Esther Grijalva

The meeting agenda included standard procedural items such as calling the meeting to order and roll call. Key discussion items involved public comments on matters not on the posted agenda. The consent agenda required an approval for the Secretary's Declaration of Posting of the Agenda 72 Hours in Advance of the Meeting. An Executive Session was planned to discuss a claim concerning Hernandez Rivera versus the North of the River Recreation and Park District, pursuant to Government Code section 54956.9 (d)(1).

The meeting agenda included standard preliminary items such as roll call, notice of taping, flag salute, approval of the agenda, and public comments. The Consent Agenda involved the approval of the Secretary's Declaration of Posting, approval of minutes from the January 19, 2026, and February 03, 2026 meetings, and approval of the receipt of bills and invoices. Board Business featured a first read of proposed revisions and name changes to Finance Policies (Purchasing, Accounts Payable, and Bidding Process), along with the addition of Capital Improvement and Major Maintenance/Change Order Policies. Directors were also asked to discuss and provide direction regarding a potential General Obligation (GO) Bond. A corollary discussion was scheduled for the Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Workshop. Staff reports were received and filed.

The materials provided are for the regular Board of Directors meeting scheduled for February 23, 2026, and include the associated agenda. The agenda items for the February 23 meeting cover a first read of proposed revisions and name changes to Finance Policies (Purchasing, Accounts Payable, and Bidding Process), the addition of Capital Improvement and Major Maintenance policies, and Change Order policies. Key Board Business items include the approval of Resolution #04-26 to apply for a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Standard Park Renovation, discussion regarding a potential General Obligation (GO) Bond, and a Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Workshop focusing on the Central Maintenance shop design and the Austin Creek Park concept plan. The financial implications of a GO Bond, including financing options and survey costs, were discussed with advisors. Staff reports covered updates on the ongoing audit completion, the open Director of Finance position, vandalism and theft incidents in parks, and highlights from the NOR Foundation Fun Run & 5k.

The meeting convened with the approval of the agenda. The consent agenda included the approval of bills and invoices, the posting of the agenda, and the approval of two lease agreements with Kern High School District and Bakersfield Christian High School for the use of the Greenacres pool facility for Spring 2026 swim programs. Board Business included the election of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson for 2026, the approval and adoption of the Professional Boundaries Policy, and the approval of a change order for the abatement of asbestos material found in the picnic shelter at North Highland Park. Staff reports covered updates on Capital Improvement Projects including issuing the Master Plan RFP, the financial department working on the audit and budget mid-year review, and updates on various park maintenance projects such as floor recoating and playground surfacing. The General Manager requested consideration to move the January 2026 Board meeting time, and the Board decided to move the start time of the January 26, 2026, meeting to 2:00 P.M. The meeting adjourned after brief board member comments.

The Board of Directors discussed various administrative and operational items, including revisions to finance policies and purchasing procedures, and the relocation of the informal bidding procedures policy. Key actions involved approving resolutions related to the District's CalPERS pension contract, the naming of future park sites, and a land purchase agreement at Greenacres Park. The Board also reviewed a bid award for tree maintenance services at Fruitvale-Norris Park. Additionally, the agenda included staff reports from various departments and an executive session regarding pending litigation and a general manager performance evaluation.