ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: November 19, 2025 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Agreements TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Kristina Budak, Water Director
DATE: November 7, 2025
SUBJECT: Agreement with Sierra Snow Surveys (not to exceed $861,300) to conduct snow survey measurements
[Document Description]
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend approval of the agreement.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Bakersfield, as an active participant in Kern River operations, relies on mountain snowpack measurements to forecast spring and summer runoff and to support entitlement and water supply forecasts. These snow surveys are conducted in cooperation with the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the Kern River interests, including North Kern Water Storage District, Buena Vista Water Storage District, and Kern Delta Water District.
Sierra Snow Surveys has previously provided professional snow measurement services to City and has demonstrated the specialized expertise, equipment, and experience required to conduct snow surveys in the southern Sierra Nevada, including the Kern River and Sequoia–Kings Canyon (SEKI) basins.
The proposed five-year agreement covers the 2025-26 through 2029-30 snow survey seasons and includes both scheduled surveys (February –May) and conditional surveys (May –July), depending on hydrologic conditions. Compensation rates are defined within the Agreement, with a total contract cost not to exceed $679,275 for scheduled work and an additional $182,025 available for conditional survey work, if authorized.
The City anticipates receiving reimbursements from other Kern River interests for approximately 77.78% of total costs, resulting in a net City contribution of approximately 22.22% of the total contract amount.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds are budgeted within the River & Agricultural Fund Operating Budget, no impact to general fund.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Community Character & Quality of Life
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Agreement with Sierra Snow Surveys
2. Exhibit A – Scope of Work – Sierra Snow Surveys
3. Certificate of Insurance – Sierra Snow Surveys