Cities and Joint Powers Committee Michael Mcnatt Patricia Boyance Hoang NGO Chairperson Mission Statement Pursuant to

Comments 22

• CO1
  The Chief of Police is currently on administrative leave. The Department is authorized: 21 sworn Officers, two Animal Control personnel, six Dispatchers, and two Records Clerks. At this time, there are currently six Officer candidates in background checks. Arrestees are driven to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at Mojave or the Lerdo Facility.
• CO2
  The Animal Control facility boasts a “no euthanasia” policy. Animal adoptions and spay/neuter vouchers are available.
• CO3
  There was a noticeable lack of landscaping on both private and public areas. COMMENTS: The Committee appreciates the information provided by members of the City government. The Committee observed the general condition of the City. There was a noticeable lack of graffiti.
• CO4
  Public transit is provided by Tehachapi Dial-a-Ride, Monday through Saturday, and East Kern Express, which provides intra-city service Monday through Saturday. Passengers may transfer to the Express in Old Town.
• CO5
  The City sewer utility network is comprised of 40 miles of sewer line, sewer collections system and a wastewater treatment plant. Sewer rates for residents are a flat monthly fee. Commercial and industrial rates are based on water usage. The wastewater treatment plant is under the direction of the City’s Public Works Department.
• CO6
  The Walmart Supercenter is expected to hire approximately 250 employees and is anticipated to open late 2017. This may eliminate a substantial portion of the $160 million in retail sales leakage. The City hired a consulting firm which resulted in a dramatic savings during the permit process. Costs for necessary infrastructure improvement, traffic control, roads, gutters, and legal fees will be borne by Walmart.
• CO7
  The City will receive a regional award of merit from KernCOG, for a model water-efficient landscape ordinance.
• CO8
  A $2 million grant, for downtown railroad safety improvements, will be used for pedestrian crossings, fencing, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance, gutters and sidewalks. A new bike path will also be added. COMMENTS: The Committee would like to thank the City’s officials for their presentation of information. The City of Tehachapi seems to be well positioned for future economic development and growth.
• CO9
  The City of Arvin should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review.
• CO10
  Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury.
• CO11
  Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury. RESPONSE REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS: PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 200 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 CC: FOREPERSON KERN COUNTY GRAND JURY 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 CITY OF CALIFORNIA CITY The Biggest Little City in the State PREFACE: The City of California City (City) is located in the Mojave Desert in eastern Kern County, one mile north of Edwards Air Force Base, and seven miles northeast of Mojave and the Mojave Airport/Spaceport. PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: The Cities and Joint Powers Committee (Committee) of the 2016-2017 Kern County Grand Jury (Grand Jury) toured the City on January 26, 2017, and inquired into the operation and management of the City pursuant to California Penal Code §925(a). PROCESS: The Committee met with the City Manager and personnel from the Departments of: Public Works, City Clerk, Parks, Finance, and Human Resources. The meeting was held at City Hall, located at 21000 Hacienda Boulevard, California City, California 92502. The Committee reviewed previous Grand Jury reports, local newspaper accounts, and conducted internet research. BACKGROUND AND FACTS: In 1958, private land developers bought 80,000 acres of Mojave Desert land. The City is the 3rd largest in area in California, with a total of 204 square miles. The City was incorporated in 1965, with a City Council-Manager form of government. The water and utility services are owned and operated by the City. The Community has an extensive aquifer that lies directly under the City. In the 1960s, the City’s original developer, engineered and constructed much of the water transmission system. This system utilized 4” to 10” uncoated steel water pipe from World War II surplus material, which had an estimated life of 30 years. As reported by the 2014-2015 Grand Jury, the City was experiencing as many as 440 waterline breaks and leaks per year, due to deterioration of the pipes. According to the 2016 Economic Round Table Report, the estimated population of the City was 14,694. To the north of the City is the Desert Tortoise Reserve, consisting of thousands of acres, along with the Honda Test Track. The Hyundai Automobile Test Facility Center is located in the southern quadrant of the City. FINDINGS: F1. Rules and regulations restricting the cultivation of legal marijuana are being formulated by city officials. This industry could create 300 new jobs. Permit fees for growing marijuana will replace the current parcel tax that expires in 2018. The revenues will also be used to fund fire and police services. F2. The City maintains an Off Highway Vehicle (OHV) facility, headquartered at Borax Bill Park. The City provides full service; fire, paramedics, and police, including a Desert Incident Response Team (DIRT). The facility has a medical station and 20 campsites. The OHV permit sales are estimated to be 160,000, and can be purchased online or in town. This revenue is directed to the OHV program. Funds are collected by the Police Department and delivered to the Finance Department. The revenue from sales of OHV permits is counted three different times per deposit. This procedure has been in effect for the last two years. F3. Since 2006 the aquifer level has not changed. The City has eight water wells, six active, and one natural gas well. F4. Great emphasis is placed on protecting the water aquifer within the Fremont Basin. F5. The Public Works director discovered the original pipe installation map dating back a half-century, showing 313.48 miles of pipeline; 254.39 miles are located within the city’s central core; 55.59 miles lie largely in the undeveloped northeast portion of the City. Public Works is contemplating shutting off the waterlines in the most distant portions of the City. The City needs funds for waterline replacement. Funds from United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) bonds replaced 8,000 feet of waterline. In 2015, roughly 700 to 800 lines were repaired. In 2016, seven miles of waterline were installed. In terms of cost and repair, this is a major project. F6. Commercial activity includes a newly built Dollar General Market, the first chain grocery store servicing the City. A Best Western Hotel provides 76 rooms. There is one bank and one credit union providing financial services. Spiritual needs are met by approximately 27 churches. F7. There are 96 Senior housing units, and 84 Section 8 housing units, providing for the needs of elderly and low income residents. F8. Kern Community College District acquired 27 acres for a future satellite campus. F9. The State of California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), operates a privately owned prison under a four year lease. Correction Corporation of America (CCA), the owner of the facility, contemplates an expansion of the prison and the addition of a mental health facility. This may result in an additional 650 employees, making CDCR the largest employer in the City. The CCA is negotiating for another four year lease with CDCR. The CDCR is also a water and sewer customer of the City. F10. The City Park Manager oversees the baseball park in readiness for the arrival of a low-minor league baseball team in the Pecos League. This league is adding four new teams; one to be the Whiptails of California City. F11. City surveillance cameras record activity at two parks, the bus kiosk, and the City Hall complex. F12. Kern County Transit and Dial-A-Ride provide transportation services from 8am to 5pm, Monday thru Friday. There is one private taxi company providing 24-hour service. F13. A new fire station is set to open in February 2017. The Fire Chief has recently resigned. New candidate interviews are being held. Staffing consists of thirteen firefighters, which includes the Fire Chief position. F14. The Chief of Police is currently on administrative leave. The Department is authorized: 21 sworn Officers, two Animal Control personnel, six Dispatchers, and two Records Clerks. At this time, there are currently six Officer candidates in background checks. Arrestees are driven to the Kern County Sheriff’s Office at Mojave or the Lerdo Facility. F15. The Animal Control facility boasts a “no euthanasia” policy. Animal adoptions and spay/neuter vouchers are available. F16. There was a noticeable lack of landscaping on both private and public areas. COMMENTS: The Committee appreciates the information provided by members of the City government. The Committee observed the general condition of the City. There was a noticeable lack of graffiti.
• CO12
  The City of Maricopa should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review.
• CO13
  Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury.
• CO14
  Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury. RESPONSE REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 CC: FOREPERSON KERN COUNTY GRAND JURY 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 2016-2017 Kern County Grand Jury CITY OF RIDGECREST PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: The 2016-2017 Kern County Grand Jury (Grand Jury) inquired into the operations and management of the City of Ridgecrest (City) pursuant to California Penal Code §925a. PROCESS: The Cities and Joint Powers Committee (Committee) visited the City of Ridgecrest on October 4, 2016. The Committee met with several City officials at City Hall located at 100 West California Avenue, Ridgecrest, CA 93555. BACKGROUND/FACTS: The City was incorporated in 1963, initially as a support community vital to the mission of the Navy. Convenient housing and other services within the City are made available to Federal employees and contractors. The Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake is home to the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division and continues to be the major source of employment for City residents. The City is the only incorporated community in the Indian Wells Valley and provides a full range of municipal services. The latest population figure was given as 28,348. A. The Waste Water Treatment Plant was constructed by the Navy and is operated and maintained by the City. This facility serves not only the City residents but also provides service to NAWS. B. The City contributes 70% of the influent processed by the Waste Water Treatment Plant; NAWS contributes 30%. The current agreement ends in 2024 and a new agreement is being negotiated. C. The City Parks and Recreation Department is implementing a smart irrigation system to further reduce water usage. D. Ridgecrest Police Department (Department) has 32 full time police officers with a total of 51 staff members. The Department has a 24 hour dispatch center and also operates the animal control shelter. E. The Department has created and introduced “Teen Court” to prevent gang activities. F. On the date of the visit, the Committee was informed that the Kern County Sheriff’s Jail Facility had been closed. G. Murray Middle School, currently located on NAWS property, is scheduled to be moved into the City. FINDINGS: F1. The Waste Water Fund consists of revenue from residential property taxes and an annual assessment on commercial users. With approval of the City Council, monies can be loaned from the Waste Water Fund to other City entities. F2. The Parks and Recreation computerized smart irrigation plan will determine the need to irrigate depending on soil needs. The plan is scheduled to begin in February or March of 2017. F3. With the closing of the Kern County Sheriff’s Jail in Ridgecrest, all felony arrestees are now transported to the Mojave Substation and/or the Central Receiving Facility in Bakersfield. F4. Teen Court is funded entirely by the City and staffed by both City staff and civilian volunteers. The focus is on youth in elementary and middle schools. Adolescents are held accountable for their misdemeanor offenses and prior to being formally charged must complete the following steps:
• CO15
  Paying a fine for any destruction
• CO16
  Performing community service
• CO17
  Sitting as a juror in a case similar to their own If they do not complete these steps, they are then charged for their offenses. Teen Court has proven to be extremely successful in addressing juvenile crime. F5. The City supported measure L, which provided an additional ¾ percent sales tax increase lasting 4 years. The revenue helps to fund the Police and street maintenance. Measure V, which is on the November 2016 ballot, will replace Measure L and increase the sales tax by 1 percent, for a period of 8 years. F6. A review of the Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2015, which was audited by an independent accounting firm, confirmed the City followed generally accepted accounting principles. COMMENTS: The City of Ridgecrest is a leader in efforts to combat youth criminal activity. Other cities should emulate their efforts by using a similar approach. Due to their location in the extreme northeast corner of Kern County, the City feels somewhat neglected by County Government. The Committee thanks those City Officials who were helpful in providing the information regarding the City of Ridgecrest.
• CO18
  The City of Ridgecrest should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review.
• CO19
  The City of Taft should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review.
• CO20
  Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury. RESPONSE REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS: PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 200 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 CC: FOREPERSON KERN COUNTY GRAND JURY 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 APPENDIX: Appendix A:From the Plaque at the Oil Workers Monument “The Oilworker” by Victor Killingsworth. Appendix B: From the Plaque at the Oil Workers Monument “History of Taft” by Pete Gianopulos dated April 2010 CITY OF TEHACHAPI PURPOSE OF INQUIRY: The Cities and Joint Powers Committee (Committee) of the 2016-2017 Kern County Grand Jury (Grand Jury) visited the City of Tehachapi (City) on February 28, 2017, to inquire into the operation and management of the City, pursuant to California Penal Code §925(a). PROCESS: The Committee met with the City Manager and Assistant City Manager, as well as staff from the Departments of Administrative Manager/Deputy City Clerk, Economic Development Coordinator, Finance Director, Development Services Director, and the Chief of Police. The meeting was held at City Hall, located at 115 South Robinson Street, Tehachapi, California 93561. The Committee reviewed previous Grand Jury reports and local newspaper accounts, and conducted internet research. BACKGROUND: The City of Tehachapi is a mountain-top community situated at 4,100 feet elevation and experiences four seasons. Located between the San Joaquin Valley and the Mojave Desert, the City is the oldest settlement in the Tehachapi Valley. The Tehachapi Loop is a long continuous curve, which allows trains to accomplish a 3,600 foot climb. The railroad needed a place to service trains before heading on to Los Angeles and beyond. Thus, the town of Tehachapi was born, and in 1909 was incorporated as a city. The Kawaiisu are the Native American Tribe whose homeland was the Tehachapi Valley. The name was derived from their language, “hard climb” or Tihachipia. The City and its surroundings has been host to both Hollywood and Independent films such as Star Trek Generations (1994), Batman Revenge (2003), The Gentleman Don La Mancha (2004) and The Grapes of Wrath (1940), which featured a scene at Keene Ranch. The City’s population is approximately 14,000, which includes inmates at the California Correctional Institution. The Tehachapi real estate market has enjoyed a housing boom recently. New construction houses have a starting price of $220,000, but demand exceeds supply. Each Department searches and obtains grants for the City. Access to quality healthcare is provided by the Tehachapi Hospital District, which has a 30 year contract with Adventist Health Care to operate the hospital. Intensive care, 2016-2017 Kern County Grand Jury surgical, labor and delivery units, emergency, radiology, and laboratory services will be available. In-patient bed capacity will increase to 25. The complex is anticipated to add 40 new jobs. A Kaiser Permanente medical office opened in February 2016, and also provides medical support. While the City has no direct relationship with the hospital and medical offices, the agencies work together for the betterment of Tehachapi. The good air quality is one of the reasons why more than 1,000 bicycling enthusiasts ride each year in Tehachapi’s GranFondo cycling event. The course terrain offers mountains and hills. GranFondo is Italian for “big ride”, a mass participant cycling event. Cyclists have come from across the country and outside the United States to participate. It is set up with rest and aid stations along the courses hosted by local civic groups. Public safety for the ride is provided by numerous local agencies with Tehachapi Police Department (TPD) as the lead agency. Tehachapi and nearby points of interest:  Tehachapi Loop – an outstanding engineering feat designed by William Hood  Wind Farm Tehachapi Pass – first large scale wind farm installation in the United States, began in the early 1980s  Alpaca Ranch – Alpaca wool is considered a luxury fiber known for its exceptional softness, durability, warmth and hypoallergenic properties. The Alpaca is native to South America and was imported to the United States in the 1980s  Indian Point Ostrich Farm – Ostrich are the largest birds on earth and produce three pound edible eggs. They produce a low-fat red meat, which is also low in cholesterol  Tomo-Kahni State Historic Park – Tomo-Kahni or “winter village” was the site of a Kawaiisu village. Guided tours on 1.5 miles of trails reveal native plants, bedrock mortar tools, ceremonial caves with well-preserved pictographs on the walls  Tehachapi Sisters of the Norbertine Order – The monastery is a Roman Catholic community of cloistered religious nuns that live a life of work in silence, study and penance  Tehachapi Apple Orchards – Orchards grow about 20 different apple varieties. They feature Jonathan, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Red Delicious, Gala, McIntosh, Empire, Rome, Fuji and other varieties. From mid-October to early November “u-pick” signs are exhibited along the road for visitors and locals Main Street Tehachapi, a civic group, hosts many events during the year:  The Harvest Moon and Beer Walk  Oktoberfest  Super Stocking Give Away  Trunk or Treat  Valentine Wine and Chocolate Walk  Chili Cook-off and Red Hot Classic Car show  Farmers Market  Mountain Festival and Rodeo, hosted by the Chamber of Commerce  Arts and Crafts Fair & Park Festival, hosted by Tehachapi Valley Arts Association 2016-2017 Kern County Grand Jury FINDINGS: F1. The City provided information on their financial status. This includes the following:  The annual budget has always been in the black since 1999  Primary income is from sales taxes, property taxes, transient occupancy taxes (bed or hotel tax), state motor vehicle license fees, business license taxes and franchise fees on utility companies  The City has a 5 year budget plan, updated every year  According to the Chief Financial Officer, the City anticipates being debt free in three to four years F2. Water conservation is considered important to city planning. The City consumes approximately 1,800 acre-feet of water a year, over 570 million gallons. F3. Water is produced by 7 wells (6 potable and 1 non-potable). F4. Water is pumped, disinfected, and stored until it is distributed through 50 miles of water mains. F5. All water is pumped from the Tehachapi Basin aquifer; no surface or imported water is used for direct consumption. F6. The Indirect Potable Reuse program produces 900 acre-feet per year, eliminating the need for water from the California Aqueduct. F7. Plans are being developed to expand the Waste Water Treatment Facility. F8. Public Safety services are provided by the TPD, which consists of 23 full- time and one part-time personnel. F9. The City is divided into two patrol areas. F10. A new police communication center replaced the contract with Bear Valley Springs, which had cost the City approximately $400,000 a year. The City’s 911 Dispatch service, located in the Police Department, was in full operation beginning July 1, 2016. F11. To reduce blight associated with abandoned structures, TPD is now charged with enforcement of city building codes. F12. According to the Chief of Police, crime is down 16% citywide. F13. Animal control services are contracted with Kern County. 2016-2017 Kern County Grand Jury F14. Fire protection services are contracted through the Kern County Fire Department. F15. The City owns and operates the Tehachapi Municipal Airport. Revenue is largely from fuel sales, commercial and private leases, aircraft parking fees, and lease of the Event Center and Rodeo Grounds. The airport is comprised of one 4,000 foot runway and two taxiways. On a yearly basis, there are over 10,000 take-offs and landings. F16. City Hall now processes 900 to 1,000 United States Passport applications from Bakersfield, Lancaster and the Los Angeles area. Applications are taken by appointment, allowing for convenience. F17. Public transit is provided by Tehachapi Dial-a-Ride, Monday through Saturday, and East Kern Express, which provides intra-city service Monday through Saturday. Passengers may transfer to the Express in Old Town. F18. The City sewer utility network is comprised of 40 miles of sewer line, sewer collections system and a wastewater treatment plant. Sewer rates for residents are a flat monthly fee. Commercial and industrial rates are based on water usage. The wastewater treatment plant is under the direction of the City’s Public Works Department. F19. The Walmart Supercenter is expected to hire approximately 250 employees and is anticipated to open late 2017. This may eliminate a substantial portion of the $160 million in retail sales leakage. The City hired a consulting firm which resulted in a dramatic savings during the permit process. Costs for necessary infrastructure improvement, traffic control, roads, gutters, and legal fees will be borne by Walmart. F20. The City will receive a regional award of merit from KernCOG, for a model water-efficient landscape ordinance. F21. A $2 million grant, for downtown railroad safety improvements, will be used for pedestrian crossings, fencing, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance, gutters and sidewalks. A new bike path will also be added. COMMENTS: The Committee would like to thank the City’s officials for their presentation of information. The City of Tehachapi seems to be well positioned for future economic development and growth.
• CO21
  The City of Tehachapi should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review.
• CO22
  The Committee wishes to thank the Staff of the City of Wasco for their information and expertise. RECOMMENDATIONS: None NOTES:  The City of Wasco should post a copy of this report where it will be available for public review.  Persons wishing to receive an email notification of newly released reports may sign up at: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury.  Present and past Kern County Grand Jury Final Reports and Responses can be accessed on the Kern County Grand Jury website: www.co.kern.ca.us/grandjury. RESPONSE REQUIRED WITHIN 90 DAYS PRESIDING JUDGE KERN COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 212 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301 CC: FOREPERSON KERN COUNTY GRAND JURY 1415 TRUXTUN AVENUE, SUITE 600 BAKERSFIELD, CA 93301