BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MEETING OF AUGUST 13, 2025
Council Chambers, City Hall, 1501 Truxtun Avenue
Regular Meetings – 3:30 p.m. and 5:15 p.m.
REGULAR MEETING – 3:30 PM
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Goh, Vice Mayor Kaur (seated at 3:35 p.m.), Councilmembers Arias, Gonzales, Weir (seated at 3:56 p.m.), Smith, Koman and
Bashirtash (seated at 3:53 p.m.)
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
2.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statement
1. Penny Martinez and Marylee Shrider spoke regarding the Wreaths Across America (written materials provided)
2. Kendra Ramsey, Cindy Parra, Zac Griffin (written materials provided), James Tiede and Rachel Williams spoke in support of bicycle safety.
3. Eddy Laine spoke regarding trees (written materials provided).
Councilmember Koman requested a status update on the revisions of the City’s Tree ordinance.
2.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
None.
3. REPORTS
3.a. Potential Amendment to Charter to Increase Council Salary.
The City Attorney will provide a PowerPoint presentation and look to City Council for feedback and direction. *If there is insufficient time for this item to be heard, this item will be delayed until the Deferred Business portion of the 5:15 City Council Meeting. (Staff recommends City Council feedback and direction)
City Attorney Gennaro made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Motion by Councilmember Bashirtash to adopt option number one leaving as is.
Motion was approved with Councilmember Kaur voting no.
4. CLOSED SESSION
4.a. Conference with Labor Negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adjourn to Closed Session at 4:17 p.m.
Closed Session meeting was adjourned at 5:39 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 5:40 p.m.
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5. CLOSED SESSION ACTION
4.a. Conference with Labor Negotiator pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6
City staff given direction by a split vote.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the 3:30 p.m. meeting at 5:40 p.m.
Bakersfield, California, August 13, 2025 - Page 3
REGULAR MEETING - 5:45 PM
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Goh, Vice Mayor Kaur, Councilmembers Arias, Gonzales, Weir, Smith, Koman and Bashirtash
2. INVOCATION
by Pastor Frank Agbonkonkon, Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God Bakersfield.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
by Marshall Sanchez, Senior at Stockdale High School and Eagle Scout with Troop #484 of Southern Sierra Council, Scouting America.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Proclamation to Berlinda Vireya, Behavioral Health Recovery Systems Administrator at KernBHRS and community partners declaring International Overdose Awareness Day in Bakersfield on August 31, 2025.
4.b. Certificate of Recognition to Theo Dues, Mercy House Kern County Regional Director, celebrating the 500th permanent housing placement at the City of Bakerfield's Brundage Lane Navigation Center.
5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
5.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
1. Michelle Peters, Jennifer Haratani, Kandice Webb, Robbie Miller, Cassie Bittle, and Bella, Vita Rescue spoke in favor of spay and neuter funding.
Councilmember Bashirtash requested staff conduct an analysis of the existing City of Bakersfield Animal Care Center agreement to determine whether a partnership with Strength of Shadow Dog Rescue (SOS) could be established to provide mobile spay and neuter clinics.
Councilmember Gonzales expressed support for the request, emphasizing the opportunity to leverage available funding.
Vice Mayor Kaur also voiced support, highlighting the importance of focusing efforts specifically on mobile clinic services.
As part of the proposed partnership, SOS has indicated a willingness to match funds to support the implementation of mobile spay and neuter clinics.
2. Denise Haynes, Bakersfield Breakfast Rotary, spoke regarding the Thousand Flags Event and expressed appreciation to the Parks Department staff.
3. Dennis McClean spoke regarding spending habits of the City.
4. Terry Maxwell spoke regarding the safety of bicyclists.
Councilmember Weir left the meeting at 6:24 p.m.
Councilmember Weir rejoined the meeting at 6:33 p.m.
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5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS continued
5.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
1. Rev. Angelo Frazier spoke in opposition of items 8.b. and 12.a.
2. Tanvi Thallapalle, Nathaniel Catalan and Guneet Kaur spoke regarding item 6.a.
6. APPOINTMENTS
6.a. 2025-26 Youth Commission Appointments to terms set to expire July 2026. (Staff recommends Council determination.)
City Clerk Drimakis announced that eighteen applications were received from Tanvi Thallapalle, Saisha Gulati, Catelynn Hentges, Imandeep Matharu, Mia Clifford, Ella Pepper, Claire Michael, Jacob Baldovinos, Jasmine Bajwa, Agam Behl, Natalie Vazquez, John Eoh, Tanav Doddapuneni, Abagail Arellano, Japji Kaur, Jazilyn Tran, Samuel Chambless, and Nathaniel Catalan.
The following were appointed as regular members:
Mayor: – Jacob Baldovinos
Ward 1 – Tanvi Thallaplle
Ward 2 – Mia Clifford
Ward 3 – None
Ward 4 – Jon Eoh
Ward 5 – None
Ward 6 – Nathaniel Catalan
Ward 7 – Abigail Arrellano
The following were appointed as Alternate members:
Mayor – Claire Michael
Ward 1 – Imandeep Matharu
Ward 2 – Natalie Vasquez
Ward 3 – None
Ward 4 – Agam Behl
Ward 5 – None
Ward 6 – Samuel Chambless
Ward 7 – Japji Kaur
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to appoint nominations to the Youth Commission with the exception of Wards 3 and 5. Motion unanimously approved.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Minutes:
7.a.1. Approval of minutes of July 23, 2025, Regular City Council Meetings. (Staff recommends approval of the minutes.)
b. Payments:
7.b.1. Receive and file department payments from July 11, 2025, to July 31, 2025, totaling $91,103,020.52 as follows: department payments in the amount of $82,031,526.53 and Self Insurance payments in the amount of $9,071,493.99. (Staff recommends receive and file report.)
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7. CONSENT CALENDAR
7.b.2. Receive and file department agreements over $40,000 and under $100,000 executed between July 11, 2025, to July 31, 2025.
(Staff recommends receive and file report.)
c. Ordinances:
None.
d. Resolutions:
7.d.1. Resolution authorizing the filing of an application with the Kern Council of Governments for an allocation of Transportation Development Act Article 4 funds for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 ($1,116,555). (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 089-2025
7.d.2. Resolution confirming approval by the City Manager designee of the Code Enforcement Manager’s report regarding assessments of certain properties in the City for which structures have been secured against entry or for the abatement of certain weeds, debris and waste matter and the demolishment of dangerous buildings and authorizing collection of the assessments by the Kern County Tax Collector. (Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 090-2025
7.d.3. Dispense with bidding for the purchase of a utility truck with crane for the Solid Waste Division
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution and approval of the appropriation.)
1. Resolution determining that a utility truck with crane can most efficiently be obtained through cooperative procurement bidding procedures from Bakersfield Truck Center and authorizing the Finance Director to dispense with bidding for the purchase of one (1) unit in the amount of $287,183.
RES 091-2025
2. Appropriate and transfer $37,183 Refuse Enterprise Fund balance to the Public Works Department’s Operating Budget within the Equipment Management Fund to fund the purchase of one unit.
7.d.4. Real Time Information Center for the Bakersfield Police Department (Staff recommends approval of the resolution and agreement.)
1. Resolution determining that the Real Time Information Center services with Constant Technologies, Inc. cannot be reasonably obtained through the usual bidding procedures and authorizing the Finance Director to Dispense with Bidding, therefore.
RES 092-2025
2. Agreement with Constant Technologies, Inc. (not to exceed $415,000 and a term date of one-year), for the implementation of the Real Time Information Center.
AGR 2025-144
Bakersfield, California, August 13, 2025 - Page 6
7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
7.d.5. Resolutions of Intention Nos. 2242, 2243, and 2244 to add the following areas to the Consolidated Maintenance District and preliminarily approving, confirming, and adopting the Public Works Director’s Report for each:
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution of intention.)
1. ROI No. 2242 adding Area 4-307 (911, 915, & 931 18th Street):
Street Tier = 4; Park Tier = 1 – Ward 2
ROI 2242
2. ROI No. 2243 adding Area 2-92 (4520-4616 New Horizon Blvd):
Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 0 – Ward 6
ROI 2243
3. ROI No. 2244 adding Area 3-124 (VTTM 7418-8235 Stine Rd):
Street Tier = 1.5; Park Tier = 1.5 – Ward 7
ROI 2244
7.d.6. Job Specification and Salary Resolution Updates 8.13.25 (Staff recommends adoption of the revised job specifications and resolution.)
1. Revised Job Specification: Planning Director #89450.
2. Amendment No. 43 to Resolution No. 44-93 setting salaries and related benefits for the Temporary Unit.
RES 44-93 (43)
7.e. Agreements:
7.e.1. Agreement with Creative Financial Staffing LLC (not to exceed $120,000), for Temporary Recruitment Services.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2025-145
7.e.2. Agreement with the 15th District Agricultural Association for 2025 Kern County Fair Security Services (not to exceed $430,000) to provide Security Services for the 2025 Kern County Fair.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2025-146
7.e.3. Agreement with Sansi North America (SNA), LLC, (not to exceed $710,000) for the LED freestanding marquee replacement at Dignity Health Arena, Theater, and Convention Center. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2025-147
7.e.4. Final Map, Improvement and Landscape Agreements with Deertrail Abbey Court 1 LLC. Developer is requesting to enter into an agreement so the final map for Tract 6939 Phase 3, located at the Southeast corner of South Fairfax Road and Redbank Road. (Ward 1)
(Staff recommends approval of the final map and agreements.)
AGR 2025-148, AGR 2025-149, DEEDS 9778, 9779, 9780, 9781
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7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
7.e.5. Agreement with Allied Weed Control, Inc. (not to exceed $450,000), to provide weed control services for three-years with the election for two (2) one-year extensions. (Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2025-150
7.e.6. Design Consultant Agreement with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (not to exceed $1,053,062), to provide engineering services for the Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 2 and No. 3 Upgrade and Expansion Evaluations.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. See page 9.
7.e.7. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2023-111 with James Narducci dba Amestoy Hotel (extending the grant term to December 31, 2025) for an Economic Opportunity Area (EOA) Incentive Program Grant for façade improvements. (Ward 2) (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-111 (2)
7.e.8. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 13-038 with ASM Global and AEG Management Bakersfield to eliminate the $500,000+ base fee paid by the City to the Manager, eliminates the $500,000 operating loss currently covered by the City and pays the Manager of the Facilities an annual payment equal to 50% of the Net Operating Income for the management and operations of Dignity Health Arena, Theater, & Convention Center; Valley Children’s Ice Sports Center; and Dignity Health Amphitheatre. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. See page 9.
7.e.9. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2023-223 with Advanced Distribution (extend term to September 13, 2026) to continue on-call maintenance, repair, and opacity testing services for City’s Fleet Division vehicles and equipment. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-223 (1)
7.e.10. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2023-236 with Cal Valley Equipment, LLC (extend term to September 27, 2026), to continue on-call maintenance and repair of fueling stations.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-236 (1)
7.e.11. Amendment No. 4 to Agreement No. 2023-238 with Cen-Cal Construction (increase by $2,500,000; revised not to exceed $6,571,500) to continue the supply of concrete construction.
(Staff recommend approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-238 (4)
7.e.12. Contract Change Order No. 80 to Agreement No. 19-069 (Mainline Project) with Security Paving Company (increasing compensation by $100,409.39; revised not to exceed $152,119,004.58) for the Centennial Corridor Mainline Project. (Wards 1, 2, & 3)
(Staff recommends approval of the change order.)
CCO 19-069 (80)
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7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
7.e.13. CBK-83 Tank and Booster Station
(Staff recommends approval of the contract change orders and appropriation.)
1. Contract Change Order Nos. 1 and 2 to Agreement No. 2025-019 with Nicholas Construction, Inc. ($86,000; revised not to exceed $3,156,004)
CCO 2025-019 (1 & 2)
2. Appropriate $300,000 from the Domestic Water Fund Balance to the Water Department’s Capital Improvement Program budget for the project. (Ward 5)
7.f. Bids:
7.f.1. Accept bid and approve contract with Johnson Controls, Inc. Bakersfield, CA. (not to exceed $139,836), for air conditioning replacement at Fire Station 14. (Ward 5) (Staff recommends acceptance of bids and approval of contract.)
AGR 2025-152
7.f.2. Accept bid and approve contract with Midstate Sheetmetal, Inc. ($403,869), for Fire Station 1 Apparatus Bay and Administrative Office Re-roof. (Ward 2) (Staff recommends acceptance of bid and approval of contract.)
AGR 2025-153
7.f.3. Pavement Rehab 2024-25 Ming Avenue from Buena Vista Road to Gosford Road (Staff recommends acceptance of proposal, award of contract, and approval of City-controlled contingency.)
1. Accept bid and approve contract with Griffith Company ($5,192,735) for the project.
AGR 2025-154
2. Authorize staff to approve, as necessary, up to $200,000 in City-controlled contingency for unforeseen conditions encountered during construction of project. (Wards 5 & 6)
7.g. Miscellaneous:
None.
7.h. Successor Agency Business:
7.h.1. Receive and file Successor Agency payments from July 11, 2025, to July 31, 2025, in the amount of $737,060.13.
(Staff recommends report be received and filed.)
7.i. Public Safety/Vital Services Measure:
7.i.1. Master of Understanding with Kern Behavioral Health Recovery Services for Homeless Co-Response Program with the Bakersfield Police Department. (Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2025-154
City Clerk Drimakis announced a staff memorandum was received for item 7.i.1., transmitting exhibits left out of the agenda on Escribe and updating the title to include the dollar amount of $405,000.
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7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
Councilmember Smith requested items 7.e.6. and 7.e.8. be removed for separate consideration.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adopt Consent Calendar items 7.a. through 7.i. with the removal of Consent Calendar items 7.e.6. and 7.e.8. for separate consideration.
Motion unanimously approved.
7.e.6. Design Consultant Agreement with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (not to exceed $1,053,062), to provide engineering services for the Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 2 and No. 3 Upgrade and Expansion Evaluations.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2024-151
Motion by Councilmember Smith to adopt Consent Calendar item 7.e.6.
Motion unanimously approved.
7.e.8. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 13-038 with ASM Global and AEG Management Bakersfield to eliminate the $500,000+ base fee paid by the City to the Manager, eliminates the $500,000 operating loss currently covered by the City, and pays the Manager of the Facilities an annual payment equal to 50% of the Net Operating Income for the management and operations of Dignity Health Arena, Theater, & Convention Center; Valley Children’s Ice Sports Center; and Dignity Health Amphitheatre. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
Item to be continued
Motion by Councilmember Smith to continue Consent Calendar item 7.e.8. to a future meeting. Motion unanimously approved.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.a. Public Hearing to consider resolution to vacate alley between F and G Streets located behind 1820 18th Street. (Ward 2)
(Staff Recommends the adoption of the resolution.)
AGR 2025-154
8.b. Public Hearing to consider Downtown Revitalization Grant Agreement with Dolores C.
Huerta Foundation (not to exceed $300,000) for off-site improvements that will outline reimbursement of costs, including costs associated with replacement of aging infrastructure including sewer, storm drainage, streetlights, sidewalks, and installation of new landscaping for future infill development that will consist of a new cultural center. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the grant agreement.)
City Clerk Drimakis announced two staff memorandums were received transmitting correspondence for item 8.b.
City Clerk Drimakis announced several speaker cards were received requesting item
8.b. be removed for separate consideration.
Councilmember Smith abstained from item 8.a. due to a Personal Financial Effect.
Consent Calendar Public Hearings item 8.a. and 8.b. opened at 6:47 p.m.
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8. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS continued
No one spoke in opposition or in favor of staff’s recommendations for item 8.a.
Consent Calendar Public Hearing item 8.a. closed at 6:48 p.m.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adopt Consent Calendar Public Hearing item 8.a.
Motion approved with Councilmember Smtih abstaining due to a Personal Financial Effect.
9. HEARINGS
9.a. Public Hearing to consider a resolution for Vesting Tentative Tract Map 7471 (Phased) San Joaquin Engineering, Inc., representing LGI Homes – California, LLC., is proposing to subdivide 83.97 acres into single-family residential lots and various private and public lots for streets, landscaping, and other ancillary uses in the R-1 (Single-Unit Dwelling) zone located at the southwest corner of Morning Drive and Paladino Drive. Gordon Nipp, representing the Sierra Club, submitted an appeal to the Planning Commission’s approval of the request. (Ward 3) (City staff recommends denying the appeal and upholding the Planning Commission’s decision to approve Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 7471.)
City Clerk Drimakis announced a staff memorandum was received revising staff recommendation to open the hearing and continue to the September 10, 2025, Council Meeting.
Public Hearing item 9.a. opened at 6:50 p.m.
No one spoke in opposition or in favor of the continuance.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to approve staff’s revised recommendation. Motion unanimously approved.
8.b. Public Hearing to consider Downtown Revitalization Grant Agreement with Dolores C.
Huerta Foundation (not to exceed $300,000) for off-site improvements that will outline reimbursement of costs, including costs associated with replacement of aging infrastructure including sewer, storm drainage, streetlights, sidewalks, and installation of new landscaping for future infill development that will consist of a new cultural center. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the grant agreement.)
AGR 2025-156
City Clerk Drimakis announced a staff memorandum was received correcting a Scrivner’s error in the title.
City Manager Clegg made staff comments.
Public Hearing item 8.b. opened at 6:56 p.m.
The following spoke in opposition of staff’s recommendations:
Kori Hanners, Jess Sanders, Terry Maxewell, Rev. Angelo Frasier, LaDonna Dodge, Charles Shinn, and Debra Busby.
Councilmember Weir left the dais at 7:11 p.m.
Mayor Goh recessed the meeting at 7:20 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 7:27 p.m.
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9. HEARINGS continued
item 8.b. continued
Councilmember Weir returned to the dais at 7:27 p.m.
The following spoke in support of staff’s recommendations:
Emilio Huerta, Dolores Huerta, Sophia Garcia, Mary Helen Barro, Jorge Torres, Jesus Garcia, Mika Tapia, Alicia Quintana, Jeremiah Sataraka, Audrey Chavez.
Rebuttal in opposition speakers: Terry Maxwell, Rev. Angelo Fraiser, Jesse Sanders and Kori Hanners.
Rebuttal in support speakers: Hertz Ramirez, Jessica Tualla, Jesus Garcia, Traco Matthews and Gabriel Garcia.
Public Hearing item 8.b. closed at 7:56 p.m.
Motion by Councilmember Gonzales to adopt Consent Calendar Public Hearing item
8.b. Motion approved with Councilmember Weir and Bashirtash voting no.
Mayor Goh recessed the meeting at 8:27 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 8:37 p.m.
10. REPORTS
None.
11. DEFERRED BUSINESS
11.a. Potential Amendment to Charter to Increase Council Salary.
*This Item was also slotted for the 3:30 p.m. City Council meeting. The item concluded at the 3:30 p.m. Meeting and was pulled from further consideration.
Item was heard and action taken at the 3:30 p.m. meeting.
12. NEW BUSINESS
12.a. Street Name Change - Cesar Chavez Boulevard
City Council to discuss street name change and provide direction to staff. (Staff recommends that the City Council provide direction for the renaming of a city street to Cesar Chavez Boulevard.)
City Manager Clegg made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation.
The following spoke in opposition:
Barbara Fellows, LaDonna Dodge, Jon Antonaros, Wayne Moule (written materials provided), Kori Hanners.
The following spoke in support of staff’s recommendations:
Alicia Quintana, Gurcharan Dhillon, Dr. Tomas Martinez, Barbara Fellows, Hertz Ramirez, Raji Brar, Magda Menendez, Noe Garcia, Herbeto Sala, Traco Matthews, Mary Helen Barro, Jesus Garcia, Dolores Huerta, Jacqueline Aguilar.
Councilmember Gonzales requested staff research the feasibility of a onetime Reimbursement Business program.
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12. NEW BUSINESS continued
item 12.a. continued
Motion by Councilmember Bashirtash to refer the item back to staff to prepare additional analysis to include other location options, along with the financial impact of each option and community engagement with each option and return to Council with a presentation. Motion failed as not voted on.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur directing staff to prepare an application to the Planning Commission, which will rename H Street Avenida Cesar Chavez, and the Planning Commission to also consider the final fiscal analysis, the final location as well as community engagement strategy.
Motion approved Councilmember Weir, Koman and Bashirtash voting no.
13. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS
Councilmember Koman requested staff analyze the feasibility of tracking community care and sober living facilities in order to prevent overconcentration. The findings should be presented to the Housing and Community Development Committee.
Councilmember Smith requested staff provide Multi-Modal Transportation Committee with future repaving schedules and plans prior to the start of construction.
Councilmember Smith expressed appreciation for the Police Department agreements with the Kern County Fair and Behavioral Health.
15. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the meeting at 10:00 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