BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MEETING OF APRIL 23, 2025
Council Chambers, City Hall, 1501 Truxtun Avenue
Special and Regular Meetings – 3:00 p.m., 3:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.
SPECIAL MEETING - 3:00 PM
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Goh, Vice Mayor Kaur, Councilmembers Arias (seated at 3:02 p.m.), Gonzales, Weir, Smith, Koman and Bashirtash
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
2.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
None.
2.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
None.
3. CLOSED SESSION
3.a. Conference with Legal Counsel – Potential Litigation; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2),(e)(1) (one matter)
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adjourn to Closed Session at 3:03 p.m.
Closed Session meeting was adjourned at 4:36 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 4:37 p.m.
4. CLOSED SESSION ACTION
3.a. Conference with Legal Counsel – Potential Litigation; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2),(e)(1) (one matter)
No reportable action.
5. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the meeting at 4:37 p.m.
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REGULAR MEETING - 4:39 PM
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Goh, Vice Mayor Kaur, Councilmembers Arias, Gonzales, Weir, Smith, Koman and Bashirtash
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
2.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statement
1. Martin Mejia and JC Llmas spoke in opposition to the proposed sewer rate increase.
2.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
None.
Mayor Goh announced that the Closed Session would be heard prior to the Reports item.
3. REPORTS
3.a. General Plan Policy Frameworks
Staff and Rincon Consultants will provide report on the General Plan Update Framework and seek input from City Council.
(Staff recommends City Council consider the report from Rincon Consultants as it relates to the General Plan Policy Framework and include them in the Bakersfield 2045 General Plan Update.)
Item was presented at the conclusion of Closed Session item 4.a.2.
4. CLOSED SESSION
4.a. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) for the following two matters:
1. Blas Parra, et al v. City of Bakersfield, et al Kern County Superior Court Case No. BCV-18-100718, TSC
2. Conference with Labor Negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adjourn to Closed Session at 4:48 p.m.
5. CLOSED SESSION ACTION
4.a. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) for the following two matters:
1. Blas Parra, et al v. City of Bakersfield, et al Kern County Superior Court Case No. BCV-18-100718, TSC
City Attorney was given direction by a unanimous vote.
5. CLOSED SESSION ACTION
2. Conference with Labor Negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
City Attorney announced the item was continued by a 4-3 vote.
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5. CLOSED SESSION ACTION continued
City Attorney Gennaro announced item 4.a.2. will continue at the end of the 5:15 meeting.
Mayor Goh announced the REPORTS item 3.a. will be continued after Closed Session item 4.a.2.
Closed Session item 4.a.2. adjourned at 7:12 p.m.
Closed Session reconvened at 8:14 p.m.
3. REPORTS
3.a. General Plan Policy Frameworks
Staff and Rincon Consultants will provide report on the General Plan Update Framework and seek input from City Council.
(Staff recommends City Council consider the report from Rincon Consultants as it relates to the General Plan Policy Framework and include them in the Bakersfield 2045 General Plan Update.)
Building Director Burns made staff comments and introduced Della Acosta, Supervising Planner, Rincon, who provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Dave Dmohowski, Home Builders Association, Kern County, made comments.
Jessica Janssen, Association of Realtors made comments (written materials provided).
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to receive and file. Motion approved with Councilmember Weir absent.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the 3:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. meeting at 8:31 p.m.
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REGULAR MEETING - 5:35 PM
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Goh, Vice Mayor Kaur, Councilmembers Arias, Gonzales, Weir, Smith, Koman and Bashirtash
2. INVOCATION
by Pastor Jennifer Watt, Executive Pastor of Ministries at Canyon Hills Church.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
by Katherine Chaidez, City Hall Fellow, City Manager’s Office.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Proclamation to the Bakersfield Sikh Community, declaring Sikh Heritage Month in Bakersfield during April 2025.
5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
5.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
City Manager Clegg announced that staff will be recommending that the Prop 218 notice be rescinded. Item will be presented at the next City Council meeting under Deferred Business.
1. Supervisor David Couch spoke regarding the sewer rate increase and invited staff and City Council to present at the Board of Supervisors meeting.
2. Roman Matera spoke in support of the sewer rate increase.
3. Karina Funez and Nataly Santamaria spoke regarding continued tobacco prevention, requested a meeting with each Councilmember (written materials provided)
4. Rafael Lopez, Johnny Olaguez, Jacqueline Aguilar, Young Democrat leaders of Kern County, JC Llamass, Martin Mejia, Robert Hooks and Erick Orallana spoke in opposition to the sewer rate increase.
5. Eva Haverstock spoke regarding invasive plants on the Kern River specifically Arundo donax and the threat to the watershed.
Councilmember Gonzales requested that staff investigate Eva Haverstock's concern regarding the presence of Arundo donax (giant reed) in the Kern River and develop a mitigation plan to address and manage the invasive species in the future.
5.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
None.
6. APPOINTMENTS
6.a. Two appointments (Wards 3 and 5) to the Planning Commission to terms set to expire December 31, 2028, due to expirations of:
(Staff recommends Council determination.)
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6. APPOINTMENTS continued
Item 6.a. continued
1. Cassie Bittle (Ward 3) term expiration on April 30, 2025.
2. Allison Oliver (Ward 5) term expiration on April 30, 2025.
City Clerk Drimakis announced that three applications were received from Heather Rozzo, Cassie Bittle and Allison Brandt Oliver.
Councilmember Weir nominated Cassie Bittle, Ward 3.
Councilmember Koman nominated Allison Brandt Oliver, Ward 5.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to appoint Cassie Bittle (Ward 3) and Allison Brandt Oliver (Ward 5) to the Planning Commission. Motion unanimously approved.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Minutes:
7.a.1. Approval of minutes of March 26, 2025, Regular City Council Meetings. (Staff recommends approval of the minutes.)
b. Payments:
7.b.1. Receive and file department payments from March 14, 2025, to March 27, 2025, totaling $25,909,005.96 as follows: department payments in the amount of $25,384,354.46 and Self Insurance payments in the amount of $524,651.50. (Staff recommends receive and file report.)
7.b.2. Receive and file department agreements over $40,000 and under $100,000 executed between March 14, 2025, to March 27, 2025.
(Staff recommends receive and file report.)
c. Ordinances:
None.
d. Resolutions:
7.d.1. Resolution to Accept BJA FY24 JAG Byrne Grant Funds (Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
1. Resolution to accept the terms of this grant award, and its required certifications and assurances.
RES 040-2025
2. Appropriate $134,968 in Federal BJA FY 24 JAG/Byrne Grant from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (JAG) to the Police Operating Budget within the General Fund for design and repairs of the Police Departments Explosive Ordnance Disposal Robot (EOD).
7.d.2. Resolution of Intention No. 2229 to add Area 4-302 (1101 Brundage Lane) to the Consolidated Maintenance District and preliminarily approving, confirming, and adopting the Public Works Director’s Report: Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 1 – Ward 2 (Staff recommends adoption of the resolution of intention.)
ROI 2229
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7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
7.e. Agreements:
7.e.1. Agreement with Ardurra Group Inc. (not to exceed $284,895), to provide design engineering services for L-208 TCP Removal Project.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2025-058
7.e.2. Agreement with Castle and Cooke California Inc. for the development, dedication and reimbursement of Highgate Linear Park.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2025-059
7.e.3. Final Map, Improvement and Landscape Agreements with D.R. Horton CA3, Inc., Developer is requesting to enter into agreements so the final map for Tract 7039 Phase 1 located at the northwest corner of Renfro Road and Reina Road, can be approved and recorded. (Ward 4)
(Staff recommends approval of the final map and agreements.)
AGR 2025-060, AGR 2025-061, DEEDS 9676, 9688, 9689
7.e.4. Final Map, Improvement and Restrictive Covenant and Bond Agreements with Palmetto Estates, LLC, Developer is requesting to enter into agreements in order for its final map for Tract 7186 Phase 2 located west of Allen Road and north of Olive Drive, can be approved and recorded. (Ward 4)
(Staff recommends approval of the final map and agreements.)
AGR 2025-062, AGR 2025-063, DEEDS 9678, 9679, 9680, 9681, 9682, 9683, 9685, 9687
7.e.5. Agreement with Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative (Staff recommends approval of the appropriation of funds and approval of the agreement.)
1. Appropriate $5,678,236.56 Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention Services State Grant Revenue to the General Fund Economic & Community Development Department Operating Budget.
2. Agreement with Bakersfield Kern Regional Homeless Collaborative ($437,850.04) to administer the Continuum of Care’s Homeless Management Information System operations.
AGR 2025-064
7.e.6. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2024-304 with Community Action Partnership of Kern ($839,548.40) for implementation of the Home Repair and Weatherization Program.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2024-304 (1)
7.e.7. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2022-157 with Highstreet IT Solutions (increase compensation $89,734 and extend term 12 months) for Oracle managed services. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2022-157 (2)
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7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
7.e.8. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2023-180 with Brown Armstrong Accountancy Corporation ($102,500; revised not to exceed $205,000 and extend the terms of the agreement) to include audit services for Fiscal Year 2024. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-180 (2)
7.e.9. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2024-088 with MJS Solutions, LLC. ($40,000; revised not to exceed $120,000 and extend term to April 25, 2026), to continue commercial cleaning services at the Bakersfield Animal Care and Animal Control Centers.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2024-088 (1)
7.e.10. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2024-113, Ferguson Enterprises LLC (to extend the term by one year) to continue the supply of fire hydrants and hydrant parts. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2024-113 (1)
7.e.11. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2023-100 with Bowman Asphalt (increase $1,000,000; revised not to exceed $4,614,800 and extend the term by one year) to continue the supply of earthmoving & equipment services. (Staff recommend approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-100 (2)
7.e.12. Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. 2022-067 with Solenis, LLC (increase compensation $750,000; revised not to exceed $2,250,000 and extend term to April 30, 2026), to provide dewatering polymer for Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 3. (Staff recommend approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2022-067 (3)
7.e.13. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2024-102 with Wastewater Solids Management, Inc. (extend term to April 30, 2026), to provide digester cleaning services for the Wastewater Division.
(Staff recommends approval of amendment.)
AGR 2024-102 (1)
7.e.14. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2023-151 with Meyer Civil Engineering Inc. (increase compensation $60,000; revised not to exceed $260,000), for on call civil engineering and technical support services.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-151 (1)
7.e.15. Contract Change Order No. 96 to Agreement No. 18-176 (BFC Project) with Security Paving Company (increase compensation by $40,000; revised not to exceed $51,947,387.03) for the Bakersfield Freeway Connector Project. (Wards 1 & 2) (Staff recommends approval of the change order.)
CCO 18-176 (96)
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7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
7.e.16. Contract Change Order No. 14 to Agreement No. 2024-235 with Granite Construction Company (increasing compensation by $33,000; revised not to exceed $27,421,837.80) for the Centennial Corridor EB58 to NB99 Loop Connector Project (7th Movement). (Wards 1 & 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the change order.)
CCO 2024-235 (14)
7.e.17. Contract Change Order No. 2 to Agreement No. 2024-297 with Nicholas Construction (increase compensation $17,500) to reconstruct the Kern River Backup Weir. (Ward 3)
(Staff recommends approval of the change order.)
CCO 2024-297 (2)
7.f. Bids:
7.f.1. Reject bids for Fire Department Station 1 Apparatus Bay and Administrative Office re-roof.
(Staff recommends rejection of bids.)
7.f.2. Adaptive Signal Coordination Calloway Drive from Rosedale Highway to Olive Drive (RE-BID)
(Staff recommends acceptance of low bid, authorization of change order, and approval of contract.)
1. Accept Bid and approve contract with AC Electric Company for $428,955.
AGR 2025-065
2. Authorize staff to approve, as necessary, up to $40,000 in City-controlled contingency for unforeseen conditions during construction of said project. (Ward 4)
7.g. Miscellaneous:
None.
7.h. Successor Agency Business:
None.
7.i. Public Safety/Vital Services Measure:
None.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adopt Consent Calendar items 7.a. through 7.i.
Motion unanimously approved.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
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9. HEARINGS
9.a. Public Hearing regarding the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Consolidated Plan 2025-2030, Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice 2025-2030, Citizen Participation Plan, and First Year Action Plan. (Staff recommends approval of the Consolidated Plan 2025-2030, Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice 2025-2030, Citizen Participation Plan, and 2025-2026 Action Plan.)
Economic and Community Development Manager Cater made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation. Diana Elrod, Consultant, continued comments and PowerPoint presentation.
Public Hearing item 9.a. opened at 6:36 p.m.
No one spoke in opposition or in favor of the staff’s recommendations.
Public Hearing item 9.a. closed at 6:36 p.m.
Motion by Councilmember Gonzales to approve the Consolidated Plan 2025-2030, Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice 2025-2030, Citizen Participation Plan and 2025-2026 Action Plan. Motion unanimously approved.
9.b. Public Hearing to Consider Resolution adopting fees pursuant to the cost recovery system and approving the Master Fee Schedule.
(Staff recommends Public Hearing be opened and closed and adoption of the resolution at the June 28, 2025, City Council Meeting.)
City Clerk Drimakis announced that a staff memorandum was received updating certain development service fees.
Finance Director McKeegan my staff comments.
Public Hearing item 9.b. opened at 6:41 p.m.
No one spoke in opposition to staff's recommendations.
Dave Dmohowski, Home Builders Association of Kern County, spoke in support of staff’s recommendations.
Public Hearing item 9.b. closed at 6:43 p.m.
10. REPORTS
None.
11. DEFERRED BUSINESS
None.
12. NEW BUSINESS
12.a. Budget Review and Mid-Year Adjustments.
(Staff recommend the Council receive and file the budget report.)
1. Mid-Year Review
2. FY 2025/26 PSVS Review
3. FY 2025/26 Revenue Update
City Manager Clegg and Finance Director made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to receive and file. Motion unanimously approved Bakersfield, California, April 23, 2025 - Page 10
Councilmember Weir left the meeting at 7:11 pm.
13. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS
None.
14. 4. CLOSED SESSION continued from the 3:30 p.m. meeting
4.a.2. Conference with Labor Negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
5. CLOSED SESSION ACTION
4.a.2. Conference with Labor Negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
City Attorney announced the item was continued by a 4-3 vote.
Closed Session item 4.a.2. adjourned at 7:12 p.m.
Closed Session reconvened at 8:14 p.m.
3. REPORTS
3.a. General Plan Policy Frameworks
Staff and Rincon Consultants will provide report on the General Plan Update Framework and seek input from City Council.
(Staff recommends City Council consider the report from Rincon Consultants as it relates to the General Plan Policy Framework and include them in the Bakersfield 2045 General Plan Update.)
Building Director Burns made staff comments and introduced Della Acosta, Supervising Planner, Rincon, who provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Dave Dmohowski, Home Builders Association, Kern County, made comments.
Jessica Janssen, Association of Realtors made comments (written materials provided).
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to receive and file. Motion approved with Councilmember Weir absent.
15. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the 3:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m. meeting at 8:31 p.m.
______________________________
KAREN GOH
MAYOR of the City of Bakersfield
ATTEST:
___________________________________
JULIE DRIMAKIS, MMC
CITY CLERK and Ex Officio Clerk of
the Council of the City of Bakersfield