Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/01/2010 z L 0 B A K E R S F I E L D Staff: Rhonda Smiley Jacquie Sullivan, Chair Rick Kirkwood Sue Benham David Couch COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE of the City Council - City of Bakersfield Monday, February 1, 2010- 12:00 p.m. City Hall North 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 First Floor, Conference Room A A G E N D A 1. ROLL CALL 2. ADOPT NOVEMBER 2, 2009 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Discussion on User Safety and Maintenance for the Kern River Parkway - Hoover/ Gennaro B. Discussion and Committee Recommendation for Adoption of the 2010 Committee Meeting Schedule -Smiley 5. OLD BUSINESS A. Staff Report and Committee Discussion of the Off-Road Motorcycle Group Request for a City-Provided Recreational Area - Kirkwood / Tandy 6. COMMITTEE COMMENTS 7. ADJOURNMENT zloxo- 0 DRAFT B A K E R S F I E L D mac✓ �n . Rhon a Smiley, Assis t to the City Manager/ P.I.O. Jacquie Sullivan, Chair For: Alan Tandy, City Manager Sue Benham David Couch AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Regular Meeting of the COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING Monday, November 2, 2009 - 12:00 p.m. City Hall North, First Floor, Conference Room A 1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield CA, 93301 The meeting was called to order at 12:05 PM. 1. ROLL CALL Committee members Present: Council member Jacquie Sullivan; Chair Council member David Couch Committee member Absent: Council member Sue Benham Staff Present: Alan Tandy, City Manager Dianne Hoover, Recreation & Parks Director Rhonda Smiley, Assistant to the City Manager Allen Abe, Assistant Recreation & Parks Director Rick Kirkwood, Management Assistant David Stricker, Recreation Supervisor Steven Teglia, Administrative Analyst Joe Navarro, Recreation & Parks Accountant Ginny Gennaro, City Attorney Raul Rojas, Public Works Director Justin Crumley, Associate Attorney Brad Underwood, Assistant Public Works Director Others Present: Jim Scott, Channel 17 Stu Peters, Continental Motorsport Club Christine Bedell, The Bakersfield Californian Peter Shermer, Scout David Rogers, Electronic Towne Crier Ced Shermer, Scout 2. ADOPT MAY 4, 2009 AGENDA SUMMARY REPORT Adopted as submitted. 3. PUBLIC STATEMENTS None DRAFTCommunity Service Committee November 2, 2009 Page 2 4. NEW BUSINESS A. Off-Road Motorcycle Group Request for Use of City Provided Recreation Area David Rogers asked the Committee for assistance in developing a riding area for off- road motorcycling families and consider the water reclamation area at Mt. Vernon Avenue and Highway 58. Stu Peters reported he could provide insurance for the riding facility, if needed, through Continental Motorsport Club. Public Works Director Raul Rojas said there are many concerns to using the sump at Mt. Vernon. The one major concern would be the national pollution requirements, which require all debris and pollution, including anything that could contaminate the waters that flow through the sumps, like fuel and oil, be removed before it enters any storm drain system and sumps. City Attorney Ginny Gennaro asked if the areas in Tulare and Porterville are operated by a private group or by the City. Mr. Rogers said the City of Tulare has contracted an individual to operate the site. Committee member David Couch said he would like staff to look into alternate locations, besides the sump at Mt. Vernon, where this idea would work and report back to the Committee at a later date. City Manager Alan Tandy asked Mr. Rogers to provide any additional information he had on all the jurisdictions with riding areas. Recreation and Parks Director Dianne Hoover asked Mr. Rogers if he had an operating plan for the facility. Mr. Rogers stated that an operating plan has not been prepared because it really depends on the location and the size of the riding area. Mr. Tandy stated that there are other issues that should be looked at, including dust, (which is regulated by the Air Pollution Control District), noise, adequate insurance, an environmental review for parking spaces and restroom facilities, neighborhood zoning issues, and costs, including site location and security for the location. B. End of Season Aquatics Report- Hoover/Stricker Recreation and Parks Supervisor David Stricker stated that even though the season began with one less pool, fewer pool program hours at the pools and the elimination of the First Five Kern grant of $20,000, 2009 had a record breaking overall pool attendance. The increase in attendance was possible because of a front-line aquatic staff, a broad- based program for all facilities, including health and fitness programs and Olympic style swimming, and broad media coverage. DRAFT Community Service Committee November 2, 2009 Page 3 C. Parks Projects Update- Rojas / Underwood Assistant Public Works Director Brad Underwood provided a brief update on the Parks Project: • Mill Creek Central Park• Construction is still underway from California Avenue to Golden State Avenue. The pre-fabricated restroom for Central Park is scheduled to be delivered in mid November. • Mesa Marin Sports Complex: Construction of the four softball fields, lighting for the fields and the restroom/concession stand began on October 26, 2009. The estimated completion date is August, 2010. • Bakersfield SDorts Village. construction of Phase 1 is scheduled to begin in November, and the estimated completion date is November, 2010. Phase 1 consists of eight soccer fields, lighting for the fields, a restroom/concession stand and a portion of the lake. • Kern River U-land Project: The design portion is estimated to be completed in January, 2010. Staff projects that construction will begin in April, 2010, with an estimated completion date in Spring 2011. 5. COMMITTEE COMMENTS None. 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 1:09 cc: Honorable Mayor and City Council �ICAPRA $ A K E D R S F I E L N DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION & PARKS DIANNE HOOVER, DIRECTOR Department of Recreation and Parks Date: January 25, 2010 To: Alan TanJJdy, City Manager From: Dianrfe�Hoover, Director of Recreation & Parks Subject: Kern River Parkway Public Meeting Council Referral No. CRMS #150 (City Wide) Councilmember Sullivan requested that the Community Services Committee discuss the staff report on the public meeting that was held to discuss user safety and maintenance on the Kern River Parkway regarding their recommendations of additional signage, rules of use and maintenance issues. The Kern River Parkway, otherwise known as the Bike Path, has received considerable recognition in the past few months as various citizens have expressed their opinions with editorials, articles and other methods of communication. City staff met with representatives from the Kern River Parkway Foundation, Bike Bakersfield and Kern Wheelman to receive their ideas on some solutions to the issues expressed by citizens. City staff then conducted a public meeting to receive comments from users of the Kern River Parkway. The meeting was held at Franklin School on November 19, 2009. Over 60 people attended with the general agreement that the path should be able to be used safely by bicyclists, walkers, joggers and skaters with little conflict. Recommendations on signage, website updates, and events along the trail will be presented at the Community Services meeting through a power point presentation. City of Bakersfield• Department of Recreation&Parks- 1600 Truxtun Avenue,3`d PIoor Bakersfield-California- 93301 (661)326-3866- Fax(661)852-2140 Draft Community Services Committee Calendar January 2010 Through December 2010 All meetings will be held at CHN, First Floor, Conference Room A Approved: Community Services- 12:00 p.m. El Budget Meeting and Presentations Monday's @ Noon, Wednesday's @ 5:15 p.m. City Council Meetings-5:15 p.m. Hearing on 6/9,Adoption on 6130 Holidays-City Hall Closed El Joint City/County Meeting- 10:00 a.m. January February March S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 10 11 12 13 14 15 161 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 31 28 29 30 31 April May S M T W TH 1 F 2 S 3 June S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S 1 1 2 3 4 5 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 l0 18 19 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 16 17 18 D 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 25 26 27 28 29 30 23 24 251 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 30 31 July August S M T W TH F S September S M T W TH F S S M T W TH F S 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 2 3 4 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 15 16 17 18 19 201 21 12 13 14 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 October November S M T W TH F S December S M T W TH F S S M T W TH M,, ,. 1 2 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 28 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 31 ®League of California Cities Annual Conference-September 15- 18, 2010 Last updated: 1/26/2010 12:08 PM • mow� ZL B A K E R S F I E L D CITY MANAGER'S OFFICE MEMORANDUM January 26, 2010 TO: Alan Tandy, City Manager FROM: Rick Kirkwood, Management Assistant SUBJECT: Off-Highway Vehicle Park Councilmember Couch requested staff research the impacts of and find suitable locations for an Off-Highway Vehicle Park in Bakersfield. Proposal as of November 2, 2009: At the Community Services Committee meeting on November 2, 2009, a proposal to use the City-owned sump located near SR-58 and Mt. Vernon Ave. as an Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Park was presented by David Rogers. Mr. Rogers represents a group of local OHV riders interested in developing an OHV Park near Bakersfield. Mr. Rogers proposed this location based on the following factors: • Comparable facilities in Porterville and Tulare constructed in a manner that allows dual-uses (sump and OHV park); • 80 acres of land for tracks, parking, restrooms, and other facilities; 0 Proximity to SR-58 will increase accessibility to local area OHV riders and reduce negative noise impacts to surrounding neighbors; and, • Entrance to the facility can be controlled by fencing and through a gate. During the discussion, staff expressed several concerns with this proposal, including, but not limited to: dust, noise, impacts on neighbors (Kern County Animal Control and Bakersfield Adult School), adequacy of insurance, zoning and use permits, as well as costs of operating the facility and remediation of the site. The property north of the sump is the former location of Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 1, which was buried after it was decommissioned. Alan Tandy- Off-Highway Vehicle Park January 26, 2010 Page 2 Upon further consideration, staff from the City Manager's Office, Recreation and Parks, Water Resources, Public Works, and Development Services departments has identified additional concerns. The City is particularly concerned with the potential for negative impacts to: • The environment - This particular location's primary use is as a sump. Sumps must be maintained in a fashion that allows water to percolate back into the groundwater table. Although any material imported into the sump, for the construction of track features, would have to be porous enough to allow water to percolate, consistent vehicle use may degrade the material's ability to percolate over time. The City maintains a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit through the State Water Resources Control Board. This permit regulates point sources, such as pipes or man-made ditches, so that pollutants discharged into surface waters do not adversely affect groundwater quality or public health. The presence of motor fuels and oils may negatively impact the water quality. In addition, sumps located throughout the City, including this particular location, have been proposed as cumulative mitigation for six major roadway/interchange projects, now underway, being administered by the Thomas Roads Improvement Program (TRIP). The mitigation w ill consist of enhanced accessibility for kit fox use, the construction and installation of artificial dens, as well as pre-maintenance and annual surveys by qualified biologists for kit fox long-term survivability. • Surrounding neighbors - Since the wind typically the Kern County Animal Control facility will be affected and hclassesahe d at Bakersfield Adult School will likely be disrupted by the amount of noise and dust that would be generated. Guy Shaw, Director of Kern County Animal Control, is primarily concerned with how the noise would affect the animals at the facility (increased barking, restlessness, etc.) and, in turn, create a negative affect on the employees. The Bakersfield Adult School has previously voiced concerns about the City's Water Resources Department's activities conducted in this location. Those issues were addressed. Although staff was not able to reach a representative for comment, it can be assumed the Bakersfield Adult School would be concerned about the OHV activity in the area. Alan Tandy- Off-Highway Vehicle Park January 26, 2010 Page 3 Wind typically blows to the south, so neighboring properties may be affected by fugitive dust emissions, which would not be allowed by the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD). • Costs - Even prior to the City's worsening budget circumstances, we would not have the resources (funding and/or staffing) available to operate and maintain such a facility. The examples cited by Mr. Rogers, described in more detail below, are facilities that have been constructed in a permanent fashion (e.g., fencing, parking, restroom/office building, etc.). A business plan to open and operate such a facility should consider construction costs, fees (for riders, spectators, etc.), insurance, and hours of operation. Description of Comparable Facilities: Mr. Rogers cited examples of facilities in Porterville and Tulare that are constructed in sumps. Staff contacted these cities and inquired about the cost, operation and maintenance requirements of these facilities. Porterville OHV Park: The City of Porterville acquired land in the 1950's as part of the relinquishment of the nearby airport after World War Il. Though the land is concurrently used as a series of drainage basins, excess land not required for the airport's operations has also been dry farmed in the past and used as an oval motor bike track for decades. The modern facility was located on this land because of its availability, city ownership, and remote location from urban development. Equipment is stored in a maintenance building located on-site. The tracks are permanently constructed and groomed on a daily basis. Particular sections of track may be rebuilt a couple times each year. Water and sewer utilities were extended to the property as part of a larger sports complex project adjacent to this land. The restroom and maintenance building have full utility services and an irrigation system has also been installed throughout the property. The City of Porterville currently expends approximately $160,000 annually on operations and maintenance of the facility. The facility is only used for practice since insurance limitations do not allow the City to conduct races. Tulare MX Cycle Park: This facility is located atop a former County landfill and is adjacent to a wastewater treatment plant. The land is owned by the City and the facility is leased to, managed and maintained by Triple M Racing. Equipment is stored on-site and the City hopes to construct a building to house Alan Tandy- Off-Highway Vehicle Park January 26, 2010 Page 4 its large equipment in the near future. The tracks, fencing, lighting, and office/restroom building have been permanently constructed. The tracks are groomed daily and the layout is often changed once or twice a week. Water utilities have been extended to the office/restroom building and are also used to fill the water truck that wets the track. Sewer utilities have been extended to the property from the adjacent wastewater treatment plant. The City of Tulare estimates Triple M Racing's annual costs to be in the $100,000 range. The City applies for State OHV Funds to cover the facility's costs. In the event the City does not receive sufficient OHV funds to cover all costs, Triple M Racing may either elect to cover the costs or terminate the agreement and cease operating the facility. The facility is open to the public 270 days per year for open practice riding and racing events are scheduled 46 weekends per year. Conclusion: The examples of City-sponsored facilities described above are somewhat similar to what is being proposed to the Community Services Committee. The major differences are that the tracks and related facilities have been constructed in a permanent fashion and the locations are not adjacent to other urban development. Other Suitable Locations: Staff searched for other suitable locations within the city that could accommodate this proposal. Based on the concerns outlined above, and perhaps most importantly the proposed cumulative mitigation for the transportation projects, staff has determined that the City does not own any other land that could accommodate this has provided in this memo should aid the OHV group's search earchrfortsuitable t land that it may purchase in order to construct a permanent facility on non-City land. Recommendation: It would be preferable for a private group to purchase property and therefore assume all responsibilities to operate and maintain an OHV Park and any related facilities. Though this memo does not include an all-inclusive list of issues and concerns, it provides some criteria for any group to assess possible locations and create a business plan to open, operate, and maintain an OHV park. cc: Dianne Hoover, Recreation and Parks Director John W. Stinson, Assistant City Manager Raul Rojas, Public Works Director Jim Eggert, Planning Director Ralph Korn, Risk Manager COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING NOTICE FOR MONDAY, FEBRUARY 1 , 2010 MEDIA NOTIFICATION , . B Newyork[B 3 ?k 23 Q j ,lT;dy& Tc/F.�r Ffe Fars Number/E m... P... c'LA Ag ages/Bytes ,flatus Acrnurd Mane 1/29/20101034 News Edt r Bakersfield 3957519 1_pgs OK �Commur �- ..._..e.. ._.... 1/29/2010 1 0 34 Charles G Waide ..._. .. __..._.. .. ....._ 3257814 � 1 pgs 0 OK -....._.. ........._ _....... current 1/29/201010'34...Editor-Bakersfield News 3249472 1pgs 0 O -_J Main 1 29/201 0 1 0:34._BIA 6331317 1 pgs l.J Plan-, 1/29/201 0 1 0:34...Government Affairs Dig. 6352317 1 pgs 0 OK Planninc, ! 1/29/201010:34.,.Clear Chame!Radio Q Trash ? 1129V201010:34 News Diector-Channel 3 334-2685 l P9s Phone Line Problem +: other U., 1/29/201 0 1 0:34._Opinion-Bakersfield Cal 395-7380 1 pgs 0 OK P9 0 OK 1 29/2010 1 0:34...News D'nector-Univision 334-2687 1 pgs OK 1/29/201010:34...News Director-KBAK TV29 861-9810 1 pgs 0 OK 1/29/2010 1 0:34...News Director-KERN/K... 326-0388 1pgs 0 O 1/29/201010.34...Editor-El Popular 325-1351 1 pgs 0 OK 1/M(11018:34_Beale Library 631-9439 1 -. 1/29/201010:34...Editor-El Memcalo pgs OK 1 Pgs Phone Line Problem 129/201010:34_.News Director-KWAC Sp...327-0797 1 pgs OK -;? 1M/201010:34_News Director KERO TV...323-5538 1 pgs 1129/201010:34...News Director-KGET TV... 283-1843 1pgs 0OK 1/29/201010:34.,.The Minority Construction 3239287 t pgs k3 OK 1/29/201010:34 News Director-KU2Z/K...3287537 1 pgs 0 OK 1129V201010-34 Kathy Eddy-County of Kern 868-3190 1 pgs 0 OK 129/201 0 10:34 News Director-Chamber... 327-8751 legs 1/29/2010 10:34...News Director-KLLY 95 F 393-1915 1 pgs 0 OK 0 OK 1129/2010 W34—_.David Burger-Bakersfield 3957519 1/29/201010:34..News DieUor-KW< 1 pgs 0 OK 1/291201010:34_.Gretchen Wenner 3957519 1 pgs 0 Phone Line Problem 112912010 1 0:34...James Burger p9 0 OK ! 1/29/201010:34 9 395-7519 1 pgs �OK ...Steve Swenson 395-7519 1 pgs 0 OK 27 fax,leered -_` COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE MEETING Monday, February 1, 2010 ATTENDANCE LIST Name Organization Contact.- Phone/ E-mail J2?J/7,' 121411VOw, r) --Yk4eg Dr c 'C" z V_Q cc) 33 o vi Aj Ov �ze vl�4 I-A )e (ZIP F ol AL'O'L?L;� Clk- 7. A4, /)'A/Cxe Ife C 9 Ott e February 1, 2010 k COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE sva _ �. . Kern River Parkway A Multi-Use Trail The community wide survey indicated that the Kern River Parkway was the most used and best amenity within the City of Bakersfield. A study group from Cal State Bakersfield found the Kern River Parkway was used almost evenly between walkers and bicyclists. i 1 Staff met with representatives from the Kern River Parkway Foundation, Bike Bakersfield, and Kern Wheelman. Ideas were discussed on possible signage and maintenance. Due to the popularity of the path, a public meeting was held on November 19, 2009. Sixty people attended the downtown meeting, which included: Cyclists Walkers Joggers Dog walkers All users agreed that it is a multi-use trail. 2/l/2010 Recommendations based on public input: Use a generic term when referring to the Kern River Parkway such as Parkway or River Trail Use the website for mare detailed guidelines Paint a center line in high use areas Install signs that indicate direction of traffic Proposed Signage WER SLO NOPASS KEEP TRAFFIC LEFT MCA! MOTOR KEEP RIGHT 1 1 Recommendations Continued: Update the kiosks periodically. Members of Bike Bakersfield and the Kern River Parkway Foundation have volunteered to do this. Place signs on the path in advance of an event such as a charity walk or run to notify users of the upcoming event. City staff will post these signs beginning spring 2010. Changes to City Ordinance: Ordinance Number 10.80 Recommend that the title change from Kern River Bicycle Trail to Kern River Trail. Further reference throughout the ordinance would be Kern River Trail. The second major change to the ordinance would allow multi-uses of the trail including walking, jogging, and skating. One requested addition to the ordinance is that dogs be required to be on a 6 ft h. 2/1/2010 Am s 5