BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 10, 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, Councilmembers Arias (seated at 3:39 p.m.), Gonzales, Smith, and Koman
Absent: Councilmembers Weir and Bashirtash
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
2.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statement
1. Eddy Laine spoke regarding tree work around the City.
2. Michale Turnipseed spoke regarding City activities.
2.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
None.
3. REPORTS
3.a. Economic Development Strategic Plan Update.
(Staff recommends City Council receive and file.)
City Manager Clegg made staff comments.
Economic & Community Development Director Byers made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Michael Turnipseed made comments.
Councilmember Gonzales requested staff work with the Greater Bakersfield Chamber's Government Relations Committee to review the Opportunity Zones boundaries - existing and proposed - to identify key areas that can be considered for inclusion.
Councilmember Arias requested staff develop a rubric to outline specific criteria, standards and performance measures to evaluate the quality of future development projects related to Housing.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to receive and file. Motion approved with Councilmembers Weir and Bashirtash absent.
4. CLOSED SESSION
None.
5. CLOSED SESSION ACTION
None.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the 3:30 p.m. meeting at 4:43 p.m.
Bakersfield, California, September 10, 2025 - Page 2
REGULAR MEETING - 5:15 PM
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Goh, Vice Mayor Kaur, Councilmembers Arias, Weir, Smith, Koman and Bashirtash
Absent: Councilmember Gonzales
2. INVOCATION
by Pastor Mike Osthimer, Calvary Chapel Bakersfield.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
by Claire Michael, Mayor Appointee, Youth Commission, Senior at Bakersfield High School.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Proclamation to Jeremy T. Tobias; Kelly Lowery, CAPK's Food Bank Administrator/Chair of the Kern County Food Policy Council; Maritza Jimenez, CAPK Board Member; and Johnny Delgado, member of the Kern County Food Policy Council, declaring September 2025 as Hunger Action Month in Bakersfield.
4.b. Proclamation to KC the Bull and Kern County Fair Chief Executive Officer Michael Olcott, declaring September 17, 2025, through September 28, 2025, as Kern County Fair Days in Bakersfield.
5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
5.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
1. Sharon Briel expressed appreciation to Vice Mayor Kaur for her initiative regarding urban forest and was disappointed that the Parks department showed little interest.
2. Stephaine Sanchez spoke regarding City labor union contract.
5.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
None.
6. APPOINTMENTS
None.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Minutes:
7.a.1. Approval of minutes of August 27, 2025, Regular City Council Meetings. (Staff recommends approval of the minutes.)
b. Payments:
7.b.1. Receive and file department payments from August 15, 2025, to August 28, 2025, totaling $40,361,435.95 as follows: department payments in the amount of $39,861,298.02 and Self Insurance payments in the amount of $500,137.93. (Staff recommends receive and file report.)
Bakersfield, California, September 10, 2025 - Page 3
7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
7.b.2. Receive and file department agreements over $40,000 and under $100,000 executed between August 15, 2025, to August 28, 2025.
(Staff recommends receive and file report.)
c. Ordinances:
7.c.1. Adoption of the following ordinances amending various sections of the Bakersfield Municipal Code: (FR 08/27/25)
(Staff recommends adoption of the proposed ordinance amendments.)
1. Amending Section 1.04.010 relating to definitions.
ORD 5201
2. Amending Section 1.40.030 relating to administrative fines.
ORD 5202
d. Resolutions:
7.d.1. Resolution authorizing the submittal of application and administration of Voucher Program through the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD). (Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 103-2025
7.d.2. Resolution establishing the Community Land Trust Fund to support the implementation, administration, and long-term maintenance of the Bakersfield Community Land Trust.
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 104-2025
7.d.3. Resolution approving an application to the Kern County Local Agency Formation Commission to annex an uninhabited territory into the City of Bakersfield identified as Annexation No. 723 (Belle Terrace No. 1), generally located on the northwest corner of Washington Street and East Belle Terrace. Use of a Notice of Exemption will also be considered. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 105-2025
7.d.4. Resolution determining that Greenworks 60” Electric Vehicle (EV) Commercial Mowers can most efficiently be obtained through cooperative procurement bidding procedures from Kern Machinery, Inc., and authorizing the Finance Director to dispense with bidding thereof, not to exceed $156,384 for the Recreation and Parks Department.
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution and approval of the purchase.)
RES 106-2025
7.d.5. Resolution determining that a roller can most efficiently be obtained through cooperative procurement bidding procedures from Quinn Cat and authorizing the Finance Director to dispense with bidding for the purchase of one (1) unit in the amount of $197,050 for the Streets Divsision within the Public Works Department. (Staff recommends adoption of the resolution and approval of the purchase.)
RES 107-2025
Bakersfield, California, September 10, 2025 - Page 4
7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
7.d.6. Sewer Connection and Construction Fee assessments for 165 N. McDonald Way:
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution and approval of the agreement.)
1. Resolution confirming assessments for sewer connection and construction fees and authorizing the collection of assessments by the Kern County Tax Collector.
RES 108-2025
2. Agreement with Yoram Feldman and Ayala Feldman to pay sewer connection and construction fees through the Kern County Tax Collector. (Ward 2)
AGR 2025-167
7.d.7. Resolution of Intention No. 2245 to add Area 5-126 to the Consolidated Maintenance District and preliminarily approving, confirming, and adopting the Public Works Director’s Report: (7960 S. Union Avenue): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 0 – (Ward 1) (Staff recommends adopting the resolution of intention.)
ROI 2245
7.d.8. Amendment No. 44 to Resolution No. 44-93 setting salaries and related benefits for the Temporary Unit.
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 44-93 (44)
7.e. Agreements:
7.e.1. Agreement with Veritone, Inc. ($152,100), for a software subscription to background check for 507 officers.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2025-168
7.e.2. Agreement with Community Action Partnership (not to exceed $4,630,005.60) for Low Income Energy Project.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2025-169
7.e.3. Agreements for tree trimming and bulky item removal services:
(Staff recommends approval of the agreements.)
1. Agreement with Los Dos Hermanos, (not to exceed $75,000).
AGR 2025-170
2. Agreement with Stars & Stripes, (not to exceed $125,000).
AGR 2025-171
7.e.4. Final Map and Agreements with Encanto Holdings, LP. And South Allen Partners, LLC Tract 7334 Phase 2 Developer is requesting to enter into agreements so the final map for Tract 7334 Phase 2 located at the northeast corner of South Allen Road and Panama Lane can be approved and recorded. (Ward 5)
(Staff recommends approval of the Final Map, Landscape and Private Improvement Agreements.)
AGR 2025-172, AGR 2025-173, DEEDS 9792, 9793, 9794, 9795, 9796 Bakersfield, California, September 10, 2025 - Page 5
7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
7.e.5. Agreement with Parsons Transportation Group, Inc. (not to exceed $150,000), for Engineering Design review for City Infrastructure affected by California High Speed Rail.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2025-174
7.e.6. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2023-226 with Resource Machinery and Engineering (extending term to September 13, 2026) to continue on-call maintenance and repair of Scarabs and McCloskey Trommel Screens.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendments.)
AGR 2023-226 (1)
7.e.7. Kern Community Foundation Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program (Staff recommends approval of the amendment and approval of appropriations.)
1. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2024-244 with Kern Community Foundation (not to exceed $3,805,303.68) for administration of the Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program.
AGR 2024-244 (2)
2. Appropriate $2,153,015.60 of California Volunteers grant funds into Economic and Community Development Department operating budget.
3. Appropriate $244,358.40 of California Volunteers grant funds into City Manager’s Office operating budget.
7.f. Bids:
7.f.1. Traffic and Lighting System Installation at Mountain Ridge Drive and Berkshire Road and Mountain Ridge Drive and McCutchen Road
(Staff recommends acceptance of low bid, approval of contract, and approval of city-controlled contingency.)
1. Accept bid and approve contract with A-C Electric ($1,217,934) for said project.
AGR 2025-175
2. Appropriate $200,000 from Transportation Development Fund (TDF) fund balance into the Public Works Department’s Capital Improvement Program within the TDF fund for said project.
3. Authorize staff to approve, as necessary, up to $50,000 in City-controlled contingency for unforeseen conditions encountered during construction of said project. (Ward 7)
7.g. Miscellaneous:
7.g.1. Appropriate $10,000 from Pacific Gas and Electric Company charitable giving program to the Fire Department General Fund Operating budget to purchase thermal imaging cameras.
(Staff recommends approval of the appropriation.)
Bakersfield, California, September 10, 2025 - Page 6
7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
7.h. Successor Agency Business:
None.
7.i. Public Safety/Vital Services Measure:
7.i.1. Termination of Economic Opportunity Area Grant Agreement No. 2024-139 with B- Champ LLC ($32,760). (Ward 3)
(Staff recommends termination of the grant agreement.)
7.i.2. Agreement with Be Finally Free ($200,000) for the Community Connectors program. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2025-176
Assistant City Clerk Cowling announced staff memorandum was received for item
7.e.2. for a typographical error.
Coucilmember Gonzales abstained from item 7.i.2. due to an abundance of caution to avoid a perception of a conflict of interest. Executive Director of Be Finally Free also serves on the board of directors for his employer stewards.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adopt Consent Calendar items 7.a. through 7.i.
Motion approved with Councilmembers Weir and Bashirtash absent and Gonzales abstaining from item 7.i.2.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
9. HEARINGS
9.a. Public Appeal Hearing of Planning Commission's Approval of Vesting Tentative Tract Map 7450
(Staff recommends denying the appeal and upholding the Planning Commission’s decision to approve Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 7450 and its proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration.)
(Phased) and its proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration. Mcintosh & Associates, representing Opal Land Company Co-Ownership Interests, LLC & BGM, LLC & 7-G’s Investment Group, LLC, is proposing Vesting Tentative Tract Map 7450 (Phased)to subdivide approximately 32.66 acres into 176 single-family residential lots and 5 public landscape lots in the R-2 (Small Lot Single-Unit Dwelling) zone located at the southwest corner of Olive Drive and Rosedale Ranch Parkway.
Consideration of a Resolution adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act and approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 7450 (Phased). Gordon Nipp, representing the Sierra Club, submitted an appeal to the Planning Commission’s approval of the request. (Ward 4)
RES 109-2025
Assistant City Clerk Cowling announced a staff memorandum was received transmitting additional correspondence from The Sierra Club.
Building Director Burns made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Bakersfield, California, September 10, 2025 - Page 7
9. HEARINGS continued
item 9.a. continued
Public Hearing item 9.a. opened at 6:05 p.m.
The following spoke in opposition of staff’s recommendations:
Babak Naficy, Attorney, Naficy Law, Antje Lauer, Sharon Briel, Marjorie Bell
The following spoke in support of staff’s recommendations:
Brian Winter, Land Use, CEQA Attorney, Dave Dmohowski, Home Builders Association.
Rebuttal in opposition speaker: Babak Naficy, Attorney, Naficy Law.
Rebuttal in support speakers: Brian Winter, Attorney
Public Hearing item 9.a. closed at 6:15 p.m.
Motion by Councilmember Smith to deny the appeal and approve the subdivision.
Motion approved with Councilmembers Weir and Bashirtash absent.
9.b Continued Public Appeal Hearing of Planning Commission's approval of Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 7471
(continued from the 08/13/25 meeting) (Staff recommends denying the appeal and upholding the Planning Commission’s decision to approve Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 7471 and its proposed mitigated negative declaration.)
(Phased) and its proposed mitigated negative declaration. San Joaquin Engineering, Inc., representing LGI Homes – California, LLC., is proposing Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 7471 (Phased) to subdivide 83.97 acres into 363 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.
Consideration of a Resolution adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act and approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 7471 (Phased). Gordon Nipp, representing the Sierra Club, submitted an appeal to the Planning Commission’s approval of the request. (Ward 3)
RES 110-2025
Assistant City Clerk Cowling announced a staff memorandum was received transmitting additional correspondence from The Sierra Club.
Building Director Burns made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation.
The following spoke in opposition to staff’s recommendations:
Chase Preciado, Gordon Nipp, Vice Chair, Sierra Club Local Chapter, Antje Lauer, Maria Polite, Babak Naficy, Attorney, Lauren Rodriguez.
Mayor Goh recessed the meeting at 6:42 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 6:52 p.m.
The following spoke in support of staff’s recommendations:
Brandon Martin, Land Use Attorney, Evan Light, LGI Homes, Dave Dmohowski, Home Builders Association.
Bakersfield, California, September 10, 2025 - Page 8
9. HEARINGS continued
item 9.b. continued
Rebuttal in opposition speaker: Gordon Nipp, Lori Pesante
Rebuttal in support speakers: Brandon Martin, Attorney.
Public Hearing item 9.b. closed at 7:08 p.m.
Councilmember Kaur requested staff evaluate the feasibility of using the Community Land Trust model to reserve a portion of units for affordable housing in future housing developments.
Motion by Councilmember Smith to deny the appeal and approve Tentative Tract 7471.
Motion approved with Councilmembers Weir and Bashirtash absent.
10. REPORTS
None.
11. DEFERRED BUSINESS
None.
12. NEW BUSINESS
None.
13. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS
Councilmember Arias requested staff prepare and present information regarding safety signage at Martin Luther King Jr. Community Park.
Councilmember Smith requested staff present an update on the Multi-Modal Committee’s traffic calming initiatives to the full City Council at an upcoming meeting.
Councilmember Smith requested staff to form a task force composed of local stakeholders to engage in discussions and develop strategies addressing the issue of jail bed availability.
Councilmember Gonzales requested staff conduct a review of the streetlight inventory along the Niles and Monterey corridors in East Bakersfield, and to ensure that any non-operational or missing streetlights are promptly repaired or replaced ahead of the winter season.
Councilmember Gonzales requested staff agendize the topic of short-term vacation rentals for discussion and consideration of a regulatory ordinance.
Councilmember Koman expressed appreciation to Councilmember Smith for advocating for the City regarding assistance in finding additional jail bed spaces.
Bakersfield, California, September 10, 2025 - Page 9
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the meeting with a moment of silence in remembrance of the 24th Anniversary of 9/11 at 7:36 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