rationale for the closing Wayside Pool are as follows: 1) the facility was built in 1962 and has outlived its useful life, 2) repairs will cost in excess of $200,000 to get Wayside running again, but the repairs superficial and other equipment or facility failures may occur during the season; 3) attendance at Wayside Pool is the lowest of all the City's pools; 4) Because of Iow summer attendance and lack of overall usage, the cost of maintenance is estimated to be $74 per swimmer per visit. So that residents in the neighborhood are not left without a water amenity, staff recommends building a sprayground at Wayside Park at a cost of about $250,000. Spraygrounds are becoming very popular around the country. They are found to be more safe, less expensive to maintain, and more customer friendly than traditional pools. Some other advantages include a longer season (6 months or more), longer daily hours (9 am to 9 pm in the summer) and no need for recreation staffing. At the Committee meeting, Councilmember Carson expressed concern over the impact that closing Wayside would have on the neighborhood, so she asked that a community meeting be held at Wayside School to explain to the public why we are considering closure. The meeting was held on January 5th at 6:30 pm. Seven (7) members of the neighborhood attended. Councilmember Carson introduced the issue and staff gave a presentation on the issues. It is important to remember that the Council directed staff to close one more pool (Saunders Pool was closed in 2003) prior the the beginning of the 2004 summer swim season. If a decision is not made this month, it is unlikely there will be enough time to make repairs at Wayside in time to open it for the summer season in June. In addition, if a decision is not made this month regarding a sprayground, it will not be completed in time for the summer season. BAKERSFIELD December 24, 2003 Mr. Les Denherder HPS Mechanical 3100 East Belle Terrace Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93307 RE: CITY OF BAKERSFIELD AGREEMENT ~01-233 HPS MECHANICAL IN COMPLIANCE FOR SECOND YEAR Dear Mr. DenHerder, Agreement No. #01-233 (executed 10/3/01 ) between the City of Bakersfield and HPS Mechanical, Inc., provided a $48,105.83 repayable loan at 0% to your company, to be paid in single balloon payment at the end of five years upon agreement compliance. Based upon the employment report submitted to our office from your company, HPS has substantially met the required conditions. Over the two year period, the company has hired 71 new employees and of those, 37 were CDBG qualified persons, or 52% of the total jobs. Therefore, HPS has substantially met the terms and conditions required in the agreement, and the loan is not due and payable this year. Congratulations on your company operations and continued success. Sincerely, Donna L. Kunz Economic Development Director cc: HP$ project file Rhonda Barnhard Manar Haddad P:\CLIENTS\Victory Circle\Year 2 letter - agrnt compliance. DOC City of Bakersfield · Economic and Community Development Department 900 Truxtun Avenue · Suite 201 · Bakersfield · California 93301 (661) 326-3765 · Fax (661) 328-1548 · TDD (661) 324-3631 B A K E R S F I E L D OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER MEMORANDUM Janua~ 9,2004 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: -LRhonda~Office Administrator- Public Relations SUBJECT: Employee Incentive Program The Employee Incentive Committee is happy to provide the list of High Five Award recipients for the fourth quarter of 2003. The winners of the random drawing are noted in bold. All of these individuals were recognized by their peers, supervisors, or members of the public for exceptional work and/or customer service. Each recipient is automatically inducted into the "High Five Club" for the fiscal year and is also recognized monthly in the City's employee newsletter. We applaud these individuals for a job well done. Attachments 2003 HIGH FIVE AWARD October Nominee Title Dept Date Nominator Comments 1 Abe, Pam Acct. Clerk II PW/WW 10/02/03 Wen-Shi Cheung Willingly helps others during staffing shortage. 2 Alemao, Gilbert Supervisor II PW / GS 10/13/03 Leslie Devitt Created a reusable sign for the Keep Bakersfield Beautiful program. 3 iAlexander, Sue Acct. Clerk II PW / SW 10/07/03 Martha Haslebacher Key to implementation of the City's curbside recyclincj program. 4 Anderberg, Nathan Officer PD 10/29/03 Joyanne Clark Provides high quality attention to detail and performance; dedicated; diligent. 5 Bailey, Bob SW Equip Opr PW / SW 10/07/03 Martha Haslebacher Has worked hard in routing the curbside recycling program. 6 Bautista, Jose I ~horer PW / SW 10/07/03 Martha Haslebacher Instrumental in gettincj curbside recycling containers to our customers by kick-off day. 7 Buxton, Don Elec Tech II PW / WW 10/09/03 Wen-Shi Cheung Has created several customized tools; has a cooperative attitude. 8 Cathey~ Patricia Acct. Clerk I Finance 10/22/03 Klm Gearhart Is efficient and thorough; helps out in A/P while keeping up with Payroll. 9 Cronk, Greg Director of Ops Rec & Parks 10/13/03 Terry McCormick Rectified last minute problem on a moment's notice. 10 Darbee~ William Officer PD 10/09/03 Always treats those in the department with respect and kindness. 11 Davis, Tammy An. Ctrl. Officer PD 10/28/03 Patti Hock Always dependable; brings an abundance of knowledge to the job. 12 Elison, Terri Supervisor I Rec & Parks 10/23/03 Klm Aleman Wonderful person to work for; good leader; makes workplace enjoyable. 13 Evans, Jennifer Dispatcher I PD 10/13/03 Kathryn Hays Extremely conscientious, handles the difficult task of keeping the briefing book in order. 14 Gonzales, Joe E. Supervisor II Rec & Parks 10/13/03 Terry McCormick Rectified last minute problem on a moment's notice. 15 Guevara, Juan Svc Maint Wrkr PW / SW 10/03/03 Janet Massey Always goes the extra mile and is a real team player. 16 Lawrence, Para Clerk Typist II Clerk 10/28/03 Darnell Haynes Very proficient and professional; courteous and helpful at all times. 17 Leonard, Jack Asst Bldg Dir Dev Svcs 10/06/03 Courtney Camps Exceptional boss; always available to public and staff; unde[~tanding; patient. 18 Lopez~ Vince Facility Wrkr PW / GS 09/30/03 Lyn Skinner Went above and beyond to ensure that a last minute transition went smoothly. 19 Lyman, David Principal Plnnr EDCD 10/23/03 Donna Barnes On a moment's notice, gave a workshop presentation. 20 Megahe¥~ Debbie Poi. Svc. Tech. PD 10/30/03 Charmaine Gonz. Always happy to help someone who is hearing impaired with sign language. 21 Mitchell, John Const. Insp. PW / Const 10/13/03 Terry McCormick Took the initiative to inform Rec & Parks staff of status of project. 22 Moore, Lisa Net Sys Eng IT 09/28/03 Kathy Thomas Helpful; knowledgeable; a true professional. 23 Morris, Gall Asst Site Mgr-T Rec & Parks 10/23/03 Klm Aleman Stepped in to help in an emergency situation and did a great job. 24 Sawyer, Wily Webmaster IT 10/13/03 Leslie Devitt Drafted a brochure for Keep Bakersfield Beautiful, and created great website for them. 25 Skelly, Sheree Secretary PD 10/29/03 Matt Eastman Always goes above and beyond; always there to help others. 26 Willey, Martin Detective PD 10/16/03 Don DeGeare Repaired office machine himself and saved the City money. 2003 HIGH FIVE AWARD November Nominee Title Dept Date Nominator Comments 1 Berrigan, Kim Buyer II Finance 11/19/03 Rebecca Jamison Worked very hard to fix a situation for Recreation and Parks. 2 Borton, Kristin Sergeant PD 11/03/03 Mary DeGeare Eagerly volunteered for mentoring program at South High School. 3 Brown, Todd Senior Officer PD 11/03/03 Mary DeGeare Eagerly volunteered for mentoring program at South High School. 4 Clayborn~ Cheryl Clerk Typist II Rec & Parks 11/05/03 Terry McCormick Always comes through when anything is needed. 5 Damo~ Andy Officer PD 11/03/03 Mary DeGeare Eagerly volunteered for mentoring program at South High School. 6 Figueroa, Al Pk Svcs Coordinatr Rec & Parks 11/12/03 Coleen Blair Rec'd a call from a citizen thanking him for a good job. 7 Flores, Juan Laborer Rec & Parks 11/04/03 Bob Burns Helps out with graffiti cover up in City parks. 8 Hale~ Mike Officer PD 11/03/03 Mary DeGeare Eagerly volunteered for mentoring program at South High School. 9 Haslebacher, Martha Supervisor II PW / SW 11/10/03 Terry McCormick Always helps out Park staff whenever needed. 10 Hinzo~ David SW Equip Oprtr PW / SW 11/06/03 M. Haslebacher Maintains a high level standard of customer service. 11/21/03 Janet Massey Always professional on the radio; makes an effort to be clear, concise. 11 Horcasitas, Janice Engineer III Dev Svcs 11/05/03 Terry McCormick Volunteered for Haunted Trail event. 12 Johnson, Chris Officer PD 11/03/03 Mary DeGeare Eagerly volunteered for mentoring program at South High School. 13 Madden, Clayton Officer PD 11/03/03 Mary DeGeare Eagerly volunteered for mentoring program at South High School. 14 Mendenhall, Michelle Clerk Typist II PW / FS 11/05/03 Terry McCormick Found a vehicle at the last minute to help with Haunted Trail event. 15 Mannin~]~ Apryl An. Ctrl. Officer PD 11/20/03 David Paquette Rec'd a letter of appreciation from a citizen. 16 Massey, Janet Clerk Typist I PW / SW 11/10/03 Terry McCormick Very helpful to Park staff. 17 Montes, Davina Acct. Clerk I PW / SW 11/06/03 M. Haslebacher Never hesitates to help co-workers or customers. 18 Palmer, Louise Assoc. Planner Dev Svcs 11/07/03 Jim Movius Taken on extra work and still does a good job; great attitude. 19 Ramirez, John Officer PD 11/03/03 Mary DeGeare Eagerly volunteered for mentoring program at South High School. 20 Rammin~l, Arnold Engineer IV PW 11/03/03 Rhonda Smiley At the last minute, prepared a detailed staff report for Council. 21 Reyes~ Mar~]ie Laborer Rec & Parks 11/04/03 Bob Burns Helps out with graffiti cover up in City parks. 22 Salmon, Stephanie Clerk Typist I PW / SW 11/06/03 M. Haslebacher Pays close attention to details about customers; very helpful. 23 Saso~ Jeff Officer PD 11/03/03 Mary DeGeare Eagerly volunteered for mentoring program at South High School. 24 Steiner, Terrye Comm. Opr. Supr PD 11/13/03 Comm Ctr Staff Highly committed to department and division. 11/20/03 April Boyce Always helps with any problems anyone may be having. 25 Wells~ Jay Officer PD 11/03/03 Mary DeGeare Eagerly volunteered for mentoring program at South High School. 26 Wilson, Bob Eng. Tech I PW 11/05/03 Terry McCormick Volunteered for Haunted Trail event. 27 Wolf, Greg Engineering Aide PW / WW 11/05/03 Terry McCormick Volunteered for Haunted Trail event. 2003 HIGH FIVE AWARD December Nominee Title Dept Date Nominator Comments 1 Anderson, Don Prop. Mgr. Finance 12/22/03 Alan Tandy Has taken extra time and effort to help move OHV project forward. 2 Bowen~ Sara Dispatcher PD 12/08/03 Mary DeGeare Helped out local charity for at-risk youths on own time. 3 Briseno~ Juan Supr. I PW / SW 12/19/03 Sue Alexander Always willing to help in any way he can; very knowledgable. 4 Capehart, Tim Firefighter Fire 12/29/03 James Adams Instrumental in ensuring the proper training for terrorist incidents. 5 Douglas, Raymond SW Equip Oprtr PW / SW 12/24/03 Janet Massey Very helpful to customer service staff. 6 Evans, Jennifer Dispatcher PD 12/26/03 Belinda Rowland Voluntarily keeps log current while keeping up with regular duties. 7 Floyd, Ryan Officer PD 12/18/03 Mary DeGeare Rec'd letter of appreciation from citizen. 8 Fulton, Jan Dev. Assoc. EDCD 12/15/03 Rhonda Smiley Provided invaluable assistance in obtaining banners for ice rink. 9 Gafford~ Roberta Asst. City Clerk Clerk 12/16/03 Keitha Turner Came up with an efficient solution for document reference. 10 Gauthier, Marc Principal Plnnr Dev Svcs 12/22/03 Alan Tandy Has taken extra time and effort to help move OHV project forward. 11 Gee~ Lorran Engineer Fire 12/30/03 Jerry Gambill Rec'd letter of appreciation regarding help on So Cai Strike Team. 12 Jone% Ruth Dispatcher PD 12/08/03 Mary DeGeare Helped out local charity for at-risk youths on own time. 12/26/03 Belinda Rowland Went above and beyond to improve log. 13 Kuo~ Homer Prg / Analyst IT 12/17/03 Pat Dimberg Excellent job of converting database; great attitude. 14 i Lawrence, Pam Acting Dep Clrk Clerk 12/17/03 Roberta Gafford Put in much thought and effort to come up with cost saving ideas. 15 i Manning, Apryl Animal Ctrl. Off. PD 12/04/03 Vicki Avila Showed more consideration for a dog's comfort than her own. 16 iMartinusen, Trever Captain Fire 12/30/03 Jerry Gambill Rec'd letter of appreciation regarding help on $o Cai Strike Team. 17 i Millwee, Rick Const. Supr. PW / C-S 12/15/03 Rhonda Smiley Ensured that ribbon cutting at the ice rink went off well. 18 IMorris, Sandy Comm. Rel. Spc. PD 12/08/03 Mary DeGeare Helped out local charity for at-risk youths on own time. 19 Rimmer, John Firefighter Fire 12/30/03 Jerry Gambill Rec'd letter of appreciation regarding help on So Cai Strike Team. 20 i Roach, Jeffrey Net. Sys. Tech. IT 11/25/03 Bryan Lynn Immediately took care of a help desk problem - great service. 12/05/03 Rhonda Smiley Always prompt and efficient when dealing w/issues; excellent service. 21 iSalinas, Lucia Clerk Typist PD 12/08/03 Mary DeGeare Helped out local charity for at-risk youths on own time. 22 Smith, Scott Firefighter Fire 12/30/03 Jerry Gambill Rec'd letter of appreciation regarding help on So Cai Strike Team. 23 Stephen, Cherie Acct. Clerk II Rec & Parks 12/22/03 Tom Jones Instrumental in organizing important database; very helpful. 24 Van Horn~ Lee SW Equip Oprtr PW / SW 12/24/03 Janet Massey Very helpful to customer service staff. 25 Weaver, Gary Const. Insp. II PW / C-S 12/15/03 Rhonda Smiley Provided fast, efficent service with banners for ice rink. 26 West~ Brian Sr. Officer PD 12/08/03 Mary DeGeare Helped out local charity for at-risk youths on own time. 27 Williams~ Manuel Prg. Coordinator Rec & Parks 12/09/03 Hayward Cox Volunteered to work on a Saturday to help out a local family. 28 Williamson, Greg Sergeant PD 12/08/03 Mary DeGeare Helped out local charity for at-risk youths on own time. 29 Wollard, Kellie Dispatcher PD 12/08/03 Mary DeGeare Helped out local charity for at-risk youths on own time. 30 Youngblood~ Sheila Animal Ctrl. Off. PD 12/04/03 Vicki Avila Showed more consideration for a dog's comfort than her own. i ~ zpo rf s for me Greater Bakersfield Vision 2020 Branding & Image Marketing Campaign Greater Bakersfield Vision 2020 Commitment for the Future Greater Bakersfield Vision 2020 is a broad-based community effort to create a Vision for the Greater Bakersfield area and set in motion efforts to realize the Vision. The Vision andAct/on P/an, which was developed over a 24-month period, is a comprehensive, integrated picture of what the community wants the Greater Bakersfield area to be... and look like by the year 2020. Greater Bakersfield Vision 2020's primary role is to champion and monitor the success of the community goals outlined in the Vis/on andAction P/an. But there is one area where the organization is directly involved in implementing the community's vision - and that involves launchinq and fundin.q a marketinq and brandinq proqram to "measurably improve the imaqe of Greater Bakersfield," based upon the results of marketing research previously conducted. A consultant has been selected to lead this effort, which in its initial stages will include creating a brand for Greater Bakersfield and producing an electronic marketing tool kit consisting of Iogos, photos, messages and other branding material. All the contents of the tool kit will be accessible by both public and private organizations for use in their existing marketing efforts. Improving the image of Greater Bakersfield will enhance economic development efforts, improve the area's business climate and make it easier for organizations to recruit executives, teachers, nurses and other highly-skilled workers. Your past support of Greater Bakersfield Vision 2020, and your contribution to its success, is very much appreciated. Your continued support of Greater Bakersfield Vision 2020 is critical to ensure success in changing the image of the community and ensuring that the Vision andAction Plan developed by residents becomes a reality. Count us in! We want to continue to contribute to the future of the community by providing the following financial support: $5,000 $2,500 @ $1,000 Enclosed is my check for $ I pledge $ payable in two installments of $. Name Address Contact Name: Telephone Authorized Signature Make checks payable to Greater Bakersfield Vision 2020, Inc. Tax Exempt ID 77-0521204 Return to Vision 2020, P.O. Box 1947, Bakersfield, CA 93303 Once you get here, you're gonna love it. . '.~ Lou~sand thad both gone away ~ to ~:hool. met on a ~pt~ng bleak. ~ ma~d an~ ~a~od ourfam#y and bu~c~in Co~a Mo~. we fo~ that our fives~ weren't wo~klng. ~at's when we came homo to ~- "'~' We ~di~ovo~d our cfli,~hood fdonds ma~o ~mo now ones from ait overthe wot~. found a wondcdul cm ft~an.~y~ homo , neardownrown, renovated  ou~lvosand, what can I~y. ~lo ju~ wo~s he~. ~ 5am gic~aels Unlike so much of Califorma. Bakerdield dinner. Run the rapidson the Kern Rver. ~till works. Kidsare safe, fami;ieswatch Play a round at our world-classgolf out for each other. Come visit our s'natl courses. Rnd the affordable house of town with a big heaR. Eat a Basque your dreams. Uve your Califo:nia dream. Fcr more information v,sl usal ww'e.'.Daker~-fielc/c&lllomi&.com. Or cell '..-800-123~567. man s porodise. · · · · · · · · · · · · · INDIGENUlTYTMis the * Market Position · Cresta offers a disciplined · creative process by which , The Place You Want to Be · process for integrating essential · elements for community a community's indigenous strengths ar~ leveraged · · branding success - discovery, into a powerful selling idea. · · branding and market execution. · BrandVtslon '/~i""'" '~ :~,,::i:;~i~arket Execution Envisionthedeslmdfutum:~!':~ IN DIG E N U IT Y '::'.~!?~~reoverallcommunication of the community ' ,:' 'i~i~ ,, . ~CtJon plan "~:'" '"% "?~ ~Detail specific activities Research community & conduct'i i-i' Focus on targeted audiences ~l~.Manage through a phased critical Cool.ce v~ion~ ~are ad d~e Elements~-:~"/" '~~ B ~th ~ch aPProprIate budg~~:;i" ' :-,.:..~.. 'i vzrious cons~uents'.~tlons .'~ Create communication stra "' credible position the tegy'~ L~uam ~ ~ ~.'~';'~ EXecute consistent and targeted Imagine a superstructure ~u~~~ael~J ~.ln to communication comm . the . .nn m[e _ - Design brand identity, visual ~ itg Assess performance periodically mind of prospective targets ..~::~ . , · %~ ;:' ":,!~?~;-?-'~ and course correct not the present ~ brand promise and Pro~ Analyze communication ' Stage crms-$11o events and while creating new treatments points oppertunitle~mrlables communication Craft brand personarty and tone Give face and voice to the positioning Seize the place to hold in our through ini~al communication vehicles C target's mind (e.g. brochure, ads, website, video) Effectively manifest and clariS/ communication platform. % B A K E R S F I E L D PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM ....... REC VF-D oeo 3 ! 2003 DATE: December 30, 200.3 , CI'P¢ MANAGER'S TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Raul M. Rojas, Public Works Director ~ SUBJECT: Sewer Projects Update "P" Street Sewers Project: The Public Works Department / Design Engineering Division submitted an application for Community Development Block Grant Funds for FY 2004-2005, in late October, 2003. The grant application requests $209,660.00 for the construction of the sewer improvements along P Street as shown on the attached map. With the need to fund a fire station and pool improvements with the same funding source, actual funding of the sewer project remains uncertain. Construction documents have been finalized and are ready to advertise for construction. Sewer construction in the McDonald Way area north of Stockdale Highway: Notice to proceed with the design of this project was issued to one of our On-Call consultants on November 25, 2003. Design is scheduled to be completed in April 2004. This project is rather unusual in that the area is quite large; 257 homes. In addition, a trunk sewer line must be constructed through a County island from Belle Terrace just to reach this area. The total project cost for the McDonald Way sewer improvements is estimated at $1,176,000.00. Public Works would propose to utilize Sewer Enterprise Funds to design the system and construct the trunk line. The remainder could be constructed with Assessment District funds. The residents will be required to pay a connection fee and their share of construction costs as they connect to the sewer system. S:\PROJECTS\CMW\Pstreetsewer~update 12_23_03 Rev.doc Rev. 12/30/20033:14:16 PM MEMORANDUM CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE January 8, 2004 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: GINNY GENNARO, CITY ATTORNEY ~.~-\~t~ SUBJECT: CONDITIONS OUTLINED FOR GPA~3-0745 ~ Council Referral #652 ,._./ Vice-Mayor Couch requested City Attorney provide a written report regarding statements requesting the conditions of GPA/ZC 03-0745 being included in the City Council Minutes of 11/19/03. Attached is a response from both Bruce Freeman and Steve DeBranch of Castle & Cooke to the comments by Cindy Russell. Further, it would be impossible to "correct the conditions" on an approved map by simply amending the minutes of a Council Meeting. Rather, the item would require a complete rehearing of the matter. This is NOT necessary since Council adopted and approved conditions for this project in its motion to approve the GPA and zone change. cc: Alan Tandy, City Manager GG:Is S:\COU NClL\REFERRALS\GPA-ZC 03-0745 01/08/200415:58 6616646017 CASTLE AND COOKE PAGE83 Castle & Cooke CALIFORNIA, INC- December 23, 2003 Cindy Russell D,R.A.C.C. 14-301 Culiac, an Avenue Bakersfield= CA 93314 Dear Cindy, I received your letter (dated Decernber 12, 2003), of suggested additional conditions for the muftifamily parcels along Stockdale Highway at JeweCtta. I believe we can accommodate some of them, or at lea~ more dearly address some of your concerns. 'I received a call fn3m Councilman Couch as well requesting that w.e work with I~im to resolve some of your remaining concerns. Your suggestions seam similar to tho~e foxed to us by Commissioner Lomas on the day of the council meeting on the appeal (at 11:21 a.m. to be exact). Unfortunately, the fax had no cover letter or explanations or even a reference to the nine conditions already negotiated wi~h Councilman Couch. Nor did we have any idea that the recommendations were from the Del Rio Area Concerned Citizens group, your name never having been mentioned either on the fax or in any of our discussions with Commissioner Lomas, Finally, the version of conditions foxed to us looked like a cody of Councilman Couch's conditions. Only upon reading them as I sat at the Council meeting did I notice that there were several changes. Had we received questions and concerns from you at any time during the months prior to the request for the zone change, we would have been glad to meet dire~ly with you in an a~empt to resolve them. As we move forward fn planning future projects, we would welcome open, constructive suggestions and comments from yourself or your a~ociation, I can assure you that we are committed to oniy the highest quality of development in the new Brighton Community (Call0way to ^ties, South of the Kern River expressway) and that the parkway treatments along Stockdale Higl~way and Jewetta will rival ~1' not surpass those of Seven Oaks. Sincerely, Bruce Freeman President Castle & Cooke kbg 3.0000 $1x'w.l~a~le I-'tJ.~h'~tay (93311) '~ .P.O. gox 11165 ~,.Bake~field~ CA 93389-1,'[65 · (663.) 664-6544 · Fax (663.) 664-6030 Castle&Cooke CALIFORNIA, INC. Stephan J. DeBranch Vice President December 22, 2003 Bakersfield City Council City of Bakersfield 1501 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 Re: Stoekdale'i-iighway GPA ~ Buena Vista Road & Jewetta Avenue , This letter is written in response to a public statement made at the December 10, 2003 City Council meeting. The statement by Cindy Russell was made in relation to a recent City Council action which approved a general plan amendment by Castle & Cooke requesting land use and zoning changes along Stockdale Highway. This amendment requested a change fi:om HR / R-3 to OC / C-O at the comer of Stockdale Highway and Buena Vista Road, and a change fi:om LR / R-1 to HR / R-3 at the comer of Stockdale Highway and Jewetta Avenue. We find Ms. Russell's statements to be very disturbing and wish to offer the following information to correct the inaccuracies of her public statement. First, it should be noted that we have never even met Ms. Russell, that we have no knowledge of her ever attempting to contact us, and that we have never contacted or discussed this matter with the group named the Del Rio Area Concerned Citizens or anyone claiming to be their representative. Furthermore, we just recently became aware that such a group even existed. Since we have never discussed the matter with Ms. Russell or any representative of her group; we are totally perplexed as to why she would make false representations 'to the City Council that she had negotiated with us and received PrOmises. We worked' very closely with Councilmember David Couch on the conditions, which we originally drafted and further refined with Mr. Couch's input. These conditions and the three conditions added during the public hearing correctly reflect the only information ever discussed and agreed to by Castle & Cooke relating to this matter. It should be noted that these conditions go far beyond that which is required by ordinance for any other commercial office or multi-family property located anywhere within our city. We have agreed to these conditions to ensure that the quality of Castle & Cooke developments will be maintained for both of these two project sites, and it should also be noted that both sites will be subject to further site plan review at the time of development. 10000 Stockdale Highway (93311) · EO. Box 11165 · Bakersfield, CA 93389-1165 · (661i664:6503 · Fax (661)664-6042 It is very unfortunate that Ms. Russell has been so grossly misinformed and then relayed such erroneous information to the City Council. We would be happy to meet with Ms. Russell at her convenience to inform her about the projects as presented to the City Council in the hope that she can form her own opinions given accurate and verifiable information. Hopefully this letter has provided some clarity to a matter that has endured some needless confusion. Please feel flee to contact either Bruce Freeman or myself to answer any questions or provide any additional informatiorL Vice President, Land Development cc: Bruce Freeman Alan Tandy Ginny Germaro Jack Hardisty H:~RMassey~Correspondence\City of Bakersfield\City Council - Russell.doc