BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MEETING OF AUGUST 26, 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, Councilmembers Arias, Gonzales, Weir, Smith, Koman and Bashirtash
Absent: Vice Mayor Kaur
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
2.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statement
1. Frances White spoke by phone regarding a pilot program for lower income families, mentoring and co-op.
2. Don Miller and Michael Orloff spoke regarding Rule of Law Policy and opposition to Sanctuary City.
3. Millicent Clowes spoke regarding Youth Commission appointment.
2.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
None.
5. APPOINTMENTS
None.
5. REPORTS
None.
5. CLOSED SESSION
5.a. Conference with Legal Counsel – Personnel Matter; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.7(b)(1)/54957.6 Conference to conduct interviews and to consider/discuss the employment/appointment of a Chief Assistant City Attorney applicant.
5.b. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) regarding Melrose Gabriel Flores, a minor by and through her guardian ad litem Sabrina Rico v. Julian Garcia, City of Bakersfield, et al. Kern County Superior Court Case No. BCV-24-104377
Motion by Mayor Goh to adjourn to Closed Session at 3:44 p.m.
Closed Session meeting was adjourned at 5:02 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 5:03 p.m.
Bakersfield, California, August 26, 2026 - Page 2
6. CLOSED SESSION ACTION
5.a. Conference with Legal Counsel – Personnel Matter; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.7(b)(1)/54957.6 Conference to conduct interviews and to consider/discuss the employment/appointment of a Chief Assistant City Attorney applicants.
Councilmember Gonzales announced that Council has concluded its interviews for Chief Assistant City Attorney and has offered the position to Ashley Zabramno. Council directs the City Attorney to draft employment contract for the Chief Assistant City Attorney and bring the contract to the City Council Meeting for a vote on September 16, 2026.
5.b. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) regarding Melrose Gabriel Flores, a minor by and through her guardian ad litem Sabrina Rico v. Julian Garcia, City of Bakersfield, et al. Kern County Superior Court Case No. BCV-24-104377
City Attorney announced by a unanimous vote of 6-0 with Vice Mayor Kaur absent City Attorney was given direction.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the 3:30 p.m. meeting at 5:03 p.m.
Bakersfield, California, August 26, 2026 - Page 3
REGULAR MEETING - 5:15 PM
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Goh, Councilmembers Arias, Gonzales, Weir, Smith, Koman and Bashirtash
Absent: Vice Mayor Kaur
2. INVOCATION
By Fr. Jimmy Millan, Vicar at St. Joseph Catholic Church.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
by Michelle Antongiovanni, Senior, Garces Memorial High School and Ford Dimension Dream Builder.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Proclamation to Leslie Bloomquist and Mary Stanley of Baby Café, Monica De Los Santos of Clinica Sierra Vista WIC, Marissa Reynoso-Ortiz and Katie Reynoso of Community Action Partnership of Kern WIC, and Terriva Porter of the Kern County Breastfeeding Coalition, declaring National Breastfeeding Month in Bakersfield during August 2026.
4.b. Proclamation to Giselle Guerrero, President, and Claudia Guerrero, Vice President, of GG the Warrior, declaring Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in Bakersfield during September 2026.
5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
5.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
The following spoke by phone:
1. Alejandra Garcia spoke regarding more community input for the General Plan Update.
2. Ariel Dyer spoke in opposition to Flock Cameras.
Councilmember Gonzales requested staff reach out to Ms. Dyer regarding her concerns.
The following spoke in person:
1. Denise L. Gary-Pandol, Rod Guice and Rev. Dr. Angel Frazier requesting rule and law resolution and oppose a Sanctuary City.
2. Nataly Santamaria, Abbey Power (written material provided), Lytian Andrade- Capellino spoke regarding community forum input for the General Plan Update.
Councilmember Gonzales requested staff to prepare notices in multiple languages for future outreach meetings.
3. Klaus Valenti, Maria Stalcup and Brandon Bane spoke in opposition to Flock Cameras.
4. Jason Cipriano spoke regarding parking policy for schools for the Police department.
Bakersfield, California, August 26, 2026 - Page 4
5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
5.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
1. Karina Funez, Blue Zone Projects Bakersfield, Crystal Burges, Bernardo Ochoa, Tobacco Free Coalition of Kern County (written materials provided) Nataly SantaMaria and Lawrence Salcido spoke regarding Consent Calendar item 6.c.4.
2. Leticia Luzvano (written materials provided), and Josie Sarullo (written materials provided) spoke regarding Consent Calendar item 6.f.3.
Councilmember Gonzales requested staff coordinate another neighborhood walk along Union Ave and revisit discussions on the plan of action with short-, mid-, and long-term goals to address systematic issues that exist on Union Ave.
3. Denice Gary-Pandol spoke regarding error of minutes for sanctuary city opposition.
4. Ricardo Del Hoyo spoke regarding Consent Calendar item 6.d.2.
5. Magnus Lightbourn spoke regarding high-speed fiber optic internet service.
6. Abbey Power, Nuris Torres, Johnny Olaguez - Dump sites, spoke regarding New Business item 11.a.
Councilmember Arias requested City Attorney's Office schedule a follow-up meeting with Ms. Torres, Ward 1 and the Police Department to discuss ongoing neighborhood challenges as expressed by Ms. Torres.
Mayor Goh called for a recess at 6:37 p.m. meeting was reconvened at 6:47 p.m.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Minutes:
6.a.1. Approval of minutes of August 5, 2026, Regular City Council Meetings. (Staff recommends approval of the minutes.)
b. Payments:
6.b.1. Receive and file department payments from July 22, 2026, to August 11, 2026, totaling $95,975,429.61 as follows: department payments in the amount of $92,505,773.02 and Self Insurance payments in the amount of $3,469,656.59. (Staff recommends receive and file report.)
6.b.2. Receive and file department agreements over $40,000 and under $100,000 executed between July 22, 2026, to August 11, 2026.
(Staff recommends receive and file report.)
c. Ordinances:
6.c.1. First Reading of an Ordinance amending Bakersfield Municipal Code Section
1.12.070 by adding Annexation No. 723 consisting of approximately 26.32 gross acres to Ward 2, generally located on the northwest corner of Washington Street and East Belle Terrace. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends first reading of the ordinance.)
FR ONLY
Bakersfield, California, August 26, 2026 - Page 5
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
6.c.2. First Reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 15.65 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code relating to the California Fire Code and Chapter 8.60 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code relating to the Certified Unified Program Agency. (Staff recommends first reading of the ordinance.)
FR ONLY
6.c.3. Adoption of ordinance amending the Bakersfield Municipal Code Section 17.06.020 by 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. The applicant is McIntosh & Associates, Inc., representing Old River Properties, LLC (property owner). (Zone Change No. 26-0001) (FR 8/5/2026) (Ward 5)
(Staff recommends adoption of the ordinance.)
ORD 5223
6.c.4. First Reading of the following ordinances amending various sections of the Bakersfield Municipal Code:
(Staff recommends first reading of the amendments.)
1. Re-enacting Chapter 3.12, Sections 3.12.010, 3.12.020, 3.12.030, 3.12.040, and 3.12.050 relating to Claims made Against the City.
2. Amending Section 12.56.050 relating to Prohibited Acts in Parks.
3. Amending Chapter 14.02, Sections 14.02.010, 14.02.020, 14.02.030,
14.02.035, 14.02.040, and 14.02.045 relating to Water Use Regulations.
REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. See page 11.
d. Resolutions:
6.d.1. Resolution confirming approval by the City Manager designee of the August 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 100-2026
6.d.2. Resolution Approving the Application for Climate Bond Grant Funds for the Urban Greening Program. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 101-2026
6.d.3. Resolution designating Certifying Officers for HUD Environmental Review Records pursuant to the requirements of the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 102-2026
6.d.4. Resolution authorizing City Staff to submit an Out-of-Agency Service Area Application to Kern LAFCo.
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 103-2026
Bakersfield, California, August 26, 2026 - Page 6
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
6.d.5. Resolution determining that Globe® Turnout Clothing is the Bakersfield Fire Department standard and it cannot be reasonably obtained through the usual bidding procedures and authorizing the Finance Director to dispense with bidding thereof, not to exceed $395,700.
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 104-2026
6.d.6. Resolutions of Intention (ROI) to add multiple areas to the Consolidated Maintenance District and preliminarily approving, confirming, and adopting the Development Services Director’s Report for each:
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolutions of intention.)
1. ROI No. 2276 adding Area 4-333 (530 4th Street): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 1 – (Ward 2)
ROI 2276
2. ROI No. 2277 adding Area 5-145 (1203 E. Planz Road): Street Tier= 1; Park Tier = 1 – (Ward 1)
ROI 2277
3. ROI No. 2278 adding Area 3-126 (West side of Ashe Road; South of Taft Highway): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 1.5 – (Ward 7)
ROI 2278
4. ROI No. 2279 adding Area 4-323 (103 King Street): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 1 – (Ward 2)
ROI 2279
5. ROI No. 2280 adding Area 4-325 (3315 Union Avenue): Street Tier= 1; Park Tier = 0 – (Ward 3)
ROI 2280
6. ROI No. 2281 adding Area 4-330 (2709 & 2713 Haley Street): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 1 – (Ward 3)
ROI 2281
7. ROI No. 2282 adding Area 4-331 (2922 V Street & 230 20th Street): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 0 – (Ward 2)
ROI 2282
8. ROI No. 2283 adding Area 5-146 (2006 Planz Road): Street 1; Park Tier = 1 (Ward 1)
ROI 2283
6.e. Job Specifications and Salary Updates
6.e.1. Job Specification and Salary Resolution Updates
(Staff recommends adoption of the new and revised job specifications, Resolutions, and adopted Salary Schedule.)
1. Revised Job Specification: Development Services Director # 89460
Bakersfield, California, August 26, 2026 - Page 7
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
item 6.e.1. continued
2. New Job Specifications: Deputy Development Services Director # 89475.
3. Amendment No. 4 to Resolution No. 145-2025 setting salaries and related benefits for the Unrepresented, General Supervisory, and Management Unit, updating unit name.
RES 145-2025 (4)
4. Amendment No. 48 to Resolution No. 44-93 setting salaries and related benefits for the Temporary Unit.
RES 44-93 (48)
5. Adopted and Complete Salary Schedule for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
6.f. Agreements
6.f.1. Agreement with Magnet Forensics LLC (not to exceed $195,000) for GrayKey Software, a data extraction forensic tool.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-155
6.f.2. Agreement with Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) (not to exceed $231,048) to provide $231,048 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for solar installation at the Friendship House Community Center. (Ward 1) (Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-156
6.f.3. Agreement with Community Action Partnership of Kern, (CAPK) ($647,656), Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention Round 4 (HHAP-4) for the Ramkabir Permanent Supportive Housing Project. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-157
6.f.4. Agreement with Valley Elevator, Inc. (not to exceed $350,000 for a one-year term), to provide On-Call Services. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-158
6.f.5. Street Utility Cut Guarantee agreement with Ripple Fiber California, 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 2026-159
6.f.6. Final Map, Improvement Agreement, and Landscape Agreement with Future Value Construction, Inc Tract 6850 Phase 2 Owner and Trustee are requesting to enter into agreements so the final map located northwest corner of Lake Ming Blvd and Old Alfred Harrell Hwy can be approved and recorded. (Ward 3) (Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-160, AGR 161, DEEDS
Bakersfield, California, August 26, 2026 - Page 8
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
6.f.7. Final Map, Improvement Agreement and Landscape Agreement with Encanto Gardens IV, LLC, for Tract 7408 Phase 3 Developer is requesting to enter into agreements so the final map located on the Northeast corner of South Allen Road and Pensinger Road can be approved and recorded. (Ward 5) (Staff recommends approval of the final map, improvement and landscape agreements.)
AGR 2026-162, AGR 2026-163, DEEDS 10073, 10074, 10075, 10076, 10077
6.f.8. Landscape Maintenance and License Agreement with Old River Apartments, LLC, for licensee to provide regular landscape maintenance at no cost to the city for the Old River Apartments located at 9707 Sherborne Avenue. (Ward 5) (Staff recommends approval of the agreement and lease.)
AGR 2026-164
6.f.9. Agreement with Provost and Pritchard Consulting Group (not to exceed $173,600) for design of McCutchen Road At-Grade Improvements.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-165
6.f.10. Environmental Impact Report (EIR) for 7th Standard Marketplace Planned Development Review No. 25-0022. (Ward 4)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreements and the appropriation of funds.)
1. Agreement with Costco Wholesale Corporation ($164,853) for the preparation of an EIR.
AGR 2026-166
2. Agreement with Impact Sciences, Inc. ($124,853) to assist the City in preparing the EIR.
AGR 2026-167
3. Appropriate $164,483 (Costco Wholesale Corporation) to the Development Services Operating budget in the General Fund.
6.f.11. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. WR25-037 with Franzenburg LLC (increase compensation by $300,000; revised not to exceed $400,000 and extend term one year), to provide sludge dewatering centrifuge repair and maintenance for the Wastewater Division.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2026-168
6.f.12. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. WR25-038 with Sentrimax Centrifuges Inc. (increase compensation by $400,000; revised not to exceed $500,000 and extend term one year), to provide sludge dewatering centrifuge repair and maintenance for the Wastewater Division.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2026-169
6.f.13. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2024-245 with Kern Sprinkler Landscaping Inc. (increase compensation by $420,000, revised not to exceed amount of $1,838,174.98; and extend term one year), to continue the supply of On-Call Irrigation & Landscaping Service.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2024-245(2)
Bakersfield, California, August 26, 2026 - Page 9
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.f.14. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2025-090 with Unified Field Services (to increase the compensation by $1,500,000; revised not to exceed $5,000,000) to provide on-call construction services for the Water Department. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2025-090 (1)
6.f.15. Amendment No. 6 to Agreement No. 2023-238 with J.L. Plank, Inc., dba Cen-Cal Construction (increase by $4,000,000, revised not to exceed $11,871,500; and extend term one year), to continue the supply of concrete construction. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-238 (6)
6.f.16. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement 2025-170 with Los Dos Hermanos Trash Crew LLC (increase compensation $200,000, revised not to exceed $275,000, and extend term to September 10, 2027), for tree trimming and bulky item services. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2025-170 (1)
6.f.17. Contract Change Order No. 7 to Agreement No. 2024-192 with C.A Rasmussen Inc. ($92,583.43; revised not to exceed $16,538,880.19), for the Friant Kern Canal Multi- Use Path. (Wards 3 & 4)
(Staff recommends approval of the change order.)
AGR 2024-192 CCO 7
6.f.18. Contract Change Order No. 55 to Agreement No. 2024-235 (7th Movement) with Granite Construction Company (increasing compensation by $75,000; revised not to exceed $28,177,546.72) for the Centennial Corridor EB58 to NB99 Loop Connector Project. (Wards 1 & 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the change order.)
AGR 2024-235 CCO 55
6.g. Bids:
6.g.1. Accept bid and approve contract with Kern Turf Supply, Inc. (not to exceed $250,000), for the annual contract to supply irrigation parts and supplies. (Staff recommend acceptance of bid and approval of contract.)
AGR 2026-170
6.g.2. Accept bid and approve contract with Burtch Construction (not to exceed $352,000) for the Annual Contract for Oil Transport & Spreading Services. (Staff recommend acceptance of the bid and approval of the contract.)
AGR 2026-171
6.g.3. Accept bid and approve contract with Griffith Company ($391,735) for street improvements from Panama Lane to Berkshire Road. (Wards 5 & 7) (Staff recommends acceptance of low bid, approval of contract.)
AGR 2026-172
6.g.4. Accept bid and approve contract with J.L. Plank Inc. dba Cen-Cal Construction ($528,825) for Stonecreek Loop Cycle project. (Ward 7)
(Staff recommends acceptance of low bid, approval of contract.)
AGR 2026-173
Bakersfield, California, August 26, 2026 - Page 10
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.h. Miscellaneous:
6.h.1. Appropriate $1,257,480 from the State of California’s Highway Safety Improvements Program (HSIP) fund balance into the Public Works Department’s Capital Improvements Program within the HSIP fund for the project. (Wards 6 & 7) (Staff recommends approval of the appropriation.)
6.h.2. Appropriate $6,504,298.17 Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention Program (HHAP-6) State Grant Revenue to ECD Other Grant Awards Fund in the Development Services Operating Budget.
(Staff recommends approval of the appropriation.)
6.h.3. Appropriate $80,000 Fire Safety Fund - Fire Recovery Fee to the Fire Department General Fund Operating Budget for the Fire Administration Office Lobby. (Staff recommends approval of the appropriation.)
6.i. Successor Agency Business:
6.i.1. Receive and file Successor Agency payments from July 22, 2026, to August 11, 2026, in the amount of $747,995.10.
(Staff recommends report be received and filed.)
6.j. Public Safety/Vital Services Measure
6.j.1. Master Memorandum of Understanding with Kern Behavioral Health and Recovery Services (not to exceed $413,000) for the Joint Provisions of Services for the communications Center, Homeless Co-Response Program, Mobile Crisis Intervention Team and Traditional MET Programs with the Bakersfield Police Department.
(Staff recommends approval of the Master Memorandum of Understanding.)
AGR 2026-174
6.j.2. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2025-196 with Flood Ministries (increase compensation $300,000, revised not to exceed $600,0000; and extend term to December 31, 2027) for the Community Vitality Family Reunification Initiative. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2025-196 (1)
6.j.3. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2025-176 with Be Finally Free (increase compensation by $175,000, revised not to exceed $375,000; and extend the term to December 31, 2026) for Community Connectors program services. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2025-176 (2)
Assistant City Clerk Cowling announced that a staff memorandum was provided for item 6.a.1. transmitting corrected minutes, 6.f.3 transmitting correspondence, and 6.f.15 correcting the item title, also please note that item 6.e.1 contains a staff recommendation to adopt resolutions approving salaries and benefits for specified units.
Councilmember Smith requested item 6.c.4. be removed for separate consideration.
Motion by Councilmember Gonzales to adopt Consent Calendar items 6.a. through 6.j. with the removal of item 6.c.4. for separate consideration. Motion approved with Councilmember Weir voting no and Vice Mayor Kaur absent.
Bakersfield, California, August 26, 2026 - Page 11
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.c.4. First Reading of the following ordinances amending various sections of the Bakersfield Municipal Code:
(Staff recommends first reading of the amendments.)
1. Re-enacting Chapter 3.12, Sections 3.12.010, 3.12.020, 3.12.030, 3.12.040, and 3.12.050 relating to Claims made Against the City.
FR ONLY
2. Amending Section 12.56.050 relating to Prohibited Acts in Parks.
FR ONLY
3. Amending Chapter 14.02, Sections 14.02.010, 14.02.020, 14.02.030,
14.02.035, 14.02.040, and 14.02.045 relating to Water Use Regulations.
FR ONLY
Motion by Councilmember Smith to adopt Consent Calendar item 6.c.4. with the allowance of bikes and unicycles in parks. Councilmember Arias asked for the parks to be explicit in Smoke Free Zone. Motion approved with Councilmember Weir voting no and Vice Mayor Kaur absent.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.a. Public hearing to consider the Planning Commission’s approval of General Plan Amendment and Zone Change No. 23-0560 and its proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration.
McIntosh and Associates (applicant), on behalf of ATG Investments LLC (property owner), is proposing a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change on approximately
24.86 acres generally located on the southwest corner of Taft Highway and Ashe Road. (Ward 7)
(Staff and the Planning Commission recommend adoption of the resolutions and first reading of the ordinance.)
The request includes:
1. Resolution adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.
2. Resolution adopting a General Plan Amendment to change land use designation from HMR (High Medium Residential) to HR (High Density Residential) and GC (General Commercial).
3. First Reading of an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code by changing the official zoning classification from R-2 (Single Lot Single- Unit Dwelling) to C-2 (Regional Commercial) and R-3 (Medium Density Multi- Unit Dwelling) zones.
REMOVED FOR SEPARATE CONSIDERATION. See page 12 & 13.
7.b. Public hearing to consider Planning Commission’s approval of General Plan Amendment/Zone Change No. 25-0008 and its proposed mitigated negative declaration.
Cornerstone Engineering, Inc. (applicant), on behalf of Calloway North Investors LLC (property owner), is proposing a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change on approximately 10.44 acres generally located on the east side of Calloway Drive between Tortuga Del Mar Drive and Snow Road. (Ward 4)
(Staff and the Planning Commission recommend adoption of the resolutions and first reading of the ordinance.)
Bakersfield, California, August 26, 2026 - Page 12
7. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS
item 7.b. continued
The request includes:
1. Resolution adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.
RES 107-2026
2. Resolution adopting General Plan Amendment to change land use designation from R-IA (Resource – Intensive Agriculture) to LR (Low Density Residential).
RES 108-2026
3. First Reading of an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code by changing the official zoning classification from County A (Exclusive Agriculture) to City R-1 (Single-Unit Dwelling).
FR ONLY
Consent Calendar Public Hearing items 7.a. and 7.b. opened at 6:52 p.m.
City Clerk Drimakis announced a request was received to remove Consent Calendar Public Hearings item 7.a. for separate discussion.
Consent Calendar Public Hearing item 7.b. closed at 6:53 p.m.
Motion by Councilmember Gonzales to adopt Consent Calendar Public Hearing item
7.b. Motion approved with Vice Mayor Kaur absent.
8. HEARINGS
8.a. Public Appeal Hearing of Planning Commission’s Approval of Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 7451 (Phased)
McIntosh & Associates, representing Diamond Farming Company, is proposing to subdivide 40.77 acres into 313 single-family residential lots, 1 multi-use trail lot, and 1 park lot in the R-2 (Small Lot Single-Unit Dwelling) zone located generally southeast of Olive Drive and Santa Fe Way. Sierra Club appealed the Planning Commission decision. Developer, Tom Dee from RFG Properties, Inc. requested the public appeal hearing be opened and continued to September 16, 2026, since they are negotiating a settlement with the Appellant, Sierra Club. (Ward 4) (Staff recommends opening and continuing the public appeal hearing to the City Council meeting on September 16, 2026.)
Public Hearing item 8.a. was opened at 6:55 p.m.
No one spoke in favor or opposition.
Motion by Councilmember Smith to continue the hearing to September 16, 2026, City Council Meeting. Motion approved with Vice Mayor Kaur absent.
7.a. Public hearing to consider the Planning Commission’s approval of General Plan Amendment and Zone Change No. 23-0560 and its proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration.
McIntosh and Associates (applicant), on behalf of ATG Investments LLC (property owner), is proposing a General Plan Amendment and Zone Change on approximately
24.86 acres generally located on the southwest corner of Taft Highway and Ashe Road. (Ward 7)
(Staff and the Planning Commission recommend adoption of the resolutions and first reading of the ordinance.)
Bakersfield, California, August 26, 2026 - Page 13
8. HEARINGS continued
item 7.a. continued
The request includes:
1. Resolution adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.
RES 105-2026
2. Resolution adopting a General Plan Amendment to change land use designation from HMR (High Medium Residential) to HR (High Density Residential) and GC (General Commercial).
RES 106-2026
3. First Reading of an ordinance amending Title 17 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code by changing the official zoning classification from R-2 (Single Lot Single- Unit Dwelling) to C-2 (Regional Commercial) and R-3 (Medium Density Multi- Unit Dwelling) zones.
FR ONLY
Development Services Director Burns made staff comments.
Consent Calendar Public Hearing items 7.a. opened at 6:59 p.m.
No one spoke in favor or opposition.
Consent Calendar Public Hearing item 7.a. closed at 7:01 p.m.
Motion by Councilmember Smith to adopt Consent Calendar Public Hearing item 7.a.
Motion approved with Vice Mayor Kaur absent.
9. REPORTS
None.
10. DEFERRED BUSINESS
10.a. Interfund loan to complete the acquisition of 1430 and 1440 Truxtun Avenue pursuant to Council - approved Purchase agreement
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution and approval of the appropriations.)
1. Adopt resolution to approve the interfund loan of $12,100,000 to complete the acquisition of the property and all tenant improvements.
RES 109-2026
2. Appropriate and transfer $2,075,000 from the Capital Facility Reserve Fund to the Capital Outlay Fund for the payment to complete the acquisition of the property.
3. Appropriate the loaned funds of $12,100,000 to the Capital Outlay Fund to expend on the purchase.
Assistant City Clerk Cowling announced a staff memorandum was provided transmitting an updated resolution.
City Manager Clegg made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint Presentation.
Finance Director McKeegan made additional staff comments.
Bakersfield, California, August 26, 2026 - Page 14
10. DEFERRED BUSINESS continued
item 10.a. continued
Assistant City Manager Hallen made additional staff comments.
Motion by Councilmember Gonzales to approve staff recommendations. Motion approved with Councilmembers Weir and Bashirtash voting no and Vice Mayor Kaur absent.
11. NEW BUSINESS
11.a. Contingency Funds for Clean Cities Special Project, $500,000 for cleanup of a major illegal dumping site consisting of 50 acres located in the Southeast, South of Brook Street, East of Hale Street and adjacent to East Planz Avenue. (Ward 1) (Staff recommends the approval of contingency funds.)
Assistant City Manager Hallen made staff comments and provided a PowerPoint Presentation.
Councilmember Weir left the dais at 8:00 p.m.
Councilmember Weir returned to the dais at 8:09 p.m.
Development Services Director Burns made additional staff comments.
Councilmember Arias requested that staff develop a rubric of criteria to serve as a framework for making decisions about unique, large, chronic nuisance properties, like the Economic Development Incentive criteria.
Councilmember Gonzales requested staff research the opportunities that may be available through the city's receivership program to acquire vacant parcels dealing with chronic illegal dumping issues when property owners are unresponsive to Code Enforcements’ efforts.
Motion by Councilmember Arias to bring the item back to the next Council Meeting.
Motion approved with Councilmember Bashirtash voting no and Vice Mayor Kaur absent.
12. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS
Councilmember Bashirtash requested staff bring forward a presentation on the city's Chronic Nuisance Property Ordinance at a future City Council meeting.
Councilmember Bashirtash requested staff bring forward an item for City Council consideration to adopt the Best Practices Toolkit for Homelessness Policy at a future City Council meeting.
Councilmember Gonzales requested staff provide a presentation at a future workshop about the Office of Violence Intervention and Prevention Program.
Councilmember Arias requested that the presentation include review of the program’s investments with the involved partnerships.
13. CLOSED SESSION
None.
Bakersfield, California, August 26, 2026 - Page 15
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the meeting at 8:51 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 26, 2026 - Page 16
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