HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/21/2009 B A K E R S F I E L D
CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE
MEMORANDUM
August 21 , 2009
TO: Honorable Mayor and City n it
FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager
SUBJECT: General Information
BUDGET UPDATE
-� In a discussion last week about the lawsuit over the Governor's cuts to health and welfare
programs, Senator Darrell Steinberg suggested that the $1 billion Highway Users Tax raid
could be back on the table when the Legislature comes back from its summer recess to try
to restore some of the cuts. Since the Senate already agreed to borrow the money, it
would only take a simple majority to approve it in the Assembly. The Governor is not saying
no or yes to any new effort to go after highway funds, but these funds may be targeted.
This is a $5 million a year issue to us.
MISCELLANEOUS CITY NEWS
-> General Services Administration representatives were here this week to meet with staff and
conduct another site review for the Federal Courthouse project. They are working on
finalizing the job specifications and plan to announce the design/build contract award for
the new facility in the next few weeks.
-� The three westbound on-ramps onto SR 178 opened this afternoon, creating accessibility
from north or southbound Fairfax Road and from Auburn Street, just east of Fairfax Road.
The opening of the westbound off ramp from SR 178 to Auburn/Fairfax will be delayed due
to a design error that became apparent during the later stages of construction.
Modifications to the ramp pavement will delay its opening beyond that of the remainder
of the interchange. Because this ramp carries far less traffic than the other on and off
ramps, significant impacts from the delay are not expected. Westbound motorists can
continue to use Morning Drive and Oswell Street to exit SR 178 until the westbound off ramp
opens. The attached media alert was issued this afternoon to inform motorists that the
three ramps are now accessible.
Although we are in the midst of challenging financial times, it is a positive that we are able
to continue with our park construction projects with funding from state and federal grants
and other sources that were available to us before the financial downturn.
Mill Creek: The expansion of the linear park along the canal north and south of Central
Park continues with installation of the lighting and bollards, irrigation, landscaping and
Honorable Mayor and City Council
August 21, 2009
Page 2
concrete walkways, and enhancement of the canal walls. The pre-fabricated restroom
facility for the Central Park area is to be installed in October. The Mill Creek project
continues to look more attractive everyday- we anticipate completion by late October!
Mesa Marin: The contract award at the August 19th Council meeting included four lighted
softball fields, a restroom/concession building, landscaping and irrigation improvements,
lighting and utility features, shade structures, and bleachers. Construction is expected to
begin in mid-September, with a tentative completion date in June 2010.
Sports Village: The bid opening for the construction contract of the Soccer Complex
(Phase 1) will take place on August 251h. It includes 8 soccer fields, restrooms and
concession stand, parking, irrigation, site fixtures, and an element of the water feature.
We may be able to add landscaping and field lighting, depending on the bid results. The
item will appear on your September 91h Council agenda.
Kern River Upland and River Edge Restoration Project The State grant funding has been
restored to this project, so design work on this project will resume as soon as we receive
clarity on the utility easement.
—� Bakersfield is featured this month by Sports Travel Directory, a complete sports group travel
resource used in planning trips for sports teams, athletic tournaments and competition or
sporting events. Bakersfield is one of three destinations features as "Places to Play" along
with San Antonio, TX and Baltimore, MD. The article covers a wide variety of sports venues
in Bakersfield, and mentions multiple city-owned and/or run facilities including Rabobank
Arena, McMurtrey Aquatic Center, Ice Sports Center and Aera Park. Multiple pictures of
the venues accompany the article. CVB staff proactively sought out this
publicity
opportunity, and provided the writers with information and pictures. This piece will be used
as a tool to attract future sports events to Bakersfield.
An update of the Neighborhood Stabilization Program is enclosed.
The following reports are enclosed:
• The Construction Division's weekly update of the roadway paving projects.
• The Streets Division work schedule.
RESPONSES TO COUNCIL REQUESTS
Councilmember Carson
• Kern River floodplains restoration.
AT:rk
cc: Department Heads; Pamela McCarthy, City Clerk; Roberta Gafford, Assistant City Clerk
Local Highway Money is Target Again Pagel of 2
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41
Published on Fox& Hounds Daily(http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com)
Local Highway Money is Target Again
By John Wildermuth
Created 08/14/2009 - 09:37
The $1 billion in local highway money the state didn't get in last month's budget agreement could be a target
again when the Legislature comes back from its summer recess next week,Darrell Steinberg, the Democratic
leader in the state Senate, suggested Wednesday.
Steinberg,joined by local Assemblyman Tom Ammiano, was at a neighborhood health center in San Francisco's
Mission District, talking about his suit to recover nearly$500 million Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger blue-penciled
from state health and welfare programs before he signed the budget revisions.
"We could go back to (the highway money),"he told the crowd of doctors,nurses,patients and various care
providers. "That's one way to do this."
Putting that highway money back into play also would give Steinberg and Senate Democrats a chance to stick it
to their colleagues in the Assembly, who tabled the plan to borrow the highway money after Schwarzenegger and
the four legislative leaders agreed to it as part of the overall budget deal last month.
More to the point,they dumped the $1 billion in highway funds out of the budget deal after Steinberg had pushed
the bill though a reluctant Senate over the frenzied lobbying and loud complaints of mayors, council members
and county supervisors from across the state.
Not only did the Assembly's decision force the senators to take the heat for a tough vote that ultimately came to
nothing, it also opened the way for Schwarzenegger to recover some of that lost money by chopping even deeper
into health and welfare programs that Steinberg and other Democrats had fought desperately to save.
Going back to the original budget deal also makes sense because the Senate already has agreed to borrow the
highway money, Steinberg said. It would take a simple majority to approve it in the Assembly, which means the
Democrats wouldn't need any Republican votes.
If those highway funds could restore the money taken from AIDS prevention and treatment programs, services
for battered women and children's health care, what Democrat wouldn't make that choice, Steinberg added,
casually turning up the heat on the Assembly.
While Schwarzenegger isn't saying yes to any new effort to go after those highway funds, he isn't saying no,
either.
The budget is over, the budget is done," said Aaron McLear, a spokesman for the governor. "But if the economy
worsens, we will have to go back to do more cuts and look at other measures."
Translated from politicalese, that means that while Schwarzenegger won't guarantee to restore any of the current
cuts, "other measures" that include another$1 billion in revenues could go a long way toward avoiding additional
program trims if- or more likely,when- the Legislature has to go back into this year's budget to deal with more
anticipated deficits.
http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/print/4936
Local Highway Money is Target Again Page 2 of 2
Steinberg and the Democrats already are gearing up to battle any new call for more budget cuts. His suit arguing
that Schwarzenegger's vetoes were illegal could go before a judge by the middle of September and he was talking
tough to the crowd of supporters in San Francisco,
"At some point-and this point is right now- enough is enough,"he argued. "People who need help have given up
enough for the state budget.
"We're tired of playing defense," Steinberg added. "It's time to go on offense."
John Wildermuth is a longtime writer on California politics.
Source URL: hitp://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/blog/john-wildermuth/local highway money target again
http://www.foxandhoundsdaily.com/print/4936 8/18/2009
Thomas Roads Improvement Program Thomas Rorovem ne t,Program
900 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 200, Bakersfield, California 93301
Telephone: (661) 326-3700 • Fax: (661)852-2195
Coe�n¢cEing
Commuter Alert Contact: Janet Wheeler
August 21, 2009 Public Relations
(661) 326-3491
SR 178/Fairfax Road Interchange
Westbound on-ramps open to traffic
Security Paving Company (SPC), the contractor for the SR 178/Fairfax Road Interchange
Project, has opened the three westbound on-ramps onto State Route (SR) 178. These ramps
are accessible from north or southbound Fairfax Road and from Auburn Street, just east of
Fairfax Road. . Minor work is still on-going on these ramps so motorists should stay alert to
construction personnel and equipment working in the area.
Motorists should continue using Oswell Street or Morning Drive to exit SR 178 while the final
work continues on the remaining ramps. Work on the eastbound on- and off-ramps, south of the
interchange, is expected to be complete and the ramps opened in about a week.
The opening of the westbound off ramp from SR 178 to Auburn/Fairfax will be delayed due to a
design error that became apparent during the later stages of construction. Modifications to the
ramp pavement will delay its opening beyond that of the remainder of the interchange.
Because this ramp carries far less traffic than the other on and off ramps, significant impacts
from the delay are not expected. Westbound motorists can continue to use Morning Drive and
Oswell Street to exit SR 178 until the westbound off ramp opens.
Other miscellaneous work continues within the construction zone and motorists may encounter
intermittent single lane closures on SR 178 and City streets (within the project area) as these
tasks are completed. Motorists should continue to stay alert to changing traffic conditions while
traveling through the construction zone.
The Thomas Roads Improvement Program wishes to thank the motoring public for their
patience and cooperation during construction.
For updated construction information, please visit the website at www.bakersfieldfreeways.us.
Managed by the City of Bakersfield in cooperation with
County of Kern•California Department of Transportation
www.Bakersfield freeways,us
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Away from the urban sprawl
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this Central Valley city has a friendly,down-to-earth ambience sure to appeal to
visiting sports teams. Within a four-hour drive of most of California's population,
it offers outstanding baseball and aquatic facilities, a track for motocross(BMX)
races and one of the state's largest soccer parks. Groups in Bakersfield also
have a wide choice of entertainment and spectator sports options.
Bakersfield is a great place for sports groups looking to get away from the big
city. Sports fans will enjoy seeing Bakersfield's several minor league sports
teams including the Bakersfield Blaze,Jam and Condors. There are also vari-
ous facilities that teams can use and some crowd-pleasing attractions to enjoy
in their down time.With great opportunities for outdoor and indoor activities,
Bakersfield is sure to keep visitors happy.
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Contact: Bakersfield Convention &Visitors Bureau
(866)425-7353, visitbakersfield.com.
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Sam Lynn Ballpark: This historic ballpark is the aiu" ��I ;r��ill R S h"' ', j
'E only park where the batter faces west. It is home
a a z to the Single-A minor league baseball team, Ba-
kersfield Blaze, and can be reserved by youth
teams and leagues. It has a capacity of 3,500 and
the shortest center field in professional baseball at
_ + ' 354 feet. Concessions and parking are available
at this 58-year-old ballpark.
Kern County Soccer Park: This soccer facility is
one of the largest in California. It has 25 fields-21
regulation-sized fields and four that can be modified. The complex also features park-
„•
ing for over 1,500 cars, concessions and separate tournament headquarter and referee
buildings. Some fields can be lighted if needed. Not only can this park be used to host
tournaments and leagues but can also host a number of outdoor events.
McMurtrey Aquatic Center: This center has a 50-meter Olympic-sized pool with div-
ing boards and blocks and an 8,551-square-foot recreation pool with a double water Bakersfield was named
slide and a water volleyball area. The facility hosts competitions as well as recreation after Colonel Thomas
swimming, water polo, water aerobics, diving and SCUBA lessons. Showers, locker Baker, who settled in the
rooms and a snack bar are available. Southern San Joaquin
Valley in the middle 19th
Aera Park: This new park, home to the Southwest Bakersfield Little League, has 11 His"field"was
baseball diamonds (three lighted), spectator stands, concession stand and parking known • i
•` •
spaces for over 400 vehicles.
travelers • used it as a
Metro BMX: Located in the Bakersfield Blaze Baseball Complex, this ABA-sanctioned stopping point during
bicycle motocross (BMX)facility offers racers plenty of space to ride. Weekly races are their travels,
held and riding lessons are taught by an instructor who has ranked No. 3 in the world.
The track is also open for practice and is available to people of all ages. Metro BMX " '" is the
this past May hosted the ABA U.S. Nationals, which attracted more than 1,000 riders, only. ' ' '
including members of the 2008 U.S. Olympic team and its three Olympic medalists. baseball -•
United in the
fac-
ing west. Home game
often start times are
changed - month
depending on posi-
tion of dusk.
Bakersfield is home to
largest the •• •« « operations
the world,
Farms • Bolthouse
Contact: Bakersfield Convention &Visitors Bureau
(866) 425-7353, visitbakersfield.com.
■ ker6iel
on SprMbfts
Convention i.:' Br#XrE"au
Bakersfield Speedway: Stock-car and open-wheel racing
takes place at this speedway from March through November.
The track is a 1/3-mile-high banked clay oval and is known as ; '
the fastest in the West.
AMF Southwest Lanes: Open bowl, leagues and clubs are
available at this bowling alley, which along with Regency
Lanes, will host the 2010 USBC Open Championship Tourna-
ment between the weeks of May and July. Between 400 and
800 bowlers are expected during each week of the state tour- Located i€t'-California's Coal' He r� ic�rs � ����
nament. Aside from hosting the tournament, Southwest Lanes is et essible by Interstate, and Highway 93, if groups
offers an entertaining bowling experience with extreme bowling, are traveling by air, air tw airports available,. ,
featuring cosmic lights, music and bowling challenges. Meadows,field Ai rt in Bakerafield of l l is to
various desfinabons around the courvfty via iibd Ex_
Rabobank Arena: This arena offers a wide variety of entertain- press and US Airways.Las Ariqelei Intem io' Ai �
ment including concerts, theater productions and other shows i located two hou souf of rsfle and Vi ers daily
and is the home to the California State University-Bakersfield's flights by art jora�ir�lin s. rt airppd bus provid a'servi
basketball teams, the Bakersfield Jam, an NBA D-league team; from Bakersfield to, . For tbo e traveling by train,
and the Bakersfield Condors, an affiliate of the NHL's Anaheim th a is in Amtrak stetiort in Bakersfield
Ducks. The arena will also be the host of the State Wrestling
Championship Tournaments from 2010 to 2012. Bakersfield Bakers ldIn not oInly has its'Sh e of and ra
has been hosting the event since 2004 and attracts thousands do s,but also has'a wide choice of restaurants and his-
of wrestlers, spectators and media each year. tell' ithou bi ity teed Ys cat t groups will f l right
at home in this Central Vall ey,town,.
Bakersfield Ice Sports Center: This facility offers public skat-
ing, skating lessons and adult and youth hockey leagues. There
is also a pro shop that sells skates, apparel and equipment and
also offers skate sharpening and repair and service for any
damaged skating equipment.
California Living Museum: This unique museum showcases
native California animals, plants, fossils and artifacts. The ani-
mals at this facility are injured wildlife that are being rehabili-
tated with the hope of being released back into their natural
habitats. Over 80 species of animals are featured with exhibits
on black bears, birds of prey and reptiles as well as several
endangered species. The museum also has replicated plant
communities and a butterfly and hummingbird garden.
Buck Owens' Crystal Palace: This venue is a favorite for
country music fans looking for a night of great music and food.
Concerts and live shows are played year-round, and there is a
museum/gift shop featuring memorabilia Buck Owens had col-
lected over the years.
Contact: Bakersfield Convention &Visitors Bureau
(866) 425-7353, visitbakersfield.com.
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B A K E R S F I E L D �Q
Economic and Community Development Department
M E M O R A N D U M
August 19, 2009
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manage �r�►'«''
FROM: Donna L. Kunz, Economic Development Director
SUBJECT: Neighborhood Stabilization Program Update
This is the first monthly update on activities under the Neighborhood Stabilization
Program (NSP):
Fourteen property inspections have been ordered on properties that met the criteria for
land banking. Six properties were suitable for demolition and three others sold before
the appraisals could be completed. An offer on another property was rejected based on
the purchase price because there were four other competing offers on the property. We
await a response to our offer on another property; however, the realtor has cautioned
there are multiple offers on that listing. An appraisal is underway on another property
and an offer will be submitted based on the appraised value. Two additional properties
were found not to be suitable for demolition and could, instead, be rehabilitated.
Fourteen Down Payment Assistance applications have been received. Escrow has
closed on one, two more are in escrow, and the remaining 11 are in various stages:
appraisal inspections, execution of documents, homebuyer counseling, and
negotiations.
The Housing Authority of the County of Kern has made nine formal offers on real-estate
owned properties in the City of Bakersfield; three are in escrow. It is expected that
approximately $510,000 in City NSP funds will be used to acquire these properties if all
offers are accepted, with an additional $90,000 in NSP funds for rehabilitation of the
properties. The Housing Authority has also made an offer on a large foreclosed
multifamily property in Bakersfield with the potential to utilize over $2M in NSP funds if
the offer is accepted and approved by the City.
Total NSP fund expended to date are $100,811; this includes $70,000 for Down
Payment Assistance, $21,175 for payroll expenses, and the remainder for administrative
expenditures.
DL S:\NSP\Monthly Report Aug 2009.doc
CONSTRUCTION DIVISION WEEKLY UPDATES
ROADWAY PAVING PROJECTS
Status update of the roadway paving projects currently awarded as of August 21, 2009:
White Lane - Wible to Dovewood
Parking pocket construction and other concrete work complete. Paving operations are
complete. Striping operations are proceeding. This project is expected to be complete
within the next two weeks.
Oak Street - Brundage to Truxtun
Construction operations are complete except for some minor clean up and cosmetic
work. This work is expected to be completed within the next two weeks.
New Stine Road - Ming to Wilson
Construction operations are complete except for some minor clean up and cosmetic
work. This work is expected to be completed within the next two weeks.
Pacheco Road - New Stine to Akers
Construction operations are complete except for some minor clean up and cosmetic
work. This work is expected to be completed within the next two weeks.
Stockdale Highway - California to WetherIv and Country Club Lane to Ashe Road
The construction of a deceleration lane on Stockdale Hwy just east of Real Road is
complete. Median modification started this week on Stockdale Highway and is
scheduled to be ongoing for the next several weeks. Construction delineation and
temporary traffic signage have been configured to allow two lanes of traffic in each
direction while this operation is being performed. The scheduled completion date of
this project is February 10, 2010.
White Lane - Gosford Road to Ashe Road
On Wednesday of this week (8/18) roadway reconstruction began in the eastbound
lanes of White Lane. Reconstruction operations are also scheduled to begin in the
westbound lanes today. During this reconstruction operation, traffic will be limited to
one lane in each direction.
We still do not have a date as to when the intersection of White Lane and Gosford
Road will be closed for construction. All of the work to reconstruct this intersection will
be done on a Saturday and Sunday with detours in place for the traveling public.
Once the date of this closure is established, signs will be installed notifying the public of
the closure dates. The scheduled completion date of this project is October 6, 2009.
C:\DOCUME-1\alawrenc\LOCALS-1\Temp\XPGrpWise\RoadwayProjectsUpdates_August 21.doc
Page 1 of 2
STREETS DIVISION — WORK SCHEDULE
WEEK OF AUGUST 24, 2009 — AUGUST 28, 2009
Resurfacing/Reconstructing streets in the following areas:
Resurfacing in the area between Fairfax Road & Suncrest Drive, north of
Panorama Drive.
Preparing (grinding) residential streets for resurfacing (overlays) in the area
between Southern Breeze Dr Drive & Panama Lane, west of Akers Road; also, in
the area between Wilderness Way & Reliance Drive, Panama Lane & Harris Road.
Sealing streets in the area between Rosedale Highway & Norris Road, Coffee
Road & Calloway Drive.
Miscellaneous Streets Division projects:
Repairing sidewalks in the "City in the Hills" area and also on White Lane between
Gosford Road & Old River Road.
Building a drainage basin on the south side of the Casa Loma Park.
Working on the LNG Station project at the Mt. Vernon recycling site.
THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK
Week of August 242009 Work Schedule
Page 2 of 2
STREETS SWEEPING SCHEDULE
Monday, August 24, 2009
Between Coffee Rd. & Verdugo Ln. — Brimhall Rd., south to the Kern River boundary.
Cul-de-sacs, west of Windsong St., between Brimhall Rd. & Thistlewood Ct.
City areas between Rosedale Hwy. & Stockdale Hwy. — Verdugo Ln. to the west City Limits.
Between Jenkins Rd. & Allen Rd. — Stockdale Hwy. & Birkenfeld Ave.
Between Hosking Rd. & Astro Ave. — So. "H" St. & Union Ave.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
City areas between Olive Dr. & Downing Ave. — Coffee Rd. & Knudsen Dr. / Mohawk St., to
include Patton Way, from Weldon Ave. to Meany Ave.
Between W. Columbus St. & 34th St. — Chester Ave. & San Dimas St.
Beween Union Ave. & Madison St. — Casa Loma Dr. & White Ln.
Between Westwold Dr. & So. Laurelglen Blvd. — Gosford Rd. & Woodglen Dr.
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
City areas between Snow Rd. & Rosedale Hwy. — Jewetta Ave., west to the City Limits.
Between Ming Ave. & So. Laurelglen Blvd. — Coffee Rd. & El Portal / Laurelglen Blvd.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Between Snow Rd. & Olive Dr. — Jewetta Ave., east to the canal boundary.
Between Olive Dr. & Hageman Rd. — Jewetta Ave. & Calloway Dr.
Between Niles St. & Sumner St. — Union Avenue & Beale Ave.
Between Sumner St. & E. Truxtun Ave. — Beale Ave. & Brown St.
Between Brundage Ln. & E. Belle Terrace St. — Union Ave. & Kincaid St.
Between Camino Media & Kroll Way— Coffee Rd., west to the PG&E easement.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Between Etchart Rd. & Pavilion Dr. - Calloway Dr., west to the canal boundary.
Between Norris Rd. & Olive Dr. — Calloway Dr. & Coffee Rd.
Between Olive Dr. & Noriega Rd. — Calloway Dr. & Verdugo Ln.
City areas between Coffee Rd. / Riverlakes ext. & Allen Rd. — Hageman Rd. & Rosedale Hwy.
City areas between Pacheco Rd. & Harris Rd. — Stine Rd. & Wible Rd.
Week of August 24_2009_Work Schedule
'oo 0
BAK ERSF1 EL D
CITY OF BAKERSFIELD
PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT
MEMORANDUM
TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager
FROM: Raul Rojas, Public Works Director
DATE: August 14, 2009
SUBJECT: KERN RIVER FLOODPLAINS RESTORATION
Referral No. 106
COUNCILMEMBER BENHAM REQUESTED THAT STAFF REVIEW THE
RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING THE MOHAWK BRIDGE PROVIDED IN A LETTER
SUBMITTED BY RICH O'NEIL OF THE KERN RIVER PARKWAY COMMITTEE, AND
PROVIDE A THOROUGH RESPONSE. PUBLIC WORKS WILL COORDINATE THIS
I RESPONSE WITH TRIP STAFF.
The attached letter has been sent to Mr. O'Neil as a response to his letter of July 22, 2009
regarding the restoration of the Kern River Parkway at the Mohawk Bridge Project,
81141?009 2:09:34 PN4
G:'GROUPDA71Retertals12009'7-29lReferraI No 106—KERN RIVER FLOODPLAINS RESTORATION 1,doc
HLICNN ORKS f
August 14, 2009
Rich O'Neil, President
Kern River Parkway Committee
208 Los Nietos Court
Bakersfield, CA 93309
Subject: Your Letter of 7/22/09 regarding Restoration of the Kern River
Parkway at the Mohawk Street Bridge Project
Dear Mr. O'Neil:
Thank you for your letter of July 22, 2009 regarding the restoration of the Kern River Parkway
at the Mohawk Street Bridge Project, I understand that Thomas Roads Improvement
Program (TRIP) staff have met with you and other members of the Parkway Committee a
number of times, and anticipate meeting with you several more times regarding the re-
vegetation plans for both the Mohawk Street Bridge and the future Westside Parkway
Bridge(s) over the Kern River. Re-vegetation of the Kern River area has always been an
integral part of these projects, and is in fact a requirement of the environmental document
prepared for them and approved in early 2007. We appreciate your continued involvement
with these projects.
A draft concept re-vegetation plan was recently circulated to TRIP and City staff, government
agencies, and the Parkway Committee by our consultant, EDAW; comments were received,
including comments from the Parkway Committee, and staff and EDAW are currently
revising/modifying the plan to address these comments. Regarding your requested actions:
1. Please re-route and restore the three impacted trail systems- the horse trail, the paved
bike path, and the dirt jogging trail.
Restoration of the paths and trails in the Kern River area was a key factor for determining
the ultimate grade/elevation of both the Mohawk Street and the Westside Parkway
bridges over the Kern River. Adequate vertical clearance for the trails (10' for the bike
path, 12' for the equestrian trail and 10' for the running trail) beneath the bridges was a
governing design parameter for the resulting height of the bridges over the river. This
criteria was used by our design consultant in the initial bridge designs started nearly 2
years ago.
Rich O'Neil
Page 2
2. Set up water supply lines and water valves at each of the four corners of the new bridge.
Water connections at the four corners of the Mohawk Bridge were shown on the Parkway
Committee's comments to the draft concept re-vegetation plan, and staff has been
incorporating these connections into the final plan.
3. The irrigation systems for the required re-vegetation plan should be placed at each corner
of the bridge in accordance with the attached map.
Irrigation systems required for the re-vegetation plan will be installed at each comer of the
Mohawk Bridge.
4. The re-vegetation irrigation systems should be constructed and laid out in a more
permanent fashion so as to minimize vandalism, accidental tripping on exposed piping
(public safety issue), and so that it can be used long-term to support trees during times of
drought.
The actual design of the irrigation systems will not begin until the concept plan is finalized,
at which time specific system details and materials will be determined. Final design will
include coordination/in-put from the Parkway Committee.
5. An error on the EDAW Re-vegetation Plan Proposal should be corrected. Page S, Section
2.5 "Land Use"wrongly defines the boundaries of the Kern River Parkway...Page 39, #9
"References"does not mention some very important documents upon which we should all
become familiar and express knowledge of The goals and policies of the City of Bakersfield
General Plan, the Kern River Plan Element, and the Kern River Parkway EIR should be
consulted by all and listed as our references
Staff concurs the description should be modified and will include the Metropolitan
Bakersfield General Plan, the Kern River Plan Element, and the EIR for the Kern River
Parkway as references. I do note and appreciate the mention of these documents in your
letter as "our references", as it was always the intent that this re-vegetation plan be
inclusive with the Parkway Committee, and the Committee contributing to its
development.
6. We are proposing changing EEDAW's re-vegetation tree and shrub list as per our attached
Table A.
Staff has reviewed the tree and shrub list submitted by the Parkway Committee for the re-
vegetation plan and will incorporate these into the plan where possible. However, State
and Federal agencies also reviewing this plan will need to concur with these plant
changes.
Rich O'Neil
Page 3
We appreciate the input from the Parkway Committee and you as its President, and we will
continue to work closely with the Committee in the development of the re-vegetation plan. If
you have any questions regarding this matter, please contact David Clark of Parsons
Transportation Group, our Program Management Consultant for the TRIP program, at (661)
326-3496.
Very truly yours,
r �x'
Raul M. Rojas tr
Public Works Director
cc: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
Alan Tandy; City Manager
Dianne Hoover, Director of Recreation and Parks
Florn Core, Water Resources Director
Theodore D. Wright, Civil Engineer IV, TRIP
David Clark, Parsons, TRIP