BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MEETING OF APRIL 22, 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 (seated at 3:33 p.m.), Councilmembers Gonzales, Weir, Smith, Koman and Bashirtash
Absent: Councilmember Arias
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
2.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statement
Michael Turmipseed spoke regarding the budget (written material provided).
2.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
None.
3. APPOINTMENTS
3.a. Three appointments to the Planning Commission due to the term expirations of Daniel Cater (Ward 2) and Nicholas Strickland (Ward 4) on 04/30/2026, and the resignation of Candace Neal (Ward 1) to a term that expires on 04/30/2027. (Staff recommends City Council determination.)
City Clerk Drimakis announced two applications for appointment were received from Navdeep Brar, Daniel Cater and Nicholas Strickland.
Councilmember Gonzales on behalf of Councilmember Arias nominated Navdeep Brar, Ward 1
Councilmember Gonzales nominated Daniel Cater, Ward 2
Councilmember Smith nominated Nicholas Strickland, Ward 4
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur, to appoint to the Planning Commission Navdeep Brar, Ward 1, to serve a term to expire on April 30, 2027, and Daniel Cater, Ward 2, and Nicholas Strickland, Ward 4, to serve a term to expire on April 30, 2030. Motion approved with Councilmember Arias absent.
4. REPORTS
4.a. Resolution to adopt Council Policy establishing procedures for addressing Telephonic or Internet Service Disruptions during Council Meetings. (Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 046-2026
City Attorney Zambrano made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint Presentation.
Bakersfield, California, April 22, 2026 - Page 2
4. REPORTS continued
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to approve the resolution. Motion approved with Councilmember Arias absent.
4.b. Bakersfield Police Department Public Safety Update on reported crime, traffic conditions, and response times for 2025.
(Staff recommends the Council receive and file the report.)
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to receive and file. Motion approved Councilmember Arias absent.
5. CLOSED SESSION
None.
6. CLOSED SESSION ACTION
None.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the 3:30 p.m. meeting at 4:44 p.m.
Bakersfield, California, April 22, 2026 - Page 3
REGULAR MEETING - 5:15 PM
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Goh, Vice Mayor Kaur, Councilmembers Gonzales, Weir, Smith, Koman and Bashirtash
Absent: Councilmember Arias
2. INVOCATION
By Pastor Mercedes Tudy-Hamilton, Cain Memorial AME Church.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
by Brent Stratton, Assistant Chief of Bakersfield Police Department.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Retirement presentation to Greg Terry, Chief of Police, for 30 years of service to the City of Bakersfield.
5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
5.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
1. Adam Cohen served a notice of intent to repeal Measure N.
2. Wendell Wesley expressed regarding creative revenue ideas and concerns of road safety in his neighborhood for children and seniors.
Councilmember Bashirtash requested staff conduct a neighborhood traffic calming study near Rafer Johnson Community School located at 1001 10th St. (intersection of N and 10th Streets) and determine what, if any, traffic calming improvements can be implemented.
3. Johnny Olaguez made comments regarding the City Charter.
4. Justin made comments regarding bike lane safety on South H Street.
Vice Mayor Kaur and Councilmember Smith requested staff review the current widths of the bike lane and vehicle lanes on H Street for possible improvements to increase pedestrian safety.
5.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
None.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Minutes:
6.a.1. Approval of minutes of April 8, 2026, Regular City Council Meetings. (Staff recommends approval of the minutes.)
b. Payments:
6.b.1. Receive and file department payments from March 25, 2026, to April 7, 2026, totaling $18,388,245.52 as follows: department payments in the amount of $17,544,764.24 and Self Insurance payments in the amount of $843,481.28. (Staff recommends receive and file report.)
Bakersfield, California, April 22, 2026 - Page 4
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.b.2. Receive and file department agreements over $40,000 and under $100,000 executed between March 25, 2026, to April 7, 2026.
(Staff recommends receive and file report.)
c. Ordinances:
None.
d. Resolutions:
6.d.1. Resolution approving participation in the National Opioid Settlement Agreements and authorizing the City Manager or Designee to execute related participation documents.
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 047-2026
6.d.2. Resolution authorizing City's Application for US Bureau of Reclamation Snow Water Supply Forecasting Program Grant Funding Fiscal Year 2026. (Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 048-2026
6.d.3. Dispense with bidding for the purchase of driving simulator products and training services.
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution and approval of the purchase and agreement.)
1. Resolution determining that driving simulators and training services cannot be reasonably obtained through the usual bidding procedures and authorizing the Finance Director to dispense with bidding therefore, not to exceed $211,690.
RES 049-2026
2. Agreement with Driver Training Solutions, LLC, (not to exceed $211,690) to install driving simulators and to provide driving simulator training services for a one-year term.
AGR 2026-055
3. Authorize staff to approve, as necessary, up to $5,000 in City-controlled contingency for unforeseen conditions encountered during the installation and training process.
6.d.4. Resolutions of Intention 2256, 2257, 2258, and 2259 to add Areas 1-144, 1-145, 4-317, and 4-328 to the Consolidated Maintenance District and preliminarily approving, confirming, and adopting the Development Services Director’s Report:
(Staff recommends adopting the resolutions of intention.)
1. ROI No. 2256 adding Area 1-144 (VTTM 7522 – East side of Calloway Drive between Snow Road and Tortuga Del Mar Drive): Street Tier = 2; Park Tier = 0 – (Ward 4)
ROI No. 2256
2. ROI No. 2257 adding Area 1-145 (VTTM 7528 – NW corner of Snow Road and Verdugo Lane): Street Tier =2; Park Tier = 0 – (Ward 4)
ROI No. 2257
Bakersfield, California, April 22, 2026 - Page 5
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
item 6.d.4. continued
3. ROI No. 2258 adding Area 4-317 (700 Texas Street): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 1 – (Ward 2)
ROI No. 2258
4. ROI No. 2259 adding Area 4-328 (1500 & 1504 E. 9th Street): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 1 – (Ward 2)
ROI No. 2259
6.e. Job Specifications and Salary Updates
6.e.1. Amendment No. 47 to Resolution No. 44-93 setting salaries and related benefits for the Temporary Unit.
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 44-93 (47)
6.f. Agreements
6.f.1. Agreement with Versaterm Public Safety US, Inc. (not to exceed $165,000), for online public portal software that allows submissions of Internal Affairs complaints. (Staff recommends termination of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-056
6.f.2. Agreement with Community Action Partnership Kern (not to exceed $1,000,000 in HUD HOME Grant entitlement funds) to administer the HOME - Tenant Based Rental Assistance program.
AGR 2026-057
6.f.3. Memorandum of Understanding with Project Development Solutions for Kern Growth, Resilience, Innovation, and Technology Initiative (KernGRIT). (Staff recommends approval of the Memorandum of Understanding and authorize the appropriation.)
1. Approve Memorandum of Understanding with Project Development Solutions ($245,000 in California Jobs First Catalyst Funding) for the said project.
AGR 2026-058
2. Appropriate $245,000 California Jobs First Catalyst Funding to the General Fund Economic and Community Development Department Operating Budget.
6.f.4. Final Map, Improvement Agreement, and Landscape Agreement with Palmetto Estates, LLC Tract 7186 Phase 3 Developer is requesting to enter into agreements so the final map located on the southwest corner of Snow Road and Allen Road can be approved and recorded. (Ward 4)
(Staff recommends approval of the Final Map, Improvement and Landscape agreements.)
AGR 2026-059, AGR 2026-060, DEEDS 9968, 9969, 9970, 9971
Bakersfield, California, April 22, 2026 - Page 6
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.f.5. Final Map, Improvement Agreement, and Landscape Agreement with JP Land Development, LLC Tract 7262 Phase 7 Developer is requesting to enter into agreements so the final map located northwest corner of Reliance Drive and Berkshire Road can be approved and recorded. (Ward 7)
(Staff recommends approval of the Final Map, Improvement and Landscape agreements.)
AGR 2026-061, AGR 2026-062, DEEDS 9972, 9973
6.f.6. Final Map and Improvement Agreement with Old River Square, LLC for Parcel Map 12435 Phase 2 Developer is requesting to enter into an agreement so the final map located northwest corner of Panama Lane and Old River Road can be approved and recorded. (Ward 5)
(Staff recommends approval of the Parcel Map and Improvement agreement.)
AGR 2026-063, DEEDS 9961, 9962, 9963, 9964, 9965
6.f.7. Transportation Impact Fee credit agreement with Encanto Holdings LP and South Allen Partners LLC (not to exceed $81,813.93), for improvements constructed on South Allen Road. (Ward 5)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-064
6.f.8. Street Utility Cut Guarantee agreement with Ripple Fiber California, LLC that ensures the appropriate repairing and replacing of streets after cutting existing roadways to lay utility lines.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. See page 8.
6.f.9. Water Pipeline Crossing License Agreement with San Joaquin Valley Railroad along Atlas Court to allow construction of a water pipeline. (Ward 4) (Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-065
6.f.10. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2025-098 with the Housing Authority of the County of Kern to include an additional funding source (HHAP-5) for Operating Reserves and Supportive Services for 48 affordable housing rental units at 3201 F Street. (Ward 3)
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2025-098 (1)
6.f.11. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2024-102 with Wastewater Solids Management Inc. (extend the term by one year and increase compensation by $25,000; revised not to exceed $175,000), to provide digester cleaning services for the Wastewater Division of the Water Department.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2024-102 (2)
6.f.12. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2024-113 Ferguson Enterprises LLC (to accept a 3% contract price increase, revised not to exceed $397,428.93) for fire hydrants and fire hydrant parts.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2024-113 (2)
Bakersfield, California, April 22, 2026 - Page 7
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.f.13. Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. 2023-024 with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (increase compensation by $47,300; revised not to exceed $238,300 and extend the term by eight months), to provide design and engineering services for Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 3 Booster Blower Upgrade.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-024 (3)
6.f.14. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2023-105 with Bender Rosenthal Inc. (to exercise the extension of the agreement until May 10, 2028), for right-of-way acquisition services.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-105 (2)
6.f.15. Amendment No. 4 to Agreement No. 2023-100 with Bowman Asphalt, Inc. (increase compensation by $1,000,000; revised not to exceed $5,614,800 and extend the term by one year), to continue the supply of earthmoving & equipment services. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-100 (4)
6.f.16. Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. 2023-104 with Overland Pacific and Cutler (to exercise the extension of the agreement until May 10, 2028, and update the fee schedule to their current rates and staffing), for right-of-way acquisition services. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-104 (3)
6.f.17. Contract Change Order No. 3 to Agreement No. 2022-278 with Day’s Generator Service, Inc. ($34,852.03; revised not to exceed $968,153.03), for the Backup Generator at City Hall North.
(Staff recommends approval of the change order.)
AGR 2022-278 CCO 3
6.f.18. Basin 1 to 9 Turnout Reconstruction Project
(Staff recommends approval of the change order and appropriation.)
1. Contract Change Order No. 1 to Agreement No. 2026-022 with Remedial Transportation Services (increase compensation $86,125.10) for the said project.
AGR 2026-022 CCO 1
2. Appropriate $86,126 from the Agricultural Water Fund Balance to the Water Department’s Capital Improvement Program budget for the project. (Ward 5)
6.g. Bids:
6.g.1. Pavement Rehabilitation 2025-2026 SB1 - Stockdale Highway from Buena Vista Road to Old River Road.
(Staff recommends acceptance of low bid, approval of contract, and approval of City- Controlled contingency.)
1. Accept bid and approve contract with Cen-Cal Construction ($2,574,999) for said project.
AGR 2026-066
Bakersfield, California, April 22, 2026 - Page 8
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
item 6.g.1. continued
2. Authorize staff to approve, as necessary, up to $150,000 in City-controlled contingency for unforeseen conditions encountered during construction of project. (Wards 4 & 5)
6.h. Miscellaneous:
6.h.1. Appropriate $27,000 from Kaiser Permanente Southern California Fund grant revenues to the Recreation and Parks Operating Budget within the General Fund to provide swim lessons and passes to children and adults (Operation Splash). (Ward 2) (Staff recommends approval of the appropriation.)
6.h.2. Appropriate $750,000 from the Sewer Enterprise Fund (SEF) fund balance into the Public Works Department’s Capital Improvements Program within the (SEF) fund for the Sewer Improvements along Cottonwood Road from Pacheco Road to WWTP #2 project.
(Staff recommends approval of the appropriation.)
6.h.3. Appropriate $644,618.71 State Grant Revenues to the Police Operating Budget within the Supplemental Law Enforcement Services Fund (SLESF). (Staff recommends approval of the appropriation.)
6.i. Successor Agency Business:
None.
6.j. Public Safety/Vital Services Measure:
6.j.1. Design Consultant Agreement with QK design consultant (not to exceed $375,540) for Alondra Park Design project. (Ward 5)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-067
6.j.2. Design Consultant Agreement with QK design consultant (not to exceed $479,500) for Hershel Moore Park Design project. (Ward 7)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-068
City Clerk Drimakis announced that Consent Calendar item 6.e.1. contains a staff recommendation to adopt resolutions approving salaries and benefits for specified units.
Councilmember Smith requested item 6.f.8. be removed for separate consideration.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adopt Consent Calendar items 6.a. through 6.j. with the removal of item 6.f.8. for separate consideration. Motion approved with Councilmember Arias absent.
6.f.8. Street Utility Cut Guarantee agreement with Ripple Fiber California, LLC that ensures the appropriate repairing and replacing of streets after cutting existing roadways to lay utility lines.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
NOT APPROVED
Motion by Councilmember Smith to not approve and continue Consent Calendar item
6.f.8. Motion approved with Councilmember Arias absent.
Bakersfield, California, April 22, 2026 - Page 9
7. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.a. Public Hearing to Consider Resolution adopting fees pursuant to the cost recovery System and approving the Master Fee Schedule.
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 050-2026
7.b. Public Hearing to consider Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 HUD Action Plan Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG $4,054,795), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME - $1,572,489), Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA - $1,147,842), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG – $344,660) (Total – $7,119,786).
(Staff recommends approval of the 2026-27 Annual Action Plan and authorization for the City Manager to execute all documents necessary for submission to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).)
Consent Calendar Public Hearing items 7.a. and 7.b., opened at 5:47 p.m.
No one spoke in opposition or favor.
Consent Calendar Public Hearing items 7.a. through 7.b., closed at 5:47 p.m.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adopt Consent Calendar Public Hearings items 7.a. and
7.b. Motion approved with Councilmember Arias absent.
8. HEARINGS
8.a. Public Hearing to Consider Adoption of Sewer User Rates for Fiscal Years 2026-27 through 2030-31.
(Staff recommends opening the public hearing, taking public testimony and continuing the public hearing to May 13, 2026.)
City Manager Clegg made staff comments.
City Clerk Drimakis made additional staff comments.
Water Resources Director Budak made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Public Hearing item 8.a was opened at 5:58 p.m.
The following speakers spoke in opposition to staff's recommendation:
Wendell Wesley Jr., Dr. Nataly Escobedo-Garcia, Leadership Council for Justice and Accountability, Eric Orellana, Leadership Council for Justice and Accountability, Claire Collins (written materials provided), Tiffany Ayala, Genevieve Egana, Mark Adams, John Murphy, Catalina Maldonado, Isaias Pulido
Names called but did not speak:
Debbie Busby, Audel Contreras, Olivia Nazarson
No one spoke in favor to staff’s recommendations.
Public Hearing item 8.a. closed at 6:18 p.m.
Mayor called for a recess at 6:19 p.m. meeting was reconvened at 6:24 p.m.
Vice Mayor Kaur requested staff prioritize within this budget cycle for an assistance program.
Bakersfield, California, April 22, 2026 - Page 10
8. HEARINGS
item 8.a. continued
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to continue the Hearing item 8.a. to May 13, 2026, Council Meeting. Motion approved with Councilmember Arias absent.
9. REPORTS
None.
10. DEFERRED BUSINESS
None.
11. NEW BUSINESS
None.
12. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS
Councilmember Smith provided an update on the Jail Bed Task Force.
Mayor Goh expressed appreciation on a successful Great American Cleanup Event, thanking staff and Councilmember Bashirtash for the high school prize donation.
13. CLOSED SESSION
None.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the meeting at 6:46 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