HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/14/20 KBB AGENDAKeep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee (KBBC) Regular Meeting
12:00 PM, Friday, August 14, 2020
City Hall — North
1501 Truxtun Avenue, Conference Room A
Bakersfield CA, 93301
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KeepBakersfieldBeautfful
KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL AFFILIATE
The mission of Keep Bakersfield Beautiful (KBB) is to engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving
their community.
Chair: Nate Meeks Vice -Chair: Crystal Pinthong
Agenda
Roll Call and Introductions —Jessica Felix (3 minutes)
SPECIAL NOTICE
Public Participation and Accessibility
August 14, 2020 Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee Regular Meeting
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On March 18, 2020, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-29-20, which includes a waiver of Brown Act provisions
requiring physical presence of the Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee (KBBC) members or the public in light of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Based on guidance from the California Governor's Office and Department of Public Health, as well as the Kern County
Health Officer, in order to minimize the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus, the City of Bakersfield hereby provides
notice that as a result of the declared federal, state, and local health emergencies, and in light of the Governor's order,
the following adjustments have been made:
1. The meeting scheduled for August 14, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. will have limited public access.
2. Consistent with the Executive Order, KBBC members may attend the meeting via Zoom or telephonically to
participate in the meeting to the same extent as if they were physically present.
3. The public may participate in this meeting and address the KBBC as follows:
• If you wish to comment on a specific agenda item, submit your comment via email to the City Clerk
at City_Clerk@bakersfieldcity.us no later than 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 12, 2020. Please clearly
indicate which agenda item number your comment pertains to. Comments are limited to 2 minutes.
• If you wish to make a general public comment not related to a specific agenda item, submit your comment
via email to the City Clerk at City_Clerk@bakersfieldcity.us no later than 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August
12, 2020. Comments are limited to 2 minutes.
• All comments may not be read during the meeting, but they will be in the public record of the meeting.
II. Public Statements —Jessica Felix (2 minutes max per person)
A. Correspondence received
Ill. Approval of June Regular Meeting Minutes — Nate Meeks (2 minutes)
Page 1 of 2
IV. Deferred Business
A. Update KBBC Tasks, Goals, and 5 Year Plan — Nate Meeks (5 minutes)
B. KBBC Special Meeting on Sat., Jan. 25 at Worklogic HR, 5016 California Ave. — Nate Meeks (10 minute)
1. Online Giving Resources for KBB Via the Bakersfield Foundation
2. Designation of KBBC Projects and Programs to Subcommittees, and Advisory Board
3. Each Ward/Mayoral Appointee Presents a Need(s) in Their Ward to Begin to Develop KBB
Activities in the Wards S/he Represents
4. Other
V. New Business
A. Special Projects and Programs Funding Update —Jessica Felix (2 minutes)
B. KBB Annual Report Highlights for Keep America Beautiful — Nate Meeks (2 minutes)
C. Covid-19 Volunteer Cleanup Requests/Activity Support Update — Nate Meeks (2 minutes)
D. Keep California Beautiful Online Affiliate Meeting, Aug. 27 at 2:00 PM — Ray Scott (1 minute)
E. KBBC Member Terms for Wards 1, 2, 5, and 6 — Nate Meeks (1 minute)
F. Approval of Written Report(s) — Nate Meeks (10 minutes max)
1. Litter Subcommittee (Meets Bimonthly): John Enriquez, Chair
2. Beautification and Community Improvement Subcommittee (Meets Monthly): Monica Cater,
Chair
3. Education/Image Subcommittee: Sophia Felix, Chair
4. Waste Reduction and Recycling Subcommittee: Ray Scott, Chair
5. Graffiti Abatement Subcommittee: Bob Lerude, Chair
a. Utility box mural updates for Old Town Kern, downtown, and the Auto Mall
L Approval of Arts Council of Kern artist application
ii. Private sponsor for Mill Creek area
6. Social Media Committee: Crystal Pinthong, Chair
7. Advisory Board: Cathy Butler, Chair
a. Yard of the Season
VI. Staff Comments (5 minutes)
VII. KBBC and Advisory Board Comments (10 minutes)
VIII. Adjournment — Nate Meeks
Page 2 of 2
Keep Bakersfield Beautiful
Notes on Meeting with Caltrans
Litter Committee Agenda
Tuesday, June 16, 2020, 1:00 pm
Via Webex
1. Chairman John Enriquez called the meeting to order at 1:05 pm.
Jay Asistin, Frank, Jason Maio, Deb Johnson and John Liu were in attendance for Caltrans.
Cathy Butler, Derek Morris, Clay Lomax, Jessica Felix, Andrew Miles, Becky Napier, Jaime
Sandoval (standing in for Mark Sandiford, City of Fresno), Luis Lopete, Travis Sanchez, Nate
Meeks, Debbi Cadena, and Mayor Karen Goh were in attendance.
2. Caltrans Budget for New Fiscal Year — John Liu, Caltrans
John Liu reported he had not much detail to discuss. The Legislature sent the budget to the
Governor, but it is unknown what his budget redlining means to the Caltrans Budget. John
reiterated he would still like to expand the Bakersfield Homeless contracts but has just no idea
how the budget will turn out. Mayor Goh asked John to remind the administration of the Central
Valley's needs. He said he would continue the fight.
3. Transfer of Westside Parkway — John Liu, Caltrans
The plan is to transfer the Westside Parkway sometime later in 2020. The city has a punch list
to complete. This needs to go on the California Transportation Commission agenda in August
for that to happen. There is an MOU with the City of finish anything unfinished at that date, so
the meeting agenda can be made. The Westside Parkway will transfer in two steps, the first,
section in from 1-5 along Stockdale Highway to the Westside Parkway continuing to Coffee
Road. The Coffee Road section onto Truxtun Avenue will be added once related Centennial
Corridor work is completed. There are still 500-600 days of work expected on that portion of the
project.
4. Caltrans Project Update — Caltrans
Jason reported that between late February to yesterday, from Route 178 at Oswell to
Downtown, 878 cubic yards of debris had been removed by the Kern County crews.
Luis reported that Rosedale Highway would be going to the City and County at same time old
Route 58 became new Route 58.
Clay Lomax reported there were lots of Centennial Corridor major projects underway,
particularly at Highway 99 and Belle Terrace with completion by the end of the year. Route 58
also has lots of work visible including GAP rehabilitation from highway 99 to Cottonwood,
meaning new concrete widening on 58 westbound from 99. The Olive Drive ramp off 99 and
Route 204 onramps to 99 have reopened.
5. Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Update — Jessica Felix, City of Bakersfield
Jessica reported that Keep Bakersfield Beautiful has been largely dormant because of the
coronavirus. They just had their first online board meeting. They are still not organizing work
projects, although some volunteers continue to work independently. There are two new
Westside Parkway sponsorships from St. John Church and School. The Westside Parkway
homeless crews will return to picking up trash in July.
Nate Meeks reported that traffic signal painting will continue. Sponsorship money not spent on
the Westside Parkway before transfer will be spent for other KBB projects per donor request.
6. Freeway Litter Partnership Update
Andrew Miles reported they have been able to keep people working through Covid-19. The city
worked with the homeless center to allow smaller crews, which were needed due to childcare
issues. From a high of 89 participants they are now down to 63. Some of those people have
moved on to other work, but some have had to stay home with kids. Four specifically moved on
to become electricians. The Kern County rural highway cleanup agreement has been renewed.
Andrew will work with Trent Manning on adopt -a -highway Covid-19 safety rules. Andrew is
looking forward to doing another orientation soon so some of the vacancies can be filled. The
Street Ambassadors are still at six crews and are trying to expand citywide, more information
should be available on that during the next meeting.
7. Committee Member or Public Comments
Derek Morris reported that Veterans Outreach Program crews are up and running. They have
had Covid-19 protocol training. Crew sizes have been adjusted. Caltrans is happy to have them
back. The participants are happy to have meaningful working during these times. As of August
1, they will have a new subcontractor for training out of Visalia that expands into Bakersfield.
The new provider will be Community Service Employment Training, CSET. The transition will
start on July 16 He reminded attendees that the participants in the Veterans program are
experienced in running a crew, so please consider hiring them.
Becky Napier reported that the contract with the city and county are on the June 18th board
agenda. The same amounts from Kern COG are approved, $150,000 for the city of Bakersfield,
and $50,000 for the County of Kern.
Jaime Sandoval reported that Keep Fresno Beautiful appreciates working together on
beautification efforts.
Debbi Cadena reported that Keep Kern Beautiful has completed the litter index survey and is
moving on to finalizing its organizational structure.
Cathy Butler reported that she was very pleased with the Downtown Street Ambassadors.
Jessica Felix reported she was happy to share information with Fresno that there will be $400
stipends for artists to paint utility boxes.
Jason Maio reported that since March 2,000 bags of litter have been collected in Fresno. Jamie
Sandoval reported that 19 tons of trash were removed from Fresno freeways.
Travis Sanchez reported that more veteran crews are needed due to growth, so citizens need to
get word to Caltrans headquarters about the need. Mayor Goh seconded the need for growth in
Caltrans cleaning crews.
8. Adjournment : 2:00 pm.
Next Meeting: August 18, 2020
Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee (KBBC) Regular Meeting
12:00 PM, Friday, June. 12, 2020
City Hall — North
1501 Truxtun Avenue, Conference Room A
Bakersfield CA, 93301
imrd
KeepBakersfieldBeautiful
KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL AFFILIATE
The mission of Keep Bakersfield Beautiful (KBB) is to engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving
their community.
Chair: Nate Meeks Vice -Chair: Crystal Pinthong Zoom Meeting Host: Jessica Felix Co -Host: Brianna Carrier
Minutes
I. Roll Call and Introductions—Jessica Felix
A. KBBC Chair Nate Meeks Called Meeting to Order 12:05 PM. Jessica Felix took roll call.
KBBC Members Present: KBBC Chair Nate Meeks — Ward 4 Alternate (video), John Enriquez — Mayoral
Appointee (video), Heather Pennella — Mayoral Alternate Appointee (video), Anastasia Lester — Ward 1
(phone), Ray Scott — Ward 3 (phone), Jenifer Pitcher — Ward 3 Alternate (video), Brooks Douglass — Ward 4
(video), Matthew Martin — Ward 5 Alternate (video), Bob Lerude — Ward 6 (video), Paul Yanez — Ward 7
(video), Jessica Felix—City of Bakersfield Solid Waste Division Community Relations Specialist/KBBC
Coordinator/KBBC Secretary (in person Zoom host)
KBBC Members Absent: Ana Smith — Ward 1 Alternate, Monica Cater — Ward 2, Norma Jackson — Ward 2
Alternate, KBBC Vice Chair Crystal Pinthong — Ward 5, Sophia Felix — Ward 6 Alternate, Theresa Olson —
Ward 7 Alternate
City of Bakersfield (City) Representatives Present: Mayor Karen Goh (video), Greg 011ivier — Solid Waste
Asst. Director (video), Chrissy Oleson — Deputy City Attorney I (in person), Brianna Carrier —Administrative
Analyst Ill. (video Zoom meeting co -host)
Others Present: Karina Mendez, County of Kern Public Works (phone), Debbie Cadena, County of Kern
Public Works (phone)
SPECIAL NOTICE
Public Participation and Accessibility
June 12, 2020 Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee Regular Meeting
On March 18, 2020, Governor Newsom issued Executive Order N-29=20, which includes a waiver of Brown Act provisions
requiring physical presence of the Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee (KBBC) members or the public in light of the
COVID-19 pandemic.
Based on guidance from the California Governor's Office and Department of Public Health, as well as the Kern County
Health Officer, in order to minimize the potential spread of the COVID-19 virus, the City of Bakersfield hereby provides
notice that as a result of the declared federal, state, and local health emergencies, and in light of the Governor's order,
the following adjustments have been made:
1. The meeting scheduled for June 12, 2020, at 12:00 p.m. will have limited public access.
2. Consistent with the Executive Order, KBBC members may attend the meeting via Zoom or
telephonically to participate in the meeting to the same extent as if they were physically present.
3. The public may participate in this meeting and address the KBBC as follows:
If you wish to comment on a specific agenda item, submit your comment via email to the City Clerk
at City_Clerk@bakersfieldcity.us no later than 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2020. Please clearly
indicate which agenda item number your comment pertains to. Comments are limited to 2 minutes.
If you wish to make a general public comment not related to a specific agenda item, submit your comment
via email to the City Clerk at City_Clerk@bakersfieldcity.us no later than 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10,
2020. Comments are limited to 2 minutes.
Alternatively, you may comment by calling (661) 326-3100 and leaving a voicemail of no more than 2
minutes no later than 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, June 10, 2020 prior to the KBBC meeting. Your message
must clearly indicate whether your comment relates to a particular agenda item, or is a general public
comment. If your comment meets the foregoing criteria, it will be transcribed as accurately as possible. All
comments may not be read during the meeting, but they will be in the public record of the meeting.
11. Public Statements — Jessica Felix
A. Correspondence received — None
111. Approval of February Regular Meeting Minutes — Nate Meeks
Motion: John
Second: Ray
Approved: Unanimously
IV. Deferred Business
A. Update KBBC Tasks, Goals, and 5 Year Plan — Nate Meeks: A discussion ensued which included how
coronavirus has directly impacted KBB. For instance, the KBBC may not organize group activities including
in person meetings and litter cleanups.
1. Request motion to alter Virginia and Alfred Harrell Foundation grant terms with prior approval
from the grantor.
Motion to earmark $2,000.00 of this grant for a total of 4 utility box murals with the KBB Graffiti Abatement
Subcommittee being the lead for KBBC approvals and Solid Waste staff for coordinating the City side of
approval process: Ray
Second: John
Approved: Unanimously
2. The Tree Foundation of Kern is dormant until September 16 due to coronavirus guidelines,
which means the collaboration in Old Town Kern must wait.
B. KBBC Special Meeting on Sat., Jan. 25 at Worklogic HR, 5016 California Ave. — Nate Meeks: KBB will not
meet in July. The next meeting will be in August with this same online/telephonic format. Nate wants to
table this agenda item until the KBBC may meet in person again.
1. Online Giving Resources for KBB via the Bakersfield Foundation
2. Designation of KBBC Projects and Programs to Subcommittees, and Advisory Board
3. Each Ward/Mayoral Appointee Presents a Need(s) in Their Ward to Begin to Develop KBB
Activities in the Wards S/he Represents
4. Other
V. New Business
A. Special Projects and Programs Funding Update —Jessica Felix: Routine update provided.
B. Keep America Beautiful (KAB) & Keep California Beautiful (KCB) Update.— Ray Scott
1. 2020 National Conference
a. KBB received the 2019 President's Circle Award
2. 2020 Covid-19
KAB Good Standing
I. Meeting Requirement Reduced to Quarterly — This requirement was reduced
from 10 meetings to 4 meetings due to varying coronavirus guidelines
nationwide.
ii. Community Appearance Index —This requirement is waived no penalty for
affiliates like KBB that may not do it due to state/local coronavirus guidelines.
iii. Great American Cleanup Deadline Extended to Oct. 18, 2020 —This requirement
is waived no penalty for affiliates like KBB that may not do it due to state/local
coronavirus guidelines.
Task: Staff will tentatively schedule the Great American Cleanup at Yokuts Park in April 2021.
3. Other
a. KCB is collaborating with the local Rotary to beautify the Mission downtown, Saturday, June
20.
b. KCB affiliate Zoom conference —TBD August
c. KCB America Recycles Day and Veterans Day Press Conference —Tuesday, Nov. 10 at the
Capitol.
d. KCB is revising the K —12 Recycling Challenge
C. 191h Annual Great American Cleanup Planning — Nate Meeks: Continue the discussion in August.
D. Greater Bakersfield Chamber of Commerce Award Nomination —Jessica Felix for absent Monica Cater
Monica nominated Keep Bakersfield Beautiful for the activities noted below. The Greater Chamber of
Commerce Beautiful Bakersfield Awards Program accepted the nomination for the A Better Bakersfield
category. The awards gala is scheduled, but of course it may change depending on coronavirus guidelines.
1. Category: A Better Bakersfield
2. Reasons: 2019 Great American Cleanup, downtown cleanups, and Make A Difference Day
3. Awards Gala, Friday, October 23 at Mechanics Bank Arena, Theater & Convention Center
E. Old Town Kern Utility Box Mural Update —Artist Jorge Guillen: Bob Lerude/Jessica Felix
At the last KBBC meeting, the KBBC selected Jorge Guillen to do 2 Basque theme utility box murals and
potentially a 3`d Basque theme utility box mural in Old Town Kern near the Basque establishments.
Since then, only the utility box at the corner of Sumner St. and Baker St. may have a KBB mural.
Task: The Graffiti Abatement Subcommittee will update Jorge Guillen on locations and which rendering
of the 3 provided will be used for the last box available for the Old Town Kern project at Sumner St. &
Baker St.
F. Approval of Written Report(s) — Nate Meeks
Motion to approve Litter, Graffiti Abatement, and Advisory Board reports for February and Advisory Board
report for March: Heather
Second: Ray
Approved: Unanimously
1. Litter Subcommittee: John Enriquez, Chair: The next meeting will be hosted online by Caltrans
on June 16 at 1 PM.
2. Beautification and Community Improvement Subcommittee: Monica Cater, Chair: None
3. Education/Image Subcommittee: Sophia Felix, Chair: None
4. Waste Reduction and Recycling Subcommittee: Ray Scott, Chair: None
5. Graffiti Abatement Subcommittee: Bob Lerude, Chair
a. Update utility box mural themes by location
6. Social Media Committee: Crystal Pinthong, Chair: None
7. Advisory Board: Cathy Butler, Chair Yard of the Season
VI. Staff Comments:
• Jessica: Thanks to all for their patience, participating today, and staying with KBB during this unique
time.
VII. KBBC and Advisory Board Comments:
• Heather: It's good to see everyone. It's good to see things moving forward in ways that we can.
• John: Happy weekend to all and stay safe.
• Brooks: Thanks to Jessica, Nate, and everyone who helped put this meeting together. A quarterly
meetings seem like it would not be enough, so if there is something we need to talk about, please
schedule a meeting sooner than that.
• Paul: Thanks all and stay healthy.
• Nate: Thanks to all for attending this meeting. This was his first time presiding over an online meeting
and his second time as chairperson over a full KBBC meeting. He said we will do better as we move
along. He does not want the KBBC to hesitate with any matters that may not be able to wait until we
meet in August. We could coordinate a sooner meeting if need be.
• Matthew: Good job running the meeting. He looks forward to putting coronavirus behind us.
VIII. Adjournment — Nate Meeks 1:03 PM
Keep Bakersfield Beautiful (KBB)
Advisory Board
Minutes
Meeting Date and Location:
Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at 10:30 a.m.
1675 Chester Avenue, #110 (DBA Office)
Attendance:
Present: Cathy Butler, Theresa Olsen, Tony Martinez and Steven Montgomery
Absent: John Enriquez Guest: Jordan Barker, ADR Services
OLD BUSINESS:
Yard of the Season -once on KBB Website promote -residential magazines
Illegal signs - Councilmember Chris Parlier working on this
Block to Block -Meeting tomorrow report from City on Downtown
Urban Development plans along with funding
Old Town Kern - 3 Homes across from Luigi's -Sat. April 25
Potential support funding, supplies resources $2,500 to $5,000 per home
1. Association of Realtors - Dedication to Midge Boydston Jimerson
. Funds and realtors volunteering - Clean up on GAC day with the
Realtors as a project so ready to come in the following week for Rebuild
Kern. Theresa will check with realtors sponsoring and taking on one of
the homes.
2. ADR Services - Jorden Barker
. Help with fagade - funding support - picked the second home they are
interested in sponsoring
3. Luigi's - Tony and Cathy will meet with Lynette this week regarding
Luigi's future plans and will they support the third home.
Cathy will check with John, Melissa and CouncilmemberAndrae Gonzales
regarding future plans along King St. and 19th St. for trees, flowers and
watering
. Keep Bakersfield Beautiful -
. Potential help with wood chips and Carla Perez Palm with Seeds of
Inspiration can help with Seedlings
Tree Foundation - potential help with trees but needs irrigation or
commitment to watering
NEW BUSINESS:
. Auto Mall:
Chris Parlier working on electrical boxes and potential of murals.
Train Depo in Old Town Kern
Stephen announced there were plans to tear down the Old Train Depo, but
currently working with Councilmember Andrae Gonzales in potentially "Saving the
Depo"
Adjourned at 11:30 a.m.
Cathy Butler, KBB Advisory Chair
Keep Bakersfield Beautiful
Meeting with Caltrans
Litter Subcommittee Notes
Tuesday, February 18, 2020, 1:00 pm
at Caltrans Offices, 1226 Olive Drive, Bakersfield
1. The meeting was called to order at 1:04 pm. The Chairman welcomed everyone
to introduce themselves. Attending from Fresno via teleconference were Jason
Miao, Rafaela Leal, Angela Bohlander, John Liu, Aaron Aguirre, and Mark
Stanford.
2. The County Freeway Litter Update was provided by Sal Moretti, County of Kern,
Supervisor David Couch's Office. Sal reported that the County now has
agreements with Kern COG, Caltrans, and the Bakersfield Homeless Center
(BHC). Only one remains to be formally signed. The funding from Kern COG and
Caltrans will be used to hire people from the BHC to clean all state roads in the
County, although there are some stipulations from the funders as to exactly what
roadways can be cleaned. There will be some long trips to Tehachapi and
Ridgecrest for the crew. One crew will start right away to spend dollars that must
be spent by June 30, 2020 by working one day a week.
3. The Downtown Street Ambassador Program Update was provided by Andrew
Miles, Labor Development Manager, Bakersfield Homeless Center. The work
was completed under the last privately provided funding at the end of December
with three crews working. The City contract picked up January 1, 2020 for a year
with options. Six two -person crews are working with one working supervisor. In
all, 13 individuals are working on downtown cleanups, and they also do Old Town
Kern. The crews can respond to hot spots more quickly now as they work in
dedicated sections. The crew assigned to that area can be quickly relocated to
handle the identified problem, then resume regular tasks. The new schedule is
Monday through Friday, 6:30 am to 11:00 am. Workers meet at the BHC to get
the truck with pressure washer and tank. The workers can provide outreach as
needed. Area businesses are given a door hanger announcing their frontage has
just been cleaned by the program. The door hanger provides the number to call
for a refresh. The supervisor moves between crews on the gator, and trash is
taken to a designated dumpster behind City Hall South. Trees are watered as
needed and illegal signs are also removed along with the removal of all debris.
Andrew was proud to announce that the Street Ambassadors won the Downtown
Traveling Trophy to display at BHC this year. The award was presented by the
Downtown Business Association. Andrew reported that since 2009, 122
individuals have moved from the program to full time jobs. There were 56 new
people in the program in 2019, and 82 are presently employed. The program will
have its own space soon. More information will follow.
4. The Great American Cleanup update was provided by Jessica Felix, Keep
Bakersfield Beautiful. Jessica passed out information on the 19th Annual Great
American Cleanup. She said they are seeking sponsors and volunteers, and
hope to focus on 50-100 locations, with some emphasis on the west side.
Jessica would like suggestions for cleanups that day. If possible, ideas for
sponsors, volunteers or work sites should be to her by March 16th. IKEA will host
an area for kids in conjunction with City Parks and Recreation with $1000 in raffle
prizes. Although most volunteers perform cleanup duties, hundreds are involved
in putting on the event, and with special projects. Andrew will arrange for any
leftover food to go the BHC.
5. Caltrans Project Update. John Liu reported that Deanna Hornback has retired.
Taking her place as District 6 Adopt -a -Highway Coordinator is Rafaela Leal
assisted temporarily by Angela Bohlander. Caltrans will work on the Westside
Parkway sponsorships before the Parkway is taken over by Caltrans late in 2020.
There will be more discretion on the Caltrans budget than was first feared. One
thing John wants to do is increase all grants to cover the increase in minimum
wage. More budget meetings are forthcoming so John will know more shortly.
Andrew inquired whether Rt 119 has been deemed adoptable after recent
construction and follow up safety review. Caltrans believed that culvert project
was complete but will check.
Sal asked about the Governor's interest in homelessness. John reported that it
is the Governor's #1 priority. He is looking for State property that local entities
could lease for temporary housing, etc.
Robb Ball had a question about the landscaping plan on Highway 99 through
Bakersfield. John said he'd find out more and report back to us.
6. Freeway Litter Partnership Update
The Veterans cleanups for Caltrans are still ongoing, 4 weeks a month with one
of those being spent in Delano.
Everyone was encouraged to call the Rapid Response number about any
homeless encampments.
Sal wants to coordinate a media event with Caltrans once all the contracts are
signed.
Aaron Aquirre reported that the City of Fresno contracts are all signed to go to
vendors March 2 to man 4-5 person crews.
Mark Stanford reported that Keep Fresno Beautiful was thrilled to participate, in
the Keep America Beautiful National Conference. They got some great ideas.
They have some big events completed, such as 125 volunteers on Dr. Martin
Luther King Jr. Day, and a partnership with Tree Fresno to plant trees along trails
on February 29th. They are working with various churches on Serve Fresno Day,
where people will volunteer instead of going to church.
7. Committee Member or Public Comments
Jessica reported that the Lazzerini Family will again be sponsoring cleanup of the
bike trail.
Jay Asistin asked if there was a way to coordinate efforts on homeless
encampments, so that they don't just move from the river to the closest Caltrans
locations.
Kern Adult School has resumed downtown cleanups after the winter off
according to John Noriega.
Members of the World Mission Society Church of God reported they were ready
to plan their next big project and explained why community service is so
important to their church.
Heidi Carter Escudero reported the County would be doing its first Community
Appearance Index Surveys next month. Kern County will be covered in 5 zones.
The results will be used to identify the top 5 cleanup spots. Zone 5 is made up of
County pockets in and around the City of Bakersfield. Keep Kern Clean is under
the Public Works Department and can accept in-kind donations but is not in a
position yet to solicit funds.
Tom Burch reported that the Retirees recently marked 7 years of cleanups,
covering 350 Wednesdays. Tomorrow's cleanup will be at the Municipal Airport.
They average 6 volunteers each session.
8. The meeting was adjourned at 2:09 pm.
Submitted by Carola Rupert Enriquez, Volunteer Secretary
Next Meeting: April 21, 2020
February 14, 2020
Graffiti Abatement Subcommittee Minutes
Minutes by: Subcommittee Chair Bob Lerude
Meeting was called to order at 11:05 a.m. Introductions were made. Present were
Crystal Pinthong, Steve Montgomery, Norma Jackson, Karl Hunt and Bob Lerude.
Area updates- Karl from Kern County General Services said James Schirette was
hired. Currently it is a frustrating time due to graffiti and code enforcement issues.
Rosamond, Boron and Mojave are being kept supplied with materials to abate
graffiti. They are getting the work done within 24 hours of the notification. Karl
said he only has one person working regularly to abate graffiti and that is mostly in
Kern County Parks. Keep Kern Beautiful has started but it will take some time
before he sees improvements throughout the County. The Roads Department for
Kern County is still handling graffiti abatement on road signs and within the road
jurisdiction. Currently the County is in the process of "re -branding".
Norma indicated problems with crime (cars being broken into) in Ward 2.
Crystal wanted to know about approval of murals through this committee. I
explained how many times we are asked for our recommendation on murals for the
electrical boxes.
Steve said he is meeting with Cathy Butler, Councilperson Chris Parlier, and John
Enriquez regarding legislation for local laws/ordinances, In Hart Park a grant for
$500,000 was received for the Adobe Building. Steve also discussed the murals in
alleys in East Bakersfield around Holtby, Oleander, 1st and Verde streets. Steve
discussed the paint being used and how we should have a standard of what paint is
used by the artists painting murals. I explained we don't have those types of
standards. I explained we do approve the content/design for the murals.
We discussed we should think about the goals for our sub -committee and speakers
for future meetings and bring that information to the next meeting in March.
Meeting adjourned at 11:54 a.m.
Keep Bakersfield Beautiful (KBB)
Advisory Board
Report by Advisory Board Chair Cathy Butler
Minutes
Meeting Date and Location:
Monday, February 3, at 8:00 a.m.
1675 Chester Avenue, #110 (Downtown Business Association Office)
Attendance:
Present: Cathy Butler, John Enriquez (by phone), Theresa Edmonson Olson, Stephen
Montgomery
Absent: Tony Martinez
Guest: Melanie Farmer and Councilmember Chris Parlier (Vice Mayor)
OLD BUSINESS.
. Illegal signs
A meeting was held with Councilmember Chris Parlier to discuss illegal signage.
John Enriquez discusses what took place in Santa Clarita that helped
with their problems of illegal signs. Chris will work with Cathy to set
up a meeting with KBB Advisory Board, City Attorney and Code Enforcement.
. Block to Block.
_Melanie Farmer discussed the homeless, drugs, and mental illness we are experience
not only downtown but allover our City. Melanie is working with Andrae
Gonzales but welcomed the thoughts and ideas from Chris. We'll invite both the
Councilman and Vice Mayor to a future Block Captain meeting.
NEW BUSINESS:
. Auto Mall:
Councilmember Chris Parlier announced he was meeting after our meeting with the
Auto Mall Dealers and the City regarding issues in their area. We informed Mr.
Parlier at the KBB Strategic Planning session we discussed murals on the electrical
boxes or dealership walls that face the freeway. He said he was pleased and would
pass along to the dealers.
There being no further business ended at 10 a.m.
Cathy Butler
KBB Advisory Chair
Travis Sanchez reported that more veteran crews are needed due to growth, so citizens need to
get word to Caltrans headquarters about the need. Mayor Goh seconded the need for growth in
Caltrans cleaning crews.
8. Adjournment : 2:00 pm.
Next Meeting: August 18, 2020