BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MEETING OF MARCH 11, 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, Gonzales (seated at 3:33 p.m.) Smith, Koman and Bashirtash
Absent: Councilmember Weir
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
2.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statement
Darlene Din spoke regarding the Sewer Rate Increase.
City Manager Clegg made comments and requested staff follow up with Ms. Din regarding her concerns.
2.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
None.
3. REPORTS
None.
4. CLOSED SESSION
4.a. Public Employee Performance Evaluation - City Attorney; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) / 54957.6
4.b. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation; Closed session pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1) for the following one matter:
Ingrid Crawford Smith, et al. v. The City of Bakersfield, et al.
United States District Court Case No. 1:18-CV-01526-DAD-JLT (Consolidated with)
A.J.C., v. The City of Bakersfield, et al.
United States District Court Case No. 1:19-CV-01302-DAD-JLT (Consolidated with)
James Raymond v. Warren Martin
United States District Court Case No. 1:18-CV-00307-DAD-JLT) (Lead case)
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adjourn to Closed Session at 3:38 p.m.
Closed Session meeting was adjourned at 5:02 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 5:09 p.m.
Bakersfield, California, March 11, 2026 - Page 2
5. CLOSED SESSION ACTION
4.a. Public Employee Evaluation – City Attorney; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) / 54957.6
No Reportable Action
4.b. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation; Closed session pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9(d)(1) for the following one matter:
Ingrid Crawford Smith, et al. v. The City of Bakersfield, et al.
United States District Court Case No. 1:18-CV-01526-DAD-JLT (Consolidated with)
A.J.C., v. The City of Bakersfield, et al.
United States District Court Case No. 1:19-CV-01302-DAD-JLT (Consolidated with)
James Raymond v. Warren Martin
United States District Court Case No. 1:18-CV-00307-DAD-JLT) (Lead case)
City Attorney was given direction by a 6-0 vote with Councilmember Weir absent.
6. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the 3:30 p.m. meeting at 5:10 p.m.
Bakersfield, California, March 11, 2026 - Page 3
REGULAR MEETING - 5:15 PM
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Goh, Vice Mayor Kaur, Councilmembers Arias, Smith, Koman and Bashirtash
Absent: Councilmember Weir
2. INVOCATION
By Pastor Marisa Banks, Composition Christian Center.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
by Angela Moretti, Mrs. Bakersfield, Devin Jackson, Miss Bakersfield, Teena Binu, and Miss Teen Bakersfield.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Proclamation to Hector Vazquez, Executive Director of the American Red Cross - Kern County and Eastern Sierra, declaring March 2026 American Red Cross Month in Bakersfield.
5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
5.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
1. Johnny Olaguez spoke regarding city employees.
2. Abby Power, Leadership Council for Justice and Accountability, spoke regarding the Tree Canopy.
5.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
Sharon Briel (written material provided) spoke regarding item 7.d.3.
6. APPOINTMENTS
None.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Minutes:
7.a.1. Approval of minutes of February 25, 2026, Regular City Council Meetings. (Staff recommends approval of the minutes.)
b. Payments:
7.b.1. Receive and file department payments from February 11, 2026, to February 24, 2026, totaling $19,365,296.77 as follows: department payments in the amount of $18,793,688.21 and Self Insurance payments in the amount of $571,608.56. (Staff recommends receive and file report.)
7.b.2. Receive and file department agreements over $40,000 and under $100,000 executed between February 11, 2026, to February 24, 2026. (Staff recommends receive and file report.)
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7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
c. Ordinances:
7.c.1. First Reading of an ordinance adding Chapter 2.06, and Subsections, to Title 2 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code to Create a New City Council Appointment Position Entitled Chief Assistant City Attorney.
(Staff recommends adoption of the ordinance.)
FR ONLY
d. Resolutions:
7.d.1. 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 023-2026
7.d.2. Resolution determining that Hornady Law Enforcement/Military Ammunition for exclusive use by Bakersfield Police Department, cannot be reasonably obtained through the usual bidding procedures and authorizing the Finance Director to dispense with bidding at not to exceed amount of $130,000. (Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 024-2026
7.d.3. Dispense with bidding for the purchase of electronic vehicle (EV) vans for various Departments
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution and approval of the appropriation to complete the purchase.)
1. Resolution determining that electronic vehicle (EV) vans can most efficiently be obtained through cooperative procurement bidding procedures from Rush Truck Center and authorizing the Finance Director to dispense with bidding for the purchase of five (5) units in the amount of $301,353 for the Recreation and Parks Department, the Police Department, and the General Services Division within the Public Works Department.
RES 025-2026
2. Appropriate $26,353 Equipment Management Fund balance to the Public Works Operating budget within the Equipment Management Fund to complete the purchase.
7.d.4. Resolution of Intention No. 2255 to add Area 4-322 (304 Cypress Avenue) to the Consolidated Maintenance District and preliminarily approving, confirming, and adopting the Development Services Director’s Report: Street Tier = 0.5; Park Tier = 1 (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution if intention.)
ROI 2255
7.d.5. Amendment No. 1 to Resolution No. 52-96 Authorizing City Manager or his Designee or the Public Works Director or his Designee to Accept Certain Deeds or Grants Conveying an Interest in or Easement Upon Real Property for Public Purposes. (Staff recommends adoption of the amendment.)
RES 52-96 (1)
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7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
7.e. Job Specifications and Salary Updates
None.
7.f. Agreements
7.f.1. Agreement with Harder+Company Community Research, Inc. (not to exceed $130,000) to evaluate the CalVIP grant program.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-024
7.f.2. Agreement with Chandler Asset Management (not to exceed $100,000) for the prudent investment of the City of Bakersfield’s temporary idle cash. (Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-025
7.f.3. Agreements for Fiscal Year 25-26 Emergency Solutions Grant with Homelessness service providers to implement program activities as follows:
(Staff recommends approval of the agreements.)
1. Agreement with The Mission at Kern County for Emergency Shelter ($70,920);
AGR 2026-026
2. Agreement with The Open Door Network for Emergency Shelter ($70,917);
AGR 2026-027
3. Agreement with The Open Door Network (VSP) for Emergency Shelter ($35,460);
AGR 2026-028
4. Agreement with The Open Door Network for Rapid Rehousing – ($58,093);
AGR 2026-029
5. Agreement with The Open Door Network for Homelessness Prevention ($58,093)
AGR 2026-030
7.f.4. Final Map and Improvement Agreement with Deertrail Abbey Court 1, LLC for Tract 6939 Phase 2 Developer is requesting to enter into an agreement so the final map for Tract 6939 Phase 2 located southeast corner of South Fairfax Road and Redbank Road can be approved and recorded.
(Staff recommends approval of the Final map, and improvement agreement.)
AGR 2026-031, DEEDS 9931, 9932, 9933
7.f.5. Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. 2022-157 with Highstreet IT Solutions, LLC (increase compensation $77,004, revised not to exceed $327,004; and extend support through February 2027), for Oracle extended cloud services. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2022-157 (3)
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7. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
7.f.6. Amendment No. 5 to Agreement No. 2022-047 with San Joaquin Fence and Supply (increase compensation by $500,000; revised not to exceed $4,800,000 and extend the term by one year) to continue the supply of installed fencing. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2022-047 (5)
7.f.7. Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. 2023-077 with California Water Technologies, LLC (extend term by one year), to continue the supply of ferric chloride. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-077 (3)
7.f.8. Contract Change Order No. 99 to Agreement No. 18-176 with Security Paving (increasing compensation by $30,000; revised not to exceed $52,042,387.03), for the Bakersfield Freeway Connector Project. (Wards 1 & 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the change order.)
AGR 18-176 CCO (99)
7.f.9. Contract Change Order No.1 to Agreement No. 2023-206 with Crosstown Electric and Data Inc. ($28,755.70; revised not to exceed $2,328,755.70), for the Advanced Traffic Management System. Signal Coordination Part 1 (T1K304/CML 5109 (268), Traffic Signal Communications on Arterials (T1K305) CML 5109 (269)). (Wards 2, 3, 4 & 6)
(Staff recommends approval of the change order.)
AGR 2023-206 CCO (1)
7.g. Bids:
7.g.1. Accept proposal and approve contract with Carbon Supply Inc. ($300,000), for providing granular activated carbon, associated equipment and change-out services for Bakersfield Sanitary Landfill. (Ward 3)
(Staff recommends acceptance of the bid and approval of contract.)
AGR 2026-032
7.h. Miscellaneous:
None.
7.i. Successor Agency Business:
None.
7.j. Public Safety/Vital Services Measure:
None.
City Clerk Drimakis announced a staff memorandum was received transmitting corrected minutes.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adopt Consent Calendar items 7.a. through 7.j.
Motion approved with Councilmember Weir absent.
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8. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS
8.a. Public hearing to consider Planning Commission's approval of General Plan Amendment and Zone Change 24-0001 KSI Engineering, representing APVJ, LLC is proposing a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change on approximately 3.67 gross acres located at 5525 and 5543 Buena Vista Road. The request includes:
(Ward 5)
(Staff and the Planning Commission recommend adoption of the resolutions and first reading of the ordinance.)
1. Resolution adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
RES 026-2026
2. Resolution adopting General Plan Amendment to change land use designation from R-IA (Resource – Intensive Agriculture) to OS-P (Parks).
RES 027-2026
3. First Reading of an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code by changing the official zoning classification from A-20A (Agricultural – 20-acre minimum) to RE (Recreation) zone.
FR ONLY
8.b. Public hearing to consider Planning Commission's approval of General Plan Amendment and Zone Change No. 25-0003 and its proposed mitigated negative declaration. Bolthouse Properties (applicant and property owner) is proposing a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change on approximately 49 acres generally located at the southwest corner of Stockdale Highway and South Wegis Avenue.
The request includes: (Ward 5)
(Staff and the Planning Commission recommend adoption of the resolutions and first reading of the ordinance.)
1. Resolution adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.
RES 028-2026
2. Resolution adopting General Plan Amendment to change land use designation from OC (Office Commercial) to LMR (Low Medium Density Residential).
RES 029-2026
3. First Reading of an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code by changing the official zoning classification from C-O/PCD (Commercial Office/ Planned Commercial Development) to R-2 (Small Lot Single-Unit Dwelling).
FR ONLY
8.c. Public hearing to consider Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act Hearing on Behalf of the Housing Authority of the County of Kern (Ward 2) (Staff recommends Council conduct a public hearing, adopt the resolution and approve the Indemnification Agreement.)
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8. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS continued
item 8.c. continued
1. Conduct a public hearing as required by Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to receive comments relating to the plan of finance for the issuance by the Housing Authority of Kern of Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds in an amount not to exceed $7,000,000 of the Authority’s Revenue Bonds (Bonds) for the purpose of financing rental housing projects.
2. Adopt Resolution approving the plan of finance for the issuance by the Housing Authority of Kern of Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds in an amount not to exceed $7,000,000 for the construction of a 36-unit affordable housing complex located at 530 4th Street in Bakersfield California and certain other matters relating thereto.
RES 2026-030
3. Indemnification Agreement between the City of Bakersfield (City) and the Housing Authority of the County of Kern.
AGR 2026-033
8.d. Public Hearing to consider Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2022-177 with American Traffic Solutions, Inc. dba Verra Mobility (not to exceed $11,500,000 with Cost Neutrality Provision) for Photo Enforced Redlight Citation Program approaches throughout the City of Bakersfield.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2022-177 (1)
Consent Calendar Public Hearing items 8.a. through 8.d. opened at 5:41 p.m.
No one spoke in opposition or favor.
Consent Calendar Public Hearing items 8.a. through 8.d. closed at 5:41 p.m.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adopt Consent Calendar Public Hearings 8.a. through
8.d. Motion approved with Councilmember Weir absent.
9. HEARINGS
9.a. Public appeal hearing to consider Planning Commission's approval of General Plan Amendment No. 21-0424, Williamson Act Cancellation No. 25-0001, Exclusion from Agricultural Preserve No. 10, and its proposed mitigated negative declaration. Next Gen Engineering Group Inc., representing ORR Development 2, LLC, is proposing a General Plan Amendment, Williamson Act Cancellation No. 25-0001, and Exclusion from Agricultural Preserve No. 10 on approximately 28.91 acres generally located on the north side of McCutchen Road at Mountain Vista Road. The request includes:
(Ward 5)
(Staff recommends denying the appeal and upholding the Planning Commission’s recommendation.)
1. Resolution adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
RES 031-2026
2. Resolution adopting a General Plan Amendment to change land use designation from R-IA (Resource – Intensive Agriculture) to LMR (Low-Medium Residential)
RES 032-2026
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9. HEARINGS continued
item 9.a. continued
3. Resolution adopting the tentative Cancellation of a Williamson Act Land Use Contract and Exclusion of 28.91 acres from the boundaries of an Agricultural Preserve.
RES 033-2026
Lozeau Drury LLP, on behalf of Supporters Alliance For Environmental Responsibility (“SAFER”), submitted the appeal to the Planning Commission's approval of the request.
City Clerk Drimakis announced a staff memorandum was provided transmitting a letter from the appellant withdrawing their appeal.
Development Services Director Burns made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Hearing opened at 5:46 pm.
No one spoke in opposition or favor.
Hearing closed at 5:46 pm
Motion by Councilmember Koman to deny the appeal and uphold the Planning Commission’s recommendation. Motion approved with Councilmember Weir absent.
10. REPORTS
10.a. Recreation and Parks Department Tree Advisory Group Update. (Staff recommends acceptance and file of report and presentation.)
City Clerk Drimakis announced that a staff memorandum was provided transmitting a revised Presentation and a second one transmitting correspondence received.
City Manager Clegg made staff comments.
Assistant Director Howell and Supervisor Slayton, Recreation and Parks made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Tree Advisory Group Members Dr. John Karlik, Marcus Rodriguez and Conway Lopez made comments.
1. Eddy Laine (written material provided) spoke in opposition to the tree report.
2. Sharon Briel and Antje Laur spoke regarding the Tree Canopy.
Vice Mayor Kaur left the dais at 7:11 p.m., and returned at 7:14 p.m.
Councilmember Bashirtash left the dais at 7:21 p.m., and returned at 7:30 p.m.
Vice Mayor Kaur requested staff explore software that can be utilized for tree inventory.
Vice Mayor Kaur requested staff review current policies to identify opportunities to incorporate language on tree replacement standards and penalties for vandalism and related crimes, and present recommendations to the City Council for consideration at a future meeting.
Councilmember Arias request the Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods Committee be provided information about tree cuttings, removals, and plantings as part of their quarterly reports and that they define the reference term "underserved areas" as it relates to tree inventory and canopy.
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10. REPORTS continued
item 10.a. continued
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to receive and file. Motion approved with Councilmembers Weir and Bashirtash absent.
Mayor called for a recess at 7:22 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 7:30 p.m.
11. DEFERRED BUSINESS
11.a. Amendment No. 2 to Resolution No. 206-2021 to revise the Council Policy for Conducting City Council Meetings to adjust The Order of Agendas and Public Comment Procedures (SB 707 Updates).
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
RES 206-2021 (2)
Deputy City Attorney Zambrano made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint Presentation.
Motion by Councilmember Bashirtash to adopt staff recommendations. Motion approved with Councilmember Weir absent.
12. NEW BUSINESS
12.a. Consideration to Execute a Lease Agreement with an option to Purchase Property located at 1430 & 1440 Truxtun Avenue with Erwin LLC a California Limited Liability Company and appropriation. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
1. Agreement with Erwin LLC. for the lease with option to purchase of office space located at 1430 and 1440 Truxtun Ave. The lease term is for five years with an initial monthly base lease rate at $34,600 per month plus utilities and CAM charges. Included in the lease is an option to purchase the site with a sales price of $13,600,000 if we close by August 15, 2026, or $14,150,000, if we exercise the option by January 15, 2027.
AGR 2026-034
2. Appropriate and transfer $400,000 from the Capital Facility Reserve for expenditure on the due diligence to effectuate the purchase of the building.
Clerk Drimakis announced that a staff memorandum was provided transmitting the signed agreement and correcting scriveners’ errors.
City Manager Clegg and Assistant City Manager Hallen made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint Presentation.
Motion by Councilmember Bashirtash to continue item. Motion failed with Councilmember Bashirtash voting yes, Councilmembers Arias, Gonzales, Smith, Koman and Kaur voting no and Councilmember Weir absent.
Motion by Councilmember Smith to approve staff recommendations. Motion approved with Councilmember Bashirtash voting no and Councilmember Weir absent.
13. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS
Councilmember Gonzales expressed appreciation to City staff on the creation of the Bakersfield Community Land Trust which has resulted in a Bakersfield family having the opportunity to buy their first home.
Bakersfield, California, March 11, 2026 - Page 11
13. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS continued
Councilmember Gonzales requested the Housing and Community Development Committee agendize a discussion regarding the Cabaret Permit to evaluate improvements to the permitting process, update current policies, and consider modernization of the permit name.
Vice Mayor Kaur requested staff explore expanding the Equal Opportunity Assistance (EOA) Program policies to include business districts located throughout the City.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the meeting at 8:22 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
Bakersfield, California, March 11, 2026 - Page 12
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