ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 25, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent – Agreement TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Jennifer M. Byers, Economic and Community Development Director DATE: March 4, 2026
SUBJECT: Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2025-176 for Community Connectors with Be Finally Free
to extend agreement terms from March 31, 2026, to August 30, 2026.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the amendment.
BACKGROUND:
On September 10, 2025, the City entered into Agreement No. 2025-178 with Be Finally Free to implement the Community Connectors (CC) program in Old Town Kern, which is part of the City’s efforts to reduce homelessness, connect individuals with immediate services, and promote public safety and community resilience.
This amendment would extend the term of the agreement from March 31, 2026, to August 30, 2026, to enable Be Finally Free to fully expend funds budgeted for this project and provide a full 12 months of services.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No Fiscal Impact. Funds were budgeted in Fiscal Year 2025-26 and no increase to compensation is being requested.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Safety and Resilience
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Amendment