Council takes up Purchase of Trees for Recreation and Parks Department

Purchase of Trees for Recreation and Parks Department

0 yes, 0 no, 1 abstain

Andrae Gonzales (abstain)

Zone Change 24-0004 Austin Creek Park

7 yes, 0 no

CDBG Agreement with Community Action Partnership of Kern

7 yes, 0 no

Agreement with Kern Community Foundation for Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program

7 yes, 0 no

Continued Public Appeal Hearing of Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 7451

7 yes, 0 no

Report on Funding Jail Bed Space and Setting Aside Funding

7 yes, 0 no

Approval of minutes of October 7, 2026, Regular City Council Meetings.

7 yes, 0 no

Receive and file department payments from September 23, 2026, to October 6, 2026, totaling $20,437,886.75

7 yes, 0 no

Resolution to Accept Funds from the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Mini Grant Program

7 yes, 0 no

Agreement with Buena Vista 6577 LLC ($371,000)

7 yes, 0 no

Amendment No.1 to Agreement No. 2025-211

7 yes, 0 no

Amendment No. 4 to Agreement No. 2023-253 with J.L. Plank, Inc., DBA Cen-Cal Construction

7 yes, 0 no

Amendment No. 2 to Agreement No. 2023-263 with Parsons Transportation Group

7 yes, 0 no

Contract Change Order No. 6 to Agreement 2024-331 with JTS Construction

7 yes, 0 no

Purchase of six Electric Vehicle (EV) 4X4 One-ton Super Cab Pickup Trucks for multiple Departments

7 yes, 0 no

Appropriate $404,000 to the Police Department Capital Improvement Budget within the General Fund

7 yes, 0 no

Appropriate $13,775.86 a Cal Water charitable donation to the Fire Department General Fund

7 yes, 0 no

Amendment No. 1 to Agreement No. 2023-248 with Summit Strategies, LLC

7 yes, 0 no

Adjourn to Closed Session

0 yes, 0 no

Adjournment

0 yes, 0 no

Zone Change No. 24-0004

Northeast corner of Jenkins Road and Austin Creek Avenue

A zone change request on approximately 9.3 acres from Open Space and Agriculture to Recreation zone for a new park.

approved (7-0) · still approved

Vesting Tentative Tract Map No. 7451

A continued public hearing on an appeal of the Planning Commission's approval of a phased vesting tentative tract map.

still continued

Departmental Position Reclassifications

The Civil Service Commission is set to review updates to city job descriptions, including creating a new Service Desk Supervisor role, revising Construction Inspector specs, and reclassifying an existing technology role. These updates help keep city staffing aligned with current organizational needs.

What it means: City staff and departments benefit from updated job descriptions that accurately reflect operational duties.

Multimodal Transportation Safety Initiatives

The committee is reviewing ongoing updates regarding multi-modal transportation and traffic safety projects across Bakersfield. These reports help keep local transit and street safety initiatives on track.

What it means: Bakersfield residents and commuters who utilize city streets, sidewalks, and transit networks.

Jail Bed Space and Chronic Offender Accountability

The city is moving forward to set aside $4 million to explore contracting jail beds for repeat low-level offenders. Leaders and residents pointed out that despite more police and lower violent crime rates, a revolving door in the criminal justice system leaves neighborhoods struggling with recurring property crime and quality-of-life issues.

What it means: Allocates $4 million from fund balances and capital contingencies for bed leasing, medical care, and liability insurance.

Brown Act Compliance and Remote Public Participation

A local resident raised concerns about frequent meeting cancellations and the practice of releasing large agenda packets only 48 hours before meetings, arguing it hinders public review.

What it means: Local residents and civic watchdogs seeking greater transparency and advance notice of municipal actions.

Urban Tree Canopy and Air Quality Management

Residents and environmental advocates raised questions regarding tree procurement, maintenance plans, and transparency in city forestry contracts. Staff clarified that current purchases supply trees for existing medians, parks, and partnerships with local schools and the cemetery.

What it means: Utilizes $300,000 from previously approved tree allocation funds for tree purchases.