Agendas are available on the City Website
https://www.ridgecrest-ca.gov/council-agendas
Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
AGENDA
January 19, 2022
Regular Session 6:00 p.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers
100 100 West California Avenue
Ridgecrest CA 93555
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
(760) 499-5002
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a disabled person and you need a disability-related modification or accommodation to participate in the meeting, please contact Ricca Charlon at (760) 499-5002. Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one full business day before the start of the meeting.
Documents and material relating to open session agenda items that are provided to the full City Council prior to a regular meeting will be available for public inspection and copying at City Hall.
City Council agendas and corresponding writings of open session items are available for public inspection at the following locations:
1. City of Ridgecrest City Hall, 100 W. California Ave., Ridgecrest, CA 93555
2. City of Ridgecrest official website at https://ridgecrest-ca.gov/212/City-Council
CITY COUNCIL
Eric A. Bruen, Mayor
L. Scott Hayman, Mayor Pro Tem
Solomon P. Rajaratnam, Vice Mayor
Kyle Blades, Council Member
Peggy Breeden, Council Member
Ron Strand, City Manager
Keith Lemieux, City Attorney
Martin Koczanowicz, City Attorney
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City of Ridgecrest Public Meeting Protocol
In Response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)
City of Ridgecrest Council meetings are OPEN to public attendance. Although Chambers are OPEN, public participation is still encouraged via live streaming, call-in or via written correspondence.
TO PARTICIPATE please call, email, or send mail to the contact info provided below:
The public may use one of the following alternatives for participating in person:
Watch meetings on-line:
All of our meetings are streamed live at https://ridgecrest-ca.gov/369/Watch or on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/cityofridgecrest/live and are also available for playback after the meeting.
Call in for public comments:
To participate with verbal comments, please call (760) 499-5010. This phone line will allow only one caller at a time, so if the line is busy, please continue to dial. We will be allowing a 20-30 second delay between callers to give time for media delays and callers to dial in. If you wish to comment on multiple items you will need to call in as each item is presented. Submit written comments:
We encourage submittal of written comments supporting, opposing, or otherwise commenting on an agenda item, for distribution to the City Council prior to the meeting.
Send emails to [email protected]; written correspondence may be sent to Ricca Charlon, City Clerk, 100 W. California Ave., Ridgecrest, CA 93555. Please specify to which agenda item your comment relates. All communication, whether it is a formal letter or an online informal email, is read by the City Council.
Please click on the link below to access the City Council Agenda, Minutes and Video web page. https://ridgecrest-ca.gov/212/City-Council
If you have any questions please contact us.
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
Phone: (760) 499-5002
*Revised February 24, 2021
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RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
AGENDA
Wednesday, January 19, 2022 Regular Session – 6:00 p.m.
City of Ridgecrest Council meetings are OPEN to public attendance. Although Chambers are OPEN, public participation is still encouraged via live streaming, call-in or via written correspondence.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
REGULAR SESSION
Pledge Of Allegiance
Invocation
PRESENTATIONS
1. 32 Years Of Service Award – Sergeant Tony Brown MCLAUGHLIN
2. Presentation of Proclamation - School Choice Week COUNCIL
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Persons wishing to address the Council on matters that are within the Council’s jurisdiction and DO NOT ALREADY APPEAR ON THE AGENDA, may do so at this time.
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR
3. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meeting Dated January 5, 2022 CHARLON
4. Appointment To City Selection Committee CHARLON
5. Proposed Action To Approve A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council Authorizing Officer Or Agent To Accept And Consent To Recordation Of Deeds Or Grants CHARLON
DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
6. Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Letter of Support/White Paper for Proposed National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Amendments Related to WWTF STRAND
7. Discussion Regarding The Board Of The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) HAYMAN
AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – JANUARY 19, 2022
8. Appointment Of Measure V Committee Members CHARLON
9. A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council To Appropriate A Portion Of The American Rescue Plan Act Funds – Smart Water System WEGENER
COMMITTEE REPORTS
**Committee Meeting dates are subject to change and will be announced on the City website City Organization and Services Committee (‘City Org’)
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Peggy Breeden
Meeting: 1st Thursday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
Report from 1/6/22
Finance Committee
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Scott Hayman
Meeting: 2nd Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
Report from 1/11/22
Economic Development Committee
Members: Kyle Blades and Solomon Rajaratnam
Meeting: 2nd Wednesday of the Month @ 5:00 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
Report from 1/12/22
OTHER COMMITTEES, BOARDS, OR COMMISSIONS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
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A Proclamation of
The City of Ridgecrest, California
RECOGNIZING RIDGECREST SCHOOL CHOICE WEEK
WHEREAS, all children in RIDGECREST should have access to the highest-quality education possible; and,
WHEREAS, RIDGECREST recognizes the important role that an effective education plays in preparing all students in RIDGECREST to be successful adults; and, WHEREAS, quality education is critically important to the economic vitality of RIDGECREST; and, WHEREAS, RIDGECREST is home to a multitude of high quality public and nonpublic schools from which parents can choose for their children, in addition to families who educate their children in the home; and
WHEREAS, educational variety not only helps to diversify our economy, but also enhances the vibrancy of our community; and,
WHEREAS, RIDGECREST has many high-quality teaching professionals in all types of school settings who are committed to educating our children; and, WHEREAS, School Choice Week is celebrated across the country by millions of students, parents, educators, schools and organizations to raise awareness of the need for effective educational options; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED we, the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest, do hereby recognize January 23 – 29, 2022 as RIDGECREST School Choice Week and call this observance to the attention of all of our citizens.
Proclaimed this 19TH Day of January 2022
Eric A. Bruen
Mayor
L. Scott Hayman Solomon P. Rajaratnam
Mayor Pro Tem Vice Mayor
Kyle Blades
Council Member
Peggy Breeden
Council Member
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT:
Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meeting Dated January 5, 2022
PRESENTED BY: Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
SUMMARY:
Draft Minutes of the City Council / Successor Redevelopment Agency / Housing Authority / Financing Authority Regular Meeting Dated January 5, 2022 FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve minutes
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: Jan. 19, 2022
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RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
DRAFT Minutes
January 5, 2022 Regular Session – 6:00 p.m.
This meeting was recorded and will be on file in the Office of the City Clerk for a certain period of time from date of approval by the Ridgecrest City Successor Agency/Financing Authority/Housing Authority. Meetings are recorded solely for the purpose of preparation of minutes.
CALL TO ORDER – 6:01 pm
ROLL CALL
Council Present: Mayor Eric A. Bruen; Mayor Pro Tem L. Scott Hayman; Vice Mayor Solomon P.
Rajaratnam; Council Member Kyle Blades
Council Absent: Council Member Peggy Breeden
Staff Present: City Manager Strand; City Attorney Koczanowicz (via WebEx); City Clerk Charlon; Captain Tucker; Interim P&R Director Wegener
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Blades - Hayman: 4 Ayes; 1 Absent (Breeden)
NOTE: The vote is displayed in bold below each item. For example, Blades-Rajaratnam denotes Council Member Blades made the motion and Vice Mayor Rajaratnam seconded the motion.
REGULAR SESSION
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Comments heard from S. Miller
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meeting Dated December 1, 2021 CHARLON
2. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meeting Dated December 15, 2021 CHARLON
3. Approve A Resolution Of The City Of Ridgecrest City Council Scheduling The Date Of The Annual Unmet Transit Needs Public Hearing For March 2, 2022 And Authorizing The City Clerk To Advertise The Hearing Resolution #22-01 SMITH
Items 1 & 3 Rajaratnam - Hayman: 4 Ayes; 1 Absent (Breeden) Item 2 – add to the closed session report out “proposed settlement” before “unanimously approved”. As amended - Blades - Hayman: 4 Ayes; 1 Absent (Breeden)
DRAFT MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – JANUARY 5, 2022
DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
4. Discussion Regarding The Board Of The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) HAYMAN
Comments heard from K. Brown, J. Gorman, S. Miller
5. A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council To Appropriate A Portion Of The American Rescue Plan Act Funds – Water Tank At Leroy Jackson Sports Complex WEGENER Comments heard from J. Gorman Resolution #22-02
Hayman - Rajaratnam: 4 Ayes; 1 Absent (Breeden)
6. A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council To Appropriate A Portion Of The American Rescue Plan Act Funds – Roofs At Upjohn Park and Leroy Jackson Sports Complex Blades - Rajaratnam: 4 Ayes; 1 Absent (Breeden) Resolution #22-03 WEGENER
7. A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council To Appropriate A Portion Of The American Rescue Plan Act Funds - Pearson Park Lights Resolution #22-04 WEGENER Blades - Hayman: 4 Ayes; 1 Absent (Breeden)
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Infrastructure Committee
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Kyle Blades
Meeting: 4th Thursday each month at 5:00 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
12/23/21 Meeting Canceled
City Organization and Services Committee (‘City Org’)
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Peggy Breeden
Meeting: 1st Thursday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
Report from 1/6/22
OTHER COMMITTEES, BOARDS, OR COMMISSIONS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT – 7:56 pm
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: Appointment to the City Selection Committee for Kern County PRESENTED BY: Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
SUMMARY:
At the January 5, 2022 meeting it was informally discussed that an appointment needed to be made to the City Selection Committee for Kern County.
Since the committee meets in Bakersfield just prior to the KernCOG meeting, which Council Member Blades already attends, he volunteered to fill the vacancy on the City Selection Committee also.
Approval of Council Member Blades via the consent calendar formalizes his appointment by minute motion to serve on the City Selection Committee.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve appointment of Council Member Blades to the City Selection Committee
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: Jan. 19, 2022
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: Proposed Action To Approve A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council Authorizing Officer Or Agent To Accept And Consent To Recordation Of Deeds Or Grants PRESENTED BY: Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
SUMMARY:
This item is being presented as a clean-up replacing the title “City Administrator” that was used in Resolution 74-28 with the title “City Manager” in the new resolution.
This new resolution will rescind and replace Resolution 74-28.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve Resolution
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: Jan. 19, 2022
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RESOLUTION NO. 22-Xx
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RIDGECREST, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING OFFICER OR AGENT TO
ACCEPT AND CONSENT TO RECORDATION OF DEEDS OR GRANTS
WHEREAS, Government Code Section 27281 provides that Deeds or grants conveying any interest in or easement upon real estate to a political corporation or governmental agency for public purposes shall not be accepted for recordation without the consent of the grantee; and, WHEREAS, said provision also authorizes such governmental agency by a general resolution to provide that an officer or agent may accept and consent to recordation of such deeds or grants; and,
WHEREAS, it is desired to adopt such a general resolution as set forth hereinafter.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest does hereby find as follows:
1. That pursuant to government code Section 27281, the City Manager is herewith authorized and directed to accept and consent to recordation of all deeds or grants conveying interests in real property to the City of Ridgecrest, unless otherwise determined by the City Council.
2. That there shall be attached to each such deed or grant a certificate in the form and manner provided by law evidencing the acceptance and consent to record as herein provided. - Attached as EXHIBIT A to this resolution.
3. This Resolution rescinds and replaces Resolution 74-28.
ADOPTED AND APPROVED this 19th day of January, 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Eric A. Bruen, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
EXHIBIT A
,
CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE
This is to certify that the interest in real property conveyed by the deed or grant dated________________, from____________________________, to the City of Ridgecrest, a Municipal Corporation, is hereby accepted by the undersigned officer or agent on behalf of the City Council pursuant to authority conference by Resolution 22-XX, adopted ___________, and the grantee consents to recordation thereof by its duly authorized officer.
Date: _____________
Signature: _____________________________
Print Title: ____________________________
r RESOLUTION NO. 74-28
RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF TIm CITY
OF RIDGECREST, CALIFORNIA, AUTHORIZING OFFICER OR AGENT TO ACCEPT AND CONSENT TO RECORDATION OF DEEDS OR GRANTS WHEREAS, Gove~nment Code seotion 27281 p~ovides that deeds O~ grants conveying interests in real property to a governmental agency fo~ public purposes shall not be acoepted for reoordation without the consent of the grantee; and
WHEREAS, said prOVision also authorizes suoh governmental agency by a general resolution to provide that an officer or agent may accept and consent to reoordation of such dees or grants; and
WHEREAS, it is desired to adopt such general resolution as set forth h~relnafter;
NOW, THEREFORE, IT IS HEREWITH RESOLVED, ORDERED, DETERMINED AND FOUND AS FOLLOWS:
1. That pursuant to Government Code Section 27281,
CITY ADMINISTRATOR , is heremth authorized and
directed to accept and consent £0 recordation of all deeds or grants conveying interests in real property to the City of Ridgecrest, unless otherwise determined by the City Council.
2. That there shall be attaohed to each such deed or
grant a certificate in the torm and manner pI'ovided by law eVidencing the acceptance and consent to record as heI'ein pro- vided.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this
the following vote:
21st day of MaI'ch, 1974, by
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Mayor Shacklett, Councilwoman Green, Councilmen Edwards, Mettenburg, and Wilson.
None
None
r
r
CERTIFICATE OF ACCEPTANCE
THIS IS TO CERTIFY that the interest in real property conveyed by the deed or g~ant dated ------ _______, from _ --------------------------,
to the CITY OF RIDGECREST, a municipal corporation, is
hereby accepted by the undersigned officer or agent on
behalf of the City Council pursuant to authority conferred by Resolution No. , lidopted on the _ day of 1974, and the grantee consents
to recordation thereof by its duly authorized officer.
Dated: -------------
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Client Memorandum
To: Ronald Strand, City Manager - Ridgecrest
From: Michael W. McKinney, President
cc: Jeff Simonetti, SVP
Date: January 19, 2022
Subject: Consideration of Letter of Support for Amendments to the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP)
As you may know, Capitol Core Group is engaged with the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority to assist the organization with finding imported water supplies and determining potential funding sources for the necessary infrastructure to support the goals of the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP). A key component of the groundwater sustainability in the basin is the City of Ridgecrest’s proposed wastewater treatment facility (WWTF). This memo will outline a potential funding source for the project through the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) and the amendments to it that are necessary to make the WWTF eligible to make an application through the program. We have attached a draft letter of support to this memo that we are requesting your consideration of.
Background on Defense Community Infrastructure Program
The DCIP is a program in the Department of Defense budget that aims to assist communities in improving infrastructure that supports the mission and communities around US military installations. A total of $50 million was appropriated by the Congress for DCIP during FY2020. This was the first $50 million of the total $100 million Authorized by the Congress for DCIP under the pilot project. A further $60 million was Appropriated by the Congress during the FY2021 cycle. The supporters of the program are trying to authorize the program for multi-year programmatic funding so that the program funding does not have to be reauthorized each year.
Currently, the program requires that the infrastructure it funds not be situated on either leased or easement land that the Department of Defense owns. In this scenario, projects such as the proposed imported water interconnection project would be eligible to make an application once the IWVGA selects a route. However, because the proposed wastewater treatment facility will be on an easement on DoD-owned land, the WWTF is not currently eligible to make an application as the law is currently written. We are working with the Association of Defense Communities to introduce amendments to address this issue, and we are asking for the attached letter of support for these efforts.
Why we are Asking for the Letter of Support
Capitol Core has worked with the Association of Defense Communities (ADC), a military defense community advocacy group on a series of amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the main annual military authorizing and policy legislation. ADC was the original author of the DCIP. Last year, ADC submitted a series of amendments to the NDAA including the item below pertaining to the Defense Community Infrastructure Program. The Congress passed the annual defense bill extremely late in the cycle on December 15th and the Appropriations Committees did not pass companion spending bills as well. They only passed continuing resolutions to keep funding at current levels. As a result of the extremely late NDAA passage, the bill did not include many of the amendments that were proposed simply because there was no time to debate them. The NDAA language below along with hundreds of other amendments did not make it into the 2021 NDAA.
Capitol Core is working actively with ADC as well as Armed Services Committee staff to get this language considered in the 2022 NDAA. We are asking for your support through this letter so that we can attempt to incorporate the amendments early into the process of the 2022 NDAA and hopefully get them considered in this cycle.
Specific Proposed Language
Defense Community Infrastructure
Pilot Program
SEC. XXXX. Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program.
Section 2391(d) of title 10, United States Code, as amended, is further amended as follows:
(a) Subsection (d)(1)(B)(i) is amended to read as follows: “Projects that will enhance military value at a military installation determined on a project-by-project basis assessed as to how that project contributes to the current and or planned mission for that installation.”. (b) Subsection (e)(4)(A)(i) is amended to read as follows: “is located off of a military installation, or on land under the jurisdiction of a Secretary of a military department subject to a long-term real estate agreement, such as a lease or easement; and”.
CITY OF RIDGECREST
100 West California Avenue
Ridgecrest, CA 93555-4054
Telephone (760) 499-5002
Eric A. Bruen
Mayor
L. Scott Hayman
Mayor Pro Tem
Solomon P. Rajaratnam
Vice Mayor
Kyle Blades
Council Member
Peggy Breeden
Council Member
Ron Strand
City Manager
Cheri Freese
Finance Director
Travis Reed
Public Works Director
Jed McLaughlin
Chief of Police
Ricca Charlon
City Clerk
January 19, 2022
The Honorable Senator Jack Reed
Chair, Senate armed Services Committee
728 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Representative Adam Smith
Chair, House Armed Services Committee
2264 Rayburn Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
RE: 2022 National Defense Act Authorization Priorities Regarding the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP)
Dear Chairs Reed and Smith:
On behalf of the City of Ridgecrest, California which supports the China Lake Naval Weapons Air Station, I am writing to you to express our support of the proposed amendments to the Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP). Specifically, this amendment if passed will allow a host of projects that are support military facilities across the country to be eligible to apply for Defense Community Infrastructure Program (DCIP) funding if they are on located on land leased from the Department of Defense. We join the Association of Defense Communities (ADC) and other cities with similar infrastructure requirements in support of this language. This change is important to the City of Ridgecrest and a host of other communities that provide vital infrastructure to support military bases and the communities that support them. You have our strongest support of the attached language for inclusion into the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The City of Ridgecrest, California is in the Mojave Desert and is directly adjacent to the China Lake Naval Weapons Air Station. China Lake provides quality shore-based infrastructure, base operating support services, safety and security, range and airfield support to the Navy's Research, Development, Acquisition, Test & Evaluation (RDAT&E) mission, Navy training capability, and other fleet and fleet support activities. NAWS China Lake is the Navy's largest single landholding. It represents 85 percent of the Navy's land primarily used for RDAT&E and 38 percent of the Navy's total landholding worldwide.
The base has approximately 620 military employees, 4,100 full-time civilians and 1,734 onboard and off-site contractors. The vast majority of the personnel serving at the Base live off-installation in either the City of Ridgecrest or surrounding communities.
The City of Ridgecrest must provide infrastructure and services to the personnel both on and off-installation to support the China Lake mission. Towards that end, the City of Ridgecrest owns and operates a wastewater treatment facility that is housed on leased US Navy land. The facility treats wastewater flows from both the City of Ridgecrest outside of the fence line as well as China Lake’s flows. The average flow to the facility is approximately 2,588 AF per year. The City has operated the existing treatment facility since 1974, and the plant was expanded in 1976. The facility is outdated and needs to be replaced.
In October 2020, the City of Ridgecrest and the US Navy reached a 50-year land easement agreement and a 10-year wastewater service contract between the Navy and the City of Ridgecrest. This agreement creates the framework for the City of Ridgecrest to build a new wastewater treatment facility to serve the needs of the Base and the City. The City expects construction to begin on this project in 2023 and is currently in the design and environmental review phase of the project. We have approximately $35 million of local funds to provide for the project and are pursuing a variety of state-level grants and loans for some of the remainder of the project funding. At the federal level, we are looking for programs that may be able to provide funding assistance, and the Defense Community Infrastructure Program is potentially a viable solution. However, with the way that the DCIP is currently authorized, it does not allow projects on land that a local community leases from the Department of Defense as eligible to apply for funding through the program. As such, we are asking the respective Armed Services Committees for their consideration of the attached amendments to the Program to make this project eligible.
Multiple entities will benefit from the authorization and the completion of the new WWTF.
First, the Navy will benefit from continued access to wastewater effluent for use on the base. The new agreement between the Navy and Ridgecrest agreement would give the Navy access to 525 acre-feet of reliable water supply annually. The base is located in the Mojave Desert and the California State Department of Water Resources has deemed the basin in “critical overdraft,” meaning that the basin regularly uses more water than naturally recharges. The Navy has deemed water supply reliability the number one encroachment issue/concern which has the potential to impact missions enabled at Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake. This project will directly assist in shoring up water supplies for the base. Second, the tertiary treatment will ensure that the Navy meets the water quality and quantity requirements to maintain the endangered Tui Chub’s habitat.
Finally, the tertiary treatment is a critical component of the overall treatment facility that will benefit the citizens of Ridgecrest, many of whom are NAWS China Lake employees.
The treatment facility will provide an estimated 2,000 acre-feet of recycled water to the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority, which in turn can be used to balance the basin’s groundwater overdraft. Over the long term, the Authority will have to balance any further water needs that recycled water cannot satisfy with imported water. Imported water is expensive to bring to the basin. The water that the treatment facility provides to the Authority will help to minimize water costs which will ultimately be passed on to the consumer. This will help to increase the quality of life for the military personnel at the base and the citizens and businesses in the Indian Wells Basin that support the mission there.
Simply put, the City of Ridgecrest and the surrounding communities cannot provide the support necessary to the mission of China Lake without a safe and reliable water supply.
The wastewater treatment facility is a key component to providing a reliable water supply, and the DCIP would provide a potential funding source for this critical infrastructure. We appreciate your consideration of the proposed amendments and we hope that these will be included in the 2022 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
With Best Regards,
Mayor Eric A. Bruen
City of Ridgecrest
CC:
House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy
Representative Jay Obernolte
Proposed Amendment Language:
Defense Community Infrastructure
Pilot Program
SEC. XXXX. Defense Community Infrastructure Pilot Program.
Section 2391(d) of title 10, United States Code, as amended, is further amended as follows:
(a) Subsection (d)(1)(B)(i) is amended to read as follows: “Projects that will enhance military value at a military installation determined on a project-by-project basis assessed as to how that project contributes to the current and or planned mission for that installation.”.
(b) Subsection (e)(4)(A)(i) is amended to read as follows: “is located off of a military installation, or on land under the jurisdiction of a Secretary of a military department subject to a long-term real estate agreement, such as a lease or easement; and”.
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT:
Discussion Regarding The Board Of The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) PRESENTED BY:
L. Scott Hayman, City Council / IWVGA Representative
SUMMARY:
Report and discussion regarding Board meetings of the IWVGA. Including, Board discussion and consideration of issues of importance requiring action by the IWVGA.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Discuss
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: Jan. 19, 2022
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: Appointment Of Measure V Committee Members
PRESENTED BY: Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
SUMMARY:
The coming of a new year has brought about the need for the Measure V Committee to start meeting to work on this year’s Annual Reporting.
Past committee members were:
Marshall ‘Chip’ Holloway – Mayor Bruen
Jeff Morgan – Kyle Blades
John Paul – Solomon Rajaratnam
Chris Hill – Peggy Breeden
Christian West – Scott Hayman
At this time of agenda posting, Holloway and Hill have confirmed they will be continuing to serve.
Confirmation of members to continue serving or new appointments need to be made by Blades, Rajaratnam & Hayman.
The Measure V Committees first meeting will be Monday, February 7, 2022 @ 5pm in the City Hall Conference Room B.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Nominate and approved member appointments CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: Jan. 19, 2022
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council To Appropriate A Portion Of The American Rescue Plan Act Funds
PRESENTED BY: Nerissa Wegener, Interim Parks and Recreation Director SUMMARY:
On March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which provides one-time fiscal relief funds to State and Local Governments and other program areas aimed at mitigating the continuing effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic. ARPA includes State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to support urgent COVID response efforts to decrease the spread of the virus and to replace lost public sector revenue to strengthen support for vital public services. The City of Ridgecrest’s allocation of direct local stimulus is $6,930,958, with the first 50% paid to the City in July of 2021 and the remaining balance in July of 2022.
The United States Treasury has adopted the interim final rule, along with a list of Frequently Asked Questions, as guidance regarding the use of ARPA funds. The final guidance is expected to be released fall of 2021. The allowed uses of ARPA funding focus on four key program areas: to respond to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits, or aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality; to respond to workers performing essential work during COVID-19; for the provision of government service to the extent of the reduction in revenue due to COVID-19; and to make necessary investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure. The use of ARPA funds is retroactive to March 3, 2021. All funds must be obligated by December 31, 2024, and must be spent by December 31, 2026.
The City staff brought to council during a workshop on November 17, 2021 a list of recommended projects for the use of appropriations. These projects were discussed with council, community members as well as City staff.
Staff is bringing forward this project to City Council that were recommended for approval during the council workshop on November 17, 2021.
1. Purchase a smart water system and yearly service plan. The purchase of this smart water system would be for all City Parks. The benefit of these systems would be that the controller connects to local weather stations and adjusts station run times automatically based on the projected evaporation according to the weather. The controller can be controlled remotely by desktop or cell phone. Also, flow sensors will detect abnormal water flow and a master valve can be installed in the event there is a stuck valve or a water break and the system can be isolated remotely. By having these systems in place we would be able to save water by reducing overwatering and to better maintain the grass.
Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
With adding the smart water system the City would have an annual cost of $1,400 per year for the cellular service plan.
Estimated projects costs: $21,400 with a 15% contingency of $3,210.00 for inflation and unforeseen items. Estimated project total cost $24,610
ARPA Justification: FAQ 4.2: “Under (603)(c)(1)(C), recipients may use funds for maintenance of infrastructure or pay-go spending for building of new infrastructure as part of the general provision of government services, to the extent of the estimated reduction in revenue due to the public health emergency.”
This Project was brought back to the Quality of Life Committee on December 9, 2021 and January 4, 2022 for discussion and recommended to bring to council for approval.
Staff is requesting that The Ridgecrest City Council approve this ARPA project and authorized finance director to allocate the funds from the ARPA allocation.
FISCAL IMPACT: $24,610 estimated in American Rescue Plan Act Funds ACTION REQUESTED: Approval of resolution
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Action as requested
Submitted by: Nerissa Wegener Action Date: January 19, 2022 (Revised Jan2019)
RESOLUTION NO. 22-xx
A RESOLUTION OF THE RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL TO
APPROPRIATE A PORTION OF THE AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN ACT
FUNDS
WHEREAS, on March 11, 2021, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which provides one-time fiscal relief funds to State and Local Governments and other programs areas aimed at mitigating the continuing effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic; and, WHEREAS, ARPA includes State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds to support urgent COVID response efforts to decrease the spread of the virus and to replace lost public sector revenue to strengthen support for vital public services; and, WHEREAS, the City of Ridgecrest’s allocation of direct local stimulus is $6,930,958, with the first 50% paid to the City in July of 2021 and the remaining balance in July of 2022; and, WHEREAS, the United States Treasury has adopted the interim final rule, along with a list of Frequently Asked Questions, as guidance regarding the use or ARPA funds, with the final guidance expected to be released in fall of 2021; and,
WHEREAS, the allowed uses of ARPA funding focus of four key program areas: to respond to the public health emergency or its negative economic impacts, including assistance to households, small businesses, and nonprofits, or aid to impacted industries such as tourism, travel, and hospitality; to respond to workers performing essential work during COVID-19; for the provision of government service to the extent of the reduction in revenue due to COVID-19; and to make necessary investments in water, sewer or broadband infrastructure; and, WHEREAS, the City staff brought to council during a workshop on November 17, 2021 a list of recommended projects for the use of appropriations. These projects were discussed with council, community members as well as City staff. Staff feels that there are a few projects that could be done immediately due to the fact that these are ongoing maintenance however, due to the importance and potential increased cost of delaying the projects; and, WHEREAS, to approve the purchase of a smart water system for the all City Parks; and, WHEREAS, the benefit of these systems would be that the controller connects to local weather stations and adjusts station run times automatically based on the projected evaporation according to the weather. The controller can be controlled remotely by desktop or cell phone. Also flow sensors will detect abnormal water flow and a master valve can be installed in the event there is a stuck valve or a water break and the system can be isolated remotely. By having these systems in place we would be able to reduce the amount of water waste and be able to maintain the grass better. This would help with overwatering and not watering enough and keeping the grass alive; and,
WHEREAS, with adding the smart water system the City would have an estimated annual cost of $1,600 per year for the cellular service plan; and, WHEREAS, This Project was brought back to the Quality of Life Committee on December 9, 2021 and January 4, 2022 for discussion and recommended to bring to council for approval and,
Resolution 22-xx Page 2 of 2
WHEREAS, the Parks and Recreation Department is requesting no more than $24,610 of the American Rescue Plan Act funds to purchase a smart water system and the service for the first year for all City Parks, the service plan will be budgeted for in the Parks and Recreation fiscal year operating budget moving forward, this amount includes a 15% contingency for inflation and any unforeseen items.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Ridgecrest City Council does hereby approve the appropriation of a portion of the American Rescue Plan Act funds to be allocated for this project allowing the City manager to sign off on any agreement and have the Finance Director to adjust the fiscal year 2021-2022 budget.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of January 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
___________________________
Eric A. Bruen, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________
Ricca Charlon, CMC
City Clerk
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