HomeMy WebLinkAbout7/27/2007
CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE
MEMORANDUM
July 27, 2007
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Alan Tandy, City Manager
SUBJECT: General Information
1. We are extremely pleased to announce a significant victory for the City of Bakersfield, and a
victory which benefits and protects the Kern River and the local water supply.
On July 24, 2007 Judge Glen M. Reiser of the Ventura County Superior Court ruled in favor of
the City in a case brought by the City to challenge the Kern Delta Water District’s pro posed plan
to radically change its use of Kern River water, including taking water away from the City and
moving water outside the region. The Court agreed with the City that Kern Delta violated
California law by failing to review and examine the impact of its proposed change in use of Kern
River water on the local environment, the City and its residents, and the local water supply.
Judge Reiser stated he would issue an injunction preventing Kern Delta from changing its
historic use of Kern River water without first reviewing the impacts of the changes, in compliance
with California environmental laws.
2. We have applied to KernCOG for $263,000 in TDA Article 3 monies for a portion of the bike
path/sidewalk for the Mill Creek project. It’s competitive and screening of applications will begin
in late August.
3. City Council goals have not been updated since 2005. Staff is working on a discussion draft of
an update for you to consider reflecting things that have been accomplished, may now be out of
date, etc. We also suggest it might be streamlined a bit and will make some suggestions along
that line. We will attempt to get it to you within the next month or two – you might be giving
consideration to the format you prefer to use in reviewing and discussing it. Past practices have
included workshops, special meetings, or a combination of the two.
4. Attached are articles from the LA Times and the local paper concerning a federal court decision
to strike down an immigration ordinance of the City of Hazleton Pennsylvania. In part, the ruling
was based on a decision that the federal government alone crafts and enforces immigration
policies.
5. The Convention Center is looking like it has not since 1961 or 62 these days! All of the seats
are currently removed and the replacements will start going in shortly and the aisle lighting will
also be enhanced. We are also improving the sound system. It will be “like new” when finished.
Next season’s theater series and future bookings are strong – be sure to let people know it is
going to be a “better than ever” experience!
Honorable Mayor and City Council
July 27, 2007
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6. Economic and Community Development staff is exploring an opportunity to borrow funds from
the Infrastructure Bank of California (I-Bank) to provide financing for the Mill Creek Linear Park
Project. The I-Bank is a State of California financing authority that promotes the economic
growth, quality of life and revitalization of California communities through low-cost 3.5%
financing of infrastructure and economic development projects.
Staff has submitted the pre-application to I-Bank to see if the project is eligible under the
program. Initial communication with I-Bank staff has been positive and if the preliminary review
is successful, the Agency will be invited to apply for up to $10 million to finance the Mill Creek
Linear Park Project which will cover the segment between Golden State and 18th Street and
from Truxtun to California adjacent to the South Mill Creek mixed-use project.
Tax Increment funds are proposed to debt service the loan.
7. The State of California’s Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has
reserved $600,000 for the Bakersfield Redevelopment Agency for the 2007 CalHome funding.
This award is part of the funds available as a result of the passage of Proposition 1C, the
Housing and Emergency Shelter Trust Fund Act of 2006. CalHome funds will be used to
promote homeownership opportunities for first-time homebuyer acquisition of new homes at the
Baker Street Village project.
In addition, State HCD also granted the City $29,944 for the Workforce Housing Reward
Program Round III 2006 Program Year. This award is part of the funds available from
Proposition 46, the Housing and Emergency Shelter Trust Fund Act of 2002. Workforce
Housing Program funds will be used for Mill Creek Linear Park Project construction.
8. Enclosed is an invitation to participate in a discussion on the Beach Skate Park Expansion on
Wednesday, August 8th at 6:00 pm.
9. There were 185 teens in attendance at the last McMurtrey Aquatic Center’s Extreme Teen Night
on July 20th. The final Family Fun Night themed “Games Galore” will be held on Friday July 27th
from 6:00 to 9:00 pm.
10. Our first “Float-In-Movie” will be held at the McMurtrey Aquatic Center on Friday, August 3re.
Doors open at 7:30 pm, and the movie “Shark Tale” will begin at 8:00 pm. The cost is $3 per
person or $10 per family. Everyone is asked to bring a raft and enjoy the movie!
11. The Streets Division work schedule for the week of July 30th is enclosed.
AT:rs:rk
cc: Department Heads
Pamela McCarthy, City Clerk
Roberta Gafford, Assistant City Clerk