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HomeMy WebLinkAbout6/01/2007 B A K E R S F I E L D CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE MEMORANDUM June 1, 2007 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager A SUBJECT: General Information 1. Staff is taking a serious look at whether we can fund the phase of the West Side Parkway from the Coffee Interchange (CTC staff recommendation is to fund through that location) to Calloway. It is $31,000,000 so it is no small item but that link would relieve much of the right turn congestion from Brimhall onto Coffee and the left turn moves from Coffee onto Truxtun and it would be of considerable significance. We will let you know how the analysis goes! 2. We are getting ready to kick off the planning/design of our "Preparing the Way for Disaster Day" drill in November. We are taking a unique approach this year by giving everyone a chance to share our scenario along with a date/time to review their own preparedness plan; even if it's a small business focusing on just one or two issues. City staff is also coordinating with the Red Cross Disaster Academy in October to help prepare organizations with a disaster plan. 3. City staff held an annexation information neighborhood meeting for the Kimberly area south of Olive Drive on Wednesday, May 30. It was a positive meeting with a number of residents expressing interest in receiving sewer service. 4. Beale Band concerts are back again! First Sunday night concert series starts on June 3rd at 8:00 p.m. 5. Concerts at Silver Creek Park will start on Tuesday, June 5th at 7:30 p.m. with blues band "Fat Daddy Blues". 6. Aera Energy Family Picnic in the Park will be this Saturday, June 2nd from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They are now expecting about 1,700 attendees. 7. Kids Fest, sponsored by Channel 17 will be at Yokuts Park June 2nd and 3rd from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. 8. All 120 lifeguards are in training June 2nd and 3rd, so all pools will be closed. All pools will open to the public on Monday, June 4th. 9. Day camps at Martin Luther King, Jr. Center and at Silver Creek start Monday, June 4th. 10. McMurtrey Aquatic Center was open for general swim during Memorial Day weekend for a total attendance of 1,141. Honorable Mayor and City Council May 25, 2007 Page 2 11. The Streets Division work schedule for the week of June 4th is attached. 12. Responses to questions from the May 9th and May 14th budget presentations are enclosed. 13. Council requests are enclosed, as follows: Councilmember Hanson • City of Bakersfield 40% parking lot tree canopy requirement. AT:rs:rk cc: Department Heads Pamela McCarthy, City Clerk Roberta Gafford, Assistant City Clerk B A K E R S F I E L D CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE MEMORANDUM May 24, 2007 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Through Alan Tandy"Wity kAnalger Rick Kirkwood, Management Assistant, —L-7 SUBJECT: Annexation Information E ember Couch requested staff provide the Mayor and City Council with the rent annexation information documents given to residents interested in n. Councilmember Couch requested at the May 8, 2007 Legislative & Litigation Committee meeting that staff provide a copy of the most current information that is given to residents and property owners interested in annexing to the City of Bakersfield. Attached is a form letter that is given to a property owner interested in annexation. Information contained in the letter will identify the property owner, a phone number the owner can be reached at, as well as the Assessor's Parcel Number and address of the property to be annexed. The property owner will also be supplied with answers to frequently asked questions. City of Bakersfield Attention: Stanley Grady, Development Services Director 1715 Chester Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93301 Re: Annexation of Property Dear Mr. Grady: This letter serves as my formal request to have my property annexed to the City of Bakersfield. I understand that with my consent to annex to the City, I may receive City services, at my expense. My property is identified as Assessor's P umber(s) and Address below: Signature Print Owner Name Phone Number Date: Frequently Asked Questions About Annexation What is annexation. Annexation is generally required for any new development or significant redevelopment projects occurring on unincorporated property. This process brings the property into the city limits so that the City of Bakersfield may extend a full range of services already provided to residents of nearby incorporated areas. As part of the process, the City and County negotiate a property tax split to determine how much property tax the City will receive and the County will keep. The entire annexation process can take up to one year to complete with a final public hearing by the Kern County Local Agency Formation Commission. You may contact LAFCo at (661) 716-1076 for additional information on its proceedings. Myths about annexation• Myth: Annexation triggers reassessment of ro Truth: Under Proposition 13, real property i r pr ' d only when a change in ownership occurs or when new constr on at is normal maintenance) takes place. A change in jurisdiction, h Oscurs w' annexation, will not trigger reappraisal or reassessme of your r Myth: City taxes are much hi her than tax Truth: The total taxes th reside 'a ert ner would pay if their property were annexe e rally , ' r hose they are already paying in the county. In t c es, re i ents e county are likely paying for a County Se a f street hts), which they would no longer have to pay if t y anne t Myth: M ro ert to will be i he i e city than in the county. Truth: Proposition 13 li 1 prop y t to one percent (1%) of the property's taxable value regardless e p perty's location in the city or in the county. Myth: Annexation triggers a re irement to install curbs utters and sidewalks. Truth: The City of Bakersfield may require curbs, gutters, and sidewalks be installed only when there is substantial redevelopment of the property. Myth: Annexation affects School District boundaries. Truth: Annexation of property from the county into a city has no impact on school district boundaries or the schools that children in the annexed area attend. 1 Frequently Asked Questions About Annexation Questions and Answers: Q: _What changes will I notice on my property tax bill? A: You may notice a difference in the special taxes, assessment districts (e.g. County Service Area), or fees normally listed on your property tax bill. Many of these taxes or fees will be removed or replaced with a charge assessed by the City of Bakersfield. The most common difference you may notice is the Central Refuse charge ($184.68) assessed by the County may be replaced by the City Refuse Fee ($174.48) assessed by the City of Bakersfield. Q: Will Police protection change after annexation? A: BPD maintains a well staffed department to provide an urban level of service in incorporated areas. The County Sheriff provides general law enforcement and the California Highway Patrol provides traffic enforcement throughout thousands of miles in Kern County and a number of small islands surrounded by the city limits of Bakersfield. It is ineff' ient for these officers to travel through areas served by the Bakersfield P epartment to provide service. The Bakersfield Police Department ' s both general law and traffic enforcement with more police officers ' e c" mmediately available to respond to your area. Q: Do I have to connect to the city se r imme I r ma air or replace my septic tank? A: Annexation makes all of thes ons ilable to you. After annexation, the City does n uire c n to sewer system as long as an existing septic tan i o ting p d s not violate health and building codes. Annex i n t t e City Bak s Id makes the option to connect to sewer a ' a to if you efer, ou may repair or replace your septic tank. Q: Does the City offer fin n o s installation of a sewer hook-up? A: Yes. The City offers a tion t pre repayment of these costs over 3 to 5 years that will be collec on y r property tax bill. You may contact the City of Bakersfield Econom' elopment and Community Development Department to find out if your ea is eligible for federal grant funding that may pay for the installation of sewer lines. Q: What_does the City get out of annexation? A: The City negotiates with the County to determine the portion of the property tax it will receive. The City will also receive Federal and State monies, such as road repair funds, based on the increase in population. The City receives sales tax from commercial transactions within city limits. Overall, the use of property and sales tax dollars will be more efficiently spent within uniform boundaries of the City. For example, City road crews will be able to repair longer stretches of roads without having to omit sections that are in the county. 2 Frequently Asked Questions About Annexation Q: Will there be any change in my garbage collection or trash hauler? A: The standard for garbage collection in incorporated areas is once per week for normal waste and once per week for recycled waste. The City of Bakersfield offers one (1) 96 gallon refuse and one (1) 64 gallon greenwaste container for the basic residential refuse rate of $14.54 per month (rate effective 7/1/07). The City of Bakersfield offers senior citizens a fifty percent (50%) rebate off the basic residential refuse rate. Q: What community services will be provided if annexed to the City? A: The City provides leaf collection along residential neighborhoods and street sweeping at least once a month at no char e. The City will assume responsibility for maintaining the existing str ' hts in your area. Any additional street lighting installed will be to C' n rds. Q: Will my Kern County Building Permit be b (,it\/? A: Yes. Prior to and during the annex pro ess, i u receive a building permit from the Kern County Building rt nt, it v e honored by the City. All inspections shall con e to b med b County until construction is completed. Upon ation, ermits wi e received from the City. Q: I have a home based es s. hat e r of me after annexation? A: Generally, busine wh' ar legal in e Co ty are legal in the City. The City has a e c a ' ness ' ense provision, which allows residents to a buss e s t he' The City requires all business within City limits ave a si lice se and pay a fee according to the amount of annual g recei t ome business must be conducted so that the average neig un e n rmal circumstances, would not be aware of its existence. One t a time will be permitted at the residence between the hours of 8 a.m. d 10 P.M. Q: Will annexation affect where my children attend school? A: No. School districts are not affected by City annexations. Q: My individual circumstances do not really fit any of the things we have discussed. Who should I speak with? A: If you have a question about special circumstances, please contact: Martin Ortiz, City Planning at (661) 326-3777. More information about the City of Bakersfield is available on the City's website @ www.bakersfieldcity us 3 Page 1 of 2 STREETS DIVISION — WORK SCHEDULE WEEK OF JUNE 4 — JUNE 8, 2007 Resurfacing/Reconstructing streets in the following areas Resurfacing streets in the area between Real Road and Vaughn Street, White Lane and Adidas Street. Resurfacing streets in the area north of Planz Road, east of Stine road. Miscellaneous Streets Division ro'ects: Continue working on the storm line installation project on Benton Street, between Wilson Road and Belvedere Avenue. Continue installing curb and gutter in the area between Alta Vista Drive and Baker Street, Flower Street and 178 Highway. Continue the street improvement project in the area between California Avenue and 4th Street, Union Avenue and "P" Street. C:\DOCUME-1\mmuniz\LOCALS-1\Temp\XPgrpwise\Week of June 4,2007.Work Schedule.doc Page 2 of 2 STREET SWEEPING SCHEDULE Monday, June 4, 2007 Between Oak Street and "F" Street, 16th Street to Golden State Frontage Road. Between Bernard Street and Niles Street, Chester Avenue to Alta Vista Drive. City streets between Jenkins Road and Allen Road, Rosedale Highway to Palm Avenue. Between Brimhall Road and Rowland Avenue, Jenkins Road to Rugger Street. Between Allen Road and Jewetta Avenue, Stockdale Highway north to the canal. Tuesday, June 5, 2007 Between California Avenue and Brundage Lane, Oak street to Union Avenue. Wednesday, June 6, 2007 City streets in the area between Panorama Drive and Columbus Street, East Columbus Street to River Boulevard. Between Panorama Drive and Bernard Street, Union Avenue to Thelma Drive. Between West Columbus Street and 34th Street, San Dimas Street to Union Avenue. Between Coffee Road and Hewlett Street, Truxtun Avenue to Stockdale Highway. Thursday, June 7, 2007 Between Truxtun Avenue and Brundage Lane, Union Avenue and Washington Street. Between Bernard Street and Niles Street, Alta Vista Drive to Owens Street. City area between Owens Street and Williams Street, Flower to Kentucky. Between Kroll Way and Camino Media, Gosford Road to Don Hart Drive. Between Pacheco Road and Panama Lane, Old River Road to Progress Road. Friday, June 8, 2007 City streets in the area between New Stine Road and 99 Highway. Belle Terrace to Adidas Avenue. Between Watts Drive and Brook Street, Madison Street to Hale Street. C:\DOCUME-1\mmuniz\LOCALS-1\Temp\XPgrpWse\Week of June 4,2007.Work Schedule.doc MAY 17 2007 i B A K E R S F I E L D CITY OF BAKERSFIELD PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Raul Rojas, Public Works Director DATE: May 16, 2007 SUBJECT: Budget Workshop on May 9, 2007: Response to Council Questions Would like staff to explain the increase in the sewer fees and the status of the phase in of the state mandated fee increase for hospitals and schools (Councilmember Couch) Justification for proposed 14 8% sewer rate increase — Staff proposes a 14.8% sewer rate Increase. This atypical rate increase is because of the Plant 3 Expansion project which has an estimated cost of$193 million. This $193 million will be financed by the issuance of bonds. The annual debt service payments on these bonds are included in the proposed rate increase. Connection fees will not be able to fully fund the anticipated annual debt payments associated with the bond financing. It is important to note that the Plant 3 Expansion project does not only include improvements to handle growth. The project also includes significant costs to upgrade the Plant to meet environmental regulations mandated by the State Water Resources Water Control Board, new state of the art odor control to prevent odors from migrating to surrounding neighbors, and extensive landscaping surrounding the Plant. In addition, the proposed rate increase will also provide funds to establish and replenish sewer reserve funds to adequate levels to provide certain assurances to bond holders and rating agencies regarding the financial stability of the enterprise. Phasing in of sewer rates for specific users —As background, sewer user fees are calculated according to the methodology outlined in the City Council approved "Revenue Program for the City of Bakersfield". The Revenue Program was adopted by Council on May 16, 2001. The State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) approved our Program on July 9, 2001. The Revenue Program GAGROUPDAT\Budget\07-08 Budget\Council Updates\Wastewatendoc May 17,2007 MEMORANDUM ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER May 17, 2007 Page 2 must comply with guidelines established by the SWRCB because the City received a State Revolving loan. The new methodology heavily impacted the following user groups: hospitals, schools, and day care centers. A phase in period was approved by Council to minimize the impact. A five year phase in period, which ended in FY 05/06, was approved for schools and day care centers. A seven year phase in period, which will end in FY 07/08, was approved for hospitals. Therefore, hospitals will see an additional increase in their rates next year, in addition to the proposed 14.8% which would impact all user groups. The rate for hospitals is proposed to increase from $75.74 to $93.00 (22.8%) per bed. G:\GROUPDAT\Budget\07-08 Budget\Council Updates\wastewater.doc 5/17/2007 IeOOA0 -- B A K E R S F I E L D OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER MEMORANDUM May 16, 2007 To: Alan Tandy, City Manager From: John W. StinsonVssistant City Manager Subject: Response to question by Councilmember Couch regarding the change in Sales Tax as a percentage of the General Fund At the May 9th Budget Presentation Councilmember Couch asked staff to analyze the change in Sales Taxes as a percentage of the General Fund. Councilmember Couch observed that it appeared that Sales Taxes were becoming a smaller portion of total General Fund Revenues, particularly compared to Property Taxes the next largest General Fund Revenue source. Councilmember Couch was correct that for fiscal year 2007-08 Sales Taxes are a smaller portion of the total General Fund than in years past. There are several reasons for that. The first reason is related to the action taken by the State during FY 2005-06 to capture the City's Vehicle License Fees and replace them with in lieu payments from property taxes. As the attached chart shows in FY 2005-06 there was a dramatic decrease in Intergovernmental revenues (which includes VLF) and a commensurate increase in Property Tax revenues. From Fund that point forward property taxes make up about 27 to 34 percent of total General revenues up from about 17 to 19 percent annually. Property Taxes have also grown steadily over the past few years due to the development of new housing and increases due to sales of existing homes and properties which resulted in property taxes being paid at a new higher market value. Another significant reason for the change in the portion of Sales Taxes as a percentage of the General Fund is that during that past four years, Beginning Balances were larger than typical for the General Fund. Several things contributed to this occurrence. First, due to conservative budget practices during the State capture of City tax revenues, positions were frozen and remained unfilled, resulting in increased carryover amounts. Then in subsequent years as a significant number of positions were added back into the budget, they were unfilled for a portion of the year during the recruitment process and again the beginning balances were greater than normal. It is anticipated over the next few years when there are fewer vacancies there will be a commensurate reduction in beginning balances back to more typical levels. Absent any actions by the State, it is likely Sales Taxes and Property Taxes will remain the two major significant revenue sources for the General Fund. S:\07-08BUDPR0\Counci1 Budget Questions\Sales Tax Percentage Analysis 2007-08.doc City of Bakersfield - General Fund - distribution of revenues analysis 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 Sales Tax $ 40,330,000 $ 44,290,000 $ 47,400,000 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 Property Tax $ 18,480,000 $ 19,970,000 $ 20,700,000 $ 22,0650,000 $ 22,9100,000 $ 41,090,000 $ 47,30 86,400 $ 63,443,700 Other Taxes $ 7,320,000 $ 8,090,000 $ 8,650,000 $ 9,175,000 $ 10,290,000 $ 11,015,000 $ 11,185,000 $ 12,225,000 Licenses&Permits $ 2,282,000 $ 2,295,000 $ 2,050,000 $ 2,460,000 $ 3,070,000 $ 3,750,000 $ 4,197,590 $ 2,968,900 Intergovernmental $ 13,595,000 $ 15,000,000 $ 17,390,000 $ 17,500,000 $ 18,340,000 $ 4,642,235 $ 7,622,600 $ 3,317,955 Charges for Services $ 9,140,000 $ 9,108,000 $ 9,870,000 $ 10,375,000 $ 12,630,000 $ 14,485,000 $ 17,191,810 $ 19,190,860 Fines&Forfiets $ 600,000 $ 630,000 $ 650,000 $ 675,000 $ 700,000 $ 705,000 $ 704,000 $ 486,000 Miscellaneous $ 1,963,000 $ 620,000 $ 690,000 $ 700,000 $ 185,000 $ 189,765 $ 302,000 $ 438,000 Beginning Balance $ 5,700,000 $ 5,530,000 $ 7,600,000 $ 5,455,000 $ 12,450,000 $ 15,500,000 $ 23,410,000 $ 20,771,310 Transfers In $ 1,600,000 $ 1,050,000 $ 1,200,000 $ 2,200,000 $ 1,000,000 $ 1,000,000 $ 900,000 $ 880,575 1 101,010,000 $ 106,583,000 $ 116,200,000 $ 115,965,000 $ 132,475,000 $ 150,222,000 $ 175,899,400 $ 189,777,800 Note:Amounts shown are Final Budget figures for each year. VLF in lieu: increase in Propery Tax& Decrease in VLF of Total Sales Tax 39.93% 41.55% 40.79% 39.1Yo� � Property Tax 18.30% 18.74% 17.81% 38.42°k 38.51%� 35.82% 34.81% Other Taxes 19.03% 17.29% 27.35% 26.94% 7.25% 7.59% 7.44% 7,91% 33.44% Licenses&Permits 2.26% 7.77% 7.33% 6.39% 1.56% 2.15% 1.76% 2.12% 2.32% 2.50% 2.39% Intergovernmental 13.46% 14.07% 14.97% 15.09% 1.56% Charges for Services 13.84% 3.09% 4.77% 1.75% g 9.05% 8.55% Fines&Forfiets 8.49% 8.95% 9.53% 9.64% o 0.59% 0.59% 0.56% 9.77/0 10.11% Miscellaneous 194% % 0.58% 0.14% 0.47% 0.17% 0.58/ 0.59% 0.60% 0.26 Beginning Balance 5.64% 0 0.14% 0.32% 0.31% 0.95% Transfers In 5.19/0 6.54% 4.70°� 9.40% 1.58% 10.67% 13.31% 0.99% 1.03% 10.95 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.00% 100.46% 0.00 General Fund Revenues 100°x° 90% 80% 70% 4) 60% rNFines nsfersln 7 Bal 50%y- &Forfiets 40% rges for Sew, 30% ■Intergovi. O Ui.&Permits 20% 0Other Tax 10% CProperty Tax 0 Sales Tax 0% o0 �� ryoo �� o0 oop ooh oo� o^, r4 ti ti ry r4p Fiscal Years 5/16/2007 14:16 ZL B A K E R S F I E L D OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER MEMORANDUM May 16, 2007 To: Alan Tandy, City Manager From: John W. Stinson;"Assistant City Manager Subject: Councilmember Carson's Question regarding Council Staffing This memo is in response to Councilmember Carson's questions from the May 14th budget workshop regarding providing staff to work exclusively for the Council. The City Charter provides that the City Council shall appoint the City Manager and the City Attorney. All other employees are appointed by the City Manager, who per the Charter shall have general supervision and direction of the administrative operation of the city government. The Mayor and Council cannot direct or control the activities of any department head or any employee of any city department. To change this condition would require a voter approved Charter amendment. The City Clerk's Office and City Manager's Office provide significant staff support to the City Council. Special efforts have been made to provide administrative, clerical and other staff support as needed and requested by Councilmembers. Staff from these offices assist Councilmembers with correspondence, constituent referrals and responses, meeting scheduling and reservations, providing agendas and meeting calendars, timely distribution of correspondence and written information, travel arrangements, expense reimbursement and other duties related to the variety of City business required of Councilmembers. Additionally, all 1,611 employees of the City regularly serve the City Council through the direction of the City Manager to respond to Council referrals, inquiries, and requests for follow up on various Council concerns. These range from code enforcement, traffic and public safety concerns, planning and development issues information, and a multitude of other service delivery issues. providing community If there are any areas that Council feels are not being adequately addressed, staff certainly can make modifications to address them. JWS Budget Question re. Council Staffing 5-14-07.doc B A K E R S F I E L D CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE MEMORANDUM May 21, 2007 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Rick Kirkwood, Management Assistant SUBJECT: Councilmember Couch's Question regarding League of California Cities membership dues This memo is in response to Councilmember Couch's question from the May 14th budget workshop regarding membership dues paid to the League of California Cities. Staff contacted Kaye Brewer at the League of California Cities to inquire what amount was paid last year for dues, and what dues will be for the next year. She informed staff that dues are calculated based on population and are paid for one calendar year. The dues for the 2007 calendar year totaled $49,170. The board will rule in November 2007 what the increase will be for the 2008 calendar year dues. Historic trends indicate cities may expect a five percent (5%) increase. A five percent (5%) increase over the 2007 calendar year dues would total $51,628.50. Staff has budgeted $52,000 to pay the 2008 calendar year dues. H Ln Ln in Ln Ln Ln oWZ r h h r h r V1,n , N In Lf) O U N fi7 O O o 0 O O W o O� ' O � N � � U , r , i of Lr) n , u) m n NQw rr , r rr r a in Ln in , in in O 111 L11 In In In N , H � i co H O , w r ' F w oNz 0000WI W04 Hoo�or�h NN H V) cn N(] Ln Ln 3o °, (14 h W to In , to to N W Ln Ln U) i in N in E , a wu u P4 w H 2 W Ln in Ln u„n Wz0 w N a N N i N N N r W N Ln Ln Ln Ln to O q O W � 2U WD x o w o H W x U £p RC\ w a � ua PQ r4 w0 Hz El)xo z�ow\u H H OcnHHGw cn H>ua° u H Ux o H �u�omawa F w oao� P4 m aHCnU H a w E,E, u ca c� H o a H �CzUww m A �' au°mw co`n O z8<"'4 M o w a7z�D ox H QWPO z U x H O U cn 0 x o �+ wxzuwN H H O N HO W WWH 0, C1 \ O naN a �z+ n HScnx�(� -H u) O a roH U Gr�C � a H0 Q o� u 4.a a o u i o * * ;;f 0 B A K E R S F I E L D CITY OF BAKERSFIELD PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Raul Rojas, Public Works Director DATE: May 17, 2007 SUBJECT: Budget Workshop on May 14, 2007: Response to Council Questions Would like staff to provide an update on the building layout and design plans, as well as department locations for Borton Petrini & Conran building (Councilmember Couch) The demolition of the first floor is almost completed with just a few issues to be resolved. The wall locations will be drawn on the floor next week and the Human Resources Manager will review the placement of the walls and verify that its needs are met. The locations of the departments are as follows 1St floor, Human Resources, conference rooms and customer service counters. 2nd floor, Finance and Treasury 3d floor, EDCD and a portion of Parks 4th floor, Attorney and the remainder of Parks 5th floor, City Manager, City Clerk, Risk Management. GAGROUPDAT\Budget\07-08 Budget\Council Updates\1600 Truxtun.doc Cl E) 11 Cl E) 00 CO _-- A Ell ca 7 ----------------- O OHO --m----- �� -�----x o0 0o O ct O ---- ---- ---- STORAGE x py P o 4 > M > O 30V801S FT-1 (n z 0--i O M —T� F- zo o m X Z cn 74 ;00 W c FTI ----- ----- (J) -TI \ 7 ) \ q \\\ �/ \ O � ) / ) . & 12 B A K E R S F I E L D MAY 3 `: 2007 FIRE DEPARTMENT M E M Q R A N D U M To: Alan Tandy, City Manager From: Ron Fraze, Fire Chief Subject: Council Response for 2007-08 Budget meeting held May 14, 2007 Date: May 23, 2007 The Fire Administrative salaries and benefits budget increased $240,000 in 2007-08. The proposed increase includes $50,000 for a secretary, $160,000 for retirement pay-offs, and $30,000 in cost of living allowances. The City's administrators and policy makers are required to attend National Incident Management System (NIMS) training in order for the City to receive FEMA reimbursements, should we suffer from a disaster. This training needs to be interactive. The training must be completed before September, requires four hours, and will be grant funded. Staff will be contacting the attendees once the training is scheduled. O� 13ahJ, `NORPORq TF, �S O BAKERSFIELD POLICE a MEMORANDUM a�,,.� • c�IIF Q'R Date: May 22, 2007 To: Alan Tandy, City Manager From: W. R. Rector, Chief of Police Vv�- Subject: Response to Budget Presentation Question #8 No. 8 Would like staff to explore options of looking at the budget Councilmember and supplementing, or raising money to get involved in Carson neighborhood groups in association with the Joint City/Col unty Gang Enforcement Plan. The department is researching potential state and federal grant monies; pertaining to reducing the impact of gang activity in our community. Most of these proposed monies have special funding for prevention and intervention; however, we have yet to see any specific grant guidelines. It is very promising; these grants are on the path to be funded for the state 07/08 and Federal 08/09 budgets. MA Y 3 a 2007 B A K E R S F I E L D _.,. MEMORANDUM DATE: May 31, 2007 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Stanley C. Grady, Development Services Director '� SUBJECT: Ref001760 (40% Tree Canopy Requirement) In response to a referral by Councilmember Hanson, this memorandum addresses the issues raised in the attached letter from Lauren Lange dated May 7, 2007, regarding the City's 40% parking lot tree canopy requirement. In her letter, Ms. Lange states that the 40% shading requirement is not being met in most parking lots in Bakersfield due in part to the way landowners trim their trees and because dead parking lot trees are often not replaced. Bakersfield Parking Lot Shading Requirements/Tree Pruning Guidelines On July 18, 2001, BMC Chapter 17.61 (Landscape Standards)was amended to increase the minimum parking lot shade canopy requirement from 30% to 40% and to add tree pruning guidelines, among other amendments. BMC Section 17.61.030.H. requires landscape plans to demonstrate that the tree canopy will have the potential to attain shading over 40% of the total area of all parking stalls, loading areas, drive aisles and maneuvering areas at 15 years maturity, with certain exceptions. BMC Section 17.61.040.A. requires all plant material to be maintained, including pruning and trimming, in a reasonably healthy condition and prohibits tree topping except when necessary for the protection of public safety, property damage or liability. BMC Section 17.61.040.D. specifies that tree pruning should follow the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) pruning guidelines. Through the final site plan review and building permit processes, including a field inspection upon project completion, Planning staff ensures that newly constructed parking lots comply with the City's shade canopy requirement. In the absence of a complaint or other indication that parking lot trees have been pruned improperly or that dead trees have not been replaced, no subsequent staff inspections occur. Albertson's Shopping Center at Gosford Road and White Lane In her letter, Ms. Lange identified the Albertson's shopping center at the northeast corner of Gosford Road and White Lane as an example of improper tree maintenance practices that has likely resulted in non-attainment of the 40% shading requirement. Because this particular shopping center was developed prior to the adoption of the 40% shading requirement in 2001, it is subject to the prior shading standard of 30%. This center, as well as all other parking lots within the City, are subject to the aforementioned tree pruning guidelines in BMC Section 17.61.040.D. In light of the issues raised by Ms. Lange, Planning staff will require the shopping center owner(s) to provide an assessment (prepared by a landscape architect or certified arborist) of the center's compliance with the applicable 30% shading standard and tree pruning guidelines. If found to be out of compliance with either of these standards, corrective measures will be required, which could include the replacement of irreparably damaged and/or dead trees. Conclusion There may be developments that over time become out of compliance with the applicable parking lot shading standard and tree pruning guidelines. When information regarding specific developments which may be out of compliance becomes available, staff will coordinate with the property owners to achieve compliance with the applicable parking lot tree shading and pruning standards. cc: James D. Movius, Planning Director S:\Tree Canopy CC Referral Memo.doc -2- Lauren R. Lange Bakersfield, CA 93311 lauren_mcelwee @yahoo.com 661.858.0176 May 7, 2007 David Paquette, Code Enforcement Officer III Code Enforcement City of Bakersfield 1501 Truxtun Avenue. Bakersfield, California 93301 Dear Mr. Paquette, I have included below, the City ordinance text that requires tree canopy to cover 40% of a parking lots within 15 years. The reason I am including this and writing this letter is because I am concerned that this is not happening. This requirement is not being met in most parking lots around Bakersfield due in most part to the way landowners are having their trees trimmed. For example, the properties located on the northeast corner of Gosford Road and White Lane where the Albertson's is located (as well as other stores) is a horrifying example of improper tree maintenance. I am sure that the developer planted the requisite number and type of trees per the code and tree list, but they recently "trimmed" those trees. While trimming trees is important, they butchered these trees. They have cut off the ends of the branches to make the tree more lollipop shaped and left only a few central branches off which new shoots can come. What this in effect does is render the tree useless when it comes to shading the parking lot because sun goes directly through the tree and the branches are not allowed to spread out and cover more surface area. It also tops the tree so it can never reach its normal height and width. After this trimming, it then takes a couple of years for it to completely fill back in, get taller and new branches to spread out beyond the lollipop limit; at which time they "trim" them again. Finally, the Albertson's was built in 1990, therefore, it has reached its 15 years for canopy spread requirements. I don't believe that it meets the 40% canopy cover requirement. And finally, in conjunction with tree maintenance is replacing trees that have died (on private property). I see this frequently as well. A tree will 'die (most likely because it was trimmed improperly, therefore stressed and more susceptible to blights and diseases) and then never replaced. This is an obvious violation of the code because the parking lot no longer meets the 1 tree per every 6 parking spaces. It has been documented that the City of Bakersfield has in the recent past had an increase in daytime and nighttime temperatures. This is mainly due to more impermeable surfaces (such as parking lots) collecting and storing heat from the sun. If we truly want to prevent the City from becoming any more of heat sink then aggressive enforcement of this ordinance will help considerably(although I realize it won't solve that issue, but it will help). 9005 Crownin gsbietd Dr. Lauren-R. Lange Bakersfield, C7A 93311 lauren_meelwee@_yahoo.com 661.858,0176 The Albertson's example I listed above is only one of the myriad numbers of cases I see everyday as i drive around town, but it is particularly bad this year. Before the City of Bakersfield commits to beau€ifying the City by planting more trees, I suggest we take care of the ones we already have. i ao -want to recognize that the City, when it has control over how the trimming is completed, has done a good job with the maintenance of City trees- at parks, public buildings, etc- and I commend the City for that. Perhaps as an extension of that, the City can enforce their ordinance or provide tree trimming seminars, etc. One final thought I would 'like to leave you with is...... T a tree shades a car, the car isn't as hot, the person doesn't run their air conditioner as high, the car doesn't work as hard, hence the car uses less gas, putting off fewer air pollutants. Sincerely, Lauren IC. Lange cc: Harold Hanson, Council Member- Ward 5 Titie 17 ZONING i hapter 17.61 LANDSCAPE S T AI-TDAt DS ri. Trees sha" be insta"ea and thereafter maintained th ughout the parking area to ensure that it w4R be shaded based on calculating the canopy area of each tie at fifteen years from a master tree list approved by the planning director. The landscape plan required by.Section 17.08.080 shall be drawn to show that the tree canopy will have the potential to attain shading over`" percent of the total area of all parking stalls, loading areas, drive aisles and maneuvering areas. Truck loading docks in front of overhead doors, truck maneuvering and parking areas unconnected to and exclusive of any required vehicle parking areas, freight yards, and surfaced areas for automobile sales, lumber yards, and vehicle storage are not subject to this shading requirement.