Planning commission honors former commissioner Zach Ashertash; approves consent items with two abstentions

Phil Burns, the City of Bakersfield development services director, opened the Feb. 6 Planning Commission meeting by recognizing Zach Ashertash for his service on the commission before his election to the Bakersfield City Council.

"Zach has faithfully served Planning Commission until February, '24. That's when he was elected by the citizens of Bakersfield to the city council," Burns said, presenting a plaque.

Ashertash, who addressed the commission after the presentation, thanked commissioners and described his time on the Planning Commission as a valuable experience. "It's such a blessing to be able to serve ... I miss the planning commission, but I appreciate all of you," he said.

The commission then moved through routine business, including roll call and the consent calendar. Commissioner Martin moved to approve consent item 5A; Vice Chair Strickland seconded the motion, which passed with Commissioner Neal recorded as abstaining. Later the commission voted to adopt staff recommendations on consent public hearing items 6A through 6D in a single motion; the motion passed with Commissioner Neal again recorded as abstaining and Chair Daniel Kader recusing or abstaining from item 6D because of a disclosed conflict of interest related to source of income.

Commissioners offered personal remarks to Ashertash after the formal actions. Commissioner Martin thanked him for his trust; Commissioner Neal praised Ashertash's advice and guidance; Commissioner Biddle and Vice Chair Strickland also expressed appreciation for his service on the commission and wished him well on the City Council. Chair Daniel Kader closed the meeting in Ashertash's honor: "This meeting is adjourned at 05:47."

Background and context: The Planning Commission considers subdivision maps, zone changes and general plan amendments for the city of Bakersfield. At this meeting there were no non-agenda public speakers and no non-consent public hearing items. The staff announced a February 20 meeting with a light agenda.

Votes at a glance: - Approve consent item 5A — Motion by Commissioner Martin; second by Vice Chair Strickland; outcome: approved (Commissioner Neal abstained). Details of the item: not specified in the meeting record. - Adopt staff recommendation on consent public hearing items 6A–6D — Motion by Commissioner Corr; second by Commissioner Brent Oliver; outcome: approved (Commissioner Neal abstained; Chair Daniel Kader recused/abstained on item 6D). Details of individual items: not specified in the meeting record.

The meeting lasted about 36 minutes and concluded without non-consent hearings or public statement participation.