HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/15/2008 B A K E R S F I E L D
04,1,�-,J" Sue Benham, Chair
Rhoncta Smiley, Assi nt to the City Manager/ P.I.O. David Couch
For: Alan Tandy, City Manager Jacquie Sullivan
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
Regular Meeting of the
LEGISLATIVE AND LITIGATION COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, January 15, 2008 —2:00 p.m.
City Manager's Conference Room — Suite 201
City Hall, 1501 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA
The meeting was called to order at 2:00 PM.
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Councilmember Sue Benham; Chair
Councilmember David Couch
Councilmember Jacquie Sullivan
Staff present:
Alan Tandy, City Manager Phil Burns, Building Director
Ginny Gennaro, City Attorney Chris Lee, Asst. Building Director
Jefferson Billingsly, Associate Attorney Steven Teglia, Admin Analyst III
Michael Richards, Associate Attorney Bryan Lynn, Asst. Police Chief
Rhonda Smiley, Assistant to the City Manager/P.I.O. Glen Grundeis, Police Sergeant
Stan Grady, Development Services Director Gary Moore, Police Sergeant
Others present:
Laurie McCarty, Caldwell Banker Antonio Carpio, Massage Therapist
Linda Vernon, Association of Realtors Darrell Sparks, Sparks Realty
Corrie Coats, Association of Realtors Gene Cooks, Eyewitness News
James Geluso, Bakersfield Californian Steve Nash, Channel 17 News
Peter Samore, KUZZ Radio
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
LEGISLATIVE AND LITIGATION COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
2. ADOPT NOVEMBER 27, 2007 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
Adopted as submitted.
3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
None
4. DEFERRED BUSINESS
None
5. NEW BUSINESS
a. Discussion and Committee recommendation regarding amending and adopting the
2008 Committee meeting schedule — Smiley
Adopted with the revision of February 20, 2008 changed to February 19, 2008.
b. Update on Feasibility of Enacting Stricter Code Enforcement Standards (re: Vacant
Properties) — Grady / Burns / Gennaro
Phil Burns gave a slide presentation explaining our current ordinance regarding vacant
properties. A list of comparisons between various cities' ordinances was also
provided. Bakersfield's process is more expeditious than many other cities. There are
a few different paths that the City can take to enforce this issue, but will require
additional staff, which is not an option at this time, due to budget circumstances.
Darrell Sparks of Sparks Realty submitted a listing of foreclosure issues that the
mortgage companies have to deal with. He is hoping that these issues will be
considered in formulating a plan that works for everyone.
Laurie McCarty of Caldwell Banker stated that the lenders want their properties to look
great and not bring down the neighborhood by their appearance. The nicer the
properties look, the lender can sell them at a higher price. The lenders are very willing
to cooperate, but there are many timing issues that have to be dealt with and there's
no way around them.
Assistant Police Chief Lynn explained various programs that are available through the
Police Department to work with Code Enforcement and help monitor any illegal activity
at the foreclosed properties.
Darrell Sparks stated that a registration policy would be beneficial in order for everyone
to know where these properties were, and would assist the police in knowing which
properties should not be occupied. Councilmember Chair Benham requested that staff
meet with Mr. Sparks and Ms. McCarty regarding the feasibility of a property
registration system and prepare a report for future discussion at the next Legislative
and Litigation meeting.
AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT
LEGISLATIVE AND LITIGATION COMMITTEE MEETING
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
c. Big Rig Parking Fines— Rector/Gennaro
Assistant Police Chief Lynn surveyed several cities to determine their fines for parking
commercial trucks off of the truck route. The enforcement of our new fine of $150.00
began in December, 2007. Since then, the amount of calls have decreased. The fine
increase is definitely helping control this issue.
d. Massage Ordinance — Rector/ Grundeis
Sergeant Grundeis reported on the toilet facility regulations for massage
establishments in response to a letter received from Mr. Antonio Carpio who
questioned the reasonableness of a provision in the Massage/Bodywork
Establishments ordinance. Sergeant Grundeis explained that no establishments have
been closed for failing to have a restroom. There are several licensed massage
establishments that were licensed prior to the ordinance taking effect. These remain
open, but any new massage establishments would be required to meet all current
requirements. Staff recommends that no change be made to the current ordinance.
Antonio Carpio stated that he had previously spoken with Sergeant Grundeis and
apparently misunderstood that some businesses would be closed for lack of
compliance. He expressed the difficulty for him to rent certain locations, due to the
ordinance stating that the toilet facility be "within" the establishment.
Committee Chair Benham thanked Mr. Carpio for his concern, but stated that there
would be no change to the ordinance at this time.
6. CLOSED SESSION
None
7. COMMITTEE COMMENTS
None
8. ADJOURNMENT 2:58 PM
cc: Honorable Mayor and City Council
APPROVED FEBRUARY 19, 2008