ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: July 15, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Agreements TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Kristina Budak, Water Director
DATE: June 30, 2026
SUBJECT: Water Pipeline Crossing License Agreements with Railroad Companies along Berkshire Road
1. Agreement with BNSF Railroad Company (not to exceed $3,900) and
2. Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company (not to exceed $10,000) to allow construction of water pipeline along Berkshire Road (Ward 5)
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommend approval of the Pipeline Crossing License Agreements
BACKGROUND:
Lennar is proposing to develop a parcel of land e ast of a railroad line located immediately to the east of the T-intersection at Berkshire Road and Laredo Drive. As a condition of approval for the project, the developer is required to extend the existing water line eastward across the railroad track. U pon completion, this water pipeline will be owned and maintained by the City of Bakersfield.
To obtain approval of the proposed improvement plans, the developer must secure an easement from both Union Pacific Railroad and BNSF (the “Railroad Companies”). Both companies have drafted Pipeline Crossing License Agreements, 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 agreements and recommends that the City Council approve the Pipeline Crossing Agreements. 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 is no fiscal impact to City. The proposed water line will be bonded for by the developer, and the developer will pay all required fees to BNSF and Union Pacific Railroad for processing the agreement.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Reliable Infrastructure
ATTACHMENTS:
1. BNSF License Agreement – Berkshire Road
2. SJVR License Agreement – Berkshire Road