HomeMy WebLinkAbout2/23/2007 .,
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February 23, 2007
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Alan Tandy, City Man r R7, /
SUBJECT: General Information
1. As you are aware, all v€ r rrr r,rte;p ` ed when the.CTC
staff made their.' initial reca�erli .rrxis from the
transportation bond that-, p ' d `. Governor sent the
enclosed letter to tale = ooh w. # profits`that
were orhi i � 0-00r,
re the Rosedale
Highway wkiening , R 184 to
Mirarnont@. We, of cauf der ` wl bo sending thank
you and endorsement "W-dsdiftw,are scheduled for
next Wednesday, Feb '.
2. Attached is the annual progre report on the City.rOaml goats. We will be
. le document for your putting together a drat of p iC r1
consideration wthin the xt few weeks. _a
K you have questions on
anything.
3. The General Services . d # l � Central Park
OOSO federal courthouse € a o€ it out to
other federal
age" so" '" Ored ua"#or the packet
and indicated they v icon
4. The DSA' selected the. "City..- t ro: r +sl -tom"." 20 "Downtown
Beautification Try " rw`tom Benham
accepted the avyaid for I►` t tt of wn#awn annual
breakfast this week.,
5. The Streets Division work sOodule for the of Fet�►rr,a y 28th is enclosed'.
AT:rs
cc: Department.Heads
Pamela McCarthy,City,Cierk
GOVERNOR ARNOLD SCHWARZENEGGER
February 20,2007
Ms. Marian Bergeson
California Transportation Commission
1120 N Street
Sacramento,California 95814
Dear Chairperson Bergeson,
Last year the voters of California passed an historic infrastructure bond package,including
Proposition 1 B—a long overdue investment in California's critical highways,roads and goods
movement corridors. Our promise to the voters in seeking their support for this bond package is that
their investment will relieve traffic congestion in key transportation arteries around the State.
The California Transportation Commission(CTC)has the difficult job of choosing among many
critical projects that will be funded through the$4.5 billion Corridor Mobility Improvement Account
(CMIA). Given the historic backlog of unfunded transportation projects in the State,it is not hard to
understand why there are more than$11 billion in project proposals competing for this$4.5 billion
fund.
The staff at the California Department of Transportation(CalTrans)submitted a tightly focused list of
critical transportation projects that meet the objectives of Proposition 1B's Corridor Mobility
Improvement program—to reduce congestion in key arteries of the State. 1 strongly urge the
Commission to reconsider the projects on the CalTrans list for funding in this initial round of
programming.
There are significant projects omitted from the CTC staff's list of projects recommended for funding
that I believe should be reconsidered, Funding the CMIA program at the full$4.5 billion level is
essential to meeting California's transportation needs and providing local agencies with the certainty
necessary to move forward in the development of their projects.
Omitted from the list of projects recommended by the CTC staff are several high-priority projects
that advance the mobility objectives of the CMIA program which the Commission should consider.
These projects include,but are not limited to,the following:
• The Los Angeles 1-405 High Occupancy Vehicle(HOV)lane project employs an innovative 1
design/build strategy to close a gap in Ate HOV system on this congested corridor and
leverages available federal funding.
STATE CAPITOL • SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA 95814 (916) 445-2841
Ms. Marian Bergeson
Febmary 20,2007
Page two
• The Los Angeles I-5 corridor upgrade from the Orange County line to Interstate 605 is a
critical project from a congestion relief standpoint and provides improvements on a facility
that was completed in the 1960s.
• The 1-215 corridor needs funding to provide for a vital HOV lane that will serve to expand the
system in conjunction with the revitalization of downtown San Bernardino.
• The Riverside State Route 91 HOV project just south of the 60/91/215 interchange to Adams
Street is an absolutely essential element of planned improvements to the SR-91 corridor,and
closes a serious gap in the existing HOV system in the County.
• The Bay Area has significant transportation needs—the Doyle drive approach to the Golden
Gate Bridge,the Marin-Sonoma Narrows on Highway 101,and the Alameda 580 corridor is a
major goods-movement route that suffers from major congestion.
• The I-205 and I-5 widening projects in San Joaquin County are justified given that the
corridor is severely impacted by congestion which will only get much worse as the population
in this fast-growing area continues to grow.
• The Sacramento I-80 HOV lane project combats congestion on a corridor of both regional and
national significance, and will provide a continuous 24-mile stretch of HOV lanes in the
heavily traveled corridor.
• The Solano 80/680/12 interchange is a vitally important project from a goods movement and
congestion reduction perspective.
4e
O Kern County has several widening projects along the Rosedale Hwy and Route ilk that are
necessary for congestion relief and for which Federal funds have already been earmarked.
• While funding has been provided for State Route 101 in Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties,
it is necessary for the Commission to engage with Calttans and the regional agencies to ensure
that this work can proceed to construction in a timely manner.
I urge you to reconsider all the recommended projects on the CalTrans list—many of them are
essential to achieving the performance objectives of Proposition 113 in terns of reduced congestion
and improved connectivity. The Commission is to be commended for going about this important task
in open and responsible manner and I look forward to the discussion that will take place between now
and the final selection of projects on February 28.
"y,
1
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
2005 City Council Goals
Status Report - February 2007
GOAL #1 : PROVIDE QUALITY PUBLIC SAFETY SERVICES
Police Services:
1. PROVIDE CONSISTENT SAFETY AND LAW ENFORCEMENT THROUGHOUT GREATER
BAKERSFIELD.
2. Support and enhance proactive, city-wide efforts to reduce gang violence, illegal drug use,
domestic violence and child abuse. Through several education based intervention programs,
the Police Department continues to be proactive in its efforts to reach community youth. The
School Resource Officer program (13 officers) instructs a DARE curriculum to over 4,000
students and in the last year has received a 'United States Department of Justice Gang
Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) grant. GREAT curriculum is taught to an
additional 2,500 students, predominantly in the Bakersfield City ,School and Greenfield
School Districts. School 'Resource Officers, in conjunction with the Kern County District
Attorney's Office, Kern County Probation Department, Kern High School District,' and Kern
County Sheriffs Department, actively pursue truants and offer mentorship to their parents
through the School Attendance Review Board to drive home the importance of school
attendance in reducing criminal activities committed by and against juveniles. The Police
Activities League (P.A.L.)-provides nearly twenty educational, mentoring and recreational
programs to over 800 at risk youths each year. Through PAL and the School"Resource
Officer program, the department organizes activities and develops relationships which foster
positive interactions between sworn officers and at risk young people. The Crime Prevention
unit has developed an educational Domestic Violence awareness and prevention program
which was presented 24 times in 2006 to 777 attendees.
3. Increase the number of actual participants and neighborhoods participating in the
Neighborhood Watch program. During the past year the Crime Prevention' unit has
developed new marketing strategies to expand the Neighborhood Watch program and
increase participation. During 2006, Crime Prevention provided 106 Neighborhood Watch
presentations. There are now 750 Neighborhood Watch groups operating in the city.
4. Support implementation of the strategic plan developed by the Police Department to address
delivery of Police services. Plan for and develop funding mechanisms for proposed
substations and associated staffing when possible. Continue efforts to increase Police patrol
and progress towards a goal of 1.3 officers per 1,000 population. In December 2006, 28
new Police Officers graduated from the Academy and began field training in January 2007.
In December 2006 nine 'Police Service Technicians were hired` and assigned to the
Operations Division to handle calls for service. In January 2007, 18 Police Trainees were
assigned to a new Police Academy. Additionally, Academy Lateral/Academy Graduate
Police Officer recruitment is anticipated to open this ;spring and will start another Police
Academy in summer 2007. The current sworn complement of officers is 365.
5. Continue the implementation of the red light camera enforcement program and support
increased traffic safety efforts through targeted red light violation enforcement and public
education regarding the hazards of excessive speed and distracted driving. The red light
photo enforcement program continued during 2006. No additional intersections were added
and there was a decrease in the number of citations issued for red light offenses. In 2006
there were 14,601 total violations, resulting in 8,357 citable offenses. Of these potentially
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/07 Page 1
(Vision 2020 related items are shown with a')
citable offenses, 7,242 citations were issued. This 87% issuance rate exceeds the industry
standard of 60%.
6. Encourage community efforts to identify and address the root causes of crime in Greater
Bakersfield.* The'department continues to have a representative on the Chamber's Vision
2020 Task Force and is participating in a county wide strategic planning process to address
gang issues, 'including what can be done to direct young people away from choosing gangs.
7. Pursue and coordinate Homeland Security programs and facilitate information sharing with
state and federal agencies regarding regional security concerns. The Homeland Security
Unit was tasked by the City Council with providing public education in the event of large scale
disasters or terrorist events. In October 2006, the Homeland Security Unit partnered with the
Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce, Bakersfield Fire Dept, Red Cross, and Salvation Army,
among others, to present the First Annual Disaster Academy. This Disaster Academy was
attended by dozens of local businesses and approximately three hundred people.
8. Pursue additional grant funding for Police Service Programs. In 2006 the department
received grant funding from the U.S. Department of Justice (GREAT), the Office of Traffic
Safety, State of California Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund, and the State of
California Alcoholic Beverage Control.
9. Explore new or alternative funding mechanisms for constructing and staffing new police
facilities. The Police Department continues to work with the City Manager's Office and other
city departments in the adoption of development agreements for large areas being planned
for development which provide for Community Facilities Districts to fund additional officers to
serve those areas, Three major development agreements which will provide millions of
dollars in additional funds in the future have been approved and several more are being
negotiated.
10. Enhance the City's graffiti enforcement efforts using community education, information on the
City's graffiti Web site, City crews and volunteer clean-up efforts, and Police enforcement.
Work with the City Attorney's office to develop a plan to prosecute "quality of life"
misdemeanors in conjunction with the District Attorney's Office. In 2006 the Police
Department made 256 arrests for graffiti vandalism. 861 graffiti,offenses were cleared by the
Graffiti Habitual Offender Suppression Team (GHOST), GHOST received 19 Secret Witness
graffiti tips from the community, made 27 educational presentations to a variety of community
groups about graffiti vandalism and conducted 16 separate surveillance operations in order to
apprehend graffiti vandals. GHOST continues to focus on locations prone to tagging,
including City parks and other problem areas within city limits. GHOST has worked closely
with the City Attorney's Community Prosecutors to bring graffiti vandals to justice. In 2006,
99% of the cases involved juveniles and were handled exclusively through the District
Attorney's office. The Community Prosecutors handled one adult graffiti case in which the
defendant was sentenced to fines,restitution to the victim, and ordered to stay away from the
area of the vandalism and the victim. The defendant also received three years of informal
probation without jail time.
Fire Services:
1. PROVIDE CONSISTENT FIRE AND RELATED EMERGENCY SERVICES THROUGHOUT
BAKERSFIELD.
2. Perform a comprehensive study for fire service needs and future station locations based on
planned growth within the Metropolitan General Plan. Implement new station development
plans (Pursuant to Joint Powers Agreement with County, including funding the construction
and staffing of Station #12 and Station #14). Citygate Consultants was hired to perform a
comprehensive study for fire service needs. Their work is nearing completion. Property was
purchased to relocate the existing Rosedale Fire Station due to the widening of Rosedale
Highway. The purchased property is in the vicinity of Endeavor School near Meacham and
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/07 Page 2
(Vision 2020 related items are shown with a )
II
Main Plaza Dr. Staff has attempted to work with Kern County on the transfer of the Rosedale
Fire Station(County Station #65:and future City Station #17). The design of Fire Stations
#14 (Mountain Vista and Harris) and #16 (McAllister Ranch) is progressing. Bids have been
submitted for Fire Station #5 and are under review. This is'a relocation project from Planz
Road, near South High School, to White Lane,east of Union Ave.
3. Use technology to develop faster, safer, and more efficient responses to emergencies. A
detailed "roadfile" for Fire Dispatch's Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) was developed
countywide by City Information Technology using a grant funded position. This will allow us
to send the closest fire engine based on their,real-time location. We hope to implement this
fundamental response change this year.
Staff received $120,000 in funding from an Operational Area Grant and has purchased a Bio-
Key Records Management System. This system will replace the current HTE fire department
reporting system upon implementation in March 2007. The new system will; keep track of fire
reports in a nationally recognized format, merge with the Telestaff automated callback
program which will constantly update the personnel roster, and sync with the Training Module
to document personnel training. The Occupancy Module allows staff to input information on
business properties into the system, thus eliminating the current software program and its
related $15,000 annual fee. This program will eventually be tied to mobile computers to
provide emergency personnel with information en route to an emergency call.
4. Continue Weapons of Mass Destruction training and preparation. The City has received
Federal funds through the Metropolitan Medical Response System (MMRS);Grant. In
October, the Fire Department and Kern County Public Health held a Point of Distribution drill
by dispensing flu vaccines to citizens in their vehicles at Saunders Park. Mandated National
Incident Management System training will be conducted for City personnel later this year.
This will be conducted by consultants paid with MMRS grant funds.
5. Pursue additional grant funding for fire service programs. Medical aid jackets were
purchased for all sworn personnel to protect against blood-borne pathogens. The installation
of a>diesel exhaust system will be completed by January 29, 2007. Grant funding for Fire
Shelters and wildland protective clothing has been requested for 2007 and approval is
pending.
6. Maintain as much as possible, fire safety and public safety programs through grants and
program sponsorship efforts. The City received $2,000 from Sam's Club in fall 2006 for
public education-programs. Fred Cummings Honda sponsored the swiftwater rescue
program by providing rescue watercraft for City fire personnel.
7. Explore new or alternative funding mechanisms for constructing and staffing new fire
facilities. Fire Department staff has worked with the City Manager's Office on Community
Facility Districts for master-planned communities as is referenced under Police Services.
8. Complete relocation of Fire Station #5. This is a relocation project from Planz Road, near
South High School, to East White Lane and should be completed by late summer/fall of this
year.
III
Ili
I
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/07 Page 3
(Vision 2020 related items are shown with a*)
GOAL #2: ENHANCE THE CITY'S TRANSPORTATION NETWORK
1. MAINTAIN AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF EXISTING SURFACE STREETS AND
ARTERIALS BY CONTINUING TO ENHANCE THE ROAD RESURFACING PROGRAM,
INCLUDING A SIGNIFICANT REDUCTION OF THE MAINTENANCE BACKLOG AND
INCREASING FUNDING FOR STREET MAINTENANCE.
A. Evaluate the condition of city streets and develop a measurable plan to achieve street
resurfacing improvements. Develop strategies for reconstruction of segments of selected
arterial streets, based on priority, using state and federal road funds or other available
funding sources. All residential streets that are in need of resurfacing or reconstruction
have been placed on the Streets Division's street;improvement list. The streets on this
list will be inspected and repairs prioritized based upon street condition. The Streets
Division estimates resurfacing/reconstructing approximately 70 Lane'Miles during FY
2006-07. Staff estimates that within FY 2007-08, staff can resurface/reconstruct between
72 to 75 mile lanes.
B. Implement a long term program for reconstruction of arterial streets using recurring state
road funds and pursue a plan through KernCOG using 10% of state road funds allocated
for Bakersfield for rehabilitation of local streets and roads. Through KernCOG, the City
intends to continue to utilize) 10% of Its State Transportation improvement Program
funding for major roadway reconstruction/rehabilitation. Although the plan is in place,the
State fiscal crisis ` has delayed STIP funding." As a result, those
reconstruction/rehabilitation projects identified in the STIP have been carried forward to
future years.
C. Identify and create additional revenue sources to obtain all available state and federal
transportation funding.* Staff continues to apply for any and all appropriate grants that
could fund roadway rehabilitation.
D. Set aside one-time eligible monies as a priority for street maintenance projects as they
become available. In November 2006 the Infrastructure Bond package passed to
provide much needed funding for transportation projects. Proposition 1A limits the
State's ability to suspend Proposition 42 funding which dedicates motor vehicle fuel sales
tax to the Transportation Investment Fund. Transfer of this funding was suspended in
FYs 2003-04 and 2004-05. The Engineering Division is actively designing resurfacing
projects for the $3.3 million received in FY 2005-06. Funding will again be suspended in
FYs 2006=07 and 2007-08, but are anticipated to commence in FY 2008-09.
Proposition 1B contains more than $19 billion in funding to improve highways, ports,
commuter rail systems, and other projects. Preliminary estimates from the League of
California Cities indicate that the City of Bakersfield will receive $9.9 million of the $2
billion dedicated by formula to improve local roads and streets. The City does not have
any information regarding the timing of these funds.
E. Support passage of the "Safe Roads Measure" for transportation funding. The City
placed great emphasis on "roadway maintenance/rehabilitation within the proposed
Measure that did not pass in the November election. Also, the Measure would have
provided a significant amount of funding for major projects throughout Bakersfield.
2. PURSUE THE DEVELOPMENT OF FREEWAYS AND MAJOR TRANSPORTATION
CORRIDORS CONSISTENT WITH THE PREFERRED ALTERNATE FROM THE URS
GRIENER REPORT.
A. Secure necessary rights-of-way and adequate funding. State and Federal funding is
being used to acquire rights-of-way for the Westside Parkway. Congressman Thomas
obtained $630 million in federal earmarks for various road projects in the metropolitan
area in the recently approved SAFETEA-LU federal highway bill. With this funding, the
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/07 Page 4
(Vision 2020 related items are shown with a')
Thomas Roads Improvement Project (TRIP) was created. Major road projects in the
URS Greiner Report(Alternate 15 of the Bakersfield Systems Study)are included as part
of the TRIP list of projects.
The TRIP program is a unique collaboration of City, County, Caltrans, and consultant
staff working together' to deliver this major transportation program. TRIP has been
underway since mid 2006, and progress includes:
a. Selection of and contracting with a Program Management consultant(Parsons)
to assist and augment City staff running the program. The TRIP Office has
been established, and over 20 personnel from the City, County, Caltrans and
Parsons are working on the program.
b. Completion of both the CEQA and NEPA environmental processes for the
Westside Parkway, with a NEPA Finding of No Significant Impact(FONSI).
C. Selecting a consultant and beginning the finat design of Phase I of the
Westside Parkway(Mohawk Street, Rosedale Highway to Truxtun Avenue).
d. Selecting a consultant and negotiating a contract for the final design of the
remainder of the Westside Parkway project.
e. Selecting a consultant and beginning the final design of the North Beltway y
Standard, SR99 to Santa Fe Way),.
f. Completing the selection process for the preliminary design and environmental
work for many of the TRIP list of projects.
g. Completion of the final design of the,SR178/Fairfax Road interchange. This
interchange will be bidding in the spring of 2007.
h. Com?letion of the final design of the SR99/7th Standard Road interchange and
the 7 h Standard Road railroad grade separation. These projects will be bidding
in the spring of 2007.
L Completion of the Project.Study Report (PSR) for the future SR178/Morning
Drive interchange.
A portion of these SAFETEA-LU federal dollars will be used to acquire right of way for the
TRIP projects. Right of way has continued to be acquired for the Westside Parkway
using both State and Federal dollars, and over 80% of the right of way for the project has
been acquired to date.
B. Meet with Kern County and encourage Caltrans to amend preferred alternate 15 and
change the designation of Highway 58 from the vicinity of 7th Standard Road to the South
Beltway. Caltrans will be pursuing 7th Standard Road as a new route for SR58 once the
project to widen 7th Standard Road is complete. They have also indicated a_'strong
interest in designating the South Beltway as the future SR58. A clause pertaining to this
new route was included in the recently approved Master Cooperative Agreement
between the City and Caltrans. The County also approved the specific plan line for the
South Beltway in August of 2005.
C. Provide periodic workshops to update the Council on status of the freeway and beltway
projects. Staff has continued to provide updates and workshops on the freeway projects.
D. Encourage completion of the Westside Parkway. The FederaC Highway Administration
issued a Finding of No Significant Impact for the Westside Parkway project on January
10, 2007. This finding effectively provides environmental clearance for the Westside
Parkway. Staff is negotiating with selected consultants for the final design of the project.
E. Increase education efforts with the community and the opportunity for public input. Staff
has continued to update the',City's web site regarding the various freeway projects, as
well as provide the media with information and maps of projects when requested and as
they become available. Staff also continues to provide presentations to various
community'neighborhoods and public service groups when requested_
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/07 Page 5
(Vision 2020 related items are shown with a*)
F. Pursue the prudent acquisition of needed properties on designated transportation
corridors from willing sellers with available funds designated for transportation purposes.
The City has been using Transportation Development Fees to acquire land for various
transportation projects when approached by willing sellers. Recent acquisitions include
the southeast corner of the intersection at Oak Street and 24'" Street and areas around
the future interchange of the Westside Parkway and the West Beltway.
3. High Speed Rail
A. Actively pursue high speed rail system. Staff continues to monitor and participate in
meetings regarding high speed rail.
4. Promote and encourage public transportation.* Staff continues to work with the Golden
Empire Transit District on locating bus stops and facilitating transit access points ,in
conjunction with development activity. In addition, GET and the 'City are implementing.a
signalized bus priority system.
5. Support efforts for adequate air transportation.
A. Work with Kern County to insure good quality air service and increase local usage. (Fly
Bakersfield first). The City continues to support air service at Meadows Field, including
providing financial support for the construction of the new air terminal.
6. Maintain/construct trails for cycling, walking, jogging and equestrian uses.* The new Park at
River Walk has several walking paths throughout the park, and is located adjacent to the
Kern River Parkway with paved openings into the park. A walking bridge over the Kern River
connects this park with the new 40 acre park site. The 40-acre park on the north side of the
river is planned to have an equestrian staging area, in addition to walking paths throughout
the new baseball fields. Other new developments, such as the Old River Ranch, will have
several walking paths, as well as a bike path, to connect to the future regional park. 1n
addition, standards for creating new developments are being updated to include a buffer area
between the road and the pedestrian areas. The northeast trails plan is being implemented
as development occurs in that area. Several City departments are working together to make
recommendations for development of a trails plan for newly developing areas. The Old River
Ranch Specific Parks & Trails Plan was approved by Council in January. Various interest
groups such as Bike Bakersfield, the Kern Wheelman, and the Kern River Parkway
Committee met with City Staff in 2006 to recommend a center stripe on the bike path with
directional signs indicating the flow of traffic. The recommendations were approved by the
Community Services Committee in November 2006:
7. Recognize the link between land use and transportation through adoption and
implementation of General Plan policies including development and transportation standards
which promote a balanced transportation system of pedestrian, bicycle, transit, and motor
vehicles. Explore alternative development concepts which promote pedestrian and transit
oriented communities. City staff works with local developers to assist with-planning and
design of livable communities that provide for balanced transportation systems. Staff has
conducted workshops for the public, City Council, and Planning Commission on this issue.
Livable community concepts and policies have been incorporated into the recently updated
General Plan. Planning and Recreation and :Parks'Staff have drafted a trails policy for
developers to bring more consistency to this issue.
8. Work with the County and other governmental entities to cooperatively plan for and fund
multi-jurisdictional transportation facilities in the metropolitan area. The City entered a
Memorandum of Understanding with Kern County in 2006 for joint development of refuse
transfer stations in the metropolitan area. Feasibility studies and grant' applications for
funding are in progress.
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/07 Page 6
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GOAL #3: CONTINUE POSITIVE DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
1. Support the implementation of the Downtown Charrette Plan.* Include in that process
consideration of:
A. 19th Street streetscape extension. Design work has been completed. - This is a
hardscape project that involves EDCD and Public Works. Tree grates will be part of the
completed project.
B. Chester Avenue Streetscape extension from 24th Street to Garces Circle. This project has
been completed.
C. Encourage commercial development that includes plazas and pocket parks. Staff
continues to work on ways to implement concepts developed as part of the Charrette.
D. Creation of districts-arts, education, theater, government, finance, etc. Staff continues to
work on ways to implement concepts developed as part of the Charrette.
E. Central Park expansion. This is related to the Mill Creek project. A design consultant
has been selected and has completed the conceptual plans. More detailed construction
drawings are under development. A Water Department contribution of $1 million has
been set aside to assist with the cost of the canal improvements. Staff is researching
other grant opportunities to secure additional funding for the capital costs associated with
the project. The City has offered a portion of Central Park as a`location for the Federal
Court House.
F. Mill Creek project. The creek and linear park concept has been prepared by the
consultant and presented to the community in several meetings. Grant funds for the
construction costs will be sought from recent State Bond proceeds'.
G. Selection of downtown site for Federal Courthouse. The City is collaborating with the
GSA to provide a site for the courthouse on the East side of the Kern Island Canal in
Central Park. A 3 acre parcel will provide the required land needed for the courthouse
development;
2. Continue to build on the success of the Convention Center Hotel, Centennial Plaza,
Rabobank Arena and Amtrak Station. A,special HUD Economic Development Grant in the
amount of$750,000 and a Federal low interest loan in the amount of$3,750,000 have been
awarded to the City for the development of the South Mill Creek project-(65,000 sq. ft of
commercial and 115 units of affordable housing)on property located near Q'Street, California
Avenue and the Kern Island Canal. A request for development proposals will be issued in
early 2007 and a developer selected by mid-year.
A. Develop concepts for projects which contain the following elements: entertainment, trees,
landscaping, family activities, pedestrian-friendly design, safety, attractiveness. Minimize
the negative aspects of railroad. Funding for the Kern County Veterans Memorial has
been identified, and it should be completed by summer 2007. In addition'to repeating the
Polar Bear Plunge, a new family event was added:The Turkey Splash on Thanksgiving.
It made national news and was a big success in bringing positive attention to the
downtown area. Staff is applying to the State of California Resources Agency, Prop 50
grant for a total of$1,422,700. Water, Public Works, EDCD, and Recreation and Parks
Departments worked together in submitting the grant application. The project is along the
bike path, just north of the Golden State Highway overpass between the canal and the
river. It is proposed to provide a riparian area with boardwalks and overlooks into the
river and surrounding area. Outdoor education components will include native habitat
and plant material, Kern River history and its significance to Bakersfield. Kern Schools,
along with North of the River Recreation and Kern County Recreation and Parks
supported the grant and will use the area as an outdoor learning lab, especially related to
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/07 Page 7
Vision 2020 related items are shown'with a*)
river issues and nearby habitats. Bus access would be available from the back of the
County Metro Park. It will be easily accessible from the bike path as well.
B. Develop parks of various sizes to provide green space for walking, relaxing, jogging,
biking, and picnicking. Provide a pedestrian friendly atmosphere by linking the parks with
historic trolleys, a river walk, or water taxis on a canal system.* Recreation and Parks
staff was involved in selecting the consultant for the Mill Creek Project which will include
several water features tying into the canal, Centraf bark, and McMurtrey Aquatic Center.
The Recreation and Parks Director has met with represehtatives of the group developing
a 9/11 Memorial as part of the Mill Creek Improvement Project:
C. Clear blight from the redevelopment areas around the arena, Amtrak Station and Hotel.
Identify underutilized and blighted properties in the downtown core area as potential sites
for improvement. A former industrial:Brownfield site has been acquired and 50% cleared.
The property, 45 acres, will become a component of the South Mill Creek project. Five
additional properties adjacent to this site will be acquired and cleared for the project in
2008. Keep Bakersfield Beautiful has organized many clean up activities using
volunteers leveraged by modest City resources.
D. Promote mixed use development that supports the entertainment district along California
Avenue to Union Avenue including additional entertainment venues, landscaping and
innovative urban design elements, urban housing, restaurants, retail and other
commercial uses. The South Mill Creek project is a planned mixed use village that will
have 80 family apartments, 35 condominiums and approximately 65,000 square feet of
neighborhood commercial. This project is adjacent to a planned entertainment complex
that will have a 16 screen cinemaplex and 22,000 square feet of retail and restaurant
uses.
3. Address downtown parking needs by developing a comprehensive plan in cooperation with
public and private downtown interests which addresses joint use and other creative ways to
integrate parking downtown.* Initiate discussions with owners of small parking lots on ways
to make them accessible for public parking. Interviews were held with owners of key parking
lots located throughout downtown. All of the lots were currently utilized privately or were
planned for future development opportunities. It was determined that a future east downtown
garage should be explored after additional redevelopment occurs and sufficient build out has
been completed. Staff is working with the Downtown Business Association to explore
additional parking alternatives.
4. Encourage quality downtown housing developments which bring families to the downtown
area. Three affordable urban downtown housing projects are under development.- 74 cottage
town homes will be completed and occupied by November 2007. The Baker Street project is
slated to provide a mix of 84 various style market rate and affordable town homes, condos
and lofts. The project should begin construction by summer of 2007.
A. Implement housing development in the Southeast and Old Town Kern Redevelopment
areas. Several tax credit family rental projects are under construction and in
development in the Southeast Redevelopment Project Area in the Cottonwood vicinity.
EDCD is negotiating with the County Housing Authority on the development of a new
senior rental project to be located on R Street adjacent to the existing Park Place Project.
The project will provide an additional 50 affordable residences for seniors. The Housing
Authority is applying for tax credit financing for the project in early 2008.
5. Expand the downtown street light design and streetscape design, and incorporate benches,
refuse containers, tables and chairs and explore the use of solar lighting.* General Services
works with Design Engineering and EDCD on street light issues in the downtown area.
Research has shown that solar lighting is not practical in areas that have readily available
power sources due to the higher cost and size of the solar panels. Solar lights are not as
efficient in areas that have trees and tall buildings. The new streetscape project on Chester
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/07 Page 8
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Avenue from 24 th Street to Garces Circle was constructed in 2006. The project compliments
the existing streetscape from Truxtun Avenue to 24th Street and incorporates benches, trees,
and specialty lights. Additional_ ~ _ ~._.sc~,"~ ~'' = Street and ^° Street" are under
development.
0. Encourage mixed use development th t includes a diverse mixture of housing, retail and
commercial uses.* The Padre Hotel was a hotel with retail on the ground floor, The new
owners have subdivided the all of the units into 83 residential condominiums and ten
commercial retail spaces. The maps have been engineered and have received approval from
the Planning nmmssivv and City Council. The developer is expected mdecide by spring
2OO7 whether b will`sell or develop the project.
A. Implement mixed use development in the Southeast and {}|d Town Kern (Baker and
Kentucky Streets) Redevelopment o
development negotiated"for the^Baker Street Mixed use project. Construction
will begin in summer 2007.
7. Encourage water features in the downtown.
A. Encourage use of canals and river elements in the downtown. Develop the Kern |o|ond
Canal to become a center for community activities and outdoor enjoyment.* A
consultant firm,
awarded a contract by City Council on April 26, 2006 to develop a Master Plan document
for °^~~~''~ improvements^
Creek Linear Park. The City will review the Draft Master Plan and will be return it with
comments in the end of February 2007 to the consultant. Upon receipt of those
comments, RHAA will likely return a final version of the document to the City for review at
the end of March. The Master Plan will include cost estimates and a recommendation for
stages of construction of the project,
B. Encourage the of various water elements fountains,
the parks, town squares, etc.* The Kern County Veterans Memorial to be in front of the
Amtrak Station, in the park area next to the Convention and Visitors Bureau will include a
water feature. A water feature and/or public art will be incorporated into all redevelopment
assisted projects. The Kern County Veterans Memorial was presented to the public by
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Veterans Memorial will be cornp/moeo oy summer uou7.
C. Develop a plan to incenUvize water features in the downtown through implementation of
planning requirements for water features an e design element required of certain size or
h/pao of projects, or use alternative revenue sources to assist with funding such
amenities. This issue is under review by Staff.
8. Encourage private courtyards and landscaped spaces that provide opportunities for formal
d informal | i d activities (e.g. the | no|o
Office).* The t near Central Park will
incorporate courtyards and,small park areas into its design. |keme design concepts will also
be included in South Mill Creek and CityPlace Villages.
9. Encourage the use of trees and flowers, |ighUng, street funnKure, public art, niQnogm. flags.
Use surface bo i | that enriches the i options
Staff has been working with the Downtown Business Association for improved landscaping
including tree selection, tree pruning, and tree grates, We also met with them to discuss
future holiday lighting which will be sponsored and installed by private companies. Staff will
put up, maintain and remove holiday lights around the Rabobank Arena between November
and January in future years, Holiday,lighting,was greatly improved this year with the DBA
sponsoring the parade, lights and open house.
2OO5 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/O7 Page 9
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10. Pursue property acquisition in the downtown from willing sellers for projects that fulfill stated
downtown planning objectives. During the past year staff has acquired one parcel in the
downtown and five in Old Town Kern for potential projects.
GOAL #4: PLAN FOR GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
1. Facilitate annexations where staff is sensitive to the areas and where support starts with the
neighbors. Provide information to explain financial incentives or other benefits of annexation
which encourage urban areas in the County to be annexed into the City.* The City has
completed fourteen annexations in 2002, eight in 2003, eight in 2004, nineteen in 2005, and
twenty-nine in 2006. Staff'is working on 84 cases currently pending. The City's Sphere of
Influence boundary was amended in August 2004, which expanded the area by
approximately 13,000 acres, and was then again amended in January 2006 to increase the
boundary by 91 square miles (58,240 acres) for future annexations. The municipal services
study was modified and adopted by LAFCo in January 2006 to correspond with the
Metropolitan Bakersfield General Plan area.
2. Proceed with Sphere of Influence change to include areas which are likely to develop within
the City so adequate advanced planning for infrastructure and delivery of public services can
be done. On January 24, 2006 LAFCo approved an amendment to Bakersfield's sphere of
influence that included most of the territory within the metropolitan Bakersfield planning area,
with the exception of Oildale and Lamont. The approval included anagreement that the City
will not seek'to amend the SOI for a period of five years.
3. Work with major corporations/homebuilders and land owners to facilitate master planned
additions to Bakersfield including the use of development agreements. Staff presented two
master planned communities to the Planning Commission and City Council for review and
approval. Both projects included development agreements. A third community is in the
planning stages and will include'a development agreement; The agreements provide the
developer with assurances allowing development of their project over time, while providing
the City with measures to reduce their impact on public safety services and park and
recreational facilities.
4. Support affordable housing for seniors and low/moderate income residents. Staff applied for
and received a $1.56 million State grant to provide first time homebuyer down payment
assistance. Staff coordinated with a developer to receive a subdivision tract density bonus to
.construct 52 units of affordable housing within a,260 unit market rate i and affordable housing
development which will be located west of Ridgeview High School between the Ryzona Dr.
alignment and McKee Rd. Grading and infrastructure is underway. Full build-out is expected
within the next three years. Staff worked with Kern Affordable Housing, Inc. (KAH) by
processing their request for a HOME CHDO';grant in the amount of $300,000 for the
rehabilitation of a sixteen multi-unit development for low-income families located at 414 Real
Road. Construction bidding is underway and the project is expected to be completed by the
end of the calendar year. Four City Recreation & Parks staff members were able to purchase
their first home with this arrangement.
5. Encourage and support redevelopment project areas to promote development in the Old
Town Kern-Pioneer and Southeast areas of Bakersfield through use of redevelopment,
Enterprise Zone incentives, community planning efforts, and other available revitalization
tools. Several commercial and mixed use redevelopment projects are underway or have been
recently completed in both Old Town and the Southeast. These include the recently
completed Little Saigon Commercial Center on Union Avenue, a planned mixed use
residential, a new commercial/theater project near California Avenue and Q streets in
Southeast and a planned mixed use residential and commercial project on Baker Street in
Old TownKern.
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2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/07 Page 10
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6. Encourage and support redevelopment and neighborhood improvements in Southeast
Bakersfield area including the following improvements:
A. Streetlights — General Services has added'`numerous street lights in the southeast area
and assists EDCD in redevelopment areas with suggestions, ideas, and cost estimates.
B. Street repairs — Staff will continue installing curb and gutters in the area bounded by
California Avenue on the north, 4th Street on the south, Chester Avenue on the west, and
Union Avenue on the east. The Streets Division will continue to supply EDCD with a list
of street improvement projects that qualify for m
Comunity Development Block Grant
funds and additional funds will be requested to install curb, gutter, cross-gutters, and
curb-cuts in the area bounded by 4th Street on the north, Brundage Lane on the south,
Chester Avenue on the west, and P Street on the east.
C. Median island landscaping and streetscapes - Improvements have been constructed on
medians, curb, missing sidewalks and gutters near key commercial corridors on
Brundage, Union and California Streets. The City programs federal funds that are
received,annually to address these infrastructure gaps.
7. Encourage and support redevelopment and neighborhood improvements in 34th Street area
between Chester Avenue and Union Avenue, including the following improvements:
A. Streetlights — General Services has surveyed the 34th Street area for any needed
additional street lights. This area has previously been upgraded with additional lighting in
needed areas.
B. Street repairs — Street repairs have been completed in the area bounded by 34th Street
on the south, Columbus Street on the north, Chester Avenue on the west, and Union
Avenue on the east. Pavement on Q Street from 31st Street to West Columbus Street
was resurfaced. Construction of this project was completed in May 2006. To alleviate
flooding of the intersection -of 34th Street and San Dimas Street, a storm,drain was
installed in San Dimas Street from 2!P Street to 34th Street. Construction of this project
was completed in August 2006. Staff will continue to survey, evaluate and prioritize
street repairs in the area south of'34th Street, between Chester Avenue and Union
Avenue.
C. Median island landscaping and streetscape on 34th Street— Public Works staff will study
and evaluate the possibility of installing a median island on 34th Street between Union
Avenue and Chester Avenue. if the study shows that medians do fit in on 34th Street,,the
project would be submitted to EDCD for requested Community Development Block Grant
funding. Economic Development staff is working with Memorial Hospital on a joint design
plan that will evaluate the blocks that are feasible for improvements. A design budget
and plan will be developed by June 2007 and additional; grant funds will be sought to
award the construction,in possible phases.
8. Support implementation of the southeast Bakersfield Charrette Plan. Several tax credit family
rental projects are under construction and in development in the Southeast Redevelopment
Project Area in the Cottonwood vicinity. The Little Saigon Plaza project is complete and fully
leased. Staff continues to encourage new commercial activity along the key corridors
included in the Charrette. Median improvements along those corridors have been completed.
9. Work with the FAA to review the appropriateness of the zoning agreement around the
Bakersfield Municipal Airport regarding potential residential and commercial development in
that area. The land use around the airport is governed by the Kern County Airport Land Use
Compatibility Plan. A current request has been submitted to the Planning Commission to
alter it to meet the Medium General Aviation Runway established in the January 2002
guidelines by Caltrans Aeronautics.
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/07 Page 11
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10. Continue to provide consistent urban services within the metropolitan area defined by the
City's General Plan.* City ordinances 'require extension of infrastructure to development
within the City.
11. Meet jointly with Kern County Board of Supervisors to discuss maintenance standards and
development of parks owned by the County that are within the City and explore opportunities
for improvements. Staff met with Supervisor Rubio and county staff to discuss Casa Loma
Park and Kern Delta Park specifically. Joint meetings were also held with the public
regarding development of Kern Delta Park. The City is not able to absorb these parks into its
system until>additional maintenance funding becomes available. The County will continue to
maintain these parks within its budget.
12. Plan for development of City facilities such as fire stations, police stations, parks, etc., with
other governmental agencies and organizations and locate such facilities in a manner which
will provide economies of scale, reduce costs, and maximize the public benefit of City
facilities and other related public facilities.
The City entered a Memorandum of Understanding with Kern County in 2006 for joint
development of refuse transfer stations in the metropolitan area. Feasibility studies and
grant applications for funding are in progress.
The proposed upgrade and expansion of Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 3 project is in
response to the rapid development of residential and commercial properties on the west
side of the City during the past five years, and the expected continuation of this high rate
of growth for the next ten years or more. The project will expand the treatment capacity
from its current;capacity of 16 million gallons per day to 32 million gallons per day.
Upgrades include state of the art odor control, elimination of sludge drying beds to an
odor-free sludge dewatering facility, new cogeneration facility to produce electricity for
on-site use; lush landscaping around Plant'perimeter, enhanced secondary treatment to
produce a higher quality effluent and tertiary treatment for all landscape'irrigation and on-
site water reuse. The project design team is working to complete several milestones:`the
public hearing for the Final Environmental Impact Report was completed in January
2007, and review of an agreement with Jacobs Engineering as the construction
management firm for constructability and bid ability. Construction is expected to start
midyear 2007.
The City acquired 55,000 sq ft of additional office space by purchasing the Borton Petrini
Building; on December 29, 2006 for $9.5 million. This purchase will address ongoing
space needs of City operations and its central location near City Hall will provide
improved proximity for services to our residents.
13. Provide property owners with incentives to create in-fill or redevelopment." The passage of
SB 975 has complicated these efforts. However, incentives may still be creatively applied to
promote the development of in-fill affordable housing projects which often become the
catalyst for redevelopment`of the area. The EPA has awarded a special $1 million grant to
the City to establish a local revolving loan fund. This financing source will aid businesses that
engage in the cleanup of former petroleum sites, allowing the property to be put into new
development use. In 2006, EDCD received an additional $500,000 from the State Pollution
Control Authority to address brownfield cleanup.
14. Require non-contiguous development to provide all necessary infrastructure or provide
economic disincentives through variable fees.' City ordinances require extension -of
infrastructure to development within the City.
15. Develop strategies to reduce consumption of prime agricultural land for urban development."
The City's General Plan promotes,<through various policies, concentric development patterns
and agricultural land preservation. We also require farm land conversion studies for a
change in designation from agricultural to urban uses.
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/07 Page 12
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16. Develop policies for specific incentives for residential in-fill in blighted areas.* Staff has
developed a special in-fill down payment program up to $40,000 for City assisted in-fill
development in all three redevelopment project areas for single family housing projects
assisted with City or redevelopment funds.
17. Streamline nd provide incentives for first time homebuyers in blighted areas.* Staff has
developed a special in-fill down payment program up to $40,000 for City assisted in-fill
development in all three redevelopment project areas. In some instances land cost write
downs have been applied to bring development costs down on qualified affordable housing
development projects. The Redevelopment Agency developed and implemented a program
for small home builders in Southeast'Bakersfield that provides them construction financing for
the development of affordable homes for sale on single lots. It is estimated approximately
100 new homes will be constructed over the next 10 years under this program.
18. Create stricter code enforcement to help maintain neighborhoods and increase visual
standards.* staff b1 the � ' code
enforcement efforts and make them more consistent with the '-
19. Involve youth in re-developing blighted neighborhoods through various efodo, such aotree
planting, graffiti removal, trash d and other i hb
General Services works with various youth groups and supports "paint days" by providing
locations for graffiti removal, paint, rollers, brushes, and other supplies. We also promote the
"Adopt-A-Wall" program. Staff worked with Council members and youth volunteers on
several graffiti cleanup days in our parks and the Kern River Parkway. A Boy Scout Eagle
project was coordinated for the Park at River Walk to clean up trash. Youth and parents from
Keep Bakersfield Beautiful assisted to help plant trees. The Recreation and Parks Director is
in the process of contacting high schools to see if the art department would be interested in
creating a mural on some of our park restroom exterior walls. The youth would be involved in
creating and painting the art work and the City could provide the materials. The schools were
not interested in pursuing this avenue. We may make it a project for Eagle Scouts in the
20. Retrofit existing neighborhoods to be more pedestrian friendly d provide for
friendly thoroughfares in new developments.* The new downtown cottage development
provides walkways and courtyards encouraging pedestrian activity. South Mill Creek will also
incorporate a village pedestrian theme,
21. Adopt incentives for reuse of commercial zones and improving U|i U of existing problem
commercial areas.* The City actively pursues grant opportunities to meet the financial
economic standards required for urban development. The City has used tools such as land
contribution, purchase of land covenants for affordable housing, down payment assistance,
and low interest loans for Brownfield clean up as incentives.
22. Encourage pocket revitalization of commercial centers and/or individual oih/ blocks which
may benefit from a targeted approach to economic aaoiatonma and does not conflict with or
duplicate using
this approach w Saigon commercial project, the Baker Street Village and
South'Mill Creek 1O acre concept. -
23. Support implementation
complete the streetscape and improve the railroad crossing from Truxtun to Jackson. A
redevelopment project containing 49,000 square feet of retail and 84 town homes and condos
is under negotiation. If approved, the project will begin construction by 2007. The Agency
has possession of 14 properties. Demolition of the structures has occurred.
2OOS City Council Goals-Status Report 2/O7 Page 18
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24. Continue efforts to secure a permanent position on Local Agency Formation Commission
(LAFCO) board by finding a sponsor for required special legislation. A permanent position for
Bakersfield on the 1_AFCo Board has been accomplished through"special legislation carried
by Senator Dean Florez which was approved in 2005. The City representative,
Councilmember David Couch,attended his first meeting on January 24, 2006.
GOAL #5: STRENGTHEN AND DIVERSIFY OUR ECONOMIC BASE
1. Enhance the City's economic development opportunities.
A. Encourage business retention through programs which collaborate with local
organizations such as trade unions, vocational training centers, schools and universities
to provide technical assistance, employee training resources and other business
assistance. The City is a key member of the Bakersfield College Foundation
Construction Alliance for Student Achievement (CASA)'. This is a new construction
technology program developed by the college. Three vacant lots were donated by the
City to the Foundation to train students in a real environment in home building. CASA
program managers canvassed the southeast neighborhoods and intend to fill three
courses with a'total of 72 students, many from the Southeast and c East Bakersfield
communities.
B. Assist in business expansion and job opportunities by encouraging development of
workforce training and infrastructure development which are consistent with identified
strategic business attraction goals (Vision 2020). Staff continues to work with the
County, KEDC, the Employers Training Resource and others to assist and promote
economic development and training efforts.
C. Attract industries which are best suited to our locational advantages, which include
availability of energy production, access to major transportation corridors, and geographic
diversity for film locations and recreational activities.* Staff continues to work with the
County, KEDC, the Employers Training Resource and others to assist and promote
focused economic development efforts.
D. Focus on improvements and opportunities within the Southeast and Old Town Kern
Redevelopment Project areas, and the Incentive Area. Several commercial and mixed
use redevelopment projects are underway or have been recently completed in both Old
Town and the Southeast. These include the recently completed Little Saigon
Commercial Center on Union Avenue, a planned mixed use residential, a new
commercial/theater project near California Avenue and Q streets in Southeast and a
planned mixed use residential and commercial project on Baker Street in Town Kern.
2. Continue to enhance the TEAM BAKERSFIELD concept and develop a fast-track process for
establishing a business.` Team Bakersfield concept continues to be used to assist
businesses and developments throughout the City.
3. Implement job creation strategies identified in the Old Town Kern and Southeast Economic
development plans which address high unemployment area needs by attracting targeted
industries that provide higher paying jobs which can support families. The Mayor and staff
have met with the homeless center to explore the possibility of developing a job training
program for entry level jobs in the greenwaste recycling area. EDCD's business marketing
materials kit has been updated and a new business website has been completed.
4. Expand telecommunications and other infrastructures to support new and existing industries."
City staff is part of the Regional Technology Council working to identify infrastructure needed
to increase business development efforts. The City, in conjunction with Bright House
Networks, has provided wi-fi access at the Park at River Walk.
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/07 Page 14
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5. Build on existing economic base: Agriculture (for example; applied technology, value-added
agriculture, genetic technology) and Energy (for example: natural gas, micro-energy
generating).` The City participates in the Bakersfield College Biotechnology Council which
promotes the development of biotechnology industry and training in the Bakersfield area.
6. Encourage and provide business development and entrepreneurial opportunities." Staff
continues to utilize various economic development strategies to attract business and
industries to Bakersfield'.
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GOAL #6: PROMOTE COMMUNITY PRIDE AND IMAGE
1. Implement "Bakersfield Life as it Should Be" image toolkit. The City has incorporated the
image toolkit into its presentations and publications. There is a link on the City's web site to
the "Bakersfield Life as it Should Be"web site, Staff continues to participate with the Image
task force of Vision 2020. The Community Services committee is currently evaluating a
possible modification to the City's entry signs requested by Vision 2020 and the Chamber of
Commerce.
2. Continue the campaign against littering (Keep Bakersfield Beautiful and CUB Programs) and
graffiti. Keep Bakersfield Beautiful has continued to increase the number of volunteer clean
ups and anti-litter awareness. General Services has promoted anti-graffiti;programs and is
constantly reminding our, citizens about our 32-ERASE hotline and the
"BakersfieldGraffiti.com" website. We have a shift schedule that allows for 7 days a week
coverage for our full time staff dedicated to removing graffiti from public and private property
in the City limits. The Anti'-Graffiti Program was provided with funds for two additional paint
matching vans and two additional pressure wash vehicles along with the four additional
positions to operate the new vehicles. The Anti-Graffiti Program tracks all graffiti locations
and documents those eligible for Community Development Block Grant funding provided''by
EDCD.
3. Facilitate development and encourage corporate capital investments towards cultural and
recreational facilities, including the use of grants, contributions, in-kind services and other
unique or appropriate one-time funding sources which may become available, while limiting
the use of General Fund revenues for such capital construction. Such facilities would include
the following:
A. Performing and cultural arts center. Successfully negotiated a five-year,'' $500,000
naming rights agreement with Bright House Networks for the new Amphitheatre at the
Park at River Walk. The agreement will allow for events to be staged at low cost to the
community. The City of Bakersfield has entered"into a"management agreement with
SMG to book concerts and events at the 'Bright House Networks Amphitheater. SMG
works closely with the Recreation and Parks Department staff in scheduling events,
rentals and concerts in the park.
B. 'Community recreation buildings. Staff is working with City in the Hills development to
build a small recreation center within the park in their development which is being used
as a selling point for their homes and will be managed primarily by the HOA.
C. !Aquatics Facilities. Last year, City Council approved the new rates for park development
fees which included a spray park in every fourth park being developed. CDBG funds
were used to construct the spray parks at MLK and Jefferson.
D. ,Multi-purpose stadium.
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2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/07 Page 15
Vision 2020 related items are shown with a )
E. Facilitate 40 acre soccer park development. After, several meetings, and requests for
proposals, the Southwest Area Baseball group was approved to assist in the
development of the 40-acre site off Jewetta Avenue. Agreements for construction and
management were approved by City Council in November. We are progressing with
construction plans.
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F. Plan and develop a 200 acre plus complex to address soccer, baseball, 3 par golf,
aquatic facilities and related needs. Preliminary plans have changed to include a
community center, soccer, baseball,,softball, and football in addition to a sprayground,
pond, and basketball courts. The golf facilities have been eliminated. We are in the
process of scheduling meetings with potential donors, providing naming rights in return.
G. Expansion and enhancement of City recreational facility adjacent to Mesa Marin
Raceway. The Raceway has now closed, and there are several housing developments
planned for the surrounding area. We have proposed using a $1.6 million Prop 40 grant
to plan and improve the existing ball'fields and add the adjacent easement land to build
soccer fields. Included in potential plans was a wet;playground and skate park. City staff
is in the process of awarding the contract for construction plans for improvements to
Mesa Marin.
4. Continue the operation of existing city swimming pools in a safe and cost effective manner.
The continued contract with Ellis and Associates to provide effective training of lifeguards and
instructors as well as monitoring operations throughout the pool season has helped
tremendously in reducing accidents and hazards. Pool attendance fluctuated last season,
resulting in adjustments to programming plans for 2006. In the lower attended pools, we plan
to offer more private and semi-private lessons and increase program times. We are
expanding programs at McMurtrey to include more family nights and additional programs
such as water walking and aerobics. While general swim attendance decreased, special
programs, lap swimming, and swim lessons increased dramatically, especially at McMurtrey.
Several pictures of positive activities have appeared in "The Bakersfield Californian
5. Create landscaped gateways, freeways and arterial roads. Increase freeway and entry point
landscape standards. Support implementation of the highway landscape improvement plan
by securing funding to complete improvements in cooperation with Caltrans and other local
agencies, and encourage community involvement. Staff has completed a freeway
beautification master plan and has made presentations to the Council on Westside Parkway
aesthetic elements.
A. Median island landscaping and streetscape on 34th Street between Chester Avenue and
Union Avenue. Staff Engineers are working with Memorial Hospital to develop a
streetscape plan that will incorporate'medians, sidewalks and street trees on some areas
of the corridor between Chester Avenue and Union Avenue. The Hospital recently
expanded and is planning a new grand entrance to their facility that will also improve the
landscape element at the entryway.
6. Continue efforts to enhance the city's urban forest by promoting the planting, proper care and
maintenance of trees throughout the city. The City's tree maintenance budget was increased
this fiscal year, and we are in the process of trimming all the trees that present a hazard'for
signage and clearance issues. We were able to contract with West Coast Arborists to assist
in trimming and removing hazardous trees in some of our parks that were too big for the
City's equipment to manage. We continue to work with the Tree' Foundation and Keep
Bakersfield Beautiful in planting new trees in areas that have identified needs. The newly
proposed Memorial Tree Grove at the Manor Street parking area will result in 100 new trees
being planted by June. The trees are being paid for by the Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary, with
additional money going toward irrigation. The San Miguel Memorial Grove is complete and
more improvements are being planned for the spring. It was a positive cooperative effort with
Breakfast Rotary, The Tree Foundation, and several City departments.
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/07 Page 16
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GOAL #7: FISCAL SOLVENCY
1. To incorporate best practices from the private sector as an element of conducting business.
The City fully complied with governmental accounting standard#34 regarding fixed asset and
infrastructure reporting in the June 30, 2006 financial statements. These reporting
requirements were intended to provide better comparative analysis with the private sector
investment community.
2. To prudently govern all areas of discretionary spending, including personnel, benefit and
pension costs so that funds to provide services can be balanced with the need to attract and
retain quality personnel.
3. To conservatively govern the financial operations of the City so that long-term liabilities are
controlled as best as practicable for the benefit of the tax payer. The City budgeted $4.8
million to be set aside for investment and funding of our liability associated with future retiree
medical costs of the city.
4. To budget conservatively by using one-time revenues for capital rather than operating costs,
with streets being of particular importance. The City refinanced arena debt in April 2006;
generating one time savings of about$2 million to be used for one time capital improvements
to the arena and convention center facilities.
5. To preserve General Fund revenues for core services of the City, such as public safety,
streets, parks, and quality of life issues. The annual 'budget reflects the integration of this
goal.
6. To respect the history of the City by keeping tax rates, fees and assessments as low as can
be while still providing quality services. Staff monitors fee programs on an annual basis to
determine the appropriate level of cost recovery for the provision of City services and submits
revisions to fees to the City Council for consideration.
7. To maintain reserves adequate for dealing with contingencies. Cash basis reserve was
increased by $1.35 million. Facilities reserve was increased by $2.395 million to address
future facility needs.
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2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/07 Page 17
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Page 1 of 2
PUBLIC WORKS
STREETS DIVISION —WORK SCHEDULE
WEEK OF FEBRUARY 26 — MARCH 2, 2007
Resurfacing/Reconstructing streets in the following areas:
No street reconstruction projects this week.
Miscellaneous Streets Division projects:
Continue installing curb & gutter in the area between California Avenue and
Chester Lane, east of Oak Street.
Continue working on the installation of a storm line at the new Fire Station #5
location on White Lane, east of Union Avenue.
Continue with preparation work for the installation of a storm line and catch
basins on Benton Street, between Wilson Road and Belvedere Avenue.
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STREET SWEEPING SCHEDULE
_Monday, February 26, 2007
City streets in the area between Allen Road & Jasmine Parker Drive, Palm Avenue
south to the canal.
City streets in the area Allen Road & Rider Street, Johnson Road south to the canal.
Tuesdav, February 27, 2007
City streets in the area between Olive Drive & Meany Street, Coffee Road to Knudsen
Drive.
Between Columbus Street and 34th Street, Chester Avenue to San Dimas Street.
_Wednesday, February 28, 2007
City Streets in the area between Jenkins Road and Jewetta Avenue, Snow Road to
Hageman Road.
Between Niles Street and Jackson Street, Union Avenue to Beale avenue.
Between Sumner Street and Truxtun Avenue, Beale Avenue to E. Truxtun Avenue.
Thursday, March 1 2007
Between Truxtun Avenue and Brundage Lane, Union Avenue to Williams Street.
Between Bernard Street and Niles Street, Alta Vista Drive to Owens Street.
Between Flower Street and Kentucky Street, Owens Street to Williams Street.
Between Kroll Way and Camino Media, Don Hart Drive to Gosford Road.
Between Pacheco Road and Panama Lane, Old River Road to Progress Road.
_Friday, March 2, 2007
Between Paladino Drive and 178 Highway, Columbus Street to Morning Drive
City streets east and west of Fairfax Road, between 178 Highway& College Avenue.
City streets in the area between Flintridge Drive & Medio Luna Avenue, Rexroth
Avenue to College Avenue.
Between Fountain Drive and Ravall Street, Azalea Avenue to College Avenue.
Between Ming Avenue and White Lane, Allen Road to Old River Road.
Between Freesia Way to Buena Vista Road, Pensinger Road to Panama Lane.
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