Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/25/2009 0 B A K E R S F I E L D CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE MEMORANDUM September 25, 2009 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council ,3 FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager 'tl" SUBJECT: General Information 0�4 MISCELLANEOUS CITY NEWS Our quarterly sales tax information just arrived. I regret to inform you that this quarter's receipts are a negative 22.62 percent as compared to the same quarter last year. This is the tenth quarter out of the last eleven which showed a decrease. It is also, unfortunately, the largest percent decrease that we have ever experienced. An assumption of a 5 percent decrease was built into the budget. You may remember that our property taxes came in somewhat higher than projected as did our year end cash balance - those things combined partially offset the losses in sales tax. In a few weeks, detailed information will come in and we will analyze the data to see where the distress in the economy is the most severe and, as best we can, revise future projections accordingly. We will continue the financial controls which have, unfortunately, become our norm. By any measure this is not what we had hoped for. -� More money from the federal Recovery Act is heading to Bakersfield. With the help of Economic and Community Development, the Housing Authority has been awarded an $8 million grant to purchase Phase I of Baker Street Village. Construction has been stalled because of the downturns in the credit markets and housing industry. More details are in the attached news release. As you are aware, the City, as well as the Insurance Committee and Personnel Committee, had been studying a retiree health care plan administered by the County of Riverside named the Exclusive Care Select Plan (ECS). This plan is also utilized by several other large cities and counties in California. The ECS plan utilizes a large pool of members and will considerably reduce the cost of health care premiums for retirees and the City while actually expanding the health care plan options currently available to eligible retirees. The review of this plan is ongoing and once all the pertinent information has been gathered, the Human Resources Department will be conducting educational sessions for all retirees to learn about this new plan. It has always been our intention that this outreach effort would take place prior to any Council consideration of the ECS plan. Unfortunately, misleading information was circulated among retirees by others and it triggered a series of emails expressing a variety of concerns. Attached is a memo from the Human Resources Honorable Mayor and City Council September 25, 2009 Page 2 Department to all retirees, which provides information regarding the new plan, the City's efforts to date and how this effort will move forward, including the scheduling of informational sessions. The Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) decided on the annexations of two major projects located south of Taft Highway at this week's meeting - the results of which were quite interesting. The circumstances surrounding both annexations were very similar and the LAFCo Executive Officer recommended denial of both annexations. The Commissioner's decisions, however, were to approve one and not the other despite the similarities! -� Updates on the status of our park improvements for Mesa Marin, the soccer complex at the Sports Village, Mill Creek, and the Kern River Upland projects are enclosed. All of these projects have moved into the construction phase now except for the Kern River Upland project which is expected to be bid in February 2010. -� The California High Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) recently developed guidelines for the heavy maintenance facility and concluded that it should be located in the Central Valley between Bakersfield and Merced. We submitted the enclosed letter expressing our interest in being selected as the most ideal site for this facility. Bakersfield is an arrival and departure point for trains traveling over the Tehachapi Pass, which we consider to be the most strenuous part of the route for rail engines carrying passengers. We look forward to working with CHSRA in this important selection process. Work will begin next week on the Centennial Fountain repairs. The granite has arrived in good condition and work on the nozzles is being finished. Chuck Graviss will commence the underground work in the next several days and then Harper Pools will start its work. 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 Benham • Bowen Street pavement issues. Councilmember Couch • Dying trees in Polo Grounds. AT:rk cc: Department Heads Pamela McCarthy, City Clerk Roberta Gafford, Assistant City Clerk i Zoo L- B A K E R S F I E L D City of Bakersfield NEWS RELEASE September 25, 2009 For more information Donna Kunz Stephen Pelz Economic Development Director Executive Director City of Bakersfield Housing Authority of the 661 326-3765 County of Kern 661 631-8500 Ext. 2005 $8M Grant to Restart Baker Street Housing Development An $8 million federal grant is expected to restart the Baker Street Village housing development. The grant, made from funds through the federal Recovery Act, will allow the stalled Baker Street Village Phase 1 development to proceed. It had come to a standstill due to tightening of the credit markets. The developer's bank loan had been substantially reduced, creating a gap in construction financing. An additional gap in permanent financing arose when the original concept of the units being for sale was no longer viable, due to the problems in the real estate market. When completed, units will be offered for rent, rather than for sale. The grant was awarded to the Housing Authority of the County of Kern to purchase Baker Street Village Phase 1 when it is completed. Stephen Pelz, Executive Director of the Housing Authority, said, "This is a wonderful development for the Baker Street neighborhood. The Housing Authority will professionally manage the facility and is pleased to partner with the City to help bring economic development and quality affordable housing to the area." The grant will total $8,059,521 through the Capital Fund Recovery Competition Grant Program and was a result of a cooperative effort between the Housing Authority and the City of Bakersfield's Economic and Community Development Department. "This is great news," said Bakersfield Economic Development Director Donna Kunz. "Development projects everywhere have come to a standstill because of ( M 0 R E ) $8M Grant to Restart Baker Street Housing Development September 25, 2009 2-2-2-2-2 the economy, but this grant means Baker Street Village Phase 1 can be completed. New housing. A completed project. Everyone wins." Baker Street Village Phase 1, located on the east side of Baker Street between Kentucky and Lake streets, will consist of 24 three-bedroom townhomes at 1,893 square feet each; 13 one-bedroom loft style units at 1,130 square feet each, underground parking for the townhomes; and almost 10,000 square feet of community and commercial space. Baker Street Village is being developed by Baker Street Village LLC of El Monte, with assistance from the City of Bakersfield and the Bakersfield Redevelopment Agency. When completed, Baker Street Village will bring more residents to live in the area, help increase demand for additional goods and services, and spur redevelopment. B A K E R S F I E L D To: All City of Bakersfield Retirees �\ 1� From: Javier Lozano, Human Resources Manager�\ �o Subject: Proposed Retiree Medical Plan Change The availability and affordability of health care is an important issue for the City of Bakersfield, as well as for all former employees who receive health care benefits from the City. The City has been concerned with the increases in retiree medical premium costs over the past few years. In order to ensure the ongoing availability, quality and affordability of retiree health insurance plans, the City retained an expert consultant to help address these concerns and provide potential solutions. This expert consultant, Segal, identified a retiree medical program that is administered by the County of Riverside named the Exclusive Care Select plan (ECS). This plan is designed specifically for retirees of public employers and is tailored to focus on the specific needs of this group. ECS has been in operation since 1999 and includes retirees of several large cities and counties. Utilizing a larger pool of plan participants allows this program to keep premiums affordable while at the some time providing a greater level of plan options for those it serves. ECS is a "point of service plan" that incorporates three types of physician networks, hospitals and benefits (Tiers) that retirees can choose from when they seek medical services. ECS provides more flexibility than the current City plans that lock retirees into one plan for a year at a time. ➢ The Tier 1 option is similar to the Blue Cross HMO plan. Specific physicians and hospitals are identified for this Tier and the plan design and benefits are similar to a traditional HMO plan. This Tier provides the highest level of benefit reimbursement and the lowest out of pocket cost to the retiree. ➢ The Tier 2 option allows participants to choose their provider hospital and physician as they currently do in the City's Blue Cross PPO plan. Tier 2 has a much larger network of physicians and hospitals than Tier 1 and Tier 2 is a national network that expands to all 50 states and US territories. City of Bakersfield • Human Resources • 1501 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield, California • 93301 (661) 326-3773 ➢ The Tier 3 option is offered for physicians and hospitals that are not in either Tier 1 or 2 and has the lowest level of benefits and the highest out of pocket cost to the retiree. Participants in the ECS plan can choose between Tier 1, 2 and 3 physicians and hospitals at any time they need to receive care, and are not required to wait until open enrollment to change options. The ECS plan is also portable to other states, should a retiree relocate outside of California. A significant benefit of the ECS plan is that it has lower premium costs for retirees, when compared to continuing with the Blue Cross Retiree plans currently offered by the City. In fact, according to our consultants, as a group retirees will save approximately $884,485 in premium costs in 2010 (Due to the fact that the retirees and the City share the cost of premiums, the City will also see a reduction in its costs, estimated at approximately $490,000 in 2010). These lower rates will make medical insurance more affordable for the City and its retirees. In contrast, the option of continuing with the current Blue Cross plans will result in a 41.5% increase to retirees' monthly premium for the Anthem HMO plan in 2010 (the monthly family rate for the HMO will exceed $2,600 per month). Also, since there will be a larger pool of retirees, premium rates should be more stable and less susceptible to increases than if the City continues to offer the existing Blue Cross plans. To better illustrate the estimated premium savings expected in 2010 under the ECS plan, we provide the following examples: ➢ For 2010 a retiree with PPO single coverage will save approximately $1,561 annually in premiums; ➢ A retiree with PPO two-party coverage will save approximately $3,911 annually in premiums; ➢ A retiree with PPO family coverage will save approximately $6,335 annually in premiums; and ➢ Premium savings for those retirees currently in the Blue Cross HMO range from $2,476 annually for single coverage (over 65 w/o Medicare) to $10,783 annually for single coverage under 65. For your information, we have provided the attached schedule which compares the benefits and 2010 premiums of the ECS plan to the current Blue Cross plans. Depending on the Tier selected when you choose a physician or hospital, deductibles and co-pays will vary compared to the existing plans. However, the premium savings for retirees, as noted above, generally offset or exceed any increases in these costs and out of pocket maximums for most individuals. The change to the ECS plan for retirees was presented and thoroughly discussed by the Insurance Committee, which annually reviews employee benefits for the bargaining units and includes retiree representation. Following this review, the Insurance Committee recommended the change to the ECS plan for retirees to the City Council Personnel Committee (pending a final review of several issues). The City Council Personnel Committee voted to recommend to the full City Council that the City change to the ECS plan for retirees as soon as all of the information regarding Tier 1 providers can be reviewed and efforts to educate retirees about the new plan have occurred. Based on the recommendation from both the Insurance and Personnel Committees, staff has been moving forward to get more specific contract details and provider information finalized. The Human Resources Department will be providing information about the plan design and premiums to retirees via several forms of communication, including meetings in the later part of October with representatives of Segal and the ECS plan for those who can attend in person. Given the work left to complete, the 2010 open enrollment will include the current City Blue Cross HMO and PPO plans at the 2010 rates. As stated previously, these rates are higher for the HMO plan compared to the 2009 rates. Once all information is known and has been shared with the retirees, and following City Council approval, a special open enrollment for the new ECS plan will take place in 2010. It is important to understand that although the change to the ECS plan is being proposed by the Insurance Committee and Personnel Committee, it will require City Council approval before being implemented. Consideration of this matter by the City Council is not yet scheduled, given the work still to be done. If the ECS plan is approved, the City will continue to offer the Kaiser HMO plan for retired employees and there is a Medicare supplement available for those who are eligible for Medicare. The City understands that any change to the retiree health insurance plans is a matter of great importance to you, should you have any questions regarding the proposed retiree medical plan please contact Human Resources Manager, Javier Lozano at 661- 326-3408 or by email at ilozano @bakersfieldcity.us O O 69 co O O O Q N LO 0 c0 m O O i0 c CL O ti ` + N LO � N H O C'4 o o U a MDOO > v � b9 000 00o o 7 is OT- `- � Do ai 0 0 U r ti >_ dti9 to CD o o 4) 4)av) o v co`D � a�i d ,°n v "j o' ° ° + N LO v L '- Cl = m � COi LO C) o c �- O O co N W O E NO N 'O L o 0 o m a`) ~ 69 � o o co O N �„� > rn rn o `" c C N P- � u 1 _ ^CD Lo 0) C w O U) O LO o DO Cq o m c0 N 4) it r U 6c r r d O H O Cl. 6N9 p O C 10 7 W9 E9 d O M N = O 0 l C) fA O C > Q) O H 69 :3 69 0 H O OO Y � W N 02 ui Co O 2 N co co a H 0 � 0 N O m N m N N c O _- C1 - 69 O O 69 O _O _O O U 64 69 6R ►O. Q• O ai O t� O m u oD Y E O u9 �° a rte+ U CD U U Y rn _ c m -o m C 0 O m w C y„ y d NLo c w = ou, _ OR Ci U O m L a p rn o m Q O L m a o d E I Co O + O v :5 to� c fA N m o M o w 0) 00 0 69 EA m O 0o OO U o n m o ui C a) V U` ►� o c m U o v o ca 0 69 0 0 0 � a m C �, m M rn LO rn E o >. V m o �•' w U (D C ~ 0 0 R •y Z L y W ,te ac) o + C o m !0 U E c a `o Z c o y d � a >, m .7 0 0 ? ,yo, m o p C C x C 4) E tq U •- V � Ct00 � y d � — .Ec a Y R c m A io io a 4) o o o v C N ° o 4)V o = 0 o f m teao)o W N O) O co Q) ;� ` C d d j to p L L. L C � 7 O C V Q: Q C 0 2 c c a cc Ir Ir m 0 0 0 U a O w a m p Exclusive Care Select Maximum Lifetime Benefit $5,000,000 '.oinsurance Maximum(Per person/family Per plan year) $1,500/$4,500 $2,500/$7,500 $5,000/$15,000 !st Dollar Deductible-applies to coinsurance NOT copays $250/$750 $500/$1,500 $1,000/$3,000 Son-Preauthorization Patient Penalty 50%reduction in benefits for inpatient, 50%reduction in benefits 50%reduction in benefits for inpatient, outpatient and outpatient diagnostic for inpatient,outpatient outpatient and outpatient diagnostic testing testing and outpatient diagnostic tastin 3etail Pharmacy(30 day supply) $15 generic,$25 brand,$40 non-formulary deductible does not apply,Medco pharmacies only Mail order(90 Day Supply)-MANDATORY 2 times retail(Medco pharmacies only) ii nificant or New Therapeutic Class 50% Medco pharmacies onl 40% Medical/Maternity/Surgical Intensive Care(Semi-private room)' 10% 20% Medical/Maternity/Surgical Intensive Care(In-patient Ancillary)' 10% 20% 400/ ikilled Nursing Facility-maximum 100 days 10% 20% 40% Medical/Surgical Care(outpatient) 10% 20°/ 40% mergency Room(ER) $50 copay plus 10% $100 copay plus 20% $100 copay plus 20% Major Diagnostic Test,CT Scan,MR[,NMR(Outpatient) 10% 20% 40% Minor Diagnostic Test,X-ray,Lab(Inpatient) 10% 209/6 40% Minor Diagnostic Test,X-ray,Lab(Outpatient including ER) 10% 20% 40% nstacare Clinic 10% 20% 40% npatient-physical,speech,occupational,cardiac,or pulmonary 10% 209/6 40% outpatient-physical,speech,occupational,cardiac,or pulmonary 10% 20% 40% Aedical/Surgical-Physical/Facility/ER Covered as any other condition Covered as any other Covered as Tier 2 condition \mbulance Land/Air(Life Threatening Only) 10% 20% 20% )rthodontic Injury Treatment Not covered Not covered Not covered )ental In.ufA Treatment Not covered Not covered Not covered Pfnt�­�jonal you Pay 'hysician Office Visits(Primary Care) $10 copay $25 copay 40% 1hysician Office Visits(After Hours) $20 copay $50 copay 40% 1hysician Office Visits(Specialty Care) $20 copay $50 copay 40% 'hysician Visits(Inpatient) $10 copay $25 copay 40% 1hysician Visits(Outpatient Including ER) $10 copay $25 copay 40% Aajor Diagnostic Test,CT Scan,MRI,NMR(Office) 10% 20% 40% Ainor Diagnostic Test,X-ray,Lab(Office) 10% 20% 40% Ainor Diagnostic Test,X-ray,Lab(Outpatient Including ER) 10% 20% 40% Ainor Diagnostic Test,X-ray,Lab(Inpatient) 10% 20% 40% ladiology/Pathology(inpatient) 10% 20% 40% ladiology/Pathology(outpatient including ER) 10% 20% 40% ladiology/Pathology(office) 10% 20% 40% ejections(office) $10 copay $25 copay 40% lurgery(office)2 10% 20% 40%20°/, 40% iurgery(inpatient)2 10% specialty Surgery'-CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE ONLY' 10% 20% 40% iurgery(Outpatient including ER) 10% 20% 40% ,nesthesiology(Office) 10% 20% 40% ,nesthesiology(Inpatient) 10% 20% 40% ,nesthesiology(Outpatient including ER) 10% 20% 40% lome Health Care(In lieu of Hospital;up to 100 days) 10% 20% 40% lospice 10% 20% 40% ;hiropractic Therapy Not covered Not covered Not covered Jlergy Testing 10% 20% Not covered Jlergy Treatment/Serum 10% 20% 1 Not covered loutine Physical Exam $10 copay $25 copay Not covered ;outine Vision Exam $10 copay $25 copay Not covered outine Hearin Exam $10 copay $25 copay Not covered 5036457 1.XLS/ECS Benefits 1 xCl r I feart,Liver,Pancreas,Bone Marrow,Comea,Lung,Kidney- Covered as any other condition Covered as any other Not covered :ENTERS OF EXCELLENCE ONLY3 condition ledical Supplies 10% 20% 40% ledical Supplies(office) 10% 20% 40% Curable Medical Equipment;annual maximum of$1,000 10% 20% 40% )rthotic Supplies I Not covered Not covered Not covered jental Health&Drucl/Alcohol Treatment YOU Pay ,patient Facility semi-private room-CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE Not covered unless a severe mental Not covered unless a Not covered iNLY2 illness;then covered like any other severe mental illness;then benefit covered like any other benefit ipatient Facility Ancillary-CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE ONLY3 Not covered unless a severe mental Not covered unless a Not covered illness;then covered like any other severe mental illness;then benefit covered like any other benefit patient Facility Physician Visits-CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE Not covered unless a severe mental Not covered unless a Not covered NLY" illness;then covered like any other severe mental illness;then benefit covered like any other benefit hysician Office Visits:Psychologist/MCSW/APRN/Psychiatrist - $20 copay up to 30 visits per year;unless a severe mental illness Not covered ENT F y3 then covered like anr,other benefit ther Benefits earing Tests-Annual maximum$1,000 once every 5 years 10% You Pay Not covered earing Aids-Annual maximum$1,000 once every 5 years 10% 20% Not covered Center of Excellence coverage only for certain procedures such as:Orthopedic,Cardiac,Oncology Bariatric Surgery is excluded from coverage. Centers of Excellence are designated by Exclusive Care and Blue Shield and are characterized by exemplary results in the area of specialty. )te:Deductible does not apply to any copays and does apply to coinsurance. Me:Deductibles and coinsurance maximums do not cross apply through Tiers. )te:Tier 3 coverage is based on Medically Necessary Reasonable and Customary charges 5036457_1.XLS/ECS Benefits 2 / tk . o E > £ 777 0) \ J o Q@ m m m » ) ® a £ � '\ f 2 2 20 E E E E E E E 4 C § / k cn U U U U U 3 U k C � � w w @ E L w / E u d r — 2 w '5 2 - �k -0 � w_ ? 2 2 @ q @ 2 0 0 0 0 Q m 04 q q � o U) t 2 6 % - � $ N O U) m \ 7 a- E 2 / f 7 ƒ ƒ � k ) co 75 w o \ R / � u f a o @ c 2 q � 0 0 « C14 C14 ? ? E \ R6 ^ q q 2 £ c ` ® _ / m . > N 0) LO n 2 ? Cl ° ^ ~ ° ~ § m 2 ƒ f f % co E E m @ & 2 \ \ / W 3 2 ƒ = k f ƒ . ƒ ® £ � � f � p \ � 2 \ m f � \ 7 k 2 E m 7 E « _$ r v o 2 (D & § 0 c < w \ E o § f c w - g 2LL \ f ®® \ k J .2 / C . 3 & 7 k § m f k 2 7 7 _ o c o a / U U % f \ ] / ° Q O 2 / J ± � §o > / $ LO o o _ f E 3 ' © ƒ « m L) m i _ i ) c k & $ v 0 \ k CL \ uj \ \ k & \ / \ $ m p 0 ¥ \ 2\ a) 0 0 ® C\IJ 0 $ / Z L. CN \ .7 2 �! f 2 2 2 0 / m ƒ q 2 } 0 q 2 2 E § f c C _$ 0 � ° @@@ G o m m O ¢ N $ 7 7 3 3 2 7 $ 2 0 » / 2 \ 2 c / co $ 7 0 7 0 \ / 2 = c c \cu k@ 2 2 2 2 < < < � \ $ _? ° 0 0 0 0 0 6 6 0 0 - a a > � £ q % ° ° - / \ � I � o ■ e 7 L m -0 o m 2 L � a & % 3 700 3 � ± @ » CO 2 \ 2 a 0 2 ] 7 : Q (U D U CU £ ƒ a a) 0 CL ± 7 2 U- / 0 . ■ @ 3 @ 2 CL m � 7 @ \ U) Q m o c c / c t U) \ 2 @ / ■ E £ ƒ c E 0 t (D m E g 7 / o £ E _ c Cl)CL uj a _a- � G � 2 2 .g E o m 2 m t ® Q) > ' � 6 2 3 @ ƒ .2 o w @ m C 0 ƒ \ 0 2 2 c 2@ > c o £ U O 2 cu o ° 0 CL \ 2 cu ƒ g g k $ § 0 § # O 7 ƒ g CL � _ § � u - � 2 0 J 0 g Q 2 . � � ■ � § « U Mill Creek Park Amenities Project September 21, 2009 Phases 2. 4 & 5 Schedule of combined phases of Park Amenity work — hardscape, lighting and other amenities: Phase 2: Lighting poles and bollards are installed and wire for these facilities has been pulled in place. Irrigation lines have been installed. Most all of the concrete walk areas have been poured. All of the trees have been planted. The canal walls have been cored for fence posts and the posts have been installed. Brick pilasters are also being installed along the canal wall. Phase 513: Light & bollard foundations poured. Irrigation main lines have been installed. Most planter walls have been constructed and the decorative brick elements are being installed. Underground electrical conduit has been installed and all irrigation main lines have been constructed. The canal walls have been cored for fence posts. Phase 5A: Sewer and Storm drain improvements have been installed. Most planter walls have been constructed. We have received a price for the Mexicali wall from the Contractor and it is currently under review. PG&E pole at the synagogue is awaiting PG&E relocation. The canal walls have been cored for fence posts and the posts have been installed. Brick pilasters are also being installed along the canal wall. Phase 4: Underground electrical conduit has been installed. Light & bollard foundations poured. Most all of the concrete walk areas have been poured. Irrigations systems are close to completion and trees are also being planted in this phase. The canal walls have been cored for fence posts and the posts have been installed. Brick pilasters are also being installed along the canal wall. Anticipated Completion Date: November 2009. 0 ti a) (D N co (D (1) a a rn a �? E E cn U U a c rn w` o rn W O _- N `- O O .- d C N N N O N N o O (V O W d m cj U D m 0 N N Q N Q L m U a 0 � U Q rn m Y "� I N 0 CL > H a U W W LL m U x V N O N (D U) o L.L �O V m (n o L = _ o 00 o � 00 .O M N: O C CO O M CO 0 O O O C •C C wt �"� O •� � � U O V •r O N N p �m W LL iii O C O N M > i m N m .� (n Z o N N c r a� > E a) a� m N E O w N L U) � U � � W Ile O C a O 0 Q O Q � V N 2 C C U r Ci (n 5 O N m O '+. a m C .p U Q -p N W N > = Q m Q Q U ` c !1 V; � .0 d Q- 0 C U D c c0 U O N N � N p U M Q — U E a c U W cn o W a� O Q -C U o C O UQ -Q> a N a rn LL p a m U a in iz O Y C _o Q V +=� U V rn a. N N c _C 2 CL w < .- M N a (n p C F- m V v W O d vi tit°RLIC M 0RI', DEPARTMENT RA F September 23, 2009 Ms. Carrie Bowen, Central California Director California High-Speed bail Authority C/o 510 W. Shaw Ave., #200 Fresno, CA 93704-2515 Dear Ms. Bowen: The City of Bakersfield would like to express our interest in being the site for the California High Speed Pail Authority heavy maintenance facility. We believe that we are ideally located for this facility as trains would be arriving in Bakersfield after going over the Tehachapi Fuss or would be leaving Bakersfield to go over the Tehachapi bass. We see the Tehachapi Pass as the most strenuous part of the route for the rail engines and cars carrying passengers_ Having the maintenance facility close to the Tehachapi Pass could be a key component to the success of the CHSRA. Our community already supports two mainline tracks being the Union Pacific and the Santa Fe rail lines. Therefore; we have the foundation for a job force that could immediately provide the services necessary for the maintenance side of the high speed rail system. Please inform us when the formal request for statements of interest from local jurisdictions is released. We look forward to working with you in this important selection process. Sincerely, RAIL M. ROJAS Public Works Director C: ,flan Tandy. City Manager Donna Kunz, Economic Development Director 9123V091;35 16 PM G1GROUPDATLetters,,2009,High Speed Rail 092309_doc CONSTRUCTION DIVISION WEEKLY UPDATES ROADWAY PAVING PROJECTS Status update of the roadway paving projects currently awarded as of September 25, 2009: Stockdale Highway - California to Wetherly and Country Club Lane to Ashe Road Median modification on Stockdale Highway is scheduled to be ongoing for the next several weeks. Currently the contractor is grading and compacting the dirt area to receive the new median curb. 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 All but the top lift of paving has been done on White lane with the exception of the intersection of White Lane and Gosford Road. The reconstruction work in this intersection is set to be done and completed this weekend. During this construction, the intersection will be closed to the traveling public and detours will be in place. The intersection should be open again on Sunday evening. Signage is currently in place notifying the traveling public of this planned closure. The scheduled completion date of this project is October 16, 2009. AMERICAN RECOVERY AND REINVESTMENT ACT PROJECTS: Mt Vernon Ave — SR178 to University Avenue Lowering of utilities and reconstruction of handicap ramps is currently being done on Mt. Vernon Avenue. These operations will be ongoing through the end of the month. Reconstruction operations are scheduled to begin the first week of October. This project is expected to be complete on December 7, 2009. Ashe Road — White Lane to Ming Avenue Reconstruction of handicap ramps will is underway and will be ongoing for the next two weeks. This project is expected to be complete on December 7, 2009. Wilson Road — White Lane to Planz Road Reconstruction of handicap ramps will is underway and will be ongoing for the next two weeks. This project is expected to be complete on December 7, 2009. Hughes Lane — White Lane to Planz Road Reconstruction of handicap ramps will is underway and will be ongoing for the next two weeks. This project is expected to be complete on December 7, 2009. Wible Road — Pacheco Road to White Lane Work in this street is not scheduled to begin for the next three to four weeks. All construction work on the street will be done at night between the hours of 7:00 PM to 7:00 AM. This project is expected to be complete on December 7, 2009. 9/25/2009 11:30:09 AM C:\DOCUME-1\RKIRKW-7\LOCALS-1\Temp\XPgrpwise\RoadwayProjectsUpdates_September 25.doc Page 1 of 2 STREETS DIVISION — WORK SCHEDULE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 28, 2009 — OCTOBER 2, 2009 Resurfacing/Reconstructing streets in the following areas Resurfacing streets (overlay) in the area west of Allen Road, south of Stockdale Highway. Sealing streets in the area between Rosedale Highway & Stockdale Highway from 99 Highway to the west City Limits. Blade sealing (with oilsand) Planz Road between McCourry Street & Stine Road. Blade sealing "F" Street from 24th Street to Golden State Avenue. Miscellaneous Streets Division projects• Installing curb & gutter in the area between 4th Street & California Avenue, east of Chester Avenue (CDBG FUNDED PROJECT). Installing a storm line and catch basins on "K" Street between California Avenue & 5th Street (CDBG FUNDED PROJECT). THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Week of September 28-2009—Work Schedule Page 2 of 2 STREETS SWEEPING SCHEDULE Monday, September 28, 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 Limit. Between Jenkins Rd. & Allen Rd. — Stockdale Hwy. & Birkenfeld Ave. Between Hosking Rd. & Astro Ave. — So. "H" St. & Union Ave. Tuesday, September 29, 2009 All sweepers are assigned to sweeping routes that are not on a set sweeping schedule. Wednesday, September 30, 2009 All sweepers are assigned to sweeping routes that are not on a set sweeping schedule. Thursday, October 1, 2009 City areas between Kentucky St. & Quincy St. — Owens St. & Virginia St. Between Union Ave. & Washington St. — E. Truxtun Ave. & Brundage Ln. Between Progress Rd. & Old River Rd. — Panama Ln. & Pacheco Rd. (alignment) City areas between Progress Rd. & Old River Rd. — Meadow Falls Dr. & Rose Creek Dr. Friday, October 2, 2009 Between Buena Vista Rd. & Allen Rd. — Harris Rd. & Panama Ln. Between Buena Vista Rd. & Mountain Vista Dr. — Panama Ln. & Birkshire Rd. Between 178 Hwy. & Paladino Dr. — W. Columbus St. & Morning Dr. City areas between Sterling Rd. & Morning Dr. — 178 Hwy. & College Ave. Between Valley St. & Lene PI. - 178 Hwy. & Hickory Dr. Between 178 Hwy. & Reynard Rd. — Kern Canyon Rd. & McKenna St. Between Stockdale Hwy. & Joseph Dr. — McDonald Way & N. Stine Rd. Week of September 28_2009_Work Schedule 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: September 24, 2009 SUBJECT: BOWEN STREET PAVEMENT ISSUES Referral No. 116 COUNCILMEMBER BENHAM REQUESTED THAT STAFF REVIEW THE PAVEMENT ISSUES ON BOWEN STREET IN THE WESTPARK AREA, AND CONTACT MR. DUNHAM IN REGARD TO HIS PARKING AND ACCESS CONCERNS. Staff has inspected Bowen Street and found some areas in the gutter that are in need of replacement. The Streets Division will schedule replacement of curb and gutter to begin in November 2009. Residents will be notified prior to the start of the project. After the curb and gutter is replaced, the street will be reconstructed. In the meantime, the potholes on Bowen Street will be patched with hot asphalt. The pothole patching is scheduled for the week of September 21, 2009. An attempt to contact Mr. Dunham at his residence was made, however he was not at home. Street staff will continue to try to contact Mr. Dunham regarding the pavement issues. G:\GROUPDAT\Referrals\2009\9-09\#1 16_Bowen St Pavement Issues.doc • CAPRA ' ACCREDITED"' B A K E R S F I E L D DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION & PARKS DIANNE HOOVER, DIRECTOR Department of Recreation and Parks Date: September 22, 2009 To: Alan Tandy, City Manager From: Dianne Hoover, Director of Recreation & Parks Subject: Dying Trees in Polo Grounds Council Referral No. CRMS #127 (Ward 4) Councilmember Couch requested staff address the issue of dying trees on Hageman and in the Polo Grounds Development. The City Arborist has recently completed an investigation into the Coastal Redwood tree in the Hageman and Polo Grounds Development. Coastal Redwood trees are not in their natural environment in the San Joaquin Valley. The natural climate for these trees consists of high humidity, temperature ranges between 38°F & 80°F, heavy summer fog, and annual precipitation ranges between 25 and 100 inches. Here in the valley the annual rainfall is approximately 6 to 7 inches and the temperatures reach over 100° for several months. The health of the Coastal Redwoods located on Hageman Road and in the Polo Grounds development is rapidly declining. We have approximately 60 trees showing different stages of stress. Tree sizes vary from 12 to 18 inches in diameter and roughly 50 to 60 feet in height. There are several factors contributing to or directly causing the decline. • Costal Redwoods are not suited for the climate in the valley. • Air pollution • Limited planting area • Poor root/shoot ratio • Reflected heat from pavement • Poor soil nutrient conditions • Soil compaction • Insufficient water during winter months City of Bakersfield• Department of Recreation&Parks• 1600 Truxtun Avenue,3`d Floor Bakersfield• California- 93301 (661)326-3866• Fax(661)852-2140 Some corrective measures being implemented now are: • Eliminate future use of Coast Redwoods in public plantings • Apply additional nutrients to the soil • Relieve soil compaction for better water absorption and limit runoff • Increase irrigation to trees These corrective measures will increase the chance of survival for some of the trees. Approximately 40 trees are beyond recovery and need to be removed. We are proposing a phased removal and replacement program over the next two years. New trees will be planted immediately after removals. We recommend the replacement trees be one of the following: • Carolina Laurel Cherry • Chinese Fringe • Chinese Pistache • Liquidambar 'Rotundiloba' City of Bakersfield • Department of Recreation&Parks• 1600 Truxtun Avenue,3`d Floor Bakersfield•California• 93301 (661)326-3866 Fax(661)852-2140