TAFT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
JOINT REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2025
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
209 E. KERN ST., TAFT, CA 93268
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City of Taft Council Meetings are being held in-person with full capacity seating and are livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/user/CityofTaft. Public comment can be made in person and also can be received per the following:
• Written comments may be dropped off in the drop box in front of City Hall. • Comments may be emailed to the City Clerk at [email protected]. • Made by phone to the City Clerk’s office at (661) 763-1222. • Public comments will be accepted up until 5:00 PM the day of the meeting. • Any comments received will be read into the record.
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ REGULAR MEETING 6:00 P.M.
Pledge of Allegiance
Invocation
Roll Call: Mayor Noerr
Mayor Pro Tem Bryant
Councilmember Krier
Councilmember Waldrop
Councilmember Chavira
1. PROCLAMATIONS –
• AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH IN TAFT
2. MEASURE A CITIZENS OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT AND PRESENTATION RECOMMENDED ACTION –
Receive and file
3. CITIZEN REQUESTS/PUBLIC COMMENTS
COMMENTS ARE TO BE RECEIVED AS STATED IN ABOVE POLICY
THIS IS THE TIME AND PLACE FOR THE GENERAL PUBLIC TO ADDRESS THE CITY COUNCIL ON MATTERS WITHIN ITS JURISDICTION. STATE LAW PROHIBITS THE COUNCIL FROM ADDRESSING ANY ISSUE NOT PREVIOUSLY INCLUDED ON THE AGENDA. COUNCIL MAY RECEIVE COMMENT AND SET THE MATTER FOR A SUBSEQUENT MEETING. PLEASE LIMIT COMMENTS TO FIVE MINUTES.
4. COUNCIL STATEMENTS (NON-ACTION)
5. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
6. CITY MANAGER STATEMENTS
7. CITY ATTORNEY STATEMENTS
8. FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Agenda
March 18, 2025
********************************************************************************************************* CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 9-15
All items listed on the Consent Calendar shall be considered routine and will be enacted by one roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a member of the City Council requests specific items to be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action. Any item removed from the Consent Calendar will be considered after the regular business items. Are there any items on the consent calendar that any member of the public would like to comment on?
9. MINUTES
March 04, 2025
Recommendation – Approve as submitted.
10. PAYMENT OF BILLS
Warrant # 022125 Check No. 101290-101323 $ 133,724.06
Warrant # 022825 Check No. 101324-101359 $ 132,764.00
Warrant # 022824 Check No. 101360-101374 $ 29,262.03
Warrant # 030725 Check No. 101375-101394 $ 266,765.17
Warrant # 031425 Check No. 101395-101445 $ 162,060.85
Recommendation – Approve payment of the bills.
11. UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS IN THE CITY OF TAFT
Recommendation –
Motion to adopt a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT MAKING FINDINGS REGARDING UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS IN THE CITY OF TAFT and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
12. FUNDING TO THE TAFT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE QUARTER OF JULY 2024 TO SEPTEMBER 2024
Recommendation –
Motion to approve the 25% allocation of the Transient Occupancy Tax to the Taft Chamber of Commerce for the quarter of July 2024 through September 2024 and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
13. FUNDING TO THE TAFT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE QUARTER OF OCTOBER 2024 TO DECEMBER 2024
Recommendation –
Motion to approve the 25% allocation of the Transient Occupancy Tax to the Taft Chamber of Commerce for the quarter of October 2024 through December 2024 and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Agenda
March 18, 2025
14. LOW CARBON TRANSIT OPERATION PROGRAM (LCTOP) FY 2024-25 CERTIFICATIONS AND
ASSURANCES AND AUTHORIZED AGENT FORMS FOR ZERO-EMISSION TRANSIT BUS Recommendation –
Motion to adopt a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES AND AUTHORIZED AGENT FORMS FOR THE LOW CARBON TRANSIT OPERATIONS PROGRAM (LCTOP) FY2024-25 FOR THE FOLLOWING PROJECT: PURCHASE OF ZERO-EMISSION TRANSIT BUS USING $24,385 IN LCTOP FUNDS and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
15. THE PURCHASE OF (20) 9MM GLOCK MODEL 45 PISTOLS WITH RED DOT TRIJICON RMR SIGHTS, (15) TLR-7X 5OO LUM MINI LIGHTS, (20) SAFARILAND RETENTION III HOLSTERS FOR TAFT POLICE DEPARTMENT.
Recommendation –
Motion to accept the sole source quote provided by Pro-Force in the amount of $26,177.79 and authorize the Chief of Police to sign and accept the quote and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
*********************************************************************************************************
CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION (1 undisclosed cases) Government Code Section 54956.9(b)
B. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9 (a) – Taft Union High School vs. City of Taft
ADJOURNMENT
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT: In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance, a disability-related modification or accommodation, agenda materials in an alternative format, or auxiliary aids to participate in this meeting, please contact the Office of the City Clerk at (661) 763-1222 or [email protected] as soon as possible. Providing at least 72 hours’ notice will help ensure that reasonable arrangements can be made.
AFFIDAVIT OF POSTING
I, Faith Melton, declare as follows:
That I am the Deputy City Clerk for the City of Taft; that an agenda was posted on a public information bulletin board located near the door of the Civic Center Council Chamber on March 13, 2025 at ________ a.m./p.m., pursuant to 1987 Brown Act Requirements.
I declare under penalty of perjury that the foregoing is true and correct.
Executed March 13, 2025, at Taft, California.
Signature _________
PROCLAMATION
DECLARING
MARCH 2025
AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH IN TAFT
WHEREAS, we celebrate American Red Cross month by recognizing the compassionate acts of people in Taft and renewing commitment to lend a helping hand to neighbors in need.
Since Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross more that 140 years ago, generations have stepped up to deliver relief and care across our country and world, bringing out the best in humanity.
WHEREAS, the volunteers and supporters who give through the American Red Cross, Kern County, and Eastern Sierra Chapter remain unwavering in their commitment to prevent and alleviate human suffering in today’s emergencies. Volunteers of the American Red Cross throughout Kern County and Eastern Sierra regions respond to the needs of the community; and
WHEREAS, in 2024, the Borel Fire burned areas of Lake Isabella. Red Cross volunteers responded immediately to the needs of the community by setting up shelters and welcoming all misplaced. Their contributions are a beacon of hope by providing comfort in disaster, blood donations, first aid, CPR, AED and reconnecting loved ones in crisis: and WHEREAS, this work to uplift our community is made possible by those who selflessly answer the call to help, whenever and wherever needed. We hereby recognize the month of March in honor of their remarkable service and ask everyone in the community to join in their commitment to care for one another;
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Taft, does hereby join other cities in proclaiming the month of March 2025, as Red Cross Month in Taft and encouraging all citizens of the City of Taft to reach out and support its humanitarian mission.
Dated this 18th day of March 2025.
_________________________ Dave Noerr, Mayor
__________________________ _ __________________________ _ Josh Bryant, Mayor Pro Tem Orchel Krier, Council Member ______________________________ _______________________________ Ron Waldrop, Council Member Carlos Chavira, Council Member City of Taft
Measure A Annual Report
Fiscal Year 2024
Presented On behalf of the
Measure A Citizen’s Oversight Committee
March 18, 2025
Teresa Binkley, Finance Director
What is Measure A
Measure A is a voter-approved 1% sales tax
increase
Measure A was to address the City’s fiscal crisis
and prevent cuts to essential City services
Measure A was estimated to bring in an
additional revenue of $1.6 million
The measure was approved in December 2021
and took effect April 1, 2022
Measure A was approved with a
commitment that the funds would be
used for Public Safety Operations
and Critical City Functions
• Maintaining 911 response times
• Preventing cuts to fire and paramedic
services
• Maintaining the number of police officers
• Keeping public areas safe and clean, such
as Veteran’s Memorial Park and Rails to
Trails
• Maintaining Street and Roads
Citizen’s Oversight Committee
• They are 5 qualified members of our
community that have applied and volunteer
their time to serve
Who are they?
• To annually review how the funds were spent
• Review and discuss the annual report
• Decide if funds were utilized as proposed by
the Measure
What are their functions?
Citizen’s Oversight Committee
and their Findings
Held their first
meeting on
February 26, 2025
There was unanimous
consensus that the
funds were used as
presented to the
voters
Annual Report 2024
Sales Tax Receipts
Measure A Sales Tax Cash Receipts (7/1/22 - 6/30/2024)
Cash receipts:
Measure A - FY2023 1,991,972
Measure A - FY2024 2,448,871
Total Measure A Cash Receipts $ 4,440,843
City Expenses for Fiscal
Year 2023 and 2024
Total Actual Expenses
FYE 2023 FYE 2024 Total
Police 3,054,642.98 3,036,656.45 6,091,299.43
Fire 739,613.52 846,481.40 1,586,094.92
Crime
Preventation (CSO) 324,173.62 210,538.92 534,712.54
Streets & Roads 512,203.25 502,281.77 1,014,485.02
$ 4,630,633.37 $ 4,595,958.54 $ 9,226,591.91
Measure A Funds
Total Actual Expenses
Allocations of
Measure A funds
Expenses Funded by
other funding Sources
FYE 2023 FYE 2024 Total
Police 3,054,642.98 3,036,656.45 6,091,299.43 2,569,430.08 3,521,869.35 Fire 739,613.52 846,481.40 1,586,094.92 1,586,094.92 0.00 Crime
Preventation
(CSO) 324,173.62 210,538.92 534,712.54 75,947.00 458,765.54 Streets & Roads 512,203.25 502,281.77 1,014,485.02 200,000.00 814,485.02 Measure A
Admin Cost 9,371.00
4,630,633.37 4,595,958.54 9,226,591.91 4,440,843.00 $4,795,119.91 Disbursement Analysis
Police and Fire
Services (Fund 10)
94%
Crime Prevention
Services (Fund 50)
2%
Streets and Roads
Repairs
4%
Administrative Costs
0%
Police and Fire Services (Fund 10) Crime Prevention Services (Fund 50) Streets and Roads Repairs Administrative Costs
Conclusion
Funds are making a fiscal impact
within our community
The funds are being utilized as
intended
Questions
Thank you for your time
ADMINISTRATION FINANCE PLANNING PUBLIC WORKS
209 E. KERN STREET TAFT, CA 93268
(661) 763-1222 (661) 765-2480
MEASURE A
ANNUAL REPORT
For The Fiscal Years Ended June 30, 2023, and 2024
CITIZEN’S OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
INTRODUCTION
The Measure A Annual Report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024, is the inaugural report prepared by the Citizen’s Oversight Committee on the use of revenues generated from the Measure A retail transactions and use tax. In accordance with City of Taft Ordinance 845-21, adopted on December 21, 2021, the Committee is required to prepare an annual report detailing the usage of Measure A funds. This report is submitted to the City Council pursuant to the provisions set forth in Resolution 4186-23 Section 10.
WHAT IS MEASURE A
Measure A is a voter-approved 1% retail transactions and use tax measure in accordance with the provisions of California Revenue and Taxation Code Section 7251 et seq., and Section 7285.9. The measure was approved in December 2021 for the City of Taft to address the City’s fiscal crisis and to prevent cuts to essential City services. Measure A was approved based on a commitment from the City Council that the funds would be used to keep critical and public safety services fully operational, and specifically outlines priorities such as the following:
Retaining local business and jobs
Maintaining 911 response times
Preventing property crimes
Preventing cuts to fire and paramedic services, including wildfire and structure fire preparedness
Maintaining the number of police officers
Keeping public areas safe and clean, such as Veteran’s Memorial Park and Rails to Trails
TRACKING MEASURE A FUNDS
The City has established a dedicated accounting fund (Fund 13) to ensure full transparency in managing Measure A funds. Although Measure A is an unrestricted general revenue, the City has chosen to segregate these revenues from other general revenues by establishing and utilizing Fund
13. All revenues generated from Measure A are recorded directly into this fund along with all related administrative costs. Additional allowable costs will either be recorded directly to Fund 13 or transferred to fund(s) where eligible costs are being accounted for, as directed by the City Council.
This approach not only streamlines financial tracking but also provides stakeholders, including the Citizen’s Oversight Committee (Committee), with clear and accessible oversight of how Measure A funds are received and expended.
SOURCE OF REPORT DATA
The Committee reviewed financial data from the City’s budget and general ledger provided by the City of Taft’s Finance Department in this Report.
PURPOSE OF THE CITIZEN’S OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
The Citizen's Oversight Committee was established following the majority approval of Measure A by voters in 2021. Mandated by Ordinance 845-21 Section 4-21-15, the committee serves as an independent body dedicated to overseeing the expenditure of Measure A tax revenue. It meets annually in February to review the previous fiscal year's use of these funds, ensuring that they are expended in accordance with the City Council's authorizations and the intent of Measure A.
The Citizen's Oversight Committee is required to provide an annual Measure A report. However, since this is the first meeting following the commencement of the measure, the Committee is presenting a biannual report covering the fiscal years ended June 30, 2023, and June 30, 2024.
Additionally, the Committee will present data on a cash basis of accounting to clearly illustrate cash outflows subsequent to the receipt of Measure A funds by the City, thereby enhancing clarity and transparency.
CITIZEN’S OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE MEMBERS
The duties of the Committee are listed in
Section 10 of City of Taft Resolution 4186-23.
∗ Review revenue and expenditure
reports prepared by staff as they relate
to the receipt and use of Measure A
retail transactions and use tax
revenue.
∗ Review the independent audit
required by Section 4-21-16.
∗ Provide an annual report to Council on
the revenue and expenditure history
for the prior annual budget period,
including how expenditures align with
the priorities set forth in the Ordinance
for protection essential city services
and the long-term financial stability of
the City.
The 2024 Committee Members are:
Brian Finn
High School Teacher
Scottie Gee
Senior Environmental Specialist
Gregory Mudge
Retired School Administrator
Harry L. Wheat
Operations Supervisor
Vacancy
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY FOR FISCAL YEARS ENDED
JUNE 30, 2023, AND 2024
Measure A Sales Tax Cash Receipts (7/1/22 - 6/30/2024)
Cash receipts:
Measure A - FY2023 1,991,972
Measure A - FY2024 2,448,871
Total Measure A Cash Receipts $ 4,440,843
SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE’S FINDINGS
The following chart illustrates the Measure A
fund received by the City during the fiscal
years ended June 30, 2023, and 2024:
Measure A -
FY2023
45%
Measure A -
FY2024
55%
After an in-depth review of the report and
having all their questions addressed by
staff, the unanimous consensus of the
Committee is that the revenue generated
by Measure A is being spent toward Police
and Fire Services, Crime Prevention
Services and Street and Road Repairs, as
presented to the voters in the Measure.
FINDINGS FOR FISCAL YEARS ENDED
JUNE 30, 2023, AND 2024
GENERAL FINDINGS
The funds being received through Measure A have been received and disbursed as presented to the voters at the time of the Measure.
The following chart illustrates Measure A budget to actual activity for the period of July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024:
Ameded Budget Actual Amounts Variance
Cash Receipts
Measure A - FY2023 $ 1,653,000 $ 1,991,972 $ 338,972
Measure A - FY2024 1,812,447 2,448,871 636,424
Total Revenues 3,465,447 4,440,843 975,396
Cash Disbursements
Police and Fire Services (Fund 10) 3,593,447 4,155,525 (562,078) Crime Prevention Services (Fund 50) 213,677 75,947 137,730 Streets and Roads Repairs 200,000 200,000 -
Administrative Costs 8,931 9,371 (440)
Total Expenditures 4,016,055 4,440,843 (424,788)
Revenue over Expenditures (550,608) - 1,400,184
Amount Available From Prior Year -
Balance Available for the fiscal year ended June 30 , 2025 $ -
MEASURE A DISBURSEMENT ANALYSIS
FOR THE FISCAL YEARS ENDED JUNE 30, 2023, AND 2024
Measure A was voted on the citizens of the City of Taft to address the City’s fiscal crisis and prevent cuts to essential City services. Although an unrestricted general revenue, some of the services outlined in the related Ordinance as the intended use of the additional revenue includes retaining local businesses and jobs, maintaining 911 response times, preventing the loss of police and fire personnel and keeping public areas safe and clean.
The following chart illustrates the breakdown of Measure A Funds used during the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024.
The following chart illustrates a budget to actual analysis of Measure A expenses by type, during the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024.
Police and
Fire
Services
(Fund 10)
94%
Crime
Prevention …
Streets and
Roads
Repairs
4%
Administra
tive Costs
0%
- 1,000,000 2,000,000 3,000,000 4,000,000
Police and Fire Services (Fund 10)
Crime Prevention Services (Fund 50)
Streets and Roads Repairs
Administrative Costs
Budgeted Disbursements Actual Disbursements
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The Measure A Citizens Oversight Committee held their first annual meeting on 2/26/2025 to review and analyze Measure A revenue and expenditures. It was concluded by the Committee that the funds received through Measure A are being received and disbursed as was presented to the voters in the Measure and adopted Ordinance. It was recommended by the Committee that this report be forwarded and presented to the City Council to file.
TAFT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MINUTES
MARCH 4, 2025
__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ The March 04, 2025, regular joint meeting of the Taft City Council/Taft Successor Agency, held in the Council Chamber at Taft City Hall, 209 East Kern Street, Taft, CA 93268, was opened by Mayor Dave Noerr at 6:00 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Dave Noerr and the invocation was given by Pastor Sean Peifer.
PRESENT: Mayor Dave Noerr and Mayor Pro Tem Josh Bryant Council Members Carlos Chavira, Orchel Krier and Ron Waldrop City Manager Craig Jones and City Attorney Jason Epperson City Clerk Yvette Mayfield and Deputy City Clerk Faith Melton
1. PROCLAMATIONS –
• ROTARY CLUB OF TAFT’S 100TH ANNIVERSARY
2. PUBLIC HEARING – CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (HCD) ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTING (APR) FOR 2024 The Public hearing for the Housing Element Progress Report was opened at 6:11PM. Seeing there were no comments, the hearing was closed.
Motion: Moved by Bryant, seconded by Krier to adopt resolution entitled A
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT ACCEPTING
THE CITY OF TAFT HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2024 AND AUTHORIZING ITS SUBMITTAL TO THE
CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT AND THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF PLANNING AND
RESEARCH (Resolution No. 4287-25) and find that the project is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA guidelines.
AYES: Krier, Bryant, Waldrop, Chavira, Noerr
PASSED: 5-0
3. CITIZEN REQUESTS/PUBLIC COMMENTS
There was none.
4. COUNCIL STATEMENTS (NON-ACTION)
Council Member Krier gave thanks to the Rotary Club of Taft and all the service clubs in Taft.
Council Member Chavira congratulated Rotary on a hundred years of service, told the community to get involved to make a difference and gave thanks to code enforcement and the City of Taft for clearing out encampments.
Council Member Bryant congratulated all Rotarians on a hundred years of service, talked about service being a great gift, and mentioned the quarterly meetings now happening with the Westside Christian Ministers Association, him and the Mayor.
City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Minutes
March 4, 2025
Council Member Waldrop praised all service clubs in Taft and shared some stories about Rotary and Lions Club
Mayor Noerr gave appreciation to the Taft community and all service clubs and stated that a town of 6,000 feels like 12,000 with all that the community does.
5. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Planning Director, Mark Staples, reported on solar permits, local business updates, and recent housing developments in Taft.
Police Chief, Damon McMinn, congratulated the Rotary Club and reported on Police Department statistics for February of 2025.
Kern County Division Chief, Cary Wright reported statistics for the month of January 2025 and apologized for not being at the last meeting due to Kern County Firefighters assisting with the Los Angeles wildfires.
6. CITY MANAGER STATEMENTS
There was none.
7. CITY ATTORNEY STATEMENTS
There was none.
8. FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
There was none.
******************************************************************************************* CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 9-11
Motion: Moved by Krier, seconded by Bryant to approve consent calendar items 9-
11. AYES: Krier, Bryant, Waldrop, Chavira, Noerr
PASSED: 5-0
9. MINUTES
February 18, 2025
Recommendation – Approve as submitted.
City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Minutes
March 4, 2025
10. PAYMENT OF BILLS
Warrant # 020725 Check No. 101235-101249 $ 34,552.73
Warrant # 021425 Check No. 101250-101289 $ 135,976.90
Recommendation – Approve payment of the bills.
11. PURCHASE OF PRISONER TRANSPORT VEHICLES FOR THE TAFT COMMUNITY
CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
Recommendation – Motion to approve the purchase of two (2) 12-passenger vehicles for the transportation of prisoners at the Taft Community Correctional Facility and authorize the City Manager or Designee to execute all documents. Find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
******************************************************************************************* At 6:59 PM the regular meeting was recessed to closed session.
CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR, CRAIG JONES- CITY MANAGER Government Code Section 54956.8 – (1) undisclosed parcel The City Council discussed in closed session those items agendized for closed session discussion and directions were given to negotiators and staff. No other reportable action was taken.
ADJOURNMENT - With no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 7:24 PM. __________ ____________
Faith Melton Dave Noerr
Deputy City Clerk Mayor
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK FINANCE DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: March 18, 2025
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS IN THE CITY OF TAFT
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
A Transit Unmet Needs hearing was advertised for 10:00 am Thursday, February 27, 2025 at City Hall. This hearing was publicly noticed in the Midway Driller on January 23, 2025. No comments were received electronically by staff. There were no members of the public in attendance at the hearing.
The Transportation Development Act outlines criteria for the distribution of funds for public transportation. Pursuant to the Transportation Development Act, the City of Taft must annually conduct a hearing to receive input from the community regarding potential unmet transit needs within the City which are reasonable to be met. If there is a finding that there are no unmet transit needs that are reasonable to be met, the transportation planning agency may allocate funds for maintenance of local streets and roads.
Staff prepared the attached resolution indicating there were no unmet needs that could reasonably be met at this time.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to adopt a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT MAKING FINDINGS REGARDING UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS IN THE CITY OF TAFT and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
IMPACT ON BUDGET (Y/N): NO
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): YES (hearing minutes)
PREPARED BY: Public Works
RESOLUTION No. 4288-25
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT, MAKING FINDINGS RELATIVE TO UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS IN THE CITY OF TAFT.
WHEREAS, the Transportation Development Act of 1971 provides for distribution of funds to Local Transportation Fund held in trust by the Kern County Auditor/ Controller for use by eligible claimants for purposes authorized by Article 4; and WHEREAS, the City Council has noticed the public hearing to hear comments relative to unmet transit needs in the City of Taft; and
WHEREAS, the Transit Agency has made finding that the Taft Area Transit service has no unmet needs which are reasonable to meet other than those previously scheduled and the claimant may use the remaining funds for the purpose authorized by Article 8, Section 99400(a) Streets and Roads.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the City Council of the City of Taft that there are no Unmet Transit Needs that are reasonable to be met within the greater Taft area serviced by the Taft Area Transit.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this 18th day of March 2025. ________________________________
Dave Noerr, Mayor
ATTEST:
Faith Melton
Deputy City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF KERN } SS
CITY OF TAFT }
I, Faith Melton, Deputy City Clerk of the City of Taft do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting thereof held on 18th day of March, 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: Council Member:
NOES: Council Member:
ABSENT: Council Member:
ABSTAIN: Council Member:
________________________________
Faith Melton
Deputy City Clerk
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK FINANCE DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: MARCH 18, 2025
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
FUNDING TO THE TAFT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE QUARTER OF JULY 2024 TO SEPTEMBER 2024
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The City of Taft and the Taft Chamber of Commerce (“Chamber”) entered into an agreement on September 16, 2008, where the City Council recognized the best interest of the City to financially support the Chamber. The City Council agreed to fund the Chamber in the amount of 25% of the actual Transient Occupancy Tax (“TOT”) received and paid quarterly to the Chamber.
The total amount of TOT received by the October 31, 2024, deadline for the quarter of July 2024 through September 2024 was $39,542.73 and the amount to be allocated to the Chamber will be $9,885.68.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Motion to approve the 25% allocation of the Transient Occupancy Tax to the Taft Chamber of Commerce for the quarter of July 2024 through September 2024 and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
IMPACT ON BUDGET (Y/N): No
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): No
PREPARED BY: Teresa Binkley, Finance Director
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK FINANCE DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: MARCH 18, 2025
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
FUNDING TO THE TAFT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE QUARTER OF OCTOBER 2024 TO DECEMBER 2024
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The City of Taft and the Taft Chamber of Commerce (“Chamber”) entered into an agreement on September 16, 2008, where the City Council recognized the best interest of the City to financially support the Chamber. The City Council agreed to fund the Chamber in the amount of 25% of the actual Transient Occupancy Tax (“TOT”) received and paid quarterly to the Chamber.
The total amount of TOT received by the January 31, 2025, deadline for the quarter of October 2024 through December 2024 was $39,083.13 and the amount to be allocated to the Chamber will be $9,770.78.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Motion to approve the 25% allocation of the Transient Occupancy Tax to the Taft Chamber of Commerce for the quarter of October 2024 through December 2024 and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
IMPACT ON BUDGET (Y/N): No
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): No
PREPARED BY: Teresa Binkley, Finance Director
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK FINANCE DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: MARCH 18, 2025
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
LOW CARBON TRANSIT OPERATION PROGRAM (LCTOP) FY 2024-25 CERTIFICATIONS AND
ASSURANCES AND AUTHORIZED AGENT FORMS FOR ZERO-EMISSION TRANSIT BUS SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The LCTOP was established by California Senate Bill 862 to provide funding, on a formula basis, for operational or capital expansion projects to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve mobility, with a priority on serving disadvantaged communities. The funds are derived from California’s Capand-Trade Program and are the result of quarterly auctions of emission credits for greenhouse gas emitters regulated under AB 32, California’s Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006. Auction proceeds, known as the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, are then reinvested in various projects to further reduce emissions.
The allocation request to Caltrans for the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) toward the future purchase of zero-emission electric bus after sufficient funds have been accumulated. This resolution is required to request allocations for this funding from Caltrans. The attached resolution will authorize the City Manager to sign and execute any documents required of the LCTOP program and any amendment thereto with the California Department of Transportation RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to adopt a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE CERTIFICATIONS AND ASSURANCES AND AUTHORIZED AGENT FORMS FOR THE LOW CARBON TRANSIT OPERATIONS PROGRAM (LCTOP) FY2024-25 FOR THE FOLLOWING PROJECT: PURCHASE OF ZERO-EMISSION TRANSIT BUS USING $24,385 IN LCTOP FUNDS and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
IMPACT ON BUDGET (Y/N): No
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): Yes, Resolution, Certifications and Assurances and Authorized Agent Form
PREPARED BY: Teresa Binkley, Finance Director
RESOLUTION NO. 4289-25
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT
AUTHORIZING THE EXECUTION OF THE CERTIFICATIONS AND
ASSURANCES AND AUTHORIZED AGENT FORMS FOR THE LOW CARBON TRANSIT OPERATIONS PROGRAM (LCTOP) FY 2024-25 FOR THE
FOLLOWING PROJECT: PURCHASE ZERO-EMISSION TRANSIT BUS USING $24,385 IN LCTOP FUNDS
WHEREAS, the City of Taft is an eligible project sponsor and may receive state funding from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) for transit projects, and WHEREAS, the statutes related to state-funded transit projects require a local or regional implementing agency to abide by various regulations; and WHEREAS, Senate Bill 862 (2014) named the Department of Transportation (Department) as the administrative agency for the LCTOP; and WHEREAS, the Department has developed guidelines for the purpose of administering and distributing LCTOP funds to eligible project sponsors (local agencies); and WHEREAS, the City of Taft wishes to delegate authorization to execute these documents and any amendments thereto to Craig Jones, City Manager.
WHEREAS, the City of Taft wishes to implement the following LCTOP project(s) listed above,
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Taft that the fund recipient agrees to comply with all conditions and requirements set forth in the Certification and Assurances and the Authorized Agent documents and applicable statutes, regulations and guidelines for all LCTOP funded transit projects.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Taft that Craig Jones, City Manager be authorized to execute all required documents of the LCTOP program and any Amendments thereto with the California Department of Transportation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Taft that it hereby authorizes the submittal of the following project nomination(s) and allocation request(s) to the Department in FY 2024-25 LCTOP funds:
Project Name: Purchase of a zero-emission transit bus.
Amount of LCTOP funds requested: $24,385
Short description of project: Purchase a zero-emission battery-electric bus to replace gasoline bus at the end of its useful life
Contributing Sponsors (if applicable): Kern Council of Governments Resolution No: 4289-25
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on this 18th day of March, 2025. ________________________________
Dave Noerr, Mayor
ATTEST:
______________________________
Faith Melton
Deputy City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF KERN } SS
CITY OF TAFT }
I, Faith Melton, Deputy City Clerk of the City of Taft, do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was duly and regularly adopted by the City Council of the City of Taft at a regular meeting thereof held on the 18th day of March 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers:
NOES: Councilmembers:
ABSENT: Councilmembers:
ABSTAIN: Councilmembers:
______________________________
Faith Melton
Deputy City Clerk
FY 2024-2025 LCTOP
Authorized Agent
AS THE Mayor
(Chief Executive Officer/Director/President/Secretary)
OF THE City of Taft
(Name of County/City/Transit Organization)
I hereby authorize the following individual(s) to execute for and on behalf of the named Regional Entity/Transit Operator, any actions necessary for the purpose of obtaining Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) funds provided by the California Department of Transportation, Division of Local Assistance. I understand that if there is a change in the authorized agent, the project sponsor must submit a new form. This form is required even when the authorized agent is the executive authority himself. I understand the Board must provide a resolution approving the Authorized Agent. The Board Resolution appointing the Authorized Agent is attached.
Dave Noerr, Mayor OR
(Name and Title of Authorized Agent)
Craig Jones, City Manager OR
(Name and Title of Authorized Agent)
Lonn Boyer, Assistant City Manager OR
(Name and Title of Authorized Agent)
Teresa Binkley, Finance Director OR
(Name and Title of Authorized Agent)
Dave Noerr Mayor
(Print Name) (Title)
(Signature)
Approved this 18
day
of March , 2025
FY 2024-2025 LCTOP
Certifications and Assurances
Lead Agency: City of Taft
Project Title: Purchase an Electric Transit Bus
Prepared by: Teresa Binkley
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) has adopted the following Certifications and Assurances for the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP).
As a condition of the receipt of LCTOP funds, Lead Agency must comply with these terms and conditions.
A. General
1. The Lead Agency agrees to abide by the current LCTOP Guidelines and applicable legal requirements.
2. The Lead Agency must submit to Caltrans a signed Authorized Agent form designating the representative who can submit documents on behalf of the project sponsor and a copy of the board resolution appointing the Authorized Agent.
B. Project Administration
1. The Lead Agency certifies that required environmental documentation is complete before requesting an allocation of LCTOP funds. The Lead Agency assures that projects approved for LCTOP funding comply with Public Resources Code § 21100 and § 21150.
2. The Lead Agency certifies that a dedicated bank account for LCTOP funds only will be established within 30 days of receipt of LCTOP funds.
3. The Lead Agency certifies that when LCTOP funds are used for a transit capital project, that the project will be completed and remain in operation for its useful life.
4. The Lead Agency certifies that it has the legal, financial, and technical capacity to carry out the project, including the safety and security aspects of that project.
5. The Lead Agency certifies that they will notify Caltrans of pending litigation, dispute, or negative audit findings related to the project, before receiving an allocation of funds.
6. The Lead Agency must maintain satisfactory continuing control over the use of project equipment and facilities and will adequately maintain project equipment and facilities for the useful life of the project.
7. Any interest the Lead Agency earns on LCTOP funds must be used only on approved LCTOP projects.
FY 2024-2025 LCTOP
8. The Lead Agency must notify Caltrans of any changes to the approved project with a Corrective Action Plan (CAP).
9. Under extraordinary circumstances, a Lead Agency may terminate a project prior to completion. In the event the Lead Agency terminates a project prior to completion, the Lead Agency must (1) contact Caltrans in writing and follow-up with a phone call verifying receipt of such notice; (2) pursuant to verification, submit a final report indicating the reason for the termination and demonstrating the expended funds were used on the intended purpose; (3) submit a request to reassign the funds to a new project within 180 days of termination.
C. Reporting
1. The Lead Agency must submit the following LCTOP reports:
a. Annual Project Activity Reports October 30th each year. b. A Close Out Report within six months of project completion. c. The annual audit required under the Transportation Development Act (TDA), to verify receipt and appropriate expenditure of LCTOP funds. A copy of the audit report must be submitted to Caltrans within six months of the close of the year (December 31) each year in which LCTOP funds have been received or expended.
d. Project Outcome Reporting as defined by CARB Funding Guidelines. e. Jobs Reporting as defined by CARB Funding Guidelines.
2. Other Reporting Requirements: CARB develops and revises Funding Guidelines that will include reporting requirements for all State agencies that receive appropriations from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Caltrans and project sponsors will need to submit reporting information in accordance with CARB’s Funding Guidelines, including reporting on greenhouse gas reductions and benefits to disadvantaged communities.
D. Cost Principles
1. The Lead Agency agrees to comply with Title 2 of the Code of Federal Regulations 225 (2 CFR 225), Cost Principles for State and Local Government, and 2 CFR, Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
2. The Lead Agency agrees, and will assure that its contractors and subcontractors will be obligated to agree, that:
a. Contract Cost Principles and Procedures, 48 CFR, Federal Acquisition Regulations System, Chapter 1, Part 31, et seq., shall be used to determine the allow ability of individual project cost items and
FY 2024-2025 LCTOP
b. Those parties shall comply with Federal administrative procedures in accordance with 2 CFR, Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments. Every sub-recipient receiving LCTOP funds as a contractor or sub-contractor shall comply with
Federal administrative procedures in accordance with 2 CFR, Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments.
3. Any project cost for which the Lead Agency has received funds that are determined by subsequent audit to be unallowable under 2 CFR 225, 48 CFR, Chapter 1, Part 31 or 2 CFR, Part 200, are subject to repayment by the Lead Agency to the State of California (State). All projects must reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as required under Public Resources Code section 75230, and any project that fails to reduce greenhouse gases shall also have its project costs submit to repayment by the Lead Agency to the State. Should the Lead Agency fail to reimburse moneys due to the State within thirty (30) days of demand, or within such other period as may be agreed in writing between the Parties hereto, the State is authorized to intercept and withhold future payments due the Lead Agency from the State or any third-party source, including but not limited to, the State Treasurer and the State Controller.
A. Record Retention
1. The Lead Agency agrees and will assure that its contractors and subcontractors shall establish and maintain an accounting system and records that properly accumulate and segregate incurred project costs and matching funds by line item for the project.
The accounting system of the Lead Agency, its contractors and all subcontractors shall conform to Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and enable the determination of incurred costs at interim points of completion. All accounting records and other supporting papers of the Lead Agency, its contractors and subcontractors connected with LCTOP funding shall be maintained for a minimum of three (3) years after the “Project Closeout” report or final Phase 2 report is submitted (per CARB Funding Guidelines, Vol. 3, page 3.A-16), and shall be held open to inspection, copying, and audit by representatives of the State and the California State Auditor.
Copies thereof will be furnished by the Lead Agency, its contractors, and subcontractors upon receipt of any request made by the State or its agents. In conducting an audit of the costs claimed, the State will rely to the maximum extent possible on any prior audit of the Lead Agency pursuant to the provisions of federal and State law. In the absence of such an audit, any acceptable audit work performed by the Lead Agency’s external and internal auditors may be relied upon and used by the State when planning and conducting additional audits.
2. For the purpose of determining compliance with Title 21, California Code of Regulations, Section 2500 et seq., when applicable, and other matters connected with FY 2024-2025 LCTOP
the performance of the Lead Agency’s contracts with third parties pursuant to Government Code § 8546.7, the project sponsor, its contractors and subcontractors and the State shall each maintain and make available for inspection all books, documents, papers, accounting records, and other evidence pertaining to the performance of such contracts, including, but not limited to, the costs of administering those various contracts. All of the above referenced parties shall make such materials available at their respective offices at all reasonable times during the entire project period and for three (3) years from the date of final payment. The State, the California State Auditor, or any duly authorized representative of the State, shall each have access to any books, records, and documents that are pertinent to a project for audits, examinations, excerpts, and transactions, and the Lead Agency shall furnish copies thereof if requested.
3. The Lead Agency, its contractors and subcontractors will permit access to all records of employment, employment advertisements, employment application forms, and other pertinent data and records by the Civil Rights Department, or any other agency of the State of California designated by the State, for the purpose of any investigation to ascertain compliance with this document.
F. Special Situations
Caltrans may perform an audit and/or request detailed project information of the project sponsor’s LCTOP funded projects at Caltrans’ discretion at any time prior to the completion of the LCTOP.
I certify all these conditions will be met.
Dave Noerr Mayor
(Print Authorized Agent) (Title)
(Signature) (Date)
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK FINANCE DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: March 18, 2025
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
THE PURCHASE OF (20) 9MM GLOCK MODEL 45 PISTOLS WITH RED DOT TRIJICON RMR SIGHTS, (15) TLR-7X 5OO LUM MINI LIGHTS, (20) SAFARILAND RETENTION III HOLSTERS FOR TAFT POLICE DEPARTMENT.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Replacement of the current Glock model 22/23, .40 caliber pistol used by the Taft Police Department with new Glock model 45, 9mm caliber pistol.
Taft Police Department will transfer the Glock model 22/23 .40 caliber pistols to the Taft CCF to be utilized by transportation officers and training. Any remaining firearms considered obsolete will be documented and sold at a licensed FFL facility in the direction of the Chief of Police.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to accept the sole source quote provided by Pro-Force in the amount of $26,177.79 and authorize the Chief of Police to sign and accept the quote and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15060(c)(3) and Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines.
IMPACT ON BUDGET (Y/N): Yes, general fund
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): Yes, Pro-Force Quote
PREPARED BY: Damon McMinn – Chief of Police