Steve Esselman

The City Council meeting included a presentation on the American Red Cross month, highlighting volunteer efforts and the importance of blood donations and smoke alarms. Council members reported on various community events, including the Chamber Awards banquet, library meetings, and police department activities. Discussions covered the city's water probation status, general plan updates, and upcoming events like Shafter Condors night and First Fridays. The council also promoted mental health awareness and a car seat check event.

The City Council meeting included recognition of the Richland Junior High growth JV and varsity basketball teams, and Emily McGuire, the 2023 distinguished young woman of Shafter. The council also recognized police officers. There was a proclamation for Community Action Month. CSU Bakersfield interns presented survey results, including data on quality of life, neighborhood quality, and satisfaction with city services, with a focus on job growth, housing development, and street maintenance.

The City Council meeting included council announcements and reports from council members. Discussions covered the First Fridays event, a new teacher and staff luncheon, and the oath of office for a new police department member. Updates were provided on street work, a task force meeting, and the Kiwanis luncheon. The council also discussed AB617, which will help fund sidewalks and bike lanes. The meeting addressed school traffic safety and a presentation on the Shafter Hotel market demand analysis.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several key items. The commission approved the agenda and minutes from the previous meeting. A public hearing was conducted for a temporary land use permit extension for a potato and corn stand. Another public hearing addressed a general plan conformity determination for a property on Carver Street, ensuring its sale aligns with the general plan. Lastly, the commission discussed a zone code amendment to increase the maximum building height in a portion of the Agricultural Zone District, considering potential impacts on traffic and infrastructure.

The meeting included discussions and actions on several agenda items. A two-year extension for a tentative parcel map was approved, allowing the owner to continue marketing the parcels for development. A development agreement related to a tentative track map was recommended for city council adoption, which locks in traffic impact fees, park fees, and a minimum dwelling unit size. An update on the municipal services review and sphere of influence amendment was presented, focusing on a proposed expansion of the sphere of influence to facilitate a sanitary sewer collection system expansion by Kern County.