HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/15/04 B A K E R S F I E L D
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
MEMORANDUM
October 15, 2004
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager
SUBJECT: General Information
1. A copy of Raul Rojas' letter to the Kern Transportation Foundation is enclosed for
your information.
2. Monday and Tuesday of next week I will be at a city managers' meeting in San
Diego. Alan Christensen will be in charge during my absence, and he will be
helping with agenda issues.
3. Responses to Council requests are enclosed, as follows:
Councilmember Carson
· Traffic enforcement actions on Lotus Lane;
Councilmember Benham
· Response to citizen inquiry concerning police operations;
Councilmember Ma.q.qard
· Transcript of public statement regarding the proposed Ag JOBS Resolution and
background summary on the two Ag JOBS bills being considered by the
Legislature.
Councilmember Couch
· Correction of street signs at Riverlakes/Meany and Coffee Road;
Councilmember Salva.q.qio
· Status of pending construCtion project to install curbs, gutter, and sidewalks on
the north side of Ming Avenue, east of Valley Plaza, west of N Street;
· Removal of graffiti at locations on Panama Lane;
· Siphon clean up at White Lane and Hughes Lane;
· Pothole repair at South Halfmoon and Nutmeg;
· Information addressing citizen inquiry about the hole in the block concrete wall
on Garcia Court.
AT:rs
cc: Department Heads
Pam McCarthy, City Clerk
Trudy Slater, Administrative Analyst
B A K E R S F I E L
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
1501 TRUX'TUN AVENUE
BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA 93301
f661) 326-3724
RAUL M. ROJAS, DIREC"I'OR * CITY ENGINI~R.
October 12, 2004
Kern County Citizens for Quality Transportation (KCCQT)
c/o Roger Mclntosh
Mclntosh and Associates
2001 Wheelan Court,
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Subject: One-Half Cent Sales Tax Measure for Transportation
Dear Roger,
In response to your letter dated October 1, 2004, the City of Bakersfield is very appreciative of the
work: and effort put forth by yourself and the KCCQT Executive Committee regarding the proposed
half-cent tax measure for transportation. However, the content and development of the program in
the proposed measure is of great concern to t. he City.
At first glance, the distribution formula based upon 70% population and 30% road miles seems fair.
However, the rationale for how the road .miles portion of the formula is determined is flawed. Based
on the current rationale, the City of Bakersfield would receive the same credit for one mile of a six
lane wide arterial road, such as Gosford Road, as would another jurisdiction for one mile of a two- ,
lane paved road. Obviously, the cost for maintaining 6 lane miles of pavement is much more than '
two lane miles of pavement. Sincethe City of Bakersfield is the jurisdiction within the County that,
by far, has-the greatest amount of multi-lane roads, the City is penalized in the current distribution
formula. Using paved lane miles to determine quantity of road miles for the formula would be a
much fairer rationale for distribution than the current proPosal. Alternatively, a distribution using
strictly population would also be acceptable to the City.
Another issue has to do with the content of the proposed .measure program and the portion of
funding proposed for road maintenance within the metropolitan area. As you know from many
previous conversations between us, City staff and Councilmembers consider the maintenance of
existing roads within the City as a top priority. This.has been emphasized by the recent City
Council action of appropriating $1.5 million of general fund dollars to the City Streets Division for
road maintenance, even during the tough budget times the City is currently experiencing. Further,
the Council recently passed a resolution stating its intent of earmarking for road maintenance all
one-time funding received by the City..
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KCCQT One-Half Cent Sales Tax Measure
Page 2
I have not been present at all.the meetings with Councilmembers-or at any of the .meetings with
Supervisors that' you have had regarding the measure. However, I-was not surprised at the
comments I heard at the joint City Council-Board of Supervisors meeting last month based on my
.knowledge of their 'opiniOns regarding ,the need to include road maintenance as the majoritem of
the measure.
I am appreciative ~that maintenance funding for the metro area has apparently been enhanced since
the initial draft a year ago; from $148,543,111 (28% of proposed funds to the metro area) to the
most ~recent list ~1 have' seen dated August '30, 2004 at $199,542,660 '(38% of metro area funds).
But the City of Bakersfield believes maintenance should-be enhanced even further, at-least for the
metropolitan area, and the polling KCCQT' had performed for the measure consistently-supports this
conclusion.
City, County, and highway road maintenance scored .11% total as the .most serious single issue
facing the residents of Kern .County (Question 3.), which ranks third behind only air quality (15%)
and education (14%). Road maintenance rated higher than crime (8%), the economy (6%), traffic
safetY (1%) and nearly three times traffic congestion (4%).
And when polled what is the most important transportation problem (QuestiOn 4.),
City/County/bridge maintenance (16%).tied with congestion/grid lock (16%). On .why.a respondent
would vote yes for the measure (Question 7.a.), after the.number one response that all subjects
need improvement (maintenance, air quality,, congestion, etc. at 27%) was the need to fix/maintain
roads (26%) which ranked significantly higher than .traffic congestion (4%).
Finally, in your polling response to rating the importance of transportation improvements which
could be funded with the measure (Question 13.), the respondents rated extremely, very, or
'somewhat important the repair of potholes (87%) and the repair of neighborl~ood streets (86%)
above reducing congestion (79%)and constructing new roads (73%). So while the City of
Bakersfield is aware of the need to include projects of interest to the community to help the suCcess
of the measure, it also strongly wants to emphasize the maintenance aspect .of the measure and
yourpolling indicates .the public wants this as well. The City believes it appropriate to dedicate-50%
of the total transportation funding apportioned to the metropolitan area from the measure to road
maintenance. And in discussions with Kern County staff, they have concurred with this proposal.
Another concern of the City regarding the content of the program is the amount .of non- "brick and
mortar" type of projects currently proposed. For the metro area alone, these total $74,000,000 or
14% of the total funds to be distribated. This seems excessive for these types of projects that are
really more program related then they are an investment in capital improvements.
While your letter'indicates the City is a member of the KCCQT, City staff has usually 'received a less
than warm reception whenever-attending meetings as other members have responded coarsely to
City of Bakersfield project suggestions. Other areas that have been successful with tax measures.
have had continued involvement of elected officials. I believe Riverside County's successful
organization included the mayors or a councilmember from each incorporated City within the
County and a member of the Board of Supervisors, as well as the broad-based coalition that the
KCCQT currently consists of. In this way, elected political bodies are involved with the process and
kept abreast of the activities of the organization and development of the measure; they will be
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KCCQT One-Half Cent Sales Tax Measure
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aware of the program's content as it develops, hopefully leading to their support. This is particularly
important in that, as I understand, the Board of Supervisors as well as the City. Councils of a
majority of the incorporated population within the County must approve the measure prior to its
plaCement on the ballot, Therefore, while the creatiOn of a project list that is embraced by the public
is obviously critical to the Success of the measure, City Councilmember and County Superviso[
continued involvement with the program 'would also seem to be crucial.
Again, the City is very appreciative of the work put forth by the KCCQT to date, and hopes that
they/you will continue, with this important endeavor. The City strongly suPports and believes in the
need for a locally funded program to provide for the area's transportation needs~ but believes that
including the involvement of'elected officials from throughout the County while developing the
program should be considered.
Should you have any questions regarding the above or wish to .meet for further discussion, please
contact the undersigned at 661-326~3596.
Very truly yours,
Public Works Director
Copy: Honorable Mayor Harvey L. Hall and City Councilmembers
Honorable Chairman Jon McQuiston and Members of the Board of SuPervisors
Alan Tandy, City Manager
David Price III, Director, Resources Management Agency, County of Kern
Craig M. Pope, P.E., Director,. Roads Department, County of Kern
Jacques R. LaRochelle, Assistant Public Works Director
Theodore D. Wright, Civil Engineer tV
S:\TED~)O4 letters~KCCQT response letter.doc
10/13/2004 8:29:07 AM
MEMORANDUM
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY. MANAGER
FROM: W.R. RECTOR, CHIEF OF POLICE ~, OCT ! § 2004
DATE: October 15, 2004 : __ ............. ::
SUBJECT: SPEEDING ON LOTUS LANE
Council Referral No. 954 (Ward 1)
I Council Member Carson requested police provide enforcement of speed limit on Lotus Lane.
Council Member Carson asked that the police department do some extra traffic enforcement
on Lotus Lane in response to speeders. For three days between October 11th and October
13th officers spent 6.5 hours of enforcement time addressing the problem. 11 moving citations
were issued, 6 parking citations were issued and 5 vehicles were impounded. We will continue
to monitor the area and make use of educational and enforcement tools at our disposal to
address the problem.
The following represents activities of the individual officers assigned:
Monday 10/11' Officer Massey dedicated 2.5 hours, which resulted in 7 moving violation
citations, 5 Parking citations, and 4. impounds (abandoned vehicles, registration violations)
Tuesday 10/12: Officer Massey again for about 2 hours resulting in 3 moving violation
citations, 1 parking citation, and 1 impound
Wednesday 10/13: Officer Hackney provided enforcement for 2 hours and obtained 1 moving
violation citation and several positive citizen contacts. He reported the traffic was extremely
limited.
TDT/vrf
B A K E R S F I'E L D
Alan Tandy · City Manager
October 7, 2004
Mr. Huntley.A. Webb
320 Jefferson Street
Bakersfield, CA 93305
Dear Mr. Webb:
Your letter to Council Member Sue Benham of.October 6, 2004 has been referred t° me for
response.
In your letter to Chief Rector (attachment to Council Member Benham's letter), you asked a number
of operational questions relating to the Police Department. I have every confidence Chief Rector will take
into consideration suggestions you make and respond to any he can relating to those questions you have
posed.
I have assumed your references to yard people.in your letter to Ms. Benham relate to gardeners.
We can identify those who have the appropriate permits but cannot identify those who do not. Thus, we do
not have an-estimate of how much is lost in business permit fees for gardeners. The basic expense in a
City business permit is $25 plus a $5 processing fee (minimum of $30).
There is no section in the City's Municipal Code which requires a person hiring a gardener to identify
whether that person has the proper business permits with the City. The responsibility falls upon the
gardener to obtain the proper permit/s and not the person hiring the gardener. This has been discussed in
Council committee.
I hope the information provided herein is of some assistance.
Sincerely, .
Trudy Slater
Administrative Analyst III
P:\L0410071-HWebb
Cc: Mayor and City Council
City Manager
Chief of Police
City of Bakersfield · City Manager's Office ° 1501 'Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield, California · 93301
(661) 326-3751 ° Fax (661) 324-1850
B A K E R S F I E' L D
CITY. CLERK'S OFFICE
MEMORANDUM
October 13, 2004
TO: Honorable Mayor Hall and Councilmembers
FROM: Pamela A. McCarthy, City CI~
SUBJECT: REF000952
Transcript of Public Statement by J. Edero Cazares
Councilmember Maggard requested staff provide a translation of the public
statement made in Spanish at the October 6, 2004 Council meeting. Attached is
a verbatim transcript of J. Edero Cazares' comments requesting Council support
of the "Ag JOBS" Resolution.
PMC:rg '
Attachment
TRANSCRIPT OF A PORTION OF THE
CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 6, 2004
8. Public Statements- J. Edero Cazares (Spanish)
Regarding Senate Bill AgJOBS
Good evening Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers:
I am a farm worker and find it essential to come before you, and on behalf of other farm
workers, to ask for your support and vote in relation to the senators Ag JOBS bill to pass
a new law that would benefit the agriculture, farm workers, cities, and nation as a whole
whose efforts are to have this new law to pass, for better living conditions for the farm
workers.
I am here representing the farm workers and asking you to support our Senators Ted
Kennedy and Larry Craig, and 63 other co-sponsors to vote in support on the Ag JOBS
bill.
Ladies and gentlemen of the Council, I ask you humbly, and from the heart, that you
support our senators' efforts to pass the Ag JOBS bill, which is in the hands of our
senators for vote.
We hope to have your support and look forward to seeing you at the next Council
meeting to hear your determination.
CC Referral By: Mike Maggard
Request Date: 10/6/04
Prepared By: Maria Peralez
B A K E R S F I E L D
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
MEMORANDUM
October 11,2004
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM: TRUDY SLATER, ADMINISTRATIVE ANALYST III ~ ~
SUBJECT: S. 1645/H.R. 3142 (AgJobs Bills)
At a staff meeting following the City Council meeting of October 8, you asked me for
information on a proposed resolution supporting "AgJobs."
The AgJobs bills (known as the Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits, and Security Act
of 2003) were introduced in both houses. The official title indicates the bills are "to
provide for the adjustment of status of certain foreign agricultural workers, to amend the
Immigration and Nationality Act to reform the H-2A worker program under that Actl to
provide a stable, .legal agricultural workforce, to extend basic legal protections and
better working conditions to more workers, and for other purposes."
A brief summary of the bills includes the following: Directs the Secretary of Homeland
Security, upon completion of specified agricultural work and residency requirements, to
adjust the status of a qualifying alien agricultural worker (and spouse and minor
children) to that of a: (1) lawfully admitted temporary nonimmigrant, and (2) permanent
resident nonimmigrant.
Sets forth provisions with respect to: (1) adjustment of status applications, including
penalties for false statements; (2) waiver of numerical limitations and certain grounds for
inadmissibility; (3) temporary stay of removal and work authorization; (4) administrative
and judicial review, and (5) dissemination of program information.
Amends the Social Security Act to provide for the correction of such aliens' social
security records.
Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to set forth registry application
requirements for H-2A employers and employer associations, including assurances: (1)
that the job opportunity is temporary or seasonal, and is not the result of a labor dispute,
(2) that attempts have been made to hire U.S. workers, .and (3) respecting required
wages and benefits, and compliance with labor laws.
Alan Tandy, City Manager
October 11,2004
Page 2
S. 1645/H. R.3142
Sets forth employment requirements with respect to: (1) wages; (2) housing, and (3)
transportation reimbursement. Establishes the Commission on Agricultural Wage
Standards under the H-2A program.
Revises provisions respecting the admission and extension of stay of temporary H-2A
workers. Provides special rules for alien sheepherders.
Sets forth worker protection and labor standards enforcement provision for such aliens.
S.1645 has been referred to the Subcommittee on Immigration, Border Security, and
Claims. H.R. 3142 has been referred to the Committee on the Judiciary.
P:~T~M0410111 -AgJobsBills
RESOLUTION SUPPORTING "AG JOBS"
WHEREAS, members of Congress have proposed an immigration reform bill that would allow an estimated 500,000
undocumented farm workers to become legal U.S. residents, S.1645/H.R. 3142, the "Agricultural Job Opportunity,
Benefits, and Security Act"-- AGJOBS; and
WHEREAS, Ag Jobs creates an immigration system that is safe, legal, and orderly; and reflects both an historic
agreement between the representatives of farm workers and the agricultural industry, and the pressing need, for
humanitarian, economic, and secudty reasons, to reform our immigration laws in this Sector of our economy; and
WHEREAS, if enacted, this bipartisan legislation, would create an earned adjustment program for undocumented
farm workers who would be eligible to apply for temporary immigration status based on their past work experience,
and could become permanent residents upon satisfying prospective work requirements; and
WHEREAS, this important legislation addresses the harsh reality that the majority of farm workers who plant and
harvest the produce that feeds America are undocumented and too often, the most poorly paid and poorly treated
workers in the United States; and
WHEREAS, the Ag Jobs Act addresses both the near- and the long-term needs of the agricultural sector by
recognizing that immigration reform must include both a legal means by which employers can hire foreign workers in
the absence of available U.S. workers and a means to legitimize the status of those immigrants already present in the
U.S. that have been supporting our economy with their labor; and
WHEREAS, this bill enhances our security by bringing undocumented workers forward and requiring background
checks so that it can be known who lives and works within our borders; and
WHEREAS, lies in the heart of the agricultural industry of California
and the United States of America; and this measure would help create an atmosphere of stability in our community,
particularly amongst the large numbers of immigrants who are a vital and integral part of this region; and
WHEREAS, S 1645/H.R. 3142 is endorsed by the United Farm Workers of America and the Agriculture Coalition for
Immigration Reform, a group representing many farmers seeking to stabilize the agricultural workforce.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that by the adoption of this resolution,
demonstrates its SUPPORT for S. 1645/HR 3142, the "Agricultural Job Opportunity, Benefits, and Security Act" ---
AG JOBS which would allow an estimated 500,000 undocumented farm workers to earn legal U.S. residency.
Adopted this day of ,2004.
Signature Title
Please send a copy of the signed resolution to UFW, P.O. Box 130, Delano, CA 93215 or fax to (661) 725-2135
B A K E R $ F I E L g
PUBMC WORKS DEPARTMEHT
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
MEMORANDUM
October 12, 2004
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM: RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR~
SUBJECT: STREET SIGNS- RIVERLAKES/MEANY
Council Referral #965
VICE-MAYOR COUCH REFERRED CORRESPONDENCE FROM ARLENE B.
RAMOS-ANINION REQUESTING STAFF CORRECT THE STREET SIGNS AT
RIVERLAKES/MEANY AND COFFEE ROAD.
The developer, Riverlakes Investments, installed the traffic signal at the intersection of
Coffee Road and Riverlakes Drive/Meany Avenue including the street name signs. The
developer had the signs installed in accordance with the approved traffic signal plans.
City Staff will modify both the northbound and the southbound signs to be dual name
signs with direction arrows for Riverlakes Drive and Meany Avenue.
C:\Documents and Settings\glorenzJ.000%ocal Settings\Temp~965 -Stuart P_l.doc
B A K E R S F I E L D
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
MEMORANDUM
October 12, 2004
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM: RAUL M. ROJ'AS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR //~
SUBJECT: CURBS, GUTTER, SIDEWALK INSTALLATON
Council Referral #959
COUNCILMEMBER SALVAGGIO REQUESTED STAFF BEGIN INSTALLATION
OF CURBS, GUTTERS AND SIDEWALKS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF MING
AVENUE, EAST OF VALLEY PLAZA AND WEST OF H STREET
City staff is working on the design and construction documents for the City's portion of
this widening which is from the alley west of Edna Street to Anita Street. The west most
portion of the un-widened segment of Ming Avenue (Baldwin Road to the alleY west of
Edna Street) is in the County.
There are a total of five parcels fronting on the City's portion. The owners of two of
those five parcels have dedicated the additional street right-of-way necessary for this
widening. Of the remaining three parcels, there is a potential problem in obtaining
addition right-of-way from two of them as they might be in foreclosure. Staff is currently
investigating this issue. If these parcels are indeed in foreclosure, staff will pursue
obtaining a court order for granting the additional right-of-way.
In addition to the street widening, this project will install storm drain lines from Anita
Street to Benton Street which will help relieve the flooding problems at the storm basin
on Kristina Court.
City staff anticipates completion of the construction documents by the end of November
2004. The right-of-way dedication issues will need to be resolved before construction
can start.
G:\GROUPDAT~Referrals~2004\10-06\959 - Arnold.doc
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
MEMORANDUM
October 13, 2004
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM: RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR~'/~.~.._.~''~
SUBJECT: GRAFFITI REMOVAL ON PANAMA LANE
Council Referral #960
COUNClLMEMBER SALVAGGIO REQUESTED STAFF REMOVE GRAFFITI ON
A MASONRY WALL ON THE NORTH SIDE OF PANAMA LANE, EAST OF
AKERS ROAD AT WINDRIFT; A SLATTED FENCE ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF
WILSON ROAD FROM CASTRO TO CALVIN (MATCH THE COLOR); AND A
SMALL MASONRY WALL AT THE SAME LOCATION.
The Anti-Graffiti Team removed the graffiti from the Panama Lane sight on 10/7/04 and
completed the Wilson Road removal and color match on 10/13/04.
G:\GROUPDAT~Referrals~:X)4\10-06~962 - Brad.doc
B A K E R S F I E L D
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
MEMORANDUM
October 11, 2004
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM: RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTO~-"I~-~_
SUBJECT: CLEAN SIPHON WHITE LN. & HUGHES
Council Referral #963
COUNCILMEMBER SALVAGGIO REQUESTED STAFF CLEAN THE SIPHON ON
THE WEST SIDE CORNER OF WHITE LANE AND HUGHES LANE.
All catch basins at the intersection of White Lane and Hughes Lane were cleaned
Friday, October 8, 2004.
C:\Documents and Settings\straynor~Local Settings\Temp\REFERRAL 963.CLEAN SYPHONS AT WHITE LANE-HUGHES.doc
B A K E R S F I E L D
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
MEMORANDUM
October 13, 2004
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM: RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
SUBJECT: POTHOLE AT SO. HALFMOON AND NUTMEG
Council Referral #958
COUNCILMEMBER SALVAGGIO REQUESTED STAFF REPAIR A POTHOLE AT
THE INTERSECTION OF SOUTH HALFMOON AND NUTMEG.
The pothole on South Halfmoon and Nutmeg was patched Tuesday, October 12, 2004.
G:\GROUPDA'IAReferrals~2004\10-06~958 - Luis.doc
'BA K E R S. FI E L D
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
MEMORANDUM
October 14, 2004
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER °
FROM: RAUL M. ROJAS, PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR ~,~/
SUBJECT: HOLE IN BLOCK WALL, GARCIA COURT
Council Referral #962
COUNCILMEMBER SALVAGGIO REQUESTED STAFF RESPOND TO
CORRESPONDENCE FROM DORIA ORNELAZ REGARDING THE HOLE IN THE
BLOCK CONCRETE WALL ON GARCIA COURT.
The applicable tract was constructed in 1987. The wall plans from 1987 show that the
gap in the cul-de-sac's block wall was intentional. Estimated costs to install a wall in the
existing gap would be $50 per linear foot. The area involved is about 70 linear feet.
G:\GROUPDAT~Referrals~O04\10-06~962 - Marian.doc