Kern County Board of Supervisors Meeting Recap for April 26, 2022

By Press release submission

May 3, 2022

The Kern County Board of Supervisors met today as scheduled for Tuesday’s April 26, 2022, Board Meeting. Supervisor Phillip Peters (District 1), Chairman Zack Scrivner (District 2), Supervisor Mike Maggard (District 3), Supervisor David Couch (District 4), and Supervisor Leticia Perez (District 5) were in attendance. For information on how to address the Board on a specific agenda item or provide general public comment, please click here.

Meeting Highlights:

Item No. 2 AM session:
The Board proclaimed May 3, 2022, as Giving Day in Kern County, to encourage local giving through the “Give Big Kern” annual fundraiser.
Item No. 3 AM session:
The Board proclaimed May 1 – 7, 2022, as Public Service Recognition Week in Kern County.
Public Service Recognition Week highlights the accomplishments of the dedicated public servants who work tirelessly to provide essential services to communities across the country. Kern County has more than 7,400 employees who serve our community daily.
Item No. 4 AM session:
The Board proclaimed May 2022 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Kern County.
To view upcoming events and access mental health resources, please visit: www.kernbhrs.org
Item No. 5 AM session:
The Board proclaimed May 2022 as Foster Care Awareness Month in Kern County.
For information about this awareness campaign, please visit: www.kcdhs.org
Item No. 6 AM session:
The Board proclaimed April 24 – 30, 2022, as Crime Victims’ Rights Week in Kern County.
The community is invited to attend the District Attorney’s upcoming Eighth Annual Crime Victims’ Rights March on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, from 3 – 5 p.m. in the courtyard of 1215 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA.
Item No. 30 AM session:
The Board approved the Department of Airports’ acceptance of a grant agreement offer from the Federal Aviation Administration to rehabilitate Taxiway G, investing in improvements at our growing Meadows Field Airport.
Item No. 34 AM session:
The Board approved an agreement with Central Star Behavioral Health, Inc. to provide inpatient psychiatric services for minors through June 30, 2023.
Item No. 47 AM session:
The Board approved the addition of four Fire Dispatch Assistance I/II positions to assist with increased call volume in the Emergency Communications Center.
To view current Kern County career opportunities, please visit: www.kerncounty.com/careers
Item No. 52 – 54 AM session:
The Board invested in equipment upgrades at the Kern County Fire Department by approving the use of unanticipated revenue and other department funding to purchase four additional fire engines, 10 thermal imaging cameras to outfit the department’s 10 new fire engines, and one Rescue Hoist Kit to provide timely, safe work environments in heavy rescues.
Item No. 58 AM session:
The Board approved an agreement with Stay Focused Ministries for mentoring, after-school programs, and community outreach services through June of 2023.
Item No. 61 AM session:
The Board approved the Kern County Library accepting the California Association Lunch at the Library Grant to help provide Kern County children with healthy meals during the summer months when school is out.
Item No. 66 – 67 AM session:
The Board approved the Kern County Sheriff’s Office using unanticipated revenue from AB109 Realignment funds to upgrade various components of the Lerdo Pre-Trial Facility.
Item No. 68 AM session:
The Board approved the Kern County Sheriff’s Office request to purchase the outfitting of two Airbus H125 Helicopters, heavily investing in equipment upgrades and resources at KCSO.
Item No. 69 AM session:
The Board approved the Kern County Sheriff’s Office accepting a donation of five canine protective vests from Spike’s K9 Fund for Sheriff’s Office canines.
Item No. 71 AM session:
The Board approved a travel request for the Kern County Sheriff’s Office to send some of their deputies and a sergeant to the National Law Enforcement Monument in Washington D.C. where fallen Kern County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Phillip Campas will be honored.
KCSO’s Honor Guard members will accompany Deputy Campas’ family and actively participate in the events and ceremonies.
Item No. 73 Closed Session:
The Board was informed last week of Public Works Director Craig Pope’s plans to retire and congratulates him on his more than 40 years of service to Kern County.
The Board unanimously voted 5-0 to appoint Samuel Lux as the interim Director of Public Works, effective April 30, 2022.
Mr. Lux started with the County as an engineer in 2011 and has served as the Assistant Director of Public Works for the last four years.
The Board looks forward to working with Mr. Lux as he serves in this critical role and wishes Mr. Pope the best as he enters retirement.
Item No. 40 PM session:
The Board approved a $2,500 contribution to Bakersfield Sikh Women’s Association to fund scholarships.