HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/21/04 B A K E R S F I E L D
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
MEMORANDUM
May 21,2004
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager ~
SUBJECT: General Information ·
1. This week I met with each of the two candidates for the Chief of Police position. The
appointment will not take place until next week.
2. The most recent information we have on the Federal transportation bill is that it likely.
will not be passed this year. We still hope to eventually realize some funding for local
road projects if the President and Congress come to agreement on the legislation.
3. I will be taking vacation next Thursday and Friday. John Stinson will be in charge
during my absence.
4. Oakland recently banned the possession and sale of fireworks, per the attached news
article from the Oakland Tribune.
5. The April activity report from Recreation and Parks is enclosed.
6. Responses to Council requests are enclosed, as follows:
Councilmember Benham
· Removal of graffiti on Jastro Park playground equipment;
· Actions to enforce the 40% canopy standard and the development of an approved
tree list;
· Interim report on working with the DBA regarding downtown area issues;
Councilmember Carson
· Update on the status of street improvements in the Carnation tract;
Councilmember Couch
· Recommended operating procedure for notifying the railroad about needed
repairs;
Councilmember Hanson
· Maintenance district clean up along Wilderness, south of Harris;
Councilmember Sullivan
· Pothole repair in front of South High School.
AT:rs
cc: Department Heads
Pam McCarthy, City Clerk
Trudy Slater, Administrative Analyst
Page 1 of 2
.Oa _and Tribune
Oakland council snuffs o.ut fireworks .................... *"
Violators of new city ban on Possession and sale could face fines of up to $1,000
By Heather MacDonald
STAFF WRITER
Wednesday, May .19, 2004 - OAKLAND -- There may be fewer bombs bursting in air this July 4.
The Oakland City Council on Tuesday banned the possession, sale and transfer of fireworks, unanimously agreeing that setting off bottle rockets
and M-80s was not an acceptable way to celebrate the founding of the United States. The use of fireworks has always been illegal in Oakland.
· Last year, I .felt like I was in Iraq or Afghanistan,' said Councilmember Nancy Nadel (Downtown-West Oakland.) "1 was terrified.'
Police Chief Richard Word endorsed the measure and said the new law, which is effective immediately, will give his department a necessary
enforcement tool it previously' lacked. Violators could be fined up to $1,000.
AboUt a dozen Oakland residents strongly urged the council to pass the ban, saying their neighborhoods were being terrorized by a "plague' of
fireworks. Many said fireworks had already started going off every night in their neighborhoods.
"We don~ know what's a gunshot or what after being woken up at midnight," said Fruitvale resident Patricia Ruelas.
More than 300 cities in California .have similar prohibitions on fireworks, including San Francisco.
'We're being*terrorized," said Oakland resident John Fall. 'These are not fireworks. When I think of fireworks, I think of sparklers. These are
weapons. These are bombs."
Elmhurst resident Karen Lind told the council that fireworks started exploding in her neighborhood just after Easter.
'it's very, very frightening,' Lind said. "It affects your mental health. It's driving people out of Oakland.'
Council President Ignacio Oe La Fuente (Glenview-Fruitvale), who introduced the measure, was absent.from the meeting.
At.the suggestion of Councilmember Danny Wan (Grand Lake-Chinatown), the council amended the ordinance to exempt professional fireworks
displays, such as those at the Port of Oakland and the Oakland Coliseum, and cultural events such as those celebrating the Chinese New Year,
which often use firecrackers to ward off evil spirits.
Event organizers would have to go through the City Manager's Office to obtain a permit, the council decided. Until the end of the year, the permit
would be free of charge.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, fireworks-related injuries sent 9,000 people to hospital emergency rooms in 2002.
Children under age 14 were the most likely to be seriously injured.
The parents of children caught with fireworks would be cited and fined, officials said.
Local-fire officials also praised the ordinance, saying it is especially necessary because of fears of an especially dangerous fire seasoft.
Deputy Fire Chief Dan Farrell said 10 to 20 fires every year are ignited by firecrackers, most of the time by smoldering remnants that land on
roofs or dry grass. ·
'It's going to be a tough year for us," Farrell said.
The dry vegetation is about four weeks ahead of schedule, Farrell added.
Earlier this month, firefight-
ers in Oakland and Marin County extinguished two separate wildland fires, with the latter fire consuming 15 acres and coming within 100 yards of
several structurgs,.acc0_r.d!ng to the Matin County Fire Department.
In a partnership with Clear Channel, advertisements warn-
ing Oaklanders about the new law will go up on billboards and .bus shelters throughout the city.
RECEIVED i;
MANAGER'S OF -, ' '-: I
....
Department of Recreation and Parks
Date: May 14, 2004
To: Alan Tandy, City Manager
From: Alan Christensen, Interim Director of Recreation and Parks
Subject: Monthly Report for April
Attached are the monthly activity reports for each division. If you
have any questions or require additional information, please let me
know.
B A K E R S F I E L D
Department of Recreation and Parks
Parks Division
April 2004, Report
TEMPORARY EMPLOYEES
In March, we received approval to hire 23 spring/summer season temporary
employees to supplement our Maintenance District regular employee work force.
Our success rate in finding and hiring workers for these positions has not been
as successful as in previous years.
As of the end of April, we were able to'hire only 12 persons, with 3 coming in the
last week, due to a combination of factors. These included lack of applicants and
a significant number of persons who were unable to complete background
checks or show up to work once advised the position was theirs.
REGULAR EMPLOYEES REDUCTIONS
Nick Celedon and Armando Romero are the latest transfers from Parks to Public
Works. Nick is at the Green Waste Collection facility and Armando is now a
Street Sweeper Operator. Pablo Franco interviewed for a position with Streets
Sewer section. We expect Pablo to transfer by mid May.
Since July 1, 2004, we have lost 5 Laborer, 3 Facility Worker, 3 Service
Maintenance Worker, 1 Tree Maintainer II and 1 Craftworker I positions.
This brings our total number of lost/frozen regular positions during fiscal year
2003-04 to 13 with 1 pending. You may recall we lost an additional 7 positions
with the development of the fiscal year 2003-04 Budget.
NEW ACREAGE
No additional acreage was accepted for Park staff to maintain in April. However,
2 Maintenance District Parcels were accepted into a 365 day maintenance
period. Upon successful completion of this developer provided maintenance
period, the parcels will be accepted for Parks Division to maintain.
The 2 parcels include .97 acres with 110 trees, 681 shrubs.
COMMERCIAL DRIVER TRAINING
Congratulations to Light Equipment Operator Joe Flores who successfully
completed a two day Commercial Driver License Tester training and certification
program. The class was offered by California Department of Motor Vehicles.
The program was established to allow companies or municipalities with large
commercial fleets to provide their own testing in order to receive a class "A" or
"B" commercial driver's license.
PARK RESERVATIONS
The pace of rising temperatures equaled was representative of increased park
reservation activity. April's warming weather encouraged an estimated 16,354
persons to attend 169 reserved events. Thousands others followed suit enjoying
our park system.
URBAN FORESTRY
Although significantly reduced in crew size, the Urban Forestry section was able
to respond to several locations for pruning of 131 trees plus and removal of 25
dead or significantly declining trees. In addition, other operations included root
grinding, stump removal and green waste collection. An estimated 20 tons of
abated weeds, shrub and tree pruning material and turf clippings was collected
and transported to the Mt Vernon Avenue Green Waste Collection facility.
B A K E R S F I E L D
Department o~ Recreation anc[ Parl~s
Date: May 4, 2004
To: Allen Abe, Assistant Recreation and Parks Director
From: Ken Trone, Park Construction and Facilities Planner
Subject: Parks Department Planning and Construction Activity
Planning
A new park site has been proposed and tentatively located by staff in the
subdivision south of Mckee Road and west of Stine Road. The exact location
and size will be determined through the subdivision approval process.
The Jefferson Park Pool Rehabilitation Project has been reactivated for
completion by the swim season in 2005.
The plans and specifications for the park formerly known as Rio Vista have been
approved. Phase I of the project began advertising today with bid opening
scheduled for May 26, 2004.
The plans and specifications for the Wayside Wet Play Area have been
approved. The project will begin advertising on Wednesday May 5, 2004 with bid
opening scheduled for May 27, 2004.
Construction
The resurfacing of the ,Jefferson Park Play Courts is complete and open to the
public.
The City has completed hardscape, irrigation and turf improvements in the lot
west of the new Convention and Visitors Bureau.
The Chester Avenue Median Project, 34th Street to the Kern River Bridge, is
complete.
Martin Luther King Jr. 2ool Rehabilitation project is about two weeks behind
schedule according to the contractor. No additional work days have been
awarded by the City at this point, so turn over day to the City remains June 5,
2004. Although they are well behind schedule representatives of the contractor
remain optimistic that they will make the turn over date.
Grants
We developed a one page HELP! sheet from Mayor Hall to generate support for
the Mill Creek Project as it makes its way through the review process of the
Urban Park Grant Program of 2001. It was delivered to the offices of our elected
officials McCarthy, Ashburn, Parra and Florez.
B A K E R S F I E L D
Department ot~ Recreation and Parl~s
Date: May 3, 2004
To: Alan Christensen, Interim Director
From: Terri Elison, Recreation Supervisor
Subject: April Monthly Report
Silver Creek After School Proqram ......................... 445 Attendance
......................... 30 Average Daily Attendance
The Silver Creek After School Program was off the week of April 5th -- 9th for Easter
break. The program resumed on April 12th and highlights included celebrating spring by
planting flowers, making wind socks, kites, and flowers, and playing a lot of outside
games. The children have also been working on a play to present to their parents by
creating the props, scenery, script, and stage area.
ATTENDANCE FIGURES
Silver Creek Rentals ................................................... $135(F,gu. =o..o,,.c,ude de.o...~
The Silver Creek multi-purpose room and/or pavilion were rented once the month of
April. The center was rented for a baby shower. Total Attendance was approximately
60.
Classes at Silver Creek:
# Registered Total Attendance
Ballet & Gym (6 - 12) 15 60
Ballet & Gym (3 - 5) 13 52
Calligraphy Workshop no class no class
Chess no class no class
Clogging 14 56
Dance & Gym (4-5) 6 24
Dance & Gym (2-3) 8 32
Dog Obedience 23 69
Guitar no class no class
Jewelry Making (Beading) no class no class
Kardio Kick 13 104
9:05 AM 5/7/2004 C:\Documents and Sett:ngsXsforsyth\la3cal Settings\Temp\Terri April 2004 Report.doc Created by Telison
Karate 23 184
Knitting & Crocheting no class no class
Pilates no class no class
Tai Chi 8 64
Tennis (Child-Beg) 4 32
Tennis (Child-lnt) 6 48 _.
Tennis (Adult) 5 40
Upholstery 10 40
Yoga 3 24
TOTAL 151 829
Classes at Other Facilities
# Registered Total Attendance
Siemon Park
Tennis (Child) 8 64
Tennis (Adult) no class no class
All Star Dance Studio
Dance & Gym (2 ¥2 - 4) 1 4
Dance & Gym (4- 5) no class no class
American Academy of Gymnastics
Gymnastics (3 yrs) 1 3
Corp Yard Lunch Room
Cartooning 5 20
TOTAL 23 91
Attendance Silver Creek Center:
Rentals ......................................... 60
Classes ........................................ 829 Registrations Taken: 214
After School Program ................ 445 # of Guests Served: 545
Sprint Pass ........... ~. ................. 135
(The # of Guests served does not include registration)
TOTAL .................... 1,469
9:05 AM 5/7/2004 C:\Documents and Settings\stbrsyth\Local Settings\Tcmp\Terri April 2004 Report.doc Created by Telison
B A K E R S F I E L D
Department o[ Recreation ancl Parl2s
Date: May 3, 2004
To: Sally Ihmels, Recreation Superintendent
From: Linda McVicker, Recreation Supervisor
Subject: Monthly Report for May
ADULT SOFTBALL
· We currently have 90 teams with 15 different leagues.
· Kern Trophies is donating 30 trophies in exchange for having their logo placed on
the softball t-shirts.
· We had fencing repairs at Wayside and Planz Parks.
· Registration has begun for the Summer League and will end May 21%
· We are in the process of hiring a coordinator to help with the softball leagues.
UP COMING EVENTS
· T-Ball has 70 participants signed up. It starts June 12 and will be held at Silver
Creek.
· Pee Wee Track has 14 participants signed up. It will begin May 8th at Silver
Creek.
· The Pee Wee Sports Camp has 6 participants signed up and will begin June 14th
at Silver Creek.
· Super Soccer Stars has 9 participants signed up and will begin June 21st at Silver
Creek.
· Summer Recreation in the Park will begin at Wayside Park on June 21 and at
Lowell Park on June 14. Activities will include arts and crafts, sports, games,
dance and specia! events.
C:",Documen~,s ~:tnd Settings~sfors':¢lh\L~::c~zl SettingsVi'emp\April Report.doc
LMC
B A K E R S F I E L D
Department of Recreation and Parks
Monthly Report April 2004
Dr Martin Luther Kin,q Jr. Community Center
After School Proqram
A great big Ya Hoo go out to Health Net for committing to sponsor our after school program for the
year. A grant of $25,000.00 will help with staff and supplies in our arts and craft room and game
center. This grant will allo,~v us to go forward with our tutoring program during the school year and
also supervision and programming in other areas.
Cam;) Kina
We received a $5,000.00 donation from Kern School Federal Credit Union for our summer camp.
Camp King has been a very important part of the community for the last 11 years and many
children Io0k forward to the opportunity to be a part of the program. Thanks to the credit union for
helping continue this well needed program.
Sports
We continue to work with other agencies such as PAL, Friendship House, Boys and Girls club to
offer youth activities. We are currently involved in track and is planning a summer sports carnival.
Special Events
Dance Troupe
The children have been working very hard for the mothers day program. The event will be on May
7, 2004 at the center from 4pm to 8pm.
Movie in the Park
We hosted the first movie al Silver creek on Friday April 30. The showing was Stuart Little;
estimated crowd of 200 enjoyed the program.
Dean Jones Page 'i 5/7/2004 9:25 AM
B A K E R S F I E L D
DATE: April 30, 2004
TO: Alan Christensen, Assistant City Manager
FROM: Holly Larson, Supervisor
RE: April Monthly Report
Aquatics:
Interviews have been continuing for aquatic specialists for the 2003-04 season.
Additional positions ars available due to the rs-opening of Beale Pool:
Aquatic Specialists 93 selected
Two training courses for lifeguards and swim instructors took place the weekends of
April 2-4 and April 16-18:
Swim instructor 26 attended
Lifeguard 50 attended
Aquatic trainers also trained Ice Center staff in CPR/lSt Aid on April 14-15:
CPR/lSt Aid 10 attended
Sprint Pass registration was held on April 29:
900 Truxtun 24 passes issued
Silver Creek 43 passes issued
Aquatics Club of Bakersfield is currently renting Silver Creek Pool for swim practices.
The high schools began using Silver Creek and Jastro pools beginning February 2,
2004.
Leisure Classes:
Re.qistered Total Monthly Attendance
Ballroom Dancing 2 16
C:\Documents and Settings~sforsyth\Local Settings\Temp~nonthly report.docC:\Documents and SettingsXsforsyth\Local Settings~TempLmonthly
report.doc 5/6/20043:39 PM
B A K E R S F I E L D"~-~ .....
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
MEMORANDUM
May 20, 2004
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM- RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: JASTRO PARK GRAFFITI
Council Referral #785
Councilmember Benham requested staff address the problem of vulgar graffiti on
the inside of the playground equipment at Jastro Park.
The anti-graffiti team removed the graffiti from the playground equipment on Tuesday,
May 18, 2004.
G:\GROUPDAT~Referrals~2004\05-12\785 - GS.doc
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS
DATE: May 21, 2004
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Alan Christensen, Director Recreation and Parks
I '-"
SUBJECT: 40% SHADE CANOPY ENFORCEMENT
Ref000776 (Ward 2)
Councilmember Benham requested staff revisit the issue of enforcement of the 40% shade
canopy rule in parking lots. She requested staff develop an approved tree list within 60 days,
and review the Plan check process, so that plans presented comply with the 40% requirement.
Possible review by a aualified Certified Arborist.
Recreation and Parks staff reviewed the tree and canopy standards. In coordination
with the Planning Department staff will add appropriate language to our landscape
standards to insure the 40% canopy standard is maintained at the Site Plan Review. In
addition to staff review, a licensed landscape architect currently reviews plans to verify
the developer has met all the landscape requirements, including the 40% canopy rule.
This 40% canopy standard became a part of the City's standards in 1998. It will take
some time to fully see the effects of a "40% canopy" in our parking areas.
The Technical Tree Manual which will include a updated approved tree list, will be on
the next Planning and Development committee agenda. Staff has completed the draft
version of this manual which has been in the makings for over a year.
S:\Council Referrals 2004\Ref000776.doc
May 21, 2004 (11:47AM)
FROM: ERIC W. MATLOCK, CHIEF OF POLICE(..._.....~ ~
DATE: May 20, 2004
SUBJECT: Meeting with the DBA regarding Downtown Issues
Council Referral No. 760 (Ward 2)
Council Member Benham requested staff coordinate a meeting through Council Member
Benham to be held on May 12th at 11:00 a.m. with Sandy Morris and Karen Bennett to discuss
downtown weekend issues.
Police staff attended the scheduled meeting on May 12th with Council Member Sue Benham and
members of the Downtown Business Association. Attendees participated in a productive discussion
about police efforts, staffing levels, and suggestions for possible solutions to some of the problems that
are occurring during the weekend, evening hours. Please refer to the attached memorandum from
Crime Prevention Supervisor, Karen Bennett, for more details.
EWM/vrf
Attachment: Response to Council Referral #760 reqardin.q issues in the Downtown Area
BAKERSFIELD POLICE
MEMORANDUM
DATE: May 14, 2004
TO: CAPTAIN ALLEN BROWN - SUPPORT SERVICES DIVISION
FROM: KAREN BENNETT, CRIME PREVENTION SUPERVISOR
SUBJECT: RESPONSE COUNCIL REQUEST REF#760 REGARDING ISSUES IN THE
DOWNTOWN AREA
A meeting was held on May 12, 2004 with members of the Downtown Business Association to
discuss downtown weekend concerns per Councilmember Benham's request.
Those in attendance were:
Lieutenant Dave Haskins - Bakersfield Police Department
Karen Bennett, Crime Prevention Supervisor- Bakersfield Police Department
Sue Benham - Bakersfield City Council Member
Jerry Baranowski - Jerry's Pizza
Cathy Butler- Downtown Business Association
Cyndie Chavez - Paco's Tacos
Mark Lipco - Local business owner
Ken Reed - Guthries - Alley Cat
Lt. Haskins showed a video tape which had been recorded in the downtown area, the previous
weekend. The video was filmed specifically in the "corridor" on 19th Street between Chester
and Eye. Lt. Haskins presented information prepared by Sgt. Krueger regarding the police
department's efforts in this area and the need to maintain current law enforcement staffing
levels at the present time.
Lt. Haskins suggested possible solutions which might help with the "after closing" crowd
control problems which are currently problematic:
· Bar owners should take advantage of a training program offered through A.B.C.
specifically geared for "bouncers" - doormen.
· Consideration should be made regarding the use of spotlights which would be
illuminated upon the bar's closing. The spotlights might lead to a faster
departure of bar patrons, as the lights make for an uncomfortable evening
environment.
P:\COUNCIL\CNL04\PROBLEMS iN THE DOWNTOWN AREA - BENHAM 5-20-04.DOC
Response to Council Referral #760
Regarding Problems in the Down Town Area
May 20, 2004
· Installation of a PA system downtown which could be used to play "soothing"
music upon closing time.
· Requiring all business to close at the same time. Currently, two businesses
downtown stay open after 0200 hours. These two eating establishments
encourage people ,to linger after hours.
· To ensure under age youth are not being unknowingly let in, a magnetic strip
reader could be purchased which would be used by the doorman (screener) to
make sure patrons let in, are of age and are not in possession of a fake
identification.
· Bar's could be required to purchase an electronic sign which would be posted
outside and above the front door. The sign would reflect the current occupancy
of the bar which Would help law enforcement, fire department, code enforcement
with safety issues. The doorman would keep track of people entering and exiting
the bar.
Everyone's general consensus was another meeting should be arranged in the near
future. Cathy Butler from the Downtown Business Association will be drafting a letter
inviting all bar owners in the downtown area to this meeting. The main topic at the
follow-up meeting will deal with problems which involved specific bars and their patrons
and possible solutions everyone can agree upon. The follow-up meeting is scheduled
for June 7 1030 hrs. at the DBA office 2000 K Street.
Respectfully submitted,
Karen Bennett
p:\COUNCIL\CNL04~,PROBLEMS IN THE DOWNTOWN AREA - BENHAM $-20.04.DOC
i,'iA¥ 2 ¢ 2004
B A K E R S F I E L"~D~----~ .....
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
MEMORANDUM
May 20, 2004
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM: RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR///~
SUBJECT: CARNATION TRACT UPDATE
Council Referral #782
Councilmember Carson requested staff provide a written update on the status of
street improvements in the Carnation tract.
The streets in the Carnation tract have been prepared (grounded) for resurfacing. The
Street Division anticipates resurfacing streets in this area the week of June 7, 2004.
The Street Division is currently working on streets that were prepared for resurfacing.
However, due to lack of manpower and equipment breakdown it has been a slow
process.
In addition, we did not anticipate the lack of interest for temporary employment that we
are experiencing. We have only been able to fill four temporary positions out of the
fourteen that were approved.
G :\GROUPDAT~Referrals~2004\05-12\782 - Streets.doc
MEMORANDUM
CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE
May 20, 2004
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
ALAN D. DANIEL, DEPUTY CITY ATTORNEY ~
SUBJECT: PROCESS FOR NOTIFYING RAILROAD OF REPAIRS
COUNCIL REFERRAL NO. 783
.Councilmember Couch requested staff develop a process regarding railroad crossing
repairs. This process should allow steps to follow in order to monitor progress with
the railroad.
The City Attorney recommends the following standard operating procedure in
dealing with railroad crossing repairs.
After the receipt of a legitimate complaint, the City Attorney's Office will initiate an
investigation by AIMS, our outside insurance investigators, and the Traffic Engineering
Division of Public Works. After an investigation is completed and returned to the City
Attorney's Office complete with photographs of the particular crossing, an investigative
report, and statements from the AIMS investigator and a City traffic engineer, the City
Attorney's Office will then send a letter to the railroad company which owns the
particular crossing demanding said' crossing be repaired?
The letter should be sent (complete with the City's investigation, photographs
and declarations) to the railroad [by certified mail, return receipt requested] with a copy
to the Public Utilities Commission.
The City should calendar a response date 60 days after the mailing of the letter.
During this 60 day time period, an assigned member of Public Works staff should make
telephonic contact with the railroad company and discuss the letter and whether or not
the railroad company intends to 'go forward with repairs at the crossing. The City
employee making this contact should memorialize it in a memorandum and forward it to
the City Attorney's Office.
If, at the end of 60 days, the railroad company has not responded to the City's
correspondence, the City should send a second letter pointing out that the first letter has
been sent, received by the railroad and not responded to. The second letter should
If the investigation shows such repairs are needed.
ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
May 20, 2004
Page 2
mention that telephonic contact has been made with the railroad company. The second
letter should be a stern demand fOr a response within 30 days and warn that a failure to
respond will result in a filing with the Public Utilities Commission to force the railroad
company to repair the offending crossing. This letter should also be sent certified with
return receipt requested.2
If, at the end of 30 days after mailing of the second letter, the railroad company
still has not responded to the City's demands to repair the crossing, the matter should
be forwarded to outside counsel for the filing of a complaint with the California Public
Utilities Commission to have the railroad crossing repaired.
It has been our experience' in handling railroad crossing repairs that the railroad
normally does not respond to City complaints requesting these repairs. In addition, it is
sometimes difficult to assemble the investigation necessary to go forward with a
complaint to the California Public Utilities Commission. It is imperative for the success
of the complaint that a thorough investigation of the crossing be made, photographed
and documented prior to the filing 'of the action. It will be of very little use to the City to
file a complaint that cannot be sustained. It has been the practice of the City Attorney's
Office to file the complaint and include all documentation with the complaint in order to
jar the railroad into action. Thus far, efforts have not yielded much in the way of
success. The railroads are very good at postponing the decision. After long delays they
agree to repair the crossing just before the PUC hearing. Thereafter, the railroad
crossing repairs are done to the minimum standards and in a very time the crossing is
once again degraded. In recent years the City has offered to pay for additional
materials required to upgrade the crossings to concrete, or some other suitable
material, to prolong the life of the crossings. While some railroads have taken
advantage of the City's offer, many have not and the crossings continue to deteriorate in
spite of our best efforts. Even the intervention of State Senator Roy Ashburn has not
yielded satisfactory results.
By adopting the foregoing procedure and by consistently filing against the
railroad companies when they do.not respond to our correspondence, it is hoped they
will eventually begin to respond and alleviate the necessity of filing with the CPUC.
VG:ADD:dlI:Isc
cc: Honorable Mayor and City Council
Jack LaRochelle, Assistant Public Works Director
Nick Fidler, Public Works
S:\COU NCIL\Refen'als\RRCrossings.doc
If, the railroad company has responded to the first letter and has refused to repair the crossing,
the matter should be forwarded to outside counsel for the immediate filing of an action with the California
Public Utilities Commission to have the crossing repaired.
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS
DATE: May 20, 2004
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Alan Christensen, Director Recreation and Parks
SUBJECT: LANDSCAPE CLEAN-UP ON WILDERNESS
Ref000780 (WARD 5)
Councilmember Hanson requested staff clean-up areas in the Maintenance District along
Wilderness south of Harris.
In response to Councilmember Hanson's request to clean up along Wilderness staff
performed some shrub trimming in the monument entry areas and in the streetscapes.
Several trees along Wilderness were trimmed as well. Tree wells in the area will be
chemically treated by the end of the week. Two (2) irrigation control wires are being
replaced so the valves can be operated automatically by the irrigation clocks which will
eliminate several dry turf areas.
S:\Council Referrals 2004\Ref000780.doc
May 18, 2004 (11:42AM)
RECEWE~_
MANAGER'S OF
B A K E R S F I E L :-Er
POBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
MEMORANDUM
May 20, 2004
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM' RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR~?_,_~
SUBJECT: POT HOLE IN FRONT OF SOUTH HIGH
Council Referral #781
Councilmember Sullivan requested staff repair a pot hole in front of South High
School on Planz.
The potholes on Planz Road, in front of South High School and the ones on Planz Road
and Monitor Street were patched Monday, May 17, 2004.
G:\GROUPDAT~Referrals~004\05-12\781 - Streets.doc