ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 25, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: CONSENT - Resolutions TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Kristina Budak, Water Director
DATE: March 11, 2026
SUBJECT: Resolution Requesting City Council’s Authorization Enabling City Staff to Submit a Notice of Exemption
Concerning the Lower Kern River Restoration Project
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends adoption of the Resolution
BACKGROUND:
On November 5, 2025, City and River Partners Staff briefed the Council on the Lower Kern River Restoration Project (the “LKRRP” or the “Project”). The Project is intended to restore approximately 700 acres of riparian and upland habitat adjacent to the Kern River within City’s jurisdiction. Moreover, this Project has not cost City any financial resources , other than Staff time. To the greatest extent possible, this Project will utilize grant funding sourced by River Partners.
On January 22, 2026, and on behalf of the City, City Staff submitted to California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) a Statutory Exemption for Restoration Projects (SERP) Request Form. This submission marked City’s formal request seeking CDFW’s concurrence regarding the Project’s exemption from CEQA via SERP. CDFW informed City that the requested review typically requires sixty (60) days to complete.
However, on February 06, 2026, CDFW informed City Staff that it concurred with City’s findings that the Project is exempt from CEQA via SERP.
The Resolution currently before the Council authorizes City Staff to file a Notice of Exemption (NOE) concerning the Project with Kern County and the State Clearinghouse.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to the City.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Community Character & Quality of Life
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Resolution - Exhibit A
3. Resolution - Exhibit B