Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutRES NO 002-12RESOLUTION NO. 002-1.2 RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE HEALTHY EATING, ACTIVE LIVING (HEAL) CITIES CAMPAIGN RECITALS WHEREAS, in 2004, the League of California Cities adopted an Annual Conference Resolution to encourage cities to embrace policies the facilitate activities to promote healthier lifestyles and communities, including healthy diet and nutrition, and adoption of city design and planning principles that enable citizens of all ages and abilities to undertake exercise; and WHEREAS, on November 18, 2009, the League of CA Cities Board of Directors unanimously voted to encourage 100% board participation in the HEAL Cities Campaign; and WHEREAS, in July 2010 the League of California Cities Board of Directors resolved to partner with and support the national Let's Move Campaign, and encourages California cities to adopt preventive measures to fight obesity; and WHEREAS, the League of California Cities has a strategic goal to promote and develop safe and healthy cities; and WHEREAS, more than half of California's adults are either overweight or obese and 2010 data shows that 43.8% of Bakersfield and Kern County's children are overweight which is a 5% increase in last five years; and, WHEREAS, overweight children and adults are at greater risk for numerous adverse health consequences, including stroke, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, certain cancers, asthma, low self-esteem, depression and other related diseases; and, WHEREAS, obesity shortens the average lifespan by at least four to nine months, and if childhood obesity continues to increase, it could reduce the life expectancy by five years over the next several decades; and, WHEREAS, the United States Surgeon General has issued a call to action to prevent and decrease overweight and obesity, and the United States Department of Health and Human Services has made reducing the proportion of overweight and obese children and adolescents a key goal; and, ~0AKF9 - Page 1 of 4 Pages - o s~ m r U p ORIGINAL WHEREAS, the quality of the built environment, including neighborhood safety, sidewalks, streets, public transportation, restaurant and convenience store density, access to parks, trails, and grocery stores has a significant impact on obesity rates; and, WHEREAS, in light of the foregoing statistics and considerations, the City of Bakersfield encourages physical activity and good nutritional habits in order to decrease the rate of obesity in the community. To this end, the City of Bakersfield has a number of existing policies, council goals, programs and ordinances that promote active, healthy living: • A Bicycle Master Plan that identifies current and planned bicycling facilities • Trails plan with pedestrian links to the Kern River and recreation facilities • Kern River Element that promotes a wide range of recreational and educational opportunities along the Kern River corridor • Infill policies to promote development of areas surrounded by existing urban infrastructure that are walkable • Centers concept that encourages mixed use development with housing, recreation, jobs and open space to provide direct links for bicyclists and pedestrians • Recreation policies to promote active participation in outdoor pursuits • Direct bicycle and pedestrian links from residential areas to commercial centers • Community open space areas, and bicycle and pedestrian enhancements within new shopping centers • Street trees along sidewalks to enhance pedestrian activity • Zoning districts that permit, by right, farmers markets and community gardens. • The Recreation and Parks Master Plan, approved in 2007, which includes a proposed park within a mile of every city resident. • A 32-mile paved path along the Kern River that is open for non-motorized travel every day of the year. This is part of the approved bicycle master plan. • Youth programs that teach nutrition, gardening, bicycle repair and safety as well as learn to swim programs that provide opportunities for lifelong healthy choices. o``gAKF9~ a r m U r Q Page 2 of 4 Pages - ORIGINAM • Special events that encourage families to participate in runs/walks/bike rides, outdoor movies, family fun nights and Winter Wonderland at the ice arena. • Seasonal Farmers Markets in Central Park and throughout the city. • Assure that park vending and concessions offer sugar free drinks. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Bakersfield City Council recognizes that obesity in adults and children is a serious health threat in the community. City Council has approved goals that are currently being acted upon by city staff and the community which allows for individuals to make healthy choices; THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, these goals include guidelines for trails, planned growth, beautification efforts, recreational opportunities and downtown improvements; THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the City of Bakersfield supports the California "Healthy Eating,-Active Living (HEAL) Cities Campaign." HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing Resolution was passed and adopted by the Council of the City of Bakersfield at a regular meeting thereof held on JAN 11 2012, by the following vote: AYES; NOES: ABSTAIN ABSENT: CITY CLERK AND EX OFF of the Council of the City of Bakersfield APPROVED By COUNCIL MEMBER SALAS, BENHAM, WEI CO H, HANSON SULLIVAN, JOHNSON COUNCIL MEMBER 0 0-nn COUNCIL MEMBER n COUNCIL MEMBER lrln JAN 1 1 2012 HARVEY L. HALL Mayor - Page 3 of 4 Pages - 0AKF9s r V p ORIGINAL APPROVED AS TO FORM: VIRGINIA GENNARO City At~ y By (NAME & TITLE) s r U O - Page 4 of 4 Pages - ORIGINAL.