City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, July 7, 2026
MINUTES
WASCO CITY COUNCIL
and Successor Agency to the
Former Redevelopment Agency
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
Regular Meeting – 6:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
746 8th Street, Wasco, CA 93280
THIS MEETING WAS CONDUCTED IN A HYBRID MODEL WITH BOTH IN-PERSON ATTENDANCE AND VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION.
REGULAR MEETING – 6:00 pm
1) CALL TO ORDER: Mayor
Mayor Saldaña, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2) ROLL CALL: Mayor Saldaña, Mayor Pro Tem Reyna, Council Members: Martinez, Medina, Raya
PRESENT: Mayor Saldaña, Mayor Pro Tem Reyna, Council Members: Martinez, Medina, Raya
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager M. Scott Hurlbert, Assistant City Manager Maria Lara, City Attorney Tom Schroeter, City Clerk Maria O. Martinez, Executive Assistant I Monica Flores, Executive Assistant I Cinthia Ugalde , Public Works Director Luis Villa, Community Development Director Keri Cobb, Finance Director Tracy Blakemore, Police Lieutenant Galutira
3) FLAG SALUTE: by Mayor Saldaña
4) INVOCATION: observed a moment of silence.
5) APPROVAL OF AGENDA:
City Manager Scott Hulbert informed the council of a correction to the Closed Session title for Item 18e: the negotiating party is IGL Investment Grade Loans, not Vertical Bridge.
Motion by Council Member Martinez , seconded by Mayor Saldaña, to approve the agenda with the changes mentioned by the following roll call vote:
AYES: SALDAÑA, REYNA, MARTINEZ, MEDINA, RAYA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
6) PRESENTATIONS: None
7) PUBLIC COMMENTS ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
Docusign Envelope ID: D281FF05-F272-8795-8088-832C9C96C810 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, July 7, 2026 • Maria de Jesus Macias de Martinez shared concerns on the sidewalk installation project.
City Clerk Maria Martinez announced that no remote public comments were received for this item.
Executive Assistant I, Cinthia Ugalde, mentioned that there are no email comments on this item or any other items on this agenda.
8) SUCCESSOR AGENCY BUSINESS: None
9) WASCO PUBLIC FINANCE AUTHORITY BUSINESS: None
10) PUBLIC SAFETY REPORTS
a. Kern County Fire Department (Appleton):
• No reports – Chief Appleton absent.
b. Wasco Police Department (Mora):
• Police Lieutenant Galutira reported on the current public safety report ; the Coffee with a Cop Event occurred June 29, 2026; the Quarterly Business District Watch Meeting occurred; and Junior Police Summer Camp will start July 13, 2026.
CITY COUNCIL BUSINESS:
11) CONSENT CALENDAR:
The Consent Calendar consists of items that are routine and noncontroversial, in the staff's opinion. These items are approved in one motion unless a Council Member or member of the public requests the removal of a particular item for separate consideration.
a. Receive and File department payments totaling $ 1,078,816.71
b. Approval of City Council Minutes for:
1. May 19, 2026, Regular Meeting
2. June 16, 2026, Regular Meeting
c. Council finds that it is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Receive and file the 2026 Local Agency Biennial Notice Indicating that No Amendment is Required to the City’s Conflict of Interest Code at this time, and authorize the City Manager or Designee to Endorse the Notice.
d. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Approval of Travel Expenses Exceeding $500.00 per trip for the Administrative Manager/City Clerk and the Executive Assistant I/Deputy City Clerk to attend the California Municipal Clerks Association CMCA Annual Conference on April 14-16, 2027 in Sacramento, California.
e. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Approval of Travel and Training Expenses Exceeding $500.00 for one Wasco Police Department Officer to attend the Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST) Course scheduled for June 22-24, 2026, in Simi Valley, California.
Docusign Envelope ID: D281FF05-F272-8795-8088-832C9C96C810 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, July 7, 2026
f. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Accept the Grant Award of $187,896.00 and Execute the Grant Agreement, Budget Appropriations, Certifications and Assurances for the FY 2026 -2027 California State of Good Repair (SGR) Program.
Reso#2026-4345
g. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Authorizing Submission of an Application for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Federal Funding under Section 5311 (49 U.S.C. Section 5311) and the Execution of a Standard Agreement with the California Department of Transportation, Division of Rail and Mass Transportation.
Reso#2026-4346
h. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Execute a Purchase Order for the purchase of a Brush Loader Replacement Engine for the Sanitation Department from Coastline Equipment in an amount not to exceed $15,000.00.
Reso#2026-4347
i. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Execute a Purchase Order for the Purchase of a new Skid Steer from Coastline Equipment in an amount not to exceed $175,000.00.
Reso#2026-4348
j. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Execute a Purchase Order for the Purchase of a new Stump Shredder from Coastline Equipment in an amount not to exceed $30,000.00.
Reso#2026-4349
k. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Execute a Purchase Order for the Purchase of New Traffic Signs from LED Lighting Solutions in an amount not to exceed $70,000.00.
Reso#2026-4350
l. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to execute a Purchase Order for the Purchase of Two Light -Duty Pickup Trucks from Nissan of Bakersfield in an amount not to exceed $75,000.00.
Reso#2026-4351
Docusign Envelope ID: D281FF05-F272-8795-8088-832C9C96C810 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, July 7, 2026
m. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to execute a Purchase Order for the Purchase under the National Auto Fleet Group Contract 081325-NAF for the purchase of an EV Small Pickup Truck for the Water Department in an amount not to exceed $60,000.00.
Reso#2026-4352
n. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Approving the 2026 Title VI Compliance Plan for the City of Wasco Dial-a-Ride.
Reso#2026-4353
o. Council finds this action qualifies as categorically exempt pursuant to section 15308 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Sign a Letter Authorizing the County of Kern as the Lead Agency to Submit to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) a Regional Application for the Used Oil Payment Program (OPP) Fiscal Year 2026-27 on its behalf.
Reso#2026-4354
p. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Execute a Purchase Order for the repairs of Centrifuge No. 1 with GEA Mechanical Equipment US, Inc. for an amount not to exceed $130,000.00.
Reso#2026-4355
q. Receive and File the Homeless Outreach Quarterly Report - Information only
r. Receive and File the Community Development Department Quarterly Report - Information only.
No Conflict of Interest on the consent calendar for any Council member.
There were no in-person public comments.
City Clerk Maria Martinez announced that no remote public comments were received for this item.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Reyna , seconded by Council Member Martinez, to approve the Consent Calendar by the following roll call vote:
AYES: SALDAÑA, REYNA, MARTINEZ, MEDINA, RAYA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
Docusign Envelope ID: D281FF05-F272-8795-8088-832C9C96C810 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, July 7, 2026 12) PUBLIC HEARINGS : Staff shall introduce the public hearing item and present their report to Council. Councilmembers may ask questions of staff if they desire. Any member of the public may speak or present evidence after being recognized by the Mayor. All rules of decorum apply during Public Hearings. Each member of the Council shall verbally disc lose all ex parte communications concerning the subject of the hearing.
a. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Conduct a Public Hearing and Reporting on City of Wasco Vacancies, Recruitment, and Retention Efforts to Comply with Assembly Bill 2561.
Mayor Saldaña opened the public hearing at 6:27 p.m.
City Clerk Martinez mentioned that the agenda item has been adequately noticed.
Finance Director Tracy Blakemore gave an oral presentation.
There were no in-person public comments.
City Clerk Maria Martinez announced that no remote public comments were received for this item.
Mayor Saldaña closed the public hearing at 6:30 p.m.
Motion by Council Member Medina, Seconded by Mayor Saldaña, to receive and file by the following roll call vote:
AYES: SALDAÑA, REYNA, MARTINEZ, MEDINA, RAYA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
13) DEFERRED BUSINESS: None
14) NEW BUSINESS: The public may comment on each item listed on the agenda for New Business items as the items are taken up. New Business items may be reordered at the Chair's discretion.
The public may speak up to 2 minutes on each agenda item.
a. Council finds this action is not a “project” under Section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution reaffirming Resolution No. 2026-4339, Approving the City’s Fiscal Year 2026–2027 Annual Operating Budget and the Five-Year 2025–2030 Capital Improvement Program in Compliance with AB 2561 Vacancy Reporting Requirements.
Reso#2026-4356
Finance Director Tracy Blakemore gave an oral presentation.
There were no in-person public comments.
City Clerk Maria Martinez announced that no remote public comments were received for this item.
Docusign Envelope ID: D281FF05-F272-8795-8088-832C9C96C810 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, July 7, 2026
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Reyna, Seconded by Council Member Medina, to adopt the resolution with the following roll call vote:
AYES: SALDAÑA, REYNA, MARTINEZ, MEDINA, RAYA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
b. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution approving the City’s Appropriations Limit for the Fiscal Year 2026-2027.
Reso#2026-4357
Finance Director Tracy Blakemore gave an oral presentation.
There were no in-person public comments.
City Clerk Maria Martinez announced that no remote public comments were received for this item.
Motion by Council Member Martinez, Seconded by Council Member Raya , to adopt the resolution with the following roll call vote:
AYES: SALDAÑA, REYNA, MARTINEZ, MEDINA, RAYA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
c. Informational Update on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
City Manager Scott Hulbert gave an oral presentation.
There were no in-person public comments.
City Clerk Maria Martinez announced that no remote public comments were received for this item.
Informational item only; no action.
d. Council finds this action is not a “project” defined under section 15378 of the CEQA Guidelines; Adopt a Resolution Approving the Amended Salary Schedule for the Fiscal Year 2026 -2027 in Compliance with the California Public Employees’ Retirement System (CalPERS) Requirement for Publicly Available Pay Schedules.
Reso#2026-4358
Human Resources Manager Nancy Vera gave an oral presentation.
There were no in-person public comments.
Docusign Envelope ID: D281FF05-F272-8795-8088-832C9C96C810 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, July 7, 2026 City Clerk Maria Martinez announced that no remote public comments were received for this item.
Motion by Mayor Pro Tem Reyna, Seconded by Mayor Saldaña, to adopt the resolution with the following roll call vote:
AYES: SALDAÑA, REYNA, MARTINEZ, MEDINA, RAYA
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
15) REPORTS FROM COMMISSIONS AND COMMITTEES:
a. Kern Economic Development Corporation (Medina)
• West Kern Economic Alliance Meeting scheduled for July 8, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Wasco Veterans Hall, 1202 Poplar Ave.
b. Kern Council of Governments (Reyna)
• Kern Council of Governments Meeting occurred on June 18, 2026. • Transportation Planning Policy Committee (TPPC) , District 6, highlighted several ongoing Caltrans projects.
c. Wasco Task Force (Saldaña and Raya)
• No report.
16) REPORTS FROM THE CITY MANAGER: (Hurlbert)
City Manager Hurlbert updated the City Council on the following:
• West Kern Economic Alliance meeting scheduled for July 8 , 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Wasco Veterans Hall, 1202 Poplar Ave.
• Pedestrian Crossing Project Update
• Independence Day Celebration Event occurred on July 4, 2026 • Kern Economic Development Corporation (KEDC) Dinner is scheduled for September 10, 2026.
• Report on Tank #2 placed into service.
Council Member Medina inquired about updates on the following items:
• Electric transit vans
• Unwired Project
• Business banners/flags and City ordinances
Staff provided clarification in response to his questions.
Council Member Martinez, inquired about updates on the following items:
• Water Tank #2 demand/capacity.
Staff provided clarification in response to his questions.
17) REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL:
Mayor Pro Tem Reyna:
• Requested to recognize the PAL Program boxers and coach. • Inquired if the City would be able to assist the PAL Program with transportation • Attended Coffee with a Cop.
Docusign Envelope ID: D281FF05-F272-8795-8088-832C9C96C810 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, July 7, 2026 • Attended the Quarterly Business District Watch Meeting. • Inquired about bringing back the Camera Registry Program. • Inquired about the Unwired project.
• Thanked Jay Schlosser for fixing the intersection of Kimberlina Road and Palm Ave.
Council Member Raya:
• Reiterated Mayor Pro Tem Reyna’s comment on the PAL program boxers and coaches.
• Inquired if the City would be able to assist the PAL Program with transportation. • Expressed appreciation to Finance Director Tracy Blakemore for the presentation of the Annual Budget Review.
There were no in-person public comments on the closed session items.
City Clerk Maria Martinez announced that no remote public comments were received for this item.
Mayor Saldaña adjourned into closed session at 7:20 p.m. with a five-minute recess.
Mayor Saldaña adjourned out of closed session at 8:05 p.m.
18) CLOSED SESSION: Public comments on Closed Session Items only a. Closed Session Minutes for June 16, 2026.
b. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9:(1 potential case)
c. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS 54957.6
Agency Designated Representative: M. Scott Hurlbert & Nancy Vera Employee Organization: SEIU Local 521
d. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATION 54956.8
Property: APN 487-200-06
City Negotiator: City Manager, Mayor
Negotiating Party: TBE Services
e. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATION 54956.8
Property: APN 487-010-83
City Negotiator: City Manager, Mayor
Negotiating Party: Vertical Bridge
19) CLOSED SESSION ACTION:
City Attorney Tom Schroeter reported out.
a. Closed Session Minutes for June 16, 2026.
Motion by Council Member Martinez , seconded by Council Member Raya , to approve the closed session minutes, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: SALDAÑA, REYNA, MARTINEZ, MEDINA, RAYA
Docusign Envelope ID: D281FF05-F272-8795-8088-832C9C96C810 City of Wasco City Council Meeting Minutes, July 7, 2026 NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: NONE
b. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9:(1 potential case)
No reportable action
c. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS 54957.6
Agency Designated Representative: M. Scott Hurlbert & Nancy Vera Employee Organization: SEIU Local 521
No reportable action
d. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATION 54956.8
Property: APN 487-200-06
City Negotiator: City Manager, Mayor
Negotiating Party: TBE Services
No reportable action
e. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATION 54956.8
Property: APN 487-010-83
City Negotiator: City Manager, Mayor
Negotiating Party: Vertical Bridge
No reportable action
20) ADJOURNMENT:
Mayor Saldaña adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m.
____________________________________
Maria O, Martinez, City Clerk
______________________________________
Eduardo Saldaña, Mayor
Docusign Envelope ID: D281FF05-F272-8795-8088-832C9C96C810