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Council asks staff for storm drainage report, sign ordinance review and vacant property update
Summary
Council members praised storm response, asked public works to compile flooding call data for planning, requested a review of sign rules along Highway 58 to match county standards, and sought updates on a vacant property ordinance and tree replacement/trim policies.
During council and mayor statements Nov. 19, members highlighted storm response work and asked staff for several follow-ups affecting infrastructure and neighborhood conditions.
Council member Gonzales thanked the Bakersfield Police Department, fire department and public works for responding to recent storms and asked public works to compile a list of service calls related to urban-core flooding and provide periodic reports to the council to guide future storm drainage upgrades. He also asked staff to review the city’s sign ordinance along Highway 58 east of State Route 99 to reduce any regulatory discrepancy with the county that could deter investment.
Council member Smith raised a letter from the Sierra Club noting about 657 trees removed during a recent period and asked whether policy requires replacement. Public works staff said replacement is the policy and noted a tree advisory group will deliver an update in early 2026 on trimming frequency and other recommendations. Smith also gave an update on a task force and recent discussion with Presiding Judge Lewis related to a homeless encampment issue (referred to in the transcript as the "gel bed" issue) and said there is a path forward at present without sheriff involvement.
What happens next: staff will provide the requested storm drainage call list and updates on sign and vacant-property ordinances; the tree advisory group will return to council with recommendations in early 2026.
