ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: March 25, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Agreements TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Kristina Budak, Water Director
DATE: March 11, 2026
SUBJECT: Water Pipeline Crossing License Agreements with Railroad Companies along McCutchen Road
1. Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company (not to exceed $15,000) and
2. BNSF Railroad Company (not to exceed $3,900)
to allow construction of water pipeline along McCutchen Road (Ward 5)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend approval of the Pipeline Crossing Agreements
BACKGROUND:
Lennar Homes is proposing to develop a parcel of land along the north side of McCutchen Road. The project location is east of a jointly-owned Union Pacific and BNSF Railroad Track. As a condition of approval for the project, the developer is required to extend the existing water line along McCutchen Road to the west of the railroad track. Upon completion, this water pipeline will be maintained by the City of Bakersfield.
To obtain approval of the proposed improvement plans, the develop er must secure an easement from both Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railroad. Both Railroad Companies have drafted a Pipeline Crossing License Agreement, which must be executed between the City and Railroad Companies to facilitate the necessary improvements.
The Water Department has reviewed the proposed improvement plans and agreement s and is recommending the City Council approve the Pipeline Crossing License Agreement s. These agreements, which outline the terms for the water pipeline installation, are necessary to ensure compliance with project conditions and to allow the developer to proceed with the required improvements.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There will be no financial impact to the City. The proposed water line will be bonded for by the developer, and the developed will pay all required fees to Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF Railroad for processing the agreement.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Reliable Infrastructure
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Pipeline Crossing Agreement – Union Pacific
2. Pipeline Crossing Agreement – BNSF