BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MEETING OF AUGUST 5, 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 (seated at 3:34 p.m.), Gonzales (seated at 3:32 p.m.), Weir, Smith, Koman and Bashirtash
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
2.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statement
1. Ellen Schafhauser, valley watch network, and Serenity Hansford spoke in favor of sanctuary city.
2. Eddy Laine spoke in favor of additional trees (written materials provided).
3. Michael Turnipseed spoke regarding time for public statements, CAFR, and the Downtown construction on 18th and 19th Streets adversely affecting businesses.
Councilmember Gonzales requested staff make the process of financial auditing timelines to release financial reports to the public available on the public website.
Councilmember Gonzales requested staff continue to work diligently with downtown business affected by the 18th and 19th construction project to ensure adequate access to parking and to their business.
Councilmember Koman requested staff review questions related to the Truxtun Towers building and provide responses to Kern County Taxpayers Association Director Turnipseed.
2.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
None.
3. APPOINTMENTS
3.a. League of California Cities (CalCities) 2026 Annual Conference appointment of voting delegates
(City staff recommends Council appoint a voting delegate and alternate delegate.)
City Manager Clegg made staff comments.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to appoint Councilmember Koman as the voting delegate and Councilmember Arias as the alternate delegate. Motion unanimously approved.
3.b. Sixteen Appointments to the Youth Commission for the 2026-27, terms set to expire July 2026.
(Staff recommends Council determination.)
Bakersfield, California, August 5, 2026 - Page 2
3. APPOINTMENTS continued
item 3.b. continued
City Clerk Drimakis announced that sixteen applications were received from Shashank Ramasubramanian, James Roy, December Stoelting, Catelynn Hentges (incumbent), Jasmine Bajwa (incumbent), Mia Clifford (incumbent), Millicent Clowes, Nathaniel Catalan (incumbent), Teegan Lahammer, Sravya Pudipeddi (incumbent) Simar Singh, Imandeep Matharu (incumbent)
The following were appointed as regular members:
Mayor: – Mia Clifford
Ward 1 – Imandeep Matharu
Ward 2 – None
Ward 3 – Sravya Puddipeddi
Ward 4 – Nathaniel Catalan
Ward 5 – None
Ward 6 – None
Ward 7 – None
The following were appointed as Alternate members:
Mayor – Simar Singh
Ward 1 – Teegan Lahammer
Ward 2 – None
Ward 3 – Catelynn Hentges
Ward 4 – December Stoelting
Ward 5 – None
Ward 6 – None
Ward 7 – None
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to appoint nominations to the Youth Commission with the exception of Wards 2, 5, 6 and 7. Motion unanimously approved.
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 4:01 p.m.
Closed Session meeting was adjourned at 5:09 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 5:16 p.m.
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 been concluded.
Councilmembers Weir and Bashirtash expressed their dissatisfaction with City Manager’s performance and stated that they have no confidence in him.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the 3:30 p.m. meeting at 5:17 p.m.
Bakersfield, California, August 5, 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 Nathaniel Catalan, Ward 6 Incumbent Youth Commissioner.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
by Jasmine Bajwa, Ward 5 Alternate Youth Commissioner.
4. PRESENTATIONS
None.
5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
5.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
1. The following spoke in favor of sanctuary City: Denice Gary-Pandol, Ellen Schafhauser, Brandon Bane.
2. The following spoke in opposition of sanctuary City: Rod Guice (written materials provided), Cherisse Zelesky, Marsha Chamberlain, Andy Hensel, Charles Shinn, James Coyle, Don Miller.
3. Terry Maxwell spoke regarding past Multimodal Transportation meetings.
4. The following speakers registered but did not speak due to time: Glenn Clayton, Zachary Griffin, Nicole Young, John Harte, Michael Orloff, Jared R.
Gianquinto, Genevieve Egana, Rosario Romero, Harry Love, Patrcia Gomez, Socorro Velandria, Rose Clements.
5.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
1. James Roy spoke regarding item 9.a.
2. The following spoke in opposition to item 10.a: Bill Cooper, Mark Merrifield (written materials provided), Bo Koenig (written materials provided).
Mayor called for a recess at 6:14 p.m. meeting was reconvened at 6:22 p.m.
3. The following spoke by phone in opposition to item 10.a.; Sharon Brielle.
4. The following spoke in opposition to item 11.a.: Terry Maxwell (written materials provided), Charles Shinn, Don Miller, Craig Braun and Michael Hutson.
5. The following spoke in support of item 11.a.: Zachary Griffin, Cindy Parra, and Asha Chandy, Bike Bakersfield.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Minutes:
6.a.1. Approval of minutes of July 15, 2026, Regular City Council Meetings. (Staff recommends approval of the minutes.)
Bakersfield, California, August 5, 2026 - Page 4
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
b. Payments:
6.b.1. Receive and file department payments from July 1, 2026, to July 21, 2026, totaling $33,939,226.04 as follows: department payments in the amount of $20,262,491.22 and Self Insurance payments in the amount of $13,676,734.82. (Staff recommends receive and file report.)
6.b.2. Receive and file department agreements over $40,000 and under $100,000 executed between July 1, 2026, to July 21, 2026.
(Staff recommends receive and file report.)
c. Ordinances:
6.c.1. First Reading of an Ordinance - Zone Change No. 26-0001 amending Bakersfield Municipal Code Section 17.06.020by changing the official zoning classification from R-2/PUD (Small Lot Single-Unit Dwelling/Planned Unit Development) to R-2 (Small Lot Single-Unit Dwelling) zone on 20.56 acres, generally located on the westside of Old River Road, approximately 700 feet north of Panama Lane. Use of previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration is proposed. The applicant is McIntosh & Associates, Inc., representing Old River Properties, LLC (property owner). (ZC 25-0001) (Ward 5)
(Staff and the Planning Commission recommend first reading of the Ordinance approving the change in zone classification from R-2/PUD to R-2, and use of a previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration.)
FR ONLY
6.c.2. Adoption 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. (FR 07/15/26) (Ward 7)
(Staff recommends adoption of the ordinance.)
ORD 5222
d. Resolutions:
6.d.1. Resolution confirming approval by the City Manager designee of the July 2026 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 096-2026
6.e. Job Specifications and Salary Updates
None.
6.f. Agreements
6.f.1. Agreement with Rosedale Union School District (not to exceed $166,000) to provide School Resource Officer services.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-140
Bakersfield, California, August 5, 2026 - Page 5
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.f.2. Agreement with Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania (not to exceed $300,000) to provide Cohort 5 grant program evaluation services.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. See page 8.
6.f.3. Lease Agreement with Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services for Office Space at Brundage Lane Navigation Center located at 1601 East Brundage Lane to provide onsite mental health services. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-142
6.f.4. Agreement with Dee Jaspar and Associates Inc. ($219,995), to provide construction management and inspection services Water Well CBK-85 Construction Project. (Ward 5)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-143
6.f.5. Agreement with Provost and Pritchard Consulting ($148,200), to provide construction management and inspection services for the L-208 TCP Removal Project. (Ward 4) (Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-144
6.f.6. Final Map and Improvement Agreement with Summit Capital Ventures, Inc. for Tract 7405 Phase 3 Developer is requesting to enter into an agreement so the final map for located northwest corner of E. Panama Lane and Cottonwood Road can be approved and recorded. (Ward 1)
(Staff recommends approval of the final map and improvement agreement.)
AGR 2026-145, DEEDS 10066, 10067, 10068, 10069
6.f.7. Transportation Impact Fee credit agreement with Encanto Holdings LP and South Allen Partners LLC (not to exceed $49,990.32), for tract 7334 Phase 2 located at the northeast corner of South Allen Road and Panama Lane. (Ward 5) (Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-146
6.f.8. Purchase agreement and Farming Lease with Bolthouse Land Company, LLC ($600,480), for the purchase of future right-of-way located south of Stockdale Highway, East of Nord. (Ward 5)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement and lease.)
AGR 2026-147, AGR 2026-148
6.f.9. Amendment No.1 to Agreement No. CM25-055 with Helm Holdings LLC dba Name Role Value (increase compensation $190,000; revised not to exceed $290,000) for support with meeting Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG). (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2026-149
6.f.10. Amendments to ARPA Agreements with Willdan Engineering and Community Action Partnership of Kern
(Staff recommends approval of the amendments.)
Bakersfield, California, August 5, 2026 - Page 6
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
item 6.f.10. continued
1. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2024-309 with Willdan Engineering (reducing compensation from $400,000; revised not to exceed $240,000) to identify non-permitted Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) and assist households in bringing these structures into compliance; and
AGR 2024-309 (1)
2. Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. 2024-304 with Community Action Partnership of Kern (increasing compensation by $160,000; not to exceed $1,092,464.03) for implementation of the Home Repair and Weatherization Program.
AGR 2024-304 (3)
6.f.11. Amendment No. 4 to Agreement No. 2023-194 with Kern Masonry Structures Inc. (increase compensation $200,000; revised not to exceed $1,600,000 and extend term one year), to continue block wall repair. (Citywide)
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-194 (4)
6.f.12. Amendment No. 3 to Agreement No. 2023-192 with Centennial Asphalt Company (extend term one year) to continue the supply of asphaltic emulsions and sealant for the Streets Division. (Citywide)
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-192 (3)
6.f.13. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2024-249 with Accenture Infrastructure and Capital Projects (Accenture I&CP) (increasing compensation $1,382,021, revised not to exceed $4,873,610) for additional Construction Management Services of the 7th Movement Project. (Wards 1 & 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2024-249 (2)
6.f.14. Amendment No. 11 to Agreement No. 19-070 with AECOM (increase compensation $73,096.59, revised not to exceed $26,397,129.74) for Construction Management Services on the Thomas Roads improvement Program Centennial Corridor Mainline Project. (Wards 2 & 3)
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 19-070 (11)
6.f.15. Amendment No. 19 to Agreement No. 14-288 with Parsons Transportation Group, Inc. (increase compensation $138,103.41; revised not to exceed $43,237,362.33), for Design Support Services during the construction of the Eastbound SR 58 to Northbound SR 99 Connector Ramp.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 14-288 (19)
6.f.16. Contract Change Order No.8 to Agreement No. 2025-110 with JL Mc Daniels Companies ($36,621.04; revised not to exceed $877,501.72) for the City Hall South Annex Basement Remodel.
(Staff recommends approval of the change order.)
AGR 2025-110 (8)
Bakersfield, California, August 5, 2026 - Page 7
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.g. Bids:
6.g.1. Accept bid and approve contract with Unified Field Services Corporation ($676,857) for the L-208 TCP Removal Project. (Ward 4)
(Staff recommend acceptance of the low bid and approval of agreement.)
AGR 2026-150
6.g.2. Accept bid and approve contract with South Valley Companies, Inc. ($2,289,050), for the Water Well CBK-85 Construction Project. (Ward 5)
(Staff recommend acceptance of the low bid and approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-151
6.g.3. Stormwater Lift Station Rehabilitation at Chester Avenue and BNSF Rail Crossing (Staff recommends acceptance of low bid, approval of contract, approval of appropriation, and approval of City-controlled contingency.)
1. Accept bid and approve contract with GSE Construction Company, Inc. ($1,563,920), for said project;
AGR 2026-152
2. Appropriate $850,000 from the Sewer Enterprise Fund (SEF) fund balance into the Public Works Department’s Capital Improvements Program within the SEF fund for said project;
3. Authorize staff to approve, as necessary, up to $75,000 in City-Controlled contingency for unseen conditions encountered during construction of said project. (Ward 2)
6.h. Miscellaneous:
6.h.1. 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. (Staff recommends approval of the appropriation.)
6.i. Successor Agency Business:
None.
6.j. Public Safety/Vital Services Measure
6.j.1. Agreement with Trans-West Security, Inc. (not to exceed $250,000), for high-visibility patrol services.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-153
6.j.2. Economic Opportunity Area Grant Agreement with Arts Council of Kern (not to exceed $38,460) for site improvements that support reuse of a previously vacant structure. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-154
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adopt Consent Calendar items 6.a. through 6.j. with the removal of item 6.f.2. for separate consideration. Motion approved with Councilmember Bashirtash voting no.
Bakersfield, California, August 5, 2026 - Page 8
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.f.2. Agreement with Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania (not to exceed $300,000) to provide Cohort 5 grant program evaluation services.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-141
Motion by Councilmember Koman to approve Consent Calendar item 6.f.2. Motion approved with Councilmember Bashirtash voting no.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
8. HEARINGS
8.a. Public Hearing to Present Findings and Consider Adoption of Energy Savings Performance Contract with Willdan Energy Solutions:
(Staff recommend opening the public hearing, taking public testimony, adoption of the resolution and approval of contract.)
1. Resolution making findings authorizing entering into an energy savings performance contract for efficiency and infrastructure improvements projects.
2. Agreement with Willdan Energy Solutions (not to exceed $9,212,625) to implement energy savings efficiency measures, or other operating cost saving measures and equipment, as well as energy generation measures. (Ward 5)
Assistant Water Resources Director Maldonado made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation. Scott Strom, Willdan Engineering, continued comments and PowerPoint presentation.
Public Hearing item 8.a. was opened at 7:07 p.m.
The following speakers spoke in opposition to staff's recommendation:
Terry Maxwell
The following speakers spoke in favor of staff's recommendation:
None
No registered speakers by phone for opposition or favor.
Public Hearing item 8.a. closed at 7:14 p.m.
Deputy City Attorney Collom made additional staff comments.
Mayor Goh called for a recess at 7:46 p.m. meeting was reconvened at 7:57 p.m.
Motion by Councilmember Gonzales to approve staff recommendations. Motion failed.
Motion by Councilmember Koman to not approve staff recommendations. Motion approved with Vice Mayor Kaur and Councilmembers Gonzales and Smith voting no.
Bakersfield, California, August 5, 2026 - Page 9
8. HEARINGS continued
8.b. Public Appeal Hearing of Planning Commission’s Approval of Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 7500 (Phased)
(Staff recommends denying the appeal and upholding the Planning Commission’s decision to approve Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 7500 and its proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration.)
McIntosh & Associates, representing Franmar Company and Loyola Properties I, LP, is proposing to subdivide 39.92 acres into 208 single-family residential lots, 1 sump lot, and 4 landscape lots in the R-1 (Single-Unit Dwelling) zone located at the northeast corner of Old River Road and Mc Cutchen Road.
Consideration of a Resolution adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act and approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 7500 (Phased). Lozeau Drury LLP submitted an appeal to the Planning Commission’s approval of the request. (Ward 5)
RES 097-2026
City Clerk Drimakis announced that a staff memorandum was provided transmitting the applicant's response and one additional letter from an area resident.
Building Director Burns made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint Presentation.
Public Hearing item 8.b. was opened at 8:04 p.m.
The following spoke in opposition to staff's recommendation by phone:
Victoria Yundt
The following in-person spoke in favor of staff's recommendation:
Blaine Neptune and Sabrina Teller
No registered speakers by phone for in favor.
Rebuttal: none
Public Hearing item 8.b. closed at 8:17 p.m.
Motion by Councilmember Bashirtash to deny appeal and upholding the Planning Commission’s decision to approve the Vesting Tentative Tract No. 7500 as its proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration. Motion unanimously approved.
9. REPORTS
9.a. Bakersfield Youth Commission Annual Project.
(Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the presentation.)
Local Government Management Assistants Jaritza Nunez and Alex Hinojosa made comments and introduced Youth Commissioners who provided a PowerPoint Presentation.
Deputy City Attorney Zambrano made additional staff comments.
Councilmember Gonzales left the dais at 8:41 p.m. and returned at 8:43 p.m.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to receive and file presentation. Motion unanimously approved.
Bakersfield, California, August 5, 2026 - Page 10
10. DEFERRED BUSINESS
10.a. Consider Appeal and Planning Commission’s Approval of Director Review No. 25-0002 and Modification No. 25-0007 and its Notice of Exemption from California Environmental Quality Act. Scout Services requested a Director’s Review and Approval No. 25-0002 to installation of a lattice tower to accommodate the City’s public safety radio system and related installation of new equipment shelter and generator equipment, and Zone Modification No. 25-0007 to permit a tower height of 150-feet and located within 300-feet of residentially zoned property located at 1000 Buena Vista Road. Bo Koenig submitted an appeal to Planning Commission’s approval. The Public Appeal Hearing was heard by City Council on June 24, 2026.
City Council to act today. (Ward 5)
(Staff recommends the City Council deny the appeal, uphold the Planning Commission’s approval of Director’s Review and Approval No. 25-0002 and Zone Modification No. 25-0007 and adopt the Notice of Exemption.)
RES 098-2026
City Clerk Drimakis announced that staff memorandums were provided transmitting correspondence received.
Assistant Technology Services Director Reed made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint presentation.
City Manager Clegg made additional staff comments.
Gary Durbin, Project Manager, Site Development, Western Region Motorola Solutions, Inc., made additional comments.
Councilmember Smith stated that he was not at the initial public hearing, but he did review the materials.
Motion by Councilmember Koman to uphold the appeal and deny staff’s recommendation to approve director’s review number 25-00002. Motion approved with Councilmember Arias and Gonzales voting no.
11. NEW BUSINESS
11.a. Resolution Adopting a Traffic Safety Policy for the construction and improvement of city streets.
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 099-2026
City Clerk announced a staff memorandum was received transmitting correspondence in opposition to the agenda item.
Public Works Director Meyers made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint Presentation.
Motion by Councilmember Bashirtash to not approve staff recommendations. Motion failed.
Motion by Councilmember Smith to approve staff recommendations. Motion approved with Councilmembers Weir, Koman and Bashirtash voting no.
Bakersfield, California, August 5, 2026 - Page 11
12. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS
Councilmember Weir left the meeting at 9:50 p.m.
Councilmember Koman shared appreciation of the Sister City Program with the opportunity in hosting students from Wakayama, Japan.
Councilmember Gonzales requested staff review the downtown corridor's diagonal parking policy for potential updates, specifically to lower the required net space minimum from four spaces to one.
Councilmember Bashirtash requested staff to immediately cease all work and preparation regarding any Sanctuary Act or Truth Act meetings from this moment forward.
Councilmember Arias expressed appreciation to staff for their assistance in the massive illegal dumping situation, located at Planz Road and Martin Luther King Boulevard.
Councilmember Arias requested staff to review construction specifications to permit recycled Class 2 base material instead of virgin Class 2 base material where applicable, aiming to reduce material costs for affordable housing developments.
Councilmember Arias requested staff present an agenda item for City Council consideration regarding the allocation of contingency funds to mitigate and abate illegal dumping on Planz Road and Hale Street at the next meeting.
13. CLOSED SESSION
None.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh expressed well wishes for a great school year to all students and adjourned the meeting at 9:56 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, August 5, 2026 - Page 12
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