McFarland public meetings in 2022

City Council

The McFarland City Council is holding a special meeting to discuss and possibly approve a resolution authorizing the City Manager to enter into a three-year professional services agreement with Alexander's Contract Services, Inc. for monthly water meter reading services. The contract, valued at approximately $52,800 annually from the Water Enterprise Fund, aims to improve billing efficiency and reduce staff workload. The meeting is a special session, so public comment is limited to agenda items.

• Resolution No. 2022-0147 authorizing a 3-year, $52,800/year contract with Alexander's Contract Services, Inc. for monthly water meter reading
• Contract includes $1.30 per meter read plus $6,000 annual fee, with CPI-based rate adjustments and fuel escalation clauses
• Contractor must maintain a meter reading error rate not exceeding 1% per cycle
• City will pay for services from the Water Enterprise Fund, already included in FY 2022-23 budget

City Council

The McFarland City Council will hold a regular meeting to discuss and potentially approve several resolutions, including updates to the city’s building code ordinance, utility deposit amounts, and funding allocations for planning services and water well projects. The meeting will also include departmental reports and public hearings.

• Second reading of Building Code Ordinance NO. 0011-2022 (amending multiple building regulations)
• Approval of expense report totaling $269,284.33 for November 16–29, 2022
• Resolution NO. 2022-0142 establishing residential and commercial utility deposit amounts
• Resolution NO. 2022-0143 authorizing grant application for East Perkins Water Well Project
• Additional allocations from the General Fund for planning services ($18,000) and land purchase ($5,350) for permanent easement

Subcommittee Agendas

The Cannabis Committee is holding a special meeting to report, discuss, and provide direction on a draft cannabis ordinance. Public comments are limited to agenda items. No other business is scheduled.

• Discussion of Cannabis Ordinance Draft

Planning Commission

The regular Planning Commission meeting scheduled for December 20, 2022, has been canceled. The notice was posted by the City Clerk at the meeting location and McFarland Veteran's Hall.

• Regular meeting canceled
• Notice posted at 103 W. Sherwood Ave and McFarland Veteran's Hall

City Council

This is a special meeting of the McFarland City Council and related municipal entities. The agenda is largely procedural, with public comment, departmental reports, and an administrative agenda. The only substantive item is a closed session to discuss significant exposure to litigation in one case. No other decisions or discussions are listed.

• Closed session: significant exposure to litigation (one case) under Government Code § 54956.9(b)

Planning Commission

The McFarland Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to consider recommending the City Council adopt the 6th Cycle 2023-2031 Housing Element, replacing the 2015-2023 version. The element addresses the city's regional housing need of 244 units and includes an Initial Study and Negative Declaration. The commission will also approve minutes from the November 1, 2022 special meeting.

• Public hearing on Resolution 2022-0017PC recommending adoption of the 2023-2031 Housing Element
• Housing Element aims to accommodate 244 RHNA units across four income groups
• Negative Declaration prepared, tiering on the 2040 General Plan Program EIR
• Approval of November 1, 2022 special meeting minutes
• City Council to hold additional public hearing on December 8, 2022

City Council

The McFarland City Council will consider approving a lease for 20 Flock Safety cameras funded from the General Fund, an employment agreement for a Human Resources Director, and a resolution allowing council members to opt out of city-provided insurance for a $400 retirement contribution. The council will also hear presentations from two insurance brokers for employee medical benefits and provide direction on a first draft of a cannabis ordinance. The consent agenda includes approval of expenses totaling $588,406.81 and meeting minutes.

• Resolution 2022-0124: Approve additional General Fund allocation for lease and installation of 20 Flock Safety cameras
• Resolution 2022-0125: Allow council members to opt out of city insurance for $400 monthly 401(k) contribution
• Employment agreement with Christina Arias for Human Resources Director position
• Presentations by HUB International and Benefits Options Insurance Agency for employee medical benefits
• First draft of cannabis ordinance for staff direction

Planning Commission

The regular Planning Commission meeting scheduled for November 15, 2022, has been canceled. The notice was posted by the City Clerk at City Council Chambers and McFarland City Hall. No items were discussed or decided.

• Regular Planning Commission meeting of Nov. 15, 2022 canceled

City Council

The McFarland City Council held a special meeting to discuss and approve three resolutions: setting the annual appropriations limit at $18.77 million under state law, adopting the 2022-23 operating budget and a 5-year capital improvement plan, and reclassifying a Streets Supervisor position to a Parks and Streets Maintenance Supervisor with a $5,382.74 annual raise. The budget includes $598,882 from remaining ARPA funds to cover Kern County Fire Services costs for 2022-23.

• Annual appropriations limit set at $18,768,857 for FY 2022-23
• 2022-23 operating budget adopted with $462,702 unassigned General Fund balance (6% of expenditures)
• 2022-27 Capital Improvement Program approved with $20M sewer and $24.8M water infrastructure needs
• Parks and Streets Maintenance Supervisor position created with $57,220 annual salary and $5,382.74 appropriation
• $598,882 ARPA funds allocated to Kern County Fire Services contract for FY 2022-23

City Council

This is a special meeting of the McFarland City Council and related municipal entities. The agenda contains only procedural items such as call to order, roll call, and public comment rules; no substantive decisions or discussions are listed.

• Special meeting of City Council, Successor Agency, Public Finance Authority, Improvement Authority, and Parking Authority
• Public comment limited to agenda items, 2 minutes per person
• ADA accommodation contact: City Clerk's office at (661) 792-3091 ext. 2135

City Council

The McFarland City Council will hold a public hearing on a proposed ordinance to amend water conservation measures in the municipal code, with a first reading and direction to schedule a second reading for November 10, 2022. The council will also discuss and provide direction on a first draft of a cannabis ordinance and consider moving the November 24, 2022 meeting due to the holiday. Consent items include approval of expenses totaling $552,092.10 and a resolution to allow remote meetings under AB 361.

• Public hearing on Ordinance No. 0010-2022 to amend water conservation measures (Title 12, Chapter 12.10, Section 5.44.040)
• Discussion and direction on first draft of cannabis ordinance
• Consideration to move November 24, 2022 regular meeting due to holiday
• Approval of expense report totaling $552,092.10 for September 21-October 4, 2022
• Resolution No. 2022-0118 to allow remote council meetings consistent with AB 361

Planning Commission

The McFarland Planning Commission will hold a public hearing to decide whether to approve a conditional use permit and home occupation permit for a party decorating business to operate from a residence at 762 Hayden Ave. Staff recommends approval with 22 conditions, including restricted hours and no external signs.

• Conditional Use Permit 2022-0003 for party decorating business at 762 Hayden Ave
• Home Occupation Permit #22-02 for Sylvia Pimentel
• Business hours limited to Mon-Thu 5:30–7:30pm, Fri 5:30–8:00pm, Sat 2:00–6:00pm
• No door-to-door sales, no on-site sales, no external advertising
• Project exempt from CEQA under California Environmental Quality Act

City Council

The McFarland City Council meeting includes a presentation on SB 1383, a state law requiring jurisdictions to reduce organic waste disposal and recover edible food. The council will also consider approving a list of expenses paid between September 7 and 20, 2022, totaling over $30,000, including payments to vendors for supplies, services, and scholarships.

• SB 1383 presentation: requirements for organic waste collection, edible food recovery, education, procurement, and enforcement
• Expense approvals: $7,301.57 to Brenntag Pacific Inc. for chemicals, $3,896.20 to Douglas Keith Brown for SJRenewables, $2,465.38 to Department of Conservation for surface mining fees
• Scholarship payments: $1,000 each to Bakersfield College, Cal Poly, CSU Bakersfield, UC Davis, and Cuesta College
• Uniform purchase: $517.40 to All American Uniforms
• Engineering services: $1,055.00 to BHT Engineering for LLA 22-01 Tract

City Council

The McFarland City Council is holding a special meeting to consider several resolutions, including allocating funds for a building inspector stipend, an ARPA-funded office remodel for the Finance and Community Development departments, and ARPA funds for three new patrol vehicles. The council will also discuss allowing the McFarland Unified School District to use the council chambers. A closed session is scheduled for potential litigation and performance evaluations.

• Resolution 2022-0113: $400/month general fund stipend for building inspector until position is filled
• Resolution 2022-0114: $65,937.19 ARPA allocation for Finance and Community Development office remodel
• Resolution 2022-0115: ARPA funds for three new patrol vehicles
• Discussion on use of council chambers by McFarland Unified School District
• Closed session: potential litigation, performance evaluations for Public Works Director, Community Development Director, Assistant City Manager, Human Resources Director, Chief of Police

City Council

The McFarland City Council will hold public hearings on three ordinances and consider annexing the Elmo Hwy Medical Office, Sherwood Avenue Family Apartments, and Tract 7393 into Community Facilities Districts for fire, police, and landscaping services, which would levy special taxes. The council will also approve routine expenses and discuss resolutions for water funding and an EV charging station grant.

• Public hearing to annex Elmo Hwy Medical Office, Sherwood Avenue Family Apartments, and Tract 7393 into CFD No. 2017-1 (Police), 2017-2 (Landscaping), and 2019-1 (Fire)
• First reading of Ordinance No. 0007-2022 amending water service application requirements (Title 13, Chapter 13.04.690)
• First reading of Ordinance No. 0008-2022 adding Temporary Use Permit regulations (Title 12, Chapters 12.21.010-150)
• Resolution to authorize City Manager as representative for State Water Resources Control Board financial assistance application
• Approval of expense report totaling $316,580.33 for August 24-September 6, 2022

Planning Commission

The McFarland Planning Commission is recommending that the City Council adopt a new ordinance (Ordinance No. 0008-2022) that would add Chapter 12.21 to the Municipal Code, establishing a Temporary Use Event Permit process. This would create a formal permitting system for events like concerts, fairs, and block parties on public property, which currently require a Conditional Use Permit. The commission also approved a sign plan review for a new LED pylon sign at Robertson Avenue and Second Street.

• Approved Resolution No. 2022-0013PC for a new LED pylon sign at Robertson Avenue and Second Street, west of Hwy-99
• Recommended adoption of Temporary Use Event Permit Ordinance (Ordinance No. 0008-2022) to City Council
• Ordinance would allow temporary events like circuses, fairs, and festivals with permits, with limits on days and events per year
• Prohibited temporary uses include flea markets, swap meets, garage sales, and firework sales
• Permit applications would be reviewed by multiple departments and approved by City Council

City Council

The City Council will consider a resolution to establish an Ad Hoc Committee to review all city departments and their methods of operation. The committee would make recommendations to the full Council. The resolution has no fiscal impact.

• Resolution No. 2022-0097 establishing the Operational Methods Committee
• Appointment of two Council Members to the committee by the Mayor
• Committee to meet at least monthly and report regularly to the Council
• Committee to exist for no more than one year unless extended

City Council

The McFarland City Council is reviewing and approving a list of expenses paid between July 27 and August 9, 2022. The agenda consists solely of the expense approval report, with no other items for discussion or decision.

• American Office Solutions, LLC: $32,038.27 total
• BHT Engineering, Inc.: $60,947.50 total for various projects
• Gregs Petroleum: $10,555.33 for fuel
• Hodges Law Group: $8,626.00
• De Lapide and Ass. Inc: $16,000.00 for SB2 Planning Grant

Subcommittee Agendas

The Public Policy and Finance Committee held a special meeting with no discussion or decision items listed. The agenda consisted solely of procedural notices, public comment rules, and meeting logistics.

Subcommittee Agendas

The McFarland Public Safety Committee is holding a special meeting to discuss its goals, objectives, assignments, and follow-up issues. The agenda contains no specific action items, contracts, or public hearings, only general discussion topics. Public comment is limited to items on the agenda.

• Discussion of committee goals and objectives
• Discussion of assignments
• Follow-up on prior issues

City Council

The McFarland City Council is reviewing a list of expenses paid to vendors between July 13 and July 26, 2022. The agenda consists solely of an expense approval report, with no other policy items or public hearings. Approval of these payments is a routine administrative action.

• Payment of $8,547.61 to DOM Solar Lessor LTD for solar lease
• Payment of $6,687.75 to Brenntag Pacific Inc. for chemicals
• Payment of $7,667.85 to Creative Financial for financial services
• Payment of $1,625.15 to B-Line Sales Inc. for pump chemical injection
• Payment of $1,171.29 to American Fidelity for employee benefits

City Council

The McFarland City Council is holding public hearings and considering resolutions to annex the Elmo Hwy Medical Office, Sherwood Avenue Family Apartments, and Tract 7393 into three Community Facilities Districts (CFDs) for police, landscaping/street maintenance, and fire protection services. This annexation will authorize levying special taxes on the properties, with the tax appearing on property tax bills starting Fiscal Year 2023/2024. The council will also declare election results and direct recording of amended notices of special tax lien. The agenda also includes closed session items on real property negotiations, potential litigation, and performance evaluations.

• Annexation into CFD No. 2017-1 (Police Services) Annexation No. 3
• Annexation into CFD No. 2017-2 (Landscaping and Street Maintenance) Annexation No. 3
• Annexation into CFD No. 2019-1 (Fire Protection Services) Annexation No. 2
• Special landowner elections to approve special tax levies (ballots due by 6:00 p.m. on August 2, 2022)
• Closed session: real property negotiations at 31197 Taylor Ave, potential litigation, and performance evaluations for City Manager, Assistant City Manager, Public Works Director, Human Resources Director, Community Development Director

Planning Commission

The McFarland Planning Commission will hold a public hearing and consider approving Sign Plan Review 2022-0001, which would allow the McFarland Unified School District to install a new LED pylon sign at the corner of Robertson Avenue and Second Street. The sign, proposed by Fresno Neon Sign Co., requires commission approval because it is not exempt from the city's sign permit requirements. Staff recommends approval, and the project is deemed exempt from CEQA as a ministerial project.

• Sign Plan Review 2022-0001 for a new LED pylon sign at 601 Second Street (APN 200-023-20)
• Sign to be installed on a single pole with concrete footing, 8 feet behind sidewalk, no larger than 3' 1-13/16" x 7' 10-1/2"
• Existing trees at the corner will be removed along with roots and debris
• Approval conditioned on obtaining a building permit
• CEQA exemption under Section 15268 (Ministerial Project)

City Council

The McFarland City Council will consider adopting Resolution No. 2022-0069 to place a 1% transactions and use tax measure on the November 8, 2022 ballot. The measure, if approved by voters, would generate approximately $579,662 annually for essential city services. The resolution also designates two people to author the ballot argument in favor of the measure.

• Resolution No. 2022-0069 to submit a 1% sales tax measure to voters on Nov. 8, 2022
• Ballot measure would generate approximately $579,662 annually
• Tax would be administered by the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration
• Council to designate two authors for the ballot argument in favor of the measure
• Fiscal impact: $4,000-$6,000 cost to place measure on ballot

City Council

The McFarland City Council will review and likely approve an expense approval report listing payments to 30+ vendors totaling more than $58,000 for goods and services rendered between June 15 and June 28, 2022. No new decisions or policy changes are on the agenda; the report is procedural.

• $12,691.20 to CivicPlus for annual software fee
• $10,782.50 to BHT Engineering for Davis Avenue rehabilitation and EV charging construction
• $9,547.25 to Cannon for water and sewer improvements
• $7,230.08 to Brenntag for unspecified supplies
• $5,156.39 to Gregs Petroleum for fuel

Subcommittee Agendas

The Quality of Life Committee is holding a special meeting to discuss two items: providing direction on euthanizing animals at the animal shelter, and setting the date for the next meeting. No consent items or other business are listed. The meeting is open to the public with a two-minute comment limit per person.

• Direction to euthanize animals at the animal shelter
• Direction on when the next meeting shall commence

City Council

The McFarland City Council is reviewing a detailed expense approval report covering payments made between June 1 and June 14, 2022. The agenda consists solely of this financial report, with no other policy items or public hearings listed. The report itemizes payments to various vendors, including utilities, disposal services, and engineering firms.

• R&F Disposal: $89,707.60 for May 2022 garbage, recycling, and organic waste services
• PG&E Company: $47,826.63 for electricity and gas services
• Edison: $44,308.50 for electricity
• Liebert C. Whitmore: $26,407.15 for engineering services
• Gregs Petroleum: $19,381.48 for fuel

City Council

The McFarland City Council will hold a public hearing on a conditional use permit for Ventura Circus at a property west of El Buen Pastor Church on Sherwood Avenue. They will also discuss establishing a fee for street sweeper services, consider several resolutions including road repair project funding and budget continuations, and potentially award a $744,654.50 contract for the Davis Ave. and Hail Lane reconstruction project.

• Public hearing on Conditional Use Permit 2022-0002 for Ventura Circus (APN: 200-010-36-1)
• Discussion on establishing a fee for street sweeper services
• Award contract to A. J. Excavation Inc. for $744,654.50 for Davis Ave. and Hail Lane Reconstruction Project
• Resolution to allocate funds for stand-by protocol and stipend
• Resolution to adopt SB 1 road repair projects for FY 2022-2023

Planning Commission

The McFarland Planning Commission met on June 21, 2022, and approved three conditional use permits: one for a home-based clothing boutique west of 3rd Street and north of Robertson Avenue, another for a circus at a vacant lot west of El Buen Pastor Church on Sherwood Avenue (APN 200-010-36-1), and a third for two commercial structures on West Perkins Avenue just west of Highway 99 and AutoZone. All three items passed unanimously with a 4-0 vote. No public comments were received during the hearings.

• Approved Conditional Use Permit for home-based clothing boutique west of 3rd Street and north of Robertson Avenue
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for Ventura Circus at 3.036-acre vacant lot on Sherwood Avenue (APN 200-010-36-1) with operations August 4–8, 2022, 2pm–9:30pm daily, expected 400 attendees
• Approved Conditional Use Permit for two commercial structures on West Perkins Avenue west of Highway 99 and AutoZone

City Council

The McFarland City Council is reviewing and approving a list of expenses posted between May 17 and May 31, 2022. The largest item is a $166,120.79 payment to Motor City for two building inspector trucks. Other notable expenses include $32,848.61 to DOM Solar Lessor LTD. and $22,197.68 to Mody Pumps Inc. The agenda consists solely of this expense approval report.

• Motor City: $138,395.45 and $27,725.34 for Building Inspector Truck 2022
• DOM Solar Lessor LTD.: $32,848.61
• Mody Pumps Inc.: $22,197.68 for motor
• Cannon: $15,631.50 for water improvement update and $5,695.01 for professional services
• American Office Solutions: $34,999.68 total

City Council

The McFarland City Council is reviewing and approving a list of expenses totaling $276,920.99 for the period May 6-16, 2022. The agenda includes a detailed expense approval report with payments to various vendors, covering general fund, sewer, water, refuse, and other funds. The meeting also includes the regular city council minutes from May 12, 2022, which are procedural in nature.

• Kern County Fire payment of $111,722.25 for 4th quarter FY2021
• Tyler Technologies payment of $46,899.07 for software services
• George Mark Vasilj payment of $30,282.10 for police vehicle repairs and decals
• BHT Engineering payments totaling $13,306.50 for various engineering projects
• Kern County District Attorney's Office payment of $11,565.00 for asset forfeiture

City Council

The McFarland City Council and related municipal entities will hold a special meeting with a closed session to discuss labor negotiations with Liebert Cassidy and Whitmore and appoint a Community Development Director. No public action items are listed on the agenda.

• Closed session for Public Employee Appointment (Community Development Director)
• Closed session for Conference with Labor Negotiators (Liebert Cassidy and Whitmore)

Planning Commission

The McFarland Planning Commission will hold public hearings and consider resolutions for a conditional use permit for a circus on Sherwood Avenue, site plan reviews for two commercial structures on West Perkins Avenue, and a home occupation permit for an online clothing boutique at 609 3rd St. The agenda also includes approval of prior meeting minutes.

• Conditional Use Permit 2022-002 for a circus west of El Buen Pastor Church on Sherwood Avenue
• Site Plan Review 2022-0004 for 2 commercial structures on West Perkins Avenue west of Hwy-99 and AutoZone
• Conditional Use Permit 2022-001 for Las Plebitas Boutique, an online clothing boutique at 609 3rd St.
• Approval of minutes from March 15, 2022, and April 19, 2022, meetings

City Council

The McFarland City Council is reviewing a list of expenses for approval, including a significant purchase of a 2022 Animal Control Truck for $83,049.18 from Jim Burke. The agenda consists solely of the expense approval report, with no other policy items or discussions listed.

• 2022 Animal Control Truck purchase from Jim Burke for $83,049.18
• BHT Engineering invoices totaling $10,155 for projects including EV charging, transit station, and apartment inspections
• Various payroll-related payments to EDD, EFTPS, and John Hancock for taxes and 401(k) contributions
• Refunds for soccer field and hall rental deposits ($100 and $350)
• Payment to Isaac Zavala for DJ services at McFarland USA Marathon ($400)

Planning Commission

The McFarland Planning Commission is holding a special meeting to consider two related items for a proposed Superior Station gas station and convenience store at the corner of W. Perkins Avenue and 2nd Street. They will conduct a public hearing on a variance request to reduce the rear setback and count fuel pumps toward parking requirements, and discuss a site plan review for the project. Staff recommends approval of both resolutions.

• Public hearing on Zone Variance 2022-001 to reduce rear setback and count fuel pumps toward parking for Superior Station (Resolution 2022-0005PC)
• Site Plan Review 2022-0003 for a Superior gas station with convenience store, take-out, fruit stand, and 8 fuel pumps (Resolution 2022-0006PC)
• Project at corner of W. Perkins Avenue & 2nd Street, APN 200-023-01 & 200-023-14, 20,908.12 sq. ft., C-2 zone
• Variance would allow 18 parking spaces instead of required 22, with fuel pumps counted toward requirement
• CEQA exemption under Section 15332 (In-Fill Development Projects)

Subcommittee Agendas

The McFarland Public Safety Committee is holding a special meeting to discuss public safety matters, including police department updates on hiring, the PAL Program, and the Neighborhood Watch Program, as well as fire department activity. The agenda is largely discussion-oriented with no specific action items listed.

• Police updates on hiring, PAL Program, and Neighborhood Watch Program
• Fire Department activity report

Subcommittee Agendas

The Public Policy and Finance Committee is holding a special meeting to discuss city finances and ARAP funds, policy development and progress, development, and roads. The agenda lists these as discussion items with goals, objectives, and assignments, but no specific proposals or decisions are detailed. Public comment is limited to agenda items at this special meeting.

• Discussion of City Finance and ARAP Funds
• Discussion of City Policy Development and Progress
• Discussion of Development
• Discussion of Roads

Subcommittee Agendas

The Public Policy and Finance Committee is holding a special meeting to discuss goals, objectives, and assignments. The agenda includes two discussion items: direction on euthanizing animals at the animal shelter and direction on when to create meetings. The Quality of Life Committee will also meet to discuss downtown design, veterans memorial, festival committee, and euthanasia committee matters.

• Direction to euthanize animals at animal shelter
• Direction to staff on when to create meetings
• Quality of Life Committee: Downtown Design
• Quality of Life Committee: Veterans Memorial
• Quality of Life Committee: Festival Committee

City Council

The McFarland City Council is reviewing and likely approving a list of expenses paid to vendors between March 16 and April 5, 2022. The agenda consists solely of the Expense Approval Report, which itemizes payments for services, supplies, and utilities. No other business items are listed.

• Payments to BHT Engineering totaling $7,042.50 for engineering services on projects like Countryside Gas and Tract 7393
• Payments to Cannon totaling $18,546.50 for city sewer and water improvement standards
• Payments to Bc Laboratories totaling $4,776.00 for water and wastewater testing
• Payments to Brenntag Pacific Inc. totaling $7,213.12 for water treatment chemicals
• Payments to AT&T Mobility totaling $2,518.83 for phone services

Subcommittee Agendas

The McFarland Public Safety Committee is holding a special meeting to discuss public safety matters, including police hiring, the PAL Program, Neighborhood Watch, and fire department activity. The agenda is largely procedural, with no specific action items or dollar amounts listed.

• Police updates: hiring, PAL Program, Neighborhood Watch Program
• Fire Department activity update

City Council

The McFarland City Council is reviewing a detailed expense approval report covering payments made between March 1 and March 15, 2022. The agenda consists solely of this financial report, listing payments to various vendors for goods, services, and payroll-related withholdings. No other policy items or public hearings are included.

• Payments to American Fidelity for employee benefits totaling $1,532.85
• Payments to Best Digital Solutions for billing and postage services totaling $5,078.69
• Payments to Creative Financial for payroll services totaling $10,962.55
• Uniform allowance payments of $750 each to multiple police officers
• Payments to EDD and EFTPS for tax withholdings totaling $5,466.23 and $20,000+ respectively

City Council

The McFarland City Council will vote on Resolution 2022-0014 to formally adopt job descriptions for two new Finance Department positions: Accounts Payable Clerk and Accounts Receivable Clerk. Staff recommends approval to fill these roles within the current fiscal year budget.

• Two new Finance Department positions: Accounts Payable Clerk and Accounts Receivable Clerk
• Combined annual cost of $69,102–$80,604 (salary and benefits)
• Hourly pay range: $16.79–$21.49 for both positions
• Resolution 2022-0014 to adopt job descriptions and authorize hiring
• Applications open March 25, 2022 at www.mcfarlandcity.org

Planning Commission

The McFarland Planning Commission will consider approving a site plan review for an 81-unit multi-family apartment community west of El Buen Pastor Church on Sherwood Avenue, and will also discuss recommending an alternate improvement standard for Tracts 7393 and 7394. The meeting includes a consent item to approve the February 15, 2022 minutes. No public hearings are scheduled.

• Site Plan Review 2022-001: 81-unit multi-family apartment community, 3.036 acres, R-4 zoning, west of El Buen Pastor Church on Sherwood Ave
• Resolution No. 2022-0002 PC to approve the site plan review
• Resolution No. 2022-0003 PC recommending alternate improvement standard for Tract 7393 and 7394
• Approval of February 15, 2022 meeting minutes

City Council

The City Council will conduct a public hearing to receive input on unmet transit needs, as part of Kern County's annual review. Comments will be forwarded to the Kern County Council of Governments (KCOG) for inclusion in the Unmet Transit Needs Report. The council is also expected to adopt Resolution 2022-0013, which finds there are no unmet transit needs that can reasonably be met. The agenda also includes a payroll report for February 2022 and minutes from a prior special meeting.

• Public hearing on unmet transit needs; comments due by March 10, 2022, 5:00 P.M.
• Resolution 2022-0013: finding no unmet public transit needs reasonably met in McFarland (2022/2023)
• February 2022 payroll report: total $244,013.95 across all departments
• Police department payroll: $136,363.28 for February 2022
• Resolution 2022-0009 (from prior minutes): additional General Fund allocation for new Finance Department positions

City Council

The McFarland City Council will consider several items at its March 3, 2022 meeting. The main item is a resolution to appropriate $107,042 from the general fund to hire two permanent clerks and two temporary staff accountants to address audit findings and improve accounting functions. The council will also consider approving a $28,875 pothole repair contract funded by ARPA, and authorize engineering task orders for road design on three streets totaling $84,585.

• Approve $107,042 from general fund for 2 permanent clerks and 2 temporary accountants
• Approve $28,875 from ARPA for pothole repairs citywide
• Authorize BHT Engineering task orders: Hail Lane ($19,745), Ebell Street ($33,930), Wiley Street ($30,910) for design
• Audit found $856,000 possibly owed to general fund from reimbursables
• Resolution 2022-0009 and 2022-0010 to be adopted

City Council

The McFarland City Council will discuss and possibly approve several items, including acquiring the Kern County Public Library building for a new police headquarters, creating a cannabis ordinance, and approving contracts and fund allocations. The meeting also includes routine consent items and a report on consolidating city committees.

• Discuss acquiring Kern County Public Library at 500 W. Kern Ave. for police HQ
• Authorize staff to proceed with creating a cannabis ordinance
• Approve contract for Human Resources Director Marilyn Garza
• Resolution 2022-0004: additional General Fund allocation for Code Enforcement compensation
• Resolution 2022-0006: retain Valbridge Property Advisors for property valuation

Planning Commission

The McFarland Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on February 15, 2022, to consider a zone change for 253 Lockwood Ave. The proposal would rezone a 7,500 sq ft parcel from Single-Family Residential (R-1) to Multi-Family Residential (R-3) to allow construction of two duplexes (four units total). The project is exempt from CEQA. The commission will also receive a presentation on the San Joaquin Renewables biomass project, which was postponed from a previous meeting due to lack of quorum.

• Zone change for 253 Lockwood Ave (APN 200-152-01-5) from R-1 to R-3, allowing two duplexes (4 units)
• Resolution No. 2022-0001-PC recommending City Council approval of the zone change
• San Joaquin Renewables biomass project presentation (postponed from Dec. 21, 2021)
• CEQA exemption under Section 15303 for the zone change
• Planning Commission compensation ordinance update (from $30 to $50 per month) discussed at prior meeting

City Council

The City Council is deciding between two reconstruction options for Davis Ave. from W. Perkins Ave. to Elmo Hwy. Option 1 is a full reconstruction with a 20-year design life, estimated at $1,183,777 total. Option 2 is a grind-and-pave with a 10-year design life, estimated at $747,401 total. Both options include an optional bid item for Class II bike lanes at $18,643. The council will also consider awarding the construction contract at its February 24 meeting.

• Option 1: Full reconstruction, 20-year design life, total cost $1,183,777
• Option 2: Grind and pave, 10-year design life, total cost $747,401
• Optional Class II bike lanes bid item: $18,643
• Construction management costs: $115,000 (Option 1) or $71,000 (Option 2)
• Bids due February 3, 2022; proposed award February 24, 2022

City Council

The McFarland City Council is reviewing and approving a list of expenses for the period January 16-31, 2022. The agenda is primarily a consent item for routine vendor payments, including IT services, utilities, and employee benefits. No policy decisions or public hearings are listed.

• $13,803 annual email hosting to American Office Solutions
• $3,600 recurring IT services to American Office Solutions
• $17,573.61 asphalt work on Kern Ave 5th to 6th
• $11,741.50 engineering services from BHT Engineering
• $1,489.83 employee benefits to American Fidelity

City Council

The McFarland City Council will hold public hearings and consider adopting ordinances on planning commission compensation, meeting procedures, and home occupation permits. They will also discuss placing a sales tax initiative on the November 2022 ballot, a cooperative agreement with Kern County, an audit contract with Clifton Allen LLP, and a police association MOU. The consent agenda includes approval of $222,503.24 in expenses and meeting minutes.

• Second reading and adoption of Ordinance No. 0001-2022 on Planning Commission compensation
• Introduction of Ordinance No. 0002-2022 amending meeting dates, times, location, and notices
• Discussion on placing a sales tax initiative on November 2022 ballot
• Possible approval of cooperative agreement with Kern County
• Approval of expense report totaling $222,503.24

City Council

The McFarland City Council will hold a regular meeting with several administrative items, including second readings of ordinances on Planning Commission compensation and home occupations, a proposed ordinance on meeting procedures, and discussions on a potential sales tax ballot measure, a cooperative agreement with Kern County, an audit agreement, and Davis Ave reconstruction. The agenda also includes consent items for expense approval and meeting minutes, plus a closed session on anticipated litigation.

• Expense report approval of $222,503.24 for Jan 1-15, 2022
• Second reading of Ordinance No. 0001-2022 on Planning Commission compensation
• Discussion on placing a sales tax ballot measure on November 2022 ballot
• Discussion and possible approval of audit engagement with Clifton Allen LLP for 2020-2021 fiscal year
• Discussion on Davis Ave reconstruction from W. Perkins Ave to Elmo Hwy

City Council

The McFarland City Council is reviewing an expense approval report detailing vendor payments, withholdings, and operational costs for the post dates of December 16, 2021, through December 31, 2021. The record covers standard city expenditures, employee benefits, and tax remittances.

• American Fidelity vendor expenses totaling $2,782.09 for employee benefits
• California Dept of Child Support Services total of $608.06
• City of Wasco expenses totaling $223.49
• Creative Financial vendor expenses totaling $8,532.85
• DOM Solar Lessor LTD payment of $4,667.28