BAKERSFIELD CITY COUNCIL
MINUTES
MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 16, 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, Smith, and Koman
Absent: Councilmembers Weir and Bashirtash
2. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
2.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statement
1. Ricardo Del Hoyo and Eddy Laine (written materials provided) made comments regarding proposals and community involvement for the allocation of trees.
2. Michael Orloff (written materials provided) spoke regarding Rule of Law Policy and opposition to Sanctuary City.
2.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
Shashank Ramasubramian made comments regarding item 3.a.
3. APPOINTMENTS
3.a. Eight Appointments to the Youth Commission for the 2026-27, terms set to expire July 2026.
(Staff recommends Council determination.)
City Clerk Drimakis announced that eight applications were received from Shashank Ramasubramanian, James Roy, Jasmine Bajwa (incumbent), Millicent Clowes, Adam Brady, Jake Goessman, Colby Tenter and Shreya Parimoo City Clerk Drimakis also announced that a staff memorandum was provided transmitting an additional application received from Hunar Singh.
Mayor Goh on behalf of Councilmember Bashirtash, Ward 6, nominated Colby Tenter, regular member and Shashank Ramasubramanian, alternate member.
The following were appointed as regular members:
Ward 2 – Shashank Ramasubramanian
Ward 5 – Jasmine Bajwa
Ward 6 – Colby Tenter
Ward 7 – Hunar Singh
The following were appointed as Alternate members:
Ward 2 – Millicent Clowes
Ward 5 – Jake Goessman
Ward 6 – None
Ward 7 – Shreya Parimoo
Bakersfield, California, September 16, 2026 - Page 2
3. APPOINTMENTS continued
item 3.a. continued
Vice Mayor Kaur requested that staff continue to engage with the Kern High School District contacts to secure Youth Commission applications from the unrepresented high schools.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to appoint nominations to the Youth Commission with the exception of Ward 6 alternate. Motion approved Councilmembers Weir and Bashirtash absent.
4. REPORTS
None.
5. CLOSED SESSION
5.a. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) for the following two matters:
1. Evangelos Demestihas v. City of Bakersfield Kern County Superior Court Case No. BCV-22-103041 consolidated with: Evangelos Demestihas v. City of Bakersfield Kern County Superior Court Case No. BCV-24-100510
2. County of Kern v. City of Bakersfield, ALL PERSONS INTRESTED IN THE
MATTER CONCERNING THE CITY OF BAKERSFIELD'S ADOPTION OF A
RESOLUTION ADOPTING SEWER USER RATES FOR FISCAL YEARS
2026-2027 THROUGH 2030-31, AND DOES 1-100, inclusive Kern County Superior Court Case No. 26CUB02363
Motion by Mayor Goh to adjourn to Closed Session at 3:52 p.m.
Closed Session meeting was adjourned at 5:27 p.m.
Meeting reconvened at 5:28 p.m.
6. CLOSED SESSION ACTION
5.a. Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation; Closed Session pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) for the following two matters:
1. Evangelos Demestihas v. City of Bakersfield Kern County Superior Court Case No. BCV-22-103041 consolidated with: Evangelos Demestihas v. City of Bakersfield Kern County Superior Court Case No. BCV-24-100510 City Attorney announced by a vote of 5-0 with Councilmembers Weir and Bashirtash absent, City Attorney was given direction.
2. County of Kern v. City of Bakersfield, ALL PERSONS INTRESTED IN THE
MATTER CONCERNING THE CITY OF BAKERSFIELD'S ADOPTION OF A
RESOLUTION ADOPTING SEWER USER RATES FOR FISCAL YEARS
2026-2027 THROUGH 2030-31, AND DOES 1-100, inclusive Kern County Superior Court Case No. 26CUB02363
No Reportable Action.
7. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the 3:30 p.m. meeting at 5:28 p.m.
Bakersfield, California, September 16, 2026 - Page 3
REGULAR MEETING - 5:35 PM
1. ROLL CALL
Present: Mayor Goh, Vice Mayor Kaur, Councilmembers Arias, Gonzales, Smith, and Koman
Absent: Councilmembers Weir and Bashirtash
2. INVOCATION
By Pastor Freddie L. Thomas II, Jerusalem Mission Community Church of God In Christ.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
by Mia Clifford, Youth Commissioner, Senior, Bakersfield High School.
4. PRESENTATIONS
4.a. Proclamation to Kern County Fair Chief Executive Officer Sean Andrew, declaring September 23 - October 4, 2026, as Kern County Fair Days in Bakersfield.
4.b. Presentation to Jeremy T. Tobias, CAPK CEO; Susana Magana, Director of Health & Nutrition Services, CAPK, Maritza Jimenez, CAPK Board Member; Karina Funez, Blue Zones Project Public Policy Manager; and Yesenia Fernandez, Blue Zones Project Member, declaring September 2026 as Hunger Action Month in Bakersfield.
4.c. Presentation to Regina Pryor, President of the Bakersfield Sister Project Corporation, declaring September 21, 2026, as International Day of Peace in Bakersfield.
5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS
5.a. Non-Agenda Item Public Statements
The following spoke by phone:
1. Gabe, Alyssa Garcia, Lucas Choate, Carmen and Alexandria Park spoke in opposition to Flock Cameras.
2. Jessie Sanders spoke in favor of Rule of Law City.
The following spoke in person:
1. Paul Linfesty spoke in opposition to the resolution for Rule of Law City.
2. José Ángel Galindo (written materials provided), Nickolas Avila, Don Miller (written materials provided), Jason Cosper, spoke in opposition to Flock cameras.
Councilmember Gonzales requested staff provide the financial information related to the use of flock technology.
Councilmember Gonzales requested staff present the internal policy for the use of automatic license plate reading camera (ALPR) technology for Council consideration and potential adoption.
3. Rev. Dr. Angel Frazier spoke in favor of Rule of Law resolution.
4. Charles Shinn spoke in opposition to sanctuary city and Flock cameras and in favor of Rule of Law.
Bakersfield, California, September 16, 2026 - Page 4
5. PUBLIC STATEMENTS continued
item 5.a. continued
5. Jamiah Hargins, Crop Swap Los Angeles, and Evelyn Young Splath, President, Kern County Black Farmers’ Association Owner-Operator (written materials provided) spoke in favor of changing Title 17, regarding new food system and urban farming.
Councilmember Gonzales and Vice Mayor Kaur requested the Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods Committee review Title 17 and consider amending it to allow urban farming, permitting the cultivation and commercial sale of food on residential properties.
5.b. Agenda Item Public Statements
1. Cheyenne Bond, Nataly Santamaria and Yesenia Fernandez spoke regarding Consent Calendar item 6.c.5.
2. Johnny Olaguez spoke in favor of sanctuary city.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Minutes:
6.a.1. Approval of minutes of August 26, 2026, Special and Regular City Council Meetings. (Staff recommends approval of the minutes.)
b. Payments:
6.b.1. Receive and file department payments from August 12, 2026, to September 1, 2026, totaling $49,817,596.96 as follows: department payments in the amount of $48,984,056.37 and Self Insurance payments in the amount of $933,540.59. (Staff recommends receive and file report.)
6.b.2. Receive and file department agreements over $40,000 and under $100,000 executed between August 12, 2026, to September 1, 2026. (Staff recommends receive and file report.)
c. Ordinances:
6.c.1. Adoption 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. (FR 8/26/26) (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends first reading of the ordinance.)
ORD 5224
6.c.2. Adoption of ordinance amending the Bakersfield Municipal Code Section 17.06.020 by changing the official zoning classification from R-2 (Single Lot Single-Unit Dwelling) to C-2 (Regional Commercial) and R-3 (Medium Density Multiunit Dwelling) on approximately 24.86 acres, generally located on the northwest corner of Taft Highway and Ashe Road, for Zone Change 23-0560. The applicant is Cornerstone Engineering Inc. (Ward 7) (FR 8/26/26)
(Staff recommends first reading of the ordinance.)
ORD 5225
Bakersfield, California, September 16, 2026 - Page 5
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.c.3. Adoption of ordinance amending the Bakersfield Municipal Code Section 17.06.020 by changing the official pre-zone classification from County A (Exclusive Agriculture) to City R-1 (Single-Unit Dwelling) on approximately 10.44 acres located at the east side of Calloway Drive between Tortuga Del Mar Drive and Snow Road for Zone Change No. 25-0008. The applicant is Cornerstone Engineering, Inc. (Ward 4) (FR 8/26/26).
(Staff recommends adoption of the ordinance.)
ORD 5226
6.c.4. Adoption of the following ordinances amending the Bakersfield Municipal Code:
(FR 8/26/26)
(Staff recommends adoption of the ordinance amendments.)
1. Chapter 15.65 relating to the California Fire Code
ORD 5227
2. Chapter 8.60 of the Bakersfield Municipal Code relating to the Certified Unified Program Agency.
ORD 5228
6.c.5. Adoption of the following ordinances amending various sections of the Bakersfield Municipal Code: (FR 08/26/26)
(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.
ORD 5229
2. Amending Section 12.56.050 relating to Prohibited Acts in Parks.
ORD 5230
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.
ORD 5231
d. Resolutions:
6.d.1. Resolution adopting an amended conflict of interest code. (Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 110-2026
6.d.2. Resolution identifying vendors, healthcare plans, and rates for City-wide health insurance plans for eligible active and retired employees for the 2027 plan year. (Ward 2)
(The Personnel Committee recommends approval of resolution and 2027 renewal package.)
RES 111-2026
Bakersfield, California, September 16, 2026 - Page 6
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.d.3. Resolution ratifying Submission of Application for Funding Request for the Bakersfield Municipal Airport for the construction and installation of a new Automated Weather Observing System, which is funded by both the Airport Improvement Program and the Airport Infrastructure Grant to the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration and California Department of Transportation of Aeronautics. (Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 112-2026
6.d.4. Resolution adopting Sewer Connection Fees for Fiscal Year 2026-27. (Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 113-2026
6.d.5. Resolution adopting the 2025 Urban Water Management Plan and the 2025 Water Shortage Contingency Plan.
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 114-2026
6.d.6. Resolution authorizing the application for a Transformative Climate Communities Planning Grant in the amount of $300,000 for the Prosperity Neighborhoods Initiative. (Wards 2 & 3)
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution.)
RES 115-2026
6.d.7. Resolution to dispense with bidding with RADeCO, Inc. for the Purchase of Specialized Equipment and Sensors to Detect Narcotics and Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear, and Explosive (CBRNE) Related Threats (not to exceed $404,000).
(Staff recommends adoption of the resolution and approval of the agreement.) RES 116-2026, AGR 2026-175
6.d.8. Resolutions adding the following 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. Adding Area 4-333 (530 4th Street): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 1 – (Ward 2) RES 117-2026
2. Adding Area 5-145 (1203 E. Planz Road): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 1 – (Ward 1)
RES 118-2026
3. Adding Area 3-126 (West side of Ashe Road; South of Taft Highway): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 1.5 – (Ward 7)
RES 119-2026
4. Adding Area 4-323 (103 King Street): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 1 – (Ward 2) RES 120-2026
Bakersfield, California, September 16, 2026 - Page 7
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
item 6.d.8. continued
5. Adding Area 4-325 (3315 Union Avenue): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 0 – (Ward 3)
RES 121-2026
6. Adding Area 4-330 (2709 & 2713 Haley Street): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 1 (Ward 3)
RES 122-2026
7. Adding Area 4-331 (2922 V Street & 230 20th Street): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 0 – (Ward 2)
RES 123-2026
8. Adding Area 5-146 (2006 Planz Road): Street Tier 1; Park Tier = 1 - (Ward 1) RES 124-2026
6.d.9. Resolution of Intention No. 2284 to add Area 5-149 to the Consolidated Maintenance District and preliminarily approving, confirming, and adopting the Development Services Director’s Report: adding Area 5-149 (Tract 7153 – north side of E. Wilson Road, east of S. Fairfax Road): Street Tier = 1; Park Tier = 0 – (Ward 1) (Staff recommends adopting the resolution of intention.) ROI 2284
6.e. Job Specifications and Salary Updates
None.
6.f. Agreements
6.f.1. Agreement for employment with Ashley Zambrano for Chief Assistant City Attorney Services.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-176
6.f.2. Loan Agreement with Golden Empire Affordable Housing Inc. II (GEAHI II) (not to exceed $2,630,000) in HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) grant funds for the development of 16 new affordable housing units at 1302 Eye Street. (Ward 2) (Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-177
6.f.3. Agreement with MTC aka StreetSaver (not to exceed $10,000 for a one-year term) for subscription to MTC Pavement Management Software.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-178
6.f.4. Agreement with Federal Engineering (not to exceed $400,000) for continued Consultation and Project Management with the Public Safety Radio Communications System project.
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
ITEM REMOVED FROM AGENDA
Bakersfield, California, September 16, 2026 - Page 8
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
6.f.5. KernGRIT Land Asset, Manufacturing, and Workforce Strategy (Staff recommends approval of the agreement and amendment.)
1. Agreement with Newmark Global Strategy (not to exceed $235,000) to develop the KernGRIT Land Asset, Manufacturing, and Workforce Strategy; AGR 2026-179
2. Amendment No. 1 to Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) 2026-058 to extend the term from September 30, 2026, to April 30, 2027.
AGR 2026-058 (1)
6.f.6. Design Consultant Agreement with AECOM Technical Services, Inc. (not to exceed $1,105,000), to provide design and engineering services for the McCutchen Sewer Lift Station Rehabilitation Project. (Ward 5)
(Staff recommends approval of the agreement.)
AGR 2026-180
6.f.7. Common Use Agreement between the City of Bakersfield and Pacific Gas and Electric Company to allow the construction of a road over an existing large highpressure gas pipeline within proposed Tract 6880 Phase 2. (Ward 5) (Staff recommend approval of the Common Use Agreement.) AGR 2026-181
6.f.8. Amendment No. 10 to Agreement No. 03-310 for employment of Virginia Gennaro as City Attorney for the City of Bakersfield.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 03-310 (10)
6.f.9. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2024-143 with Clifford and Brown ($100,000; revised not to exceed $200,000) to provide outside legal services in the matter of Ana Hernandez, et al v. City of Bakersfield.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2024-143 (1)
6.f.10. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2024-308 with Community Action Partnership of Kern (CAPK) (to extend term to September 30, 2027) for HOME-ARP Supportive Services for Coordinated Entry System.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2024-308 (2)
6.f.11. Amendment No. 2 to agreement No. 2023-267 with ImageTrend, LLC (increase compensation by $478,997; revised not to exceed $895,000 and extend the term an additional three years), for continue software services for the Fire Department. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-267 (2)
6.f.12. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2025-067 with CivicPlus, LLC (revised $24,404.86; not to exceed $170,000) to include monthly Virtual Webmaster services. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2025-067 (2)
Bakersfield, California, September 16, 2026 - Page 9
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.f.13. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2025-158 with NearMap US Inc. (to include a NearMap Widget), for a cloud-based, high-resolution aerial imagery subscription services for GIS mapping and analysis.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2025-158 (1)
6.f.14. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2025-090 with Miller Mendel Inc. (due to being acquired by NeoGov) for electronic Statement of Personal History (“eSOPH”) software which provides assistance with pre-employment background investigations for the Bakersfield Police Department.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2025-090 (1)
6.f.15. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2025-191 with M and M Landscape and Concrete (increase compensation by $150,000; revised not to exceed $300,000 and extend term one year) to provide landscape services for the Wastewater Division. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2025-191 (1)
6.f.16. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement 2025-192 with AAA Oil, Inc., dba California Fuel and Lubricants (increasing by $3,000,000; revised not to exceed $5,623,000 and extending term one year), to continue gasoline and diesel fuel supply and delivery services.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2025-192 (1)
6.f.17. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2025-195 with Toter LLC (increase by $830,000; revised not to exceed $1,617,756.90 and extend term one year), to continue the supply of refuse and recycling carts.
(Staff recommends approval of the change order.)
AGR 2024-195 (1)
6.f.18. Amendment No. 6 to Agreement No. 2022-047 with San Joaquin Fence and Supply (increase compensation by $1,000,000; revised not to exceed $5,800,000) to continue the supply of installed fencing.
(Staff recommends approval of the change order.)
AGR 2022-047 (6)
6.f.19. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2024-251 JCI Jones Chemicals Inc. (increase compensation by $132,000: revised not to exceed $420,190 and extend term one year), to continue the supply of sodium hypochlorite.
(Staff recommend approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2024-251 (2)
6.f.20. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2023-224 with Blackhole Technologies, Inc. (extend term to September 13, 2027), to continue on-call repair and maintenance services for City’s Fleet Division vehicles and equipment. (Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-224 (2)
Bakersfield, California, September 16, 2026 - Page 10
6. CONSENT CALENDAR continued
6.f.21. Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2023-226 with Resource Machinery and Engineering (extending term to September 13, 2027) to continue on-call maintenance and repair of Scarabs and McCloskey Trommel Screens.
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2023-226 (2)
6.f.22. Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2024-181 with AECOM Technical Services, INC. (increase compensation by $14,000; revised not to exceed $127,000 and extend term one year), for design engineering services for Downtown Part Circle Culverts Project. (Ward 2)
(Staff recommends approval of the amendment.)
AGR 2024-181 (1)
6.g. Bids:
None.
6.h. Miscellaneous:
6.h.1. Accept and Appropriate $85,243 in BSCC grant funds to the City Manager's Office Operating Budget within the CD/ECD Other Grant Awards fund for Cohort 5 Community-Based Organization Frontline Staff Mental Health and Wellness. (Staff recommends acceptance and appropriation of funds.)
6.h.2. Request to add one (1) limited-term Crime Analyst position No. 21600 funded through the California Board of State and Community Corrections California Violence Intervention and Prevention Cohort 5 Grant Program.
(Staff recommends approval of the position request.)
6.i. Successor Agency Business:
None.
6.j. Public Safety/Vital Services Measure
None.
City Clerk Drimakis announced that staff memorandums were provided for item 6.a.1. transmitting corrected minutes, 6.f.3. transmitting signed agreement and item 6.f.4. requesting item be pulled from the agenda.
Motion by Vice Mayor Kaur to adopt Consent Calendar items 6.a. through 6.j. with the removal of item 6.f.4. Motion approved with Councilmembers Weir and Bashirtash absent.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
8. HEARINGS
8.a. Continued Public Appeal Hearing of Planning Commission’s Approval of Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 7451 (Phased) and its Mitigated Negative Declaration.
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.
Bakersfield, California, September 16, 2026 - Page 11
8. HEARINGS continued
item 8.a. continued
This item includes approval of a
Resolution adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act and approving Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 7451 (Phased). The Sierra Club submitted an appeal to the Planning Commission’s approval of the request. (Ward 4)
(Staff recommends denying the appeal and upholding the Planning Commission’s decision to approve Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 7451 and its proposed Mitigated Negative Declaration.)
Public Appeal Hearing item 8.a. was opened at August 26, 2026, City Council meeting at 6:55 p.m.
City Clerk Drimakis announced a staff memorandum was provided requesting the item be continued until October 21, 2026, City Council meeting.
Motion by Councilmember Smith to continue the appeal hearing to October 21, 2026, City Council meeting. Motion approved with Councilmembers Weir and Bashirtash absent.
9. REPORTS
None.
10. DEFERRED BUSINESS
None.
11. NEW BUSINESS
None.
12. COUNCIL AND MAYOR STATEMENTS
Councilmember Koman requested staff to draft a social host ordinance targeting the use of illegal fireworks and present it to the Safe and Healthy Neighborhoods Committee for consideration.
Councilmember Gonzales made comments of the Police Activities League 2026 Hometown Heros dinner recognizing AJ Anan and shared an appreciation plaque that was given from the Chief of Police to the City Council for their contributions at P.A.L.
13. CLOSED SESSION
None.
Bakersfield, California, September 16, 2026 - Page 12
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Goh adjourned the meeting at 6:45 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