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
May 3, 2023
Regular Session 6:00 p.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers
100 100 West California Avenue
Ridgecrest CA 93555
Ricca Charlon, CMC
City Clerk
[email protected]
(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.
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.
CITY COUNCIL
Eric A. Bruen, Mayor
Solomon P. Rajaratnam, Mayor Pro-Tem
Kyle Blades, Vice Mayor
L. Scott Hayman, Council Member
John ‘Skip’ Gorman, Council Member
Ron Strand, City Manager
Keith Lemieux, City Attorney
Martin Koczanowicz, City Attorney
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RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
AGENDA
Wednesday, May 3, 2023 Regular Session – 6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
• Roll call
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
REGULAR SESSION
• Pledge Of Allegiance
• Invocation
PRESENTATION
1. Key To The City Bruen
2. Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast / National Day Of Prayer Proclamation Council
3. Police Week Proclamation Council
4. Chaplain Eddie Thomas’ Retirement Presentation Police Dept.
5. Ridgecrest Police Explorer Appreciation Awards -Stephen Lloyd, Kiana Lee, and Jimmy Song Police Dept.
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/DIRECTION
CONSENT CALENDAR – All Matters Listed Under The Consent Calendar Are To Be Considered Routine And Enacted By One Motion Unless Pulled By A Council Member Or A Member Of The Public.
6. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meetings Dated April 5, 2023 and April 19, 2023 Charlon
COMMITTEE REPORTS - Committee Meeting dates are subject to change and will be announced on the City website
Ridgecrest Area Convention and Visitor Bureau (RACVB)
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Megan McKenzie (staff)
Meeting: 4th Wednesday each month at 9:00 a.m.
Location: California Welcome Center
➢ Report from 4/26/23
AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – May 3, 2023
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 4/27/23
Economic Development Committee
Members: Kyle Blades and Solomon Rajaratnam
Meeting: 1st Monday of the month @ 5:15 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ Report from 5/1/23
Parks, Recreation, and Quality of Life Committee
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Skip Gorman
Meeting: 1st Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Kerr McGee Center Meeting Rooms
➢ Report from 5/2/23
City Organization and Services Committee (‘City Org’)
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Skip Gorman
Meeting: 1st Thursday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ Next meeting 5/04/23
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
➢ Next meeting 5/09/23
OTHER COMMITTEES, BOARDS, OR COMMISSIONS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
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A Proclamation of
The City of Ridgecrest, California
NATIONAL DAY OF PRAYER
MAY 4, 2023
WHEREAS, the morning of May 4, 2023 has been designated as the time for the National Prayer Breakfast, a yearly occasion when leaders of all faiths gather to combine their prayers to strengthen the spiritual base of our nation; and,
WHEREAS, the tradition of a National Prayer Breakfast was established in February 1952 in Washington, D.C., by both Houses of Congress, with the first Thursday in May established as a firm day for this event by President Reagan on May 5, 1988, and has been celebrated in the Indian Wells Valley since 1971; and,
WHEREAS, the Ridgecrest Kiwanis Club has planned a local observance of the National Prayer Breakfast at Desert Christian Center on the morning of Thursday May 4th; and, WHEREAS, this year our community and the whole nation face challenges that call for our most solemn and reverent concern, for deep wisdom and acute perception, and for renewed spiritual strength in our approach to these challenges; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Ridgecrest recognizes these challenges, the need for spiritual strength and the efficacy of the prayers of many faiths.
Now, Therefore, Be It Proclaimed, the Ridgecrest City Council does hereby proclaim that the City of Ridgecrest joins in the observance of the NATIONAL PRAYER DAY and MAYOR’S PRAYER BREAKFAST, the morning of Thursday, May 4, 2023 and urges all citizens to participate wholeheartedly in this event.
Proclaimed this 3rd Day of May, 2023
Eric A. Bruen
Mayor
Kyle Blades
Vice Mayor
Solomon P. Rajaratnam
Mayor Pro Tem
L. Scott Hayman
Council Member
John ‘Skip’ Gorman
Council Member
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A Proclamation of
The City of Ridgecrest, California
RIDGECREST HONORS NATIONAL POLICE WEEK
MAY 14-20, 2023
WHEREAS, the members of the Ridgecrest Police Department play an essential role in safeguarding the rights and freedoms of the City of Ridgecrest; and, WHEREAS, it is important that all citizens know and understand the duties, responsibilities, hazards, and sacrifices of their law enforcement agency, and that members of our law enforcement agency recognize their duty to serve the people of the community by safeguarding life and property, by protecting them against violence and disorder, and by protecting the innocent against deception and the weak against oppression; and, WHEREAS, the men and women of the Ridgecrest Police Department unceasingly provide a vital public service.
NOW, THEREFORE, The Ridgecrest City Council, does hereby proclaim May 14th through May 20th 2023, as “Police Week” in the City of Ridgecrest in honor of the law enforcement officers, past and present, who have rendered a dedicated service to the community, and do further proclaim May 15, 2023, as “Peace Officers’ Memorial Day” in honor of those law enforcement officers who through their courageous deeds, have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their community or have become disabled in the performance of duty.
Proclaimed this 3rd Day of May, 2023
Eric A. Bruen
Mayor
Kyle Blades
Vice Mayor
Solomon P. Rajaratnam
Mayor Pro Tem
L. Scott Hayman
Council Member
John ‘Skip’ Gorman
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 Meetings Dated April 5, 2023 & April 19, 2023
PRESENTED BY: Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
SUMMARY:
Draft Minutes of the City Council / Successor Redevelopment Agency / Housing Authority / Financing Authority Regular Meetings Dated April 5, 2023 & April 19, 2023 FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve minutes
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: May 3, 2023
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RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
DRAFT MINUTES
Wednesday, April 5, 2023 Regular Session – 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL – 6:00 p.m.
Council Present: Mayor Eric A. Bruen; Mayor Pro-Tem Solomon P. Rajaratnam; Vice Mayor Kyle Blades; Council Member Skip Gorman; Council Member L. Scott Hayman
Absent: None
Staff Present: City Attorney M. Koczanowicz; City Manager Strand; City Clerk Charlon; Captain Tucker; PW Director Reed; P & R Director Wegener; Finance Director Freese
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion To Approve Agenda As Amended to add need arose item 7.5 per the Attorney’s request - Rajaratnam - Blades 5 Ayes
NOTE: The vote is displayed in bold below each item. For example, Blades-Rajaratnam denotes Council Member Blades made the motion and Council Member Rajaratnam seconded the motion. Ayes, Noes, Absents, Abstentions follow.
REGULAR SESSION
PRESENTATION
1. National Public Safety Telecommunications Week - RPD Dispatchers – Samantha Aston, Amber Peterson, Diane Pudgorski, Joshua Rutherford, & Keslie Stivers Council
2. Police Life Saving Award Capt. Tucker
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA - T. Wiknich, M. Sinnott
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS/DIRECTION
Bruen - Community Cleanup April 15th
- Gave a Tribute to PACT Volunteer Francis Simpson who passed recently - Star Follies April 28/29, 2023
- May 4 leading Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast
Gorman – April is Autism Awareness Month – VX9 sponsoring a fundraiser April 15th to raise funds
CONSENT CALENDAR
3. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meeting Dated March 15, 2023 Charlon
4. Authorization For The City Manager, Ron Strand, To Sign The Notice Of Completion For The Replacement Of The Roofs On The Concession/Restroom Building Located At Leroy Jackson Sports Complex And The Replacement Of The Gazebo And Bathroom Building Roofs Located At Upjohn Park And For The City Clerk To File The Notice Of Completion And For City Staff To Release Retention In The Amount Of Three Thousand Two Hundred And Two Dollars ($3,202.00) To The Contractor, AV Roofing Within Thirty (30) Days After Recordation Of The Notice Of Completion Wegener
DRAFT MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – April 5, 2023
5. Proposed Approval Of Increased Appropriations To The Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Budget For Building Professional Services Reed
6. Resolution Authorizing Submission Of The Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Transportation Development Act Article 4 Claim To The Kern Council Of Governments Freese
7. A Declaration Of Equipment And Vehicles As Surplus According To The FY22 Adopted Budget Purchasing Policy And Resolution 22-41 Reed
Motion To Approve Consent Calendar Rajaratnam - Blades 5 Ayes
DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
7.5 New National Opioids Settlements: Teva Allergan, CVS, Walgreens, And Walmart And Status Update Regarding Previous Opioid Distributor And Jansen Settlement Agreements Attorney Attorney reviewed staff report
Motion To Approve Blades - Rajaratnam 5 Ayes
8. A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council To Appropriate A Portion Of The American Rescue Plan Act Funds To Add A Bathroom/Concession Building At The Leroy Jackson Sports Complex Softball Fields Wegener
Director Wegener reviewed staff report
Motion To Approve Hayman - Blades 5 Ayes
9. A Resolution Of The City Of Ridgecrest, California Adopting The 2023 Sewer System Management Plan Update; The Fats, Oils & Grease Best Management Practices Manual; & The Overflow Emergency Response Plan Reed
Director Reed reviewed staff report
Motion To Approve Rajaratnam - Hayman 5 Ayes
ORDINANCE
10. Introduction And First Reading Of An Ordinance Of The Ridgecrest City Council Amending The Ridgecrest Municipal Code Concerning An Extension Of Tentative Parcel Maps & Tentative Tract Maps Spurlock
Planner Spurlock reviewed staff report
Rajaratnam requested the following addition: (e)The approval or conditional approval of a tentative parcel map shall be for 24 months. Upon written application, a time extension not exceeding 24 months may be granted by the planning commission.
Motion To Introduce, By Title Only, with additional wording above Gorman - Blades 5 Ayes Motion To Waive Reading In Full with additional wording above Blades - Rajaratnam 5 Ayes
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Infrastructure Committee
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Kyle Blades
Meeting: 4th Thursday each month at 5:00 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ Report from 3/23/23 – Handicap ramps, complaints about Race, Franklin curb & gutter 85%, status updates on projects
DRAFT MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – April 5, 2023
Economic Development Committee
Members: Kyle Blades and Solomon Rajaratnam
Meeting: 1st Monday of the month @ 5:15 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ Report from 04/03/23 – ED map on website is updated, ICSC travel, Donations for summer reading challenge being taken by Kern County Library, Role of City in assisting businesses
Parks, Recreation, and Quality of Life Committee
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Skip Gorman
Meeting: 1st Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Kerr McGee Center Meeting Rooms
➢ Report from 04/04/23 – discussions regarding timelines on current projects City Organization and Services Committee (‘City Org’)
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Skip Gorman
Meeting: 1st Thursday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ Next meeting 04/06/23
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
➢ Next meeting 04/11/23
Ridgecrest Area Convention and Visitor Bureau (RACVB)
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Megan McKenzie (staff)
Meeting: 4th Wednesday each month at 9:00 a.m.
Location: California Welcome Center
➢ Report from 3/22/23 – Night on Balsam analytics shared, increase of billboard rentals, logo designs for billboards, film website recently updated
OTHER COMMITTEES, BOARDS, OR COMMISSIONS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
ACA1- 2024 ballot measure – California 2/3 vote for new/increased tax initiative from Howard Jarvis – oppose? Or how do we walk the line?
Possibility of City letter re: highway 395 dangers
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
Gorman – Highway 395 dangers
Bruen – Base traffic issues, Kern County flyer re: land fill annual cost increase
ADJOURNMENT
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RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
DRAFT MINUTES
Wednesday, April 19, 2023 Closed Session – 5:30 p.m.
Regular Session – 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL – 5:30 p.m.
Council Present: Mayor Eric A. Bruen; Mayor Pro-Tem Solomon P. Rajaratnam; Vice Mayor Kyle Blades; Council Member Skip Gorman; Council Member L. Scott Hayman
Absent: None
Staff Present: City Attorney M. Koczanowicz (WebEx); City Manager Strand; City Clerk Charlon; Captain Dampier; PW Director Reed
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Motion To Approve Agenda As Amended to delete item 1 - Hayman - Blades 5 Ayes NOTE: The vote is displayed in bold below each item. For example, Blades-Rajaratnam denotes Council Member Blades made the motion and Council Member Rajaratnam seconded the motion. Ayes, Noes, Absents, Abstentions follow.
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION - Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9 Subparts (a), (d)(2) and (e)(3). One case REGULAR SESSION – 6:30 p.m.
ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION – No reportable action
PRESENTATION
1. Citizen Appreciation – Jim Suver, RRH McLaughlin
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA - M. Sinnott
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS/DIRECTION
Bruen – 20th year celebration for Immanuel Childcare Facility, Chamber Star Follies April 28 & 29
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. 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(s):Battery Electric Van Replacement Purchase, $71,645 Smith Motion To Approve Consent Calendar - Rajaratnam - Hayman 5 Ayes
DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
3. Discussion Regarding The Board Of The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) Hayman
Public comment – M. Sinnott
DRAFT MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – April 19, 2023
4. A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest Authorizing The City Manager To Sign And File A Financial Assistance Application And Subsequent Agreements With The California State Water Resources Control Board For The Planning, Design And Construction Of The City Of Ridgecrest New Wastewater Treatment Plant Strand • City Manager reviewed staff report, short discussions followed Motion To Approve - Rajaratnam -Hayman 5 Ayes
ORDINANCE
5. Second Reading and Adoption, Ordinance 23-01, An Ordinance Of The Ridgecrest City Council Amending The Ridgecrest Municipal Code Concerning An Extension Of Tentative Parcel Maps & Tentative Tract Maps Spurlock
• City Planner reviewed staff report, short discussions followed • Rajaratnam suggested change to 2.e. “maybe granted by the planning commission with a total extension not to exceed 6 years”
Motion To Waive Reading In Full, with above addition, Ordinance 23-01 – Blades - Rajaratnam 5 Ayes Motion To Adopt, By Title Only, with above addition, Ordinance 23-01 – Blades - Hayman 5 Ayes
COMMITTEE REPORTS
City Organization and Services Committee (‘City Org’)
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Skip Gorman
Meeting: 1st Thursday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ Report from 04/06/23 – SB1383
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 04/11/23 – Sales tax, Measure V, TOT, & property tax revenues Ridgecrest Area Convention and Visitor Bureau (RACVB)
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Megan McKenzie (staff)
Meeting: 4th Wednesday each month at 9:00 a.m.
Location: California Welcome Center
➢ Next meeting 04/26/23
Infrastructure Committee
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Kyle Blades
Meeting: 4th Thursday each month at 5:00 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ Next meeting 4/27/23
DRAFT MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – April 19, 2023
Economic Development Committee
Members: Kyle Blades and Solomon Rajaratnam
Meeting: 1st Monday of the month @ 5:15 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ Next meeting 5/1/23
Parks, Recreation, and Quality of Life Committee
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Skip Gorman
Meeting: 1st Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Kerr McGee Center Meeting Rooms
➢ Next meeting 5/2/23
OTHER COMMITTEES, BOARDS, OR COMMISSIONS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
Gorman – Spoke about his weekend adventures in Death Valley Bruen – Welcomed new police officer, Andrew Solorzano, spoke to citizens in having smart habits to be safe in the community, spoke about his trip to Sacramento last week – visited with Groves & Fong, pool townhall #2 May 2nd @ QOL meeting, Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast/National Day of Prayer on May 4, 2023 to be held at DCC
ADJOURNMENT – 7:51 p.m.
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