TAFT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
JOINT REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, MARCH 17, 2026
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. PRESENTATION – CALM ZOO
2. PROCLAMATION – AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH IN TAFT
3. MEASURE A CITIZEN’S OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT AND PRESENTATION RECOMMENDED ACTION –
Receive and file
4. 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.
5. COUNCIL STATEMENTS (NON-ACTION)
6. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
7. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
8. CITY MANAGER STATEMENTS
9. CITY ATTORNEY STATEMENTS
10. FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
***************************************************************************************************** City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Agenda
March 17, 2026
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 11-15
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?
11. MINUTES
March 03, 2026 Regular
Recommendation – Approve as submitted.
12. PAYMENT OF BILLS
Warrant # 031326 Check No. 201710-201776 $ 611,341.53
Recommendation – Approve payment of the bills.
13. 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.
14. APPROVAL OF SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION FEES TO BE WAIVED TO EDGAR AND SUSANA GIL FOR CHRISTIAN SERVICE EVENT TO BE HELD AT THE CORNER OF 6TH
STREET AND SUPPLY ROW AT THE OIL WORKER MONUMENT PARK AREA ON SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026.
Recommendation –
Motion to approve a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF TAFT APPROVING THE WAIVING OF SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION FESS TO
EDGAR AND SUSANA GIL OF IGLESIA DE DIOS PENTECOSTES JESUCRISTO REY DE REYES
FOR A CHRISTIAN SERVICE EVENT ON CITY PROPERTY ON THE CORNER OF SIXTH
STREET AND SUPPLY ROW AT OIL WORKER MONUMENT PARK AREA TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026 and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
15. FRANCHISE AGREEMENT – WESTSIDE WASTE MANAGEMENT CO., INC. – AMENDMENT #5 TO SECTION 11.1 COMPENSATION FOR BASIC RESIDENTIAL SERVICE Recommendation –
Motion to authorize the Mayor to sign Amendment #5 to the Franchise Agreement between the City of Taft and Westside Waste Management Company, Inc 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 17, 2026
******************************************************************************************************
CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(b) – One (1) undisclosed case B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR, CRAIG JONES, CITY MANAGER Government Code 54957.6 – All units
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 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 12th, 2026, 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 12th, 2026, at Taft, California.
Signature ___________ _________
PRESENTED BY
Megan Maitland
Senior Director of CALM Zoo
[email protected]
CALM ZOO HISTORY
CALM Zoo was founded in 1983 by educator
Michael Hopkins and a dedicated team of
volunteers.
Since 1995, the Kern County Superintendent of
Schools and CALM Zoo have partnered to offer
hands - on field trips and STEAM programs for
25,000+ students each year. CALM Zoo also
serves 100,000+ community members
annually, promoting learning through wildlife,
nature, and science.
CALM Zoo focuses on educating the public about California’s native animal and plant species and providing them with the top - tier care.
Animal Welfare Updated Enclosures
PROTECTING CALIFORNIA NATIVE
SPECIES IS AT OUR CORE
KEEPING
CALM NATIVE
The Importance of Maintaining
the California Ecosystem
• Native Plants and Animals Rely on
Each Other to Balance the California
Ecosystem
• Non - Native Plants and Animals have
Devastating Effects on our Ecosystem
EXPLORING THE MASTER
PLAN CREATION
Exciting things are
coming to CALM Zoo!
The CALM Zoo Master Plan is a
20+ year vision to enhance
wildlife care, modernize
facilities, and create a
memorable experience for
every guest.
CALM ZOO
MASTER PLAN
CONCEPTUAL RENDERING OF THE ENTRY PLAZA.
CONCEPTUAL RENDERING OF THE RESCUE AND OPERATIONS HUB.
CONCEPTUAL RENDERING OF THE WEST EXPANSION.
CALM ZOO
MASTER PLAN
Extended West Expansion
New Guest Features
• Event Pavilion
• Botanical Garden
• Farm Zone
• Browse Field
CALM ZOO
MASTER PLAN
North Meadow Habitat
New Guest Features and Animal
Welfare Improvements
• Hoofstock Habitat
• Meadow Walking Trail
IMPLEMENTATION OVERVIEW
ECONOMIC IMPACT
OF THE 20+ YEAR
MASTER PLAN
• Every penny invested in CALM Zoo will
stay local t o ben efit Kern Cou n t y.
What the sales tax increment will look
like for Kern County consumers:
• For every $ 1 sp en t , you r con t ribu t ion
would be just a fraction of a pen n y.
• Creates local jobs - Including approximately
195 full time positions with additional
construction and skilled labor opportunities
• Supports education - CALM Zoo will h elp
educate over 100,000 students annually
• Gen erate approxim ately $171 million for
capital im provem en t projects
ECONOMIC IMPACT
OF THE 20+ YEAR
MASTER PLAN
Projected Local Impact (Modeled after
Fresno Chaffee Zoo)
JOIN THE
MOVEMENT
Protect CALM Zoo’s future by
• Visiting the zoo
• Join as a member
• Volunteer
• Attend an event
• Become a CALM Zoo supporter
CALM @Visitcalmzoo calmzoo.org
QUESTIONS
To learn more about ways you can
help visit Protectcalmzoo.org CALM ZOO
MASTER PLAN
PROTECT
CALM ZOO
PROCLAMATION
DECLARING
MARCH 2026
AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH IN TAFT
WHEREAS, In March, we celebrate American Red Cross Month by honoring our neighbors who make its humanitarian mission possible in the City of Taft. Every day, their acts of kindness change lives, bringing relief, comfort and hope when help can’t wait. This compassionate spirit runs deep in our community, just as it has for 145 years through the American Red Cross; and
WHEREAS, Home fires are one of the leading disasters experienced throughout our local communities. Red Cross, Kern County and Eastern Sierra Chapter volunteers have selflessly responded at all hours to assist those who have experienced and/or been displaced by home fire. During 2025, an average of $730 in assistance per household was provided, resulting in $207,390 in total assistance. Responding to 201 home fire events, Red Cross aided with 285 cases, which included 907 individuals assisted. Our volunteers also support fire prevention and preparedness events, serving at multiple Sound-the-Alarm events as well as on-demand requests installing smoke detectors in homes at no cost and providing recipients with education on home fire safety best practices; and WHEREAS, Today, those who serve with the Kern County and Eastern Sierra Chapter of the American Red Cross light the way during emergencies — whether it’s delivering shelter, food and comfort after disasters; providing a safe, lifesaving blood supply for patients facing conditions like cancer treatments, childbirth complications and traumatic injuries; assisting military members, veterans and their families with 24/7 global support; or empowering individuals with skills like first aid and CPR that save lives; and WHEREAS, These collective efforts are a powerful reminder that the strength of our community lies in our shared commitment to one another. As we mark Red Cross Month, let’s celebrate our local heroes and resolve to continue lifting each other up, so no one faces an emergency alone.
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 17th day of March 2026.
_________________________ 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 2025
Presented On behalf of the
Measure A Citizen’s Oversight Committee
March 17, 2026
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 meeting on
February 11, 2026
There was unanimous
consensus that the
funds were used as
presented to the
voters
Annual Report as of June 30, 2025
Sales Tax Receipts
Measure A - Sales Tax Cash Receipts (7/1/24 - 6/30/2025) Cash receipts:
Measure A - FY2025 2,052,129
Interest Income 18,861
Total Measure A Cash Receipts $ 2,070,990
Funds Disbursed as Presented
for Fiscal Year 2025
Funds Disbursed
FYE 2025
Police 974,229
Fire 1,004,194
Crime Prevention
(CSO) 71,763
Streets & Roads 0
$ 2,050,186
Measure A Funds
Total Actual
Expenses
Allocations of
Measure A funds
Expenses Funded by
other funding Sources
FYE 2025
Police 3,433,747 974,229 2,459,518
Fire 1,004,194 1,004,194 0
Crime
Preventation
(CSO) 239,930 71,763 168,167
Streets & Roads 254,402 0 254,402
Measure A
Admin Cost 15,627
$ 4,932,273 $ 2,065,813 $ 2,882,087
Disbursement Analysis
Police and Fire Services
(Fund 10)
96%
Crime Prevention
Services (Fund 50)
3%
Streets and Roads
Repairs
0%
Administrative Costs
1%
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
TAFT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MINUTES
MARCH 03, 2026
The March 03, 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 Mayor Dave Noerr and invocation was given by Pastor Sean Piefer.
PRESENT: Mayor Dave Noerr and May or Pro Tem Josh Bryant Council Members Carlos Chavira, Orchel Krier and Ron Waldrop City Manager Craig Jones and City Attorney Jason Epperson City Clerk Faith Melton
1. PUBLIC HEARING – 2025 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT (APR) FOR THE CITY OF TAFT’S 6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT AND GENERAL PLAN
The Public hearing was opened at 6:05 PM. Seeing there were no comments, the hearing was closed.
Motion: Moved by Bryant, seconded by Krier to approve a resolution entitled 2025 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT (APR) FOR THE CITY OF TAFT’S 6TH CYCLE HOUSING ELEMENT AND GENERAL PLAN AND
AUTHORIZING ITS SUBMITTAL TO THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT
OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND THE
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF LAND USE AND CLIMATE CHANGE (Resolution No. 4333-26) 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, Chavira, Waldrop, Noerr
PASSED: 5-0
2. CITIZEN REQUESTS/PUBLIC COMMENTS
Nicole Villaruz with Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E) gave some information about utility pricing lowering over the past couple years. Nicole let the Council know she is available for a sit-down meeting or any questions any of the Council had. Council Member Bryant, Chavira and Krier gave direction to staff to schedule Nicole with PG&E as a future agenda item to do a presentation and/or Q and A.
3. COUNCIL STATEMENTS (NON-ACTION)
Council Member Krier mentioned that it is racing season and weed season. He urged everyone to make sure you clean up your weeds.
City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Minutes
March 03, 2026
Council Member Waldrop spoke about a nice, clean park in Cuyama that he went to for a Lions Club retreat.
Council Member Chavira gave a shout out to the Taft High Soccer team for being league champions and thanked everyone who has helped them. He also reminded everyone looking at the freshly bloomed wildflowers to be careful not to go on private property.
Mayor Pro Tem Bryant congratulated the Taft High Soccer team on their historic wins and gave congratulations to Coach Gonzalez.
Mayor Noerr stated that the new movie “Kern Oil produced by local industry workers played on Friday night at a red carpet premiere at the Fox Theatre in Bakersfield. He urged everyone to watch the movie to hear the real facts, he then shared a report on Climate Change.
4. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
Police Chief, Damon McMinn gave the Taft Police Department Statistics for the month of February and stated he was very proud of Officer Tellez for having 26 DUI arrests since January.
5. CITY MANAGER STATEMENTS
There was none.
6. CITY ATTORNEY STATEMENTS
There was none.
7. FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
Bryant requested a proclamation for the Taft High Boys Soccer Team. Noerr and Chavira both concurred.
******************************************************************************************** CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 8-10, 12-17
Bryant removed item 11
Motion: Moved by Bryant seconded by Krier to approve consent calendar items 8-10, 12-17.
AYES: Krier, Bryant, Chavira, Waldrop, Noerr
8. MINUTES
February 17, 2026 Regular
Recommendation – Approve as submitted.
City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Minutes
March 03, 2026
9. PAYMENT OF BILLS
Warrant # 022026 Check No. 201619-201626 $ 74,290.19
Warrant # 022726 Check No. 20627-201709 $ 549,324.69
Recommendation – Approve payment of the bills.
10. CANCELLATION OF JULY 7, 2026 CITY COUNCIL MEETING
Recommendation –
Motion to approve the cancellation of the July 07, 2026 City Council Meeting.
11. CITY INVESTMENT POLICY ANNUAL REVIEW
Recommendation –
Motion to concur with the Finance Committee’s recommendation to adopt the policy with no changes 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. TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT FUNDS ANNUAL AUDIT – FY 2020-2021 Recommendation –
Motion to receive and file the City of Taft Transportation Development Act Funds Annual Audit for the fiscal year 2020-2021 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. TRANSPORTATION DEVELOPMENT ACT FUNDS ANNUAL AUDIT – FY 2021-2022 Recommendation –
Motion to receive and file the City of Taft Transportation Development Act Funds Annual Audit for the fiscal year 2021-2022 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.
14. ANNUAL AUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR FY 2021-2022 Recommendation –
Motion to receive and file the Annual Audited Comprehensive Financial Reports for the year ended June 30, 2022 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
Minutes
March 03, 2026
15. FINANCE AND HUMAN RESOURCE STAFF TO ATTEND TYLER MUNIS 2026 ANNUAL TRAINING IN LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, TO BE HELD ON APRIL 7 – 10, 2026 Recommendation –
Motion to approve funds from capital reserves of $1,000, for Human Resources and to approve the out of state travel for Finance and HR employees to attend Tyler Connect 2026 training in Las Vegas, Nevada from April 7 – 10th, 2026.
16. TYLER MUNIS AGREEMENT FOR CLOUD SERVICES
Recommendation –
Motion to authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement with Tyler Technologies for Cloud Services.
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11. UPDATE TO THE ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES AND PROCEDURES TO APPROVE AND ADOPT SOCIAL MEDIA POLICY SECTION 129
Motion: Moved by Bryant seconded by Chavira to table this item, discuss with staff, and bring back to a future meeting.
AYES: Krier, Bryant, Chavira, Waldrop, Noerr
PASSED: 5-0
********************************************************************************************* At 6:42 PM the regular meeting was recessed to closed session.
CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(b) – One (1) undisclosed case B. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR, CRAIG JONES, CITY MANAGER Government Code 54957.6 – All units
The City Council discussed in closed session the two 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 7:05 PM. __________ ____________
Faith Melton Dave Noerr
City Clerk Mayor
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK FINANCE DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: MARCH 17, 2026
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 26, 2026, at City Hall. This hearing was publicly noticed in the Midway Driller on January 22, 2026. 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 and resolution
PREPARED BY: Public Works
RESOLUTION NO.
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 17th day of March, 2026. ________________________________
Dave Noerr, Mayor
ATTEST:
Faith Melton
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA}
COUNTY OF KERN } SS
CITY OF TAFT }
I, Faith Melton, 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 17th day of March, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: Council Member :
NOES: Council Member :
ABSENT: Council Member :
ABSTAIN: Council Member :
________________________________
Faith Melton
City Clerk
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK: FINANCE DIRECTOR: CITY MANAGER:
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: MARCH 17, 2026
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
APPROVAL OF SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION FEES TO BE WAIVED TO EDGAR AND SUSANA GIL FOR CHRISTIAN SERVICE EVENT TO BE HELD AT THE CORNER OF 6TH STREET AND SUPPLY ROW AT THE OIL WORKER MONUMENT PARK AREA ON SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The Planning Director received a special event permit application and letter from Edgar and Susana Gil of Iglesia de Dios Pentecostes Jesucristo Rey de Reyes requesting the fee be waived for the use of City property at the corner 6th Street and Supply Row at the Oil Worker Monument Park Area (APN 032-110-72,-73) for an outdoor Christian service event to be held on Saturday, April 18, 2026. The Planning Department will approve the event with the following conditions:
Conditions of approval:
1. $2,000,000 liability insurance naming City of Taft as additional insured
2. Trash receptacles
3. Portable chemical toilets
4. The event area to be cleaned up and vacated with no event activities and no amplified sound or music after 9:00PM.
5. The event shall have no food sales or other vendors.
6. Removal of barricades from 6th St at Main St and Supply Row after the event The item is being brought before the Council to with the request to consider the application fees waived as the church is a non-profit entity.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to approve a resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
TAFT APPROVING THE WAIVING OF SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION FESS TO EDGAR
AND SUSANA GIL OF IGLESIA DE DIOS PENTECOSTES JESUCRISTO REY DE REYES FOR A
CHRISTIAN SERVICE EVENT ON CITY PROPERTY ON THE CORNER OF SIXTH STREET AND SUPPLY ROW AT OIL WORKER MONUMENT PARK AREA TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026 and find that the activity is not a project per the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) as set forth in Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines.
IMPACT ON BUDGET (Y/N): N/A
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): Resolution, Approval Letter, Special Event Application Submittal PREPARED BY: Planning Department
RESOLUTION NO.
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT
APPROVING THE WAIVING OF SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION
FESS TO EDGAR AND SUSANA GIL OF IGLESIA DE DIOS PENTECOSTES
JESUCRISTO REY DE REYES FOR A CHRISTIAN SERVICE EVENT ON
CITY PROPERTY ON THE CORNER OF SIXTH STREET AND SUPPLY ROW
AT OIL WORKER MONUMENT PARK AREA TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, APRIL 18, 2026
WHEREAS, Edgar and Susana Gil of Iglesia de Dios Pentecostes Jesucristo Rey de Reyes submitted a Special Event Permit Application, requesting to hold a Christian service event on City property on the Oil Worker Monument park area at Sixth Street and Supply Row (APN 032-112-13, -15) on April 18, 2026; and
WHEREAS, the special event was approved by the Planning Department; and WHEREAS, the event was required to provide sufficient trash receptacles and portable chemical toilets, and shall clean up all trash and debris at the conclusion of the event.
WHEREAS, the City Council agrees to waive the Special Event application fees to Edgar and Susana Gil of Iglesia de Dios Pentecostes Jesucristo Rey de Reyes as they are a non-profit entity.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, the Mayor and City Council of the City of Taft, California, approve the special event and waiving of application fees.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 17th day of March 2026 ________________________________
Dave Noerr, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Faith Melton
City Clerk
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF KERN ) SS
CITY OF TAFT )
I, Faith Melton, 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 17th day of March, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
__________________________________
Faith Melton
City Clerk
March 18, 2026
Edgar and Susana Gil, Pastors
Iglesia de Dios Pentecostes Jesucristo Rey de Reyes
308 North Street
Taft, CA 93268
Re: Approval of Special Event Permit No. 2026-05 – Christian Service Event, Saturday, April 18, 2026, Oil Worker Monument
Dear Pastor Gil,
Thank you for submitting an application package for a Special Event Permit, dated February 26, 2026, proposing to hold a Christian service event on Saturday, April 18, 2026, located at the Oil Worker Monument park area at the northeast corner of 6th Street and Supply Row (APNs 220-112-13, -15).
The Planning Director has approved Special Event Permit No. 2025-07 per the following conditions:
1. Special Event Permit No. 2025-07 is approved for Edgar and Susanna Gil to hold a Christian service event on Saturday, April 18, 2026, on City property at the Oil Worker Monument park area along Rails to Trails.
2. This Special Event is approved from set up on Saturday, April 18 at 9:00AM, with the event occurring from 3:00PM to 7:00PM, with the event area cleaned up and vacated with no event activities and no amplified sound or music after 9:00PM.
3. Parking for the event shall be limited to the street parking along 6th Street and Supply Row.
4. The Applicant shall provide sufficient evidence of $2,000,000 liability insurance, naming the City of Taft as certificate holder.
5. The Applicant shall provide sufficient trash receptables in the event areas and shall remove all trash and debris from the areas prior to the conclusion of the special event.
6. The Applicant shall provide sufficient portable chemical toilets in the event areas.
7. The Event shall have no food sales or other vendors.
8. An electrical outlet shall be provided for use during the event hours.
9. All water connections shall have approved backflow devices for potable water at concessions.
Copies of all of the insurance and permits listed above shall be submitted to the City prior to the start of the special event. Should you have any questions regarding this matter, feel free to contact me at [email protected] or at (661) 763-1222 x133.
Sincerely,
Nadine Storey
Planning & Development Services Technician
CC: File
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK FINANCE DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: MARCH 17, 2026
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
FRANCHISE AGREEMENT – WESTSIDE WASTE MANAGEMENT CO., INC. – AMENDMENT #5 TO SECTION 11.1 COMPENSATION FOR BASIC RESIDENTIAL SERVICE SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The current Franchise Agreement between the City of Taft and Westside Waste Management Co., may request an increase in both compensation for collection services for Residential Customers and an increase in commercial rates, detailed in Section 11.2 Annual Adjustments with the current rate outlined in Section 11.1(A) Compensation for Basic Residential Service.
The Compensation Rate increase will become effective on July 1, 2026, the Commercial Rate increase will become effective after a 30-day notice to customers and is anticipated to be effective on July 1, 2026. The increase is measured by CPI and no greater than the net percentage change not to exceed 5%. The actual inflation factor for Calander year ended 2025 was 3.20%, the rate increases for FY2026-2027.
The current monthly amount paid for collection services is $34,676.26 and will increase by 3.20% to $35,785.90 per month and the 3-Cart System monthly amount paid is $11,958.27 and will increase by
3.20% to $12,340.93. These increases will take effect July 1, 2026, and will be included in the FY2026-27 proposed budget. The new Commercial rates that will be effective July 1, 2026, are listed in Exhibit B.
Attached is the Amendment #5 to Section 11.1(A) Compensation for Basic Residential Service to the Franchise Agreement between the City of Taft and Westside Waste with the new monthly amount and Exhibit B that will be effective on July 1, 2026.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Motion to authorize the Mayor to sign Amendment #5 to the Franchise Agreement between the City of Taft and Westside Waste Management Company, Inc 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 – Amendment
PREPARED BY: Teresa Binkley, Finance Director
AMENDMENT #5 TO SOLID WASTE FRANCHISE AGREEMENT BETWEEN
THE CITY OF TAFT AND
WESTSIDE WASTE MANAGEMENT COMPANY, INC.
This Agreement is made and entered into by and between the City of Taft, hereinafter referred to as “CITY” and Westside Waste Management Company, Inc., hereinafter referred to as “CONTRACTOR” each of whom agrees as follows:
RECITALS:
WHEREAS, The parties hereto are parties to a certain Solid Waste Franchise Agreement “Agreement” dated September 1, 2020, wherein CONTRACTOR provides refuse collection, disposal, and recycling service to CITY; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to Section 11.2 of the Agreement, CONTRACTOR may request both rate and monthly payment increase once a year during the month of March to reflect ordinary changes in the cost of doing business; and
WHEREAS, CONTRACTOR has exercised his right to request both a rate increase and monthly payment increase as specified in Article 11 Section 11.2 of the Agreement; and WHEREAS, the CPI inflation factor for Calendar year 2025 was 3.20%.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. Section 11.1(A) Compensation for Basic Residential Services is amended effective July 1, 2026 to read as follows:
A. Compensation for Basic Residential Service. Contractor’s compensation for provision of the basic per dwelling unit services provided to Single-Family and Multi-Family Residential Customers shall be the sum of thirty-five thousand seven hundred-eighty-five dollars and ninety cents ($35,785.90) per month payable on the last Business Day of each month.
Contractor’s additional compensation related to the implementation of the 3-Cart System described in Section 4.1.B, shall be an additional twelve thousand three hundred forty dollars and ninety-three cents ($12,340.93) per month.
B. Compensation for All Other Services. Rates presented in Exhibit B, effective July 1, 2026.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the duly authorized representatives of the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed this 17th day of March 2026.
CITY OF TAFT
_______________________________
Dave Noerr, Mayor
WESTSIDE WASTE MANAGEMENT COMPANY,
INC.
___________________________________________
______________________,Contractor Representative
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Faith Melton
City Clerk