BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MEETING OF MAY 27, 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, Councilmembers Gonzales, Weir, Smith, Koman and Bashirtash (seated at 3:32 p.m.)
Absent: Vice Mayor Kaur, Councilmember Arias
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
2.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statement
Olivia Nazarson made comments regarding sewer rate increase.
2.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
The following made comments regarding Reports item 4.a.:
Lamar Brandysky, Deborah Newman (provided written materials), Veronica White, Donna Wilmot and Abdel Dialia.
3. APPOINTMENTS
None.
4. REPORTS
4.a. Presentation of Chapter 17.74 (Zoning) enacting regulations for Short Term Rentals The presentation will summarize the operating zoning regulations, the revenue and permit fee structure and its enforcement.
(Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the report.)
City Clerk Drimakis announced that a staff memorandum was provided for Reports item 4.a. transmitting correspondence received.
Deputy City Attorney King provided a PowerPoint presentation and Development Services Director Burns made additional comments and continued the PowerPoint presentation.
Motion by Councilmember Gonzales to receive and file. Motion approved with Vice Mayor Kaur and Councilmember Arias absent.
5. CLOSED SESSION
None.
6. CLOSED SESSION ACTION
None.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the 3:30 p.m. meeting at 4:15 p.m.
Bakersfield, California, May 27, 2026 - Page 2
REGULAR MEETING - 5:15 PM
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Goh, Vice Mayor Kaur (seated at 5:21 p.m.), Councilmembers Arias (seated at 5:35 p.m.), Gonzales, Weir, Smith, Koman and Bashirtash
2. INVOCATION
By Ron Birks, Navy Veteran and District Chaplain of Veterans of Foreign Wars, California, District 6 Post, Senior Vice President of VFW Post 10857.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
by Brody Pierce, Junior at Bakersfield Christian High School, Ford Dimension Dream Builder.
4. PRESENTATIONS
Proclamation to Jeremy Tobias, CEO of Community Action Partnership of Kern, declaring May 2026, as Community Action Month in Bakersfield.
5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
5.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
1. David Madding, Programs Director, Open Door Network, made comments regarding The Clean City Initiative.
2. Kazuya Kinjo Buckland, Evelyn Delgado (written materials provided) and Amanda Bluemel (written materials provided) made comments regarding Harris Road safety.
Vice Mayor Kaur requested staff re-engage with the Superintendent of Schools and identify ways to continue to increase public safety through infrastructure improvements.
Vice Mayor Kaur requested staff regularly engage with the neighborhoods surrounding Harris Road as the review and redesign discussions continue.
City Attorney Gennaro made additional staff comments.
3. Karina Funez and Yesenia Fernandez, Tobacco Coalition of Kern County made comments requesting support for a smoke-free parks policy.
Vice Mayor Kaur requested staff bring forward a discussion on smoke- free parks awareness to the Safe and Healthy Committee.
4. Evelyn Young Spath, Jeanette Richardson, Eddy Laine and Sharon Briel, Antonio Martinez made comments in support of Measure N match funds for Martin Luther King Park.
5. Antje Lauer, Natalie Lockard made comments regarding water in the Kern River.
5.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
1. The following speakers made comments regarding Consent Calendar items
6.f.14, 6.f.15. and 6.f.16.
Eddy Laine, Sharon Briel, Gitika Commuri, Robert Hooks, Rob Parsons and Valentina Gutierrez.
2. Darryle Abbott made comments regarding Consent Calendar item 6.h.1.
Bakersfield, California, May 27, 2026 - Page 3
5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS continued
item 5.b. continued
3. The following speakers made comments in opposition regarding Deferred Business item 10.a.:
Darryle Abbott, Arturo Saldana, Debbie Busby and Catalina Maldonado.
Terrence Moylan made comments in support.
4. Darryle Abbott made comments regarding New Business item 11.a.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Minutes:
6.a.1. Approval of minutes of May 13, 2026, Regular City Council Meetings and May 18, 2026, Department Budget Presentation Meeting.
(Staff recommends approval of the minutes.)
b. Payments:
6.b.1. Receive and file department payments from April 29, 2026, to May 12, 2026, totaling $23,364,101.85 as follows: department payments in the amount of $22,877,517.18 and Self Insurance payments in the amount of $486,584.67. (Staff recommends receive and file report.)
6.b.2. Receive and file department agreements over $40,000 and under $100,000 executed between April 29, 2026, to May 12, 2026.
(Staff recommends receive and file report.)
c. Ordinances:
6.c.1. First reading of an ordinance proposing to Enactment Chapter 17.74 to Title 17 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code related to Short Term Rentals. A finding that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act will also be considered (Staff recommends first reading of the ordinance and its notice of exemption.)
ITEM RMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. See page 11.
6.c.2. Adoption of an ordinance amending Bakersfield Municipal Code Section 1.12.010 by adding Annexation No. 709 consisting of approximately 105 gross acres generally located on the southwest corner of White Lane and South Union Avenue. (Ward 1) (FR 5/13/26)
(Staff recommends adoption of the ordinance.)
ORD 5215
6.c.3. Adoption of the following ordinances amending various sections of the Bakersfield Municipal Code (BMC) (FR 5/13/26)
(Staff recommends adoption of the proposed ordinance amendments and its accompanying Notice of Exemption.)
1. An ordinance enacting Section 8.27.012 relating to Lead and Substandard Complaints.
ORD 5216
Bakersfield, California, May 27, 2026 - Page 4
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
Item 6.c.3. continued
2. An ordinance amending Title 17, Sections 17.04.200 and 17.04.235 and adding Section 17.04.356 relating to Definitions; amending Sections
17.10.020 and 17.10.040 relating to Residential Zones; amending Section
17.24.020 relating to Uses permitted in the Regional Commercial Zone (C-2); amending Section 17.25.020 relating to Uses permitted in the Central Business Zone (C-B); amending Section 17.26.020 relating to Uses permitted in the Commercial Center Zone (C-C); amending Section 17.58.015 relating to Residential Parking Requirements; amending Section 17.64.060 relating to Director review and approval permits and conditional use permits-Hearing- Decision and findings; and amending Section 17.73.040 relating to Approval findings.
ORD 5217
d. Resolutions:
6.d.1. Resolution approving the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Capital Project List funded by Senate Bill 1 the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 and authorizing the Public Works Director to submit the project list to the California Transportation Commission. (Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 054-2026
6.d.2. Resolution approving an application to the Kern County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCo) to annex scarcely inhabited territory into the City identified as Annexation No. 725 (Calloway No. 18) generally located at the southeast corner of Calloway Drive and Tortuga Del Mar Drive. A Notice of Exemption will also be considered. (Ward 4)
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution and its proposed Notice of Exemption and adopt a resolution to submit an application to LAFCo to annex property.)
RES 055-2026
6.d.3. 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 056-2026
6.d.4. Resolution determining that office supplies cannot be reasonably obtained through the usual bidding procedures and authorizing the Finance Director to dispense with bidding for the purchase of office supplies from Stinson Stationers, Inc. thereof, not to exceed $400,000.
(Staff recommend adoption of the resolution.)
RES 057-2026
6.d.5. Resolution determining that HON furniture can most efficiently be obtained through cooperative procurement bidding procedures from Stinson Stationer, Inc., and authorizing the Finance Director to dispense with bidding for the purchase of office furniture for the Technology Services Department thereof, not to exceed $135,779.13. (Staff recommend adoption of the resolution and approval of the purchase.)
RES 058-2026
Bakersfield, California, May 27, 2026 - Page 5
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.d.6. Dispense with bidding for HVAC maintenance and upgrade services for Wastewater Treatment Plant III (Ward 7)
(Staff recommend approval of the resolution and contract.)
1. Resolution determining that HVAC maintenance and upgrade services can most efficiently be procured through cooperative procurement bidding procedures from Mesa Energy Systems Inc., dba EMCOR Services Mesa Energy and authorizing the Finance Director to dispense with bidding therefore, not to exceed $175,385.
RES 059-2026
2. Approve contract with Mesa Energy Systems Inc., dba EMCOR Services Mesa Energy ($175,385) for HVAC maintenance and upgrade services at Wastewater Treatment Plant III.
AGR 2026-090
6.d.7. Resolution of Intention No. 2260 for 2026-2027 CMD Budget for Street and Median Landscaping Assessments Preliminarily adopting, confirming, and approving the Development Services Director’s Report for the Consolidated Maintenance District (“CMD” herein) and the 2026-2027 CMD budget and setting the time and place for hearing protests regarding the amount of street and median landscaping assessments to be levied throughout the CMD.
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution of intention.)
ROI 2260
6.d.8. Resolution of Intention No. 2261 for 2026-2027 CMD Budget for Park Landscaping Assessments Preliminarily adopting, confirming, and approving the Development Services Director’s Report for the Consolidated Maintenance District (“CMD” herein) and the 2026-2027 CMD budget and setting the time and place for hearing protests regarding the amount of park landscaping assessments to be levied throughout the CMD.
ROI 2261
6.d.9. Resolution of Intention No. 2262 for 2026-2027 TSMD Budget for Traffic Signal Assessments Preliminarily adopting, confirming, and approving the Development Services Director’s Report for twenty-seven (27) Traffic Signal Maintenance District (“TSMD” herein) and the 2026-2027 TSMD budget and setting the time and place for hearing protests regarding the amount of traffic signal assessments to be levied throughout the TSMD.
ROI 2262
6.d.10. Resolutions of Intention to add multiple areas to the Consolidated Maintenance District and preliminarily approving, confirming, and adopting the Development Services Director’s Report:
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolutions of intention.)
1. ROI No. 2263 adding Area 3-123 (8339 Buena Vista Road): Street Tier = 2; Park Tier = 1.5 – Ward 5
ROI 2263
2. ROI No. 2264 adding Area 4-308 (1509 Potomac Avenue): Street Tier = 0.5; Park Tier = 0.5 – Ward 2
ROI 2264
Bakersfield, California, May 27, 2026 - Page 6
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
item 6.d.10. continued
3. ROI No. 2265 adding Area 4-309 (1213 Murdock Street): Street Tier = 0.5; Park Tier = 0.5 – Ward 2
ROI 2265
4. ROI No. 2266 adding Area 4-310 (340 S. Owens Street): Street Tier = 0.5; Park Tier = 0.5 – Ward 2
ROI 2266
5. ROI No. 2267 adding Area 4-311 (209 E. 10th Street): Street Tier = 0.5; Park Tier = 0.5 – Ward 2
ROI 2267
6. ROI No. 2268 adding Area 4-313 (346 S. Owens Street): Street Tier = 0.5; Park Tier = 0.5 – Ward 2
ROI 2268
7. ROI No. 2269 adding Area 4-314 (418 S. Williams Stret): Street Tier = 0.5; Park Tier = 0.5 – Ward 2
ROI 2269
8. ROI No. 2270 adding Area 4-316 (420 S. Brown Street): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 1 – Ward 2
ROI 2270
9. ROI No. 2271 adding Area 4-324 (1017 22nd Street): Street Tier = 2; Park Tier = 1 – Ward 2
ROI 2271
10. ROI No. 2272 adding Area 4-326 (809 Chester Avenue): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 0 – Ward 2
ROI 2272
11. ROI No. 2273 adding Area 5-142 (3615 Shellmacher Avenue): Street Tier = 0; Park Tier = 0 – Ward 1
ROI 2273
12. ROI No. 2274 adding Area 5-143 (2617 Norman Avenue) Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 1 – Ward 1
ROI 2274
6.e. Job Specifications and Salary Updates
None.
6.f. Agreements
6.f.1. Termination of Agreement No. 2025-024 with Psychiatric Wellness Center to provide intensive case management services to justice-impacted, chronically homeless individuals.
(Staff recommends termination of the agreement.)
Bakersfield, California, May 27, 2026 - Page 7
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.f.2. Agreement with Paymentus Corporation to provide electronic bill payment services for utilities, business licenses, and other customer charges. (Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-091
6.f.3. Agreement with Allied Managed Care, Inc. (AMC) (not to exceed $3,500,000), for Workers’ Compensation Bill Review Services.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-092
6.f.4. Agreement with Motorola Solutions Inc. (not to exceed $100,000), for their Investigative LPR Applications for the Bakersfield Police Department. (Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-093
6.f.5. Agreement with EMCOR Services Mesa Energy (not to exceed $259,126) to provide a temporary chiller for the Valley Children’s Ice Center to maintain the ice rink during the modernization of the existing ice plant.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-094
6.f.6. Design Consultant Agreement with Meyer Civil Engineering, Inc. (not to exceed $257,010), for the Carrier Canal Headgate Reconstruction Project. (Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-095
6.f.7. Median Fee Reimbursement Agreement with Summit Capital Ventures, Inc. (not to exceed $86,518.70), for median construction on East Panama Lane along the frontage of Tract Map 6712 Phases 1 & 2. (Ward 1)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-096
6.f.8. Transportation Impact Fee credit agreement with Summit Capital Ventures, Inc. (not to exceed $89,143.35), for improvements constructed on East Panama Lane. (Ward 1)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-097
6.f.9. Amendment No. 5 to Agreement No. 2020-178 with Housing Authority of the County of Kern (extend term to December 31, 2026) for Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention (HHAP) 4 Youth Rental Assistance.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2020-178 (5)
6.f.10. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2022-136 with Info-Tech Research Group (increasing compensation by $367,451.99 and extend term 2 years) to include their “Technical Counselor Membership”.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2022-136 (2)
Bakersfield, California, May 27, 2026 - Page 8
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.f.11. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2024-110 with Southstar Engineering and Consulting Inc. (to extended term date to May 15, 2027), for professional and virtual webmaster and content management services.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2024-110 (1)
6.f.12. Amendment No. 8 to Agreement No. 2020-004 with Superion, LLC (increase compensation $363,552.18, revised not to exceed $2,264,722; extend term to July 31, 2027), for ongoing software maintenance services for the city’s licensed programs as well as the development, installation, and staff training of various supporting applications.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2020-004 (8)
6.f.13. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2024-320 with Zencity Technologies US, Inc. (increase compensation $50,000; not to exceed $225,000), for reporting and analysis of community satisfaction with local law enforcement agencies. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2024-320 (1)
6.f.14. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2025-095 with Rancho Tree Service (incorporating a contract price increase of five percent (5%), increase compensation by $900,000; revised not to exceed $1,400,000; and extend term one year) to continue the supply of tree trimming services.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
ITEM REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. See page 11.
6.f.15. Amendment No.1 to Agreement No. 2025-096 with General Tree Service, Inc. (decrease compensation by $400,000; revised not to exceed $100,000; and extend term one year), to continue the supply of tree trimming services. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2025-096 (1)
6.f.16. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2023-148 with McCormick Landscape Service, Inc. DBA Venable's Tree Service ($100,000; revised not to exceed $393,928.52 and extend term one year) for continued streetscape and median landscape maintenance. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-148 (1)
6.f.17. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2023-147 with San Diego Landsystems, LLC (increase compensation $286,456; revised not to exceed $901,256 and extend term to June 28, 2027), for continued streetscape and median landscape maintenance. (Wards 4 & 5)
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-147 (2)
6.f.18. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2024-124 with Advanced Industrial Services (extend term one year) to provide On-Call Industrial cleaning services for the Wastewater Division of the Water Department.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2024-124 (2)
Bakersfield, California, May 27, 2026 - Page 9
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.f.19. Rental of slow-speed shredder for the Mt Vernon Organics Recycling and Composting Facility
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment and appropriation of funds.)
1. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. PW2025-035 with Bejac Corporation (increase compensation $116,122.72; revised not to exceed $546,898.52 and extend term to September 30, 2026) for the said rental.
AGR 2026-098
2. Approve appropriation $116,122.72 from Refuse Enterprise Fund Balance for a total not to exceed $546,898.52.
6.f.20. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2025-151 with AECOM Technical Services (increase compensation by $101,550; revised not to exceed $1,154,612) to provide engineering services for Wastewater Treatment Plant No. 2 and No.3 Upgrade and Expansion Evaluations.
(Staff recommend approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2025-151 (1)
6.f.21. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2023-118 with Power Solutions Group LLC (extend term one year), to provide On-Call Equipment Maintenance services for the Wastewater Division of Water Department.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-118 (1)
6.f.22. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2023-119 with Witcher Electric (increase compensation by $150,000; revised not to exceed $500,000 and extend term one year) to provide On-Call Equipment Maintenance services for the Wastewater Division.
(Staff recommend approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-119 (1)
6.f.23. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2023-120 with Industrial Electrical Construction and Maintenance (increase compensation by $100,000; revised not to exceed $400,000 and extend term one year) to provide On-Call Equipment Maintenance services for the Wastewater Division.
(Staff recommend approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-120 (1)
6.f.24. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2023-121 with Cannon (extend term one year) to provide On-Call Equipment Maintenance services for the Wastewater Division of the Water Department.
(Staff recommend approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-121 (1)
6.f.25. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2023-122 with Slater Plumbing and Mechanical (increase compensation by $100,000; revised not to exceed $200,000 and extend term one year) to provide On-Call Equipment Maintenance service for the Wastewater Division.
(Staff recommend approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-122 (1)
Bakersfield, California, May 27, 2026 - Page 10
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.f.26. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2023-123 with Quinn Company (increase compensation by $60,000; revised not to exceed $360,000 and extend term one year) to provide On-Call Equipment Maintenance Services for the Wastewater Division.
(Staff recommend approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-123 (1)
6.f.27. Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. 2024-157 Loop Electric Inc. (incorporating a contract price increase of seven and one-half percent (7.5%), increasing compensation $500,000; revised not to exceed $2,119,100, and extend term one year), to continue the supply of vehicle loop cutting and streetlight repair service. (Staff recommend approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2024-157 (3)
6.g. Bids:
None.
6.h. Miscellaneous:
6.h.1. Appropriate $400,000 from the Sewer Enterprise Fund (SEF) fund balance into the Public Works Department’s Capital Improvements Program within the SEF fund for the Sewer Lift Station Rehabilitation at Hageman Road and Allen Road project. (Ward 4)
(Staff recommends approval of the appropriation.)
6.h.2. Appropriate $77,250 grant funds from the California Governor's Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) to the Fire Department Operating budget within the General Fund to provide training to local Regional Task Force members and for the purchase of necessary equipment and training consumables.
(Staff recommends approval of the appropriation.)
6.i. Successor Agency Business:
None.
6.j. Public Safety/Vital Services Measure:
None.
City Clerk Drimakis announced a staff memorandum was provided regarding Consent Calendar item 6.c.1. transmitting correspondence in support of the item. Additional staff memorandum was received for items 6.f.14, 6.f.15, and 6.f.16. transmitting correspondence requesting the items be pulled for separate discussion.
Councilmember Gonzales requested Consent Calendar item 6.c.1. be removed for separate consideration.
Councilmember Arias requested Consent Calendar item 6.f.14. be removed for separate consideration.
Councilmember Gonzales abstained from Consent Calendar items 6.f.14 and 6.f.15 due to a campaign contribution made by the person or entity of a contribution of more than $500 within the preceding 12 months. Councilmember Gonzales voted on the remaining Consent Calendar items.
Bakersfield, California, May 27, 2026 - Page 11
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adopt Consent Calendar items 6.a. through 6.j. with the removal of item 6.c.1. and 6.f.14. for separate consideration. Motion approved with Councilmember Gonzales abstaining from items 6.f.14 and 6.f.15. due to campaign contributions.
6.c.1. First reading of an ordinance proposing to Enactment Chapter 17.74 to Title 17 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code related to Short Term Rentals. A finding that the project is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act will also be considered (Staff recommends first reading of the ordinance and its notice of exemption.)
FR ONLY
Motion by Councilmember Gonzales to approve Consent Calendar item 6.c.1. revising the ordinance to reduce the liability insurance from $1 Million to $500,000 and to compel short-term rentals platforms to collect transient occupancy tax directly.
Motion approved with Councilmember Weir voting no.
6.f.14. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2025-095 with Rancho Tree Service (incorporating a contract price increase of five percent (5%), increase compensation by $900,000; revised not to exceed $1,400,000; and extend term one year) to continue the supply of tree trimming services.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
City Manager Clegg provided staff comments.
Assistant City Manager Anthony provided additional staff comments.
Motion by Councilmember Arias to continue Consent Calendar item 6.f.14. to the June 10, 2026, City Council Meeting. Motion approved with Councilmember Gonzales abstaining.
Mayor called for a recess at 6:40 p.m. meeting was reconvened at 6:49 p.m.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.a. General Plan Amendment and Zone Change No. 24-0040 McIntosh and Associates (applicant), on behalf of Kern Land Partners LLC (property owner) is proposing a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change on approximately 5.39 acres generally located at the southeast corner of Ashe Road and McKee Road. The request includes: (Ward 7)
(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 060-2026
2. Resolution adopting General Plan Amendment to change land use designation from LR (Low Density Residential) to GC (General Commercial).
RES 061-2026
3. First Reading of an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code by changing the official zoning classification from R-1 (Single-Unit Dwelling) to C-2/PCD (Regional Commercial/Planned Commercial Development).
FR ONLY
Bakersfield, California, May 27, 2026 - Page 12
7. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS continued
7.b. General Plan Amendment and Zone Change No. 25-0008 Cornerstone Engineering, Inc. (applicant), on behalf of Calloway North Investors LLC (property owner), is proposing a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change on approximately 10.44 acres generally located on the east side of Calloway Drive between Tortuga Del Mar Drive and Snow Road. The request includes: (Ward 4)
(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.
2. Resolution adopting General Plan Amendment to change land use designation from R-IA (Resource – Intensive Agriculture) to LR (Low Density Residential).
3. First Reading of an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code by changing the official zoning classification from County A (Exclusive Agriculture) to City R-1 (Single-Unit Dwelling).
ITEM REFERRED BACK TO STAFF.
7.c. General Plan Amendment and Zone Change 22-0372 and its proposed mitigated negative declaration. Cornerstone Engineering, Inc. (applicant), on behalf of David Gill (property owner), is proposing a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change on approximately 2.5 acres generally located on the northwest corner of Stine Road and Ryzona Drive. The request includes: (Ward 7)
(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 062-2026
2. Resolution adopting General Plan Amendment to change land use designation from ER (Estate Residential) and SR (Suburban Residential) to HMR (High Medium Density Residential).
RES 063-2026
3. First Reading of an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code by changing the official zoning classification from R-S 2.5A (Residential Suburban 2.5-acre minimum) to R-2 (Small Lot Single-Unit Dwelling) Zone.
FR ONLY
City Clerk Drimakis announced a staff memorandum was received requesting Consent Calendar Public Hearings item 7.b. be referred back to staff due to an issue related to the public hearing notice.
Consent Calendar Public Hearing items 7.a. through 7.c. opened at 6:50 p.m.
No one spoke in opposition or favor.
Consent Calendar Public Hearing items 7.a. through 7.c. closed at 6:51 p.m.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adopt Consent Calendar Public Hearings 7.a. through
7.c. with Consent Calendar Public Hearings item 7.b. referred back to staff. Motion unanimously approved.
Bakersfield, California, May 27, 2026 - Page 13
8. HEARINGS
None.
9. REPORTS
None.
10. DEFERRED BUSINESS
10.a. Resolution adopting Sewer User Rates for Fiscal Years 2026-27 through 2030-31. (Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 064-2026
City Clerk Drimakis announced a staff memorandum was received transmitting comments in opposition.
Mayor Goh confirmed with Vice Mayor Kaur and Councilmembers Smith and Bashirtash who were not present for the Prop 218 Hearings that were held on April 22, 2026, and May 13, 2026, have watched and listened to the public comments on record to participate in the vote.
City Manager Clegg made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint Presentation.
City Clerk Drimakis made comments regarding Prop 218 Hearings:
Following the public hearings held on April 22nd and May 13th for the proposed sewer rate increase, I am providing the final report on the written protests received by the City. The City received a total of 1,403 protest letters. After careful review and verification, 1,186 of those protests were determined to be valid. For the proposed rate increase to be defeated by protest alone, the City must have received 53,212 valid protests by the close of the public hearing on May 13, 2026. As you can see, the number of valid protests received falls significantly short of that threshold. For the record, all 217 invalid protests were individually reviewed and verified. Those protests were deemed invalid for the following reasons:
• Property located outside the City’s sewer service area (some protests were received from residents in Lamont, Lake Isabella, Mojave, and Wasco); • Duplicate protests from the same property;
• Property not currently billed for sewer service (primarily vacant parcels); • No parcel number or address provided, making it impossible to verify ownership or connection to the service area;
• Lack of a “wet” (original) signature.
Staff completed a full accounting of the protests received and maintains documentation of every protest received and the reason for any invalidation. With only 1,186 valid protests against the required 53,212, the protest threshold has not been met. Therefore, the rate increase cannot be defeated by written protest and is now before the Council for final action.
Finance Director McKeegan made additional staff comments.
Councilmember Gonzales requested staff present a plan to utilize federal ARPA funding from the fund balance and allocate funds to assist low-fixed income families offset the sewer cost increases.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to deny Prop 218 Sewer Rate Increase. Motion failed.
Bakersfield, California, May 27, 2026 - Page 14
10. DEFERRED BUSINESS continued
item 10.a. continued
Motion by Councilmember Gonzales to pursue The County scenario in bonding earlier years and set year-one rate at $400, year-two at $500 and year-three at $600 and come back for Council discussion on year four and five and a three-year rate plan. Motion failed.
Motion by Councilmember Arias to adopt staff recommendations with direction that staff develop a one-time allocation appropriation to very low-and fixed-income households beginning next fiscal year. Motion failed with Vice Mayor Kaur and Councilmembers Weir, Smith, Koman and Bashirtash voting no.
Motion by Councilmember Smith to adopt staff recommendations for the Prop 218 sewer increase as presented by the City Manager. Motion approved with Vice Mayor Kaur and Councilmember Weir voting no.
Mayor called for a recess at 8:17 p.m. meeting was reconvened at 8:24 p.m.
11. NEW BUSINESS
11.a. Accept Bid and Approve Contract with Griffith Company for the 'H' Street Corridor Improvements Projects:
(Staff recommends acceptance of the bid and approval of contract, approval of the City-controlled contingency, and approval of the amendment.)
1. Accept bid and approve contract with Griffith Company for $14,372,735 authorize staff to approve, as necessary, up to $300,000.00 in City- Controlled contingency for unforeseen conditions during the construction of said project.
2. Approve Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2023-054 with Quad Knopf, Inc. dba QK (increasing compensation $150,100; revised not to exceed $947,435), for Engineering Design Services for the Corridor Improvements along 'H' Street - State Route 58 to State Route 204 Project. (Ward 2)
Public Works Director Meyer made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation. Assistant Public Works Director Archer made additional staff comments and continued the PowerPoint presentation.
Motion by Councilmember Gonzales to continue item to the June 10, 2026, City Council Meeting. Motion unanimously approved.
12. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS
Vice Mayor Kaur congratulated all graduates.
13. CLOSED SESSION
None.
Bakersfield, California, May 27, 2026 - Page 15
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the meeting in honor of Memorial Day at 8:48 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, May 27, 2026 - Page 16
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