BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MEETING OF FEBRUARY 25, 2026
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 5:07 p.m.), Weir, Smith, Koman and Bashirtash
Absent: Councilmember Gonzales
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
2.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statement
None.
2.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
See item 3.a.
3. REPORTS
3.a. Staff report from City Attorney regarding changes to the Brown Act. (Council feedback and direction.)
City Attorney Gennaro and Deputy Attorney Zambrano made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint Presentation.
Michael Turnipseed spoke in support of additional public comment opportunities regarding item 3.a. (written material provided).
4. CLOSED SESSION
4.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 4:22 p.m.
Closed Session meeting was adjourned at 5:18 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 5:19 p.m.
5. CLOSED SESSION ACTION
4.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
6. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the 3:30 p.m. meeting at 5:19 p.m.
Bakersfield, California, February 25, 2026 - Page 2
REGULAR MEETING - 5:23 PM
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Goh, Vice Mayor Kaur, Councilmembers Arias, Weir, Smith, Koman and Bashirtash
Absent: Councilmember Gonzales
2. INVOCATION
By Fr. Matthew Spencer, Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Copatroness of the Unborn Church.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
by Imandeep Matharu, Sophomore, Stockdale High School, Youth Commissioner, Ward 1.
4. PRESENTATIONS
None.
5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
5.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
1. Moriah J. Wright made comments regarding City challenges.
2. Mary Helen Barro made comments regarding Feral cats.
3. Terry Maxwell made comments regarding H Street Improvements.
4. James Calderon made comments regarding homelessness.
5. Seth Hewett made comments regarding Prop 218 sewer rates.
5.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
1. Dave Dmohowski made comments supporting item 6.a.
2. Mary Helen Barro made comments regarding item 7.e.7.
3. Antje Lauer, Karin Urso, Sharon Briel (written materials provided), Joanne Hamiltion, Rob Parsons, Eddy Laine (written materials provided), Maria Polite (written materials provided), Gilika Commusi made comments regarding item
7.f.1.
6. APPOINTMENTS
6.a. Creation of the Development Review Streamlining Ad Hoc Committee, appointment of members by the Vice Mayor, and setting the first meeting in March. (Staff recommends Ad Hoc Committee, appointment of members by the Vice Mayor, and setting the first meeting in March.)
City Manager Clegg and City Attorney Gennaro made comments.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to appoint Councilmembers Koman, Smith and Arias to the AD Hoc Development Review Streamlining Committee. Motion approved with Councilmember Gonzales absent.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Minutes:
7.a.1. Approval of minutes of February 11, 2026, Regular City Council Meetings. (Staff recommends approval of the minutes.)
Bakersfield, California, February 25, 2026 - Page 3
7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
b. Payments:
7.b.1. Receive and file department payments from January 28, 2026, to February 10, 2026, totaling $20,711,163.71 as follows: department payments in the amount of $20,300,575.52 and Self Insurance payments in the amount of $410,588.19. (Staff recommends receive and file report.)
7.b.2. Receive and file department agreements over $40,000 and under $100,000 executed between January 28, 2026, to February 10, 2026. (Staff recommends receive and file report.)
c. Ordinances:
7.c.1. Adoption of an ordinance amending Bakersfield Municipal Code Section 1.12.010 by adding Annexation No. 715 Cottonwood No. 6 consisting of approximately 239.39 acres generally located east of Cottonwood Road at Pacheco Road intersection. (Ward1) (FR 1/21/26)
(Staff recommends adoption of the ordinance.)
ORD 5211
d. Resolutions:
7.d.1. California Board of State and Community Corrections Violence Intervention and Prevention Cohort 5 Grant Program (CalVIP)
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution, approval of the appropriation, and acceptance of the award.)
1. Resolution authorizing the City Manager to accept grant funding in the amount of $4,899,000 and execute a grant agreement with the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) for the California Violence Intervention and Prevention (CalVIP) Cohort 5 Grant Program.
RES 016-2026
2. Appropriate $4,899,000 in grant proceeds to the City Manager’s Office Operating Budget.
7.d.2. Dispense with bidding for the purchase of an EV brush truck for the Recreation and Parks Department
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution and approval of appropriation to complete the purchase.)
1. Resolution determining that an electronic vehicle (EV) brush truck 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 $214,791 for the Recreation and Parks Department.
RES 017-2026
2. Appropriate $134,791 Equipment Management Fund balance to the Public Works Operating budget within the Equipment Management Fund to complete the purchase.
7.d.3. Dispense with bidding for the purchase of EV graffiti flatbed trucks for the General Services Division
(Staff recommend adoption of the resolution and approval of the appropriation to complete the purchase.)
Bakersfield, California, February 25, 2026 - Page 4
7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
item 7.d.3. continued
1. Resolution determining that electronic vehicle (EV) graffiti flatbed trucks 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 three (3) units in the amount of $627,046 for the General Services Division within the Public Works Department.
RES 018-2026
2. Appropriate $458,046 Equipment Management Fund balance to the Public Works Operating budget within the Equipment Management Fund to complete the purchase.
7.d.4. Dispense with bidding for the purchase of an EV flatbed chassis for the Solid Waste Division
(Staff recommend adoption of the resolution and approval of appropriation and transfer to complete the purchase.)
1. Resolution determining that an electronic vehicle (EV) flatbed chassis 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 $193,861 for the Solid Waste Division within the Public Works Department.
RES 019-2026
2. Appropriate and transfer $108,861 Solid Waste Enterprise Fund balance to the Public Works Operating budget within the Equipment Management Fund to complete the purchase.
7.d.5. Dispense with bidding for the purchase of an EV flatbed truck for the Solid Waste Division
(Staff recommend adoption of the resolution and approval of appropriation and transfer to complete the purchase.)
1. Resolution determining that an electronic vehicle (EV) flatbed truck 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 $214,428 for the Solid Waste Division within the Public Works Department.
RES 020-2026
2. Appropriate and transfer $172,428 Solid Waste Enterprise Fund balance to the Public Works Operating budget within the Equipment Management Fund to complete the purchase.
7.d.6. Resolutions to add Areas 1-143, 4-318, and 4-321 to the Consolidated Maintenance District and confirming, and adopting the Development Services Director’s Report:
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolutions.)
1. Adding Area 1-143 (NW corner of Calloway Drive & Snow Road):
Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 0 – (Ward 4)
RES 021-2026
Bakersfield, California, February 25, 2026 - Page 5
7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
item 7.d.6. continued
2. Adding Area 4-318 (305 Brundage Lane): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 0 (Ward 2)
RES 022-2026
3. Adding Area 4-321 (600 17th Street): Street Tier = 2; Park Tier = 1 – (Ward 2)
RES 023-2026
7.e. Agreements
7.e.1. Agreement with eScribe Software USA, Inc. (not to exceed $218,267.50), for meeting and agenda automation applications.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. See page 9.
7.e.2. Agreement with Keith Barnes DBA K.B. Concessions to provide concession services at the Mesa Marin Sports Complex.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-018
7.e.3. License Agreement with Castle and Cooke Commercial-CA for construction, maintenance operation, inspection, repair, replacement, and removal of a storm drain pipeline at Young Street required for construction of Licensee’s Crossroads Plaza shopping center development. (Ward 5)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-019
7.e.4. Common Use Agreement with North Kern Water Storage District to allow the construction of a roadway over an existing canal.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-020
7.e.5. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2023-066 with Kern Community College District (increase compensation $19,275.70, revised not to exceed $1,369,714.70) for implementation of the Entrepreneurship and Small Business Technical Assistance Program.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-066 (2)
7.e.6. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. to Agreement No. 2023-190 with Mesa Energy Systems, Inc. dba Emcor Services Mesa Energy to (increase compensation $150,000, revised not to exceed $550,000 and extend the term to August 9, 2028), to provide mechanical and commercial HVAC maintenance and repairs to various City of Bakersfield locations.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-190 (1)
Bakersfield, California, February 25, 2026 - Page 6
7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
7.e.7. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2022-002 with U.S. Peroxide, LLC DBA USP Technologies (increasing compensation by $890,000; revised not to exceed $4,000,000 and extend the term to November 30, 2027), to inject chemical into the City’s sewer collection system to mitigate atmospheric odors and reduce corrosion for various locations.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2022-002 (1)
7.e.8. Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. 2022-263 with Tyack’s Tire Inc (increase compensation $50,000; revised not to exceed $280,000) to continue tire repair and replacement services.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2022-263 (3)
7.e.9. Amendment No. 5 to Agreement No. 2023-238 with J.L. Plank, Inc., dba Cen-Cal Construction (increase compensation by $1,300,000; revised not to exceed $7,871,500) to continue the supply of concrete construction. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-238 (5)
7.e.10. Amendment No. 4 to Agreement No. 2022-029 with Safeway Sign Company (increase compensation by $50,000; revised not to exceed $465,112.42 and extend term to February 22, 2027) to continue the supply of traffic signs. (Staff recommend approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2022-029 (4)
7.e.10. Contract Change Order Nos. 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, and 183 to Agreement No. 19- 069 (Mainline Project) with Security Paving Company (increasing compensation by $79,000; revised not to exceed $152,336,004.59) for the Centennial Corridor Mainline Project. (Wards 1, 2, & 3)
(Staff recommend approval of the change order.)
AGR 19-069 CCO (178), (179), (180), (181), (182), (183)
7.e.11. Contract Change Order Nos. 32 and 39 to Agreement No. 2024-235 (7th Movement) with Granite Construction Company (increasing compensation by $108,000; revised not to exceed $28,034,329.43) for the Centennial Corridor EB58 to NB99 Loop Connector Project. (Wards 1 & 2)
(Staff recommend approval of the change order.)
AGR 19-069 CCO (32), (39)
7.g. Bids:
7.f.1. Accept bid and approved contract to Rancho Tree Service ($180,000) for tree inventory and assessment services.
(Staff recommends acceptance of the bid and approval of contract.)
REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. See page 9.
7.f.2. Accept bid from Jim Burke Ford, Bakersfield, CA, ($1,457,970.14) for the purchase of twenty-nine (29) Police utility vehicles, 2026 or Newer Model Year for the Police Department.
(Staff recommends approval of the purchase.)
Bakersfield, California, February 25, 2026 - Page 7
7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
7.f.3. Adaptive Signal Coordination Ming Avenue from SR99 to 'P' Street (Staff recommends acceptance of the low bid, approval of contract, and approval of City-controlled contingency.)
1. Accept bid and approve contract with Innovative Engineering Systems, Inc. for $499,467.44.
2. Authorize Change Order(s), as necessary, up to $75,000 in City-Controlled contingency for unforeseen conditions encountered during construction of said project. (Wards 1 & 2)
REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. See page 9.
7.f.4. Basin 1 to 9 Turnout Reconstruction
(Staff recommends acceptance of the low bid and approval of agreement and appropriation.)
1. Accept bid and approve contract with Remedial Transportation Services, Inc., ($829,787).
AGR 2026-022
2. Appropriate $436,000 of River and Agriculture Fund Balance (4310) into the Water Department Capital Improvement Program (26WDWR01).
7.g. Miscellaneous:
7.g.1. Appropriate $80,457.53 from Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC) to the Police Operating Budget within the General Fund for reimbursement of law enforcement services provided pursuant to an EMAC deployment. (Staff recommends approval of the appropriation.)
7.h. Successor Agency Business:
7.h.1. Receive and file Successor Agency payments from January 28, 2026, to February 10, 2026, totaling $14,500.00
(Staff recommends report be received and filed.)
7.i. Public Safety/Vital Services Measure:
7.i.1. Agreement with The Open Door Network ($2,500,000) for Shelter Construction located at 529 Delores Street. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. See page 9.
Councilmember Koman requested Consent Calendar items 7.e.1.
Councilmember Arias and Koman requested Consent Calendar item 7.f.1 be removed for separate consideration.
Councilmember Bashirtash requested Consent Calendar item 7.f.3. be removed for separate consideration.
Councilmembers Weir and Bashirtash requested Consent Calendar item 7.i.1. be removed for separate consideration.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adopt Consent Calendar items 7.a. through 7.i. for approval with the removal of Consent Calendar items 7.e.1., 7.f.1., 7.f.3 and 7.i.1. for separate consideration. Motion approved with Councilmember Gonzales absent.
Bakersfield, California, February 25, 2026 - Page 8
7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
7.e.1. Agreement with eScribe Software USA, Inc. (not to exceed $218,267.50), for meeting and agenda automation applications.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-017
Motion by Councilmember Koman to adopt Consent Calendar item 7.e.1.
Motion approved with Councilmember Gonzales absent.
7.f.1. Accept bid and approved contract to Rancho Tree Service ($180,000) for tree inventory and assessment services.
(Staff recommends acceptance of the bid and approval of contract.)
APPROVAL DENIED
Councilmember Arias requested the Tree Advisory Group staff provided regularly quarterly updates to Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods Committee.
Vice Mayor Kaur requested staff utilize the current tree plan recommendations, budgeted amount and set a meeting with the Tree Advisory Group, partners and Tree Foundation to start planting trees in Wards with the least trees.
Motion by Councilmember Koman not to approve Staff’s recommendations for Consent Calendar item 7.f.1. Motion approved with Councilmember Gonzales absent.
7.f.3. Adaptive Signal Coordination Ming Avenue from SR99 to 'P' Street (Staff recommends acceptance of the low bid, approval of contract, and approval of City-controlled contingency.)
1. Accept bid and approve contract with Innovative Engineering Systems, Inc. for $499,467.44.
AGR 2026-022
2. Authorize Change Order(s), as necessary, up to $75,000 in City-Controlled contingency for unforeseen conditions encountered during construction of said project. (Wards 1 & 2)
Councilmember Bashirtash requested staff agendize the Council Policy related to contract change order limits for Council consideration at a future Council meeting.
Motion by Councilmember Bashirtash to approve Consent Calendar item 7.f.3.1 and not approve 7.f.3.2. Motion approved with Councilmember Gonzales absent.
Mayor called for a recess at 6:41 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 6:48 p.m.
7.i.1. Agreement with The Open Door Network ($2,500,000) for Shelter Construction located at 529 Delores Street. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-023
City Manager Clegg made staff comments.
Lauren Skidmore, CEO, The Open Door Network, provided a PowerPoint Presentation.
Bakersfield, California, February 25, 2026 - Page 9
7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
item 7.i.1. continued
Motion by Councilmember Arias to adopt Consent Calendar item 7.i.1.
Motion approved with Councilmembers Gonzales absent and Weir voting no.
8. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
9. HEARINGS
None.
10. REPORTS
None.
11. DEFERRED BUSINESS
None.
12. NEW BUSINESS
None.
13. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS
None.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the meeting at 7:35 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