BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MEETING OF JULY 15, 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, Councilmembers Arias, Gonzales (seated at 3:37 p.m.), Weir, Smith, Koman and Bashirtash
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
2.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statement
1. Eddie Laine, Sierra Club spoke in support of community input for Tree Canopy (written materials provided).
2. Raul Contreras spoke regarding two day live stage nuisance in his neighborhood.
Mayor Goh requested staff speak with Mr. Raul Contreras about his concerns regarding a business operating without the proper business license and the ongoing noise nuisance they are causing.
3. Abby Power, Policy Advocate, Leadership Council for Justice and Accountability spoke in support of reasonable times and outlets for community input for Tree Canopy and request an extension deadline to the General Plan.
2.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
None.
3. APPOINTMENTS
None.
4. REPORTS
None.
5. CLOSED SESSION
5.a. Public Employee Performance Evaluation – City Manager; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) / 54957.6
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adjourn to Closed Session at 3:41 p.m.
Closed Session meeting was adjourned at 5:11 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 5:13 p.m.
Bakersfield, California, July 15, 2026 - Page 2
6. CLOSED SESSION ACTION
5.a. Public Employee Performance Evaluation – City Manager; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1) / 54957.6
Vice Mayor Kaur announced City Manager’s evaluation has not concluded and will continue until August 5, 2026, City Council Meeting.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the 3:30 p.m. meeting at 5:13 p.m.
Bakersfield, California, July 15, 2026 - Page 3
REGULAR MEETING - 5:20 PM
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Goh, Vice Mayor Kaur, Councilmembers Arias, Gonzales, Weir, Smith, Koman and Bashirtash
2. INVOCATION
By Rick Anthony, Assistant City Manager
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
by Ariel Abrego, Public Works Department, City Summer Intern.
4. PRESENTATIONS
None.
5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
5.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
1. Abby Power, Policy Advocate, Leadership Counsel for Justice & Accountability spoke on behalf of Norice Torres regarding trash and safety on Filson Street near Cottonwood and East White Lane.
Councilmember Arias thanked Ms. Powers for relaying Ms. Torres comments and requested her contact information.
2. Manuel Ramirez, Lindsey Parker, John Harte (written materials provided), Serenity, Miguel Baustista, Carter Beardsley, and Charlotte Obrien spoke in opposition to ICE and in favor of a sanctuary City ordinance.
3. Justin Mokri spoke regarding a support letter for AB1599 for bus stop shade protection.
Councilmember Arias requested the Laws & Legislation Committee be presented with additional information on AB 1599: California Transit Stop Registry for discussion and consideration.
Vice-Mayor Kaur requested City Attorney’s Office organize a Truth Act Forum.
Vice Mayor Kaur requested the City Attorney’s Office prepare a policy relating to sanctuary city for City Council discussion at a future meeting.
Councilmember Gonzales requested staff present the topic of Sanctuary City Policy including a draft resolution outlining the City's position to the Laws and Legislation Committee for discussion and consideration.
Vice Mayor Kaur and Councilmember Koman supported Councilmember Gonzles referral.
5.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
Juan Hernandez Garcia, Field Representative from Assembly Bain's office, spoke in support of Consent Calendar item 6.f.4.
Bakersfield, California, July 15, 2026 - Page 4
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Minutes:
6.a.1. Approval of minutes of June 24, 2026, Regular City Council Meeting. (Staff recommends approval of the minutes.)
b. Payments:
6.b.1. Receive and file department payments from June 10, 2026, to June 30, 2026, totaling $37,375,062.34 as follows: department payments in the amount of $35,378,232.60 and Self Insurance payments in the amount of $1,996,829.74. (Staff recommends receive and file report.)
6.b.2. Receive and file department agreements over $40,000 and under $100,000 executed between June 10, 2026, to June 30, 2026.
(Staff recommends receive and file report.)
c. Ordinances:
6.c.1. First reading of an ordinance amending Bakersfield Municipal Code Section 1.12.010 by adding Annexation 722 consisting of approximately 82.1 gross acres, generally located along the east side of Ashe Road, between Romero Road and Engle Road. (Ward 7)
(Staff recommends first reading of ordinance.)
FR ONLY
6.c.2. Adoption of an ordinance amending Chapter 13.12, Section 13.12.030 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code related to Development Standards and Specifications. (FR 6/10/26)
(Staff recommends of adoption the ordinance.)
ORD 5221
d. Resolutions:
6.d.1. Resolution in support of the Establishment of a Dedicated “Kids Zone” Childcare Space within the Kern County Courthouse.
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 089-2026
6.d.2. Resolution providing for collection of delinquent sewer charges on the Fiscal Year 2026-27 property tax roll.
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 090-2026
6.d.3. Resolution determining that Motorola radios for the Technology Services Department cannot be reasonably obtained through the usual bidding procedures and authorizing the Finance Director to dispense with bidding and negotiate the purchase from Motorola Solutions, Inc., not to exceed $300,000.
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 091-2026
6.d.4. Resolution determining that Juniper equipment and software for the Technology Services Department can most efficiently be obtained through cooperative procurement bidding procedures from CDW Government LLC and authorizing the Finance Director to dispense with bidding not to exceed $500,000. (Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 092-2026
Bakersfield, California, July 15, 2026 - Page 5
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.d.5. Resolution determining that Badger Meter water meters cannot be reasonably obtained through the usual bidding procedures and authorizing the Finance Director to dispense with bidding and negotiate the purchase of Badger Meter water meters, not to exceed $1,552,500.
RES 093-2026
6.d.6. California Department of Parks and Recreation Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant
(Staff recommends approval of the resolution, agreement and appropriations.)
1. Adopt resolution authorizing entering into an agreement with the California Department of Parks and Recreation, as the Administrator, for the Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant for the MLK Jr. Park Re-Imagining and Revitalization Project.
RES 094-2026
2. Approve contract with the California Department of Parks.
AGR 2026-118
4. Appropriate $11,909,000 of Land and Water Conservation Fund grant to the Recreation and Parks Capital Improvement Program. Staff recommend approval of the resolution, contract, and appropriations.
6.d.7. Resolution of Intention No. 2275 adding Area 4-329 to the Consolidated Maintenance District and preliminarily approving, confirming, and adopting the Public Works Director’s Report: area 4-329 (737 10th St., 916 & 920 Q St.): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 1 = (Ward 2)
ROI 2275
6.e. Job Specifications and Salary Updates
6.e.1. Job Specification and Salary Resolution Updates (Staff recommends adoption of the new job specifications and resolutions.)
1. Amendment No. 2 to Resolution No. 145-2025 setting salaries and related benefits for the General Supervisory and Management Unit, updating unit name.
RES 145-2025 (2)
2. Amendment No. 3 to Resolution No. 145-2025 setting salaries and related benefits for the General Supervisory and Management Unit, updating salary
RES 145-2025 (3)
3. New Job Specifications: City Intervention Worker I #70100 and City Intervention Worker II # 70150
6.f. Agreements
6.f.1. Renewal agreement with GIS Planning Inc. (revised not to exceed $17,560 and extend term to June 11, 2027), for ZoomProspector Software, a GIS tool integrated into economic development organization websites to facilitate business site selection, property searches and location analysis.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-119
Bakersfield, California, July 15, 2026 - Page 6
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.f.2. Agreement with the 15th District Agricultural Association dba Kern County Fair (reimbursement to the City not to exceed $430,000) to provide security services for the 2026 Kern County Fair.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-120
6.f.3. Agreement with Kern County Superintendent of School Alternative Education Division (KCSOS) (not to exceed $220,000 to the city) to provide School Resource Officer services.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-121
6.f.4. Agreement with the County of Kern for the purchase of a Robotic Canine Unit for the Police Department to accept funding in the amount of $404,000 for the acquisition of a robotic canine unit.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-122
6.f.5. Quitclaim agreement with Calloway North Investors, LLC for purchase of Easement. (Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-123
6.f.6. Gosford Planned Sewer Area reimbursement agreement with Deertrail VAG I, LLC (not to exceed $510,450) for design and construction of a portion of the sewer improvements. (Ward 5)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-124
6.f.7. License Agreement with North Kern Water Storage District, BN Bakersfield 1, LP, for Tract 7093 Phase 3 ($6,000) to allow the construction of a storm drain line over an existing canal. (Ward 4)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-125
6.f.8. Final Map, Improvement Agreement, and Landscape Agreement with Owners and Contractor of Tract 6397 Phase 1 Developer is requesting to enter into agreements so the final map located northeast corner of Madison Street and East Berkshire Road can be approved and recorded. (Ward 1)
(Staff recommends approval of the Final Map, Improvement Agreement, and Landscape Agreement.)
AGR 2026-126, AGR 2026-127
6.f.9. Final Map, Improvement Agreement, and Landscape Agreement with Summit Capital Ventures, Inc. Tract 7468 Phase 2 Developer is requesting to enter into agreements so the final map located south side of Stockdale Ranch Drive, west of South Wegis Avenue can be approved and recorded. (Ward 5)
(Staff recommends approval of the Final Map, Improvement Agreement, and Landscape Agreement.)
AGR 2026-128, ARG 2026-129, DEEDS 10057, 10058, 10059, 10060, 10061, 10062, 10063
Bakersfield, California, July 15, 2026 - Page 7
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.f.10. Common Use Agreement with Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) to allow the construction of a road over an existing 34” High Pressure Gas Line within Tract 7468, Sheeran Drive. (Ward 5)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
DEED 10064
6.f.11. Street Utility Cut Guarantee agreement with Race Telecommunications, LLC that ensures the appropriate repairing and replacing of streets after cutting existing roadways to lay utility lines.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-130
6.f.12. Water Pipeline Crossing License Agreements to allow construction of water pipeline along Berkshire Road (Ward 5)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreements.)
1. Agreement with BNSF Railroad Company (not to exceed $3,900)
AGR 2026-131
2. Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad Company (not to exceed $10,000)
AGR 2026-132
6.f.13. Amendment No.1 to Agreement No. F25-009 Tates Janitorial Service Inc. (increase compensation by $60,000; revised not to exceed $120,000 and extend term one year), to continue the supply of Janitorial Services at the McMurtrey Aquatic Center. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2026-133
6.f.14. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. CA25-012 with Duane Morris (increase compensation $50,000; revised not to exceed $150,000) to provide outside legal services in the matter of City of Bakersfield v. BKR, LLC dba Ramada Bakersfield- North.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2026-134
6.f.15. Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. 2023-209 with Fruit Growers Laboratory Inc. (extending term one year) for analyzing water samples to monitor TCP levels in the groundwater and to verify removal of TCP, as required by Division of Drinking Water (DDW), for City of Bakersfield’s Municipal Water System. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-209 (3)
6.f.16. Amendments to Agreements for purposes of completing the Bakersfield Temple Project Environmental Impact Report (EIR)
(Staff recommends approval of the amendments and appropriation.)
1. Amendment No. 1 to Applicant/Reimbursement Agreement No. 2025-010 with HKS Inc., (increasing compensation $54,000; revised not to exceed $263,524.80), for the preparation of an EIR.
AGR 2025-010 (1)
Bakersfield, California, July 15, 2026 - Page 8
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
item 6.f.16. continued
2. Amendment No. 1 to Consultant Agreement No. 2025-011 with Impact Sciences (increasing compensation $54,000; revised not to exceed $228,604) to prepare an EIR.
AGR 2025-011 (1)
3. Appropriate the additional $54,000 (HKS Inc. contribution) to the Development Services Operating budget in the General Fund.
6.f.17. Contract Change Order No. 1 to Agreement No. 2025-199 with Bowman Asphalt Inc. ($41,545.38; revised not to exceed $561,151.38), for the Street Improvements:
Mountain Ridge Drive between Weeping Rock Way and Lustrous Lane. (Ward 7) (Staff recommend approval of the change order.)
AGR 2025-199 CCO 1
6.f.18. Contract Change Order No.4 to Agreement 2022-278 with Day’s Generator Service, Inc. ($45,161.89; revised not to exceed $1,013,314.92), for the Backup Generator City Hall North. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommend approval of the change order.)
AGR 2022-278 CCO 4
6.f.19. Contract Change Order No.1 to Agreement No. 2024-281 with Innovative Engineering Systems DBA Agilitech (90,228.34; revised not to exceed $1,231,922.75) for the Signal Coordination Part 2 at California Avenue between Mohawk Street & Oak Street, Stockdale Highway between Coffee Road and H Street, and Brundage Lane between Oak Street and Hughes Lane. (Wards 2 & 6)
(Staff recommend approval of the change order.)
AGR 2024-281 CCO 1
6.f.20. Contract Change Order Nos. 23, 35, 36, and 54 to Agreement No. 2024-235 (7th Movement) with Granite Construction Company (increasing compensation by $32,509.79; revised not to exceed $28,102,546.72) for the Centennial Corridor East Bound 58 to North Bound 99 Loop Connector Project. (Wards 1 & 2) (Staff recommends approval of the change orders.)
AGR 2024-235 CCO 23, 35, 36, 54
6.g. Bids:
6.g.1. Accept bid and approve contract to Best Contracting Services, Inc., Gardena, CA, ($143,656), for Roof Replacement at City Hall South, West Wing. (Ward 2)
AGR 2026-135
6.g.2. Accept bid and approve Agreement with Universal Wiring Group ($441,925) for New Automated Weather Observation System at the Bakersfield Municipal Airport. (Ward 1)
AGR 2026-136
6.g.3. South Mill Creek Village Fencing Project Accept bid and approve contract with DASH Construction Company, Inc. (not to exceed $329,360), for said project. (Ward 2)
AGR 2026-137
Bakersfield, California, July 15, 2026 - Page 9
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.h. Miscellaneous:
6.h.1. Appropriate $1,941,878.96 of Litigation Revenue to Domestic Water Fund Capital Improvement Budget.
(Staff recommends approval of the appropriation.)
6.h.2. Interfund Loan Policy
(Staff recommends Council approve Interfund Loan Policy.)
6.h.3. Response to Grand Jury Findings and Recommendations regarding Traffic Calming. (Staff recommends City Council authorize the transmittal of the response to the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court.)
6.i. Successor Agency Business:
6.i.1. Receive and file Successor Agency payments from June 10, 2026, to June 30, 2026, in the amount of $459,650.75.
(Staff recommends report be received and filed.)
6.j. Public Safety/Vital Services Measure
6.j.1. Accept bid and approve Construction Projects Agreement with Remedial Transportation Services, Inc. (not to exceed $436,925), for the Antongiovanni Park Grading Improvements Project. (Ward 7)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-138
City Clerk Drimakis announced that Consent Calendar items 6.e.1. contains a staff recommendation to adopt resolutions approving salaries and benefits for specified units.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adopt Consent Calendar items 6.a. through 6.j.
Motion unanimously approved.
Councilmember Gonzales left the meeting at 6:07 p.m.
Mayor called for a recess at 6:07 p.m. meeting was reconvened at 6:12 p.m.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.a. Public Hearing to consider Action Plan Amendment No. 2 to HUD Action Plan Fiscal Year 2025-26: Transfer funds from the Catholic Charities Food Bank Expansion Project ($645,344 CDBG) to the CAPK Friendship House Community Conference and Classroom Modular Project (Ward 1) for a total allocation of $645,344 to support the installation of a modular facility.
(Staff recommends the approval of the Action Plan Amendment.)
7.b. Public Hearing to consider Action Plan Amendment No. 3 to HUD Action Plan Fiscal Year 2025-26: Reallocate $250,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the Greater Bakersfield Legal Assistance (GBLA) ADA Improvement Project to GBLA Fair Housing Services to support fair housing outreach, education, counseling, and enforcement activities for low- and moderate-income residents. (Staff recommends the approval of the Action Plan Amendment.)
7.c. Public Hearing Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act on behalf of the Housing Authority of the County of Kern
(Staff recommends that the City Council conduct a public hearing, adopt a Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) Resolution and approve the indemnification agreement.)
Bakersfield, California, July 15, 2026 - Page 10
7. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS continued
item 7.c. continued
1. Conduct a public hearing as required by Section 147(f) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to receive comments relating to the plan of finance for the issuance by the Housing Authority of Kern (Housing Authority) of Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds in the amount not to exceed $5,500,000 of the Authority’s Revenue Bonds (Bonds) for the purpose of financing rental housing projects.
2. Adopt Resolution approving the plan of finance for the issuance by the Housing Authority of Multifamily Housing Revenue Bonds in an amount not to exceed $5,500,000 for the acquisition and rehabilitation of the project known as Baker Street Village RAD, a 37-unit affordable housing complex located at 1015 Baker Street in Bakersfield California and certain other matters relating thereto.
RES 095-2026
3. Indemnification Agreement between the City of Bakersfield and the Housing Authority of the County of Kern.
AGR 2026-139
City Clerk Drimakis announced that a staff memorandum was provided regarding item
7.a. transmitting a revised attachment.
Consent Calendar Public Hearing items 7.a. through 7.c. opened at 6:15 p.m.
No one spoke in opposition or favor.
Consent Calendar Public Hearing items 7.a. through 7.c. closed at 6:15 p.m.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adopt Consent Calendar Public Hearings 7.a. through
7.c. Motion approved with Council Gonzales and Koman absent.
Councilmember Koman returned to the dais at 6:16 p.m.
8. HEARINGS
None.
9. REPORTS
9.a. Approval of Temporary Grant-Funded City Intervention Worker Positions in the City Manager's Office Personnel Complement.
(Staff recommends approval.)
City Manager Clegg made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint Presentation.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to approve Reports item 9.a. Motion approved with Councilmembers Weir and Bashirtash voting no and Gonzales absent.
9.b. Presentation regarding the Bakersfield 2045 General Plan Update (Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the presentation.)
Development Services Director Burns made staff comments and introduced Della Acosta, Senior Planner, Rincon Consultants, who made additional comments and provided a PowerPoint Presentation.
Bakersfield, California, July 15, 2026 - Page 11
9. REPORTS continued
item 9.b. continued
The following made comments requesting extension of the comment deadline for community feedback; Abby Power, Policy Advocate, Leadership Counsel for Justice & Accountability, and Lytian Andrade Capellino.
Councilmember Arias left the meeting at 7:15 p.m.
Councilmember Weir left the meeting at 7:16 p.m.
Motion by Councilmember Koman to receive and file and add an additional 30 days and provide digital survey access. Motion approved with Councilmembers Arias, Gonzales and Weir absent.
10. DEFERRED BUSINESS
None.
11. NEW BUSINESS
None.
12. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS
None.
13. CLOSED SESSION
None.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the meeting at 7:18 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