AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
FEBRUARY 12, 2025 COUNCIL MEETING
REGULAR MEETING – 3:30 PM
No items to highlight.
REGULAR MEETING – 5:15 PM
PRESENTATIONS
Items 4.a Safely Surrender Baby Awareness Month (All Wards) Proclamation to Kristy Torres, Chair of the Safe Surrender Coalition and Erin Rodgers, Member of the Safe Surrender Coalition, declaring February 2025 as Safely Surrender Baby Awareness Month in Bakersfield.
RESOLUTIONS
Items 7.d. 3 Upgrade to Bakersfield Police Department Robot (All Wards ) The Bakersfield Police Department (BPD) responds to an average of 50 bomb threat calls annually, utilizing its Remotec F6B robot, purchased in 2006 for $100,000. However, the robot's parts are being phased out, and its technology is outdated and incompatible with modern upgrades. To improve safety, capabilities, and efficiency, the BPD is requesting an upgrade and repair of the robot, with an agreement not exceeding $210,000, valid until December 31, 2025. The project will be funded through the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund ($75,032) and the Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant ($134,968).
MISCELLANEOUS
Items 7.g.2 Sports and Education Academy (Ward 2) This item appropriates $150,000.00 in grant revenues received from Kaiser Permanente to the City of Bakersfield’s Recreation and Parks Department to support the Sports and Education Academy. The goal is to build a foundational youth program for youth ages 6 to 14 years old who reside in Southeast Bakersfield . The Sports and Education Academy will function with the Recreation and Parks staff, credentialed/or baccalaureate level instructors and a tutoring program supported by Gridstone Tutoring Incorporated . There is minimal impact to the Recreation and Parks Department Operating Budget within the General Fund.
PUBLIC SAFETY/VITAL SERVICES MEASURE
Item 7.i.1 Sculpture at Central Park (Ward 2) The Public Arts Initiative established an advisory group to identify areas where public art could positively impact the community, focusing on developing an arts district. Central Park, located at 600 19th Street, was chosen for a major art installation due to its proximity to the Bakersfield Museum of Art, becoming a central feature of the East Art District. The advisory group chose San Francisco-based artist Shan Shan Sheng for the project. The proposed sculpture, "California Poppies," will combine aesthetic s with functional elements like shade and customizable lighting. The project, with a budget of $600,000, is funded through the Public Services and Vital Services Measure in the Capital Improvement Program.
Prepared by: Jaritza Nunez, Management Fellow CC: Department Heads Kayla Hickey, Management Fellow City Manager’s File City Clerk’s File
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