ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: July 9, 2025 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - PSVS TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jennifer M. Byers, Economic and Community Development Director DATE: June 27, 2025
SUBJECT: Amendment No. 5 to Agreement No. 2020-061 (not to exceed $7,831,000) for Mercy House to operate the Brundage Lane Navigation Center (Ward 1)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the amendment.
BACKGROUND:
On May 6, 2020, the City Council approved an agreement with Mercy House Living Centers to open and operate the Brundage Lane Navigation Center (BLNC) at 1900 East Brundage Lane, with an initial capacity of 150 beds. In 2023, the BLNC expanded by adding 118 more beds, followed by the addition of 50 additional beds in 2024.
The 318-bed navigation center is designed to accept people with their partners, pets, and possessions, and provide a unique low-barrier environment where clients can be housed, cared for, and connected to housing. Client services include but are not limited to facility management and operation, routine facility maintenance and janitorial services, daily meals, laundry, transportation, coordination with partner referral entities, case management, housing navigation, job training, veteran’s services, animal care services, and on-site/off-site security. The BLNC also connects participants to on-site medical and mental health services provided by the County of Kern Behavioral Health Department and the Kern Medical Hospital Authority.
To continue and maintain the renowned level of service provided at BLNC, staff recommends approval of Amendment No. 5 to Agreement No. 2020-061 between Mercy House and the City of Bakersfield for $7,831,000.
FISCAL IMPACT: The use of Public Safety and Vital Services funding was allocated in FY 2025-26.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Safety and Resilience
WARD: 1
ATTACHMENT:
Amendment