The Kern County Board of Supervisors met today as scheduled for Tuesday’s January 9, 2024, Board Meeting. Supervisor Phillip Peters (District 1), Supervisor Zack Scrivner (District 2), Supervisor Jeff Flores (District 3), Chairman 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. 1 AM session:
- The Board honored Third District Supervisor Jeff Flores for his numerous accomplishments as the 2023 Chairman of the Board of Supervisors.
- Item No. 4 AM session:
- The Board voted to proclaim January 2024 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Kern County.
- Item No. 5 AM session:
- The Board voted to proclaim January 2024 as National Eligibility Workers Recognition Month in Kern County.
- Item No. 22 AM session:
- The Board approved a resolution authorizing Behavioral Health and Recovery Services to apply for, accept, and act on behalf of the County in connection with the Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program Grant funding from the Department of Health Care Services for Youth Crisis Stabilization Unit and Family Resource Center project.
- Item No. 27 AM session:
- The Board heard a presentation from Chief Administrative Officer James Zervis on In-Home Supportive Services Public Authority, including its relationship with providers for collective bargaining, payroll, and employment.
- Watch the entire presentation here.
- Item No. 30 AM session:
- The Board approved the District Attorney’s Office submitting and accepting a grant award for the 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) Program and request to authorize the Chairman to sign the certifications and assurances.
- Item No. 36 AM session:
- The Board approved an agreement with the Kern High School District for participation in the Adult Based Life Experience (ABLE) Program from January 9, 2024, through June 30, 2025.
- Item No. 38 AM session:
- The Board heard a presentation from Public Health on the efforts and strategic plan of the newly formed Kern County Health Equity Partnership.
- Item No. 49 Closed Session:
- The Board voted unanimously (5-0) to appoint Alison Burrowes as the new director of Kern County Behavioral Health and Recovery Services, effective January 13, 2024.
- Ms. Burrowes has led our Behavioral Health and Recovery Services department as the interim director since October 14, 2023.
- Ms. Burrowes is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology and English from Massey University, New Zealand, and received a Master of Arts Degree in Sociology and Social Work from CSU Bakersfield.
- Items No. 5 – 7 PM session:
- The Board approved agreements with Bakersfield Rescue Mission DBA The Mission at Kern County, Be Financially Free, Inc., and The Open Door Network for Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) to provide emergency shelter assistance, street outreach and Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) assistance, emergency shelter, homelessness prevention, and rapid re-housing assistance to Kern County residents.
- Items No. 8 – 10 PM session:
- The Board held a series of protest hearings for cost incurred for various nuisance abatement work throughout unincorporated Kern County.
- This effort supports the enhancement of quality-of-life for Kern County residents.
- Item No. 27 PM session:
- The Board approved a resolution designating the mapped area in Oildale surrounding the Supportive Services Village as a special enforcement zone due to a particular and ongoing threat to public health, safety, or welfare pursuant to Kern County Ordinance Code 8.30.040, effective February 10, 2024.
- Item No. 31 PM session:
- The Board voted to contribute $4,000 to Mothers Against Gang Violence Inc. to support intervention programs.
- Item No. 32 PM session:
- The Board voted to contribute $500 to the McFarland Unified School District to support their wrestling team, and $150 to the Kiwanis Club of Delano.
- Item No. 33 PM session:
- The Board voted to contribute $500 to California Aeronautical University to support participation of a team in a national intercollegiate flight competition.
- Item No. 34 PM session:
- The Board approved plans, specifications, and notice to contractors for the Ford City Park Splash Pad in Ford City.
- Watch the entire presentation here.
The next Regular Board Meetings are scheduled for January 23, 2024, at 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.
