HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/02/2020CC
OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
July 2, 2020 TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council FROM: Christian Clegg, City Manager SUBJECT: General Information
City Offices will be closed Friday, July 3rd, in observance of the Independence Day
holiday. Curbside trash and recycling services will be delayed one day.
COVID-19 Updates
The City and the Recreation & Parks Department are excited to announce that the
pool at the McMurtrey Aquatic Center will re-open for lap swim on Monday, July 6.
The facility has been closed due to concerns of potential spread of COVID-19 (novel
coronavirus).
Recreation & Parks has worked closely with the Kern County Department of Public
Health to develop protocols that will keep swimmers and staff as safe and healthy as
possible.
Other City-operated public pools will remain closed until further notice. However, all
10 of the City’s spray parks are currently operational and open to the public from 1 to
6 p.m. daily.
The City made the difficult decision this week to cancel its annual Independence Day fireworks celebration. The event was planned for Saturday, July 4 at the Park at River
Walk, but due to ongoing state and county guidelines discouraging large public gatherings, we could not ensure compliance with those guidelines nor the public’s
health and safety while holding the event in a meaningful way.
We encourage residents find safe, legal and responsible ways to celebrate the holiday this weekend and we hope to hold a celebration event for residents once
General Information July 2, 2020 Page 2
guidance allows for public gatherings once again.
As an alternate option for celebrating this weekend, how about checking out special4th of July concert performed by the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra’s Beale ParkBand! The performance will be broadcast on multiple platforms, including the City’sFacebook and YouTube pages. Local channel 23ABC will air the performance on
broadcast television as well.
It will be aired on all platforms Saturday, July 4, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
The Recreation & Parks Department’s #RecTheHouse campaign has been keeping
kids and families busy during the pandemic, creating new and fun games to play and
try at home! Each week the department posts a video on its Facebook page explain
and demonstrating the games. This week’s games feature water balloons, a kiddie
pool and other ways to hopefully help everyone beat the heat. Residents are
encouraged to not only play the games, but also post videos or pictures online with
the tag #RecTheHouse!
Notable Items
Congratulations to Bakersfield Fire DepartmentChief Anthony Galagaza for receiving theLeukemia and Lymphoma Society's "Man of theYear" award!
Chief Galagaza (right) raised $33,349 for the
Society. He thanks all who contributed to that
total and worthy cause. And we thank you, Chief,
great work!
The Bakersfield Fire Department continues to
crack down on illegal fireworks in the City. The
department has already responded to more than
1,000 calls for illegal fireworks. The department
reminds everyone that anyone caught setting off
illegal fireworks faces a citation of $1,000.
To report illegal fireworks use, DO NOT call 911. We want to keep the emergency
dispatch system available for emergencies only. Instead, residents can report through
the Bakersfield Mobile app (free on Android and Apple devices), email at
firework@bakersfieldfire.us, or by following this link. Using these resources will help the
fire department respond to illegal fireworks in the City, while also keeping the 911
phone lines available for emergencies.
The Solid Waste Division has released its Fiscal Year 20-21 Blue Recycling Container calendars. Residents can use these calendars to check when they need to have their
blue container at the curb for pickup. The pickups are generally every other week.
The calendars also include information on what should be put in the blue containers
and other curbside pickup programs such as the Bulky Item Pickup.
General Information July 2, 2020 Page 3
You can find out which schedule your house is on by checking the Collection Services
Lookup tool and entering your address.
Traffic Advisories
Nighttime lane closures planned for California Avenue and Mohawk Street next week
Nighttime lane closures have been scheduled for California Avenue on Monday, July 6
and Tuesday, July 7, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Closures will affect both directions of California Avenue between Marella Way and Easton Drive. One lane will remain open in
each direction while work is underway. These lane closures are needed to adjust
roadway striping and place additional concrete barrier rail.
On Tuesday night, July 7, closures will be needed in the southbound direction of Mohawk
Street between the Westside Parkway and Truxtun Avenue. The contractor will be
removing the temporary concrete barrier rail from the roadway. At least one southbound
lane will remain open while this work is underway. This closure is also expected to be in
effect between the hours of 9 p.m. and 5 a.m.
This schedule may be changed without notice due to unforeseen circumstances. The
Thomas Roads Improvement Program apologizes for any inconvenience this work may
cause the traveling public.
Reports
TRIP Status Report for July 2020.
City Manager’s Office
1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
661-326-3751 FAX: 661-324-1850
MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Joe Conroy
Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Public Information Officer (661) 326-3074 JConroy@bakersfieldcity.us
INDEPENDENCE DAY HOLIDAY TRASH PICKUP SCHEDULE
The City of Bakersfield’s Public Works Department is reminding residents and
businesses in Bakersfield to note changes to the trash collection schedule during the
week of the Independence Day holiday. There will be no trash pickup on Saturday,
July 4, 2020 in observance of Independence Day. All Saturday trash, recycling and
green-waste services will take place on Sunday, July 5, 2020 instead.
The Mt. Vernon Green Waste Facility will also be closed for Independence Day on
Saturday, July 4, 2020. It will re-open on Tuesday, July 7 at 7 a.m.
The City of Bakersfield’s Solid Waste Division wishes everyone a safe and happy
Independence Day!
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City Manager’s Office
1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
661-326-3751 FAX: 661-324-1850
MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Joe Conroy
Wednesday, July 1, 2020 Public Information Officer (661) 326-3074 JConroy@bakersfieldcity.us
MCMURTREY AQUATIC CENTER POOL TO RE-OPEN FOR LAP SWIM
The City of Bakersfield’s Recreation & Parks Department is excited to announce the
re-opening of the McMurtrey Aquatic Center pool to the public for lap swim, starting
Monday, July 6.
The McMurtrey Aquatic Center, like other public pool facilities, has been closed under guidelines from the California and Kern County Public Health Departments in
an effort to limit the potential spread of COVID-19 (novel coronavirus).
Lap swimming will be permitted three times a day for swimmers 12-years-old and
older. Swimmers as young as 8-years-old are permitted during family lap swim on
Saturdays. The cost is $5 per person, per visit; or $105 for City residents to get a 30-visit
pass ($115 for non-residents).
Swimmers are allowed one lane and one appointment each day. Each swimmer
must reserve a lane in advance by calling 661-852-7431 and be ready to swim on
arrival in order to keep the day’s schedule. All swimmers must have their
temperatures checked when they enter the facility. These protocols will remain in
place for at least two weeks.
The Recreation & Parks Department has been working to develop protocols that are
within the guidelines set by the county health department for limiting the virus’
spread, including additional disinfecting measures. Other measures in place can be
seen in an accompanying document.
Until further direction from the county health department, the slides at the McMurtrey
Aquatic Center will remain closed.
Other City-operated public pools will also remain closed until further notice, though
staff is working to prepare those facilities to re-open as soon as possible.
All 10 City-operated spray parks are also currently operating and open to the public
at this time.
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Recreation & Parks Department
1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
661-326-3866 FAX: 661-852-2140
Department of Recreation and Parks
DIANNE HOOVER, DIRECTOR PROTOCOLS FOR MCMURTREY AQUATIC CENTER POOL RE-OPENING
This is a list of some, but not all of the protocols developed by the Recreation & Parks
Department for the re-opening of the McMurtrey Aquatic Center. The protocols are
based on the guidelines provided by the California and Kern County Departments
of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Anyone who is sick or experiencing symptoms of COVID-19 will be asked to return
home.
Proper social distancing should be practiced while in the facility.
In compliance with Governor Gavin Newsom’s order, all swimmers must wear
masks or face coverings while in the facility unless actively swimming.
o Staff will be required to wear face coverings, especially when physical
distancing is not possible or is difficult to achieve.
Staff and swimmers are encouraged to properly wash their hands on a frequent basis.
Hand sanitizing stations will be provided for adults and older children.
The number of visitors to the facility will be limited by staff.
Customer service areas will be disinfected regularly.
Staff and swimmers will have their temperatures screened when entering the
facility.
Lap swimming will be limited to 50 minutes per member, per day.
o Swimmers can sign up for a slot no more than 24 hours in advance by calling
661-852-7431.
o Will be limited to one swimmer per lane at a time; Exception: members of
the same household may share a lane.
o No spectators will be allowed in the facility. Exception: A guest is allowed
to accompany a person with special needs.
Lockers will be closed and off-limits to swimmers.
Outdoor showers will be available, but indoor showers will be closed and off-limits.
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MCMURTREY AQUATIC CENTER
Starting July 6
Lap swim & water Walking Schedule
Closed Saturday, July 18
Days Time
M-Th 5:30 -6:20am
M-Th 6:45 -7:35am
M-Th 11 -11:50am
M-Th 12 -12:50pm
M-Th 1 -1:50pm
M-Th 5 -5:50pm
M-Th 6 -6:50pm
Friday 5:30 -6:20am
Friday 6:45 -7:35am
Friday 11 -11:50am
Friday 12 -12:50pm
Friday 1 -1:50pm
Sat 8 -8:50am
Sat 9 -9:50am
Sat 10 -10:50am
Family Lap Swim (NEW)
Sat 11 -11:50am
Sat 12 -12:50pm
City Manager’s Office
1600 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
661-326-3751 FAX: 661-324-1850
MEDIA ADVISORY FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Joe Conroy
Tuesday, June 30, 2020 Public Information Officer (661) 326-3074 JConroy@bakersfieldcity.us
ANNUAL JULY 4TH FIREWORKS CELEBRATION CANCELED DUE TO COVID-19 CONCERNS
After careful thought and consideration, the City of Bakersfield has made the difficult
decision to cancel the City’s annual Independence Day fireworks celebration at the
Park at River Walk due to the ongoing COVID-19 (novel coronavirus) pandemic.
It is clear that under the current state and county guidelines regarding public gatherings, a public gathering such as this event, is not possible at this time.
The City is working with its partners at the Kern County Department of Public Health
(KCDPH), California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Centers for Disease
Control (CDC) to ensure the public’s health is not put at risk.
The health and safety of Bakersfield residents and its employees remain the City’s top
priority.
As an alternative, on Saturday, July 4, the City will broadcast a special
Independence Day concert by the Bakersfield Municipal Band on multiple social
media accounts. 23ABC will also air the concert on broadcast television. The concert
is scheduled to air from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the City’s Facebook and Twitter pages,
as well as the City’s Recreation & Parks Facebook page, among other outlets.
The City had hoped that state guidelines would be revised sooner and the City
extensively explored various alternatives for the fireworks celebration up to this week,
but under current guidelines we are unable to offer a community wide event that
would meaningfully serve our broader population. Most other large communities in
California and around the country have canceled Independence Day celebrations
due to the ongoing pandemic as well.
The City hopes to develop a plan to host a community celebration with a fireworks
show later this year once state and county guidelines allow for public gatherings
once again.
We ask that residents find safe and legal ways to celebrate the Independence Day
holiday at home, while also practicing responsible social distancing and following
the guidelines set forth by the KCDPH, CDPH and CDC.
We look forward to the return of the annual Independence Day fireworks celebration
in 2021.
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CONTACT: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Holly Arnold, Executive Director June 26, 2020 661-619-2154 cell holly@bsonow.org
Special Fourth of July Concert to Be Broadcast
Bakersfield, CA – The Bakersfield Municipal Band, who many people refer to as the Beale Park Band, will perform a
special Fourth of July concert to be broadcast on several media outlets Saturday, July 4th, 2020 at 6:30 – 7:30pm.
The Bakersfield Municipal Band is made up primarily of local Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra musicians and with the
support of the City of Bakersfield, has a long history of performing live concerts each Sunday evening during the month of
June at the Beale Park Amphitheater. While many look forward to the festive live-music atmosphere in the park each year,
the musicians have found a way to bring the music into the homes of an even wider audience during COVID-19 restrictions.
The Band has a rich history in Bakersfield. It originated before the turn of the century and in its present incarnation, has been
going strong with no breaks since just after World War II. “I was not going let COVID-19 break this important tradition,”
said Bakersfield Symphony and Municipal Band percussionist, Cyndi Hicks, who puts her heart and soul into this project
every year to make sure it happens. “The emotion we all felt on that stage when we started playing this year was
indescribable.”
Social-distancing measures were carefully put into place in order for 37 musicians to perform and record this special Fourth
of July concert at Mechanics Bank Theater. The band is directed by Doug Kelley, Director of Bands at Frontier High School.
The concert will be broadcast on the following platforms:
• Bakersfield Symphony media sponsor KERO 23ABC-TV will broadcast over the air and also over their media
platforms: Facebook, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire and all 23ABC’s streaming devices.
• The Beale Park Band Facebook page
• The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra Facebook page
• The Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra YouTube channel
• City of Bakersfield Facebook page
• City of Bakersfield YouTube channel
• City of Bakersfield Recreation and Parks Facebook page
• Kern Government Television:
o Bakersfield Brighthouse Networks Channel 16
AT&T U-verse Channel 99
o Boron Charter Cable Channel 18
o California City Charter Cable Channel 18
o Frazier Park Cal Neva Cable Channel 18
o Lake Isabella MediaCom Cable Channel 16
o Mojave Charter Cable Channel 18
o Rosamond Charter Cable Channel 18
o Ridgecrest MediaCom Cable Channel 16
About the Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra: The Bakersfield Symphony is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization whose
mission is to enrich our community through the power of music.
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.
For more information please visit: www.BakersfieldFire.us
BFD Public Information @ 661-326-3688 or 661-706-3688 for additional information.
P R E S S R E L E A S E
Illegal Fireworks Reporting
In an effort to maintain the 911 emergency dispatch system as an emergency reporting system, the
Bakersfield Fire Department would like to remind our citizens to report the use or possession of illegal
fireworks in the following ways:
Email firework@bakersfieldfire.us
Download and use the Bakersfield Mobile App
Utilize the website https://bakersfieldcity.us/gov/depts/fire/default.htm
By utilizing these resources, our citizens will assist the Bakersfield Fire Department in responding to
illegal fireworks in the City, while also enabling our 911 emergency response system to operate in a
timely and efficient manner.
* For Immediate Release * For Immediate Release * For Immediate Release * For Immediate Release *
Anthony Galagaza, Fire Chief
Fire Department Administration
(661) 326-3911
Fire Department Headquarters
2101 H Street
(661) 326-3911
Casey Snow, Battalion Chief
Public Information Officer
(661) 326-3688
Community Services Office
2101 H Street, Floor 1
(661) 326-3688
BAKERSFIELD DEPARTMENT
Page 1
TRIP projects are moving rapidly through the various stages of project
development. This report is to provide a periodic up-to-date snapshot of each project’s recent major
activities and progress. If you have questions, or need additional information, please contact Janet
Wheeler at the TRIP office, (661) 326-3491. Regular construction updates are also available on the TRIP
website at BakersfieldFreeways.us
MILESTONES
Ø Construction work on the Kern River Bridge Improvements project has been completed. The project
built new bridges and widened existing bridges crossing Truxtun Avenue and the Kern River to
accommodate the future connection of the Centennial Corridor to the Westside Parkway.
Ø Landscaping crews plan to begin planting trees and other plants along the north side of 24th Street
and within the new median in July.
PROJECT STATUS
24th Street Improvement Project
Contractor: Griffith Company
82% complete; anticipated completion: summer 2020
Traffic was switched onto the new pavement along the north side of 24th Street between D Street and
M Street in June. Road work is now underway along the south side of eastbound 24th Street between
Elm Street and B Street. This work is expected to continue through July. In the ultimate condition, the
roadway will be pushed northward in this area to make room for a sidewalk and landscaped parkway
along the south side of the roadway.
Irrigation work continued last month within the new median between Oak Street and B Street/Bay
Street. This work will continue through the coming month. Landscape crews will also begin installing
plant materials within the median and along the north side of 24th Street in the residential area in July.
Crews are placing concrete for curb, gutter, and driveway improvements along the south side of 24th
Street within the commercial section of 24th Street. The contractor anticipates placing the final cap of
asphalt and striping the roadway in late July.
Construction is underway for a new sound wall along the south side of 24th Street between the A
Street/B Street alley and C Street. Completion of this wall is anticipated in late July.
Electrical work continues at various locations.
July 2020
TRIP Status Report
TRIP Status Report
July 2020
Page 2
Centennial Corridor
Phase 1 - Kern River Bridge Improvements
Contractor: Security Paving Company
Construction completed
This phase constructed new bridges across Truxtun Avenue and the Kern River for the future
westbound Centennial Corridor (State Route 58) exit to Mohawk Street and widened the existing
eastbound bridges at the Kern River and Truxtun Avenue to accommodate the future freeway mainline
lanes.
Phase 2 – Belle Terrace Operational Improvements
Contractor: Granite Construction
80% complete; anticipated completion: fall 2020
This phase includes the replacement of the Belle Terrace Bridge and a new connector structure for
northbound State Route 99 to eastbound State Route 58 traffic.
In June, crews continued working on the cast-in-place concrete facing for the new retaining wall along
northbound State Route 99. Above the retaining wall, crews are constructing a concrete coping slab,
barrier, and sidewalk along the west side of Wible Road. This work will continue through July.
Crews finished forming the deck and placed deck concrete for the Belle Terrace Bridge last month. The
contractor plans to post-tension the new bridge in July. Falsework removal will be scheduled in late July
or early August, and will require nighttime freeway closures. The new bridge is expected to open to
traffic this fall.
Slope paving beneath the eastbound State Route 58 connector ramp was completed last month.
Sidewalk improvements have also been completed in areas where existing sidewalk was removed.
New storm drain was installed below and across State Route 99 just north of the Belle Terrace Bridge.
The installation of additional storm drain pipe and inlets along northbound State Route 99 will continue
in July.
Phase 3 – Bakersfield Freeway Connector
Contractor: Security Paving Company
46% complete; anticipated completion: summer 2021
This phase of Centennial Corridor reconstructs the westbound to southbound loop ramp at the State
Route 58/State Route 99 interchange. The project also constructs a new barrier-separated connector
ramp to Ming Avenue.
Work continues on various drainage systems within the project area. Construction and backfill for the
new Belle Terrace Pump Plant structure was completed in June. The installation of hardware and pumps,
as well as electrical work, will be ongoing through the month of July.
Crews placed closure concrete for the widened bridge deck on the State Route 58/State Route 99
separation bridge in June. The bridge falsework is expected to be removed in early July under nighttime
freeway closures.
The stem and soffit concrete pour for the new Ming Avenue off-ramp structure along southbound
State Route 99 was completed in June. Crews will be forming the bridge deck through the coming weeks.
A concrete pour for the bridge deck is planned for late July or early August.
TRIP Status Report
July 2020
Page 3
Excavation has been completed and shoring has been installed for the first stage of the cut and cover
tunnel that will be part of the future westbound State Route 58 to southbound State Route 99 connector.
Construction on the first phase of the tunnel will be underway in July.
Phase 4 – Mainline
Contractor: Security Paving Company
26% complete; anticipated completion: summer 2022
This phase constructs the freeway and multiple bridge structures between State Route 99 and the
Westside Parkway.
Crews are installing cast-in-drilled-hole (CIDH) piles near the State Route 58/State Route 99 Junction
for the future northbound State Route 99-to-westbound State Route 58 flyover.
The contractor continues to build the embankment for the future bridge crossing at Stockdale
Highway. Construction also continues for the Stockdale Highway bridge columns. Pile driving will be
underway in July for a future bridge abutment at this location.
Crews are forming the stem and soffit for the future bridge at Ford Avenue.
At La Mirada Drive, crews finished forming the deck, placed deck concrete, and stressed the new
bridge in June. Reconstruction of the adjacent La Mirada roadway will continue through July.
Construction of the new bridge abutments is underway at California Avenue. Temporary concrete
barrier rail has been placed along the roadway to provide space for upcoming bridge construction, and
the contractor plans to set falsework for bridge construction in July.
Pile driving for a future bridge abutment at Commerce Drive was completed last month.
Work on various drainage systems continues throughout the project area.
La Mirada Drive remains closed at the freeway alignment. Residents can use Marella Way to cross the
corridor. Access to and from Stine Road on the south side of Stockdale Highway is also closed. Residents
can enter the neighborhood from adjacent streets.
State Route 43/Stockdale Highway Roundabout
Contractor: Griffith Company
99% complete; anticipated completion: summer 2020
This project replaces an existing 4-way stop with a roundabout at the State Route 43 (Enos Lane) and
Stockdale Highway intersection.
Paving and final striping was completed in June. The contractor also completed the drainage basin and
fencing last month. Installation of additional lighting is expected in early July. Crews will be working on
punch list items during the coming month, but the project is substantially complete.
TRIP Status Report
July 2020
Page 4
PROJECT PHOTOS
Top: Bird’s-eye-view of the new roundabout at SR 43
and Stockdale Highway
Middle left: Construction continues at the Belle
Terrace Bridge. Crews formed the top deck and placed
deck concrete in June.
Middle right: Crews have installed a new storm drain
beneath State Route 99 in conjunction with the Belle
Terrace Improvement Project.
Bottom right: Slope paving was completed last month
along Wible Road in the vicinity of the northbound SR
99-to-eastbound SR 58 connector.
TRIP Status Report
July 2020
Page 5
Top left: Crews continue to construct columns at Stockdale Highway for the future bridge crossing.
Top right: Pile driving for bridge abutments at Commerce Drive was completed last month.
Middle left: Bridge abutments are under construction at California Avenue.
Middle right: Ironworkers set steel for the La Mirada Bridge deck.
Bottom: Embankment construction continues near Stockdale Highway for the future bridge crossing.
TRIP Status Report
July 2020
Page 6
Top left: Placing concrete for a new wall footing
along 24th Street between A Street and C Street
Top right: Grading the expanded drainage basin at
24th Street and Oak Street
Middle right: Grinding operations along the south
side of 24th Street near Myrtle Street
Bottom left: Installation of new concrete curb and
gutter along the south side of 24th Street
Bottom right: Asphalt paving adjacent to the new
median within the residential section of 24th Street