HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/08/02 BAKERSFIELD
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
MEMORANDUM
March 8, 2002
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager /~7'-L,.c/, f--~'-.
SUBJECT: General Information
1. There is positive news from the Kern County City Managers' meeting that took place
on Friday, March 8th:
a: The group agreed, by unanimous vote, to support a settlement of the various
KernCog issues, as follows:
1) Support the request by the City of Bakersfield and Kern County to divert
right of way acquisition cost savings from the Westside Parkway project to
fund road rehabilitation projects for those two agencies in the amount of
$20 million - $12 million for Bakersfield, $8 million for Kern County.
2) With regard to the periodic allocation of resources, including, but not limited
to, examples such as Enhancement Funds, Congestion Funds, and
unprogrammed funds, the 60%/40% urban/rural split will be applied as
closely as possible, given the rules and practical issues associated with
such funds.
3) With regard to the remaining RTIP funds of $3,724,000, Bakersfield would
get $750,000. The other cities and the County, $330,444 each.
This Package settlement would appear on the KernCOG board agenda of March
21'~t. Thanks are due the city managers of Kern County for their cooperation and
commitment to a positive resolution. City managers, of course, can only
recommend, not decide, and exact language has not yet been shared.
b: With regard to LAFCO, there was general agreement to accept the
measurement that was discussed in the Kern County Mayors' meeting, which is
to add two seats to the board, one from Bakersfield and one from another city.
Honorable Mayor and City Council
March 8, 2002
Page 2
2. With the above, the following will, hopefully, be academic. However, it is provided as
background. A letter of response is enclosed to Ron Brummett regarding our request
to use some monies for arterial street rehabilitation. Also enclosed is a chart
graphically depicting how we have been short changed on the last three KernCOG
funding rounds and how the 60% - 40% urban/rural has gone the opposite way in the
short term. We agreed for the 60% - 40% to go the other way for a short time to
accommodate the Highway 46 project. It was our expectation that the pendulum
would be swinging back, however. Finally, a chart showing the time value of money
is enclosed. It shows how reversing the 60% - 40% split over time results in our
money being worth less when we do get it.
3. A special ceremony will be held at the Amtrak station on Monday, March 18th at 6:45
am to commemorate the inaugural run of the sixth daily round trip train between
Bakersfield and Sacramento.
4. Enclosed is a letter of appreciation for staff's assistance (particularly John Stinson)
with the annexation of the Jewetta/Olive/Kratzmeyer parcel.
5. The weekly award report from Recreation and Parks:
On March 2"d, the department received three awards from the California Park and
Recreation Society District XV. They were: Program Awards for the mobile recreation
program and Keep Bakersfield Beautiful, and Volunteer Award for the Keep
Bakersfield Beautiful Committee.
From the National Arbor Day Foundation: Bakersfield has been named as a "Tree
City USA" for the fifth time, and we received a Tree City USA Growth Award for
demonstrating progress in our community forestry program.
Congratulations to Holly Larson, Recreation Supervisor, who was installed as the new
District XV president.
6. Recreation and Parks' February activity report is enclosed for your information.
7. The Garden is establishing quite a relationship with those who govern high school
sports. We have booked three play off games in the past two weeks and have
announced a major tournament for next December that will bring many to town.
Other events will be worked on and thanks are due Jim Foss.
AT:rs
cc: Department Heads
Pam McCarthy, City Clerk
Trudy Slater, Administrative Analyst
BAKERSFIELD
Alan Tandy · City Manager
March 7, 2002
Ron Brummett
Executive Director
Kern Council of Governments.
1401 19t~ Street
Suite 300
Bakersfield, CA 93301
Dear Mr. Brummett;
I am in receipt of your letter of March 4, 2002.
There are a number of Critical aspects of oUr.request that you did not mention, as well as what
we believe are some inaccurate statements in your letter. Since you copied your letter to a
rather large list of people, we will, also, with this response in an effort to Give clarity' to all. · '
First, the City is requesting that some funding dedicated to the urban share be moved from
savings realized on the Westside Parkway to badly needed rehabilitation projects. Since it is ·
from the urban share and the County agrees on a formula, the proposal does not impact any.
other iurisdiction financially. Since the money is savings resulting from the Kern River Freeway
becoming a Parkway that required less right-of-way, the funds are already in the account.
Because the newly defined proiect is less costly than the old, the request does not ever slow
down the capital buildinq :proiect. Because the right-of-way monies are already available to us,
the funds should be immediately available to us on KernCOG and CTC approval. We should
not, as your letter indicates, have to wait until 2004.
The Bakersfield City Council is making this. request to deal with very real and difficult problems
on our arterial streets. The Westside Parkway can remain the number one priority and stay on
schedule since this is from savings in the project cost. Simply put, we request a one time
allocation of $20 million from project savings to be used for major roadway rehabilitation within
Metropolitan 'Bakersfield. This will provide approximately $12 million for Bakersfield and $8
million for Kern County base upon a proportionate share of population.
We CiO not share your assessment of requiring a sedes of major policy changes to accomplish
this goal. It is again from the urban share. It is unique.in that it comes from savings from a
reduced scope of project. It affects no others. The City of Bakersfield would support any others
wishing to take a similar action, or alternately, would respect the wishes of any who do not.
City of Bakersfield · City Manager's Office ° 1501 Truxtun Avenue
Bakersfield · California · 93301
(661) 326-3751 · Fax (661) 852-2050
KernCOG
March 7, 2002
Page 2
In addition, you have requested Project Study RepOrts (RFP's) be completed and ,submitted to
.KernCOG by March 20, 2002, a mere thirteen days from today. We find this rather
burdensome, especially-in light of recent projects being introduced onto KernCOG's agenda
from other agencies without such a document. It.appears we are being penalized for actions
caused by others outside of our control.
Please advise us .of the .date of the meeting .with the KernCOG Board.
Sincerely, .,¢
City Manager
cc: Kern .Council of Governments, Board of Directors
Kern Council of Governments, Technical Advisory Committee
Mayor a~-~d City Council, City of.Bakersfield
City of Bakersfield, Public Works Director
Kern CountY Board of Supervisors
Kern CountY Road Commissioner
City Managers
Golden Empire-Transit District
Caltrans District 06, Alan McOuen
Recent KCOG Allocations
'98 &'99 Enhancement Funds Current ROad FUndS , .....
Amount Available = $8,796,446 Amount Available = $129,115,000
Area Sham Area Share
Population Based Actual Population Based Actual
Percent Dollar Percent Dollar ' Percent Dollar Percent DOllar
Bakersfield 34.7% $3,047,969 6.4% $567,000 Metro 60.0% $77,469,000 48% $61,401,000
Kern County 44.0% $3,867,797 41.3% $3,629,580 Non - Metro 40.0% $51,646~000 50% $64,155,000
Outlying Cities 18.5% $1,627,343 52.3% $4,599,866 *
100.0% $8,796,446
· Some of the funds are not yet programmed
Current Congestion Funds Current Unprogrammed Road FUndS ,,
Amount Available = $11,997,631 ~.mount Available = $9,749,000
Area Share Area Sham
Population Based Actual Population Based Current KCOG proposal
Percent Dollar Percent Dollar Percent Dollar Percent DOllar
E~akersfield 35.6% $4,269,957 16.3% $1,954,294 Bakersfield 35.6% $3,469,669 3.82% $372,400
~(ern County 41.8% $5,019,809 28.2% $3,383,000 Kern County 41.8% $4,078,982 27.18% $2,650,000
~)utlying Cities 19.0% $2,277,150 40.9% $4,906,992.00. 3 Cities 7.2% $697,054 34.62% $3,375,000
3ther 0.0% $0 14.6% $1,753,345.00 Other Cities 15.4% $1,503,296 34.38% $3,351,600
85.4% $10,244,286 $9,749,000
Road Funds - Time Value of Money
16,000 -":- ·" '" . '---
14,000 . .,....
14,240 -- ".' - ' ""
12 000 ~3,434 ' -
12,674
~,956 I-I 6. O0 %
10,000 11,279 E] 5.00%
~o,64~ I-I 4.00%
8,000 10,039
9,470 [~ 3.00%
8,934
6,000 8,429
CNI 7,952 3.00%
~ o o ~0 , 6.00%
~ 0 ~-
~ 0
('~ 0
Assuming an annual inflation rate for road construction costs of 3% to 6%,
the above graph represents the future buying power of $16 million today (2002).
B A K E R S F I E L D " MgR-5~00~
Public Works Department
Memorandum
Date: ' March 5, 2002
To: Alan Tandy, City Manager
From: Raul Rojas, Public Works Director ~
Subject: Special Event at Bakersfield Amtrak Station
Last Friday, March 1, we were informed that Caltrans Rail Program and Amtrak am planning a very
special event at our Amtrak Station. The event will take place early Monday morning, March 18. The
ceremony, which starts at 6:45 am, will 'send off' the inaugural run of the sixth daily round trip train!
The importance of this event is further marked by the fact that this train will run between Bakersfield
and Sacramento, allowing Bakersfield citizens to leave hem at 7:15 am, arrive in Sacramento at 12:30
pm, conduct their business them in the early afternoon, leave Sacramento around 4:30 pm and arrive
back in Bakersfield around 10:00 pm. That trip will be on a train all the way to and from Sacramento.
Local business and elected officials, as well as those in Fresno, have been very supportive of this
additional train. So it is a much anticipated service.
Mayor Hall has been asked and has agreed to be one of the speakers at this ceremony.
S:\PROJECTS',ARNOLD~Amtrak Station Maintenance\Tandy 03_04_02.wpd Page 1 of 1
February 28, 2002
Mr. Allan Tandy
City Manager
City of Bakersfield
1501 Tmxmn Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93301
RE: Annexation Proceedings SW comer of Jewetta
and Olive/Kratzmeyer, Parcel 5 P.M. 9826 Reina #2
Dear Mr. Tandy:
Thank you for your assistance in this recent annexation action. It has been
refreshing to see the County and City work so well together. ! am
particularly impressed by the leadership provided by Mt. John Stinson. This
annexation prevented the creation of a County island, enabled surrounding
neighbors to proceed with their annexations, and provided for future growth
for the City. Your staff, the planning department, and the engineering staff
were great to work with. It is our understanding that the City Attorney sent
over the tax split agreement to LAFCO.
It was a pleasure doing business with the City. And again, thank you for your
help.
Sincerely.
Bryan Bate/y~ ~
10502 Chapel Hill Way
Bakersfield, CA 93312
661-588-2200
News from
For more information, contact ~ The National
John Rosenow, President or
GarYat (402)Brienz°'474-56551nformation Coordinator ~ ArborDay Foundation'
100 Arbor Avenue. Nebraska City, NE 68410. www. arb0rday.0rg
FOR I~MMEDIATE RELEASE:
Bakersfield Receives Tree City USA Growth Award
Bakersfield has been named a Tree City USA by The National
Arbor Day Foundation. It is the fifth year Bakersfield has
received this national recognition.
Bakersfield is also the recipient of a Tree City USA Growth
Award for demonstrating progress in its community forestry
program in the following activity areas:
continuing education for tree workers
professional tree manager
.hazard tree program
The Growth Award was created to recognize environmental
improvement and higher levels of tree care in Tree City USA
communities.
The Tree City USA program is sponsored by The National
Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National
Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service.
To become a Tree City USA, a community must meet four
standards: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a
comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day
observance.
"More than ever, today we understand the importance of
trees to our cities and towns," .said John Rosenow, president of
The National Arbor Day Foundation. "Trees help clean our air
and water, moderate heat and cold, and bring warmth and grace to
our homes."
"Tree City USA recognizes communities that have proven
their commitment to an effective, ongoing community forestry
program," Rosenow added. "Such a program is one marked by
renewal and improvement and the Growth Award recognizes a
commitment to this process of environmental improvement and
higher levels of tree care."
We help people plant and care for trees;M
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS
DATE: March 5, 2002
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Stan Ford, Director of Recreation and Parks
SUBJECT: Monthly Report for February
Attached are the monthly activity reports from each division. Please let me
know if you need additional information.
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
Recreation
&Parks
FEBRUARY 2001 Monthly Report
Submitted by: Holly Larson, Supervisor
David Stricker, Specialist
Josh Romine, Coordinator
Lap Swim: Monthly Attendance
66
Leisure Classes:
Registered Monthly Attendance
East Coast Swing 15 60
Nightclub Two-step 26 104
Adult Ballet 1 4
Ballet/Jazz 2 8
Total 44 176
AqUatics:
- We are continuing to seek applicants for summer aquatics staff. We have screened
over 100 applicants thus far. 150 aquatic staff members are needed.
- A swim instructor training was held February 2-3. Eight swim instructors attended this
training.
- A heater was installed at the Martin Luther King, jr. pool this month. This pool will be
utilized for swim team and/or club rentals, lifeguard and swim instructor trainings, and
spring junior lifeguard program.
- Currently, we have three heated pools in operation which are servicing lap swim, swim
club rentals, high school swim practices and lifeguard trainings. Silver Creek pool is
being utilized by the Aquatic Club of Bakersfield, Ridgeview High, Bakersfield High
(girls) and South High. Jastro pool is being used by Bakersfield High (boys), Garces
High and Kern Aquatics. Jefferson pool is being used by East High, Foothill High,
Highland High and Riptide Aquatics.
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
Recreation
&Parks
February 2002 Monthly Report
Silver Creek Community Center
After School Programs
Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Program
Leisure Classes
Submitted by: Terri Elison, Recreation Supervisor
Colleen Cashmore, Recreation Specialist
Amanda Greene, Program Coordinator
Bakersfield B.E.S.T. After School Program
The California Department of Education, Foundation Consortium, and Center for Collaborative
Solutions Intermediary selected the Greenfield School District After School Program as a
Regional Learning Center. Greenfield's program will serve four counties-Kern, San Luis
Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura. As a Regional Learning Center, after school programs
througl"iout the state will be able to come to Greenfield's program and have a place to go to see
what works, how it works, and gain individualized support to help improve their programs.
On Thursday, February 21,2002 Plantation's After School Program welcomed Arnold
Schwarzenegger. Mr. Schwarzenegger is sponsoring the After School Education and Safety
Program Act for the November 2002 ballot. "This school is a perfect example of what
outstanding, fantastic after school program should be like" Schwarzenegger said. His visit was
an exciting treat for the children.
The basketball season came to an exciting close with Palla, Greenfield School's Champion
edging Casa Loma, Bakersfield City School's Champion, by one point. The game was played
on February 23 at Martin Luther King Community Center. Each team received pizza parties and
1st 'place ribbons.
Greenfield Union School District
Highlights of the activities at the various sites included science projects at Fairview on electricity
and lightbulbs, and "How a Compass Works"; several activities and projects were plan ned for
President's Birthdays, Salt Lake City Olympics, and Valentine's Day; Kendrick and Fairview put
on a puppet show to their students; McKee did several Don't Laugh At Me" projects; the
Bakersfield Condors and Anti-Graffiti presented demonstrations; and several outdoor games
and sports were played.
Silver Creek After School Program
Highlights included making several Valentine's projects, performing some skits, and games.
Keep America Beautiful Program
The Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee, in conjunction with the Recreation and Parks
Department, began implementation of the city park tree planting projects. Two tree plantings
were held in February at the Martin Luther King and Trevis Parks with over 150 volunteers from
the community participating.
The Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee cOntinues to work on the Great American Clean-Up
which will be held on April 27th at Yokuts Park and the Liberty Gardens Project.
Groundbreaking for this special memorial and garden will take place on May 18th. Other
projects they are working on are the CUB Program, 86-CLEAN, Adopt an Area, and Adopt A
Highway.
ATTENDANCE FIGURES Average Daily Attendance Monthly
Attendance
Greenfield Union School District
Fairview ............................................................. 130 2478
Kendrick ............................................................ 164 3125
McKee ............................................................... 249 4729
Palla .................................................................. 272 5172
Plantation .......................................................... 138 2616
Planz ................................................................. 158 2840
Silver Creek After School Program ................ 11 157
(4-days only Mort. - Thurs)
TOTAL ATTENDANCE AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS ....... 21,117
Silver Creek Rentals ................................................... $263.50 (figure does not include deposits)
The Silver Creek multi-purpose room and or pavilion was rented 2 times during the month of
February. The center was rented for one birthday party and two basketball practices. Total
attendance was 90.
Classes at Silver Creek
# Registered Total Attendance
Ballet & Gym (6-11) 13 52
Ballet & Gym (3-5) 16 64
Calligraphy Workshop no class no cla~s
Cheerleading (Sth-9th) no class no class
Cheerleading (2nd-4th) 2 8
Cheerleading (4yrs - 1st) 3 12
Chess 8 32
Clogging 18 72
Dance & Gym (4-5) 7 28
Dance & Gym (2-3) 9 36
Dog Obedience. no class no class
Drawing 8 32
German nO class no class
SC Gymnastics (Mom&Me) 5 10
SC Gymnastics (21/2-3yrs) 2 4
SC Gymnastics (4-5yrs) 5 20
Jazzercise 7 133
Karate 43 344
Kardio-Kick 10 70
Spanish 13 39
Tennis (Child-Beg) 10 80
Tennis (Adults) no class no class
Tennis (Child-Iht) no class no class
Tumbling &Gymnastics no class no class
Upholstery 3 12
Watercolor 11 11
TOTAL 193 1060
Classes at Other Facilities
# Registered Total Attendance
Siemon Park
Tennis (Child) 6 48
Tennis (Adult) no class no class
All Star Dance Studio
Dance & Gym (2 ½ -4) 8 32
Dance & Gym (4-5) 9 36
Dance & Gym (8+) 4 16
American Academy of Gymnastics
Gymnastics (3-4yrs) 8 32
Gymnastics (K~6yrs) 9 36
Gymnastics (2-3yrs) 4 16
Jastro Park
Tennis (Jr. High/HS) no class no class
Tennis (Elementary) 5 15
Tennis (Clinic) 32 32
TOTAL 85 263
Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Program
Total Attendance
Tree Plantings (Two Parks) 150 Volunteers
TOTAL 150
Attendance Silver Creek Center:
Rentals ......................................... 90 Registrations Taken: 306
After School Program ................... 157 # of Guests Served: 382
Classes ....................................... 1060 (The # of Guests Served does not include registrations taken)
TOTAL .................... 1307
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
Recreation
&Parlcs
FFBRUARY 2002 MONTHLY REPORT
Submitted by: Henry Shipes, Recreation Supervisor
Susan Roussel, Program Coordinator
After School Sports:
The After School Basketball competition concluded during the month. Pizza parties
were provided for each division winner. The winners were Casa Loma in the City School
Division and Palla with teams winning both divisions in the Greenfield League. The two
Palla teams participated in a play off game to determine the overall champs. Palla's
Green Div. team defeated the Field Div. team 35 to 20 to capture the Greenfield
League. Palla's (Green Div. Champs ) met Casa Loma for the overall City
Championship. Palla defeated Casa Loma 25 to 24 to capture the overall City Title.
All the participants in the After School Basketball Program received a basketball
participation certificate. Ribbons were awarded to each participant on the first, second
and third place teams.
After School Proqram ( City School District):
Average Daily Attendance Monthly Attendance
Sequoia - 29 558
Stella Hills - 68 1296
Casa Loma - 91 1734
Total 188 3588
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
Recreation
Parlcs
February 2002 Monthly Report
Adult and Youth Sports
Mobile Recreation
Submitted by: Dean Jones, Supervisor 1
SPORTS
Youth sports. .
Participation in yOuth sports can have many benefits. Sports create many opportunities for
learning physical and social skills. It is important that parents and volunteers have a clear
understanding of their roles and responsibilities. We implemented in our basketball program a
new procedure that includes a 30 minute education program designed to explain parental and
volunteers roles. Each parent and volunteer had to pledged to conduct themselves in a positive
and supportive manner prior to their child being able to participate in the program. We had more
than 236 take the pledge which we believe is a direct cause of the success of this years program.
We plan to implement this procedure in all our youth sports programs.
We will be sending a team to represent our league at the Southern San Janquin Municipal
Athletic Association tournaments.
l. 3rd and 4th grade tournament will be in Shafter on March 22, 2002
2. 5th and 6th will be in Arvin on March 22/23, 2002
3.7th and 8th will be in Mcfarland on March 9, 2002
Adult sports
Adult softball spring league registration ended on Friday, March 1. We have a total of 22 Co-
Recreational teams, and 36 mens teams. This is a growth of 14 teams from last year's league.
Mobile Recreation
We are proud to announce that our program was recognized with two awards this month.
1. Regional Awards of Merit for Local Government. This award recognizes excellence of
individuals and organizations at the local government level for cooperative service, delivery,
productivity improvement or public-private partnership.
2.California Parks and Recreation Society District 15, Outstanding Program Award. This award
is for the individual, agency and/or organization responsible for a program that displays special
or unique characteristic.
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
Recreation
&Parks
February 2002 Monthly Report
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center
Submitted by: Linda McVicker, Recreation Supervisor
Dr. Martin Luther King Community Center
The Center was utilized twelve times this month for various outside groups. It was utiliZed once
for official training, once by EDCD, twice by the MLK dancers for practice for the Black History
Parade, once by the Mason's Lodge, twice for the Elk's Lodge, once for Bethel School, once for
Valley Bible School, once for God of Christ, once for the Globetrotter clinic and once for the
City Youth Basketball League. The Globetrotter clinic was co-sponsored by the Recreation &
Parks Department. The 200 participants in attendance were able to learn some tricks and
basketball skills from a real Globetrotter. He also tallied to the children about the importance of
staying in school.
Activity Monthly Attendance Registered Participants
Morning Fitness 358 *
Afternoon Fitness Room Combined *
Game Room 479 *
After-School Program 300 15
Gym 619 *
Children's Dance Troupe 240 60
Saturday Tennis 89 32
Aerobics 280 25
Sunday Adult Basketball (closed due to staffing) *
Internet 239 *
Karate(children) 39 52
Karate (adult) 20 28
Globetrotter 200 *
Quilting Class 200 60
Cheerleading 73 25
3,030 257
* Drop in program
(Registration not required)
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CENTER - RENTALS
DATE AGENCY ATTENDANCE
February 5th Recreation Department 08
February 5th MLK Dancers 15
February 8th Globetrotter 200
February 9th Mason Lodge 120
February 10th Elk's Lodge 10
February 17~h Valley Bible School 150
February 21 st Charles Webb/EDCD 12
February. 21 st MLK Dancers 15
February 24th Elk's Lodge 10
February 24th God of Christ 15
February 28th Bethel School , 150
February 28th Youth Basketball 75
Monthly Attendance of all programs including rentals .................. 3,810
Lowell Neighborhood Community Center
The Lowell Neighborhood Community Center had 824 participants during February. For Black
History Week, the participants listened to the original recording of the "I Have a Dream
Speech", by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and played a black history trivia game. The participants
also learned computer skills, received help with their home work, made various arts and craft
projects, and played outdoor games and sports.
R Cr tiO & p r sCITY OF BAKERSFIELD
Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Program
February Monthly Report
Submitted by: Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee
Cathi Guerrero, Chair (Ward 7) Kevin Burton, Vice Chair(Ward 4)
Kimberly Caesar (Ward 3) John Enriquez (Ward 6)
Dana Karcher (Ward 2) Michael Ming (Ward 5)
Keith Stoller (Ward 1)
City Staff Liaison: Colleen Cashmore
CommuniW Tree Planting
The Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee, in conjunction with the Parks Department, began
implementation of the city park tree planting project. Tree plantings were held on Saturdays in
February at Martin Luther King and Tevis parks. KBB committee member, Dana Karcher,
worked successfully to promote this project on the Channel 17 morning show. Public service
announcements and press releases have been sent out over the past several weeks. Due to these
efforts, 150 volunteers were recruited for these tree plantings. The volunteers consisted of high
school students, local citizens, churches, boy scout troops and other non-profit organizations.
Thank you notes were sent to all of those who participated in the plantings. The next tree
planting dates are as follows: March 9 - Wilson Park, March 23 - Planz Park, April 6 - Central
Park and April 20 - Jefferson Park.
LiberW Gardens- KBB has joined with cities across America affiliated with Keep America
Beautiful to participate in a Liberty Gardens project in response to the tragic events of'September
1 lth, as well as a tribute to our local police, fire personnel and EMS personnel. The
groundbreaking for Bakersfield's own special memorial and garden (located on the east side of
City Hall) will take place on May 18, 2002. The target date for completion of this project is
September 1 lth, 2002. Kevin Burton, Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee Vice-chair, will be
heading up this project. He has the support of The local agencies who will be a part of this
project. We are currently working on the preliminary designs for the liberty gardens.
Great American Clean-up - Bakersfield will be holding its first annual Great American Clean-
up on April 27th. This event will take place at Yokuts park. We have been working hard on
getting volunteers and sponsors tbr this program. The program will include a community wide
litter clean up, community improvement education, and a variety of booths. Our event goal is to
rally and educate citizens through the hands on volunteer participation they will be involved in.
Dana Karcher, is the chair for this event. We are currently seeking sponsors, the PSA's and
Press Releases will be sent out this week. There will be a proclamation/resolution for Keep
Bakersfield Beautiful Month. Currently, we are expecting around 150 volunteers. The volunteers
will be cleaning up areas along Yokuts park and Truxtun extension as well as other areas within
the city that could benefit from a clean-up..
Adopt A Highway - The Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee is committed to keeping
Truxtun extension litter free. The committee and volunteers will help maintain keep this area
litter free four times a year, the next clean-up is scheduled for the month of April, date to be
announced.
CUB (Clean up Bakersfield} program - This program was introduced to the committee by
council member Couch. We hope for the program to be introduced at the Great American Clean-
up. The program was sent to the Community Services Committee for approval on Feb. 27, 2002.
The purpose of this program is to allow each scout the wonderful opportunity to appreciate and
understand their role in preserving and protecting the natural environment. This patch program
encourages scouts to take responsibility in their community. The scouts will work closely with
Keep Bakersfield Beautiful on various projects that will clean-up Bakersfield, this program will
be a benefit to all it will help the KBB program for recruitment of volunteers.
86-CLEAN - This was another idea presented by Council member Couch to the committee. This
number will be introduced to the public and specifically to students and programs such as girl
scouts, boy scouts, etc. to help elicit individual responsibility in keeping our neighborhoods
clean. The idea is that the public will become aware of areas that need attention and know that
they have a handy number to call for these areas that need cleaning. The calls will be forwarded
to the appropriate agencies.
Adopt-an-area - We are currently seekingyolunteers for this program. Risk management and
the attorneys office have agreed upon the proposal for this program. Interested parties will be
required to have 50,000 CGO (insurance) for liability reasons and will also be required to sign a
waiver.
The next KBB meeting is scheduled for Feb. 8, 2002
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
Recreation
gcParl
PARKS DIVISION
FEBRUARY, 2002 MONTHLY REPORT
WE'VE GOT OUR FINGERS CROSSED
On February 1, 2002, Recreation and Parks Department forwarded an application to the State of
California requesting consideration of a $400,000 grant for development of the Kern River
Amphitheatre at Rio Vista Park. The competitive, needs based application was made on behalf of
the Riparian and Riverine Habitat Grant Program under the Safe Neighborhoods Parks, Clean Water,
Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000 (Prop 12). The evaluation and notification
period is not defined, but is expected to take several weeks.
In addition, we are currently in process of identifying potential projects to apply for another needs
based grant on behalf of the Murray-Hayden Urban Parks and Youth Service Program under the Safe
Neighborhoods, Parks, Clean Water, Clean Air, and Coastal Protection Bond Act of 2000. The grant
will fund up to $3,000,000 per project at a 3 to 7 match of city/state monies for capital projects
including acquisition, development or rehabilitation with "At-Risk Youth" and "Shortage ofS ervices
for Youth" components. A one mile service radius for a "Significantly Poverty" neighborhood is
an essential requirement of this particular grant.
PARKS STANDARDS UPDATE
The goal of this project is to create a document available in print or digitally, with clear definition
as to city's requirements for landscape and irrigation development improvements. The task of re-
creating this document will be multi-phased.
Initial phase of this project will be to update our existing construction standards to reflect current
industry practices. In addition, standards will be digitized to provide better access, better customer
service, to the development community. We will then have ability to electronically mail standards
to landscape designers for incorporation into construction plans and specifications.
As we progress, this project will not only update existing standards, but will also establish new
standards in the area of construction, urban forestry, trails, and resource management.
At completion, a comprehensive document will be created. This document will be a"one stop" user
friendly resource for technical information and understanding of the plan check and inspection
processes of the city of Bakersfield Recreation and Parks Department. It will then be made available
to the general public, engineers, architects, and other agencies.
ENTRY SIGNS
In anticipation of installation of letters on the Bakersfield entry signs, staff coordinated installation
of water main extensions to both sites. Water supply was readily available for the north sign. The
south sign however required tapping into a 12" water main and extending service on South "H'
street approximately 295' to access the service easement. From this point, water service still needed
to be installed approximately 850' west to the sign project site.
Once the contractor installs sign letters and final grading is established, irrigation and landscaping,
including trees, shrubbery and ground cover will follow.
MEDIAN ISLAND IMPROVEMENTS
Median island irrigation and landscape imProvements along Union Avenue from Niles Street north
to Bernard Street were finalized on February 26, 2002. Estimated project length is 2,900 feet. At
present, this is the only median island project funded by a Community Development Block Grant.
A similar project along South Chester from Planz Road to the SJV Rail Road crossing was also
completed. Estimated project length is 2,100 feet.
Both projects received new irrigation systems, planting of trees and shrubbery within tree wells
bordered by a combination of hardscape surfacing.
URBAN FORESTATION PROJECTS
Recent Saturday mornings found volunteers assisting in planting 40 trees each at two park sites. Dr.
Martin Luther King, Jr. and Tevis parks were the latest recipients of volunteer efforts of the Keep
Bakersfield Beautiful Committee. Approximately 140 people assisted in making this a very
successful project.
Utilizing a California Department of Forestry grant, several species of trees were planted. These
included Valley Oak, Southern Live Oak, Chinese Hackberry, Zelkova, and Redwoods.
With our efforts of recent year's, it's no wonder The National Arbor Day Foundation has named
Bakersfield as a Tree City USA and will be receiving a 5 year growth award.
The National Tree Trust is providing 400 native Califomia tree saplings. Recreation and Parks, in
association with Solid Waste and Water Departments, have set aside multiple sites for local field
growth of these trees. In addition, Kern County Museum will be donating 1,200 saplings to expand
our initial planting.
This project will provide additional high quality, low cost trees for urban forestry development.
Benefits to the City include a field classroom to discuss and observe young tree management
techniques, demonstration of development of sound root and canopy structure and proper irrigation
management to foster appropriate root development.