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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/21/2006 S A K E R S F I E L D CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE MEMORANDUM April 21, 2006 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager SUBJECT: General Information 1. Please remember next week's major event with the opening of The Park at River Walk at the Brighthouse Networks Amphitheatre. The festivities begin with the VIP Grand Opening on Monday, the 24th at 2:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday is full of fun events, including a free concert Friday night. A flyer is enclosed with more detail. 2. We received good news from the mediator involving our dispute with the City of Shafter over the definition of "irrigation". We are happy to report that the opinion favors the City's position. The mediator found that irrigation means water for agricultural or stock watering purposes--not domestic uses. Also, the mediator opined that water pumped out of the ground does not lose its character. In other words, such water can only be used for agricultural purposes. Although this is a non-binding decision, it provides us with some guidance in dealing with the water issues that face us in the future, especially when dealing with the impending growth of Shafter. 3. We received a cost estimate from BNSF regarding the relocating their rail yard as part of the proposed route of the Centennial Corridor. Under the terms and conditions outlined by the railroad, we do not believe this is a feasible option. We will continue to explore other alternatives. The Kern High School District and BNSF officials have been notified. Copies of those letters are attached. 4. Water Resources is reporting that the 2006 spring/summer yield on the Kern River is now estimated to be 151% of normal. This is a dramatic change and almost doubles the 79% that was predicted March 1st. This impressive increase is the result of a series of storms that produced precipitation on 30 of the last 42 days. The last 6 weeks generated as much water content as the first 4 full months of the season. With this prediction, the Kern will be flowing strong during the summer months in town and Isabella Reservoir will close to filling to capacity. The City is gearing up for a full season of water deliveries and the percolation and banking significant portions of this water for future City use. Honorable Mayor and City Council April 21, 2006 Page 2 5. We continue to experience some slippage in finalizing the next step of the sale of the farm, which will be a contract granting a 90-day exclusive right to negotiate. We are now hoping to bring this contract to you for approval the first meeting in May. 6. We have been notified by the National Arbor Day Foundation that once again Bakersfield has been named as a 2005 Tree City USA! This was based on meeting four standards: a tree department, tree care ordinance, comprehensive community forestry program, and Arbor Day observance. Congratulations to our Recreation and Parks Department for a job well done! 7. We received some disturbing news from KernCog over the past two weeks. Of the $29.5 million Regional Transportation Improvement Program (RTIP) funding estimate provided to Kern County by the CTC last November, the actual number is only $12.3 million. This is part of a statewide cutback in funding to the CTC and is a permanent cut not just a one-year delay. It will require that TRIP funds be used to backfill several projects to keep them moving. 8. The Streets Division work schedule for the week of April 24th is enclosed. 9. A response to a Council request is enclosed: Vice Mayor Ma and ❖ Cost for security downtown; ❖ Letter to all State Legislators requesting their assistance in changing current regulations regarding group homes; ❖ Mesa Marin baseball fields; Councilmember Hanson ❖ Update on the installation schedule of the signal at Buena Vista and Panama Lane; Councilmember Scrivner ❖ Additional information regarding the PBID process; ❖ Senior development at Stine and Berkshire. AT al cc: Department Heads Pamela McCarthy, City Clerk AKERSFIEL Grand Opening of The Park at River Walk 11200 Stockdale Highway April 28, 29, & 30 ' Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. • Sunday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. FREE EVENTS • , Entertainment Artisan's Fair Farmer's Market Children's Area . ; Historical Display Area Model Boat Regatta (sat) SPECIAL EVENTS Fishing Derby Sat 8 a.m. - 12 p.m. Wine, Beer, & Food Tasting Fri 6 - 9p.m. & Sat4 - 6p.m. r bright house �E.wo.a 326=FUNN CITYOFBAKFRSFIFLD Recreation www.bakersfieldcity.us &Parks B A K E R S F I E L D Alan Tandy • City Manager April 19, 2006 Dr. Don Carter, Superintendent Kern High School District 5801 Sundale Avenue Bakersfield, CA 93309 Re: Possible Centennial Corridor Alignment Impacting Bakersfield High School Dear Dr. Carter: Attached you will find a copy of correspondence that was sent to the BNSF Railroad today. With respect to potential impacts to the Bakersfield High School campus from the alignment through the rail yard, the following summarizes the issue: 1. Cost estimates of relocating the rail yard, coupled with construction costs estimates of various routing alternates, show us that it would not be economical to pursue further discussions or negotiations on the "BHS" alignment. 2. Federal and state environmental laws mandate that alternative alignments for freeways be reviewed during the environmental process. It is probable that over the next three to five years, the "BHS" or railroad alignment would have to be studied as a part of that process, so we cannot say the issue will not come up again. We have no reason to believe that the economics will change, however. 3. We do not plan, at any time in the foreseeable future, to pursue discussions with BNSF on the alignment that would directly impact BHS. Please feel free to contact me if you have questions or concerns. Since ely, Ian Tand City Manager cc: Honorable Mayor and City Council Raul Rojas, Public Works Director Ted Wright, Civil Engineer IV Roy V. Ketring, lll, Railroad Public Projects, Inc. Christopher J. Clark, Parsons Program Manager City of Bakersfield • City Manager's Office • 1501 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield • California • 93301 (661) 326-3751 • Fax(661) 324-1850 0 B A K E R S F I E L D Alan Tandy • City Manager April 19, 2006 James J. O'Neil, Assistant Vice President Properties and Facilities Management Burlington Northern Santa Fe P O Box 961050 Forth Worth, Texas 76161-0050 Dear Mr. O'Neil, Thank you for your letter of February 17, 2006, and your visit here during which you articulated a cost estimate and proposed terms under which the BNSF rail yard might be relocated by the City of Bakersfield for a potential routing of the Centennial corridor project. , Since February, we have been in the process of reviewing potential cost estimates for this and other possible roadway alignments. Please be advised that, in a few years, compliance with federal and state environmental laws will require that various alternates be formally reviewed. It is possible, even probable, that the alignment through the rail yard may be a part of that formal alternate review process. At this point in time, however, the construction cost of that alignment, coupled with your proposed costs and terms, make it very clear to us that there is no cost benefit to the City of Bakersfield in pursuing an alignment through the rail yard property. The cost differences are so great that further discussions of financial terms would be a waste of your time and ours. Despite this conclusion, we do feel it was productive to enter into discussions with you. At least now we have numbers to draw upon. The time and effort you spent in compiling the cost estimates has been appreciated. Sincerely, an Tand ity Manager cc: Honorable Mayor and City Council Raul Rojas, Public Works Director Ted Wright, Civil Engineer IV Roy V. Ketring, lll, Railroad Public Projects, Inc. Christopher J. Clark, Parsons Program Manager City of Bakersfield • City Manager's Office • 1501 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield • California • 93301 (661) 326-3751 • Fax (661) 324-1850 )The National Arbor Day Foundation® 211 N.12th St.•Lincoln,NE 68508.402-474-5655 We ittspt'r People tole,nurture,and celebrate gees. March 27, 2006 The Honorable Harvey Hall � �J R E—EIVED Mayor of the City of Bakersfield 4_10_o 1501 Truxtun Avenue _D.101Lo !- APR 17 M6 Bakersfield, CA 93301 S Mi(a k4oq MAYOR'S OFFICE Dear Mayor Hall, y1r_tL USA! Congratulations to Bakersfield on being named as a 2005 Tree City Trees are a vital component of the infrastructure in our cities and towns, and provide environmental and economical benefits. A community, and its citizens, that recognize these benefits and provide needed care for its trees deserves recognition and thanks. This year we are excited to celebrate the 30`h Anniversary of Tree City USA. From its humble beginning in 1976, the program has grown to 3 be the leading community forestry recognition program in the country. Communities like yours, who emphasize the important role trees play to the well being of its citizens, have made this program such a success. Tree City USA is sponsored in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the-USDA Forest Service. State foresters are responsible for the presentation of the Tree City USA flag and other materials. We will forward your awards to John Melvin in your state forester's office. They will be coordinating the presentation with you. It would be especially appropriate to make the Tree City USA award a part of your Arbor Day ceremony. Again, congratulations on receiving this national recognition for your tree-care program. Best regards, � dz? __--- John Rosenow President cc: Patrick Denney News from For more information,contact Z'j�i(, NatYOna1 John Rosenow,President or Gary Brienzo,Communications Manager at(402)474-5655 Arbor Dav Foundadoir 100 Arbor Avenue•Nebraska City,NE 68410•www.arborday.org FOR INMDIATE RELEASE: Bakersfield Named Tree City USA Bakersfield has been named a Tree City USA by The National Arbor Day Foundation to honor its commitment to community forest. It is the ninth year Bakersfield has received this national recognition. The Tree City USA program is sponsored by The National Arbor Day Foundation in cooperation with the National Association of State Foresters and the USDA Forest Service. Bakersfield has met the four standards to become a Tree City USA: a tree board or department, a tree care ordinance, a comprehensive community forestry program, and an Arbor Day observance. "Trees are a vital component of the infrastructure in our cities and towns, and provide environmental and economical benefits," said John Rosenow, President of The National Arbor Day Foundation. "A S community, and its citizens, that recognize these benefits and provide needed care for its trees deserves recognition and thanks." "This year we are excited to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Tree City USA," Rosenow added. "From its humble beginning in 1976, the program has grown to be the leading community forestry recognition program in the country. Communities like yours, who emphasize the important role trees play to the well being of its citizens, have made this program such a success." We help people plant and care for trees.'" STREETS DIVISION —WORK SCHEDULE WEEK OF APRIL 24, 2006 — APRIL 28, 2006 Continue preparing streets for an overlay in the following area; Area west of River Boulevard, south of Panorama Drive Area between N. Halfmoon and Ming Avenue, west of Ashe Road Street reconstruction project (CDBG FUNDED) in the area east of Old Stine Road, north of Wilsor Road. Constructing a turn pocket on Rosedale Highway, east of Calloway Drive. Assisting the Railroad Company in repairing the railroad crossing on Baker Street between Jackson Street and Sumner Street AREA SWEEPING SCHEDULE Monday, April 24, 2006 Area between Columbus Street & Wenatchee Avenue from University Avenue and Panorama Drive Wednesday, April 26, 2006 Area between Granite Falls Drive & Hageman Road from Calloway Drive to Coffee Road. Thursday, April 27 2006 Area between Bernard Street & 178 Highways from Union Avenue to Baker Street. Tuesday, April 25 and Friday, April 28, 2006, Sweeper Operators are on their regular sweeping routes. A k`F� O�`-CORPORATE,' 15� BAKERSFIELD POLICE d lip MEMORANDUM RY 11, F'OR RECEIVED TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER FROM: W. R. RECTOR, CHIEF OF POLICE APR 2 0 2006 BY: ASSISTANT CHIEF BRYAN LYNN, CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE DATE: APRIL 20, 2006 SUBJECT: COST FOR SECURITY IN DOWNTOWN COUNCIL REFERRAL NO. 1470 (CITY WIDE) Vice-Mayor Maggard requested staff provide a comprehensive report outlining the staffing levels and cost to provide security during the immigration demonstrations. Attached please find a daily breakdown of the costs associated with the Immigration Protest activities as requested by Council Member Maggard. Please note that the officers listed for each day were specifically assigned to the protest activities, but were assisted by on-duty personnel as needed. Please call if you have any questions. BLL/vrf v BAKERSEIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT PERSONNEL COSTS FOR IMMIGRATION PROTEST ACTIVITIES POLICE OFFICER COSTS DESCRIPTION 03/29/06 03/30/06 03/31/06 04/10/06 TOTALS #OF EXTRA OFFICERS - OT 41 21 36 44 OT COSTS $ 4,284.35 $2,810.09 $ 4,027.87 $ 3,528.09 $ 14,650.40 # OF EXTRA OFFICERS -CALL BACK OT 29 18 61 44 CALL BACK OT COSTS $ 8,280.49 $3,735.84 $ 19,745.25 $ 14,302.26 $46,063.84 #OF OFFICERS ON STAND BY ONLY 20 38 STAND BY PAY COSTS 41 53 $ 800.00 $ 1,560.00 $ 2,080.00 $ 2,400.00 $ 6,840.00 TOTALS $13,364.84 $8,105.93 $25,853.12 $20,230.35 $67,554.24 PST COSTS DESCRIPTION 03/29/06 03/30/06 03/31/06 04/10/06 TOTALS # OF EXTRA PSTs - OT 3 2 0 2 OVERTIME COSTS $ 207.52 $ 72.08 $ $ 95.33 $ 374.93 #OF EXTRA PSTs - CALL BACK OT 0 0 0 2 CALL BACK OT COSTS $ - $ $ $ 366.22 $ 366.22 STAND BY OT COSTS $ $ $ TOTALS $ 207.52 $ 72.08 $ _ $ 463.55 $ 741.15 TOTAL COSTS DESCRIPTION 03/29/06 03/30/06 03/31/06 04/10/06 TOTALS POLICE OFFICER COSTS $13,364.84 $8,105.93 $25,853.12 $20,230.35 $67,554.24 PST COSTS $ 207 52 $ 72 08 $ $ 463.55 $ 741.15 TOTAL COSTS $13,572.36 $8,178.01 $25,853.12 $20,693.90 $68,295.39 C:\D000ME-1\blynn\LOCALS-1\Temp\Book5.xls 4/20/20064:13 PM Prepared by Darrin VU. Branson BAKEOFWOFPOkTO s� U r 61" MEMORANDUM CITY ATTORNEY'S OFFICE April 17, 2006 TO: ALAN TANDY, CITY MANAGER FROM: VIRGINIA GENNARO CITY ATTORNEY JANICE SCANLAN, ASSISTANT CITY A ORN Y,u SUBJECT: COUNCIL REFERRAL NO. 001465 [Councilmember Maggard requested staff prepare a letter for the Mayor's signature to all the State Legislators requesting their assistance in changing current regulations regarding group homes. Provide a copy of our Resolution with the letter. The requested letter to the State Legislators, along with a copy of our Resolution, is attached. VG:dll cc: Honorable Mayor and City Council Attachments SACOUNCIUReferrals\05-06 ReferralsWaggard-001465.GroupHomes.doc April 13, 2006 THE HONORABLE NICOLE PARRA California State Assembly State Capitol Building, Room 4005 Sacramento, California 95814 THE HONORABLE KEVIN MCCARTHY California State Assembly State Capitol Building, Room 3104 Sacramento, California 95814 THE HONORABLE ROY ASHBURN California State Senate State Capitol Building, Room 5094 Sacramento, California 95814 THE HONORABLE DEAN FLOREZ California State Senate State Capitol Building, Room 5061 Sacramento, California 95814 Re: Group Home Legislation Dear Assembly Members and Senators: By now, you should have received a copy of a letter the City of Bakersfield sent to Community Care Licensing Division regarding a group home located in the City of Bakersfield. The neighbors of the group home have been living in fear of the residents for the past year and have received no indication from the manager of the home or others that their concerns will be addressed. In March, the neighborhood residents attended a City Council meeting, expressed their fear and frustration and asked the City to intervene. A review of group home legislation has led the City to the conclusion that there is a plethora of legislation and regulations to safeguard the residents of group homes, but no legislation or regulations to protect the neighbors living in close proximity to those homes. Assembly Members and Senators April 13, 2006 Page 2 Therefore, the City of Bakersfield urges your assistance with the drafting, introduction and passage of legislation which will set forth procedures to protect the neighborhoods in which group homes are situated. On April 5, 2006, the City Council adopted a resolution requesting the Legislature to amend group home laws to provide such protection for surrounding neighborhoods. A copy of the resolution is enclosed for your review. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. Please do not hesitate to contact my office ((661) 326-3770) or the City Manager's office ((661) 326-3751) for assistance. _We look forward to working with your office and your staff to create a legislation which will be satisfactory to all concerned. Very truly yours, HARVEY L. HALL Mayor SACOUNCIUReferrals\05-06 Referrals\Maggard-GroupHorreUr2Legis.dcc RESOLUTION NO. 097 - 06 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BAKERSFIELD REQUESTING THE STATE LEGISLATURE TO AMEND STATE LAWS PERTAINING TO GROUP HOMES. WHEREAS, the California Legislature has adopted legislation in the Welfare and Institutions Code regarding group homes; and WHEREAS, pursuant to that legislation, group homes must be permitted in residential areas; and WHEREAS, the City of Bakersfield supports the proposition that residents of group homes have the same rights and responsibilities of all individuals of the State of California; and WHEREAS, the City does not, however, agree that the rights afforded residents Of group homes is superior to the rights of the residents of the surrounding neighborhood; and WHEREAS, current legislation has a myriad of safeguards pertaining to the residents of the group homes; and WHEREAS, there is no mention in the legislation of safeguards for the neighbors and neighborhoods surrounding the group homes; and WHEREAS, for the past eighteen months, a group home has been operating in the northeast section of Bakersfield; and WHEREAS, for those eighteen months, the residents living in the area of the group home have dealt with numerous situations involving residents of the group home attempting to break into their homes, confronting them in their yards, screaming in the street in the middle of the night and other acts which demonstrate a lack of control of the residents by the counselors who are tasked with supervision; and WHEREAS, when neighbors approached supervisors requesting a complaint form or other mechanism to address their concerns, no document or process was forthcoming for more than one year, and WHEREAS, the California Code of Regulations adopted to facilitate the group home legislation makes mention of a complaint procedure, however, it is strictly designed for the residents of the group homes or their families to protest treatment, conditions or behavior inside the group home; and S`G3UNCtUftesosir�C�r'�,cstyro;-�rn+cemend.CGC --Pai-ye 1 of 3 Pap-es-- WHEREAS, there is no mechanism in place for neighbors to lodge complaints with the agency(ies) overseeing the group home; and WHEREAS, the City of Bakersfield desires to see the legislation amended to permit the neighbors surrounding group homes to have a voice to ensure that they, too, are able to have their concerns about the group homes addressed by entities with the power to correct the problems or concerns. IOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Bakersfield as follows: 1. That the above recitals are true and correct; 2. That the Council requests the California Legislature to amend the Welfare and Institutions Code and adopt appropriate regulations which will enable the neighbors surrounding group homes to have a mechanism to report complaints and concerns regarding their safety and privacy and that such mechanism will set forth a procedure with a rapid response time, so residents surrounding the group home may live in peace and safety. ----------000---------- 3'.COUNGtttResosLS-GS Fesos�,ro�t�meamerd.00C ' --Patze 2 of 3 Pages-- L -Mftftftft 0 B A K E R S F I E L D OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER MEMORANDUM April 21, 2006 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Alan Christensen, Assistant City Manager SUBJECT: Mesa Marin Baseball Fields Council Referral #001427 [Vr ice Mayor Maggard requested staff contact Big League Dreams regarding their o posal to provide improvements to the Mesa Marin Baseball Fields. Staff is concerned about the proposal submitted by Big League Dreams for the site. Upfront costs by the City are requested with no clear definition as to how they would be applied. Guarantee of financial participation by the developer is also being questioned. A letter has been sent to Big League Dreams requesting answers to these questions, and is attached. B A K E R S F I E L D Alan Tandy - City Manager April 20, 2006 Don Webber Big League Dreams 16339 Fairfield Ranch Road Chino Hills, CA 91709 Dear Mr. Webber, We have received your proposal for developing the Mesa Marin ballfield site. After reviewing the details of the proposal, we have the following questions for which we would like you to clarify so that we can better evaluate it. First, it appears that the City is being asked to pay the $716,715 in license, design and consulting fees up front. Is this correct? If BLD is willing to finance $4.5 million of the project, why isn't that being applied to the design and license fee? We are, of course, concerned about what happens if the project does not go forward after we have already paid $716,715 to you. Second, what happens if construction costs exceed $6.5 million to develop the fields? Since your proposal provides for up front payment of the before-mentioned fees, how do we know the $4.5 million will be available after the fees have been paid by the City? Third, what form of guarantee do you propose of your financial participation — cash, bond, irrevocable letter of credit, or other? We request that you provide responses to these questions as soon as possible. Sincerely, Alan Christensen Assistant City Manager cc: Alan Tandy, City Manager Dianne Hoover, Director of Recreation and Parks Vice Mayor Mike Maggard, City Councilmember— Ward 3 City of Bakersfield - City Manager's Office - 1501 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield - California - 93301 (661) 326-3751 - Fax(661) 324-1850 B A K E R S F I E L D CITY OF BAKERSFIELD PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT AE' 2006 MEMORANDUM CITY MANAGER'S MANAGER'S OFFICE TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Raul Rojas, Public Works Director DATE: April 14, 2006 SUBJECT: BUENA VISTA AND PANAMA TRAFFIC SIGNAL Referral No. 1468 COUNCILMEMBER HANSON REQUESTED STAFF PROVIDE AN UPDATE ON THE INSTALLATION SCHEDULE OF THE SIGNAL AT BUENA VISTA AND PANAMA LANE. The Traffic Engineer determined that the intersection met warrants for a traffic signal in September, 2005, and recommended that it be added to the CIP project list. The Design Engineer has listed this project in the proposed CIP for the upcoming 2006-07 budget year. Once approved by the City Council in June, the estimated time of design and completion will be determined by Design Engineering with a schedule produced for this project, and other projects in the CIP. C:\DOCUME-1\lskinner\LOCALS-1\Temp\Ref#1468 buena Vista-Panama Ln Traffic Signal.doc 00e B A K E R S F I E L D Economic and Community Development Department M E M O R A N D U M April 21, 2006 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: George Gonzales, Community Development CoordinatorGl%� SUBJECT: PBID Information Council Referral No. Ref001466 Councilmember Scrivner requested staff provide additional information on the PBID process and when and where the informational meetings will be held. Additionally, provide a report regarding the feasibility of lower or no assessments for non-profits and if the Council can cast their vote the night of the hearing. A flyer regarding the April 12, 2006 informational meeting was sent to Council on April 7, 2006 by the City Clerk's office. The City of Pomona allowed for a 95% reduction of assessment to non-profits. The city's reasoning that the non profits derive no benefit from most of the services identified such as marketing, promotion and special events, although they might receive some benefit from security. The Bakersfield PBID management plan proposes 62% of the budget be expended for maintenance and security enhancements. In addition another 15% of the budget is allocated for administration of the PBID programs. It could be argued that these proposed services benefit both the private property and non-profit owners. The PBID Steering Committee has not received any objections from non-profits towards the PBID. A proposal of a reduced assessment for non-profits will require creation of a new budget, management plan and require that the PBID petition be redone. This would result in a one year delay in formation. Council casting their vote the night of the hearing: Since the City is just like any other property owner they are required to follow the law just like any other property owner. That means that they will receive a ballot that needs to be signed and dated prior to the CLOSE of the public hearing. They cannot wait until ballot tabulation to determine if they will sign the ballot. C:IDOCUME-1\alawrenclLOCALS-11Temp1PBID.doc B A K E R S F I E L D OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER MEMORANDUM April 21, 2006 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Alan Christensen, Assistant City Manager r SUBJECT: Senior Development at Stine and Berkshire Council Referral #1471 Councilmember Scrivner requested staff address the concerns of the neighbors with regard to a senior development under construction. Background The proposal in question is 5-acre senior condo PUD (Planned Unit Development). It went to Planning Commission on April 6th. The Commission recommended approval of the GPA from low to high density residential, but continued the zone change to May 4 th. (proposed PUD Zone requires concurrent approval of a preliminary development plan at the time of the zone change). The GPA is scheduled for the May 24th City Council meeting. The developer is redesigning the project to provide a larger setback along the east property line to address the overlook issue and will also retain as many of the mature eucalyptus trees along the east and north property lines as possible which will help to screen views from 2nd story balconies into adjacent backyards. We expect the revised site plan to be submitted by Friday. The neighbors have the following concerns about the development that they would like responded to: 1. Mature Landscaping, not small trees or skimpy landscaping. No palm trees. The applicant will preserve as many of the mature eucalyptus trees along the north and east property lines as possible based upon the health of the trees and the extent of required grading to construct the project. In addition, the applicant has agreed to install larger box container trees to fill in the gaps along the north and east property lines; a condition of approval requiring this will be recommended to the Planning Commission. 2. All lighting above fence level should be directed away from present homeowners back yards or homes. A lighting plan was submitted. The only lights proposed between the buildings and the north and east property lines are 42 watt fluorescent bollard lights, which will be below the height of the perimeter block walls. In addition, one 14-foot high shoebox type parking lot light (which shines directly downward only) is proposed adjacent to a handicapped parking space situated near the east property line. Therefore, based on the original site plan, no lighting will be directed towards adjacent homes. 3. Wood fences should be replaced with one having architectural details, such as brick pillars colored stones or tiles. The original plan calls for 6-foot high masonry block walls along the north and east property lines. The revised site plan may or may not include a higher wall. A condition of approval requiring a higher wall may be recommended depending upon the line of sight analyses to be submitted by the applicant. 4. Where will balconies be located on the design and how will neighbors' privacy be protected? The applicant will be submitting line of sight analyses for each balcony. Our recommendation of approval or denial will be based in large part upon our review of these analyses. If needed, we can highlight the revised site plan to identify the proposed balcony locations. 5. Residents request a "not a through street" sign posted on Kaytlain. Public Works Department is evaluating the possibility of a sign on Kaytlain. Conclusion I spoke with Cindy Villa, one of the neighbors, and confirmed that these are the major concerns that her neighborhood has. I shared with her that this item will be again considered by the Planning Commission on May 4th. This memo has been forwarded to Mrs. Villa via email.