ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: July 15, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent – Miscellaneous TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Zachary Meyer, Public Works Director
DATE: June 29, 2026
SUBJECT: Response to Grand Jury Findings and Recommendations regarding Traffic Calming.
[Document Description]
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends City Council authorize the transmittal of the response to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.
BACKGROUND: The 2025-2026 Kern County Grand Jury issued a report titled "Traffic Calming for the City of Bakersfield." The Grand Jury is a body of 19 citizens, independent of any political or special interest group. Grand Jury members have an avid interest in preserving honest and proper conduct of all government agencies in Kern County. Grand Jurors also possess the desire to ensure that all monies within these areas of government are being handled prudently and in the best interest of Kern County and Bakersfield City residents. The Grand Jury's purpose is to serve and assist the people of Kern County.
The Grand Jury has two basic functions:
1. Civil Function: In this capacity, the Jury has the power and duty to examine the function and performance of public offices and officers. They report their findings and can make recommendations for change.
2. Criminal Function: In this capacity, the Jury has the power and duty to inquire into possible public offenses and misconduct in office by public officers, and to determine whether to return indictments charging the commission of felonies.
This report addresses concerns about traffic patterns and speeding in the City. The findings in the report highlight some deficiencies in coordination between the Bakersfield Police Department and the Public Works’ Traffic Division regarding traffic issues. The report also provides recommendations to ensure proper reporting from constituents, as well as the implementation of routine reviews of traffic patterns and traffic calming measures. The Grand Jury Report and the response to the report are attached to this report.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact in responding to the Grand Jury.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Innovative and Efficient City Government
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Report – Traffic Calming City of Bakersfield
2. Grand Jury Responses Traffic 7-6-2026