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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/06/2009 B A K E R S F I E L D CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE MEMORANDUM March 6, 2009 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager SUBJECT: General Information 1. After consultation with Caltrans officials we are giving a notice to proceed to the contractor on the Mohawk extension. That is a very good thing! We still do not have clarity about the time frames money may be released for Phase II of the project — from Mohawk to Calloway. Some estimate this fall — some mid 2010. It is really a function of how Wall Street treats California bonds, which is undetermined at this time. The same is true of the two park and three housing projects that are frozen. 2. Enclosed are more articles from various newspapers that highlight the difficult times cities are facing and how they are adjusting their budgets. We will be considering these examples in light of recent information on revenue decreases. STATEWIDE — California's unemployment rate jumped to 10.1 percent in January, the state's first double-digit number in a quarter-century. The national unemployment rate in January was 7.6 percent. Of California's jobless, nearly 1 million had been laid off while about 127,000 left their jobs voluntarily. ESCONDIDO, CA — The City and Escondido Firefighters Association agreed to suspend city contributions to 401(k) plans and end automatic pay increases for advancing up the pay scale. However, the union wanted the city to maintain pay increases for firefighters who completed advanced training and education programs. City negotiated rejected this offer and declared an impasse in negotiations. Union officials took their case to Council which voted 3-2 last week to cut benefits and eliminate salary increases for firefighters. Other unions have already agreed to similar reductions in benefits. FULLERTON, CA — City leaders have withdrawn all proposals to employee unions for a 4% pay increase in base salaries because of the economic crisis. The city's core focus is to preserve core services and jobs and avoid layoffs. The city has already restricted training expenditures, vehicle and equipment purchases and imposed a hiring freeze on all positions funded in whole or part by the General Fund. PLACER COUNTY, CA — Placer County faces a budget deficit of $18.5 million next fiscal year. A plan consisting of the use of reserve funds, twelve unpaid days off and a capped cost-of-living raise in the fall is designed to avoid layoffs. Honorable Mayor and City Council March 6, 2009 Page 2 SACRAMENTO, CA — Police union and city officials have reached a tentative agreement on a series of salary concessions. If an agreement was not reached, the city would have been forced to lay off 67 police officers to save roughly $6 million. The firefighters' union claims that it is willing to discuss the possibility of giving back some or all of its cost-of- living adjustments to avoid a loss of 50 firefighters and reduced staffing on some engines. Forgoing 5% cost-of-living raises and other increases associated with tenure for police and fire would cut $11 million from a $50 million deficit for the next year. Another $13 million would be saved if all other city workers agreed to salary freezes and furloughs. Without concessions, most departments are facing cuts of up to 35%. SALINAS, CA — City leaders have a three-phase plan to resolve their $12.6 million budget shortfall next year. Phase I included freezing several vacant positions. Phase II will ask all city employees to take a 10% pay cut, in addition to forgoing all salary raises over the next two years. SAN FRANCISCO, CA — The city handed out pink slips to 262 employees last week, with most of the cuts coming from the Recreation & Parks Department, Human Services Agency and Public Works. Earlier this month, 236 workers were cut. VENTURA, CA — City leaders are considering a two-year proposal to cut $10 million in spending. The first phase of cuts eliminated a dozen vacant positions and seeks early retirements, but stopped short of layoffs. The Council will meet in closed session next week to debate the merits of pay cuts versus furloughs to help reduce payroll costs. FALL RIVER, MA — The city is going to layoff 149 employees to resolve two-thirds of a $2.9 million state funding gap this year. The Mayor put the responsibility for the layoffs on five of the six unions, saying all but one of their eight bargaining units were unwilling to take pay cuts in lieu of job losses. AUSTIN, TX — The city is considering a "flexible staffing plan" for the Fire Department that would have only three firefighters on some trucks at times, generally at a couple of stations each day, instead of the city's goal of four. Department officials considered other cost-saving measures, including closing fire stations, instead of changing the staffing plan. "This one had the least amount of impact on firefighters, in regards to no one lost their job," Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Kerr said. 3. We have formed a task force to analyze all of the packages of money in the economic stimulus bill. We will build an interim report on this into the budget presentation at the Council meeting of March 11th. A short summary is that there will be some good things for the City in it — but it will not provide any meaningful help for our General Fund problems. 4. Our Water Resources Department submitted three projects to the Economic Recovery Stimulus Package through the State Public Health/Drinking Water section totaling $15,960,000. The projects were: 1) a water storage tank that will be used to blend water sources together to bring into conformity with water quality standards - $3,150,000; 2) a Honorable Mayor and City Council March 6, 2009 Page 3 60" diameter, 4.5 mile long raw water pipeline to feed water to the planned south Bakersfield water treatment plant - $9,560,000; and 3) arsenic treatment facilities for five wells that have arsenic above the state health standard - $3,250,000. Maurice Randall, Mark Lambert and Steve Choate are to be commended for gathering the information and pulling these needed projects together for this submittal. 5. The enclosed memo from Economic & Community Development outlines the funding and associated uses that have been appropriated to the City of Bakersfield under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act for the CDBG program and Homelessness Prevention. 6. The Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) was established under the federal Housing and Economic Recovery Act (HERA) of 2008 and the City has been allocated $8,982,836 under this program. The Substantial HUD Amendment previously approved by Council outlines activities to be undertaken by the City to address congressionally identified needs of abandoned and foreclosed homes in targeted federally established NSP areas within the City. Economic & Community Development received notification from HUD this week that the Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) agreements are being processed and will be executed within the next few weeks. This begins the 18 month clock for implementation of the programs approved in the action plan which includes home buyer assistance for income qualified individuals to purchase bank-owned foreclosed properties, property acquisition for future in-fill development within the redevelopment project areas and assistance through the Housing Authority of the County of Kern for city residents earning 50% of area median income. EDCD staff is in the process of finalizing all legal documents and service related agreements for this program. 7. Congratulations to Don Cohen and the Bakersfield CVB. We have been awarded the State CIF wrestling championships for the next three years! This is always a well attended event and is good for the hotels and restaurants! 8. The good news from Solid Waste is that there will be no rate increase proposed in conjunction with the FY 2009-10 budget. 9. The City's Biggest Loser Team Challenge continues into its sixth week with all fifty-two teams in contention. To date, all of the teams have contributed to a total of 698 pounds lost for a 3.17% weight loss. The "Halfway There" winning team is "Area 13" from the Graffiti Section. Keep up the good work! 10.A letter from Bright House Networks is enclosed which describes a new digital video delivery technology that will be implemented in the coming months. 11.The Recreation & Parks Department's monthly report for February 2009 is enclosed. Honorable Mayor and City Council March 6, 2009 Page 4 12.The Streets Division work schedule for the week of March 9t" is enclosed. 13. Responses to Council requests are enclosed, as follows: Councilmember Benham • Timing problem with red light cameras, and • Baker Street development update. AT:rs:rk cc: Department Heads Pamela McCarthy, City Clerk Roberta Gafford, Assistant City Clerk K E R S l I E L 111.11C, NN Olzk.s DEP.AR'UMENI 1501 IR,( V! V (WO .......... ... ......... RAt I ti. March 04, 2009 Security Paving Company, Inc. 9050 Norris Avenue Sun Valley, CA 91352 Attention: Joseph Ferndino, Vice President Reference: Westside Parkway Phase 1 (Mohawk Street Widen ing/Extension) Subject: Resumption of Work Dear Mr. Femdino The recent signing of a new State of California Budget resulted in an improvement to the State's financial condition. Following this budget approval, the City received correspondence from Caltrans indicating that funding should now be available for the State to Provide reimbursement for select Proposition 1B projects (which included the Westside Parkway Phase 1 project), and that the City could proceed with the construction of the Westside Parkway Phase 1 project. Therefore, my letter to you of December 19, 2008 temporarily suspending work on this project is now rescinded, and Security Paving Company, Inc is hereby notified to resume work on this Project. Thomas Roads Improvement Program staff will meet with You soon to discuss the implementation of the construction schedule, start of working days, etc. I call your attention to Section 5-1.57 in the Special Provisions referring to Wildlife and Mitigation Measures. There are several dates that are identified which limit work within the Kern River area and that still must be adhered to. Should you have any questions, please contact Luis Topete of the Thomas Roads Improvement Program at 661-326-3700. Very truly yours, Raul M. Rojas City of Bakersfield Director of Public Works Cc: Alan Tandy, Bakersfield City Manager Theodore D. Wright, TRIP J. Christopher Clark, TRIP File - California State Wire Page 1 of I California unemployment rate jumps to 1o.1 percent Friday,Feb.27,2009 By DON THOMPSON -Associated Press Writer SACRAMENTO California's unemployment rate jumped to 10.1 percent in January,the state's first double-digit jobless reading in a quarter-century. The jobless rate announced Friday by the state Employment Development Department represents an increase from the revised figure of 8.7 percent in December.It also is 2.5 percentage points higher than the national jobless rate in January of 7.6 percent. A year ago,California's unemployment rate was 6.1 percent.Since then,steep declines in the construction,finance,information and retail industries have put thousands out of work. "The recession is worse than we thought,"said Howard Roth,chief economist at the state Department of Finance. The number of people without jobs in California soared to more than 1.8 million,up 754,000 from January 2008. Roth said he believed the construction and finance industries had bottomed out,only to see losses increase in both.He said he hopes for marginal improvement in the economy over the second half of the year. Stephen Levy,senior economist for the Palo Alto-based Center for Continuing Study of the California Economy,said the last time California's unemployment topped 10 percent was June 1983. "They're confirming what we already know,which is that we're in a very,very deep recession that is going to last for many months,"Levy said. Nonfarm payroll jobs declined by 494,000,or 3.3 percent,from a year ago,according to the state's survey of California businesses.A separate federal survey of households showed a drop of 283,000 jobs from December,or a loss of 437,000 jabs from January 2008. Of California's jobless,nearly 1 million had been laid off while about 127,000 left their jobs voluntarily.The others were new to the labor market or were trying to re-enter. In a statement,Gov.Arnold Schwarzenegger said the unemployment numbers released Friday are"a sobering reminder"that rejuvenating the state's economy should be government's top priority. The two-year state budget package approved last week includes economic stimulus measures such as a$10,000 tax credit for buyers of new homes and tax credits for movie studios and multistate corporations.It also relaxes environmental rules for some construction projects and provides incentives for small businesses that hire more workers. "It is extremely important that we put people back to work.This is why we negotiated all the extra pieces in the budget,"Schwarzenegger said during a Friday campaign event in Fresno to promote six budget-related measures that will appear on the May 19 special election ballot. Home builders are looking to the homebuyer tax credit,which takes effect April 1,to start pulling the industry out of its slump. "Hopefully,that will give a shot in the arm for the housing markets that have been so depressed in the last two years,"said Tim Coyle,senior vice president of the California Building Industry Association. The industry typically expects to build about 200,000 housing units a year.In 2008,it built just 66,000,resulting in roughly 300,000 lost jobs,he said. The last time California's unemployment rate was over 10 percent was during a 12-month period that ended in June 1983. Construction,manufacturing,transportation,trade,information,and professional and financial services were among the sectors posting the biggest losses,according to the figures released Friday. They lost a combined 86,700 jobs over the past month.Adding the hospitality and leisure industries,those sectors lost 537,000 jobs from a year ago. The information sector posted the largest decline in the past month,shedding 27,700 jobs,most of them in the motion picture and sound industries.The construction trades posted the largest year- over-year decline on a percentage basis,losing 130,600 jobs or 15.5 percent. Education and health care services saw job increases. "It looks like California's precipitous manufacturing decline continues,"said Gino DiCaro,spokesman for California Manufacturers and Technology Association."Since January 2001,we have now lost close to 500,000 manufacturing jobs in California.That's a quarter of California's industrial base,and those are simply high-wage jabs that California can't afford to lose." DiCaro said his group has studied private sector vs.public sectorjob growth since 2001 and found that the private sector accounts forjust 15 percent of newjobs. "California's got a lot of work ahead of it to improve the job climate in the state,"he said. Job losses could be on the horizon for state government workers as the Schwarzenegger administration looks to trim costs further. The governor's office has said the state must reduce its payroll by 10 percent,which could include laying off up to 10,000 state employees.Cities and counties across California also are laying off public employees. "The government sector has certainly slowed down,where before it was one of the top three job sectors,"said Jodi Chavez,a Newport Beach-based vice president at the national staffing firm Ajilon, She said her agency is seeing increased hiring among beer and wine distributors and manufacturers of video games. "I think families are spending more time at home than going out,"she said. January's double-digit unemployment figure could be revised downward as additional information comes in,said Kevin Callon,spokesman for the Employment Development Department. The rising jobless rate is putting a strain on the state fund that pays out unemployment insurance. The Employment Development Department said 717,525 Californians were receiving unemployment insurance benefits in January,up from 480,858 at the same time last year. In January,California began borrowing from the federal government to keep its unemployment insurance fund solvent.The employment department projected the state will need to borrow$2.4 billion through year's end and$4.9 billion in 2010 if the state doesn't adjust its benefits or taxes on employers. One potential bright spat in Friday's report:New jobless claims in California fell to 75,514,down from 87,979 in December. Associated Press Writer Juliet Williams contributed to this report. httP.JJwww.fresnobee.com/state/v-print/story/I 228549.htm] 2/27/2009 More city employees see cut in benefits Pagel of 3 0 CQ PRINTTHIS More city employees see cut in benefits o Firefighters won't get more pay for training By Angela Lau(Contact)Union-Tribune Staff Writer 2:00 a.m. February 27, 2009 ESCONDIDO—Escondido's financial crisis has claimed another labor casualty. This time it was firefighters'turn to receive the bad news: a 3-2 City Council vote to cut benefits and eliminate salary increases. As it did recently with other city employees, the council suspended city contributions to firefighters'401(k)plans and ended automatic pay increases for advancing up the pay scale. The Escondido Firefighters Association had agreed to those changes. But the union wanted to the city to maintain pay increases for firefighters who completed advanced training and education programs. It would have cost the city$21,000 this year. That expenditure also would have carried into future years because the additional pay would have become part of the firefighters'regular salaries. City negotiators refused to retain the training pay and declared an impasse in negotiations. On Wednesday,union representatives took their case to the council. Mike Powell, a negotiator hired by the firefighters'union, said that firefighting is a technical profession that demands that firefighters acquire new skills. For example,he said, firefighters who want to become acting engineers and captains must be certified to do so. Those who want to be involved in technical rescues also need certificates. Powell said firefighters are not trying to avoid helping the city deal with a financial crisis. "We will do our share financially,"he said. "If things get worse, we are prepared to do it again." The city's outside negotiator,Richard Kreisler,however,urged the council to be fair to other unions, which have agreed to the suspension of extra pay for additional training. Moreover, Kreisler said, firefighters make six-figure salaries when overtime is included. Including overtime, an Escondido fire captain earns between $112,700 and$162,000; a fire engineer$94,470 to$140,500; and a firefighter/paramedic between $67,100 and$145,900. "I don't think there is a soul in this room that begrudges the pay to the firefighters,"Kreisler said. "But we are spending 67 percent of our general fund on public safety, and, in the fire department's budget, 87 percent of the expenses go to (employee) compensation. http://signonsandiego.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&title=More+city+employees+see+cut+i... 3/5/2009 More city employees see cut in benefits Page 2 of 3 "This freeze is not forever. What astounds us is that people in a technical service would forgo education because"the city refused to give them additional pay. The California Teamsters Local 911, which represents maintenance and operations workers, also asked the council to be fair. The Teamsters have agreed to the suspension of the city's contribution to 401(k)plans,raises for advancing up the pay scale and extra pay for additional credentials. The Escondido City Employees Association agreed to the same reductions, as well as a 5 percent pay cut, which other unions did not have to consider. Russ Lane, the employees'association's president,presented an audit of the city's budget to the council to argue that Escondido has money in various funds that could be used to ease the shortfall. Although he had not read the audit, Gil Rojas, the city's finance director, disputed that argument after the meeting. Much of the money has been earmarked for economic development,he said. After the union presentations, Councilwoman Olga Diaz made a motion to give firefighters the additional pay, which was seconded by Councilwoman Marie Waldron. Diaz said $21,000 was not a lot of money, and that the city had no problem paying its negotiator$270 an hour. She also said every union has different needs. But her motion was rejected, with Mayor Lori Holt Pfeifer and Councilmen Sam Abed and Dick Daniels voting against it. "I'm disappointed you put that motion on the table,"Pfeiler said. "Anyone who voted against it will appear as if we do not support our firefighters. I don't appreciate that." Daniels made a motion to impose the city's offer, and Pfeiler and Abed joined him. Diaz and Waldron voted no. "As minor as that number is,we need to keep the faith(with the other unions),"Daniels said. "We ask that you keep the faith with us. When good times come back, we will restore your benefits." After the meeting,Nikos Winner,union representative, said he was not disappointed. "They are doing what is fiscally responsible. I'm grateful to have a job,"he said. Powell said he does not expect firefighters to fight the decision in court. "It's over with. We are all done,"he said. The city has been negotiating with all its employee unions to help close a$7.4 million budget gap, and the cuts are not over. Next month, the council is expected to deal with the Escondido Police Officers Association's contract. Negotiations are also at an impasse. The union has refused to accept cuts, although it is not asking for any increases. Union president Michael Guerrero has warned that the city stands to lose well-qualified officers to other cities if it cuts benefits. He also has said his union may take the city to court if a settlement is imposed. Angela Lau: (760) 737-7575; angrela.lau@ uniontribc_o.m Angela Lau: (760) 737-7575; (Contact) h ttp://signonsandi ego.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&title=More+city+employees+see+cut+i... 3/5/2009 More city employees see cut in benefits Page 3 of 3 Find this article at: hftp://www3.signonsandiego.com/stories/2009/f`eb/27/1 mc27efire22318-more-city-employees-see-cut-benefi/?zlndex=59253 Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. ©Copyright 2007 Union-Tribune Publishing Co.•A Copley Newspaper Site http://Signonsandiego.piintthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&title=More+city+employees+see+cut+i... 3/5/2009 Fullerton withdraws salary-increase proposal to employee unions I city, percent, employees, members, ... Pagel of 2 TIM OPONGE COUNTY MSTE' R AG1'!�ltlfflClll hursday, February 26, 2009 He also said the California Public Employees' Retirement System investment losses could Fu I I e rto n withdraws lead to large employer rate increases in coming years. salary-increase "We're waiting for the state to send the proposal to fourth-quarter sales tax report, due March 20," Meyer said Wednesday. "That's the employee unions largest source of the city revenue." In response to questions about layoffs, Meyer said Wednesday that his focus is to City manager says he preserve core services and jobs. prefers furloughs over "I would much rather furlough employees g than have layoffs," he said. layoffs if need arises. Meanwhile, City Manager Meyer recently asked city departments to return 3 percent By BARBARA GIASONE of their general operating funds from the 2008-09 budget rather than the 2 percent The Orange County Register mentioned in a previous directive. FULLERTON — In a letter to four city He also restricted training expenditures, employee unions, City Manager Chris Meyer vehicle and equipment purchases and said all proposals for a 4 percent increase in imposed a hiring freeze on all positions base salaries have been withdrawn because funded in whole or part by general operating of the economic crisis. funds. Meyer wrote the union presidents of the The city and its non-safety employees municipal and management groups, plus the agreed on pension increases from 2 percent firefighters and police dispatcher units, that for retirees at age 55 to 2.5 percent last the city could not escape the fallout from the August. state budget. But the City Council failed to ratify the pact Advertisement Fo n I y i n c r"T'ro' a W W W.Citiesbyfoot.com Print Powered By 1i F car r rat C %narn�cs„ http://www.ocregi ster.com/articies/city-percent-employees-2319894-membe 3/5/2009 Fullerton withdraws salary-increase proposal to employee unions I city, percent, employees, members, ... Page 2 of 2 RMIER after Councilman Shawn Nelson in an Orange explored non-monetary benefits including County Register editorial indicated fellow additional days for management leave. council members in closed session were secretly negotiating a 25 percent pension Barry Coffman, representing the Police increase. Officers' Dispatcher Unit, said the 15 members had waited for the PERS actuarials, At the time, Fullerton Municipal Employees and then the results of the city election, and Federation president Bob Pergen said still nothing has been resolved. employees would pay for any pension percentage increases, and the costs would Firefighters'Association President Chris not fall back on the city or the taxpayers. Harris said the 85 members had agreed to salary increases, but had asked for some The Federation this month agreed to drop "takeaways." the pension proposal, employees said. "It was unfortunate negotiations dragged on Union labor negotiator Robin Nahin said the for so long," Harris said. "We were willing to proposed settlement also included a 4 settle the same as the police association in percent pay raise for employees in July 2009, late July, but our offer was contingent on the but the plan was frozen because of the takeaways." editorial discussions. Harris said a 4 percent salary increase Trung Phan, who now heads the Fullerton would have been split between 2 percent in Municipal Employees Federation, said July 2008 and 2 percent in December 2008. Thursday that 60 of the 350 members who met Wednesday night at the Elks Lodge were upset with city finances, and decided to continue salary negotiations. "We want a fair contract," Phan said. "It's our understanding there could be a reduction of hours or layoffs." Management Association President Ramona Castaneda said she met on behalf of her union's 50 members with city officials and Advertisement o F + WWW.Cltie$bYfoot.com Print Powered By Ec3rrrt b namic '" h ttp://www.ocregister.com/articles/ci ty-percent-employees-2319894-membe 3/5/2009 Placer supervisors plan spending cuts to avoid layoffs - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacram... Pagel of 2 THE SACHEM BU sacbee.ccmi This story is taken from Sacbee / Our Region Placer supervisors plan spending cuts to avoid layoffs bwalter @sacbe.com Published Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2009 Facing a budget deficit of $18.5 million for the fiscal year that begins in July, Placer County supervisors have outlined a broad cost-cutting plan designed to avoid layoffs. The plan includes use of reserve funds, mandatory time off and a capped cost-of-living raise in the fall. County Executive Officer Thomas M. Miller said the looming deficit is so large that officials need to have the spending cuts in place July 1. "The sooner we get started, the sooner we can come up with a plan that can avoid layoffs," he said. On Tuesday, the supervisors ordered 12 mandatory, unpaid days off for about 300 management and other "confidential" employees, mostly clerical workers who are not represented by labor unions and sometimes work with confidential labor information. The board's plan for the management group includes capping a cost-of-living raise at 2.5 percent and limiting vacation cash-out options and accruals. Tuesday's moves are projected to save $1.62 million in fiscal 2009-10. Even more savings - about $5.1 million - will be demanded from the almost 1,800-member Placer Public Employees Organization to avoid the loss of as many as 115 jobs, officials said. Measures that will be negotiated include mandatory time off and reassignment of jobs. The union filed an unfair labor practice charge against the county after the supervisors ordered four unpaid furlough days in the current fiscal year. A ruling is pending in the case. Chuck Thiel, the union's business representative, said other options include changes in work schedules and early retirement options. Another $3 million in savings will come from the Sheriff's Department's $100 million budget. Sheriff Ed Bonner said Tuesday that he is looking at leaving some positions vacant, cutting programs and reducing vehicle use. http://www.sacbee.cOn/ourTegion/v-print/story/1650841.htm1 3/5/2009 Placer supervisors plan spending cuts to avoid layoffs - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacram... Page 2 of 2 Deputies' salaries are tied to a three-county average by Proposition F, approved by voters a decade ago. Most of the county's remaining savings for 2009-10 will come from reserve funds. Placer expects to draw $4.5 million from its reserves. Other cost-cutting may come from closer scrutiny on travel and training, "take-home" cars and several scenarios involving the new Sheriff's Department helicopter due for delivery later this year. In December, the supervisors ordered a package of cuts - including the four furlough days - to close a $9.5 million budget deficit for the current fiscal year. ShareThis Call The Bee's Bob Walter, (916) 773-7388. http://www.sacbee.com/ourregion/v-print/story/1650841.html 3/5/2009 Sacramento cops give up raises to save 70 jobs - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento N... Pagel of 2 THE ACRAMEN1V ME sacbee.com This story is taken from Sacbee / Our Region / Top Stories Sacramento cops give up raises to save 70 jobs Firefighters union sets conditions for salary concession talks rlillis @sacbee.com Published Wednesday, Mar. 04, 2009 Nearly 70 police jobs in the city of Sacramento have likely been saved after the police union and city officials reached a tentative agreement late Tuesday on a series of salary concessions aimed at solving a historic budget gap, city officials say. And in another sign that public safety could be spared from cuts, a spokesman with the firefighters' union told The Bee today that the labor organization was willing to discuss salary concessions with the city if two other issues under negotiation are cleared up first. There is no timeline for when those issues - a lawsuit over overtime owed to firefighters and a stalled proposal to admit fire battalion chiefs into the firefighters' union - will be resolved. However, Chris Harvey, the union spokesman, said that if the issues are cleared up, "then of course we can discuss giving back some or all of the cost-of-living adjustments." City budget officials said forgoing 5 percent cost-of-living raises and other increases associated with tenure for police and fire would slash $11 million from a $50 million deficit for the 2009/10 fiscal year that begins July 1. Another $13 million would be saved if all other city workers agreed to salary freezes and furloughs. The city's largest union - Local 39 - has not agreed to talks with city labor officials and representatives with the union have not returned several phone calls from The Bee seeking comment. Without concessions, most city departments are facing cuts of up to 35 percent, more than 400 positions could be slashed and many services - from park maintenance to afterschool programs - would be scaled back. If the police union did not agree to the salary freezes, city finance officials said Sacramento would have to lay off 67 officers. The cuts would bring police patrols to a minimum and result in the shuttering of some specialized units. Police union members will vote on whether to ratify the tentative agreement Thursday night. It would then be placed before the City Council for approval. While saying he could not speak on the specifics of the agreement, police union boss Brent Meyer said his http://sacbee.com/topstories/v-print/story/167123 8.htm1 3/4/2009 Sacramento cops give up raises to save 70 jobs - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento N... Page 2 of 2 organization was "relieved that we are coming up with a viable alternative to the prospect of laying off officers." Concessions by the firefighters' union would likely avoid a loss of 50 firefighter positions and reduced staffing on some engines. Mayor Kevin Johnson and other city officials have suggested that the departments whose unions agree to salary concessions would not face cuts. Johnson said Wednesday he was "elated" by the development and that city officials did not expect to reach agreements with the unions before April. "The police officers' union understood what we all know and that is that it's going to take some sacrifice from everyone to solve this budget," the mayor said. The mayor said the police union's tentative agreement "puts the onus on the other unions that they have to be a part of the solution" and said he was "hopeful they too will make concessions." ShareThis Call The Bee's Ryan Lillis, (916) 321-1285. http://sacbee.com/topstories/v-print/story/i 671238.htm1 3/4/2009 Salinas City Council Faces Tough Choices - Print This Story News Story- KSBW The Central Coast Pagel of 2 KSBW.com Salinas City Council Faces Tough Choices Related To Story Council Members Implement First Round Of Budget Cuts POSTED: 11:01 Pm PST February 24,2009 UPDATED:9:04 am PST February 25,2009 SALINAS, Calif. -- Salinas City Council members faced the first of a wave of tough choices presented to avoid a nearly$13 million shortfall for the next fiscal year. Council members decided to freeze five vacant positions,four Video: Budget Cuts For Salinas community service officers and a police clerk, as part of the first round of budget cuts. They tabled discussion of furloughs, a four-day, io-hour work week for all city workers and postponed talks of 50 percent cut in funding for school crossing guard programs. But the biggest decisions on city services,including possible layoffs are still to come. A few years ago city leaders eliminated more than ioo jobs and shut down the libraries in order to resolve the budget crisis. This year they have a three-phase plan that they're hoping will save every job possible. Salinas City Council members decided to freeze five vacant positions Tuesday night in the first of a three-phase plan. The first step is to avoid a $12.6 million shortfall over the next fiscal year. Revenue projections made before the housing downturn and recession are off by millions. Sales and property taxes that make up two thirds of the city's discretionary revenues have fallen short by$13.4 million. Building fees were down $500,000. "This shortfall must be resolved in the next four months by July 1,"said Salinas Finance Director Tom Kever. Phase two is next and asks all city employees to take a 10 percent pay cut, in addition to forgoing all salary raises over the next two years. The move would save an immediate $6 million and avoid past mistakes. "The city eliminated 123 positions, including 15 public safety positions, and was forced to close the libraries. The current budget crisis is similar in magnitude.Without employee concessions, over 120 positions will be eliminated or frozen,"Kever said. Some residents had stricter suggestions. "All employees making over $100,000 a year have their salaries cut by 20 or 25 percent.If you're making over http://www.ksbw.com/print/i 8789899/detail.html 3/5/2009 Salinas City Council Faces Tough Choices-Print This Story News Story - KSBW The Central Coast Page 2 of 2 $ioo,000 in this economy and city you'll still do pretty good,"said Rick Mitchell, a Salinas resident. Police and fire have not responded to the possibility of these cuts.Most of the non-safety groups make up 70 percent of city staff have voiced understanding about the pay cuts and that they are needed in order to prevent any layoffs. The city is holding a series of four meetings over the next couple of months for community input on the spending cuts. The first is Thursday at 6 p.m. at the Firehouse Recreation Center. Copyright 2oo9 by jK$_hWcom.All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. http://www.ksbw.com/print/i 8789899/detail.html 3/5/2009 Ventura to trim city's unfilled positions Page 1 of 1 Ventura to trim city's unfilled positions Council expects eventual layoffs By Kevin Clerici Tuesday,March 3,2009 The Ventura City Council on Monday took beginning steps to cut costs,agreeing to eliminate a dozen vacant positions and seek early retirements,but stopped short of layoffs. The moves will help,but tougher decisions loom,officials stressed.City staff is wrestling with a plan to slash upwards of$10 million in spending over the next two years.Layoffs across departments are anticipated. The two-year proposal will be presented to the council later this month,and council members voted 6-1 Monday to hold off on layoffs until they have a full view of the needed cuts. "We are all very anxious about this,"Councilman Bill Fulton said."No one wants to pull the trigger on this." Added Councilman Ed Summers:"I think we made the minimal cuts we could." The biggest change involved vacant city firefighter positions. More than 30 firefighters showed up to oppose the elimination of three vacant positions,saying it would result in the loss of a special roving,three-person fire engine that has helped cut fire response times citywide.The loss would reduce sworn staff from 69 to 66 positions,according to fire engineer Ben Davis,president of the Ventura City Firefighters Association. The council agreed to postpone a decision and consider the three sworn posts as part of the two-year plan.Summers said the loss of the vacant posts,while difficult, would save all active-duty personnel. Councilman Jim Monahan provided the lone no vote but didn't offer a specific reason.He said afterward it was a protest vote.He opposes cuts to the Fire Department and felt the city's Planning Department should work faster to get development applications through the pipeline.He felt the city's"infill"growth Policy is a big reason development has"stopped"in recent years while neighboring cities have continued to grow. Councilman Neal Andrews also said the city needed to place greater emphasis on revenue generation and eliminate obstacles preventing businesses from opening. He voiced opposition to limits on"big box"stores on Victoria Avenue that essentially would prohibit a Wal-Mart Superstore to take over a vacant Kmart. Mayor Christy Weir said cuts needed to come from every department,though she felt public safety was a priority."Everyone is going to make some sacrifices here,"she said.She blamed the national and global economic struggles for much of the city's fiscal woes. Speakers raised the question of using some of the city's$12 million in reserves to save all jobs,but council members were reluctant to do so.Summers said it was prudent to"wait until the problem is far more severe"before dipping into emergency funds. While the council agreed to wait on layoffs,the council did authorize City Manager Rick Cole to find ways to trim a couple million dollars to help reduce a$6.3 million shortfall in the current fiscal year that ends in June. It was unclear how much money the elimination of the vacant positions will save. The night was filled with several tense moments,including council members bickering with one another.Fulton and Monahan got into a verbal exchange when Fulton accused Monahan of interrupting him. After the vote on the job eliminations,the council agreed to meet in closed session next week to debate the merits of pay cuts versus furloughs to help reduce payroll costs. Dozens of city managers have agreed to take 5 percent pay cuts,and police and fire union employees will forfeit vacation pay or compensation increases to meet the 5 percent savings.The city's 385 regular union employees,however,prefer to keep current hourly wage levels but work fewer hours. Cole has maintained that furloughs save money but cost the community in lost work time.He has sought greater reductions from the Service Employees International Union members,and negotiations are continuing.He asked the council for direction.He would like all pay reductions to take effect April 1. ©2009 Ventura County Star http.//www.vcnturacountystar.com/news/2009/mar/03/ventura-to-trim-citys-unfilled-positions/?printed/ 3/5/2009 Layoffs exceed expectations - Fall River, MA - The Herald News Pagel of 3 News l e►t Ircytn tl�t Southcoast t' Hack �r Home ... Sharer Share This Print '• -Comment Layoffs exceed expectations By Michael Holtzman Herald News Staff Reporter Posted Mar 02. 2009 @ 11:30 AM Last update Mar 03, 2009 @ 06:18 AM FALL RIVER—Mayor Robert Correia today announced 149 municipal layoffs to reduce a$2.9 million state funding gap this year,which will go into effect in the next two weeks. He put responsibility for the layoffs on five of the six municipal unions,saying all but one of their eight bargaining units were unwilling to take pay cuts in lieu of job losses. Public safety took the hardest layoff hits,with 45 firefighters and 53 patrolmen losing theirjobs to save$667,736 and$836,936, respectively. Another 13 police department positions were being cut or unfilled, including eight dispatchers.Salary and expense reductions in the two largest municipal departments totaled just under$1.8 million of the$2,890,146 the state reduced in non-school aid a month ago due to the fiscal crisis. The city's third largest union,the American Federation of State,County and Municipal Employees,lost 30 workers from among its 265 members. Public works lost 20 jobs for buildings,highway and sanitation,totaling$190,377 in reductions. Its Teamsters Union, Local 251,has 88 members. Of the 149 layoffs, 10 are vacancies that will go unfilled and one's a retirement. "I think it's grave. I think it's a tragedy,"said Tim Oliveira,AFSCME Local 3177 representative. "Who do you blame?I don't have that answer,"Oliveira said. The layoffs this fiscal year will save$1,964,934 of the nearly$2.9 million expense cut. Gov. Deval Patrick proposes reducing non-school aid to the city by nearly$6.3 million for fiscal 2010,which also figured into the layoffs and reductions, Correia and City Administrator Adam Chapdelaine said. "We presented the unions with several options to close this budget gap,"Correia said in a statement detailing the cutbacks."The leaders of the unions affected by the layoffs chose this path for their membership.We had no choice but to agree with them and implement it,"Correia said in a press release. "We have exhausted all avenues in an attempt to save as many jobs as possible,"he said in the written statement. The layoff plan calls for non-Civil Service employees to be terminated on Friday.Cuts to police and fire personnel under Civil Service will take effect on March 13,Correia said. In his office Monday discussing the layoffs,a distraught Correia declined to be photographed,saying,"It's been a terribly difficult day." At Government Center,employees were packing their belongings and leaving their jobs. "It's pretty grim,"said one in the inspection department who http://www.heraldnews.com/news/local_news/x844650504/Police-layoffs-exceed-expectations?view=print 3/5/2009 Layoffs exceed expectations - Fall River, MA - The Herald News Page 2 of 3 asked not to be named. "It's been a bad day. It hasn't been easy,"veteran City Clerk Carol A.Valcourt said. The Labor Advantage for Workers,made up of 12 custodians,was the sole union group to take a wage cut in lieu of losing two municipal buildings workers.They accepted a three-hour-a-week reduced workload--basically equivalent to 8.57 percent of their pay--saving$9,312 through the end of this year.The hourly pay reduction would continue through June 30,2010.The LAW union signed the agreement Saturday,Correia said. Through that period most department heads, managerial staff and the mayor and his staff accepted an 8.57 percent salary reduction through June 30, 2010. One employee in the mayor's office,Deborah Viveiros,Chapdelaine's clerical assistant,was laid off,a savings of$10,365 on her annual$35,000 salary. It was part of$72,008 trimmed in the mayor's office,Correia said. Correia accepted the largest percentage pay cut through June 30,2010,a 10 percent reduction in his$109,593.75 salary,putting it just below $100,000.He had been the 19th highest paid city employee,42 of whom made at least$100,000 before the cutbacks were announced. Overall,his staff's 8.57 percent pay reduction this year will save$16,596. The law department at the end of this fiscal year will be minus one of its four attorneys,which includes a special counsel assigned to personnel who remains.Correia said Assistant Corporation Counsel Daniel Hendrie,whom he said handled federal legal cases,will leave June 30. "He was the closest to ending his contract,"said Correia,who stated initially he would receive 120 days'severance pay but later amended that. The 8.57 percent reductions in the pay of four city attorneys and nine mayoral staff,including Correia,will save about$100,000,$25,516 through June 30 and the balance next year. Along with 131 layoffs from the city's three largest departments,there were generally one or two layoffs or unfilled jobs in other departments,along with expense cuts.The administration listed the following cuts and savings through the balance of this fiscal year: •Auditor, unfilled$25,000. •Collector's office,assistant collector unfilled,$40,478,and cashier eliminated,$9,538. •Treasure's office,assistant vacancy,$16,000;cashier eliminated,$9,538. •Human resources,generalist unfilled,$40,000;other personnel services,$40,000. •Recreation and cemetery,one position,$8,202. •Traffic and parking,one vacancy unfilled,$14,057. •Elections office,one vacancy unfilled,$29,276;one clerk,$7,815;poll workers,$18,000. •City clerk's office,one City Council clerk,$8,891;one vacant job,$11,000. •Information systems,two employees,$19,048. •Health and Human Services,five jobs,including one nurse,$14,919;three Council on Aging,$26,727. •Inspection services,two jobs,one sanitary inspector retiring,$9,140;minimum housing inspector,$10,568;building inspector,$16,090. •Library,total of six positions,two full-time,$20,429. The administration reported having 892 full-time municipal positions prior to the layoffs,about 811 of them unionized. Chapdelaine was asked about the 53 police officers laid off compared with a figure of"36 to 38"the union's president said they were told during bargaining on Friday. http://www.heraldnews.cOm/news/local_news/x844650504/Police-layoffs-exceed-expectations?view=print 3/5/2009 Layoffs exceed expectations - Fall River, MA - The Herald News Page 3 of 3 During two weeks of collective bargaining,each of the unions"was given a range of the possibilities"of layoffs,said Chapdelaine in Correia's office. "The number 53 fell well within that range." Patrolman Michael Ferreira,president of Local 1854 of the Massachusetts Coalition of Police,reported Friday his union would accept six days off without pay for members this year and 18 next year if they would be paid for those days during the last six months of a three-year contract. Perreira said it would save the city$4,000 to$5,000 per officer during this fiscal crisis. "You're talking 53 police officers.We can't take that kind of hit,"Perreira said. While the police official claimed the city did not respond to that offer,Chapdelaine said,"Every union I met with was presented an offer from the city. There was no response from any union for what was necessary to close this budget gap,"he said during a half-hour scheduled interview Monday with him and Correia. Correia,prior to that interview,concluded in his statement release:"Given the options presented to us by the labor unions,we were left with no choice. I have been elected by the people of Fall River to guide this city through these tough times,and I will. "We must all work together to see our way out of this crisis." E-mail Michael Holtzman at mholtzman @heraldnews.com. Who,or what,deserves the most blame for Monday's layoffs in Fall River? state legislators,for allowing Gov.Patrick to cut state aid to cities. No one.Everyone is equally accountable. (--)The economy.The city is in an unenviable position. ,:The unions.They didn't give the city many options. C)The mayor.There had to be other options. View Results Zidaddy.com 91 Copyright ID,2003 GateHouse Media,Inc.Some Rights Reserved Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license,except where noted. http://www.heraldnews.com/news/local news/x844650504/Police-layoffs-exceed-expectations?view=print 3/5/2009 Some on council criticize plan to cut police, fire, EMS Pagel of 2 AuftAranican- ttman statesman,com C*6a PRINTTHIS CITY OF AUSTIN Some on council criticize plan to cut olice fire EMS MS Martinez, Leffingwell, Morrison express concerns about safety. By Tony Plohetski AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF Tuesday,March 03, 2009 Several Austin City Council members are urging City Manager Marc Ott to reconsider cuts to the police and fire departments that are part of a plan to chop $20 million from the city's budget. Council Members Mike Martinez, Lee Leffingwell and Laura Morrison each say that the cuts,which involve delaying a police cadet class by six months and altering staffing levels at some fire stations, could jeopardize public safety and the safety of police officers and firefighters. They said Ott should seek alternatives or the city should consider cutting the salaries of some—if not all—city executives, including themselves. "I have taken a pretty hard line on public safety because I think it is the No. 1 priority in this city," said Leffingwell, who is running for mayor and has been endorsed by Austin's fire,police and emergency medical services unions. "I believe the general public shares that belief." Martinez said one option city officials could pursue is reducing the pay of the city's highest earners until reaching a certain goal. He did not have a list of such employees Monday. Some of those executives have contracts that stipulate their salaries, so they would need to voluntarily take a pay cut. Leffingwell said executive salary cuts "would be preferable instead of cutting public safety services." However, Council Member Brewster McCracken, who also is running for mayor, said he thinks Ott should proceed with his plan and said the city has a long-standing practice of trying to cut budgets equally across all departments. "We are going to lose faith with the librarians and park employees of this city if they see the council rewriting the rules so that there is one set of rules for connected organizations and another set of rules for everybody else,"he said. Assistant City Manager Michael McDonald,who oversees the public safety agencies, said Monday that officials have not received any response to Ott's plans from the council "as a body" and intend to proceed. He said that the city has not considered executive pay cuts but that officials might do so when drafting next year's budget. The cuts come as Austin's sales tax revenue, which makes up a quarter of the $621 million budget,has been dipping as the economy struggles. The concern from council members comes several days after Ott announced that the Fire Department would put a httP.//statesman.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=ept&title=Some+on+council+criticize+plan+to+c... 3/5/2009 Some on council criticize plan to cut police, fire,EMS Page 2 of 2 "flexible staffing plan" in place that would save$200,000. Under the plan, the department would have only three firefighters on some trucks at times,generally at a couple of stations each day, instead of the city's goal of four. Fire union officials have said the change could affect response times because firefighters might have to await the arrival of other firefighters before entering a burning structure. Martinez said he was frustrated by the Fire Department plan, which he said was put together by a team of people who mostly earn six-figure salaries and drive city-issued cars. "It concerns me that the 10 brightest and highest-ranking officials in the Fire Department put their heads together and that is the best they could come up with,"he said. Fire Chief Rhoda Mae Ken said department officials considered other cost-saving measures, including closing fire stations, instead of changing the staffing plan. "This one had the least amount of impact on firefighters, in regards to no one lost their job," Kerr said. Ott also said he plans to delay a police academy cadet class, scheduled to begin this month,until September, which would save the city about$1.4 million. Council members said they are concerned about possible ramifications of that proposal. Morrison said she thinks that delaying the class might cause the Police Department to spend more in overtime to make sure it has enough officers on the street. Leffingwell said, "I've yet to be convinced that it won't impact the number of officers on the street." Council Member Sheryl Cole said she thinks Ott should proceed with his plan. "There are no easy answers, and we are going to have to have shared sacrifices by all the departments," she said. "I respect the city manager's recommendation." tplohetski @statesman.com; 445-3605 Vote for this story! Buzz up! Find this article at: http://www.statesman.com/news/content/news/stories/local/03/03/0303cuts.html D Check the box to include the list of links referenced in the article. http://statesman.printthis.clickability.com/pt/cpt?action=cpt&title=Some+on+council+criticize+plan+to+c... 3/5/2009 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 Feb. 28, 2009 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Rhonda W. Barnhard, Assistant Economic Development Director SUBJECT: Program Highlights —American Recovery Act 2009 for H.R. 1 Congress recently approved H.R. 1, the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009" allocating multipurpose funding for states, counties and cities such as $1 billion in CDBG funds and $1.5 billion in homeless prevention funding. The highlights for these two H.R. 1 funding programs are noted below. CDBG- The final bill includes $897,462 in CDBG funds for Bakersfield. In selecting projects to be funded, grantees must give priority to projects that can award contracts based on bids in 120 days from the date funds are made available for recipients. The Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is given authority to waive any statutory or regulatory provisions except for requirements related to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards and the environment to expedite the timely use of funds. Homeless Prevention Funds- The final bill also includes $1,372,351 in homeless prevention funding for Bakersfield. Funds may be used for short-term and medium-term rental assistance, housing relocation and stabilization services including housing search, mediation or outreach to property owners, credit repair, security or utility deposits, utility payments, rental assistance for a final month at a location, moving cost assistance, and case management, and any other activities for homeless prevention and the rapid re-housing of persons who have become homeless. Grantees may use up to 5% of the funds they receive for administrative costs. Grantees must spend at least 60% of the funds received in two years and 100% of the funds within three years. Unspent funds are to be recaptured and reallocated. The federal guidelines for administering these funds have yet to developed by HUD, and it is our understanding in order to access the funds, cities will need to submit to HUD a substantial amendment to their FY 2008-09 Action Plan. We assume more information regarding the program guidelines and implementation requirements for these funds will be available by this summer. Staff will meet with City departments in the interim to discuss possible uses for these funds. CADOCUME-1\RKIRKW-1\LOCALS-1\Tempx xPgrpwiseXAmerRecoveryAct2009.Bksfld.CDBGHomeless2.27.2009.doc 1 � 3701 North Sillect Avenue Joseph R. Schoenstein r Bakersfield, CA 93308 Division President 1 _2 Tel (661) 634-2260 Bakersfield Division Fax (661) 395-3378 bright r house � NETWORKS February 25,2009 Alan Tandy City Manager City of Bakersfield 1501 Truxtun Avenue Bakersfield,CA 93301 Dear Mr.Tandy: Bright House Networks is continuing its commitment to bring new technology and advanced digital services to our community. To that end, we have implemented a new digital video delivery technology known as Switched Digital Video (SDV). SDV is a robust bandwidth- management system that makes it possible to offer more digital video programming services than before,including new HD channels. In order to offer more new video services,Bright House Networks will be moving some existing programming services to the SDV system as well as adding new programming on the SDV system. On or after March 26, 2009, the following services will be delivered on the SDV system: Cinemax and related Multiplex channels including Cinemax, Cinemax East, Moremax, Moremax East, ActionMax, ActionMax East, T rillerMax, ThrillerMax, WMax East, @Max East, 5 Star Max East, OuterMax East. (They will remain on channels 720- 735.) The Movie Channel and related Multiplex channels including,The Movie Channel,The Movie Channel East,The Movie Channel Xtra,and the Movie Channel Xtra East. (The Movie Channel premium service will remain on channels 760-763.) On Wednesday,March 26,2009,the following new HD channels will be delivered on the SDV system: MLB HD Digital Variety HD Tier on channel 77* CNBC HD Free HD Tier on channel 40 Bravo HD Free HD Tier on channel 41 ESPN News HD Digital Variety HD Tier on channel 70* In addition,on or shortly after April 15,2009,the following new HD channels will be launched on the SDV system. Starz HD Premium HD on channel 788 Cinemax HD Premium HD on channel 738 The Movie Channel HD Premium HD on channel 768 Travel HD Digital Variety HD Tier on channel 59* Fox Sports Prime Ticket HD Free HD Tier on channel 75 *MLB HD,ESPN News HD and Travel HD are Free when customers subscribe to the Digital Variety Tier. When delivered on the SDV system,the above channels will become bi-directional(or two-way)services and will continue to be available to all Bright House Networks customers who subscribe to our digital services and lease a digital set-top box or similar bi-directional device capable of supporting two-way services. However,the above channels will no longer be available to customers with a unidirectional(one-way)retail television or other device who currently lease a CableCARD from Bright House Networks. This small number of impacted customers has been notified about the changes that directly affect their current services,and offered the option of obtaining a digital set-top box or similar bi-directional device from Bright House Networks. In either case, such customers will not need to replace their unidirectional retail device. A Bright House Networks/TiVo tuning adapter will be available for$2.95 per month. Sin rely, Joseph R.Schoenstein Division President Z�f; 0 44 B A K E R S F I E L D Department of Recreation and Parks Date: March 6, 2009 To: Alan Tandy, City Manager From: Dian er, Director of Recreation & Parks Subject: February 2009 Monthly Report ADMINISTRATION: • Aera Park — Project is approximately 92% complete with opening day on April 18, 2009. • River Walk Maintenance Facility— Project is approximately 51% complete. • Greystone Park — Construction award projected for April 2009. • Mesa Marin Design — Information was provided to the City Manager's office regarding use of current funding of$1.2 million. • Tradewinds Park — Park completed the 365 day maintenance period. • Mill Creek — Restroom will be awarded at the March Council meeting for site installation in mid-June 2009. May 29 and 30 have been set as the grand opening for Central Park. • Linell and Brahama Park — This is a potential Proposition 84 project. • Maya Cinemas — Color rendering of the entry to the Ice Complex and McMurtrey were forwarded to the developer for comment during January, no response has been received from the developer to date. • Many meetings were held regarding co-sponsorships or donations. A few of the organizations were: Valley Public Television regarding trade co-sponsorship; Jamba Juice regarding 20% gross profit donation from event participation; Keep Bakersfield Beautiful coordinating the Great America Clean-Up during the Spring Festival; and the Farmers Market potential site at Mill Creek, and Aera Park opening ceremony planning meeting. • B-Fit Boot Camp is holding The Park At River Walk, and Yokuts Park. • PSA and Rapid Notify (Teleminder) were sent out to advise community members of a meeting regarding the concrete rail fencing in the Polo Grounds community. • Park reservations totaled 36, which served 2,586 guests. AQUATICS: • Attendance at the McMurtrey Aquatic Center increased by 15.8%, compared to a year ago, to 4,791 patrons. • Bakersfield, Golden Valley, South and West High Schools are based at McMurtrey for swim practice and competition this season. • Bakersfield, East, Foothill, Garces, Golden Valley, Highland, North, South and West High Schools are based at McMurtrey for diving practice and competition this season. • Garces Memorial High School is based at Jefferson Pool for swim practice and competition with total attendance of 1,793 visitors. • Independence High School and Ridgeview High School use Silver Creek for swim practice and competition with attendance of 1,113 visitors • The 100 Mile Club has 251 members who have swum a combined total of 39,298 miles, an increase of 15,590 miles over the same period last year! Total participation increased from 1,205 to 1,397. "We create a quality community through people, parks and programs" DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS FEBRUARY 2009 MONTHLY REPORT PAGE TWO ATHLETICS: • Adult Spring Softball league started with 29 Coed Teams and 78 Men's Teams for a total of 107 teams. o Five divisions for Coed's and 13 Divisions for Men's, which will be playing 5 nights a week, 3 games a night at the four available softball fields. 2,950 players and spectators participated during the month. o Total athletic attendance was 3,053 for the month of February and total revenue generated for Spring League: $49,555.00 • In collaboration with CSUB PEAK Club and Terrio-Therapy Fitness, a Run/Walk and Kid's Activity Program was held on February 14 at Cal State. A nutritional and raffle drawing followed the Run/Walk 0 Of 250 participants the oldest was 73 years old and the youngest 8 years old. There were 22 children in the 12 and under" portion of the 5K race 0 25 children enjoyed several age appropriate fitness games and activities presented by the Cal State Kinesiology Majors o Total attendance for the event was 325 • Try-outs for the upcoming League of Dreams Adaptive T-Ball League were held for children with disabilities ages 5 to 18 years old 0 55 participants have registered with the league starting on March 15, 2009 0 Staff is working on the opening day ceremony and securing volunteer angels • A meeting was held with Bakersfield Skateboard Team Captain, Shawn Rodriguez, regarding skateboarding classes and camp this summer • Staff is also working on the following programs: Basketball Hoopsters; Pee Wee Sports; Soccer Champs; Disc Golf Clinic; Golf Lessons for Men and Women; Beginning Junior Golf Lessons; Speed, Agility and Quickness Clinic; Track and Field Clinic; Adaptive Gold Lessons; Adaptive Ice Skating; and Adaptive Tennis Lessons DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. COMMUNITY CENTER: • Basketball league began in cooperation with PAL and Stop the Violence. • Week one of the games were held at the MLK gymnasium in February and the league will continue for the next seven weeks. Junior high school teams will be playing games on Monday evenings at the community center. • Parent participation is very high and the league is off to a great start. • Several grants were applied for: o Build-A-Bike Program and Juneteenth Celebration grant applications were sent to the Jim Burke Education Foundation. o A request letter was sent to Kern Schools Federal Credit Union. • The Build-A-Bike Program received the CPRS, District 15, Program Award for 2008. The instructor, Joe O'Grady, was thrilled receiving the award and it hangs in the bike shop for the children to see. • The Community garden is extremely busy and has various projects ongoing. o Garden participants recently created a cookbook with assistance from Mrs. Ruby. Mrs. Ruby used the cookbook to prepare a meal with the vegetables grown in the garden by the participants. o As a reward to the participants, a t-shirt was designed and will be given to those hard working gardeners in training. "We create a quality community through people, parks and programs" DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION AND PARKS FEBRUARY 2009 MONTHLY REPORT PAGE THREE • The South East Neighborhood Partnership held a meeting at the center. 0 30 people attended and a heart health presentation was put on by a representative from Mercy/Memorial Hospital. o Department staff member Linda McVicker was elected as secretary for the partnership • Total attendance at the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Community Center was 3,305. SILVER CREEK COMMUNITY CENTER: • Afterschool Program: Several themes were presented this month: • Happy Valentine Week where the children had the opportunity to create special valentine cards for their classmates and parents. • Honesty Week was a celebration of president's month and the children enjoyed stories of presidents and their accomplishments and participated in a coloring contest of the presidents. • Team Work week gave each youth the opportunity to lead the class in a special project of their choosing and create teams to accomplish their goal. • Total attendance in the Afterschool Program: 420 with a daily average of 21 participants. • Silver Creek Rentals: Multi-purpose room and/or picnic areas were rented 3 times during the month • The total attendance of classes, the Afterschool Program, classes and registrations/guests served was 1,851 for the month of February. PARKS: • Polo Grounds Resident Meeting was held on February 17 at the request of Councilmember Couch. It was agreed that the City will no longer replace the fence when it is vandalized. • Park staff assisted Purchasing staff with replacement estimates for the 18th St and Eye St parking structure masonry wall for the waste bin enclosure. • Craftworkers began installation of a new water main line and domestic water return line to the former pool room structure at the Saunder's West Playground. • The two windstorms in February required extensive cleanup of tumbleweeds, downed trees and limb clearance. • James Lawson completed backflow training and certification program resulting in 2 backflow certified employees on staff. • Total number of service requests completed during the month was 224 • Trees: o Trimmed: 99 Clearance: 174 Removals: 34 UPCOMING EVENTS: • Arbor Day at Patriots Park (March 14) • Skateboard 011ie contest/Phone book recycling at Beach Park (March 21) • Bit of Bakersfield, Spring Festival at The Park at River Walk (March 28/29) • Aera Park opening ceremony (April 18) • Greg & Steve Concert at The Park at River Walk (April 19) • Mill Creek at Central Park ribbon cutting/grand opening (May 29/30) • Honda Movie Series at the BHNA (Wednesdays, from June 3 —August 19, 2009) "We create a quality community through people, parks and programs" Page 1 of 2 STREETS DIVISION — WORK SCHEDULE WEEK OF MARCH 9, 2009 — MARCH 13, 2009 Resurfacing/Reconstructing streets in the following areas Reconstructing streets in the area east of Fairfax, north of Panorama Drive (weather permitting). Miscellaneous Streets Division projects: Working on the Mill Creek project. Working on the Aera Park project. Crack sealing on White Lane between Ashe Road & Stine Road. Crack sealing on Buena Vista Road between Stockdale & Ming Avenue. THIS SPACE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Week of March 9-2009—Work Schedule Page 2 of 2 STREET SWEEPING SCHEDULE _Monday, March 9, 2009, Between So. "H" St. & Union Avenue — Pacheco Rd. & Hosking Rd. Between Stockdale Hwy. & Truxtun Ave. (ext.) — Coffee Rd. & Partridge Ave. Tuesday, March 10, 2009 Between 99 Hwy. & So. "H" St. — Ming Ave. & Panama Ln. Cul-De-Sacs on the north side of Magdalena Ave., west of So. "H" St. Wednesday, March 11 2009 City areas between Brundage Ln. & Ming Ave. — So. "H" St. & Union Ave. City areas between Wilson Rd. & Pacheco Rd. — So. "H" St. & Union Ave. Between Casa Loma Dr. & Planz Rd. — Madison Ave. & Cottonwood Dr. Between Planz Rd. & Brook St. — Madison Ave. & Hale St. Thursday, March 12, 2009 Between Carr St. & California Ave. — Mohawk St. & Stockdale Hwy. Between Stockdale Hwy. & Marella Way— California Ave. & Montclair St. Between La Mirada Dr. & Chester Ln. — Montclair St. & No. Stine Rd. Between California Ave. (ext.) & Stockdale Hwy. — No. Stine Rd. & 99 Hwy. Between Stockdale Hwy. & Ming Ave. — New Stine Rd. & Ashe Rd. Between Mountain Ridge Dr. & Ashe Rd. — Taft Hwy. & Berkshire Rd. Friday, March 13 2009 Between Ming Ave. & White Ln. — Buena Vista Rd & Old River Rd. Between Stine Rd. & 99 Hwy. — Ming Avenue & Adidas. Between Panama Ln. & Birkshire Rd. — Gosford Rd. & Stine Rd. Week of March 9_2009_Work Schedule B A K E R S F I E L D MAR -E 2009 CITY OF BAKERSFIELD PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT MEMORANDUM TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Raul Rojas, Public Works Director DATE: March 4, 2009 SUBJECT: TIMING PROBLEM WITH RED LIGHT CAMERAS Referral No. 67 [COUNCILMEMBER BENHAM REQUESTED STAFF INVESTIGATE A COMPLAINT BY ASARUL ISLAM SYED AND A WRITTEN COMPLAINT BY DIANE M. BEVACQUA AND ATTACHED) REGARDING TIMING PROBLEMS WITH YELLOW LIGHT INTERVALS RED LIGHT CAMERAS AT OAK AND CALIFORNIA AVENUE AND STOCKDALE AND CALIFORNIA AVENUE. Traffic Engineering has reviewed the timing of the traffic signals at the intersections of California Avenue at Oak Street, and California Avenue at Stockdale Hwy. The yellow interval timing for both signals, in all directions, is in compliance with State laws. According to the most recently adopted edition of the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (California MUTCD), Chapter 4, the minimum yellow time for a protected left-hand turn shall be 3 seconds. The protected left-hand turns at the intersection of Oak Street and California Avenue are currently timed at 3.6 seconds, over half a second longer than required by the MUTCD. The left turn yellow times at the intersection of Stockdale Hwy and California Avenue is currently 3.0 seconds, the exact time required by law. For the traffic traveling straight through the intersections the yellow change times are determined by the posted speed limit of the streets leading up to the intersection. The California MUTCD provides Table 4D-102, "Suggested Minimum Yellow Interval Timing", as a guide for determining yellow interval timing. Both the intersections at California Avenue and Oak Street and at Stockdale Hwy and California Avenue meet or exceed all suggested yellow interval times as outlined by Table 4D-102. Both traffic signals are functioning properly and the yellow interval timing meets or exceeds all requirements set forth by State law. No change in yellow interval timing at either intersection is necessary at this time. Diane Bevacqua's letter regarding photo quality, camera placement, and contact number has been sent to the Police Department which administers the red light enforcement program and the contract with Redflex Trafffic Systems. G:\GROUPDAT\Referrals\2009\2-25\#67 Signal Timing Problem.doc • BA K E R S F I E L D MAR -$ 200 Economic and Community Development Department " M E M O R A N D U M March 6, 2009 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Rhonda W. Barnhard, Assistant Economic Development Direct SUBJECT: Referral Response to Baker Street Development Update Council Referral No. 70 r Council member Benham requested staff proved a written update to council regarding the Baker Street Developments Baker Street Revitalization Pro'ect Old Town Kern Mixed Use Pro'ect Foundation work and grading has been completed for Phase I of the project on the half block east of Baker Street south of Lake Street. When finished, this phase will include 24 three-story town homes, 13 residential lofts and 9,000 square feet of commercial space on Baker Street. The residential and commercial developments are for-sale units. Neighborhood type services are anticipated for the commercial space. There has been a slight delay in construction due to the developer changing General Contractors and shifting to an owner-builder development format utilizing existing subcontractors where feasible. Construction should back on schedule by the end of April, 2009 with completion anticipated in December, 2009. The next three phases will include more residential and commercial units, and 41,000 square feet of new commercial space, such as a grocery store and pharmacy as possible key anchors. To assure wage compliance, EDCD has a contract with an outside firm that monitors construction draws and wages paid to the various trades. Total project value is approximately $35 million.