AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS
October 21, 2026 COUNCIL MEETING
REGULAR MEETING – 3:30 PM
APPOINTMENTS
Nothing to report
REGULAR MEETING – 5:15 PM
PRESENTATIONS
Item 4.b Excellence in Action CARES Awards 2026 (All Wards) The Excellence in Action (EIA) CARES awards recognize City employees and teams who embody one or more of the City of Bakersfield's guiding principles while making a positive contribution to overall workplace success by significantly contributing to major projects or activities started by the City or having an impact within the organization daily. The guiding principles, known as CARES, stand for Collaboration, Accountability, Resourceful, Excellence, and Stewardship. The Employee Incentive Team is pleased to announce the following recipients of the Excellence in Action CARES Awards for 2026:
• Victoria Gomez
• Ashley Knight
• Reginald Woolston
• Chelsea Dunaway
• Eileen Lewis
• Joaquin Valladares
• Stephanie Salmon
• Jacob Thalin
• Juan Ambriz
• Zekeio Martinez
• Renee Taylor
• Wesley Alemao
• Jerry McKnight
• Andrew Stone
RESOLUTIONS
Item 6.d.1 Accept Funds from the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Mini Grant Program (All Wards) The City of Bakersfield has been awarded a grant in the amount of $30,000 from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) under the OTS Mini Grant Program.
The grant funds will be used to implement an Alcohol Enforcement Team. The program objectives are to reduce alcohol-related offenses through enforcement, education, and public awareness.
The Alcohol Enforcement Team will accomplish these objectives by conducting ABC's Minor Decoy and Shoulder Tap programs, as well as Informed Merchants Preventing Alcohol-Related Crime Tendencies (IMPACT) inspections. The goal of the program is to increase compliance with alcoholic beverage laws and regulations.
AGREEMENTS
Item 6.f.2 Kern Community Foundation - Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program (All Wards) The City has received $8,491,334.26 in grant funds across five (5) program years from the Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement/California Volunteers for the Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program (BYJP). California Volunteers, in partnership with California cities, works to bring together youth from across the state to address urgent challenges in their communities, learn key skills, and create career pathways to public and community service. As of June 2026, there have been 713 participants, with nearly 150,000 hours served. Staff recommends approving the agreement with KCF to add the fifth year of funding ($1,533,950.85, subtracting $250,000 previously advanced to equal a total of $1,283,950.85) and to appropriate $1,856,988 into the City Manager’s Office operating budget as the administration of the program is being transferred to the City Manager’s Office.
BIDS
Item 6.g.2 Purchase of 15-Gallon and 24-Inch Box Trees (All Wards) Bids were solicited for 15- gallon and 24-inch box trees to support the City’s ongoing drought-related replanting efforts. The purchase will provide the City with necessary replacement plant material to replace trees lost as a result of drought conditions and to restore and maintain the appearance and integrity of City streetscapes. Funds are available within the Recreation and Parks FY 2026-27 Operating Budget within the General Fund for this purchase.
REPORTS
Item 9.a Key Policy Considerations Related to Funding Jail Bed Space (All Wards) The Jail Bed Task Force was formed in September 2025 with Councilmembers Bashirtash and Smith representing the City Council. Community stakeholders were invited to participate, including individuals with knowledge in the subject matter as well as leaders who represent community and business interests impacted by the quality-of-life issues. The Task Force held public forums in October and December of 2025 and January and March of 2026. The task force identified known challenges for our county jail, existing and former efforts to make improvements, and identified potential solutions. Task Force members met with subject matter experts to better understand and seek solutions related to booking, medical clearances, detention, and sentencing. The task force evaluated different types of diversion, detention, and jailing facilities.
Members and city staff researched jailing in multiple cities and counties in California to understand challenges, opportunities, and best practices. The task force also explored wraparound and re-entry services that should be provided. City staff collected and analyzed arrest, booking, release, sentencing, and detention data. City staff also assessed risk, insurance, and liability considerations. During the October 21 Regular City Council meeting, City staff will provide a presentation outlining the following policy considerations for City Council discussion and direction for future action:
• Jurisdictional Authority
• Scope of Population
• Facility Type
• Cost and Funding
• Liability and Risk Exposure
• Oversight and Evaluation
Prepared by:
Alex Hinojosa, Management Assistant CC: Department Heads City Manager’s File
City Clerk’s File
News Media File