City of Bakersfield

The meeting commenced with public statements for non-agenda and agenda items. Key discussions focused on the consent calendar items, which were approved in one motion. During the communications segment, staff announced an upcoming meeting scheduled for two weeks later and introduced the new Development Services Director. Updates were provided regarding the housing element adoption, including the upcoming presentation of 12 Title 17 amendments at the April 2nd meeting. Furthermore, staff provided timelines for the General Plan Environmental Impact Report (EIR) process, noting that the notice of preparation was issued, a scoping meeting was scheduled for March 10th, and the goal is to have the General Plan adopted by the end of 2026. The meeting concluded with commissioner comments and adjournment.

The meeting focused on presenting required operational changes to the Brown Act laws due to recently enacted state legislation (Senate Bill 707), specifically those taking effect July 1. Key discussion points included incorporating mandatory two-way telephonic or audio remote public participation in public comment periods and public hearings, requiring associated policy adoption for handling service disruptions, and recessing meetings if service is interrupted. Staff proposed adjusting the agenda structure by moving routine items like appointments and the consent calendar from the 5:15 p.m. session to the 3:30 p.m. session to streamline proceedings. Further deliberation concerned adjusting total time allotments for public statements and public hearings to equally accommodate in-person and remote participants, with options presented for increasing total time limits if necessary.

The meeting commenced with a roll call, confirming all council members were present. A public statement was heard from a representative regarding proposed solutions for the city's sewer dilemma, including detailed financial models for rate increases over a ten-year period, which the council noted for future deliberation. Staff confirmed they are evaluating this proposal alongside existing plans. The council then heard a comprehensive update on the Clean City Initiative and Community Vitality Programs. Key topics included progress in litter abatement, managing debris from encampments, conducting bulky waste drop-off events, and addressing illegal dumping sites. The presentation highlighted coordinated efforts involving various city services and contracted partners in street outreach, behavioral health services, and case management for the homeless population. Furthermore, the solid waste director reported that since 2021, teams have collected over 11 million pounds of waste, with a focus on downtown and Oldtown Kern areas. A pilot program concerning dumpster security was also detailed.

The meeting centered on discussions regarding the regional public safety radio project, a joint venture between the City of Bakersfield and Kern County, involving Motorola as the vendor. Key topics included the necessity of replacing the 30-year-old radio system due to lack of support and component availability. Presentations detailed the planned reduction from 10 to 6 city radio sites and the requirement for new, taller towers to ensure 99.999% reliability for microwave paths, addressing future tree growth and signal obstruction clearances (e.g., 118 ft obstruction requiring 150 ft elevation). Health concerns regarding electromagnetic energy were addressed by referencing FCC guidelines and a third-party electromagnetic energy study confirming emissions are well below safe thresholds.

The proceedings included the call to order for the 3:30 p.m. regular city council meeting and subsequent roll call. The meeting began with an invocation by Pastor Dr. Dwayne Canrell and the Pledge of Allegiance led by Arlene Ramos. A significant portion of the meeting involved presentations and public statements. Key discussion points during the presentation segment included the proclamation declaring February 2026 as Safely Surrender Baby Awareness Month in Bakersfield, with representatives from the Safely Surrendered Baby Coalition addressing the council regarding this life-saving law and presenting data on local surrenders. Public comments included a proposal for the low-cost activation of the historic Thunder Station site through permitted food trucks and a community garden. Additionally, some speakers expressed disappointment regarding comments made by a council member at a previous meeting, advocating for solution-oriented approaches to community issues such as homelessness rather than criticism. The initial portion of the meeting concluded with the council moving to adjourn to a closed session to discuss existing litigation matters, after which the council reconvened briefly before adjourning the 3:30 p.m. session and preparing for the 5:15 p.m. regular city council meeting.