TAFT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MINUTES
FEBRUARY 17, 2026
The February 17, 2026 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 Council Member Waldrop and invocation was given by Greg Mudge.
PRESENT: Mayor Dave Noerr
Council Members Carlos Chavira, Orchel Krier and Ron Waldrop City Manager Craig Jones and City Attorney Jason Epperson City Clerk Faith Melton
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Josh Bryant
1. STUDY SESSION - PRESENTATION BY RICHARD CHAPMANN WITH KERN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION AND BARRY FOSTER WITH ECONSOLUTIONS.
2. CITIZEN REQUESTS/PUBLIC COMMENTS
There was none.
3. COUNCIL STATEMENTS (NON-ACTION)
Council Member Krier reminded all that Taft is open for business and that we are blessed to have a community like Taft
Council Member Waldrop urged the community to stay safe in the wind.
Council Member Chavira congratulated the Taft High boys' soccer team, told the community to get involved with the West Kern Economic Alliance and to be safe in this weather.
Mayor Noerr said those presentations by Richard Chapmann and Barry Foster were great and explained some new DMV regulations that will be happening this year.
4. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
Planning Commissioner John Dowden recommended that the Council approve an upcoming Annual Progress Report for the Housing Element.
DEPARTMENT REPORTS
There was none.
CITY MANAGER STATEMENTS
City Manager Jones thanked Barry Foster and Richard Chapmann for their presentations, he stated the traffic in our area is up as well as building applications and various permits.
City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Minutes
February 17, 2026
CITY ATTORNEY STATEMENTS
There was none.
8. FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
There was none.
******************************************************************************************** CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 9-11
Motion: Moved by Krier seconded by Chavira to approve consent calendar items 9-11.
AYES: Krier, Chavira, Waldrop, Noerr
9. MINUTES
February 03, 2026 Regular
Recommendation - Approve as submitted.
10. PAYMENT OF BILLS
Warrant # 013026 Check No. 201497-201555 $462,606.93
Warrant # 021326 Check No. 201556-201618 $ 281,780.01
Recommendation - Approve payment of the bills.
11. MONTHLY REPORT FOR KERN COUNTY FIRE STATION NO. 21 - DECEMBER 2025 Recommendation -
Receive and file the monthly report for December 2025 from Kern County Fire Station No. 21 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. ******************************************************************************************* At 7:14 PM the regular meeting was recessed to closed session.
CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(b) - Two (2) undisclosed cases B. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR, CRAIG JONES- CITY MANAGER Government Code Section 54956.8 - (1) undisclosed parcel C. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR, CRAIG JONES, CITY MANAGER Government Code 54957.6 - All units
City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Minutes
February 17, 2026
> The City Council discussed in closed session the items agendized for closed session discussion and directions were given to staff and negotiators. The City Council took no other reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT - With no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 7:51 PM.
Faith Melton Dave Noerr
City Clerk Mayor