HomeMy WebLinkAbout3/03/2006 B A K E R S F I E L D
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
MEMORANDUM
March 3, 2006
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager �T
SUBJECT: General Information
1. Jim Foss has accepted a position to manage the Glendale Arena in Phoenix. He
came to town well before construction on our arena was complete. He has had
responsibility for every lease, concert, and touring show we have had in the
building. In addition, Jim has been responsible for the positive financials and great
customer service. He has always been one of the best examples of those who
serve our citizens with loyalty, dedication, and hard work.
We extend congratulations to Jim on his promotion to a "big league" arena in
Phoenix. We extend our thanks to him for doing so much for Bakersfield, and we
extend our best wishes for his future!
Separately, you will receive an invitation to attend the farewell luncheon to honor
Jim on Thursday, March 9t" from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Fittingly, it will be held at
the arena in the main entrance/concourse area.
2. When you have an opportunity to visit the newly opened William M. Thomas
Terminal, you will see the City Council's dedication plaque just to the left of the
main entrance. The new airport facility fulfills a long needed improvement for our
growing area and will provide a greatly improved first impression for visitors flying
into Bakersfield.
3. Final pricing has been completed on the refinancing of the arena debt. While there
are still a few papers to sign, the interest rates are set and actual savings came out
a little better than estimates. First year savings (2005-06) are approximately
$2,029,000 and savings in 2006-07 are approximately $237,000, so combined
savings in the first 18 months will be $2,266,000. As soon as the transaction is
officially completed, we will bring a request back to the Council to transfer current
year debt service savings to fund the various capital improvements for the
convention center and arena facilities.
4. An updated version of the City Council goals document is enclosed as a mid-year
progress report.
5. A memo is attached from Recreation and Parks listing the various locations where
tree trimming will take place during the next four weeks.
Honorable Mayor and City Council
March 3, 2006
Page 2
6. Per the enclosed memo from Chief Rector, the television program, "America's
Most Wanted", on Saturday, March 11th, will feature a segment on the recent
armed robbery that occurred at the Chester Lane Market. The suspect involved in
that crime is still at large.
7. The Police Department is applying for a justice assistance grant for equipment,
with the intention of purchasing a color copier for the crime lab. No City match of
funding is required. The attached memo is to fulfill the requirement that the City
Manager and the City Council to be notified about the grant application.
8. The ribbon cutting event for the new playground equipment at Quailwood Park was
postponed until Tuesday, March 7th at 3:30, because of the uncertainty of weather
conditions this week. With rain again in the forecast for next week, Tuesday
remains tentative.
9. Responses to Council referrals are enclosed, as follows:
Councilmember Benham
• Public service announcements pertaining to the new fireworks restrictions;
Vice-Mayor Maggard
• Report on Valley Plaza security and actions to increase security standards;
Councilmember Couch
• Actions to ease traffic flow, including possible alternate routes during the
Chester Avenue bridge renovation project;
• Status report on various traffic problems — Rosedale and Landco; Allen and
Hageman; Olive Drive/Highway 99;
• Status report on staff review of drawings related to widening of an area of
frontage road on Brimhall;
Councilmember Sullivan
• Actions to alleviate flooding issues at Oakdale and Western;
• Time frame for completion of resurfacing at Hempstead at Edgemont and
Eastbourne Way;
• Status report on evaluation of a four-way stop at St. Francis School;
Councilmember Scrivner
• Report on various issues related to the disposal of locally generated biosolids;
• Status report on requests pertaining to prosecution for graffiti offenses and the
feasibility of prohibiting the sale of spray paint to those under 21;
• Citizen concerns regarding poor traffic flow at White Lane and Wible, Ming
Avenue and Real (further information to be provided regarding street racing
concern).
AT:rs
cc: Department Heads
Pamela McCarthy, City Clerk
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
2005 City Council Goals
Status Report - February 2006
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 a variety of Crime Prevention efforts, the
department educates adults and children on the dangers of gang violence, illegal drug use,
domestic violence, and child abuse. The Police Activities League provides services to over
800 at risk youth per year, regularly organizing interaction between these children and sworn
police officers. In 35 grammar and junior high schools, thirteen police officers teach a DARE
curriculum over a 9 week period to over 6,500 children.
3. Increase the number of actual participants and neighborhoods participating in the
Neighborhood Watch program. Between 7/1/05 and 12/31/05, Crime Prevention presented
46 neighborhood watch programs to various groups. We now have 626 active NW programs
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 August 2005, 27 Police
Trainees began our Academy. 22 are expected to graduate on 2/1/06. In October 2005, 8
Academy Lateral/Academy Graduate Police Officers were hired. Our sworn compliment is
345.
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. In July 2005, the
8th intersection (White Lane and Wible) was added to the department's Redflex Red Light
Violation program. There are a total of 12 intersections / approaches outfitted with the Red
Light cameras. In 2005, the monthly average number of citations issued for all approaches
was 700.
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.
7. Pursue and coordinate Homeland Security programs and facilitate information sharing with
state and federal agencies regarding regional security concerns. Since just after September
2001, the department has participated in a Homeland Security Task Force with the FBI and
the Kern County Sheriff's Office. We have a detective assigned full-time to this position.
8. Pursue additional grant funding for Police Service Programs. In 2005, the department
received new grant funding from the Office of Traffic Safety, The Alcohol Beverage Control,
and we are pursuing a grant from the US Dept of Justice for Gang Resistance Education and
Training.
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/06 Page 1
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9. Explore new or alternative funding mechanisms for constructing and staffing new police
facilities. The Police Department has been working with the City Manager's Office and other
City staff 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.
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 July 2005, the department
dedicated an officer full-time to investigate graffiti cases and to conduct prevention efforts
specifically aimed at this scourge. Frequently this officer is assisted by officers who are
working in a light duty capacity. The GHOST (Graffiti Habitual Offender Suppression Team)
program began in February 2005 and since it's inception, 77 graffiti arrests have been made,
and a total of 262 cases have been cleared by these arrests. An e-mail address was created
for graffiti tips and through the 32- ERASE program, over 6,000 removal requests have been
logged. An additional Police Officer and Maintenance Craftworker with associated equipment
were added in February 2006 to increase the City's graffiti enforcement and eradication
efforts. 3 surveillance camera systems were also added for graffiti enforcement.
Fire Services:
1. PROVIDE CONSISTENT FIRE AND RELATED EMERGENCY SERVICES THROUGHOUT
BAKERSFIELD. The Joint Powers Agreement with Kern County has been updated and
modified to address the transition of fire services from the County to the City when the land
area or population of incorporated areas become the majority protected within a County fire
station service area, which should provide a more consistent level of service to City residents.
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). Fire Department staff is currently working with
the City Manager's Office on a Request for Proposal (RFP) to hire a consultant to identify
future station locations due to the anticipated growth. Annually, more funds are set aside for
the future construction of Fire Stations 12 and 14. Progress is being made for the funding of
staff for fire stations through Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) in several of the recent
master planned communities.
3. Use technology to develop faster, safer, and more efficient responses to emergencies. To
help improve response times, we have preempted most signals in metropolitan Bakersfield,
and are working towards the complete utilization of automatic vehicle locators and routing
software to "call" the closest fire company, which may not be the assigned first-in company.
With grant funding, we are moving forward with automatic vehicle locators and detailed map
routing.
4. Continue Weapons of Mass Destruction training and preparation. During the past year Fire
Department staff has conducted drills on mass casualty, decontamination and point of
distribution sites for mass vaccination/treatment. We are continuing to update the disaster
plan and become National Incident Management System (NIMS) compliant. We have an
administrative Captain, through grant funding, providing Metropolitan Medical Response
System (MMRS) training to hospitals, County Health, high schools and others.
5. Pursue additional grant funding for fire service programs. The Fire Department has received
grant funds for the following: diesel exhaust systems for 10 fire stations, OSHA compliant
medical aid jackets to protect our firefighters from biological contamination, a Fire Captain to
help prepare our city for disasters and terrorist events, improvements to the Emergency
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/06 Page 2
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Communications Center's CAD system and the use of mobile computers, and a new fire
records management system.
6. Maintain as much as possible, fire safety and public safety programs through grants and
program sponsorship efforts. The Fire Department received $5,000 from Shell Oil Company
and $1,750 from Walmart for the public education program. School tours have continued and
staff works with the media to promote fire safety.
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.
8. Complete relocation of Fire Station #5. The City has purchased the land, hired the architect,
and has started the planning process. Project completion should be July, 2007.
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 have been inspected by City staff. Streets will
either be placed on the resurfacing or reconstruction list, based upon the street condition.
Cost for street materials, per street, will be estimated. This will assist staff in preparing
the Fiscal Year 2006/2007budget request. The Streets Division estimates
resurfacing/reconstructing approximately 70 Lane Miles during the 2006/2007 budget
year.
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
has developed a plan to utilize 10% of its Regional Transportation Improvement Program
dollars for major roadway reconstruction/rehabilitation. Although the plan is in place, the
State fiscal crisis has delayed State Transportation Improvement Plan (STIP) funding.
The City has budgeted one-time funds (such as the $4.2 million Vehicle License Fee
receivable) that become available for roadway rehabilitation.
C. Identify and create additional revenue sources to obtain all available state and federal
transportation funding." Staff will apply for Federal Funds to resurface/reconstruct major
streets.
D. Set aside one-time eligible monies as a priority for street maintenance projects as they
become available. Vehicle License Fee receivable one time revenues in the amount of
$4.2 million were allocated to various street resurfacing projects.
E. Support passage of the "Safe Roads Measure" for transportation funding. Staff continues
to work with other agencies on developing a Y2 cent transportation sales tax measure.
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
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obtained $630 million in federal dollars for various road projects in the metropolitan area
this past summer. There is also proposed for the November ballot a local measure that
would be dedicated to road maintenance and various road projects. Right of way has
continued to be acquired for the Westside Parkway, and 65% to 70% of the right of way
for the project has already been acquired.
B. Meet with Kern County and encourage Caltrans to amend preferred alternate 15 and
change the designation of Highway 58 from the vicinity of 7 t Standard Road to the South
Beltway. Caltrans will be starting studies this coming summer to adopt a new route for
SR58, and they have 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 of the freeway projects.
D. Encourage completion of the Westside Parkway. Staff has been working diligently with
both Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration to obtain environmental clearance
for the Westside Parkway. Once this clearance is obtained, final design and construction
can take place.
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.
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 including the southeast corner of the intersection at Oak Street
and 24`h 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 it 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. In
addition, standards for creating new developments are being updated to include a buffer area
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/06 Page 4
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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.
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.
8. Work with the County and other governmental entities to cooperatively plan for and fund
multi-jurisdictional transportation facilities in the metropolitan area. Staff has cooperative
agreements and will be working directly with the County and Caltrans on the Thomas Roads
projects, including sharing office space. Staff continues to work with other local, state and
federal agencies to secure funding and plan for transportation facilities for metropolitan
Bakersfield.
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 and construction is
scheduled to start by May 2006.
B. Chester Avenue Streetscape extension from 24th Street to Garces Circle. Funding is in
place, design work is completed, the project is currently out to bid, and construction is
scheduled to begin in April 2006,
C. Encourage commercial development that includes plazas and pocket parks. Staff
continues to work on ways to implement concepts developed as part of the Charette.
D. Creation of districts-arts, education, theater, government, finance, etc. Staff continues to
work on ways to implement concepts developed as part of the Charette.
E. Central Park expansion. This is related to the Mill Creek project. Funding for the design
has been identified and a design consultant is expected to be selected by March 2006.
The consultant will complete construction drawings by October of 2006.
F. Mill Creek project. Funding for the design has been identified and a Design Consultant is
expected to be selected by March 2006. The consultant will complete construction
drawings by October of 2006.
G. Selection of downtown site for Federal Courthouse. The GSA has awarded the new
Federal courthouse project to Castle and Cooke to be located at Stockdale and Buena
Vista Road.
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 65,000 sq. ft of commercial and 100 units of
affordable housing on property located near Q Street, California Avenue and the Kern Island
Canal.
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/06 Page 5
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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. Recreation and Parks Staff continues to work with the
War Veterans group to build a memorial next to the Visitor's Bureau, in front of the
Amtrak Station. The proposed memorial includes a water element, more trees, and will
be ADA accessible. Recreation and Parks staff also is planning more community, family
friendly activities at the McMurtrey Aquatics Center. A Polar Bear Plunge was held New
Year's Day, attracting over 250 people downtown. More family nights will be planned this
spring and summer; some in cooperation with the Ice Center. Several City departments
collaborated on a Prop 50 project which, if funded, will transform a riparian area between
the Kern River and the bikeway into an interpretive area for outdoor learning. The
proposal calls for boardwalks and overlooks with explanatory signs indicating the various
plant and animal life found in the Kern River, as well as some historical facts about the
Kern River and the surrounding area. It may be a year before we are notified of the
grant.
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 is involved in selecting the consultant for the Mill Creek Project. We have been
involved and will continue to be part of the process for this important downtown project
which will include Central Park and McMurtrey Aquatic Center. The Recreation and
Parks Director has met with Joe Colombo a few times on suggesting that the 9/11
Memorial be a part of the Mill Creek Improvement Project. The Mill Creek project includes
several water features, tying into the canal and Central Park.
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, 4.5 acres, will become a component of the South Mill Creek project.
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. Two projects with these elements are under development, South Mill
Creek and CityPlace. The projects are proposed to include restaurants, a theater,
affordable housing and other commercial 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.
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 2006. 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 2006.
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
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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.
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 ED/CD 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. Solar lights are not as efficient in areas that have trees and tall buildings.
Streetscape construction is scheduled to commence by Spring 2006 on Chester Avenue from
24th to Garces Circle. The project will compliment the existing streetscape from Truxtun to
23rd and will incorporate benches, trees, specialty lights and benches.
6. Encourage mixed use development that includes a diverse mixture of housing, retail and
commercial uses.* Work has begun on the conversion of the downtown landmark Padre
Hotel into a maximum of 83 residential condominiums and 10 commercial retail spaces on
the ground floor. The project is expected to be completed by December 2007. The City is the
process of leasing up to 200 parking spaces in the City-owned parking garage to the
developer to make the condominium units more attractive to prospective buyers.
A. Implement a mixed use development in the Southeast and Old Town Kern (Baker and
Kentucky Streets) Redevelopment areas. Property has been assembled and a
development agreement negotiated for the Baker Street Mixed use project. Construction
will begin in summer 2006.
7. Encourage water features in the downtown. This issue is under review by the Planning and
Development Committee.
A. Encourage use of canals and river elements in the downtown. Develop the Kern Island
Canal to become a center for community activities and outdoor enjoyment.* A design
contract will be awarded by Spring 06 for the canal improvements from California Avenue
to Golden State as part of the Mill Creek project.
B. Encourage the use of various water elements — fountains, pools, and ponds to enhance
the parks, town squares, etc.* The War 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 first will be presented in the downtown cottage project in June
2006.
C. Develop a plan to incentivize water features in the downtown through implementation of
planning requirements for water features as a design element required of certain size or
types of projects, or use alternative revenue sources to assist with funding such
amenities. This issue is under review by the Planning and Development Committee.
8. Encourage private courtyards and landscaped spaces that provide opportunities for formal
and informal leisure use and activities (e.g. the alley/court at the Superintendent of Schools
Office).* The new "Cottages" downtown housing development near Central Park will
incorporate courtyards and small park areas into its design.
9. Encourage the use of trees and flowers, lighting, street furniture, public art, signage, flags.
Use surface material that enriches the paving options on our streets, sidewalks, and curbing.*
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.
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/06 Page 7
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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 1 parcel in the
downtown and 5 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, and 19 completed in
2005. Staff is currently working on 82 pending and anticipates that approximately 20
annexations will be complete for 2006. The City's Sphere of Influence boundary was
amended in August 2004 which expanded the area by approximately 13,000 acres and 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 an agreement that the City
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 and affordable housing
development which will be located west of Ridgeview High School between 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 rental 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.
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 Town Kern.
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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. We assist ED/CD in redevelopment areas with suggestions, ideas, and cost
estimates.
b. Street repairs - Staff will submit a street repair list to the Economic/Community
Development Department. This list will assist them in applying for Community Block
Grant Funds. As funds become available, oils and streets will be converted to
asphalt streets.
c. Median island landscaping and streetscapes- In 2005, median islands, with
landscape and street lights, were installed on Martin Luther King Boulevard between
California Avenue and Virginia Avenue. Median islands were installed on California
Avenue between Union Avenue and So. Owens Street. As funds become available,
the median island on Martin Luther King Boulevard will be extended to Wilkins Street
and streetscape improvements will be made to the medians on California Avenue
between So. Owens Street and Williams Street. 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. The area has been recently resurveyed and additional
lights are not recommended at this time.
b. Street repairs - Curb, gutters, and sidewalks have been installed in the area between
34th Street and W. Columbus Street; Chester Avenue and Union Avenue. In this
same area, the streets have been converted from oils and to asphalt. Staff will
continue to evaluate and prioritize street improvements in the 34th Street area.
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 the Economic/Community Department for
requested Community 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. Public Works staff has submitted a request to the FAA for airport closure. Planning
staff has reviewed the airport land use compatibility plan and recommended an exception for
one project. A portion of the project was at the extreme end of compatibility zone B-2 but
outside the boundary recommended in the compatibility plan guidelines. Future projects that
conflict with the plan will have to address adjustments through amendment of the airport land
use compatibility plan.
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/06 Page 9
(Vision 2020 related items are shown with a')
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. Basically, without some maintenance dollars coming
with additional park land to maintain, the city is not able to absorb those parks into our
system at this time. The County will continue to maintain their parks within their budgeted
dollars.
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. Recreation and Parks staff has met with the Fire Chief to
discuss possibilities of adding community rooms, or even gymnasiums, for public use to new
fire stations. Having a place for programs to keep kids involved in positive activities in various
neighborhoods will go a long way toward crime prevention. Future development may be able
to use park development fees for these recreation facilities in exchange for park acreage, on
a limited basis. In addition, the Recreation and Parks Director has met with the Kern County
Superintendent of Schools to discuss programming for after school programs in school
facilities. They discussed the possibility of adding a community gym to new school plans;
again, possibly paid for by park development fees. The Director has also discussed
programming and use of facilities with the Kern High School District and the Greenfield
School District.
13. Provide property owners with incentives to create in-fill or redevelopment.* This has become
more challenging with the passage of SB 975, however, incentives have still been creatively
applied to promote the development of in-fill affordable housing projects. These affordable
housing developments have often provided the redevelopment catalyst for areas. The City
also obtained a special $1 million dollar grant from the EPA to establish a local revolving loan
fund to provide a financing source for businesses to deal with the cleanup of former
petroleum sites, allowing the property to be put into new development use.
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.
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 $35,000 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 and provide incentives for first time homebuyers in blighted areas.* Staff has
developed a special in-fill down payment program up to $35,000 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.
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/06 Page 10
(Vision 2020 related items are shown with a`)
18. Create stricter code enforcement to help maintain neighborhoods and increase visual
standards.* City staff continues to work with the County to enhance the County's code
enforcement efforts and make them more consistent with the City.
19. Involve youth in re-developing blighted neighborhoods through various efforts, such as tree
planting, graffiti removal, trash clean-up, and other neighborhood improvement programs.*
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 Councilmembers and youth volunteers on several
graffiti clean up 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 outside walls. The youth would be involved in creating
and painting the art work and the city could provide the materials.
20. Retrofit existing neighborhoods to be more pedestrian friendly and provide for pedestrian
friendly thoroughfares in new developments.* The new downtown cottage development
provides walkways and courtyards encouraging pedestrian activity.
21. Adopt incentives for reuse of commercial zones and improving utilization 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 city blocks which
may benefit from a targeted approach to economic assistance and does not conflict with or
duplicate existing redevelopment efforts. Staff has been preparing larger scale projects using
this approach including the Little Saigion commercial project, the Baker Street village and
South Mill Creek 50 acre concept.
23. Support implementation of the Baker Street Charrette Plan. Baker Street received funding to
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 summer 2006. The
Agency has possession of 14 properties. Demolition of the structures has occurred.
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 LAFCO 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 East Bakersfield
communities.
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/06 Page 11
(Vision 2020 related items are shown with a')
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 Old 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 Economic and
Community Development Department'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.
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.
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 it's 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.
2. Continue the campaign against littering (Keep Bakersfield Beautiful and CUB Programs) and
graffiti. 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 full
time staff dedicated to removing graffiti from public and private property in the City limits.
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/06 Page 12
(Vision 2020 related items are shown with a')
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.
B. Community recreation buildings. 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.
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 MILK and Jefferson.
D. Multi-purpose stadium.
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.
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 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 dollar grant from
Prop 40 money 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.
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.
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 34`h 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
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/06 Page 13
(Vision 2020 related items are shown with a')
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.
GOAL #7: FISCAL SOLVENCY
1. To incorporate best practices from the private sector as an element of conducting business.
City adopted medical insurance plan changes to bring benefit package more in line with
mainstream private sector plans.
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. Staff has completed
negotiations with Blue and White Collar employee units to limit the City's long term liability
and costs of providing retiree health care by replacing the retiree health plan with a retiree
health savings option for newly hired employees.
4. To budget conservatively by using one-time revenues for capital rather than operating costs,
with streets being of particular importance. Vehicle License Fee receivable one time
revenues in the amount of$4.2 million were allocated to various street resurfacing projects.
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$1.25 million to address cash flow issues caused by the State "triple flip" action.
Facilities reserve was increased by$1.45 million to address future facility needs.
2005 City Council Goals-Status Report 2/06 Page 14
(Vision 2020 related items are shown with a`)
B A K E R S F I E L D
Department of Recreation and Parks
Date: February 27, 2006
To: Alvan Tandy, City Manager
�UI0
- , ;2_u1 tai l'/0 Ow,-
From: Dianne Hoover, Director of Recreation & Parks
Subject: Tree Trimming Contract Locations
Beginning the week of February 27, 2006, West Coast Arborists will be trimming
approximately one hundred seventy (170) trees at nine areas in the city. We
expect this contract to take about six (6) weeks to complete. City Hall will have
its Palms trimmed and cleaned this Thursday and Friday weather permitting.
The locations are listed below:
• Week of February 27th - (approx.) - Patton Way - Weldon & Hageman Dr:
Trim 64 trees.
• Week of February 27th - (approx.) City Hall: Trim 14 Robusta Palms: Trim
8 trees.
• Week of March 6th — (approx.) Patton Way - Hageman & Maleta Ct.: Trim
10 trees.
• Week of March 6th — (approx.) Ming Avenue Median — Stine & Ashe Rd.:
Trim 11 trees.
• Week of March 13th — (approx.) Centennial Park Sump: Trim 21 trees.
• Week of March 20th — (approx.) Gosford Rd. Median - White Ln. & District
Blvd: Trim 12 trees.
• Week of March 20th — (approx.) California Avenue Median — Chester &
Union Avenue : Trim 7 trees.
• Week of March 27th — (approx.) Union Avenue Median — Bernard &
Columbus: Trim 14 trees.
• Week of April 3rd — (approx.) Central Area — 21 st St.: Trim 10 trees.
RECEIVED
MAR -2 2D06
C
B A K
C.ORPOR4TF�S
0& 1., BAKER,th . '`��I `
MEMORANDUM
cq�IL
IFO
R
Date: March 1, 2006
To: Alan Tandy, City Manager
From: W. R. Rector, Chief of Police
Subject: America's Most Wanted
Staff recently learned that Bakersfield has been chosen for a segment of "America's
Most Wanted" to televise a recent armed robbery that occurred at the Chester Lane
Market located on the corner of Chester Lane and A Street. The program is currently
scheduled for broadcast on the Fox Network, Saturday, March 11 th
I have attached a copy of the wanted notice for your information.
Ar Adr oom%
NVANT ]ED
TOBE
CONSIDERED ARMED
AND
DANGEROUS
Race: B Height: 5 ' 11 - 6' 1 Build: Slim
On 2/26/2006 the above pictured subject entered the Chester Lane Market,
2328 Chester Lane in Bakersfield California. The suspect demanded "everything"
and immediatly fired three times. The clerk was struck in the arm and abdomen.
The suspect fled the store and may have entered the passenger side of
a vehicle parked nearby. The above pictured suspect was described
as being a black male, 20-25 years of age, 5'11" - 6'F", thin build. The suspect
was last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and dark pants. The suspect
was clenching his mouth or may have had his jaw wired.
If you have any information on the location of this suspect you are urged to contact
Detective Calvillo at (661) 326-3504
the
Bakersfield Police Department at (661) 327-7111.
Or the
Secret Witness Hotline at (661) 322-4040
Refer to case # 06-34263
BA Kk
t V `NCORPORATEa s✓',
BAKERSFIELD POLICE
MEMORANDUM
1,.
c�LIF Q'R lip
Date: March 1, 2006
To: Alan Tandy, City Manager
From: W. R. Rector, Chief of Police :. 41
Subject: Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant Notification
The Police Department is eligible for an Edward Byrne Justice Assistance Grant. This
is an annual grant for equipment and there is no type of City match requirement. Part of
the grant process requires the department to notify the City Manager and Council of our
proposed application. Prior to receiving the grant award, we will be submitting a
complete administrative report for Council information. The department is planning on
requesting a new color copier for the crime lab. The grant amount is approximately
$75,000 and the total amount will be spent to purchase the copier equipment for the
crime lab.
The current copier is more than six years old and is in need of replacement. The copier
is used by all three divisions in the department, especially Investigations for crime scene
photographs and missing/wanted persons bulletins. Crime Prevention regularly utilizes
the copier to print posters for their various programs. Using grant funds to purchase a
new color copier is more prudent than the expenditure of general fund dollars or the
option of contracting with an outside vendor.
WRR/BLL/vrf
RECEIVED
0 MAR - 1 2006
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
B A K E R S F I E L D
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
MEMORANDUM
February 28, 2006
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Ron Fraze, Fire Chief
SUBJECT: Fireworks Restrictions Announcement
Council Referral No. Ref001418 (Ward 2)
Councilmember Benham requested the Fire Department investigate the use of
public service announcements to the media which will assist in enlisting public
service sunaort for the new fireworks restrictions.
We intend to approach all news media (radio, television, and newspaper) to see if they
will participate in Public Safety Announcements for the new firework restrictions
effective this Fourth of July.
SApowers\memos\Council Referral 2-28-06
BAKERSFIELD POLICE '
MEMORANDUM
Cl✓ ARY ll.o
9,,IF O'R
TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER
FROM: W. R. RECTOR, CHIEF OF POLICE L� --
DATE: FEBRUARY 27, 2006
SUBJECT: VALLEY PLAZA SECURITY
COUNCIL REFERRAL NO. 1428 (WARD 3 )
Vice—Mayor Maggard referred to staff the issue of Valley Plaza security to determine if their
security is adequate. If not, determine what can be done, i.e., develop standards or policies.
The Police Department met with staff members of Valley Plaza shortly after the Valley Plaza shooting in
December 2005. This included local and district management, and mall security supervision and
management. The discussion centered on several issues germane to mall security and crime
prevention. The Police Department vowed to continue its partnership with the Valley Plaza and to
increase its efforts to improve mall safety in the following ways:
1. The Police Department will continue to provide a presence at Valley Plaza through the use of its
foot beat officer assigned to the Police Satellite Office at White and Hughes Lanes. Officer
Stephen Ridge, the officer assigned to Valley Plaza, recently resigned to take a position in
Santa Maria and was replaced with BPD veteran Randy Ferris who will continue with Officer
Ridge's efforts of visible foot patrol and on-going crime prevention efforts. On weekends and
after Officer Ferris is off-duty, the Valley Plaza is patrolled by the district officers across all
shifts. Officers continue with interior foot patrol on Saturday and Sunday and random patrol of
the interior and exterior during week nights. Reserve officers working with regular officers will
augment BPD's presence at the mall from time to time.
2. The Special Enforcement Unit currently patrols the interior and exterior of the mall as a
deterrent to gang members who may congregate and have no legitimate business or purpose
for being at the mall other than to incite problems. Most gang members and their affiliates
recognize our SEU officers and would rather not run afoul of them. Officer Ferris will be trained
by SEU as well.
3. On January 19, 2006 our Crime Prevention personnel conducted a business watch meeting with
Valley Plaza merchants and management to discuss a variety of issues impacting the mall. Our
Crime Prevention Unit will continue to hold monthly meetings at Valley Plaza geared
toward making the mall, its patrons, employees and business safe through education and
awareness training. Some future meeting topics include: critical incident preparation and
training; business networking for crime and violence prevention; establishment of a critical
incident/crimes in-progress notification tree; and, lock-down and evacuation procedures. One
of the major tenants of community policing is the training and education of citizens to make
them cognizant of their surroundings and how to react affirmatively and appropriately during a
time of crisis when law enforcement may not be readily available.
VALLEY PLAZA SECURITY
COUNCIL REFERRAL NO. 1428
4. Implementation of BPD Communication Center guidelines that would create the immediate
dispatch of officers when certain information is called in by Valley Plaza merchants or patrons.
This would be designed to eliminate as much delay as possible between receipt of call to
dispatch of officers.
5. Our School Resource Officers assigned to the area around Valley Plaza will increase their
patrols of the GET transfer terminal and west side of the Valley Plaza property. This area is
frequented by students attending local continuation schools, many of which have a history of
behavior problems and criminal involvement including gang.affiliations.
6. Our Traffic Section will increase its random patrol of the Valley Plaza parking lots to include
enforcement of fire zone and disabled parking violations. This will add an increased presence
of marked police vehicles.
7. Additional efforts will include Kern County Probation and State Parole to target prior offenders
on parole or who have terms of probation and may be in violation of the conditions of those
terms while visiting the Valley Plaza.
Valley Plaza provided the Police Department with a list of 32 security officers. Several of these security
officers have backgrounds as former police officers with law enforcement agencies. This adds a depth
of experience to their security detail that is rarely found in private security circles.
The decision on how to deploy their private security resources rests solely with Valley Plaza
management. The Police Department will work collaboratively with mall security to insure that Valley
Plaza is as safe and secure as possible. Acts of violence involving homicide rarely involve complete
strangers. They typically involve, at minimum, at-odds acquaintances that happen to cross paths at
random locations - the Valley Plaza homicides were two unfortunate examples of this. During the recent
incident, in the parking lot, an officer was in the mall and responded immediately yet was not able to
save the victim nor apprehend the suspects.
According to the City Attorney's Office the Police Department must be very careful in not establishing a
"special relationship" with the Valley Plaza or any other establishment that requests special services.
The development of a "special relationship" stated or implied could increase the Police
Department's liability stemming from its activities at Valley Plaza.
The Police Department continues to be just as pro-active in its approach to crime prevention and
suppression at Valley Plaza as it is at the Market Place, Downtown, East Hills Mall or any other location
in the City. We will continue to look for ways to make Bakersfield a safe place to live, work and shop.
W R R/TDT/vrf
RECEIVED
B A K E R S F I E L D
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD FE-8 2 8 2006
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Raul Rojas, Public Works Director
DATE: February 28, 2006
SUBJECT: CHESTER AVENUE BRIDGE
Referral No. 1425
COUNCILMEMBER COUCH REQUESTED STAFF INVESTIGATE ENCOURAGING THE USE
OF ALTERNATE ROUTES FOR CITIZENS UTILIZING THE CHESTER AVENUE BRIDGE
WHILE THE BRIDGE IS BEING RENOVATED.
During the renovation of the Chester Avenue Bridge, traffic will be routed to the easterly
bridge for the duration of the project. This will restrict both north and southbound traffic
to one lane in each direction. However, Staff is looking at ways to reduce the impact to
the traveling public, such as modifying the timing of traffic signals, to keep traffic flowing
on Chester Avenue. Staff is also currently investigating various methods of
encouraging citizens to use alternate routes during the renovation of the Chester
Avenue Bridge including media notification and posting of advisory signing.
G:\GROUPDAT\Referrals\2006\02-22\Ref#1425(Rick M.).doc
B A K E R S F I E L D
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: V i Raul Rojas, Public Works Director
DATE: wMarch 3, 2006
SUBJECT: VARIOUS TRAFFIC PROBLEMS
Referral No. 1424
COUNCILMEMBER COUCH REQUESTED STAFF PREPARE A PLAN TO ADDRESS
TRAFFIC ISSUES AT THE ROSEDALE AND LANDCO GRADE SEPARATION, ALLEN AND
HAGEMAN ROADS, OLIVE DRIVE AND HIGHWAY 99; AND TRUXTUN AVE. AND COFFEE
ROAD.
Rosedale and Landco Grade Separation
This grade separation was nominated at the request of the City of Bakersfield for
inclusion in the Public Utility Commission (PUC) list. Staff will continue to pursue this
project to get State monies.
In addition, improvement to this location will be done with the Rosedale Highway
Thomas Roads project.
Allen and Hageman Roads
This area is comprised of two intersections, both of which are in the County. We have
been working with our counterparts at Kern County to improve these intersections
including the planning of a future grade separation with the BNSF railroad tracks.
Ultimately, the improvement will include the grade separation project.
Olive Drive and Highway 99
This interchange is in the County; however, the City has initiated a projects study report
with Caltrans to improve this location. Staff recently met with Caltrans, and are
continuing to work on completing currently the projects study report, and ultimately
construct the needed improvements. There is a plan in place for the ultimate
improvement; however, we will have to go through the normal steps since it is a
Caltrans facility, including the environmental work, design and eventual construction.
JRL:ngf
G:\GROU PDAT\Referrals\2006\02-22\Ref#1424.doc
Street improvements at Truxtun Avenue and Coffee Road
In response to a Council Referral from Council Member Couch, Traffic Engineering
Division developed options for street improvements to increase capacity and reduce
delays for the intersection of Truxtun Avenue and Coffee Road.
Due to the magnitude of the recommended street improvements, the City requested T.Y
Lin International to prepare concept design and cost estimates for the proposed
improvements. The improvements were separated into three phases with total project
cost estimates as follows:
1. Widen the Coffee Road Bridge over the Kern River to lengthen the southbound to
eastbound dual left turn lane bays for additional storage capacity. - $2,180,000.
2. Widen Coffee Road northbound adjacent to retail center to add a third lane
northbound, lengthen the dual right turn lane bays, and add a deceleration lane
at the entrance to the retail center. In addition, widen the south side of Truxtun
Avenue adjacent to the retail center to improve circulation for southbound to
eastbound turning movements. - $1,180,000.
3. Install traffic signal and lighting system at the southern entrance to the retail
center on the southeast corner of Truxtun Avenue and Coffee Road. In addition,
construct median modifications to accommodate left turn movements for both
northbound and southbound Coffee Road. - $717,000.
Option 1 essentially provides storage only for southbound traffic. Currently, through
lanes are not affected by the southbound left turn movement. Therefore this option will
do little to increase capacity and decrease delay for this intersection.
Options 2 and 3 will increase capacity for the northbound direction and improve
operations for the southbound to eastbound movement. However, the cost is high
(nearly $2,000,000) and will result in eliminating most of the existing trees that line the
existing shopping center.
The overall solution lies in construction of the Westside Parkway. This project includes
construction of Mohawk Street between Truxtun Avenue and Rosedale Highway. The
construction of the Mohawk Extension and Westside Parkway will alleviate the current
congested conditions for the southbound traffic at this intersection. The Mohawk
Extension will provide an additional river crossing into Downtown and the California
Avenue Business Districts. This will reduce the amount of southbound to eastbound left
turn movements at the intersection. The Mohawk Extension is anticipated to be in
construction within the next two years.
The Westside Parkway will provide an additional route into the Downtown Business
District which will result in a significant decrease in traffic volume on Truxtun Avenue
Extension near Coffee Road. The Westside Parkway is anticipated to be in construction
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G:\G RO U P DA-RReferrals\2006\02-22\Ref#1424.doc
within the next five years. Constructing the Coffee Road Bridge widening over the Kern
River (phase 1) would take a minimum of two years to complete all the necessary
environmental documentation and permits.
Staff recommends waiting for the Westside Parkway to be constructed. After this major
facility is in place, traffic can be re-evaluated and appropriate improvements proposed.
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G:\G RO U P DAT\Referrals\2006\02-22\Ref#1424.doc
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: March 2, 2006
SUBJECT: FRONTAGE PROPERTY ON BRIMHALL
Referral No. 1426
COUNCILMEMBER COUCH REQUESTED STAFF REVIEW DRAWINGS AS PRESENTED
BY DAVID GAY, AND INVESTIGATE THE FEASIBILITY OF WIDENING THE FRONTAGE
PROPERTY ON BRIMHALL. PLEASE PICK UP DRAWINGS IN THE CLERK'S OFFICE.
Public Works staff has received the drawing and is reviewing the feasibility of widening the
frontage along Brimhall Road. Staff will report back when the review is complete.
C:\DOCUME-1\jlaroche\LOCALS-1\Temp\Ref#1426(MPS).doc
RECEIVED
B A K E R S F I E L D FEB 2 8 2006
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
MEMORANDUM
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Raul Rojas, Public Works Director
DATE: r�February 28, 2006
SUBJECT: FLOODING NEAR OAKDALE AND WESTERN
Referral No. 1420
COUNCILMEMBER SULLIVAN REQUESTED STAFF ADDRESS FLOODING ISSUES ON
THE NORTH SIDE OF STOCKDALE HIGHWAY IN THE AREA OF OAKDALE AND
WESTERN, AND DETERMINE WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ALLEVIATE THE PROBLEM.
There is a catch basin at the south end of Oakdale Drive. During the winter months
leaves accumulate and at times block the gutter area. Streets Division crews will make
sure that during a rain storm this area is cleared of leaves and debris for proper
drainage.
Staff will also evaluate the area to see if it is possible to install more catch basins within
the Oakdale Drive and Western Drive area.
G:\GROUPDAT\Referrals\2006\02-22\Ref#1420(Luis P.).doc
0
RECEIVED
B A K E R S F I E L D
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD FEB 2 8 2006
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Raul Rojas, Public Works Director
DATE: i4v[February 28, 2006
SUBJECT: COMPLETION OF RESURFACING HEMPSTEAD ST.
Referral No. 1422
COUNCILMEMBER SULLIVAN REQUESTED STAFF PROVIDE INFORMATION
REGARDING THE COMPLETION DATE FOR THE RESURFACING OF HEMPSTEAD AT
EDGEMONT.
The street reconstruction project on Hempstead Lane and Edgemont Drive was
completed February 10, 2006.
The reconstruction of Eastbourne Way, which is approximately 200 feet long and a
dead-end street, will be completed the week of March 13, 2006.
G:\GROUPDAT\Referrals\2006\02-22\Ref#1422(Luis P.).doc
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: r'��March 3, 2006
6
SUBJECT: TRAFFIC AT ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL
Referral No. 1421
COUNCILMEMBER SULLIVAN REQUESTED STAFF EVALUATE THE TRAFFIC SITUATION
AT ST. FRANCIS SCHOOL AND THE NEED FOR A FOUR-WAY STOP TO AID IN
FACILITATING STUDENT DROP OFF/PICKUP
Traffic Engineering staff have added this intersection to the traffic study work list for an
update. The last traffic study for this intersection was performed in September 2005. At
that time, the results indicated that a four-way stop was not warranted. Results for the
updated traffic study are expected to be available in four to six weeks, depending on
weather conditions.
G:\GROUPDAT\Referrals\2006\02-22\Ref#1421 Palm-Pine traffi study.doc
RECEIVED
B A K E R S F I E L D FEB 2 8 2006
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
MEMORANDUM
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Raul Rojas, Public Works Director �r
DATE: February 27, 2006
SUBJECT: DISPOSAL OF LOCALLY GENERATED BIOSOLIDS
Referral No. 1396
***REFERRAL TO PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT***
COUNCILMEMBER SCRIVNER REQUESTED STAFF PREPARE A REPORT TO COUNCIL
REGARDING DISPOSAL OF LOCALLY GENERATED FARM BIOSOLIDS INCLUDING
INFORMATION REGARDING STATE REGULATIONS, THE ORIGIN AND BASIS OF
REGULATIONS, SUGGEST ALTERNATIVE METHODS OF DISPOSAL INCLUDING COST
ANALYSIS, IMPACT AND RELATED ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES.
Current Biosolids Practice
Biosolids processing at Wastewater Plant 2 and 3 are similar. During the treatment
process solids are settled by gravity and removed from the waste stream. These solids
are then transferred to large tanks (digesters) where the solids are mixed and heated to
ninety eight degrees Fahrenheit for approximately thirty eight days. This "digestion"
Process serves three purposes;
• reduces pathogens in the biosolids,
• reduces vector attraction qualities of the biosolids,
• and produces methane gas which is utilized by on-site generators to produce
electricity for plant use.
The biosolids are then solar dried to remove excess moisture. After drying, the
biosolids are sampled for nitrogen and various metals in accordance with EPA
regulation 40 CFR Part 503. The biosolids cannot be land applied if threshold limits are
exceeded. Typical crops grown for animal feed and fodder are wheat and alfalfa. The
application rate of biosolids is calculated to ensure the existing nitrogen levels in the
biosolids, irrigation water, and soil does not exceed the nitrogen uptake ability of the
crop. The City Farm consists of 78 fields with each field averaging about 70 acres. Due
to the small volume of biosolids generated and the size of the farm, only 25 of the 78
fields have been utilized since the year of 2000 and only 3 of the 25 fields had a repeat
application of biosolids.
C:\DOCUME-1\lskinner\LOCALS-1\Temp\Council Ref#1396.doc
The City of Bakersfield Pretreatment Inspection Group ensures that commercial and
industrial businesses do not dispose of hazardous waste into the sewer system. For
example, radiator shops are not permitted to discharge into the sewer system and metal
finishing industries are not allowed to discharge metals into the sewer system.
Regulation of these industries has enabled the biosolids to have low levels of metals.
The cost of hauling and spreading the biosolids for this current practice is $13.25 per
ton with an annul cost of $40,000-$70,000 per year.
State Regulations
Management of the biosolids are under permit with the State Water Resources Control
Board. The State Board uses the United States Environmental Protection Agency 40
CFR Part 503 as its standard. Part 503 was promulgated by the EPA in 1992. This rule
is designed to protect human health and the environment and contains a set of
management practices to ensure that biosolids are beneficially used properly. Annually
a biosolids report is submitted to the US EPA and a copy to the State Water Resources
Board. Reported are volume of biosolids, nitrogen loading, metals loading, pathogen
reduction and vector attraction reduction.
Alternative Methods of Disposal
United States EPA 40 CFR Part 503 provides for three methods of managing biosolids;
incineration, disposal at a sanitary landfill, and land application.
■ Incineration — The byproduct of this process is fly ash. This fly ash can be
recycled into concrete building products. Due to the existing non-attainment
status of the San Joaquin Valley air basin for ozone and particulate matter this
process appears to be impractical. In addition the costs are high. The gate fees
are estimated to be $45-$50 per ton, hauling costs would increase because the
biosolids would be required to have a higher moisture content (approximately 2.5
times higher), and there would be capital costs at the treatment plant to install
mechanical dewatering equipment. Not including the capital costs the annual fee
would be approximately $991,000 per year.
• Disposal at a sanitary landfill — A gate fee and higher hauling costs would be
similar to the incineration option. Disposal of biosolids at a sanitary landfill uses
up volume in a landfill and due to the high moisture content may cause leachate
problems.
• Land Application — Currently this option is being utilized. Composting falls under
the category of land application and is an additional treatment after digestion.
Composting can further reduce the level of potential pathogens in the biosolids.
Reuse options for composted biosolids are bagged fertilizer for home use or
applied on a farm for agricultural use. The cost to haul the biosolids to a
composting facility is approximately $35 per ton with an annual cost of $186,000.
After composting the biosolids would be land applied and would have to meet the
same regulations as non composted land applied biosolids.
C:\DOCUME-1\lskinner\LOCALS-1\Temp\Council Ref#1396.doc
o f `B O ICEhs�
cgLIFOP,
MEMORANDUM
CITY A TTORNEY'S OFFICE
February 24, 2006
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: VIRGINIA GENNARO, CITY ATTORNE i tv �
SUBJECT: COUNCIL REFERRAL NO. 001410
COUNCILMEMBER SCRIVNER REQUESTED STAFF RESEARCH INFORMATION
ON LEGISLATION THAT WILL ALLOW GRAFFITI OFFENSES TO BE
PROSECUTED CUMULATIVELY UP TO A FELONY CHARGE. IN ADDITION,
STAFF TO LOOK AT THE FEASIBILITY OF PROHIBITING THE SALE OF SPRAY
PAINT TO THOSE 21 AND YOUNGER.
This office is already drafting a comprehensive memo in response to a previous request
regarding graffiti issues. Therefore, these referrals shall be addressed in that comprehensive
memo allowing the city council to have all issues addressed in one document.
VG/js
SACOUNCUReferrals\05-06 Referrals\Scrivner-Graffiti comprehensive.doc
e
S A K E R S F I E L D
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: ?��Imarch Raul Rows, Public Works Director
DATE: 3, 2006
SUBJECT: CITIZEN CONCERN RE STREET RACING, DOGS AND TRAFFIC
SIGNAL
Referral No. 1419
COUNCILMEMBER SCRIVNER REQUESTED STAFF CONTACT RONALD SHEPARD
REGARDING STREET RACING AND REPORT BACK TO COUNCILMEMBER SCRIVNER;
STAFF TO PROVIDE A STATUS REPORT ON THE PROCESS AND PRIORITY OF
ADDRESSING THE LARGER ISSUE OF STREET RACING CITYWIDE; STAFF ADDRESS
MR. SHEPARD'S CONCERN REGARDING RESPONSE TIME TO AN ANIMAL CONTROL
COMPLAINT; AND STAFF ADDRESS CONCERNS OF POOR TRAFFIC FLOW DUE TO
TRAFFIC SIGNALS AT THE INTERSECTIONS OF WHITE LANE AND WIBLE, AND MING
AVENUE AND REAL ROAD.
STAFF ADDRESS CONCERNS OF POOR TRAFFIC FLOW DUE TO TRAFFIC SIGNALS AT
THE INTERSECTIONS OF WHITE LANE AND WIBLE, AND MING AVENUE AND REAL
ROAD.
The Traffic Engineer contacted Mr. Shepard regarding his concerns of traffic flow at the
intersection of White at Wible, Ming at Real and Planz at South Real Road. Traffic
operations of the traffic signals were explained to Mr. Shepard and he outlined the
problems he had observed. Traffic Engineering staff will be investigating the signals
operation, based on comments from Mr. Shepard and make improvements, if possible,
to alleviate his concern. Mr. Shepard did not request any additional contact from Traffic
Engineering.
G:\GROUPDAT\Referrals\2006\02-22\Ref#1419(Steve W.).doc