Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/12/21 KBB AGENDAKeep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee (KBBC) Regular Meeting 12:00 PM, Friday, February 12, 2021 City Hall — North 1600 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor, Conference Room A Bakersfield CA, 93301 The mission of Keep Bakersfield Beautiful (KBB) is to engage individua their community. POSTE® ON C1-2/ byre ONW afty'd Balkw0liow i - EP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL AFFILIATE Chair: Nate Meeks Vice Chair: Crystal Pinthong Agenda I. Call to Order, Roll Call, and Introductions — Crystal Pinthong, Jessica Felix (3 minutes) SPECIAL NOTICE s Public Participation and Accessibility February 12, 2021 Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee Regular Meeting bility for improving 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 regular meeting scheduled for February 12, 2021 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 Thursday, February 11, 2021. 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 Thursday, February 11, 2021. 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 III. Approval of January Regular Meeting and January Special Meeting Minutes — Crystal Pinthong (2 minutes) Page 1 of 2 IV. Deferred Business A. 2021 KBB Goal Setting— Crystal Pinthong (20 minutes) 1. Clean City Initiative., 2. Donation and, Project/Event/Program Goals a. Set.specific project/event/program objectives & outcomes L Five Year Plan (2018 — 2022) ii.. .utility box murals iii. downtown flowers, plants, trees, and supplies iv. KBBC's 20th affiliation anniversary, Tuesday, Oct. 5, 2021 V. Great American Cleanup vi. public service announcements/outreach/promotions vii. other b. Potential contributors for projects/events/programs L Give Big Kern ii. Virginia & Alfred Harrell Foundation iii. other B. Designation of KBBC Projects and Programs to Subcommittees, Social Media Committee, Great American Cleanup Committee, 201h KBB Affiliate Anniversary Committee, and Advisory Board — Crystal Pinthong (5 minutes) C. KBBC Members Requirement to Each Coordinate and Lead an Activity in the Ward (At Large for Mayoral Appointees You Represent) — Crystal Pinthong, KBBC (5 minutes) V. New Business A. Special Projects and Programs Funding Update—Jessica Felix (1 minute) B. Approval of Written Report(s) — Crystal Pinthong (5 minutes) 1. Litter Subcommittee: John Enriquez, Chair 2. Graffiti Abatement Subcommittee: Monica Cater, Chair a. utility box mural updates for Old Town Kern, the Auto Mall, and downtown i. Vote for artist(s) for Auto Mall utility box mural(s) 3. Education and Image Subcommittee: Brooks Douglass, Chair 4. Beautification and Community Improvement Subcommittee: Monica Cater, Chair 5. Waste Reduction and Recycling: Ray Scott, Chair 6. Social Media Committee: Crystal Pinthong, Chair 7. Advisory Board: Cathy Butler, Chair VI. Staff Comments (2 minutes) VII. KBBC and Advisory Board Comments (5 minutes) VIII. Adjournment—Crystal Pinthong Page 2 of 2 Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee (KBBC) Regular Meeting 12:00 PM, Friday, January 8, 2021 City Hall — North 1600 Truxtun Avenue, First Floor, Conference Room A Bakersfield CA, 93301 KeepSakersfieldBeautiful 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 Minutes. Roll Call and Introductions — Nate Meeks, Jessica Felix: Nate Meeks called the meeting to order at 12:05 PM. • Committee Members Present: Chairperson Nate Meeks — Ward 4 Alternate (video), Vice Chairperson Crystal Pinthong — Ward 5 Alternate (phone), John Enriquez — Mayoral Appointee (video), Heather Pennella — Mayoral Alternate Appointee (video), Anastasia Lester— Ward 1(phone), Monica Cater— Ward 2 (video), Jenifer VanAlstein (video) — Ward 3 Alternate, Brooks Douglass — Ward 4 (video), Matthew Martin — Ward 5 (video), Paul Yanez — Ward 7 (video), Theresa Olson —Ward 7 Alternate (video), Jessica Felix —Staff Coordinator (video, in person) • Committee Members Absent: Anna Smith — Ward 1 Alternate, Ray Scott — Ward 3, Vacancy— Ward 2 Alternate, Vacancy — Ward 6, Vacancy — Ward 6 Alternate • Advisory Board Members Present: Cathy Butler (video), Steve Montgomery (video) • City of Bakersfield Representatives Present: Mayor Karen Goh (video), Public Works Solid Waste Division Assistant Director Greg 011ivier (video), Deputy City Attorney I Chrissy Oleson (video), Administrative Analyst III Brianna Carrier (phone) • Others Present: Sophia Felix (video) SPECIAL NOTICE Public Participation and Accessibility January 8, 2021 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 regular meeting scheduled for January 8, 2021 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. The public may participate in this meeting and address the KBBC as follows: Page 1 of 2 • 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, January 6, 2021. 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, January 8, 2021. 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. • Committee Members Present: Chair Nate Meeks — Ward 4 Alternate, II. Public Statements — Jessica Felix A. Correspondence received: None III. Approval of December 4, 2020 Special Meeting Minutes — Nate Meeks Motion to approve: John Enriquez Second: Anastasia Lester Approved: Unanimous (Matthew Martin had not yet arrived to the meeting) IV. Deferred Business A. Utility box mural updates for Old Town Kern, the Auto Mall, and downtown —Jessica Felix 1. Vote for artists for downtown utility box murals a. Motion to approve submission 9 (hands holding up Earth) in handout for placement by the intersection of 20th & M Streets: Matthew Martin Second: Brooks Douglass Yes: 9 No: 0 Abstain: 2 Motion passed b. Motion to approve submission 13 (sitting tiger) in handout for placement by the intersection of 18th & M Streets with additional approval from an organization or person knowledgeable of Chinese cultural symbolism and sensitivities for this particular artist rendering, and in general from now on provide a courtesy mural project notification(s) to a business(es) adjacent to a KBB mural.: Monica Cater Second: Brooks Douglass Approved: Unanimous c. Motion to approve submission 35 (horseback rider) in handout for placement by the intersection of 191h & N Streets.: Anastasia Lester Second: Matthew Martin Approved: Unanimously d. Motion to approve submission 36 (landscape) in handout for placement by the intersection of 18th Street & Chester Avenue if the artist removes the jeep in the foreground and the location is available. If the preferred location is not available then staff will assign to an available location downtown.: Brooks Douglass Second: Anastasia Lester Approved: Unanimous 2. Vote for artist(s) for Auto Mall utility box murals — Nate Meeks deferred this item to the next meeting. V. New Business A. KBBC Members Update — Nate Meeks Page 2 of 2 John Enriquez and Heather Pennella continue their positions as the mayoral appointees. Monica Cater remains the appointee for Ward 2. The Ward 2 alternate position is vacant. Matthew Martin and Crystal Pinthong both continue as the appointees to Ward 5 but switched positions with Crystal as the alternate. The new appointee for Ward 6 is Sue England. The Ward 2 alternate position is vacant. B. Special Projects and Programs Funding Update —Jessica Felix: Nate Meeks deferred this item to the next meeting. C. KBBC Adopt An Area Agreement — Nate Meeks: Item deferred to the next meeting. D. Great American Cleanup 2021—Jessica Felix: Item deferred to the next meeting. E. Approval of Written Report(s) — Nate Meeks: Item deferred to the next meeting. 1. Litter Subcommittee: John Enriquez, Chair 2. Graffiti Abatement Subcommittee: Chairvacant 3. Education Subcommittee Report: Sophia Felix, Chair 4. Beautification and Community Improvement Report: Monica Cater, Chair 5. Waste Reduction and Recycling Report: Ray Scott, Chair 6. Social Media Committee: Crystal Pinthong, Chair 7. Advisory Board Report: Cathy Butler, Chair F. Nominate/Elect KBBC 2021 Chair and Vice Chair—Jessica Felix: Nate Meeks: Item deferred to the next meeting. G. KBBC Special Meeting, Saturday, Jan 9, 2021 from 10 AM to 12 PM — Nate Meeks: Item deferred to the next meeting. 1. KBBC Chair Appoints Subcommittee/Other Committee Chairpersons —To Be Determined 2. Nominate/Elect KBBC Advisory Board Chair and Members —All KBBC 3. Update tasks, goals, and 5 year plan 4. 2021 Solid Waste Division Priorities — Staff 5. Share Your Personal 2020 KBB Highlight —All VI. Staff Comments: • Mayor Goh thanked everyone and she looks forward to the special meeting on Jan. 9. VII. KBBC and Advisory Board Comments • John: Thanked Mayor Goh for appointing him again. • Heather: Also thanked Mayor Goh for reappointing her to KBBC. She added that she will not attend the special meeting Jan. 9 due to another commitment. • Brooks: Grateful to everyone for attending the meeting and hopes to serve with them for years to come. • Matthew: Looking forward to 2021 activities and finds the utility box murals a nice way to start 2021. Thanked Nate for his continued leadership. • Nate: Thanked everyone and noted that he looks forward to the special meeting on Jan. 9. VIII. Adjournment - Nate Meeks 1:08 PM Page 3 of 2 Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee (KBBC) Special Meeting 10:00 a.m. Saturday, January 9, 2021 City of Bakersfield Corporation Yard Solid Waste Division, 4101 Truxtun Avenue, Building A, Large Conference Room Bakersfield CA, 93309 Lou 13 v� r-1. .. KeepBakerssfieldBeautiful KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL AFFILIATE The mission of Keep Bakersfield Beautiful (KBB) is to engage individuals to take greater responsibility for improving their community. Minutes I. Call to Order — Nate Meeks, Chairperson: 10:08 PM II. Roll Call and Introductions—Jessica Felix • Committee Members Present: Chairperson Nate Meeks — Ward 4 Alternate (video), John Enriquez — Mayoral Appointee (video), Anastasia Lester — Ward 1(phone), Monica Cater — Ward 2 (video), Ray Scott — Ward 3 (video), Brooks Douglass — Ward 4 (phone), Matthew Martin — Ward 5 (phone), Sue England — Ward 6 (video), Paul Yanez — Ward 7 (video), Theresa Olson — Ward 7 Alternate (video), Jessica Felix — Staff Coordinator (video, in person) • Committee Members Absent: Vice Chairperson Crystal Pinthong — Ward 5 Alternate, Heather Pennella — Mayoral Alternate Appointee, Anna Smith — Ward 1 Alternate, Vacancy — Ward 2 Alternate, Jenifer VanAlstein — Ward 3 Alternate Vacancy — Ward 6 Alternate • Advisory Board Members Present: Cathy Butler (video), Steve Montgomery (video) • City of Bakersfield Representatives Present: Mayor Karen Goh (video), Public Works Solid Waste Division Assistant Director Greg 011ivier (video), Deputy City Attorney I Chrissy Oleson (phone), Administrative Analyst III Brianna Carrier (phone) • Others Present: Sophia Felix (phone) SPECIAL NOTICE Public Participation and Accessibility January 9, 2021 Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Committee Special 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 special meeting scheduled for Saturday, January 9, 2021 at 10:00 a.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 Friday, January 8, 2021. Please clearly indicate Page 1 of 2 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 Friday, January 8, 2021. 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. III. Public Statements — Jessica Felix A. Correspondence received: None IV. Remarks — Mayor Karen Goh Mayor Goh thanked KBBC for their commitment and expressed that she's optimistic that more community involvement may be possible in 2021 with coronavirus guidelines and adaptations. She spoke mostly of the City's new Clean City Initiative (CCI) underway. She's working closely with the City Manager on CCI. The initiative is led by the City Manager's Office and is managed by the Solid Waste Division (SW). A key part of CCI is that the City has contracted several more crews for regular litter and illegal dump cleanups. V. Deferred Business from January 8, 2021 KBBC Regular Meeting TBD — Nate Meeks A. Vote for artist(s) for Auto Mall utility box murals — Remained Tabled. B. KBBC Members Update — Chrissy Oleson, Greg 011ivier The KBBC Bylaws allow the KBBC Coordinator (Jessica) to appoint a KBBC secretary. Chrissy and Greg asked Jessica to appoint someone. After some discussion about whether or not it should be a volunteer KBBC member or City staff, it was agreed that it could be either. At Mayor Goh's request, Brianna took notes for this meeting. C. Special Projects and Programs Funding Update —Jessica Felix Routine update provided. The total balance remaining is $36,088.79. D. Great American Cleanup (GAC) 2021—Jessica Felix Keep America Beautiful (KAB) understands that California has stricter coronavirus guidelines than other states. KAB is reviewing ways to be flexible on this good standing requirement given the pandemic. Depending on how coronavirus goes, KBB may be able to combine GAC festivities with a 201h KAB affiliation anniversary . and/or Make A Difference Day in October, but April festivities are not probable now. Motion to cancel GAC April park reservations and tentatively schedule Oct. 9 and Oct. 16 as alternative dates: Brooks Douglass Second: Ray Scott Approved: Unanimous E. Approval of Written Report(s) — Nate Meeks 1. Litter Subcommittee: John Enriquez, Chair— Next meeting Jan. 26. 2. Graffiti Abatement Subcommittee: Vacancy, Chair— N/A 3. Education Subcommittee: Vacancy, Chair— N/A 4. Beautification and Community Improvement: Monica Cater, Chair— N/A 5. Waste Reduction and Recycling Report: Ray Scott, Chair— N/A 6. Social Media Committee: Crystal Pinthong, Chair— N/A 7. Advisory Board Report: Cathy Butler, Chair — N/A Motion to approve October Litter Subcommittee Report: Brooks Douglass Second: Anastasia Lester Approved: Unanimous F. Nominate/Elect KBBC 2021 Chair and Vice Chair—Jessica Felix Motion to re-elect Nate Meeks as chairperson and Crystal Pinthong as vice chairperson: John Enriquez Second: Brooks Douglass Page 2 of 2 Approved: Unanimous G. KBBC Chair Appoints Subcommittee/Other Committee Chairpersons: Same as V.E except vacancies were filled. Monica will take on the Graffiti Abatement Subcommittee for utility box murals with the option to hold joint meetings for the 2 subcommittees. Brooks will chair the Education and Image Subcommittee and should Sophia be reappointed to the KBBC, then Brooks would step down so she could resume being the chairperson. H. Nominate/Elect KBBC Advisory Board Chair and Members — KBBC Motion to elect Cathy Butler as KBB Advisory Board chairperson: Matthew Martin Second: Theresa Olson Approved: Unanimous Motion to include Stephen Montgomery and Tony Martinez as KBB Advisory Board members: John Enriquez Second: Brooks Douglass Approved: Unanimous Update Tasks, Goals, and 5 Year Plan — Nate Meeks 1. John Enriquez: Old Town Kern tree planting collaboration with The Tree Foundation of Kern remains on hold as the tree foundation is shutdown for the time being due to that state of things with coronavirus. J. 2021 Solid Waste Division Priorities—Staff 1. Clean City Initiative: The additional litter/illegal dump cleanup services include 6 new contracted crews from the Bakersfield Homeless Center (4 crews) and California Highway Adoption (2 crews). The contracted crews start Jan. 19 with a full-time schedule to clean up litter and illegal dumpsites. SW will also host pop-up drive-thru bulky, garbage, and recycling drop off events. These pop-up events are intended to help reduce litter and illegal dumping by allowing the public to bring bulky waste, garbage, and recyclables that don't fit in their regular service carts. Mayor Goh asked KBBC to help report litter and illegal dumps in the community using the Bakersfield Mobile app. She wants KBBC members to engage others to do the same. She suggested a block captain type model may be good for KBBC to take the lead on to increase reporting to expedite cleanups. KBBC was very interested and happy to hear about the new contracted crews to clean up more and to help promote the app for reports from the public. KBB social media and KBB and SW websites will help promote CCI and the app too. 2. SW is developing a transfer station for waste. Task: Monica will draft a CCI spiel that KBBC members may use to promote the app on Nextdoor and other social media. The spiel will include a link to how to get the app. Jessica will ask the City Public Information Officer to approve the spiel. K. Share Your Personal 2020 KBB Highlight — All: Tabled VI. New Business A. Keep California Beautiful (KCB) & Keep America Beautiful (KAB) Update — Ray Scott, KCB President Ray Scott shared that KAB continues to figure out the best means for operating across the country with coronavirus. As far as KCB, it has adapted its K-12 Recycling Challenge for distance learning. The challenge has 3 competitive options. One is a litter app for a campus and neighborhood, second is an upcycled art project, and third is a video competition for the schools. Registration opened this week for the spring time competition. A KCB affiliate meeting is scheduled online for Jan. 21. B. 201h Anniversary of KBBC's Keep America Beautiful Affiliate Certification, October 5, 2021— Nate Meeks Jessica mentioned earlier that this could tie in with Great American Cleanup festivities if KAB and coronavirus guidelines change in time to plan for October. She shared a few ideas of how the anniversary could be recognized without involving a community gathering. Ray suggested that the image side of the Education and Image Subcommittee could be a lead for planning with kBBC approvals. VII. Consider Any New 2021 KBBC Goals/Special Projects — All A. Online Giving Profiles and Fundraising: Both Jessica and Brianna explained that a specific purpose must be identified in order to use Bakersfield Foundation online profiles to benefit KBB. Mayor Goh and Jessica added Page 3 of 2 that specific projects make it easier to find and apply for other funding opportunities too. Possible examples of specific KBB projects/events/programs that could be pursued for online giving profiles include the following. a. Utility box murals b. Downtown plantings c. After School Program/youth outreach Task: Subcommittees/other committees/advisory board are to bring goal ideas to the next KBB meeting. Task: Include identifying funding sources as part of 2021 goals. VIII. Break Meeting — Nate Meeks: KBBC decided not to take a break. IX. Designation of KBBC Projects and Programs to Subcommittees, Social Media Committee, Great American Cleanup Committee, 20th KBB Affiliate Anniversary Committee, and Advisory Board — Nate Meeks: Deferred. X. KBBC Members Requirement to Each Coordinate and Lead an Activity in the Ward (At Large for Mayoral Appointees) You Represent — Nate Meeks: Deferred. XI. Next KBBC Update to Bakersfield City Council TBD — Nate Meeks He requested to do an update for City Council in March or April. The Great American Cleanup and coronavirus would be part of the update. XII. Comments — All John: Thanked Mayor Goh and the City for their hard work. The City of Bakersfield General Services Division repaired spotlights that KBB installed at Garces Circle. General Services also made repairs to planters downtown. Flowers that KBB volunteers planted in October look great thanks to hand watering from Downtown Street Ambassadors. • Monica: Looking forward to reactivating her subcommittees online. She will draft the CCI outreach social media spiel to include how to sign up for the app and use it per Brianna and Jessica's suggestions. • Steve: Suggested that the City should be more thoughtful about selecting the design of new community amenities to complement existing amenities, especially if a site has historic elements. For example new elements at Beale Park should complement the amphitheater there. He would like the County of Kern to have something like the Bakersfield Mobile app. The welcome to Bakersfield sign on Highway 99 southbound is not very visible due to the industrial enterprise it is next too. The City should relocate it. Additionally, the City should consider having welcome signs on Highway 58. The City should adopt the Mills Act, which encourages historic buildings and structures. The City may be able to find better ways to handle quality of life concerns like graffiti and illegal signage on poles by referring to the City of Santa Clarita. • Nate: Appreciated Steve's thoughtful remarks and noted that many of these issues are outside of the purview of the KBBC. He thanked everyone for reelecting him as chairperson. • Jessica: Thanked everyone for continuing to be committed with KBBC during coronavirus. Please keep in mind that the community continues to want to volunteer and continues to turn to KBB. • Chrissy: Thanked everyone. • Brianna: Thanked everyone for the volunteer time and dedication, especially during the pandemic. • Mayor Goh: Quoted Helen Keller, "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched. They must be felt with the heart." Mayor Goh thanked all for their heart and service in the community. She specifically thanked her appointee, John for his commitment while he goes through personal challenges. XIII. Adjournment— Nate Meeks: 12:16 PM Page 4 of 2 Mural Proposal 9 — near 20t" St. & M St. L Mural Proposal 13: Downtown — near 18tH St. & M St. C e . C Mural Proposal 35: Downtown —near 19th St. & N St. Mural Proposal 36 — TBD near Chester Ave. & 18t" St. Mural Proposal 24: Auto Mall — near Wible Rd. & Harris Rd. ti., '0000/.", r I z Keep Bakersfield Beautiful Meeting with Caltrans Litter Subcommittee Notes Tuesday, October 20, 2020, 1:00 pm Via Webex 1. Welcome and Introductions The meeting was called to order at 1:02 pm with the following in attendance via Webex: Jason Maio, Joel Martin, John Enriquez, John Liu, Cody Miller, Karen Goh, Diana Gomez, Manuel Ramirez, Clay Lomax, Jessica Felix, Steve Nelson, Cathy Butler, Mark Standriff, RayAnne Cruz, Rafaela Leal, Bob Ball, John Noriega, Teresa Guzman Andrew Mills, Miquel Ramirez, Greg Olivier, Edward Offerending, Jay Asistin, Zechariah Garcia, Louis Gill, and Zack Meyer. 2. Update from Vice Mayor Steve Nelson, City of Visalia Steve Nelson, Vice Mayor of Visalia, discussed how he found out about Keep Bakersfield Beautiful at a state meeting, and noted programing similarities. He outlined goals for Keep Visalia Beautiful in downtown Visalia to include using the homeless. He would like a close working relationship with Caltrans, and Jason Maio will reach out to him about this. 3. Caltrans Weekly Litter Report and Look Ahead — John Liu, Caltrans John Liu reported that his weekly litter reports are appreciated by Nick Fidler and Mayor Goh. Work is completed at Q Street and 204. He welcomes input at any time. He said the District Directors meet next week with upper-level Caltrans staff and one topic will be our partnership since homelessness and trash are statewide problems. He hopes this will lead to the formation of more partnership programs such as Keep Kern Beautiful and Keep Fresno Beautiful, and now Keep Visalia Beautiful. Partnerships with the homeless help with a multitude of problems, so he would like to expand them if funding is provided. Caltrans District Director Diana Gomez was welcomed to the call by John Liu and Mayor Goh. Mayor Goh thanked John for the helpful ongoing reports. 4. Caltrans Project Update — Caltrans Clay Lomax reported that the number one lane on a six -mile length of Highway 99 to the Porterville offramp would see grinding next week. Efforts to finish the work at Highways 58 and 99 are continuing. Three different projects are converging in the area now. 5. Report on Make a Difference Day, October 17 — John Enriquez John reported that Make a Difference Day saw 15 volunteers from the East Bakersfield Rotary and 30 Centennial Interact students plant six flats of flowers, paint four benches, and collect 25 bags of trash downtown. A little over one hundred hours of community service were provided. Cathy Butler said it was a great effort. 6. Freeway Litter Partnership Update Andrew Miles reported a dramatic increase in the number of workers who were calling out daily, but they hope to be back at pre-Covid levels soon. Crew 1 is back up and running with people able to get back to work. They are exploring different partnerships. Amazon is interested in supporting efforts and he should have more to reveal soon. The Street Ambassador program has not stopped working during the pandemic in 6 crews of 2 covering downtown and East Bakersfield. They receive lots of direct calls from businesses which brings the ambassadors closer to businesses. The Gator is transported downtown from the Homeless Center for use by the supervisor checking on teams. Andrew thanked Mayor Goh for the Gator. Jay Asistin thanked Andrew for getting Crew 1 back out. Focus areas for the County crew have been Highways 58, 223, and 184. Highway 119 to 15 is the cleanup focus this week, and the Veterans Group is removing vegetation manually on Highways 178, 58, and at F and 24th Streets on the frontage side roads. 7. Committee Member or Public Comments John Liu mentioned that the Westside Parkway might move to Caltrans in early 2021. Rob Ball said that Kern COG might have some more funds to cover an additional crew in the next fiscal year. Mark reported that Keep Fresno Beautiful is looking forward to starting similar meetings with Caltrans in 2021. He said Keep Fresno Beautiful could not ramp up for Make a Difference Day this year but are doing to clean ups downtown and at the college. They also organized a family only tree planting. They have planned a Keep Fresno "Bootiful" event where a bag of candy will be exchanged for a bag of trash at three locations. Miguel Ramirez reported that Fresno has picked up 41 tons of trash from freeways since March 9th. On the Highway 99 business route, 350 bags of trash have been collected monthly. Zechariah reported that Keep Kern Beautiful had 130 volunteers pledge 85 hours during a virtual clean-up event. A second one is planned for Saturday, November 7. Participants signup online. Bulky waste collection events are scheduled for three sites. Jessica reported on a collection event including medicines. Andrew reported on Lamont and Arvin cleanups. O=y!-a Joel thanked partners and asked Mayor Goh for information on the new low barrier 150 bed shelter with services. Mayor Goh said they work by referral and then can move on to enforcement. The meeting was adjourned at 2:05 pm. The next meeting will be held on November 17, 2020. Submitted by, Carola Enriquez, Volunteer