ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
MEETING DATE: August 5, 2026 AGENDA CATEGORY: Consent - Miscellaneous TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Kevin Albertson, Fire Chief
DATE: July 17, 2026
SUBJECT: Appropriation of $100,000 from the Fire Trust – Hazardous Materials Penalty Fund to the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA) Operating Budget to fund critical infrastructure and emergency response technology improvements that support the Department's hazardous materials program and emergency response capabilities.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the appropriation.
BACKGROUND:
The Bakersfield Fire Department (BFD) Fire Prevention Division administers the Certified Unified Program Agency (CUPA), which oversees the regulation of hazardous materials and hazardous wastes within the City of Bakersfield. A special CUPA Trust Fund exists for administering this State-mandated program.
Pursuant to Health and Safety Code 25404.1.1(I), funds collected through CUPA enforcement actions and deposited into a designated special account may be expended by the Unified Program Agency for related functions that directly support the CUPA program.
The Fire Prevention Division is requesting the appropriation of Hazardous Materials Penalty Funds to address several operational needs that directly enhance emergency preparedness, regulatory enforcement, and the Department's ability to effectively respond to hazardous materials incidents.
These expenditures are consistent with the intended use of Hazardous Materials Penalty Funds by supporting equipment, technology, and facility improvements that strengthen the City's hazardous materials program and improve public safety.
The total appropriation request is $100,000 and will be allocated toward the following projects:
Installation of two (2) split-system air conditioning units for the Fire Prevention/CUPA office area to provide a reliable climate-controlled work environment, protect critical computer and communications equipment, and improve operational continuity. Purchase of a tethered unmanned aerial system (drone) for the Incident Command Vehicle to enhance incident command operations by providing continuous aerial reconnaissance, improved situational awareness, and real-time intelligence during hazardous materials incidents and other large-scale emergencies.
Upgrades to mobile internet connectivity for both the Incident Command Vehicle and the Hazardous Materials Response Vehicle to improve field communications, increase data transmission capabilities, provide reliable access to emergency response applications, and enhance coordination with local, regional, state, and federal response partners.
Staff requests the appropriation of $100,000 Fire Trust Hazmat Penalty Funds to the CUPA Fund operating budget to fund the cost of these improvements.
FISCAL IMPACT: This project will be provided from the Fire Trust -Hazmat Penalty Account. The Penalty account is used for functions in support of the CUPA program.
COUNCIL GOAL:
Reliable Infrastructure
ATTACHMENTS:
None