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
March 16, 2022
Closed Session 5:00 p.m.
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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100 W. CALIFORNIA AVE. | RIDGECREST, CA 93555
Phone 760.499.5000 | Fax 760.499.1520
www.ridgecrest-ca.gov
NOTICE AND CALL OF A CLOSED SESSION MEETING OF THE
RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY /
HOUSING AUTHORITY / FINANCING AUTHORITY
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / HOUSING AUTHORITY / FINANCING AUTHORITY, PUBLIC AND CITY CLERK:
PUBLIC NOTICE that a CLOSED SESSION MEETING of the Ridgecrest City Council/Successor Redevelopment Agency/Housing Authority/Financing Authority is hereby called on:
Wednesday, March 16, 2022 @ 5:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
100 W. California Avenue
Ridgecrest, California
Said CLOSED SESSION MEETING shall be for the purpose of:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9 Subparts (a), (d)(2) and (e)(3) - One case Government Code Section 54957 Subpart (b):
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION - City Attorney
Dated: March 10, 2022
Eric A. Bruen, Mayor / Chair
ATTEST:
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
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RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
AGENDA
Wednesday, March 16, 2022 Closed Session – 5:00 p.m.
Regular Session – 6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9 Subparts (a), (d)(2) and (e)(3) - One case Government Code Section 54957 Subpart (b):
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION - City Attorney
REGULAR SESSION – 6:00 p.m.
Pledge Of Allegiance
Invocation
ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
PRESENTATIONS
1. Employee Years Of Service Awards COUNCIL
2. Transit Driver Appreciation COUNCIL
3. Race Utility Project Update REED
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
4. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meeting Dated March 2, 2022 CHARLON
5. Announcing Proclamations Prepared For The Month Of March And Scheduled Date Of Presentations CHARLON
6. A Resolution Authorizing The Execution Of The Certifications And Assurances And Authorized Agent Forms For The Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) For The Following Project: Battery Electric Van Replacement Purchase, $74,844 SMITH
AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – March 16, 2022
7. Approval Of A Professional Services Agreement With Aleshire & Wynder For Legal Services STRAND
PUBLIC HEARING
8. A Resolution And Public Hearing Of The Ridgecrest City Council Summarily Vacating A Certain Pedestrian Way Bound On The West By Lots 53 & 78, And Bound On The East By Lots 54 & 77, As Shown On Tract Map 1252 SPURLOCK
DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
9. A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council Approving The 2021 Annual Progress Report (APR) For The City Of Ridgecrest General Plan And Housing Element Including The Regional Housing Needs Allocation Plan (RHNA) SPURLOCK
10. Discussion Regarding The Board Of The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) HAYMAN
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 3/3/22 - CANCELED
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 3/8/22
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 3/9/22 - CANCELED
OTHER COMMITTEES, BOARDS, OR COMMISSIONS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: Employee Service Award Presentations
PRESENTED BY: Mayor and City Council
SUMMARY:
Service recognition awards presented by the Ridgecrest City Council to employees who have reached milestones in increments of five (5) or more years of employment with the City of Ridgecrest during the 4
th quarter October - December 2021.
15 Years
Bill Groves – Police Sergeant
_________________________________________________
Service recognition awards presented by the Ridgecrest City Council to employees who have reached milestones in increments of five (5) or more years of employment with the City of Ridgecrest during the 1
st quarter January – March 2022.
25 Years
Jim Humphrey – Wastewater Supervisor
15 Years
Antoinette Agostinacci – Police Records Supervisor
10 Years
Kyle Cushman – Police Officer
5 Years
Franklen Mixon – Police Detective
Thomas Wiknich – Police Reserve
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED:
Presentation Of Certificates To Employees By City Council Members CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Action as requested
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A Proclamation of
The City of Ridgecrest, California
National Transit Driver Appreciation Day
WHEREAS, Transit Operators manage to keep a schedule, check fares, give directions, announce and remember stops: and,
WHEREAS, they safely maneuver public transit vehicles through unpredictable traffic and adverse weather conditions; and,
WHEREAS, Transit Operators transport people to various places that include work sites, schools, shopping and leisure activities – providing citizens from all walks of life with personal mobility and freedom; and,
WHEREAS, the health, safety and comfort of many people in this community greatly depends on their ability to rely upon the transportation services provided by our Transit Operators; and,
WHEREAS, the efficiency and effectiveness of these qualified and skilled professionals contribute to the quality of life that residents and visitors alike enjoy and rely upon; and, WHEREAS, Transit Operators don’t have an easy job; they just make it look that way.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the Mayor and City Council that we recognize and extend appreciation to our dedicated and skilled Transit Operators and hereby proclaim March 18, 2022 as “Transit Driver Appreciation Day."
Proclaimed this 16th Day of March 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 March 2, 2022
PRESENTED BY: Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
SUMMARY:
Draft Minutes of the City Council / Successor Redevelopment Agency / Housing Authority / Financing Authority Regular Meeting Dated March 2, 2022 FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve minutes
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: Mar. 16, 2022
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RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
DRAFT Minutes
Wednesday, March 2, 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 – 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Council Present: Mayor Eric A. Bruen (via WebEx); Mayor Pro Tem L. Scott Hayman; Vice Mayor Solomon P. Rajaratnam; Council Member Peggy Breeden; Council Member Kyle Blades
Staff Present: City Attorney Koczanowicz (via WebEx); City Clerk Charlon; Capt. Dampier; City Manager Strand; Finance Director Freese; PW Director Reed
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Blades - Breeden: 5 Ayes
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. Ayes, Noes, Absents, Abstentions follow.
REGULAR SESSION
PRESENTATIONS
1. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) FREESE
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public comments heard from S. Connally; A. Saunders travel blogger; M. Neel
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meeting Dated February 16, 2022 CHARLON
Blades - Rajaratnam: 5 Ayes
DRAFT Minutes - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – March 2, 2022
PUBLIC HEARING
3. A Public Hearing And Approval Of A Resolution Of The City Of Ridgecrest City Council To Consider Public Comments And Establish A Finding For Unmet Needs That Are Reasonable To Meet With The Public Transportation System for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 SMITH REED Public hearing opened at 7:05
Public comments heard from
o K. Brown – Inyokern hub which is owned by the city on 2nd street, the location has no signs as the transportation hub or which busses come there. o No comments received by the City Clerk
Public hearing closed at 7:20
Blades - Rajartnam: 5 Ayes
4. Conduct A Public Hearing And Adopt A Resolution Recommending Community Development Block Grant CARES Act (CDBG-CV3) Funding Use In The Amount of $67,219.80 And Project Description To The Kern County Board Of Supervisors For The City Of Ridgecrest
WEGENER CHARLON
Public hearing opened at 7:22
No public comments heard; no comments received by the City Clerk Public hearing closed at 7:30
Blades - Breeden: 5 Ayes
DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
5. Fire Contract Review STRAND
Public comments heard from M. Neel
6. A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council Declaring Intention To Vacate And Abandon A Certain Pedestrian Way In Tract 1252 And Setting A Public Hearing Per Streets And Highways Code Section 8335 SPURLOCK
Blades - Rajaratnam: 5 Ayes
7. Discussion Regarding The Board Of The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) HAYMAN
Public comments heard from M. Neel; K. Brown
ORDINANCE
8. Second Reading And Adoption, Ordinance 22-01 Of The Ridgecrest City Council Amending The Ridgecrest Municipal Code Regarding Solid Waste MCKENZIE Motion To Waive Reading In Full, Ordinance 22-01 Of The Ridgecrest City Council Amending the Ridgecrest Municipal Code Regarding Solid Waste.
Public comments heard from M. Neel
Rajaratnam - Breeden: 5 Ayes
Motion To Adopt, Ordinance 22-01 Of The Ridgecrest City Council Amending the Ridgecrest Municipal Code Regarding Solid Waste.
Blades - Breeden: 5 Ayes
DRAFT Minutes - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – March 2, 2022
COMMITTEE REPORTS
**Committee Meeting dates are subject to change and will be announced on the City website Infrastructure Committee
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Kyle Blades
Meeting: 4th Thursday each month at 5:00 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
Report from 02/24/22 – discussed Downs St. lighting, Caltrans update Downs and 178 intersection, modernizing city biking traffic
OTHER COMMITTEES, BOARDS, OR COMMISSIONS
KernCOG - 2/17
League of Ca Cities - 2/18 – discussed SB9 extensively; San Bernardino Sheriff brought light to the marijuana farms from the Cartels in our area
EKEA – 2/10
CITY MANAGER REPORT
Clean CA Grant for $1.8M was approved
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
Blades – Big ticket items coming forward – Fire Contract, ARPA, Clean CA Grant, Etc. - Feedback is important from the public. It is not easy for him because fundamentally he does not agree with items like the trash, but it has to be done.
Rajaratnam – thanked staff for hard work and public for participating Bruen – thanked council for great meeting, looks forward to being home from Washington DC tomorrow, full of pride being able to talk with elected officials about Ridgecrest Hayman – thanked the couple that was here to blog about Ridgecrest for the next month. Thanked Mayor for being in DC. Proud of work being done and serving with this council.
ADJOURNMENT - 8:50 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
____________________________
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: Announcing Proclamations Prepared For The Month Of March And Scheduled Date Of Presentations
PRESENTED BY: Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
SUMMARY:
The Ridgecrest City Council receives requests for presentation of ceremonial proclamations for various events and observations. Proclamations below have been prepared and will be presented on the date and time shown.
1. 2022 Sr. & Jr. Bluejacket of the Year
Bluejacket Proclamations will be presented at the Awards Ceremony on April 1, 2022 at Building 1, Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake.
2. Respect for Law
Respect for Law Proclamations will be presented at the Awards Dinner on March 25, 2022 at the Kerr McGee Community Center.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve and file
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: A Resolution Authorizing The Execution Of The Certifications And Assurances And Authorized Agent Forms For The Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) For The Following Project: Battery Electric Van Replacement Purchase, $74,844 PRESENTED BY: Christopher Smith, Transit Services Coordinator SUMMARY: The Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) is one of several programs that are part of the Transit, Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program established by the California Legislature in 2014 by Senate Bill 862.
The LCTOP was created to provide operating and capital assistance for transit agencies to reduce greenhouse gas emission and improve mobility, with a priority on serving disadvantaged communities. Approved projects in the LCTOP will support new or expanded bus or rail services, expand intermodal transit facilities, and may include equipment acquisition, fueling, maintenance and other costs to operate those services or facilities with each project reducing greenhouse gas emissions. For agencies whose service area includes disadvantaged communities, at least 50 percent of the total moneys received shall be expended on projects that will benefit disadvantaged communities. Senate Bill 862 continuously appropriates five percent of the annual auction proceeds in the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (Fund) for LCTOP, beginning in 2015- 2016.
LCTOP is administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in coordination with the Air Resources Board (ARB) and the State Controller’s Office (SCO). It is the responsibility of Kern Council of Governments to apportion these funds to the transit agencies under its purview. For Fiscal Year 22-23, the City of Ridgecrest Transit division has been allocated $74,844. These funds are eligible to be rolled over to be used in conjunction with future funds for a period of up to 4 years. There is no local match required for this program.
It is the recommendation of staff that these funds be used in conjunction with other grant funding to replace some of the current gasoline-powered cutaway bus fleet with battery electric transit vans. The smaller sized vehicle is more suited to meet current service demands and is in line with state requirements that transit services begin transitioning to zero emission vehicles beginning in 2026 and being fully transitioned by 2040. Vehicles purchased prior to the 2026 milestone will be counted towards required zero emission purchasing ratios. Additionally, staff seeks to use the battery electric vehicle transition in accordance with solar power at the City’s corpyard to reduce costs of the Transit division and by extension lower funds needed to supplement required farebox ratios.
FISCAL IMPACT: Provides funding for capital projects within the Transit division.
ACTION REQUESTED: APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Submitted by: Christopher Smith, Transit Services Coordinator Action Date: March 16, 2022 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
City of Ridgecrest
RESOLUTION 22-Xx
AUTHORIZATION FOR THE EXECUTION OF THE CERTIFICATIONS
AND ASSURANCES AND AUTHORIZED AGENT FORMS FOR THE
LOW CARBON TRANSIT OPERATIONS PROGRAM (LCTOP) FOR
THE FOLLOWING PROJECT(S): BATTERY ELECTRIC VAN
REPLACEMENT PURCHASE, $74,844
WHEREAS, the City of Ridgecrest is an eligible project sponsor and may receive state funding from the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) for transit projects; and, WHEREAS, the statutes related to state-funded transit projects require a local or regional implementing agency to abide by various regulations; and, WHEREAS, Senate Bill 862 (2014) named the Department of Transportation (Department) as the administrative agency for the LCTOP; and, WHEREAS, the Department has developed guidelines for the purpose of administering and distributing LCTOP funds to eligible project sponsors (local agencies); and, WHEREAS, the City of Ridgecrest wishes to delegate authorization to execute these documents and any amendments thereto to Ron Strand, City Manager; and, WHEREAS, the City of Ridgecrest wishes to implement the LCTOP project(s) listed above.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest that the fund recipient agrees to comply with all conditions and requirements set forth in the Certification and Assurances and the Authorized Agent documents and applicable statutes, regulations and guidelines for all LCTOP funded transit projects.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Ron Strand, City Manager, be authorized to execute all required documents of the LCTOP program and any Amendments thereto with the California Department of Transportation.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED by the Ridgecrest City Council that it hereby authorizes the submittal of the following project nomination(s) and allocation request(s) to the Department in FY2022-2023 LCTOP funds: BATTERY ELECTRIC VAN REPLACEMENT PURCHASE, $74,844
ADOPTED, AND APPROVED, this 16th day of March 2022, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
___________________________________
Eric A. Bruen, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
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FY 2022/2023
Agency Project Description 99313 99314 Total apportionment Project Amount Arvin $53,681 $1,049 $54,730 $0
California City $34,431 $435 $34,866 $0
Delano Free transit fares $124,533 $4,715 $129,248 $0
GET
Free transit fares
$1,347,871 $99,259 $1,447,130 $0
Kern Transit $397,595 $20,160 $417,755 $0
McFarland $34,246 $204 $34,450 $0
Ridgecrest $72,157 $2,687 $74,844 $0
Shafter $49,862 $971 $50,833 $0
Taft $17,416 $6,077 $23,493 $0
Tehachapi $29,281 $477 $29,758 $0
Wasco $65,388 $537 $65,925 $0
Regional Totals $2,226,462 $136,571 $2,363,033 $0
Regional Surplus
Low Carbon Transit Operations Draft Program
Program of Projects
Regional Surplus Amt.
Attachment "A"
Kern County
$0
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DATE: March 16, 2022
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Ron Strand, City Manager
SUBJECT: Approval of a Professional Services Agreement with Aleshire & Wynder for Legal Services
SUMMARY
The City currently employs Mr. Keith Lemieux of the law firm of Olivares Madruga Lemieux O'Neill (“OMLO”) to serve as the City Attorney. Mr. Lemieux has recently announced that he and his partner Steve O'Neill will be leaving OMLO to join a new law firm, Aleshire and Wynder. (A&W) The city desires to keep Mr. Lemieux as the City Attorney. This will require the city to enter a new contract for legal services with A&W. The new agreement will not increase the cost of legal services.
Accordingly, staff recommends approval of this legal services agreement.
ANALYSIS
The attached agreement changes the law firm that is providing legal services from Olivarez Madruga Lemieux O'Neill to Aleshire and Wynder. This change will allow us to continue to use the services of Mr. Keith Lemieux as City Attorney.
RECOMMENDATION
As the City Council and staff are satisfied with the performance of Mr. Keith Lemieux. Staff recommends that the City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a professional services agreement with Aleshire and Wynder.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact to approve this item. The costs of legal services have not been changed.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification process.
ATTACHMENT
Attachment A: Attorney Retainer Agreement
Attachment B: Aleshire & Wynder Firm Overview
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RESOLUTION NO. 22 - xx
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST
AUTHORIZING APPROVAL OF A NEW CITY ATTORNEY RETAINER
AGREEMENT
WHEREAS, The City currently employs Mr. Keith Lemieux of the law firm of Olivares Madruga Lemieux O'Neill (“OMLO”) to serve as the City Attorney; and, WHEREAS, Mr. Lemieux has recently announced that he and his partner, Steve O'Neill, will be leaving OMLO to join a new law firm, Aleshire and Wynder (A&W); and, WHEREAS, The city desires to keep Mr. Lemieux as the City Attorney. This will require the city to enter a new contract for legal services with A&W; and, WHEREAS, The new agreement will not increase the cost of legal services.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest, hereby authorizes the Mayor to enter into a contract with Aleshire and Wynder (A&W) to provide legal services to the City of Ridgecrest.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16th of March, 2022 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Eric A. Bruen, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
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Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
City of Ridgecrest Page 1 of 8 Attorney Retainer Agreement 2022
CITY ATTORNEY RETAINER AGREEMENT
ALESHIRE & WYNDER, LLP
AND CITY OF RIDGECREST
This CITY ATTORNEY RETAINER AGREEMENT (“Agreement”) is made and entered into by and between Aleshire & Wynder, LLP (“Attorney”), and City of Ridgecrest (“Client”) as of the Effective Date indicated below. Attorney and Client are each sometimes referred to as a “Party” and collectively as the “Parties.”
AGREEMENT
1. Scope of Services. Attorney shall provide legal advice on contractual, statutory, regulatory, and other legal matters related to the operation of Client. The Basic Legal Services provided by Attorney are more particularly described in the attached Exhibit A. Special Legal Services are set forth in the attached Exhibit B.
Client may, in its discretion, assign legal services to attorneys other than Attorney.
2. Client Duties. Client shall provide such assistance, information, cooperation, and access to books, records, and other information as is necessary for Attorney to effectively and efficiently render its services under this Agreement.
3. Compensation to Attorney.
(a) Client shall pay for Basic Legal Services at the monthly retainer amount of $11,209.00.
(b) Client shall pay for litigation and formal administrative or other adjudicatory matters at the following hourly rates: $382 for Partners; $255 for Associate attorneys.
(c) Client shall pay for all other Special Legal Services following approval by the City Manager of an estimated budget at the blended hourly rate of $265 or other rate approved by the City Manager for specialized legal services. (d) Cost-of-Living Adjustment. The rates provided in this Agreement will be adjusted annually as measured by the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (“CPI-U”) for the geographic region known as Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim. At the start of the Client’s fiscal year in July, 2023 and every July thereafter during the term of this Agreement, rates and amounts shall be increased for the change in the CPI-U rounded up to the nearest dollar for the twelve (12) month period published for the most recent month of May and counting backwards as shown by the U.S. Department of Labor provided, Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
City of Ridgecrest Page 2 of 8 Attorney Retainer Agreement however, that such adjustment shall not be lower than zero percent (0%) nor more than five percent (5%). In addition to the automatic increase, either Law Firm or Client can initiate consideration of a further or alternative rate increase at any time.
(e) Attorney may charge for various external costs such as copying, telephone charges, “out of plan” computerized legal research, messenger services, travel, filing fees, and other costs. Invoices for some costs are passed on directly, such as bills for certified shorthand reporters, technical consultants, and other fees. Client shall reimburse Attorney for reasonable and necessary expenses incurred for third-party services. Attorney shall seek Client’s written or verbal approval of expenses expected to exceed $500. (f) Attorney shall submit monthly invoices to Client for services performed during the prior month. Payment is due within 30 days of the date of each invoice. Overdue payments will be charged interest of 10% per annum, compounded annually. If Client questions any charge, Client will do so within 15 business days of the invoice date.
4. Term. This Agreement shall be deemed in full force and effect as of the Effective Date and shall remain in effect until terminated as hereinafter provided, with the exception that any provision herein that explicitly states it shall survive the termination of this Agreement, shall indefinitely survive the termination of this Agreement.
5. Attorney Representations. Attorney makes the following representations which are agreed to be material to and form a part of the inducement for this Agreement:
(a) Attorney has the expertise, support staff, and facilities necessary to provide the services described in this Agreement.
(b) Attorney shall diligently provide such legal services as are necessary and assigned by Client in a timely and professional manner in accordance with the terms and conditions stated in this Agreement, will comply with all ethical duties, and will maintain the integrity of the attorney-client relationship. Attorney shall have the sole discretion to assign or reassign individual attorneys to represent Client. (c) Attorney will preserve the attorney-client and attorney-work product privileges. Attorney will not disclose attorney-client or attorney-work product materials, except as necessary to promote client interests with the consent of client.
6. Independent Contractor. In the performance of legal services under this Agreement, Attorney shall be, and acknowledges that Attorney is, in fact and under law, an independent contractor and not an agent or employee of Client, except Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
City of Ridgecrest Page 3 of 8 Attorney Retainer Agreement for the purposes of Government Code sections 825(a) and 995 et seq. Attorney has and retains the right to exercise full supervision and control of the manner and methods of providing services to Client under this Agreement.
Attorney retains full supervision and control over the employment, direction, compensation, and discharge of all persons assisting Attorney in the provision of services under this Agreement. With respect to Attorney’s employees, Attorney shall be solely responsible for payment of wages, benefits and other compensation, compliance with all occupational safety, welfare and civil rights laws, tax withholding and payment of employee taxes (whether federal, state or local), and compliance with any and all other laws regulating employment.
7. Indemnification and Insurance.
(a) Client agrees that Attorney shall be treated as an “employee” solely for the purposes of Government Code sections 825(a) and 995 et seq., and shall provide a defense and indemnity of Attorney pursuant to the provisions of the Government Code.
(b) The Law Firm maintains Professional Liability insurance coverage that would apply to the services to be rendered under this Agreement. The policy limits of Law Firm’s errors and omissions insurance coverage are $3,000,000.00 per claim with a $3,000,000.00 per aggregate policy term.
(c) Promptly following the Effective Date of this Agreement, but in no event before Attorney commences any services under this Agreement, Attorney shall provide evidence satisfactory to the Client that it has the above insurance coverage.
The Client, its directors, officials, officers, employees, agents, and volunteers shall be covered as additional insured with respect to the above insurance coverage.
8. Termination. Either Party may at its election terminate this Agreement by providing the other part with written notice of said election. A Notice of Termination will be deemed effective thirty (30) days after personal delivery, or thirty-five (35) days after mailing by regular U.S. Mail, postage prepaid; provided, however, that Client may terminate this Agreement at will for cause or no cause with immediate effect upon such determination by a majority of the city council of client and written notice thereof to Attorney. In the event this Agreement is terminated by either Party, Attorney shall submit to Client a final status report on any pending matters and shall deliver to Client all files, memoranda, documents, evidence, exhibits, correspondence and other items generated in the course of performing this Agreement upon or before the effective date of any written Notice of Termination.
Client may, upon making a good faith determination and if the best interests of Client so require, terminate this Agreement and suspend all further work by Attorney effective immediately upon personal delivery of a Notice of Termination to Attorney.
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
City of Ridgecrest Page 4 of 8 Attorney Retainer Agreement
9. Ownership and Inspection of Files. All files, pleadings, reports, exhibits, evidence, and other items generated or gathered in the course of providing services to Client under this Agreement are and shall remain the sole property of Client, and shall be returned to Client upon termination of this Agreement, except that Client shall have no right to obtain Attorney work product (as defined by CCP §§ 2018.010- 2018.080) from Attorney except as otherwise provided by law. The provisions of this paragraph shall continue to survive after termination of this Agreement.
10. Notices. All notices required or provided for in this Agreement shall be provided to the Parties at the following addresses, by personal delivery or U.S. Mail, postage prepaid, registered or certified mail. A Party may, by written notice, designate a different address or person.
Client: Attorney:
Attn: City Manager
City of Ridgecrest
City Hall
100 W. California Avenue
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Attn: Keith Lemieux
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
2659 Townsgate Rd., Suite 226
Westlake Village, CA 91361
11. Entire Agreement. This document contains the entire agreement of the Parties relating to the services, rights, obligations and covenants contained herein and assumed by the Parties respectively. No inducements, representations, or promises have been made, other than those recited in this Agreement. No oral promise, modification, change, or inducement shall be effective or given any force or effect, and all changes or modifications to this Agreement shall be made in and reduced to writing, duly signed and agreed to by both Parties.
12. Modification. This Agreement may be amended at any time by formal written agreement of the Parties.
13. Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid or unenforceable by any court of final jurisdiction, it is the intent of the Parties that all other provisions of the Agreement be construed to remain fully valid, enforceable, and binding on the Parties.
14. Waiver. No waiver of a breach or provision of this Agreement shall constitute a waiver of any other breach or provision. The Parties' failure to enforce at any time, or from time to time, any provision of this Agreement shall not be construed as a waiver thereof. The remedies herein reserved shall be cumulative and additional to any other remedies in law or equity.
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
City of Ridgecrest Page 5 of 8 Attorney Retainer Agreement
15. Execution. The City Council authorized the execution of this Agreement at a regular meeting on March 16, 2022 (“Effective Date”). This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, which together shall compose a single instrument. A Party’s signature transmitted electronically shall be valid and effective.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties have caused this Agreement to be executed by their duly authorized officers as of the Effective Date.
CITY OF RIDGECREST
By: _____________________________
Eric A. Bruen
Mayor
ALESHIRE & Wynder, LLP
By: __________________________
W. Keith Lemieux
Partner
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
City of Ridgecrest Page 6 of 8 Attorney Retainer Agreement
EXHIBIT A
Basic Legal Services shall include:
1. Attendance at regular meetings of City Council. Client will give direction on whether attendance will be in-person or remote
2. General consultation by telephone and written communication with City Council, City Manager and Staff. Attorney will apprise the City Manager of any substantial use of legal services by a council member
3. Review agendas for City Council meetings prior to posting. Advise City Clerk on agenda item descriptions
4. Review minutes of City Council meetings
5. Review public hearing notices
6. Prepare standard contracts for professional services and other routine agreements
7. Provide general legal advice, written opinions, and consultation on routine land use and development matters
8. Review government tort claims presented to the City and provide legal advice, written opinions, and consultation on same
9. Review and approve risk management and administrative policies
10. Review requests for proposals for various City projects
11. Advise on destruction of documents per the City’s retention schedule
12. Assist City Clerk in the review of public records requests, except as provided in Exhibit B. Review responsive documents that require legal determinations (e.g. privilege and other exceptions)
13. Prepare, review, and approve as to form contracts of a routine nature with third party providers and public agencies
14. Prepare, review, and approve as to form resolutions and ordinances and related staff reports of a routine nature
15. Prepare correspondence and memorandums regarding the above-described matters Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
City of Ridgecrest Page 7 of 8 Attorney Retainer Agreement
EXHIBIT B
Special Legal Services shall include:
1. Litigation and formal administrative or other adjudicatory matters
2. Labor and employment matters
3. Real estate matters (e.g. purchase and sale, covenants, deeds, title issues)
4. Land acquisition and disposal matters (including eminent domain and pre-condemnation offers)
5. Successor Agency and housing matters
6. Taxes, fees, assessments and charges (e.g. Prop 218 and Mitigation Fee Act)
7. Code enforcement and city prosecutor services
8. Public contract disputes
9. Non-routine contracts (including negotiating and redrafting unique agreements and franchise agreements)
10. Non-routine land use and development matters (including general plan updates, Williamson Act issues, annexations and complex development agreements)
11. Environmental matters (e.g. CEQA, NEPA, endangered species)
12. Water law matters (e.g. water rights and water quality)
13. Tax and ERISA-related matters
14. Hazardous substances (e.g. CERCLA, RCRA)
15. Complex public utility matters (e.g. electric, natural gas, telecommunications, water, rail or transit, especially those involving state or federal regulation)
16. Renewable energy and energy efficiency project contract and power purchase agreements
17. Intergovernmental relations and advocacy efforts (e.g. legislative and regulatory representation) at the federal and state level
18. The review of requests under the California Public Records Act (hereinafter “Records Requests”) involving the production of documents in excess of 70 pages; Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
City of Ridgecrest Page 8 of 8 Attorney Retainer Agreement and the review of three or more Records Requests within any 30-day period. Such review shall encompass all coordination efforts undertaken by Attorney to gather and organize potentially responsive records produced by city departments and divisions; all document review and legal analysis required to determine what, if any, materials and/or information is responsible to the request or may be withheld; all document production preparation (e.g., information redaction, document sorting and arranging and/or number stamping); and the drafting of all statutorily required correspondence to the requestor and follow-up responses
19. Matters related to the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority
20. Matters related to Indian tribes and casino development
21. Other matters agreed upon by Attorney and the City Manager Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
provides unparalleled
legal representation to
local communities
throughout California.
Aleshire & Wynder is a “full service” public
law firm. We provide our public agency
clients with a wide spectrum of legal
specialties, including in land use and zoning,
personnel and labor, environment,
affordable housing, conflicts of interest,
elections, condemnation, police, civil rights,
code enforcement and public finance.
Our senior members have represented
cities in California continuously for over 35
years. We have enjoyed long-term
relationships with our city clients, some
dating back to the 1970’s. The best
testimony to our qualifications is that our
attorneys have represented the cities as
City Attorney for a cumulative period of
more than 100 years. This type of longevity
is rare in our field of law.
Our client base goes beyond representation
of cities. We represent public agencies of
every possible nature. Our public agency
client base consists of over 50 local
governmental entities, including serving in
various communities as special and general
counsel to successor agencies, housing
authorities, water districts, community
service districts, financing authorities,
special districts, joint powers authorities and
many other entities. Of course, the skills
learned through that representation can
also benefit private clients.
Orange County
18881 Von Karman Avenue, Suite 1700
Irvine, CA 92612
Phone: (949) 223-1170
Fax: (949) 223-1180
Los Angeles
2361 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 475
El Segundo, CA 90245-4916
Phone: (310) 527-6660
Fax: (310) 532-7395
Inland Empire
3880 Lemon Street, Suite 520
Riverside, CA 92501
Phone: (951) 241-7338
Fax: (951) 300-0985
Central Valley
2440 Tulare Street, Suite 410
Fresno, CA 93721
Phone: (559) 445-1580
Fax: (559) 486-1568
Bay Area
1301 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 310
Alameda, CA 94501
Phone: (510) 337-2810
Fax: (510) 337-2811
San Diego
11622 El Camino Real, Suite 100
San Diego, CA 92130
Phone: (858) 509-2683
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
Firm Overview
a w a t t o r n e y s . c o m TOC
Table of Contents
A&W Adds Value for Public Agencies
Meet Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
Firm Focus
Client Footprint
The A&W Client Experience
A&W Controls Clients’ Costs
Recognition & Leadership
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
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05 06
08 09
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Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
Firm Overview
a w a t t o r n e y s . c o m TOC
Meet Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
A full-service, public agency law firm, Aleshire & Wynder, LLP (A&W) offers a deep bench of public law attorneys who support, advise, and represent municipalities across
California.
We share our clients’ deeply held beliefs on the importance of public service, integrity, and accountability. These principles have propelled our notable, five-fold growth since the firm’s founding in 2003 in Irvine, California. The firm’s additional locations include Los Angeles, Riverside, Alameda, San Diego and Fresno.
Appreciated for the strategic value we bring to
engagements and long-term client relationships we build, A&W serves as creative and resourceful members of city
teams and as trusted counselors. Our representation of
public entities is broad and sophisticated, and includes these entities:
A&W attorneys represent general law and charter cities and have served as city attorneys since the late 1970s. We work on everything from the day-to-day municipal law issues to issues of the highest complexity. We handle all the legal work for a number of full-service cities with their own police and fire departments, including those with their own risk management and code enforcement. We also have guided cities with an airport, sports stadium, convention center, wastewater treatment plant, cogeneration plant, unique environmental issues and 36-hole golf course facilities.
Cities
Water Districts
Housing Authorities
Successor Agencies
Financing Entities
Joint Powers Authorities
Special Districts
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
Firm Overview
a w a t t o r n e y s . c o m TOC
Firm Focus
The more than 50 attorneys of A&W are bound by
an unwavering commitment: a deep appreciation
for democratic values and processes at the local
government level. This tenet attracts attorneys and
professionals to the firm, and is evident in every
client engagement.
Many of our attorneys have over 20 years of public
service, with several having closer to 30 and 40
years of experience in the municipal law arena.
We love public service,
particularly the complexity
and unique issues that arise
in land use, constitutional,
employment, and
environmental law, to name a
few specialty areas. We also
enjoy the dynamics of the
political process and working
with elected officials and
professional staff.
A focus on creativity coexists with a drive to deliver
results. Our legal services form valuable resources
for problem-solving teams. As team members, it is
our obligation to find winning solutions, rather than
simply seek legal cover and give reasons why
something can’t be achieved.
Appeals
Labor and Employment
Land Use and Zoning
Conflicts of Interest and Elections
Contracts and Public Construction
Environmental and Toxics
Water and Stormwater
Wastewater Treatment and Recycle Systems
Franchising and Telecommunications
Police, Fire, Tort Claims, and Governmental Immunity
Mining
Refuse and Recycling
Municipal Elections
Affordable Housing
Legal and Regulatory Compliance
Real Property Acquisition, Disposition, and Development Law Enforcement and Nuisance Abatement
Civil Rights and First Amendment Law
Successor Agency and Housing
Rent Control
Public Finance and Prop 218
Condemnation
Cannabis Regulation and Enforcement
Our public service mindset guides A&W’s
practical approach, along with our depth of
experience and knowledge, in areas such as:
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
Firm Overview
a w a t t o r n e y s . c o m TOC
Client Footprint
A&W is home to more public lawyers than all but a few
municipal law firms and offers a legal capability
exceeding all but the largest cities in the state.
Equally important is the experience we bring to support municipalities. The reach of our representation
includes advising municipal clients located in:
• Shasta County
• Lake County
• Yuba County
• Nevada County
• Sutter County
• Placer County
• Sacramento County
• Solano County
• Marin County
• Contra Costa County
• San Joaquin County
• San Francisco County
• Alameda County
• San Mateo County
• Santa Clara County
Merced County
Madera County
Fresno County
Monterey County
San Luis Obispo County
Kern County
Santa Barbra County
Ventura County
Los Angeles County
San Bernardino County
Orange County
Riverside County
San Diego County
•
•
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Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
Firm Overview
a w a t t o r n e y s . c o m TOC
The A&W Client Experience
As a uniquely focused, specialty public law firm, we have developed high-impact ways to serve our municipal clients and further their success. Here’s how we shape our clients’ experience:
Cost Controls & Accountability
We define accountability as not only achieving a good result but doing so at a reasonable cost to the client.
Controlling costs requires clear mechanisms for reporting, supervising, staffing, and recovering costs from developers whenever possible. Another important measure is preventive counseling to identify issues before they turn into litigation and resolve them informally when possible.
Our attorneys evaluate a case or transaction early. We never want our clients to be surprised by the outcome of a lawsuit or negotiation, either by the results or the cost.
For example, we may advise a City Council, usually in a closed session discussion, whether a litigation matter is winnable and at what cost. If a client decides to litigate, we make sure our advice is clear, and strategies are cost effective, which includes maintaining a dedicated team of attorneys and paralegals on the case.
A&W’s cost control mechanisms are fine-tuned and informed by their real-world efficacy. They are also readily customized to the unique needs of each client.
Communication & Responsiveness
Members of our firm are clear, concise and effective communicators, both in writing and in conversation. We understand the critical role communications play in the official business of cities.
We practice an “always on duty” mentality in serving our clients, especially in a crisis. Additionally, we are accustomed to working within agenda deadlines.
Our Work with city councils and other entities includes drafting staff reports, memos and emails to make sure that everyone is up to date and on the same page. Typically, our advice includes options for clients to consider, we will provide our legal opinions in an independent manner, even if it is not popular with some, so that the city council will be fully aware of its options and it can make an informed decision.
Once a decision has been made, we are committed to supporting the policies and decisions of the city, even when it may be in a different direction than our legal recommendations. We have seen enough public comment periods and closed session rooms to know that there are a full range of items that must be considered and balanced by the council as part of any decision-making process.
Clients note that response time is one of our strengths. To maintain high quality, timely service, we make sure attorneys’ workloads allow for sufficient bandwidth to provide each client with prompt attention.
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
Firm Overview
a w a t t o r n e y s . c o m TOC
Convenience
The legal issues municipalities face rarely occur in a vacuum. Often concerns arise that require expertise or legal knowledge in related areas. A&W provides a one-stop, full-service law resource for municipalities.
Our investment in developing specialized expertise encompasses every aspect of public law, including labor and employment, environmental, land use and other areas. Clients can always count on being able to access an attorney who is familiar with their matter.
Conflict Free
Our focus on public law means we do not represent developers; our clients have no concerns about conflicts emerging from their counsel or divided loyalties. This depth of service allows our clients to avoid the extra hassle and expense of managing multiple law firms, hiring specialists for discrete issues, and bringing new consultants up to speed.
All the attorneys at the firm are properly licensed to practice law in California and none of the attorneys has ever had a malpractice claim or been subject to a State Bar complaint.
Consistency & Care
A & W is not a large bureaucracy. Our attorneys enjoy a collaborative working relationship with each other and with our clients. No one gets “lost in the shuffle.” We believe that, as a mid-sized law firm, we offer focus in lieu of bureaucracy, timeliness rather than delay, and a consistent “team” of known attorneys rather than just a group of researchers.
Committed
We believe commitment, in all its varied forms, to be the most valuable benefit we offer clients and most critical element of our success. One demonstration of our commitment to municipalities and public law is how seamlessly we function as a part of their teams.
As participants in the democratic process and as “officers of the court,” we play a critical role in protecting the integrity of governmental decision making. In many ways the city/agency counsel acts as an “umpire.” A&W attorneys remain independent, while at the same time being sensitive to the political process but not controlled by it. We make sure that an organization’s procedures are fair for all.
We uphold fairness by being responsive to staff deadlines and by anticipating difficulties and problems. As counselors, we advise by not being defensive and shifting blame, and look to demonstrate honesty and integrity in every encounter. Our commitment to community is shown by our firm’s participation and interest in community issues, events, and activities.
A preference for collaboration permeates our representation and team approach. We regularly assist and work cooperatively with City Councils, city managers, staff, and members of the community to find the best solutions for the community.
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
Firm Overview
a w a t t o r n e y s . c o m TOC
A&W Adds Value for Public Agencies
To maximize the benefits that public clients gain with our counsel, we add value to engagements with:
Experienced, high-quality lawyers who cover all practice areas needed by public agencies
Our collective specialists form an integrated, high-performing corps who often provide answers without the necessity for extensive, costly research.
Affordable rates for public agencies who prefer not to pay higher rates of the large multi-practice private firms
Our rates are generally 20% below other comparable firms. We cannot emphasize enough that while other firms may avoid using costs as a key criterion in awarding contracts, it is a key part of our proposal and economic success. Large firms can’t compete.
Our general services are competitively priced with in-house services, and due to volume, we can price our specialized services below what most outside firms charge for such services. This business model has helped clients replace inhouse operations, reduce overall legal costs, and increase accountability.
Freedom from conflicts by not representing private clients who sue public agencies
Our loyalties are clear. We don’t represent developers or private clients suing public entities. Clients can trust their counsel’s allegiances without fear of secret agendas.
Continued vigilance on cost controls and budgets
As we are paid with taxpayer funds, we are very mindful of our clients’ approved legal budgets.
Cost savings are hard-wired into our work. We leverage the legal analysis of colleagues who have worked on similar matters for other public agencies, which has the impact of providing small agencies with the resources of much larger legal departments.
In addition, other disciplined measures like tracking back expense to budgets or turning to templated agreements when appropriate do yield savings for clients.
Preventive training and risk management
We regularly provide in-house training to council members, commissioners, and staff on a variety of important subjects, including:
• Ethics (AB 1234)
• Brown Act, conflicts of interest, and liability
• Commission roles and responsibilities
• Personnel issues
• P.O.S.T. training
Most training is offered as a general service under our regular rates — we generally do not charge for time spent preparing presentations or trainings, unless it is for a unique area of law requested by the client.
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
Firm Overview
a w a t t o r n e y s . c o m TOC
A&W Controls Clients’ Costs
We greatly appreciate that our clients are stewards of public tax dollars. Because costs are so important to our clients, they are also important to us. In fact, it is a pillar of our business model and service to clients.
California municipalities choose us because of the effective balance we have established in providing top-tier legal counsel, sustainable rates, and unquestionable client loyalty. We compete with — and often best — larger firms, whose billing rates reach $500 per hour, because of our diligent and strategic approach to cost reductions and client savings.
We aim to build and nurture client relationships that endure and prosper for decades. This cannot happen if legal costs are excessive; municipal budgets come under public scrutiny and legal costs will always be a target. We view controlling costs as part of our job. Our key strategies include:
1. Keep rates for basic services efficient.
2. Provide special services, which can be billed at a higher rate to offset the low base rates, but still keep the special service rates lower than what special counsel would charge.
3. Control the cost of space leasing and other overhead expenses.
4. Use technology to reduce labor costs.
5. Staff matters appropriately. Avoid over lawyering and use paralegals when possible.
6. Clarify assignments and issues up front.
7. Develop expertise and concentrate assignments to reduce “ramp up” time.
8. Monitor attorney performance and institute strong reporting practices. Review bills against the budget and write off time when necessary.
9. Establish and use form documents from our library for contracts, leases, easements, etc., when possible.
10. Spread the cost of research and drafting memoranda among multiple clients with similar issues.
11. Advise on avoiding disputes with other parties and other pre -litigation preventive counsel.
12. Pursue cost recovery against third parties whenever possible.
Aleshire & Wynder, LLP
Firm Overview
Recognition & Leadership
The attorneys of A&W receive recognition for their contributions to the advancement of public law. Our members have been honored by the International Municipal Lawyers Association and recognized as California Lawyer Magazine’s Attorney of the Year. The Los Angeles Business Journal and the Los Angeles Times have recognized the firm and its attorneys for their commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
We are thought leaders whose insights and work contribute to excellence in public law. Several attorneys are authors of chapters in the California Municipal Law Handbook and serve as members of the League of California Cities Municipal Law Institute Committee.
Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
At A&W, diversity and inclusion are not just niceties—they are at the core of our business and client service strategies. The success and strength of our people, our firm and the delivery of our services rely on our proactive efforts to eradicate inequality and discrimination in all its guises. 8 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: A Resolution And Public Hearing Of The Ridgecrest City Council Summarily Vacating A Certain Pedestrian Way Bound On The West By Lots 53 & 78, And Bound On The East By Lots 54 & 77, As Shown On Tract Map 1252
PRESENTED BY: Heather Spurlock
SUMMARY: This is a request to vacate a pedestrian way dedication per recorded, Tract Map 1252 bound on the west by lots 53 & 78 and bound on the east by lots 54 & 77, between West Moyer Avenue and West Ward Avenue.
This map was recorded on June 13, 1945 with a 10’ (ten foot) “pedestrian way” easement splitting the housing tract block. This portion of the pedestrian way has been unused and partially blocked by adjacent property owners for many years. The City owns parcel 10, which was surplused in April of 2021. The party interested in purchasing the property inquired if the vacation of the unused pedestrian way easement would be considered.
The California Public Streets and Highways Code authorizes the City Council to summarily vacate a public service easement if that easement has not been used for the purposes for which it was dedicated or acquired for five consecutive years immediately preceding the proposed vacation (§8333). This vacation does not include portions of the Tract recorded as public utility easement.
The City Council announced the intent to vacate and set a public hearing at the March 3, 2022 meeting.
Findings:
Based upon the administrative record, the City Council finds in accordance with Streets and Highways Code section 8335 subpart (b):
1. That is found and determined that the 10’ Pedestrian way is unnecessary for present or perspective access requirement.
2. This vacation is made under Chapter 4 (Summary Vacation) of the Street Vacation Law (Streets Highway Code § 8330).
3. The right-of-way vacated is described in the proceeding section.
4. This summary vacation is based on the facts set forth in the above recitals, including that, except for the Public Utility easement, that the easement has not been used for the purpose for which it was dedicated for five consecutive years immediately preceding this proposed vacation.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED:
1. Conduct a Public Hearing to accept public testimony and written protest.
2. Deliberate and Adopt a Resolution approving the above summary vacation of the pedestrian way if desired.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Deliberate and adopt resolution of desired.
Submitted by: Heather Spurlock Action Date: March 16, 2022 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
RESOLUTION 22-XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL SUMMARY VACATING A 10’
PEDESTRIAN WAY BETWEEN WEST MOYER AVENUE AND WEST WARD AVENUE BOUND ON THE WEST BY LOTS 53 & 78 AND BOUND ON THE EAST BY LOTS 54 & 77, AS SHOWN ON TRACT MAP 1252
WHEREAS the California Public Streets, Highways, and Service Easements Vacation Law (“Street Vacation Law”) authorizes cities to vacate a street, highway, or public service easement by resolution pursuant to Streets and Highways Code § 8335; and,
WHEREAS, under the Street and Vacation Law, a city may summarily vacate a right-of-way in certain cases where the easement has not been used for the purpose for which it was dedicated or acquired for five consecutive years immediately preceding the proposed vacation (Street Vacation Law § 8333); and,
WHEREAS the City will have no public improvements on vacated land; and, WHEREAS due to existing public utilities in the area of the proposed vacation, City will be reserving a public utility easement; and,
WHEREAS notice of the time and place of hearing all persons interested in or objecting to said proposed vacation was given in the manner provided by law under chapter 4, section 8330 of the Streets and Highways Code; and,
WHEREAS, said hearing having been held on March 16, 2022, at which time all persons interested in or objecting to said proposed vacation had the opportunity to be heard and were given notice of this hearing.
NOW THEREFORE, THE RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL DOES HEREBY resolve as follows:
Section 1 Order of Vacation. That the following described portion of said Pedestrian way located between West Moyer Avenue and West Ward Avenue bound on the west by lots 53 and 78 and bound on the east by lots 54 & 77, as shown on Tract Map 1252, more particularly described in the Legal Description attached as “Exhibit A” are hereby vacated.
Section 2 Reservation of Easement. That a Public Utility Easement is reserved by the City as described herein on Exhibit A.
Section 3 Findings. Based upon the administrative record, the City Council finds in accordance with Streets and Highways Code section 8335 subpart (b) as follows:
1. The 10’ Pedestrian way described in Exhibit A is unnecessary for present or perspective access requirement or other public use and is hereby vacated, subject to provisions of Section 3 below.
2. This vacation is made under Chapter 4 (Summary Vacation) of the Street Vacation Law (Streets Highway Code § 8330).
3. A Public Utilities Easement is reserved by the City, as depicted in Exhibit A.
4. This summary vacation is based on the facts set forth in the above recitals, including that, except for the Public Utility easement, that the easement has not been used for Resolution 22-xx Page 2 of 2
the purpose for which it was dedicated for five consecutive years immediately preceding this proposed vacation.
Section 4 CEQA. The action set forth in this resolution is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under the following provisions of the CEQA guidelines:
Section 15301 because it involves a pedestrian way with no scenic value; Section 15305 because the summary vacation does not result in the creation of a new parcel; and Section 15061 (b)(3) because there is no possibility that it may have an impact of the environment. Therefore, the adoption of this Resolution is exempt from the filing requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act.
Section 5 Notice of Exemption. The City Council directs staff to prepare and file a Notice of Exemption no more than five (5) working days after adoption of this Resolution.
Section 6 Recordation. Pursuant to Streets and Highways Code Section 8336, the City Clerk is directed to cause a certified copy of this Resolution to be recorded with the County Recorder without acknowledgement. Upon recordation, the area vacated shall revert to the adjoining parcels, subject to the Public Utilities Easement reserved by the City.
Section 7 The City Manager or his designee is authorized to execute any related documents and take such further action consistent with and as needed to implement this Resolution on behalf of the City.
Section 8 The City Clerk shall certify to the adoption of this Resolution. This Resolution is effective immediately.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of March 2022, by the following votes:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
________________________________
Eric A. Bruen
ATTEST:
____________________________
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
EXHIBIT A
PEDESTRIAN WAY VACATION
LEGAL DESCRIPTION
All those portions of Section 28, T26S, R40E, MDM located in the City of Ridgecrest, County of Kern, and State of California. More particularly described as follows:
A strip of land 10’ (ten feet) in width, bound on the west by lots 53 and 78 and bound on the east by lots 54 and 77, as shown on Tract Map 1252 as recorded in Book 5 of Maps at Page 101 in the Office of the Kern County Recorder, State of California, on June 13, 1975.
9 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council Approving The 2021 Annual Progress Report (APR) For The City Of Ridgecrest General Plan And Housing Element Including The Regional Housing Needs Allocation Plan (RHNA)
PRESENTED BY: Heather Spurlock
SUMMARY:
Government Code Section 65400 (a) (2) requires that each city and county to prepare and submit an Annual Progress Report (APR) of the General Plan & Housing Element including the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) to the Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) by April 1st each year. The report contains(A) the status of the General Plan and progress in its implementation and (B) the progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs as determined pursuant to Section 65584, and local efforts to remove government constraints pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection (c) of Section 65583 of the Government Code.
The 2021 Annual Progress Report (APR) for the General Plan and Housing Element covers the period of January 1 to December 31, 2021. The General Plan was adopted in 2009 and covers until 2030. The Housing Element is part of the General Plan but is adopted separately from the General Plan. The Housing Element was adopted in 2015 and covers the period of 2015-2023. The APR demonstrates how actions taken by the Planning Commission and City Council further the goals and policies of the General Plan. The Housing Element APR also fulfills state statutory requirements on reporting of housing development.
The Ridgecrest General Plan 2030 contains following mandatory as well as elective elements: Land Use; Military Sustainability; Community Design; Circulation; Conservation and Open Space; Health and Safety and Housing (approved separately).
The attached APR contains a complete listing of actions taken by City Council and Planning Commission including the corresponding General Plan Goals, Policies, and Implementation Measures. The Housing Element portion of the report contains the permitting and entitlements data for the reporting year. A summary of the actions is included:
Amendment to the Zoning Code
Added definitions for: transitional housing, supportive services, supportive housing, target populations, family, accessory dwelling units, and junior dwelling units.
Amended zoning code to include large family daycare homes and accessory dwelling units.
Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
Implementation Actions Summary by General Plan Element
Land Use Element Policies & Goals Implemented
Planning Commission Site Plan Reviews for KFC and Dutch Bros. incorporated infill development, improve retail tax base, and meet consumer demand
Circulation Element Policies & Goals Implemented
Public Works Streets projects, Lighting and Landscaping Districts Transit Electric vehicles, grant activities
Health & Safety Element Policies & Goals Implemented
Police School resource officer
Planning Kern Multijurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan Open Space Element Policies & Goals Implemented
Parks & Recreation Grants to improve public facilities
City Council Historic USO historic designation & Petroglyph Festival signature event designation
Community Design Element Policies & Goals Implemented
Planning Site plans requiring screening of mechanical equipment & trash enclosures
Military Sustainability Policies & Goals Implemented
Planning Dark sky ordinance applied during site plan review and discouragement of incompatible land uses
Housing Element Policies & Goals Implemented
Planning Commission Approval of three tract maps for single family residential development
Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
Housing Element Progress Summary
Housing Units by Structure Type
Entitled Permitted Completed
Single Family 148 91 53
Multifamily 2-4 6 2
Multifamily 5+ 75
ADU 1
Total 148 98 55
Building Permits Issued (Affordability Summary)
Income Level Current Year
Very Low 50
Low 25
Moderate 44
Above Average 54
Total 173
Housing Application Summary
Housing
Application
Summary
Number of
Housing Units in
Applications
Infill Units Building Permits Certificates of
Occupancies
99 321 47 173 55
REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ALLOCATION PROGRESS
RHNA Allocation 2021 Total to Date Unmet
Very Low: 159 Very Low: 50 Very Low: 50 Very Low: 109
Low: 131 Low: 25 Low:25 Low: 106
Moderate: 207 Moderate: 44 Moderate: 44 Moderate: 163
Above Moderate: 848 Above Moderate: 54 Above Moderate: 339 Above Moderate: 509 Total Units: 1,345 Total Units: 173 Total Units: 458 Total Units: 887 Staff presented the APR to Planning Commission on January 25, 2022, at the meeting the Commission approved a resolution recommending to City Council review and adopt a Resolution approving the report and direct staff to submit the report to the California Office of Planning and Research (OPR) and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve a resolution approving the APR and directing staff to file the report with the appropriate agencies on or before April 1, 2022.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Recommends Approval
Submitted by: Heather Spurlock Action Date: March 16, 2022 (Revised Jan2019)
RESOLUTION 22-XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE 2021 ANNUAL
PROGRESS REPORT (APR) OF THE GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING ELEMENT INCLUDING
THE REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ALLOCATION (RHNA) PLAN AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO
FILE THE SAME WITH THE CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH (OPR) AND
THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT (HCD) THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST RESOLVES as follows:
WHEREAS California Government Code Section 65400 (a) (2) requires each city and county to provide by April 1 of each year an Annual Progress Report of implementation of its General Plan to its legislative body and the California Office of Planning and Research (OPR); and, WHEREAS the Government Code further requires each jurisdiction to provide a report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) detailing its progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs as determined pursuant to Section 65584 and local efforts to remove government constraints pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection (c) of Section 65583 of the Government Code; and,
WHEREAS the staff prepared the attached 2021 Annual Progress Report of the General Plan including an Annual Progress Report on the Housing Element and the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) Plan following guidelines provided by appropriate agencies; and, WHEREAS The Annual Progress Report is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Guidelines; and,
WHEREAS staff has performed the necessary investigations, prepared a written report, and recommended that the Planning Commission review and recommend approval of reports to the City Council; and,
WHEREAS, on January 25, 2022, the Planning Commission reviewed all reports and concluded the said review on that day and recommend approval of the prepared report to the City Council.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL DOES HEREBY RESOLVE, DETERMINE AND ORDER, AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. That the foregoing Recitals are true, correct and considered a substantive part of this Resolution.
SECTION 2. That the City Council reviewed and approved the report and hereby adopts this Resolution authorizing staff to file the report with appropriate agencies on or before April 1, 2022.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16
th day of March 2022 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
____________________________________
Eric Bruen, Mayor
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
2021 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT (APR) FOR THE
CITY OF RIDGECREST GENERAL PLAN &
HOUSING ELEMENT INCLUDING
REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ALLOCATION (RHNA)
City of Ridgecrest
100 W. California Ave., Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760) 499-5063
www.ridgecrest-ca.gov
2 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
CONTENTS
Introduction .................................................................................................. 3 2021 General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR).............................. 4 Amendments to the General Plan, Zoning Map, and Ordinance ........... 7 General Plan Implementation Actions...................................................... 9 2021 Housing Element (APR) and Regional Housing Needs
Allocation (RHNA) Plan...........................................................................19 Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) Plan ..............................21 Surplus Land..............................................................................................23 Goals, Policies, and Objectives................................................................24 LIST OF FIGURES.....................................................................................25 LIST OF ACRONYMS...............................................................................26 GLOSSARY.................................................................................................27 Housing Element APR..............................................................................28 3 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
INTRODUCTION
ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS (APRs)
The General Plan is a community’s vision for future growth. California law requires that the General Plan address mandatory elements of land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, noise, and safety. California Government Code sections 65400 and 65700 mandate that all cities and counties submit an annual report on the status and progress in implementing the General Plan. There is no standard form or format for the General Plan APR.
California housing law acknowledges that for the private market to address that state’s housing needs adequately, the local government must adopt plans and regulatory systems that provide opportunities for housing development and do not unduly constrain. California Government Code section 65400 also requires that each city and county prepare an annual progress report (APR) on the status of the Housing Element of the General Plan and progress in its implementation, using forms and definitions adopted by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The Housing Element APR fulfills statutory requirements to report certain housing information, including the local agency’s progress in meetings its share of regional housing needs (i.e., applications, entitlements, permits, and certificates of occupancy), certain rezoning activities, actions taken towards competition of housing element programs and local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the development of housing (Government Code Section 65584.3(c) and 65584.5(b)(5)).
The General Plan and Housing Element APRs are required to be submitted by April 1 to the legislative body, the Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). This report has been prepared and processed following the requirements stated above.
4 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
2021 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT(APR)
GENERAL PLAN BACKGROUND
The current General Plan, Ridgecrest General Plan 2030, was adopted on December 2, 2009. The Ridgecrest General Plan includes land use, community design, circulation, open space and conservation, health and safety, and military sustainability elements. The Plan did not have the Housing Element, part of the General Plan but traditionally approved as a separate document. The Housing Element was updated on May 6, 2015, and covers the period of 2015 - 2023.
City of Ridgecrest
Ridgecrest has a population of 27,959 with 10,974 households. The median household income is $69,577, and the average home price in 2021 was $286,000. The City of Ridgecrest has focused on recovery efforts from the 2019 earthquakes and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The City has experienced steady economic growth with multiple new businesses despite the challenges.
Since its incorporation on November 29, 1963, the City has been the closest urban area to the Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake. The Navy has been the largest employer within the Indian Wells Valley. Therefore, the City’s General Plan contains an elective element, Military Sustainability Element, to “ensure that future land uses are compatible with the continued operation of China Lake and avoid risks to life, property and the well-being of City residents from hazards associated with aircraft operations.”
5 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
Elements of the Ridgecrest General Plan 2030
THE 2030 GENERAL PLAN CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS:
Land Use
Chapter 3
Mandatory Element as
required under
Government Code
Section 65302(a)
This element establishes goals, policies, and implementation measures for the development of public and private uses. Define general distribution and intensity of land uses for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, public facilities, and open space.
Date adopted: December 2, 2009
Military
Sustainability
Chapter 4
Optional Element as
discussed in Government
Code Section 65303
This element identifies goals, policies, and implementation measures needed to ensure the City’s dual objective of achieving growth while protecting the flight corridors and military missions associated with Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake. Additionally, this element contains state-mandated elements, including land use, conservation, noise, and safety.
Date adopted: December 2, 2009
Community Design
Chapter 5
Optional Element as
discussed in Government
Code Section 65303
This element establishes goals, policies, and implementation measures to guide the evaluation of city structure and design. The element guides the visual aspects of the built environment to create the City identity and design. It provides guidance for City architecture, landscaping, landmarks, views and improves the overall image of the City.
This element also contains information for state-mandated elements of Land Use and Conservation.
Date adopted: December 2, 2009
Circulation
Chapter 6
Mandatory Element as
required under
Government Code
Section 65302(b)
This element contains the City’s goals, policies, and implementation measures to ensure an adequate and functional transportation and circulation system. The element addresses automobile travel (roads and highways), public transit, aviation, and trails for bicyclists and pedestrians.
In addition to providing information for state-mandated elements, including Land Use and Noise, this element also includes congestion management requirements contained in Government Code Section 65088 et. seq.
Date adopted: December 2, 2009
Open Space and
Conservation
Chapter 7
Mandatory Element as
required under
Government Code
Section 65302(d)
In addition to identifying goals, policies, and implementation measures, this element provides direction regarding the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources. This element also contains information for state-mandated elements, including Land Use, Conservation, and Open Space.
Date adopted: December 2, 2009
6 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
Health and Safety
Chapter 8
Mandatory Element as
required under
Government Code
Section 65302(g)
This element establishes goals, policies, and implementation measures to ensure public health, safety, and welfare related to natural and artificial hazards. More specifically, this element contains programs to protect the community from seismic, geologic, flood, and wildfire hazards. This element also contains information for state-mandated Noise Element.
Date adopted: December 2, 2009
Housing
(Separate Document)
Mandatory Element as
required under
Government Code
Section 65302(c)
Even though the Housing Element is a part of the General Plan, a separate document containing the element was initially approved in June 2002, covering 2002 - 2007. This element was updated on May 6, 2015, covering 2015 - 2023. In addition to establishing goals and strategies to guide the development of housing in the City, this element, as approved, analyzes the housing needs to maintain, improve, and create housing for all economic segments of the City population. It ensures an adequate supply of land for affordable housing development within the City.
Date adopted: June 2002
Date Updated: May 6, 2015
7 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN, ZONING MAP, AND
ZONING ORDINANCE
AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING MAP:
There were no General Plan Amendments or Zone Changes during the reporting period.
AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE:
ZONING SECTION AMENDMENT
106-2 Definitions Ordinances 21-01 & 21-07 were adopted, amending portions of the municipal code to include the following definitions:
Supportive Housing means housing with no limit on the
length of stay that is occupied by the target population, and that is linked to onsite or offsite services that assist the supportive housing resident in retaining the housing, improving his or her health status, and maximizing his or her ability to live and, when possible, work in the
community.
Supportive services include, but are not limited to, a
combination of subsidized, permanent housing, intensive case management, medical and mental health care,
substance abuse treatment, employment services, and
benefits advocacy.
Target population means persons with low incomes who
have one or more disabilities, including mental illness, HIV or AIDS, substance abuse, or other chronic health
condition, or individuals eligible for services provided pursuant to the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities
Services Act (Division 4.5 (commencing with Section
4500) of the Welfare and Institutions Code) and may
include, among other populations, adults, emancipated
minors, families with children, elderly persons, young
adults aging out of the foster care system, individuals exiting from institutional settings, veterans, and homeless people.
Family means one person living alone, or a group of two or more persons living together, whether or not related to each other by birth.
8 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
Transitional housing means buildings configured as rental housing developments but operated under program
requirements that require the termination of assistance and recirculating of the assisted unit to another eligible
program recipient at a predetermined future point in time that shall be no less than six months from the beginning of the assistance.
Approval date: 8/4/2021
An accessory dwelling unit is an attached or detached
residential dwelling unit which provides complete
independent living facilities for one or more persons. It shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel as the single-family or multifamily dwelling is or will be
situated. It shall include the following: (i) an efficiency unit, as defined in Health and Safety Code Section
17958.1; and (ii) a manufactured home, as defined in
Health and Safety Code Section 18007.
Junior accessory dwelling unit means a unit that is no
more than 500 square feet in size and contained entirely within a single-family residence. A junior accessory
dwelling unit may include separate sanitation facilities or may share sanitation facilities with the existing structure.
Approval date: 2/3/2021
106-35 Family Daycare Homes Ordinance 21-08 was adopted amending portions of the municipal code to permit family day care homes in any
residential zone for 14 or fewer children. This amendment also makes the distinction between small family day care homes and large family day care homes.
Approval date: 12/15/2021
106-38 Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance 21-01 was adopted amending the municipal code to permit Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior
Accessory Dwelling Units in residential zones without
discretionary review.
Approval date: 2/3/2021
9 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
GENERAL PLAN IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS
GOAL/POLICY/PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION ACTION
Land Use Element:
LU-1.4 Encourage Infill
Development
Circulation Element:
C-1.6 Additional Funding Sources
C-2.1 Maintain Existing Streets
C-2.15 Street Improvements,
Upgrades, and Maintenance
City Council adopted Ordinance 21-03 amending
portions of the municipal code regarding subdivision
maintenance districts to ensure that subdivision
development occurs in a prudently and effective
manner.
Date Approved: 4/7/2021
Health & Safety Element:
HS-3 Emergency Response
HS-6 Global Warming
HS-4.7 Master Drainage Plans
City Council adopted an updated Multi-Jurisdiction
Hazard Mitigation Plan
Date Approved: 8/4/2021
Housing Element:
Policy H-1.4 Development of
Second Units
Policy H-1.8 Opportunities for
Moderate-Income Households
City Council adopted Ordinance 21-01 amending
portions of the municipal code ministerially permitting Accessory Dwelling Units and Junior Accessory
Dwelling Units.
Date Approved: 2/3/2021
Land Use Element:
LU-3 Commercial Development
LU-3.6 Grouping Commercial
Development
Military Sustainability Element:
MIL-3.7 Outdoor Lighting
Planning Commission approved Site Plan Review 21-
01 for an addition to the SCE service center.
Date Approved: 4/27/2021
Land Use Element:
LU-3 Commercial Development
LU-3.2 Improve Retail and Service
Commercial Tax Base
LU-3.3 Meet Consumer Demand
LU-1.4 Encourage Infill
Development
LU-3.6 Grouping Commercial
Development
LU-3.11 Commercial Signage
LU-3.13 Minimize Visual Impact
Planning Commission approved Site Plan Review 21-
02 for the development of Dutch Bros Coffee.
Date Approved: 6/8/2021
10 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
Community Design Element:
CD-2.19 Screen Trash Enclosures
CD-2.20 Screening Mechanical &
Utility Equipment
Military Sustainability Element:
MIL-3.7 Outdoor Lighting
Land Use Element:
LU-3 Commercial Development
LU-3.2 Improve Retail and Service
Commercial Tax Base
LU-3.3 Meet Consumer Demand
LU-3.6 Grouping Commercial
Development
LU-3.11 Commercial Signage
LU-3.13 Minimize Visual Impact
Community Design Element:
CD-2.19 Screened Trash Enclosures
CD-2.20 Screening Mechanical &
Utility Equipment
CD-3.3 Rehabilitation of Existing
Site
Military Sustainability Element:
MIL-3.7 Outdoor Lighting
Planning Commission approved Site Plan Review 21-
05 for the development of a KFC restaurant.
Date Approved: 10/26/2021
Land Use Element:
LU-1.4 Encourage Infill
Development
LU-2.1 Housing Choices
LU-2.3 Local Housing Needs
Housing Element:
Policy H-1.1 Provide a variety of
residential development
opportunities, ranging from low
density to high density, as
designated on the General Plan
Land Use Map.
Policy H-1.8 Encourage the
development of housing
opportunities for moderate-income
households to live in the city.
Planning Commission approved Tentative Tract Map
7358 for the subdivision of 11.08 acres into a 44-lot
single-family residential development.
Date Approved: 9/28/2021
Planning Commission approved Tentative Tract Map
7359 for the subdivision of 11.3 acres into 50 singlefamily residential lots and one park sump.
Date Approved: 9/28/2021
Planning Commission approved Tentative Tract Map
7360 for the subdivision of 13.04 acres into a 55-lot
single-family residential development.
Date Approved: 9/28/2021
11 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
Policy H-1.9 Continue to facilitate
timely permit and development plan
processing for residential
construction.
Policy H-3.4 Locate higher density
residential development in close
proximity to public transportation,
retail, services, and recreation.
Policy H-3.6 Accommodate new
residential development, which is
coordinated with the provision of
infrastructure and public services.
Policy H-5.1 Ensure that
development standards for parking,
open space and other amenities do
not add unduly to the cost of
housing.
Policy H-6.0 The 2014-2023 RHNA
will be met during the planning
period utilizing the appropriate
programs as identified.
Open Space & Conservation
Element:
OSC-3.2 Historic Structures and
Sites
OSC-3.9 Preserve Local Cultural
Heritage
Land Use Element:
LU-4.1 Olde Towne as Asset
LU-4.4 Historic Buildings and Area
City Council adopted a resolution proclaiming a
Ridgecrest Historic District.
Date Approved: 4/21/2021
Land Use Element:
LU-1.4 Encourage Infill
Development
LU-2.1 Housing Choices
LU-2.3 Local Housing Needs
Housing Element:
Policy H-1.1 Provide a variety of
City Council approved a resolution declaring certain
parcels of real property surplus land pursuant to the
state surplus land Act.
Date Approved: 3/17/2021
12 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
residential development
opportunities, ranging from low
density to high density, as
designated on the General Plan
Land Use Map.
Policy H-1.8 Encourage the
development of housing
opportunities for moderate-income
households to live in the city.
Open Space & Conservation
Element:
OSC-3.8 Native American
Resources
OSC-3.9 Preserve Local Cultural
Heritage
City Council approved a resolution supporting the 2021
Petroglyph Festival as a signature event of the city and authorized in-kind service to support the event.
Date Approved: 9/1/2021
Open Space & Conservation
Element:
OSC-7.2 Recreational Facilities
OSC-7.3 Park Facility Standards
City Council approved a resolution for the application
of statewide park development and community
revitalization program grant funds.
Date Approved: 1/20/2021
City Council approved a resolution for the application
regarding Kern County Community Development
Block Grant (CDBG) Program.
Date Approved: 1/10/2021
City Council approved a resolution amending the fiscal
year 2021-2022 annual application regarding the Kern
County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
program for upgrades at the Leroy Jackson softball
fields.
Date Approved: 8/4/2021
Circulation Element:
C-1.2 City Accessibility
C-1.4 Coordination with Other
Agencies
C-1.5 Transportation Improvement
Financing
C-1.6 Additional Funding Sources
C-2.1 Maintain Existing Streets
C-2.15 Street Improvements,
Upgrades, and Maintenance
The City Council approved a resolution setting the
Public Hearing for unmet transit needs findings.
Date Approved: 1/6/2021
City Council approved a resolution authorizing the
update and implementation of the Ridgecrest Transit
Title VI Plan for 2021.
Date Approved: 1/6/2021
City Council approved the Notice of Completion for the
13 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
C-6.5 Pedestrian Facility Standards West of South Downs Street Project.
Date Approved: 2/3/2021
City Council approved a resolution for program
supplement agreement NO. F-047 with the State of
California Department of Transportation for the
construction of a solar photovoltaic system and
installation of the electric bus charging stations on the existing bus shade structure at the City Corporation
Yard.
Date Approved: 2/3/2021
City Council approved a resolution establishing a
finding for unmet transit needs that are reasonable to
meet with the public transportation system for the fiscal year 2021-2022.
Date Approved: 2/3/2021
City Council adopted a resolution authorizing
submission of the fiscal year 2020-2021 Transportation
Development Act Claim to the Kern County Council of
Governments.
Date Approved: 4/7/2021
City Council approved a resolution authorizing the
execution of the certifications and assurances and
authorized agents forms for the Low Carbon Transit
Operations Program (LCTOP) for Battery Electric Van
Replacement Purchase.
Date Approved: 4/7/2021
City Council approved a resolution authorizing for the
execution of the certifications and assurances for the
Public Transit Modernization Improvement and Service
Enhancement Account (PTMISEA) Program for
Battery Electric Van Replacement.
Date Approved: 4/7/2021
City Council approved a resolution authorizing
application for and acceptance of the State of
California, Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) Step Grant.
Date Approved: 4/21/2021
City Council approved a resolution to award a
construction contract to Nagle Earthworks to construct
14 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
and pave the 2021 Measure V Paving Program, various
streets.
Date Approved: 6/2/2021
City Council approved the resolution to adopt a road
project list for the fiscal year 2021-2022 partially
funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability
Act of 2017.
Date Adopted 6/16/2021
City Council authorized the Notice of Completion for
PHASE 1 of the ADA Transition Plan Project.
Date Approved: 7/7/2021
Council approved a resolution approving the project list for FY 2021-2022 for the California State of Good
Repair Program: electric transit van purchase.
Date Approved: 8/18/2021
City Council approved a resolution to approve a
professional services agreement with Willdan
Engineering to prepare environmental documents,
plans, specifications, bidding documents, and bidding
assistance services for the West Ward Ave II
Improvement Project.
Date Approved: 8/18/2021
City Council approved a resolution approving the
application for funds for the FY-22/23 & FY-23/24
Regional Surface Transportation Program (RSTP) AND
Highway Infrastructure Program (HIP) Under the
Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century (MAP-
21) FOR THE West Ward Avenue resurfacing,
drainage and intersection and/or rehabilitation between N. Norma Street and N. Downs Street Project
Date Approved: 9/9/2021
City Council approved a resolution declaring its
intention to vacate a portion of South Downs Street
right of way, pursuant to the provisions of Part 3 of
Division 9 of the California Streets and Highways
Code; and the announcement of a public hearing on
October 20, 2021, for the proposed street vacation.
Date Approved: 9/15/2021
City Council approved a resolution to approve a
professional services agreement with Willdan
15 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
Engineering to perform traffic engineering services for the design and construction management for the
crosswalk upgrades HSIP Project
Date Approved: 10/6/2021
City Council approved a resolution to approve a
professional services agreement with Willdan
Engineering to perform traffic engineering services for the design and construction management for the city-
wide arterial flashing stop signs and advance pavement
markings HSIP Project.
Date Approved: 10/6/2021
City Council approved a resolution to approve a
professional services agreement with Willdan
Engineering to perform traffic engineering services for the design and construction management for the China
Lake Boulevard adaptive traffic signal upgrade HSIP
Project.
Date Approved: 10/6/2021
City Council approved a resolution of the summarily
vacating a portion of the eastern right-of-way within
South Downs Street, located northern of Wasp Avenue
and 165’ +/- north of the centerline of Wildrose Ave.
Date Approved: 11/3/2021
City Council approved a resolution to approve the
professional service agreement with Willdan
Engineering for construction engineering services for
the City FY-22 Measure V hot mix asphalt and chip
seal construction project.
Date Approved: 12/1/2021
City Council approved a resolution of the authorizing
application for and acceptance of the State of
California, Office of Traffic Safety Step Grant.
Date Approved: 12/15/2021
City Council approved a resolution approving the
Master Agreement No. 09-5385S21 with the State of
California, Department of Transportation for the
acceptance of any state aid funding.
Date Approved: 12/15/2021
City Council approved a resolution approving the
16 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
Program Supplement Agreement No. 09—538-Y64-
serial with the State of California, Department of
Transportation, under Master Agreement No. 09-
5385S21 that encumbers zero dollars ($00.00) of
matching funds for the construction of adaptive signal
timing.
Date Approved: 12/15/2021
City Council approved a resolution approving the
Program Supplement Agreement No. 09—538-Y62-
serial with the State of California, Department of
Transportation, under Master Agreement No. 09-
5385S21 Program Supplement Agreement FOR
construction of enhanced pedestrian walkways on
Ridgecrest Blvd at Alvord & Sanders St, and mid-block
on Downs Street.
Date Approved: 12/15/2021
City Council approved a resolution approving the
Program Supplement Agreement No. 09—538-Y63-
serial with the State of California, Department of
Transportation, under Master Agreement No. 09-
5385S21 that encumbers zero dollars ($00.00) of
matching funds for the construction of flashing stop
signs and pavement markings at arterial intersections.
Date Approved: 12/15/2021
Health & Safety Element:
HS-3 Emergency Response
HS-6 Global Warming
HS- 2.14 Transportation and Air
Quality
City Council approved a public hearing and resolution
authorizing the fiscal year 2022-2023 Annual Action
Plan Application Regarding the Kern County
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Program.
Date Approved: 12/1/2021
City Council approved a resolution authorizing a onetime essential employee hazard pay to be paid to city employees.
Date Approved: 12/1/2021
City Council approved a resolution
recommending Community Development Block Grant
Cares Act (CDBG-CV) funding and project description
to the Kern County Board of Supervisors.
Date Approved: 10/20/2021
City Council approved a resolution levy and collected a flat-rate fee for solar permits.
17 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
Date Approved: 9/1/2021
City Council approved a resolution to approve an
agreement between the City of Ridgecrest and the
County of Kern for illegal dumping resources funds and
establishing an illegal dumping program for the city
(FUND 104).
Date Approved: 9/1/2021
City Council approved a resolution authorizing the city manager to enter into a memorandum of agreement
with Sierra Sands Unified School District for law
enforcement services (School Resource Officer
Program).
Date Approved: 8/18/2021
Open Space and Conservation
Element:
OSC-2.6 Control of Lighting and
Glare
OSC-4.16 Landscape Improvements
OSC-7.1 Develop a Master Plan
OSC-9.5 Lighting and Landscape
District
Land Use Element:
LU-10.2 Adequate Infrastructure
Capacity
Health & Safety Element:
HS-4.7 Master Drainage Plans
City Council approved a resolution initializing staff to prepare an engineer’s report for the intent to levy and collection of assessments for consolidated landscape
and lighting district 2012-1 for the fiscal year
2021/2022, pursuant to the provisions of part 2 of
Division 15 of the California Streets and Highways
Code; and the announcement of a public hearing on
June 16, 2021, for the proposed assessment.
Date Approve: 6/2/2021
City Council approved a resolution initializing staff to prepare an engineer’s report for the intent to levy and collection of assessments for drainage benefit
assessment district 2016-1 for the fiscal year
2021/2022, pursuant to the provisions of the benefit
assessment act of 1982, being chapter 6.4 of the
California Government Code; and the announcement of
a public hearing on June 16, 2021, for the proposed
assessment.
Date Approved: 6/2/2021
City Council approved a resolution and public hearing
declaring its intent to levy and collect assessments
within the consolidated landscaping and lighting district no. 2012-1, review of the preliminary engineer’s report and authorization to finalize the said report for the fiscal year 2021/2022.
Date Approved: 6/16/2021
City Council approved a resolution declaring its intent 18 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
to levy and collect assessments within the City of
Ridgecrest Drainage Benefit Assessment District NO.
2016-1, pursuant to the provisions of the benefit
assessment act of 1982; review of the preliminary
engineer’s report and authorization to finalize the said report for the fiscal year 2021/2022.
Date Approved: 6/16/2021
City Council approved a resolution approving the
annual engineer’s report and ordering the levy and
collection of assessments within the City of Ridgecrest Drainage Benefit Assessment District No. 2016-1, for
the fiscal year 2021/2022, pursuant to the provisions of the benefit assessment act of 1982.
Date Approved: 7/7/2021
City Council approved a resolution ordering the levy
and collection of assessments within the consolidated
Landscaping and Lighting District No. 2012-1 for the
fiscal year 2021/2022.
Date Approved: 7/7/2021
Land Use Element:
LU-10.17 Child Care
City Council adopted Ordinance 21-08 amending the
municipal code regarding family day care homes
Date Approved: 12/15/2021
Land Use Element:
LU-2.1 Housing Choices
LU-2.2 Neighborhood Mixing
LU-2.3 Local Housing Needs
Housing Element:
Policy H-1.8 Opportunities for
Moderate-Income Households
Goal H-4 Equal Opportunity for
Residents
City Council adopted Ordinance 21-07 amending the
municipal code regarding zoning definitions: family,
supportive housing, supportive services, target
population, and transitional housing.
Date Approved: 8/5/2021
19 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
2021 HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT AND
REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ALLOCATION (RHNA) PLAN
OVERVIEW
The State of California requires each jurisdiction to address housing to combat statewide needs.
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) allocates statewide housing needs to the Regional Council of Governments (COG). In turn, they allocate regional housing needs to each local jurisdiction. The Ridgecrest Housing Element was updated on May 6, 2015, and covers the period of 2015-2023.
Housing Element Progress Report
The HCD Housing Element APR is prepared using forms and tables specified by the department.
The completed forms are attached to this report. The Housing Element APR data is summarized in the following tables. This data represents housing development applications for the calendar year between January 1 and December 31, 2021.
Figure 1 Housing Units by Structure Type
The City of Ridgecrest approved three tract maps for a total of 148 entitlements for single-family residential units. The Building department issued permits for 91 single-family residential units, six units of multifamily 2-4 developments, 75 units of multifamily 5+ for the Mojave View Apartments development, and 1 Accessory Dwelling Unit permit. Certificate s of Occupancy were issued for an additional 53 single-family residential units and two units for a multifamily duplex.
The total entitlements received for housing units was 148. The total permitted housing units was 98, and certificates of occupancies were issued for 55 housing units. 20 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
Figure 2 Building Permits Issued
Housing unit affordability was calculated using the 2015-2030 Housing Element Table 3-12 Housing Affordability. Income levels are defined below:
Very low-income households: 0-50 percent AMI Low-income households: 50-80 percent AMI Moderate-income households: 80-120 percent AMI Above-moderate households: above 120 percent
*AMI means the median household income based on a household size of a geographical area of the state, as annually updated by HCD, pursuant to Health and Safety Code, section 50093.
The Mojave View Apartments development was issued permits for 50 very low and 25 low-income housing units. Infill development accounted for the 44 additional units of moderate-income housing. The remaining new developments make up 54 above-moderate household units.
Figure 3 Housing Applications Summary
21 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ALLOCATION (RHNA) PLAN
Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG) and each jurisdiction within the county prepare and adopt the Regional Housing Needs Allocation Plan with allocations for each jurisdiction. The Kern COG Fifth Cycle Regional Housing Needs Allocation Plan was adopted on June 19, 2014, revised on September 9, 2014, and covers the projection period from January 1, 2013, to December 31, 2023. The Plan has been approved by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD).
According to the adopted Plan, the following has been allocated to the City of Ridgecrest for the 2013 - 2023 period.
Figure 4 2013-2023 RHNA Allocations by Income
*Due to rounding may not add to the stated sum
The Plan indicates a total of 1,346 units have been allocated to the City for the Plan period, and a combined Low and Very Low total of 291 (21.6%) is considered as affordable allocation. 22 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
Figure 5 Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress
The City of Ridgecrest has been making progress by completing the APR and reporting housing units since 2019. No housing permit data is available for the 2015 calendar year. However, staff has calculated the housing developments from 2016 to determine progress in meeting housing goals. With the additional units from the 2021 calendar year to date, 50 very-low-income units have been permitted, 25 low-income, 44 moderate, and 339 above-moderate income units. The total units for the RHNA cycle to date are 458 units.
FUTURE RHNA
Kern COG Sixth Cycle Regional Housing Needs Allocation Plan is currently in progress. Kern COG plans to release the Draft Regional Housing Needs Allocation to local jurisdictions for a 60- day comment period in April 2022. The Final Regional Housing Needs Allocation Plan is scheduled to be adopted in July of 2022. The City will begin revisions of the Housing Element this year, with a completed adopted Housing Element due December 2023. 23 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
SURPLUS LAND
The Surplus Land Act (SLA)
Assembly Bill (AB) 1486 (Statutes of 2019, Chapter 664) and AB 1255 (Statutes of 2019, Chapter 661) made changes to the SLA found in California Government Code, Title 5, Division 2, Part 1, Chapter 5, Article 8. Surplus Land. The purpose of these amendments is to promote affordable housing development on unused or underutilized public land throughout the state to respond to the affordable housing crisis. These amendments clarify and strengthen reporting requirements of the SLA.
As of January 1, 2021, the HCD began requiring local agencies to send by email and certified mail pursuant to Government Code Section 54222(a)(1) notices of availability of surplus land to local public entities and housing sponsors. Where applicable, receive notices of interest from entities desiring to purchase the surplus land and negotiate with entities in good faith. The HCD is to be provided descriptions of notices and negotiations conducted with any responding parties. The City must also report annually information about locally owned surplus land sites.
Pursuant to the SLA, the City of Ridgecrest City Council declared three residential and one commercial properties surplus. A Notice of Availability/Offer to Sell Surplus Property was circulated on March 30, 2021, to local entities, the HCD, and the housing sponsors list identified by HCD. No parties contacted the City with interest in purchasing the properties. The properties were subsequently listed for sale. The three residential properties were sold or are under contract for sale as of December 31, 2021, for single-family residential development. The one commercial property is in negotiation for disposal to two parties for commercial use.
Figure 6 Locally Owned Surplus Lands
24 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
GOALS, POLICIES, AND OBJECTIVES
UPDATE ZONING ORDINANCE:
1) The Zoning Ordinance will be amended to allow group homes by right in residential zones for small group homes (six persons or fewer) and with a conditional use permit for large facilities (seven persons or more) consistent with state law. 2) The Zoning Ordinance will be amended to permit single-room occupancy (SRO) units subject to site plan review and without a conditional use permit in R-2, R-3, and R-4. 3) Update Zoning Ordinance in regards to the Sign Ordinance pertaining to electronic signs. 4) Update Zoning Ordinance for occupancy review of commercial projects. 5) Amendment of Zoning Ordinance to allow transitional and supportive housing in residential uses.
6) Amend the Zoning Code to comply with the state Employee Housing Act (Health and Safety Code Sections 17021.5 and 17021.6) regarding employee housing that serves six or fewer (17021.5) and no more than 12 units or 36 beds (17021.6). 7) Amend Zoning Code for housing development containing no more than two residential units within a single-family residential zone and urban lot splits pursuant to SB 9. 8) Amend Zoning Ordinance pursuant to SB 9 to increase the extension of a map life from 12 months to 24 months and allow for four years of extensions for subdivisions with off-site improvements above qualifying costs.
UPDATE GENERAL PLAN:
1) The Navy completed an updated AICUZ since the adoption of the General Plan. The new maps should be added to the General Plan.
ZONING MAP UPDATE:
1) Rezone multiple properties for residential use and higher density use. 25 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1 HOUSING UNITS BY STRUCTURE TYPE ........................................................... 19 FIGURE 2 BUILDING PERMITS ISSUED................................................................................ 20 FIGURE 3 HOUSING APPLICATIONS SUMMARY ............................................................... 20 FIGURE 4 2013-2023 RHNA ALLOCATIONS BY INCOME.................................................. 21 FIGURE 5 REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ALLOCATION PROGRESS............................... 22 FIGURE 6 LOCALLY OWNED SURPLUS LANDS................................................................. 23 26 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
LIST OF ACRONYMS
Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
This means a unit that is attached, detached, or located within the living area of the existing dwelling or residential dwelling unit, which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons. It includes permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation on the same parcel on which the single-family dwelling unit is situated.
Annual Progress Report (APR)
A report is prepared annually on the jurisdiction's progress towards implementing the City or county's general plan.
Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD)
A state department within California that develops statewide housing policies.
Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR)
The State of California's comprehensive planning agency.
Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG)
The Metropolitan Planning Organization for the Kern Region as designated by the Federal government.
LEAP and REAP Grants
Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) and Regional Early Action Planning (REAP) grant funds from the State of California.
Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA)
Determines the total number of new homes needed to build and how affordable those homes need to be to meet the needs of the jurisdictions.
27 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
GLOSSARY
Certificate of Occupancy
A certificate issued after final inspection as evidence of readiness for occupancy.
City Council
A city's legislative body. The popularly elected city council is responsible for enacting ordinances, imposing taxes, making appropriations, establishing policies, and hiring the city manager. The council adopts the local general plan, zoning, and subdivision ordinances.
Completed Entitlements
This means a housing development or project which has received all the required land use approvals or entitlements necessary for the issuance of a building permit. This means there is no additional action required to be eligible to apply for or obtain a building permit.
General Plan
A statement of policies, including text and diagrams, setting forth objectives, principles, standards, and plan proposals for the future development of the City.
Infrastructure
A general term describing public and quasi-public utilities and facilities such as roads, bridges, sewers and sewer plants, water lines, power lines, fire stations, etc.
Infill Housing& Commercial
Defined as a unit being located within an urbanized area or within an urban cluster on a site that has been previously developed for urban uses, or a vacant site where the properties adjoining at least two sides of the project site area are, or previously have been, developed for urban uses.
Multifamily Residential
A structure containing multiple housing units.
Planning Commission.
A group of residents appointed by the city council to consider land use planning matters. The commission's duties and powers are established by the local legislative body and might include hearing proposals to amend the general plan or rezone land, initiating planning studies (road alignments, identification of seismic hazards, etc.), and acting on development proposals.
Single Family Residential
A one-unit structure with open space on all four sides. The unit often possesses an attached garage.
Zoning
Local codes regulating the use and development of property. The zoning ordinance divides the City into land use districts or "zones," represented on zoning maps, and specifies the allowable uses within each of those zones. It establishes development standards such as minimum lot size, the maximum height of structures, building setbacks, yard sizes, and density. 28 City of Ridgecrest Annual Progress Report
DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS
REPORT (APR)
INTRODUCTION
Government Code section 65400 requires that each city, county, or city and county, including charter cities, prepare an annual progress report (APR) on the status of the housing element of its general plan and progress in its implementation, using forms and definitions adopted by the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The following form is to be used for satisfying the reporting requirements of Government Code section 65400, subdivision (a)(2).
These forms and instructions, originally adopted March 27, 2010, have been updated to incorporate new Housing Element APR requirements pursuant to Chapter 374, Statutes of 2017 (Assembly Bill 879); Chapter 366, Statutes of 2017 (Senate Bill 35), Chapter 664, Statutes of 2019 (Assembly Bill 1486), Chapter 159, Statues of 2019 (Assembly Bill 101), Chapter 661, Statutes of 2020 (Assembly Bill 1255), Chapter 15, and Statutes of 2020 (Assembly Bill 83).
How to submit the Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APR) The APR must be submitted to the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) and the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) on or before April 1 of each year using the forms and tables specified by HCD. The APR provides information for the previous calendar year and must be submitted separately to both HCD and OPR (Gov. Code, § 65400.). There are two methods available for submitting APRs:
1. Online Annual Progress Reporting System - This allows jurisdictions to upload directly into HCD’s database, limiting the risk of errors. To use the online system, email [email protected], and request login information for your jurisdiction. Please note: Using the online system only provides the information to HCD. The APR must still be submitted to OPR. Their email address is [email protected].
2. Email - Jurisdictions complete the Excel APR forms and submit to HCD at [email protected] and to OPR at [email protected]. When using the email method, send the electronic version as an Excel workbook attachment. Do not send a scanned copy of the tables. In addition to submitting Housing Element APRs, jurisdictions must also submit General Plan Annual Progress Reports to both HCD and OPR. Please email these documents to [email protected] and [email protected].
TABLE F Units Rehabilitated, Preserved and Acquired for Alternative Adequate Sites pursuant to Government Code section 65583.1, subdivision (c)(2)
TABLE G Locally Owned Lands Included in the Housing Element Sites Inventory that have been sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of, pursuant to Government Code section 65400.1
Table H - Locally Owned or Controlled Lands Declared Surplus Pursuant to Government Code section 54221, or Identified as Excess Pursuant to Government Code section 50569
DEFINITIONS
1. “Above moderate income” means households earning more than 120 percent of area median income.
2. “Annual Progress Report (APR)” means the housing element annual progress report required by Government Code section 65400 and due to HCD by April 1 of each year reporting on the prior calendar year’s activities.
3. “Application submitted” means an application submittal that has been determined complete by the jurisdiction.
4. “Area Median Income (AMI)” means the median household income based on household size of a geographic area of the state, as annually updated by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), pursuant to Health and Safety Code section 50093.
5. “Certificate of occupancy date” is the date(s) the certificate(s) of occupancy, or other evidence of readiness for occupancy (e.g., final inspection, notice of completion), was/were issued.
6. “Committed Assistance” is when a local government has entered into a legally enforceable agreement within a specific timeframe spanning from the beginning of the RHNA projection and may be executed throughout the planning period. Committed Assistance includes obligating funds or other in-kind services for affordable units available for occupancy within two years of the agreement.
7. “Completed Entitlement” means a housing development or project which has received all the required land use approvals or entitlements necessary for the issuance of a building permit. This means that there is no additional action required to be eligible
8. “Density Bonus” as defined in Government Code section 65915.
9. “Extremely low-income” means a household earning less than 30 percent of area median income pursuant to Health and Safety Code, section 50105.
10. “Infill housing unit” is defined as being a unit located within an urbanized area or within an urban cluster on a site that has been previously developed for urban uses, or a vacant site where the properties adjoining at least two sides of the project site are, or previously have been, developed for urban uses. For the purposes of this definition, an urbanized area or an urban cluster is as defined by the United States Census Bureau.
11. “Locality” or “local government” means a city, including a charter city, a county, including a charter county, or a city and county, including a charter city and county.
12. “Lower-income or Low-Income” means a household earning less than 80 percent of area median income pursuant to Health and Safety Code, section 50079.5.
13. “Moderate income” means households whose income does not exceed 120 percent of area median income pursuant to Health and Safety Code, section 50093.
14. “Permitted units” mean units for which building permits for new housing construction have been issued by the local government during the reporting calendar year. For this purpose, “new housing unit” means housing units as defined by the Department of Finance for inclusion in the Department of Finance’s annual “E-5 City/County Population and Housing Estimates” report, which is the same as the Census definition of a housing unit.
Jurisidiction Name
Reporting Calendar Year
First Name
Last Name
Title
Email
Phone
Street Address
City
Zipcode
v 12_30_21
Optional: Click here to import last year's data. This is best used when the workbook is new and empty. You will be prompted to pick an old workbook to import from. Project and program data will be copied exactly how it was entered in last year's form and must be updated. If a project is no longer has any reportable activity, you may delete the project by selecting a cell in the row and typing ctrl + d.
100 W. California Avenue
Ridgecrest
93555
Please Start Here
General Information
2021
Ridgecrest
Contact Information
Heather
Spurlock
Analyst 2
[email protected]
7604995063
Mailing Address
Annual Progress Report January 2020
Optional: This runs a macro which checks to ensure all required fields are filled out. The macro will create two files saved in the same directory this APR file is saved in. One file will be a copy of the APR with highlighted cells which require information. The other file will be list of the problematic cells, along with a description of the nature of the error.
Optional: Save before running. This copies data on Table A2, and creates another workbook with the table split across 4 tabs, each of which can fit onto a single page for easier printing. Running this macro will remove the comments on the column headers, which contain the instructions. Do not save the APR file after running in order to preserve comments once it is reopened.
Optional: This macro identifies dates entered that occurred outside of the reporting year. RHNA credit is only given for building permits issued during the reporting year.
Link to the online system: https://apr.hcd.ca.gov/APR/login.do Submittal Instructions
Please save your file as Jurisdictionname2021 (no spaces). Example: the city of San Luis Obispo would save their file as SanLuisObispo2021 Housing Element Annual Progress Reports (APRs) forms and tables must be submitted to HCD and the Governor's Office of Planning and Research (OPR) on or before April 1 of each year for the prior calendar year; submit separate reports directly to both HCD and OPR pursuant to Government Code section 65400. There are two options for submitting APRs:
1. Online Annual Progress Reporting System - Please see the link to the online system to the left. This allows you to upload the completed APR form into directly into HCD’s database limiting the risk of errors. If you would like to use the online system, email [email protected] and HCD will send you the login information for your jurisdiction. Please note: Using the online system only provides the information to HCD. The APR must still be submitted to OPR. Their email address is [email protected].
2. Email - If you prefer to submit via email, you can complete the excel Annual Progress Report forms and submit to HCD at [email protected] and to OPR at [email protected]. Please send the Excel workbook, not a scanned or PDF copy of the tables.
Table A2
Annual Building Activity Report Summary - New Construction, Entitled, Permits and Completed Units Streamlining Infill
Housing without Financial
Assistance or Deed
Restrictions
Term of Affordability
or Deed Restriction
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Current APN Street Address Project Name+
How many of the
units were
Extremely Low
Income?+
Was Project
APPROVED using
GC 65913.4(b)?
(SB 35 Streamlining)
Y/N
Infill Units?
Y/N+
Assistance Programs
for Each Development
(may select multiple -
see instructions)
Deed Restriction
Type
(may select multiple -
see instructions)
For units affordable without
financial assistance or deed
restrictions, explain how the
locality determined the units
were affordable
(see instructions)
Term of Affordability or
Deed Restriction (years)
(if affordable in perpetuity
enter 1000)+
Number of
Demolished/Dest
royed Units
Demolished or
Destroyed Units
Demolished/De
stroyed Units
Owner or
Renter
Total Density Bonus Applied to
the Project (Percentage
Increase in Total Allowable
Units or Total Maximum
Allowable Residential Gross
Floor Area)
Number of Other
Incentives,
Concessions, Waivers,
or Other Modifications
Given to the Project
(Excluding Parking
Waivers or Parking
Reductions)
List the incentives,
concessions,
waivers, and
modifications
(Excluding Parking
Waivers or Parking
Modifications)
Did the project receive a
reduction or waiver of
parking standards? (Y/N)
16 0 0 0
478-051-12 206 Robertson
Avenue
0 N Y
BASED ON COMPARABLE
RENTAL PRICES AT 80-100%
AMI
0 478-062-18 317 W. Church
Avenue
0 N Y
BASED ON COMPARABLE
RENTAL PRICES AT 80-100%
AMI
0 487-062-17 321 W. Church
0 N Y
BASED ON COMPARABLE
RENTAL PRICES AT 80-100%
AMI
0 067-040-12 400 W. Mojave
View Avenue
Mojave View
Apartments
16 N Y AHSC DB 50 0 25.0% 0On-Site
Improvements Yes
478-062-05 313 W. Church
0 N Y
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI 0
081-032-50-009 1504 S. Farragut
0 N Y
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI 0
081-032-34-003 1532 S
FARRAGUT
0 N Y
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI 0
480-141-07-009 579 S ALVORD
0 N Y
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI 0
510-211-02-00-2 105
RAINSHADOW CT
0 N N 0
510-214-12-00-2 2019 WILD
THORNE DR
0 N N 0
510-214-11-00-9 2025 WILD
THORNE DR N N 0
508-222-21-00-0 333 S ABIGAIL ST N N 0
508-222-22-00-3 327 S ABIGAIL ST N N 0
508-222-20-00-7 401 S ABIGAIL N N 0
453-301-06 1119 VIA FLORE
WAY N N 0
508-221-17 423 THOMAS ST N N 0
508-221-16-00-9 427 THOMAS ST N N 0
081-293-40-00-3 1216 W
MARIPOSA AVE N Y
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICE AT 80-120% AMI 0
456-36104-007 821 PARADISE DR N N 0
456-361-04-007 817 PARADISE DR N N 0
456-361-02-001 805 PARADISE DR N N 0
456-361-03-004 809 PARADISE DR N N 0
453-301-03-005 1201 N SAN
MICHELE PL N N 0
509-180-19-00-7
416
CHRISTOPHER
CRT
N N 0
509-180-24-00-1
417
CHRISTOPHER
CRT
N N 0
453-301-02-002 1207 N SAN
MICHELE PL N N 0
456-361-07-006 825 PARADISE DR N N 0
081-342-30-001 1324 W
CORONADO N Y
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI 0
456-361-01-008 801 PARADISE DR N N 0
508-221-18-00-5 419 THOMAS ST N N 0
456-362-08-06 800 PARADISE N N 0
067-050-22 Downs St. & Las
Flores Avenue N N 0
480-010-15 & 480-
010-13
China Lake Blvd. &
Bowman N N 0
343-070-24 Upjohn Ave. &
Richmond St. N N 0
456-362-05-007 812 PARADISE DR N N 0
081-341-02-003 1437 W
MARIPOSA N N
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI 0
081-303-01-002 1241 CORONADO
N Y
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI 0
081-292-32-003 1132 BOSTON
AVE N Y
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI 0
081-293-01 1241 BOSTON
AVE N Y
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI 0
Housing with Financial Assistance
and/or Deed Restrictions Project Identifier Demolished/Destroyed Units Density Bonus 081-343-09-008 1409 CORONADO
AVENY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 477-162-15-001 620 W UPJOHN
#21NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 477-162-14-008 620 W UPJOHN #
22NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 508-221-19-00-8 415 THOMAS ST
NN0
456-362-04-004 816 PARADISE DR
NN0
343-052-35-001 344 GATEWAY
NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 456-362-14-003 818 BEACH CT
NN0
456-362-15-006 812 BEACH CT
NN0
456-362-16-009 806 BEACH CT
NN0
456-362-10--001 807 BEACH CT
NN0
456-362-12-007 819 BEACH CT
NN0
456-362-17-002 800 BEACH CT
NN0
456-362-09-009 801 BEACH CT
NN0
456-362-11-004 813 BEACH CT
NN0
456-362-13-000 821 BEACH CT
NN0
081-042-36-002 1528 S MAYO ST
NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 509-210-09-006 132 W RANCHO
DEL CERRO
NN0
081-042-40-003 1512 S MAYO
NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 081-105-06-003 1321 S RANGER
NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 081-155-20-008 1229 S RANGER
NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 456-010-03-005 846 HARRIET STNY0
456-010-03-005 850 HARRIET STNY0
081-032-40 1508 S
FARRAGUTNY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 081-022-15-005 927 OREGON AVE
NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 509-061-26-009 1212 S DOWNS
ST
NY0
508-221-20 411 THOMAS STNN0
508-221-21-00-3 407 THOMAS STNN0
508-221-22-00-6 401THOMAS STNN0
510-172-02-008 131 W BRIANNA
ST
NN0
510-112-03-003 413 W CIELO AVE
NY0
510-111-08-00-1 416 CIELO AVE
NY0
510-132-01-003 217 W
SHENANDOAH
NY0
510-143-04-002 301 SHENDOAH
AVE
NN0
510-143-03-009 305 W
SHENANDOAH
NN0
508-222-05-00-4 400 THOMAS ST
NN0
508-222-03-00-8 328 THOMAS ST
NN0
508-221-23-00-9 333 THOMAS ST
NN0
510-133-06-005 2329 S DEL ROSA
DR
NN0
510-133-06-005 2329 S DEL ROSA
DR
NN0
081-082-05-004 1317 S SIMS
NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 081-183-26-001 1012 S SIMS
NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 081-092-20 1433 S MC CALL
NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 081-051-06-001 1521 S MAYO
NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 081-072-13-004 1405 S PORTER
NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 081-105-36 1340 S
YORKTOWNNY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 081-155-25-003 1236 S
YORKTOWN NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 081-131-26-002 1140 S SIMS
NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 081-051-33-009 1608 S PORTER
NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 081-051-40-009 1524 S PORTER
NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 081-082-31-009 1416 S MAYO
NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 081-082-38 1332 S MAYO
NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 477-162-10-006 620 W UPJOHN
AVE #26NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 081-333-28 1316 W
MARIPOSA AVENY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 081-232-12-007 737 S DOWNS
NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 081-192-31-001 916 S
YORKTOWNNY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 067-184-0800-2 505 VERA AVE
NN0
508-221-24-00-2 327 THOMAS NN0
508-222-09-00-6 420 THOMASNN0
081-072-14-007 1409 S PORTER
NY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 081-091-18-008 1425
SYORKTOWNNY
BASED ON COMPARABLE
SALES PRICES AT 80-120% AMI
0 Jurisdiction Ridgecrest ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Reporting Year 2021 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) Housing Element Implementation Planning Period 5th Cycle 12/31/2015 - 12/31/2023 (CCR Title 25 §6202) 1 3 4
RHNA Allocation
by Income Level 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Total Units toDate (all years) Total Remaining
RHNA by Income
Level
Deed Restricted - - - - - - 50 - -
Non-Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - -
Deed Restricted - - - - - - 25 - -
Non-Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - -
Deed Restricted - - - - - - - - -
Non-Deed Restricted - - - - - - 44 - -
Above Moderate 848 - 35 54 94 61 41 54 - - 339 509
1,345
- 35 54 94 61 41 173 - - 458 887
Note: units serving extremely low-income households are included in the very low-income permitted units totals and must be reported as very low-income units. 106
Please note: For the last year of the 5th cycle, Table B will only include units that were permitted during the portion of the year that was in the 5th cycle. For the first year of the 6th cycle, Table B will include units that were permitted since the start of the planning period.
Total RHNA
Total Units
Income Level
Very Low
Low
Please note: The APR form can only display data for one planning period. To view progress for a different planning period, you may login to HCD's online APR system, or contact HCD staff at [email protected]. 163
50 This table is auto-populated once you enter your jurisdiction name and current year data. Past year information comes from previous APRs.
44 Moderate
159
131
207
Please contact HCD if your data is different than the material supplied here 25 2
Table B
Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress
Permitted Units Issued by Affordability
109
Jurisdiction Ridgecrest ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Reporting Year 2021 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) Housing Element Implementation Planning Period 5th Cycle 12/31/2015 - 12/31/2023
Date of Rezone Rezone Type
2 4 5 6 7 9 10 11
APN Street Address Project Name+
Local
Jurisdiction
Tracking ID+
Date of Rezone Very Low-Income Low-Income Moderate-Income Above ModerateIncome Rezone Type Parcel Size
(Acres)
General Plan
Designation Zoning MinimumDensity Allowed
Maximum
Density Allowed
Realistic
Capacity Vacant/Nonvacant Description of ExistingUses
Note: "+" indicates an optional field
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
3 8
Project Identifier RHNA Shortfall by Household Income Category Sites Description 1 Sites Identified or Rezoned to Accommodate Shortfall Housing Need and No Net-Loss Law Table C
(CCR Title 25 §6202)
Jurisdiction Ridgecrest
Reporting Year 2021 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
1 2 3 4
Name of Program Objective Timeframe in H.E Status of Program Implementation Inclusionary Housing
Defintions
Addition to the zoning code of inclusionary housing definitions (supportive, target populations transitional, family, ADU and JADU) Completed Definitions adopted to zoning code ADUs Adopt an ADU ordinance Completed ADU ordinance and permit adopted Family daycare homes Reduce restrictions on family daycare homes Completed Family daycare homes ordinance adopted.
Residential Land Use
Database
The City will coordinate with and provide assistance to Kern COG in maintaining a residential land use database. The City will work with the COG to ensure the COG’s database will be reviewed, updated, and summarized at least every five years as necessary
At least every five years
The City continued to maintain the vacant land inventory contained in the Housing Element. Inquiries have been received from prospective housing developers for available land.
Housing Programs Progress Report
Describe progress of all programs including local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the maintenance, improvement, and development of housing as identified in the housing element.
Table D
Program Implementation Status pursuant to GC Section 65583
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202)
Monitor Assisted Units
Monitor federal-, state-, and locally funded units at risk of conversion to market rate. There are 94 units at risk during the 2015–2023 planning period. The City will take the following actions to alleviate the loss of units at risk due to conversion to market-rate units. • On an annual basis the City will update its list of subsidized rental properties and identify those units at risk of converting to market-rate units.
• The City will contact owners of units at risk of conversion regarding their interest in selling properties or maintaining the rental units as affordable units.
• The City will ensure property owners are aware of federal and state subsidies to ensure the continued affordability of housing units. • The City will maintain a list of nonprofit agencies interested in acquisition/rehabilitation of at-risk units and inform them of the status of such units.
• The City will provide information to nonprofit agencies about federal, state, or local funding opportunities to assist with providing funding for the acquisition and rehabilitation of at-risk projects when requested.
• The City will make available referral and contact information regarding tenant rights and conversion procedures, as well as information regarding other affordable housing opportunities in the city to tenants of at-risk units.
Annually/Ongoing Ongoing
Code Enforcement
Program
The City of Ridgecrest is participating in a cooperative agreement with Kern County, and receives a fair share allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Because funding may significantly vary from year to year, in addition to the required process of public hearings, it is not possible or feasible to identify future funding items. According to City staff, CDBG funds are currently allocated through the first half of the 2015–2013 planning period. The City can identify programs which may be recommended for consideration by the public and Council for inclusion in the CDBG Action Plan, but no firm commitment can be given to any specific item without public hearings. The City will conduct public hearings, as required, usually in October or November to have public participation in the process of identifying suitable CDBG projects during the second half of the planning period. Ridgecrest is committed to using CDBG funds for: rehabilitating housing and other property, building public facilities, education and job training, public services for youths, disabled, and the elderly, crime reduction initiatives, assisting low-income home buyers with down payment assistance and subsidizing interest rates, etc. Possible activities include acquisition and disposition of real property, public facility and infrastructure improvements, clearance activities, public services, housing rehabilitation, home ownership assistance, micro-enterprise assistance, economic development, and planning activities. These activities will target special needs groups meeting the required income guidelines.
Annually Ongoing
Community Development
Block Grants (CDBG)
The City of Ridgecrest is participating in a cooperative agreement with Kern County, and receives a fair share allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. Because funding may significantly vary from year to year, in addition to the required process of public hearings, it is not possible or feasible to identify future funding items. According to City staff, CDBG funds are currently allocated through the first half of the 2015–2013 planning period. The City can identify programs which may be recommended for consideration by the public and Council for inclusion in the CDBG Action Plan, but no firm commitment can be given to any specific item without public hearings. The City will conduct public hearings, as required, usually in October or November to have public participation in the process of identifying suitable CDBG projects during the second half of the planning period. Ridgecrest is committed to using CDBG funds for: rehabilitating housing and other property, building public facilities, education and job training, public services for youths, disabled, and the elderly, crime reduction initiatives, assisting low-income home buyers with down payment assistance and subsidizing interest rates, etc. Possible activities include acquisition and disposition of real property, public facility and infrastructure improvements, clearance activities, public services, housing rehabilitation, home ownership assistance, micro-enterprise assistance, economic development, and planning activities. These activities will target special needs groups meeting the required income guidelines.
Annually Ongoing
Kern County Housing
Authority (HACK)
The Kern County Housing Authority (HACK) administers the Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) and Family Self-Sufficiency programs.
Section 8 is a rent subsidy program, whereby low-income residents of Kern County are awarded vouchers which enable them to obtain housing in the private sector. HACK contracts with landlords to subsidize the participants' rents. The housing must meet HUD Housing Quality Standards in order for HACK to enter into a Housing Assistance Payment contract with the landlord.
The Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSSP) is designed to assist public housing tenants receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) or other assistance with becoming self sufficient, primarily through employment, within five years. Participants set goals for themselves to reach during that time frame. In return, HACK sets up escrow (savings) accounts for participants, with a portion of the extra rent paid when participants obtain employment.
Referrals are made to assist participants in obtaining educational training and/or employment services in the community. This program is coordinated with the collaborative services of the Employment Development Department, Regional Occupational Center, CalWORKs, Employers' Training Resource, and other supportive services in Kern County.
The City of Ridgecrest will make interested citizens aware of these two programs and provide them with contact information for the program administrators at HACK.
Ongoing
The City continued to implement this program and information regarding section 8 and all other affordable housing programs on its Website and other printed material available to public.
Mobile Home
Improvement Program
The City may act as a liaison between mobile home parks, dwelling unit owners, and the state and Kern County in identifying and coordinating grants and funding for the improvement of mobile home units. Rehabilitation assistance shall be given to extremely low-, very low-, and low-income families which could include repair of damaged mobile homes.
Annual review of funding
opportunities Ongiong
Mortgage Credit
Certificate Program
The City may qualify and participate in a Mortgage Credit Certificate (MCC) program either solely or jointly with Kern County if one becomes available between 2015–2023. The County continues to operate its MCC program which is available to Ridgecrest residents through the Kern County Planning and Community Development Department.
Evaluate possibility of city
participation in MCC
program every two years
beginning in 2016
Ongoing
Outreach Program
1) Provide information through public access television and newspaper advertisements twice per fiscal year regarding availability of grants and loans for handicap accessibility. Establish a key contact person at City Hall to distribute information as requested, and to assist with further information.
2) Brochures and printed information will be produced by 2016 for public distribution at City Hall upon request. Public access television may advertise the availability of such information at City Hall. 3) The City may provide the public with at least one key contact that will identify grant sources and coordinate efforts between the private individual and the grant source.
4) Update housing rehabilitation brochure every two years between 2015 and 2023 or as necessary as information changes
Produce printed materials
by 2016; update housing
rehabilitation brochure
every two years and
ongoing
Ongoing
Police and Community
Together Program (PACT)
Continue and fund the Police and Community Together (PACT) neighborhood watch program between 2015-2023 for increased safety.
Ongoing Ongoing
Parking Reduction
Program
1) Continue to reduce parking requirements by 50 percent for developments that provide at least half of the units exclusively for elderly persons.
2) Continue to reduce parking ratio for non-handicap units on-site by 20 percent.
As development
applications are received Reduced parking requirements by 20% for affordable housing project; ongoing Reduced or Waived Sewer
Capacity Fees
The City will make every reasonable effort to assist in the development of extremely low-, very low-, and low-income housing as well as housing for persons with special needs through programs identified in this Housing Element. When no other programs are feasible in the provision of such housing, the City will give favorable consideration to the following:
1) The City may approve sewer capacity fee waivers or reductions based upon the demonstration of financial need by a qualifying extremely low-, very low-, or low-income family or special needs person.
2) The City may eliminate or reduce sewer capacity fees based upon demonstration of financial need for the development of new senior housing projects between 2015–2023.
3) The City may eliminate or reduce sewer capacity fees based upon demonstration of financial need for the development of handicapped units between 2015–2023.
4) The City of Ridgecrest may reduce or waive the sewer capacity fees for lower-income, large-family units.
As development
applications are received Ongoing
Rehabilitation Program
The City shall regularly complete an application for rehabilitation funds to serve city residents. Currently, the City does not have resources to administer a rehabilitation program. If funding is received the City will initiate discussions with Kern County or other agencies or organizations that may be able to take on the administration of rehabilitation loans for residents of the city. In addition, the City will actively market the Kern County Rehabilitation Program during the planning period.
Apply for rehabilitation
funds every two years or
when funding
opportunities become
available
Consistently seeking for new funding sources
Fair Housing Services
Under the Community Development Block Grant Program, Kern County operates a Fair Housing Program under Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 aimed at combating illegal discrimination in housing.
• Education Activities – Provide brochures, posters, presentations to the public, poster/essay contest in the schools, public service announcements, community outreach activities.
• Investigation/Testing – Investigate the validity of a discrimination complaint. Mediation – Serve as a mediator and offer a resolution to the conflict between two parties. The program is not an enforcement agency, but an impartial third party.
• Coordination – Provide connecting links between groups, agencies, individuals, and private enterprises that are involved in fair housing that will enhance the delivery of fair housing services.
Information about the County’s Fair Housing Program will be disseminated throughout the community in a variety of ways. The City Clerk can provide referrals to the County program. Brochures and printed information regarding fair housing practices will be available for public distribution at City Hall. Educational activities and other services will be promoted on a regular basis in brochures at the library, community center, senior center, service clubs, schools, and businesses.
Ongoing Ongoing
Nonprofit Housing
Provider (such as Habitat
for Humanity)
Substandard units may be improved and/or new units constructed between 2015–2023 by various nonprofit organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.
Ongoing Ongoing
Energy Conservation
The City will continue to implement Title 24 of the California Code of Regulations on all new development and will continue to ensure that local building codes are consistent with state mandated or recommended green building standards. The City will also encourage the use of additional innovative energy conservation techniques such as active and passive solar systems, orientation, and project layout in an endeavor to further reduce dependence on outside energy sources. The City will make handouts and literature available to the public outlining measures that they can take to reduce energy use.
Provide handouts about
available programs at City
Hall by June 2016; ensure
consistency with state
green building standards
triennially when the
California Building Code
is adopted
Ongoing
Special Needs Housing
The City has a number of incentives to encourage the production of housing to meet the needs of special needs populations, such as the elderly and persons with physical and developmental disabilities.
These include density bonuses and modification of development standards. The City has provided incentives in the past to facilitate special needs housing. The Ridgecrest Senior Apartments project received reduced parking standards. As feasible, the City will support others’ applications for funding under state and federal programs designated specifically for special needs groups and other lowerincome households. The City may also provide assistance to applicants or organizations working to provide housing or services for special needs groups in Ridgecrest. The City of Ridgecrest may coordinate with Kern County and local nonprofit organizations to provide assistance and support to homeless persons. During the 2015–2023 planning period, the City may explore the feasibility of implementing a Hotel Voucher Program to assist homeless families and individuals in obtaining emergency shelter and/or transitional housing.
Assist or support
applications when
feasible 2015-2023;
evaluate whether a Hotel
Voucher Program will be
pursued by 2017; if
pursued implement by
2018
Ongoing
Update Zoning Ordinance
The Zoning Ordinance will be amended to allow group homes by right in residential zones for small group homes (six persons or fewer) and with a conditional use permit for large facilities (seven persons or more) consistent with state law.
The Zoning Ordinance will be amended to update the definition of “family” to remove any limit on number of persons consistent with state law.
The Zoning Ordinance will be amended to allow mobile homes of 10 years of age or less in all single-family zones.
The Zoning Ordinance will be amended to permit single-room occupancy (SRO) units subject to site plan review and without a conditional use permit in the R-2, R-3, and R-4 zones.
The City will, as required by SB 2, amend the Zoning Ordinance for transitional and supportive housing as residential uses in all zones allowing residential uses, subject only to those restrictions that apply to other residential uses of the same type in the same zone. The Zoning Ordinance will also be amended to include the following definitions related to transitional and supportive housing per Government Code Sections 65582(f), (g) and (h):
Within one year of
Housing Element adoption
for amendments to allow
transitional and
supportive housing;
December 2016 for other
portions
Adopted Accessory Dwelling Units Ordinance consistent with Govenrment Code Section 65852.150; adopted Ordinance for Temporary Employee Housing; ongoing review and update of municipal code to reflect current regulations.
Extremely Low Income
Households
Assembly Bill (AB) 2634 requires the quantification and analysis of existing and projected housing needs of extremely low-income households. To facilitate housing for extremely low-income persons, the City will prioritize funding and/or offer financial incentives or regulatory concessions to encourage the development or
rehabilitation of single-room occupancy units and/or other units affordable to the extremely low-income, such as supportive and multifamily units.
Assist or support
applications when
feasible 2015-2023;
evaluate whether a Hotel
Voucher Program will be
pursued by 2017; if
pursued implement by
2018
Ongoing
Employee Housing Act
Amend the City’s Zoning Ordinance to comply with the state Employee Housing Act (Health and Safety Code Sections 17021.5 and 17021.6) to treat employee housing for farm workers or other employees that serves six or fewer persons as a single-family structure and permitted in the same manner as other single-family structures of the same type in the same zone (Section 17021.5). The Zoning Ordinance will also be amended to treat employee housing consisting of no more than 12 units or 36 beds as an agricultural use and permitted in the same manner as other agricultural uses in the same zone in zones where agricultural uses are permitted (Section 17021.6).
Deccember 2016 The City intends to adopt Ordinances to reflect current regulations within 2022 Reasonable
Accommodation
In response to SB 520 and to ensure fair and efficient process for persons with disabilities to make necessary accessibility adjustments to their homes, the City is currently in the process of amending the Zoning Ordinance to create a reasonable accommodation procedure.
Amend zoning Ordinance
prior to or concurrent with
Housing Element adoption
The City intends to adopt Ordinances to reflect current regulations within 2022 Jurisdiction Ridgecrest ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Reporting Period 2021 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) Housing Element Implementation Planning Period 5th Cycle 12/31/2015 - 12/31/2023
Description of Commercial
Development Bonus
Commercial Development Bonus
Date Approved
3 4
APN Street Address Project Name+
Local Jurisdiction
Tracking ID+
Very Low
Income
Low
Income
Moderate
Income
Above Moderate
Income
Description of Commercial
Development Bonus
Commercial Development Bonus
Date Approved
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
Units Constructed as Part of Agreement
Commercial Development Bonus Approved pursuant to GC Section 65915.7 Table E
Note: "+" indicates an optional field
Project Identifier
1 2
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation
formulas
(CCR Title 25 §6202)
Annual Progress Report January 2020
Jurisdiction Ridgecrest ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Note: "+" indicates an optional field Reporting Period 2021 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) Housing Element Implementation Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas Planning Period 5th Cycle 12/31/2015 - 12/31/2023 (CCR Title 25 §6202) Extremely LowIncome+ Very Low-Income+
Low-Income+TOTAL UNITS+
Extremely LowIncome+Very LowIncome+
Low-Income+TOTAL UNITS+
Rehabilitation Activity
Preservation of Units At-Risk
Acquisition of Units
Mobilehome Park Preservation
Total Units by Income
Table F
Please note this table is optional: The jurisdiction can use this table to report units that have been substantially rehabilitated, converted from non-affordable to affordable by acquisition, and preserved, including mobilehome park preservation, consistent with the standards set forth in Government Code section 65583.1, subdivision (c). Please note, motel, hotel, hostel rooms or other structures that are converted from non-residential to residential units pursuant to Government Code section 65583.1(c)(1)(D) are considered net-new housing units and must be reported in Table A2 and not reported in Table F.
Activity Type
Units that Do Not Count Towards RHNA+
Listed for Informational Purposes Only
Units that Count Towards RHNA +
Note - Because the statutory requirements severely limit what can be counted, please contact HCD to receive the password that will enable you to populate these fields. The description should adequately document how each unit complies with subsection (c) of Government Code
Section 65583.1+
Units Rehabilitated, Preserved and Acquired for Alternative Adequate Sites pursuant to Government Code section 65583.1(c) Annual Progress Report January 2020
Jurisdiction Ridgecrest
Reporting Period 2021 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
Planning Period 5th Cycle 12/31/2015 - 12/31/2023 ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT Housing Element Implementation
2 3 4
APN Street Address Project Name+
Local Jurisdiction
Tracking ID+
Realistic Capacity
Identified in the
Housing Element
Entity to whom the site
transferred Intended Use for Site
081-293-07 1217 W. Boston
Avenue 1 Carlos Herrera SFR
081-332-36 1400 W. Boston
Avenue 1 Carlos Estrada SFR
419-042-10 401 W. Moyer 1 William J Gifford SFR
1 Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
Note: "+" indicates an optional field
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation
formulas
(CCR Title 25 §6202)
Table G
Locally Owned Lands Included in the Housing Element Sites Inventory that have been sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of Project Identifier
NOTE: This table must only be filled out if the housing element sites inventory contains a site which is or was owned by the reporting jurisdiction, and has been sold, leased, or otherwise disposed of during the reporting year.
Jurisdiction Ridgecrest
Reporting Period 2021
(Jan. 1 - Dec.
31)
1 2 3 4
APN Street Address/Intersection Existing Use Number of
Units
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below
Parcel Identifier
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Housing Element Implementation
(CCR Title 25 §6202)
Table H
Locally Owned Surplus Sites
Jurisdiction Ridgecrest
Reporting Year 2021 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
Planning Period 5th Cycle 12/31/2015 - 12/31/2023
Current Year
Deed Restricted 50
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 25
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 44
54 173
Units by Structure Type Entitled Permitted Completed
SFA 0 0 0
SFD 148 91 53
2 to 4 0 6 2
5 + 0 0 0
ADU 0 1 0
MH 0 0 0
Total 148 98 55
99 321
321
0 0
0 0
0 Very Low
Low
Moderate
Above Moderate
Units Constructed - SB 35 Streamlining Permits
Number of Streamlining Applications Approved
Total Developments Approved with Streamlining
Total Units Constructed with Streamlining
Total Housing Applications Submitted:
Number of Proposed Units in All Applications Received:
Total Housing Units Approved:
Total Housing Units Disapproved:
Total Units
Housing Applications Summary
Use of SB 35 Streamlining Provisions
Note: Units serving extremely low-income households are included in the very low-income permitted units totals Number of Applications for Streamlining
Building Permits Issued by Affordability Summary
Income Level
Income Rental Ownership Total
Very Low 0 0 0
Low 0 0 0
Moderate 0 0 0
Above Moderate 0 0 0
Total 0 0 0
Cells in grey contain auto-calculation formulas
Jurisdiction Ridgecrest
Reporting Year 2021 (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31)
Total Award Amount Total award amount is auto-populated based on amounts entered in rows 15-26.
Task $ Amount Awarded $ Cumulative Reimbursement
Requested
Other
Funding Notes
Engineering Design Standards $80,000.00 $0.00 Other
Housing Element $70,000.00 $0.00 None
Summary of entitlements, building permits, and certificates of occupancy (auto-populated from Table A2) Current Year
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
148
148
Current Year
Deed Restricted 50
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 25
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 44
54 173
Current Year
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 0
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed Restricted 17
38 55
Moderate
Above Moderate
Total Units
Completed Entitlement Issued by Affordability Summary
Income Level
Very Low
Low
Moderate
Above Moderate
Total Units
Building Permits Issued by Affordability Summary
Income Level
Very Low
Low
Total Units
Certificate of Occupancy Issued by Affordability Summary Income Level
Very Low
Low
Moderate
Above Moderate
ANNUAL ELEMENT PROGRESS REPORT
Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) Reporting
(CCR Title 25 §6202)
Please update the status of the proposed uses listed in the entity’s application for funding and the corresponding impact on housing within the region or jurisdiction, as applicable, categorized based on the eligible uses specified in Section 50515.02 or 50515.03, as applicable.
$ 150,000.00
Task Status
In Progress
In Progress
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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: Mar. 16, 2022
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