TAFT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
JOINT REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
TUESDAY, APRIL 07, 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. PROCLAMATION – NATIONAL PUBLIC SAFETY TELECOMMUNICATIONS WEEK
2. 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.
3. COUNCIL STATEMENTS (NON-ACTION)
4. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
5. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
6. CITY MANAGER STATEMENTS
7. CITY ATTORNEY STATEMENTS
8. FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
***************************************************************************************************** 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? City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Agenda
April 07, 2026
9. MINUTES
March 17, 2026, Regular
Recommendation – Approve as submitted.
10. PAYMENT OF BILLS
Warrant # 032026 Check No. 201777-201782 $ 35,258.86
Warrant # 032726 Check No. 201783-207863 $ 346,110.45
Recommendation – Approve payment of the bills.
11. EMERGENCY PURCHASE OF A 24,000 BTU DUCTLESS HEATING / AIR CONDITIONING SYSTEM
FOR THE TAFT POLICE DEPARTMENT
Recommendation –
Motion to ratify the purchase of a 24,000 BTU ductless heating / air conditioning system provided by Airco of Bakersfield. The total amount for purchase and installation, $5,669.00 and requests the Mayor to sign and accept the purchase.
12. APPROVAL OF SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION FEES TO BE WAIVED AND STREET
CLOSURE TO WEST SIDE HEALTH CARE DISTRICT FOR A HEALTH FAIR TO BE HELD AT 100 E. NORTH STREET, IN FRONT OF WEST SIDE FAMILY HEALTH CARE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026, FROM 7:30 AM TO 2:00 PM AND AUTHORIZING THE STREET CLOSURE FOR THE WEST SIDE HEALTH CARE DISTRICT HEALTH FAIR.
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 FEES TO WEST SIDE HEALTH CARE DISTRICT FOR A HEALTH FAIR EVENT AT 100 EAST NORTH STREET TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026 AND AUTHORIZING THE STREET CLOSURE FOR THE WEST SIDE HEALTH CARE DISTRICT HEALTH FAIR, 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.
13. UPDATED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING WORKERS COMPENSATION COVERAGE FOR
VOLUNTEERS
Recommendation –
Motion to adopt resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT PROVIDING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COVERAGE FOR NON-SAFETY CITY VOLUNTEERS.
14. FUNDING TO THE TAFT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE QUARTER OF OCTOBER 2025 TO DECEMBER 2025
Recommendation –
City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Agenda
April 07, 2026
Motion to approve the 25% allocation of the transient occupancy tax to the Taft Chamber of Commerce for the quarter of October 2025 through December 2025.
15. APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO. 4 WITH SECURUS TECHNOLOGIES AT THE TAFT
COMMUNITY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
Recommendation –
Motion to authorize the City Manager to sign amendment No. 4 with Securus Technologies. ******************************************************************************************************
CLOSED SESSION
A. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Government Code Section 54956.9(b) – Two (2) 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, Nadine Storey, 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 April 2nd, 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 April 2nd, 2026, at Taft, California.
Signature ___________ _________
PROCLAMATION
DECLARING
“National Public Safety Telecommunications Week
April 12 to April 18, 2026”
WHEREAS, National Public Safety Telecommunications Week was founded to honor the telecommunication personnel dedicating their lives to public safety. It was a local initiative that was initially set up in 1981 by Patricia Anderson of Contra Costa County, which later went on to become a nationwide, week-long event; and
WHEREAS, National Public Safety Telecommunications Week is celebrated each year during the second full week of April to coincide with National 9-1-1 education month; and WHEREAS, emergencies can occur at any time that require police, fire or emergency medical services; and
WHEREAS, the safety of our police officers and firefighters is dependent upon the quality and accuracy of information obtained from citizens who telephone 911; and WHEREAS, Public Safety Telecommunicators are the first and most critical contact our citizens have with emergency services; and
WHEREAS, Public Safety Telecommunicators are the single vital link for our police officers and firefighters by monitoring their activities by radio, providing them information and ensuring their safety; and
WHEREAS, each dispatcher has exhibited compassion, understanding and professionalism during the performance of their job over the years.
NOW THEREFORE, The City Council of the City of Taft recognizes and extends appreciation to our dedicated and skilled dispatchers and hereby proclaim the week of April 12-18, 2026 as Public Safety Telecommunications week in the City of Taft.
Dated this 7th day of April 2026.
_______________________________
Dave Noerr, Mayor
_____________________________________ ______________________________________ Josh Bryant, Mayor Pro Tem Orchel Krier, Council Member ______________________________________ ______________________________________ Ronald Waldrop, Council Member Carlos Chavira, Council Member
TAFT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY
MINUTES
MARCH 17, 2026
The March 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 Orchel Krier and invocation was given by Pastor Lloyd Francis.
PRESENT: Mayor Dave Noerr
Council Members Orchel Krier and Ron Waldrop
City Manager Craig Jones and City Attorney Jason Epperson City Clerk Faith Melton
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Bryant and Council Member Carlos Chavira
1. PRESENTATION – CALM ZOO
2. PROCLAMATION – AMERICAN RED CROSS MONTH IN TAFT
3. MEASURE A CITIZEN’SOVERSIGHT COMMITTEE ANNUAL REPORT AND PRESENTATION Finance Director, Teresa Binkley, gave the annual presentation on behalf of the Citizen’s Oversight Committee.
4. CITIZEN REQUESTS/PUBLIC COMMENTS
There was none.
5. COUNCIL STATEMENTS (NON-ACTION)
Council Member Waldrop mentioned the Pheasant Hunt that is hosted by the Sportsmen’s Club and said it is a great event to bring communities together.
Council Member Krier spoke about the Taft Sportsmen’s Club and reminded local non-profits that it is time for Firework Booths and to enter your organization for a chance to have a Firework Booth.
Mayor Noerr thanked the Red Cross for all their hard work and reminded everyone to make sure your house is always disaster ready in preparation of emergencies.
6. PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT
Planning Commissioner Jerry Livingston reported that the Planning Commission passed an Alcohol Sales Permit to Kern St. Market.
7. DEPARTMENT REPORTS
There was none.
City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Minutes
March 17, 2026
8. CITY MANAGER STATEMENTS
There was none.
9. CITY ATTORNEY STATEMENTS
There was none.
10. FUTURE AGENDA REQUESTS
There was none.
********************************************************************************************* CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 11-15
Motion: Moved by Krier seconded by Waldrop to approve consent calendar items 11-15.
AYES: Krier, Waldrop, Noerr
PASSED: 3-0
11. MINUTES
March 03, 2026 Regular
Recommendation – Approve as submitted.
12. PAYMENT OF BILLS
Warrant # 031326 Check No. 201710-20177 $ 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 (Resolution No. 4334-26) 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 –
City of Taft Council/Successor Agency Meeting
Minutes
March 17, 2026
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 (Resolution No. 4335-26) 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. ********************************************************************************************* At 6:58 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 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 7:21 PM. __________ ____________
Faith Melton Dave Noerr
City Clerk Mayor
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK FINANCE DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: APRIL 7, 2026
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER
EMERGENCY PURCHASE Of A 24,000 BTU DUCTLESS HEATING / AIR CONDITIONING
SYSTEM FOR THE TAFT POLICE DEPARTMENT
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The Taft Police Department computer / communication server room is temperature control by a split wing 18,000 BTU air conditioning unit in a confined space where heat is generated by electronics. All servers have heat alarms when temperatures rise which could cause damage to the components. The current system was 11 years old and undersized, which began to fail causing multiple heat alarms. Due to the current weather conditions, I made the decision to complete the work ASAP.
Multiple attempts were made to contact different companies. I obtained three bids for an upgraded unit replacement, but Airco was the only company immediately available, they completed the replacement and installation in one day.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Motion to ratify the purchase of a 24,000 BTU ductless heating / air conditioning system provided by Airco of Bakersfield. The total amount for purchase and installation, $5,669.00 and requests the Mayor to sign and accept the purchase.
IMPACT ON BUDGET (Y/N): No, current yearly budget for building maintenance.
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): Yes – three listed quotes and Airco invoice PREPARED BY: Damon P. McMinn, Chief of Police
Lic# 978857
Airco Bakersfield
PO Box 2807
Bakersfield, CA 93303 US
+16613236780
[email protected]
INVOICE
BILL TO
Taft Police Department
Attn: Chief Of Police
320 Commerce Way
Taft, CA 93268
SHIP TO
Taft Police Department
320 Commerce Way
Taft, CA 93268
INVOICE # 23212
DATE 03/25/2026
DUE DATE 04/24/2026
TERMS Net 30
ACTIVITY QTY RATE AMOUNT
Estimate
Airco provided and installed 1 - 24,000BTU ductless heating and air conditioning system. Provided and installed new electrical and drain connections. Disposed of old equipment. Evacuated lines, and charge and balance new system. Bid includes all equipment, materials, labor, disposal, and California sales tax, to complete project.
Installed 02/27/2026.
Gree 18K Ductless System - $5,669.00
1 5,669.00 5,669.00
Acceptance of Estimate
Acceptance of this Estimate will be viewed as a contract. 1 0.00 0.00
Exclusions
Exclusions: Plumbing, framing and roofing. Electrical, with the exception of low voltage wiring, commissioning, air balancing, permitting.
1 0.00 0.00
Payment Terms
Payment due upon installation.
There is a 2.5% fee for all credit and debit transactions. 1 0.00 0.00
BALANCE DUE $5,669.00
Pay invoice
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK: FINANCE DIRECTOR: CITY MANAGER:
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: April 7, 2026
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
APPROVAL OF SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION FEES TO BE WAIVED AND STREET CLOSURE TO WEST SIDE HEALTH CARE DISTRICT FOR A HEALTH FAIR TO BE HELD AT 100 E.
NORTH STREET, IN FRONT OF WEST SIDE FAMILY HEALTH CARE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026, FROM 7:30 AM TO 2:00 PM AND AUTHORIZING THE STREET CLOSURE FOR THE WEST SIDE HEALTH CARE DISTRICT HEALTH FAIR.
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
The Planning Department received a special event permit application and letter from the West Side Health Care District requesting the fee be waived for the use of the property at 100 E. North Street, in front of West Side Family Health Care for an outdoor Health Fair event to be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026. They also requested the closure of the 100 block of East North Street from 1st Street to their parking lot area. The Planning Department will approve the event with the following conditions:
Conditions of approval:
1. $1,000,000 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.
5. Removal of barricades from East North St. from 1st St. to WSHCD parking area.
California Vehicle Code section 21101 authorizes local agencies by resolution to close streets for special events. The item is being brought before the Council for consideration of the application fees being waived as the event 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 FEES TO WEST SIDE HEALTH CARE DISTRICT FOR A HEALTH FAIR EVENT AT 100 EAST NORTH STREET TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026 AND AUTHORIZING THE STREET CLOSURE FOR THE WEST SIDE HEALTH CARE DISTRICT HEALTH FAIR, 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): No
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): Resolution, Approval Letter, Special Event Application & Encroachment Permit
PREPARED BY: Planning Department
RESOLUTION NO. 4336-26
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT
APPROVING THE WAIVING OF SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT APPLICATION
FEES TO WEST SIDE HEALTH CARE DISTRICT HEALTH FAIR EVENT AT 100 EAST NORTH STREET TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2026, AND AUTHORIZING THE STREET CLOSURE OF THE 100 BLOCK OF EAST NORTH STREET FROM 1ST STREET TO THEIR PARKING LOT AREA
WHEREAS, West Side Health Care District submitted a Special Event Permit Application requesting to hold a Health Fair event at 100 East North Street on April 11, 2026; and WHEREAS, the West Side Health Care District has requested a street closure for a Health Fair on April 11, 2026; and
WHEREAS, Section 21101 (e) of the California Vehicle Code requires a resolution by Council to temporarily close streets for special events; and
WHEREAS, the special event was approved by the Planning Department with conditions of approval; 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; and WHEREAS, the City Council agrees to waive the Special Event application fees to West Side Health Care District 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 and the street closure from 7:30 AM until 2:00 PM on April 11, 2026.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 7th day of April 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 7th day of April, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
__________________________________
Faith Melton
City Clerk
April 8, 2026
West Side Health Care District
Attn: Robyn Melton
100 E. North Street
Taft, CA 93268
Re: Approval of Special Event Permit No. 2026-07 – Health Fair Event, Saturday, April 11, 2026, 100 E. North Street
Dear Ms. Melton,
Thank you for submitting an application package for a Special Event Permit, dated March 12, 2026, proposing to hold a Health Fair event on Saturday, April 11, 2026, located at 100 E. North Street. The Planning Department has approved Special Event Permit No. 2026-07 per the following conditions:
1. Special Event Permit No. 2026-07 is approved for West Side Health Care District to hold a Health Fair event on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 100 E. North Street.
2. This Special Event is approved from set up on Saturday, April 11 at 7:30 AM, with the event occurring from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, with the event area cleaned up and vacated with no event activities after 2:00 PM.
3. The Applicant shall provide sufficient evidence of $1,000,000 liability insurance, naming the City of Taft as certificate holder.
4. 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.
5. The Applicant shall provide sufficient portable chemical toilets in the event areas.
6. East North Street shall be closed from 1st Street to WSHCD parking area.
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: APRIL 7, 2026
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER
UPDATED RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING WORKERS COMPENSATION COVERAGE FOR
VOLUNTEERS
SUMMARY STATEMENT
The City of Taft is a member of the Central San Joaquin Valley Risk Management Authority (CSJVRMA) which provides Workers Compensation coverage. An option offered is for the City to provide coverage for Volunteers while on duty under Section 3363.5 of the Labor Code. In order to ensure coverage is provided for volunteers an updated Resolution is needed from the City Council.
Staff recommends the City Council approve the Resolution to provide coverage for City Volunteers.
There is no additional cost for this coverage.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Motion to adopt resolution entitled A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT PROVIDING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COVERAGE FOR NON-SAFETY CITY VOLUNTEERS.
IMPACT ON BUDGET (Y/N): None
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): Resolution
PREPARED BY: Human Resources
RESOLUTION NO. 4337-26
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF TAFT
PROVIDING WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COVERAGE FOR NONSAFETY CITY VOLUNTEERS WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Taft desires to provide workers’ compensation coverage for non-safety City volunteers pursuant to the provisions of Section 3363.5 of the Labor Code; and
WHEREAS, the City Council finds its best interests will be served by utilizing volunteers in the provision of certain City services; and
WHEREAS, said volunteers should be eligible for workers’ compensation coverage while on duty;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Taft
1. that the public interest is best served by providing workers’ compensation coverage to non-safety volunteers.
2. that the volunteers described above in the above referenced paragraph shall be deemed to be employees for the purposes of Division 4 of the California Labor Code while the person actually performs volunteer services, provided that the rights of volunteers shall be limited to those benefits set forth in the Labor Code.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Taft at a regular meeting thereof held on this 7th day of April 2026 by the following vote:
________________________________
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 7th day of April, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
__________________________________
Faith Melton
City Clerk
REVIEWED BY:
CITY CLERK FINANCE DIRECTOR CITY MANAGER
City of Taft Agenda Report
DATE: APRIL 7, 2026
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
FUNDING TO THE TAFT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR THE QUARTER OF OCTOBER 2025 TO DECEMBER 2025
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, not to exceed $50,000.00 for a calendar year.
The total amount of TOT received by February 28, 2026, deadline for the quarter of October 2025 through December 2025 was $33,441.53 and the amount to be allocated to the Chamber will be $8,360.38. For calendar year 2025 the city contributed $47,557.84, including this contribution.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Motion to approve the 25% allocation of the transient occupancy tax to the Taft Chamber of Commerce for the quarter of October 2025 through December 2025.
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: APRIL 7, 2026
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
AGENDA MATTER:
APPROVAL OF AMENDMENT NO. 4 WITH SECURUS TECHNOLOGIES AT THE TAFT
COMMUNITY CORRECTIONAL FACILITY
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Amendment No. 4 to the Securus Agreement is required to ensure compliance with new FCC regulations. The amendment also incorporates a newly negotiated provision addressing costsharing for family video visitation services mandated by law.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Motion to authorize the City Manager to sign amendment No. 4 with Securus Technologies.
IMPACT ON BUDGET (Y/N): No
ATTACHMENT (Y/N): Amendment #4
PREPARED BY: Office of City Manager
FOURTH AMENDMENT TO THE MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT
CITY OF TAFT, CA (A001916)
This FOURTH AMENDMENT (“Fourth Amendment”) is effective as of the last date signed by either party (“Fourth Amendment Effective Date”) and amends and supplements the Master Services Agreement by and between Securus Technologies, LLC (“we,” “us,” or “Provider”) and City of Taft Community Correctional Facility, CA (“you” or “Customer”) dated September 15, 2023, as subsequently amended (collectively, the “Agreement”). All capitalized terms contained but not defined herein are defined in the Agreement.
WHEREAS In 2024, the Federal Communications Commission published the Incarcerated People’s Communication Services; Implementation of the Martha Wright-Reed Act: Rates for Interstate Inmate Calling Services, WC Docket Nos. 23-62 & 12-375, FCC 24-75 (rel. July 22, 2024) (the “2024 FCC Order”) which, among other things, lowered the rates for voice and video calls and prevented providers from paying cash or in-kind commissions out of revenue regulated by the FCC.
WHEREAS On June 30, 2025, the FCC published an order (the “Waiver Order”) extending the compliance dates of the following requirements of the 2024 FCC Order to April 1, 2027: new caps on voice and video calls, the prohibition against cash or in-kind commissions, and the requirement that providers offer video calls on a per-minute basis.
WHEREAS On December 5, 2025, the FCC published an order in the Federal Register (the “Interim Order”) which, among other things, adjusted the 2024 FCC Order rate caps to include the costs of investigative products and safety and security services as adjusted for inflation, and allowed a per-minute additive to the call rate to account for costs customers incur in allowing access to IPCS.
WHEREAS The parties now agree to further amend the Agreement in light of the Interim Order, which Provider will implement on April 1, 2026 (“the Interim Order Implementation Effective Date”).
NOW, THEREFORE, as of the Fourth Amendment Effective Date and in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:
1. Term. This Fourth Amendment shall commence on the Fourth Amendment Effective Date and shall remain in effect through the Term of the Agreement.
2. Voice Call Rate. As of the Interim Order Implementation Effective Date, Provider will charge $0.07 per minute voice call-rate to the end user, plus applicable taxes, tariffs, fees, and surcharges, in compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements. Provider will charge $0.13 per minute international voice call-rate to the end user, plus the country specific termination access fee, plus applicable taxes, tariffs, fees, and surcharges.
3. Cost Recovery. As of the Interim Order Implementation Effective Date, the Invoicing and Compensation and the Facilities and Related Specifications subsections under the Telephone Service / Call Management System section in the Schedule to the Agreement (pages 6-7) are deleted and Provider will pay Customer $0.02 per minute of both voice call rates indicated above as recovery of costs incurred by Customer for allowing access to audio services.
4. Video Call Rate. As of the Interim Order Implementation Effective Date, Provider will convert Securus Video Connect customers to Video Connect, Provider’s new video call application that allows for pay per minute video calls. Upon conversion to Video Connect, Provider will charge a video call rate of $0.19 per minute video call-rate to the end user, plus applicable taxes, tariffs, fees, and surcharges, in compliance with state and federal regulatory requirements.
5. Cost Recovery. As of the Interim Order Implementation Effective Date, the SVC Compensation to Customer subsection under the Securus Video Connect / ConnectUs section 2 of the First Amendment is deleted and Provider will pay Customer $0.02 per minute of the video call rate indicated above as recovery of costs incurred by Customer for allowing access to video services.
6. Refund for Voided Debit Transactions. Section 2 of the Third Amendment is deleted and replaced with the following section: Customer acknowledges and agrees it owes Provider the amount of $64,547.94 for voided debit transactions that were nonetheless credited to the incarcerated end user through October 19, 2025. Any amounts that are irregularly credited as of October 20, 2025, will be owed by the Customer to Provider. As of the Third Amendment Effective Date, this amount will be deducted from commissions otherwise owed by Provider to the Customer, until the amount is paid in full, at which point Provider will resume paying commissions to the Customer under the terms and conditions of the Agreement. As of the Interim Order Implementation Effective Date, this amount will be deducted from cost recovery from regulated Applications and from commissions from non-regulated Applications otherwise owed by Provider to the Customer, until the amount is paid in full, at which point Provider will resume paying commissions to the Customer under the terms and conditions of the Agreement
7. Video Call Vouchers. The last sentence of Section 3 of the Third Amendment is deleted and replaced with the following sentence: Notwithstanding the foregoing, Provider will offer 2 vouchers of 30-minute sessions to each incarcerated end user per week and charge the Customer a flat fee of $3,350.00 per month, plus applicable taxes, tariffs, and fees for the vouchers. Vouchers are non-cumulative between weeks and non-transferable between incarcerated end users. This amount will be updated annually according to ADP fluctuation.
8. Recordings Storage. Notwithstanding any previous terms in the Agreement, Provider will provide storage for voice and video recordings as follows:
a. Voice Recordings. Provider will store voice recordings for a period of 90 days from the date the call takes place (the “Voice Storage Period”). After the Voice Storage Period ends for a given call, it will no longer be available to Customer. b. Video Recordings. Provider will store video recordings for a period of 30 days from the date the call takes place (the “Video Storage Period”). After the Video Storage Period ends for a given video, it will no longer be available to Customer. c. Customer Responsibility to Preserve Recordings. Customer is solely responsible for preserving any voice or video recordings beyond the applicable Storage Period by downloading them to a separate storage medium, and Provider shall not have any responsibility or have any liability whatsoever for Customer’s failure to download and store the voice or video recordings so that they are available beyond the applicable Storage Period. d. Historic Recordings. The parties understand and agree that the currently applicable storage period for voice and/or video calls may be longer than the applicable Storage Period. Customer agrees that, no sooner than 90 days after the Fourth Amendment Effective Date (the “Storage Transition Period”), all historic voice and video recordings outside the applicable Storage Period will become unavailable to Customer. It is the sole and exclusive responsibility of Customer to download and store voice or video recordings in a separate medium during the Storage Transition Period as Customer will permanently lose access to voice and video recordings that are older than the applicable Storage Period. Provider will have no liability whatsoever for the loss of any voice or video recordings after the Storage Transition Period that are older than the applicable Storage Period.
9. Regulated Applications Update. As of the Interim Order Implementation Effective Date, all Applications are updated to delete any reference to commission being considered in the offering and replace the applicable sentence with the following: The Application will be provided at no cost to the Customer.
10. Compliance with FCC Regulations. The Agreement includes terms to comply with the current Interim Order. There is the potential for its requirements to change during the Term of the Agreement. If any such changes occur during the Term of Agreement, the parties agree to work together in good faith to agree to appropriate changes to address such changes. Additionally, current FCC regulations do not allow Provider to charge ancillary service charges on transactions involving voice and video calls. If the FCC allows Provider to charge ancillary service charges on transactions involving voice and video calls in the future, Customer agrees that Provider may charge such fees, up to the maximum amount allowed by the FCC, without the need for further contract amendment or customer approval.
11. Except as expressly amended by this Fourth Amendment, all of the terms, conditions and provisions of the Agreement shall remain in full force and effect.
EXECUTED as of the Fourth Amendment Effective Date.
CUSTOMER: City of Taft Community Correctional Facility, CA By:
Name:
Title:
Date:
PROVIDER: Securus Technologies, LLC
By:
Name:
Title:
Date: