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
April 3, 2024
Closed Session 5:30 p.m.
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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100 W. CALIFORNIA AVE. | RIDGECREST, CA 93555
Phone 760.499.5000 | Fax 760.499.1520
www.ridgecrest-ca.gov
NOTICE AND CALL OF A SPECIAL 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 SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION MEETING of the Ridgecrest City Council/Successor Redevelopment Agency/Housing Authority/Financing Authority is hereby called on:
Wednesday, April 3, 2024 @ 5:30 p.m.
City Council Chambers
100 W. California Avenue
Ridgecrest, California
Said SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION MEETING shall be for the purpose of:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNCIL:
Conference with Legal Counsel – Potential Litigation (GC § 54956.9) - One case Dated: March 27, 2024
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, April 3, 2024 Closed Session – 5:30 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 COUNCIL
Conference with Legal Counsel – Potential Litigation (GC § 54956.9) - One case
REGULAR SESSION
• Pledge Of Allegiance
• Invocation
ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
PRESENTATION
1. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR)
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.
2. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meeting Dated March 20, 2024 Charlon
3. A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest Authorizing The Update And Implementation Of The Ridgecrest Transit Title VI Plan For 2024 Smith
4. A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council To Deny The Base Bid As Submitted By All Contractors For The Emergency Response Crack Fill Project, Federal Project No. ER-5383(068) Reed
AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – April 3, 2024
DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS
5. A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council To Accept The Base Bid As Submitted By CLC Construction Inc. In The Amount Of Sixty-Six Thousand Five-Hundred And Forty Dollars And No Cents ($66,540.00) And Up To A Fifteen Percent (15%) Contingency In The Amount Of $9,981.00 And Authorize The City Manager, Ronald Strand, To Execute The Contract Wegener
ORDINANCE
6. Introduction And First Reading, An Ordinance Of The Ridgecrest City Council Amending The Ridgecrest Municipal Code Chapter 106 (Zoning) Regarding Residential Care Homes And Employee Housing And A Finding That The Amendment Of The Zoning Code Is Not Subject To Environmental Review Under CEQA Spurlock
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance Committee
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Scott Hayman
Meeting: 2nd Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1
st Floor
➢ Next meeting 4/9/24
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 04/24/24
Infrastructure Committee
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Kyle Blades
Meeting: 4th Thursday each month at 5:00 p.m.
Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1
st Floor
➢ Report from 03/28/24
Economic Development Committee
Members: Kyle Blades and Solomon Rajaratnam
Meeting: 1st Monday of the month @ 5:15 p.m.
Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1
st Floor
➢ Report from 04/01/24
Parks, Recreation, and Quality of Life Committee
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Skip Gorman
Meeting: 1
st Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ Report from 04/02/24
AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – April 3, 2024
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 04/04/24
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: Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meeting Dated March 20, 2024
PRESENTED BY: Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
SUMMARY:
Draft Minutes of the City Council / Successor Redevelopment Agency / Housing Authority / Financing Authority Regular Meeting Dated March 20, 2024 FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve minutes
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: April 3, 2024
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RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
DRAFT MINUTES
Wednesday, March 20, 2024 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.
ROLL CALL – 6:00 p.m.
Council Present: Mayor Eric A. Bruen; Mayor Pro-Tem Solomon P. Rajaratnam; Vice Mayor Kyle Blades; Council Member L. Scott Hayman
Absent: Council Member Skip Gorman
Staff Present: City Attorney M. Koczanowicz; City Manager Strand; Public Works Director Reed; City Clerk Charlon; Acting Chief Tucker; Parks & Rec Director Wegener APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Motion To Approve Agenda – Rajaratnam - Hayman - 4 Ayes; 1 Absent 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.
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA – B. McGowan; T. Dampier
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS/DIRECTION
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meeting Dated March 6, 2024 Charlon
2. Authorization For The City Manager To Execute The Notice Of Completion For The West Ward Ave. Street Rehabilitation And Sewer System Rehabilitation Project, Federal Project No.
STPL-5385(067); For The City Clerk To File The Notice Of Completion And City Staff To Release Retention In The Amount Of One-Hundred And Thirty-Two Thousand One-Hundred And Ninety Dollars And Thirty-Two Cents ($132,190.32) To Everlevel Holdings Within Thirty (30) Days After Recordation Reed
3. A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council Approving Additional Appropriations For Unbudgeted Revenue For The Total Amount Of $5,066.00 Reed
Motion To Approve Consent Calendar – Blades – Hayman 4 Ayes; 1 Absent
DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS
4. Discussion Regarding The Board Of The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) Hayman
DRAFT MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – March 20, 2024
5. A Resolution To Approve Professional Service Agreements With Willdan Engineering, (1) For The Bowman Channel Study, (2) Pinney Pool Inspection And Construction Management, (3) 2024 Measure V Paving, And (4) Design Services For Mahan Ave. And Authorize The City Manager, Ronald Strand, To Execute The Agreements Reed
Public Comment – None
Motion To Approve Item 5 projects 1, 3 & 4 – Blades – Hayman 4 Ayes; 1 Absent Motion To Approve Item 5 project 2 – Hayman – Blades 3 Ayes; 1 No (Rajaratnam); 1 Absent
PUBLIC HEARINGS
6. 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 2024-2025 Smith • Open Public hearing 7:05
• Review Staff report
• Receive comments - None
• Close Public hearing 7:07
Motion To Approve Item 6 – Blades – Rajaratnam 4 Ayes; 1 Absent
ORDINANCES
7. Second Reading And Adoption Of Ordinance 24-02, An Ordinance Of The Ridgecrest City Council Amending The Ridgecrest Municipal Code Concerning Accessory Structures Reed Spurlock
Public Comment - None
Motion To Waive Reading In Full Of Ordinance 24-02, An Ordinance Of The Ridgecrest City Council Amending The Ridgecrest Municipal Code Concerning Accessory Structures Blades - Rajaratnam 4 Ayes; 1 Absent
Motion To Adopt, By Title Only, Ordinance 24-02, An Ordinance Of The Ridgecrest City Council Amending The Ridgecrest Municipal Code Concerning Accessory Structures Blades - Hayman 4 Ayes; 1 Absent
8. Second Reading And Adoption Of Ordinance 24-03, An Ordinance Of The Ridgecrest City Council Amending The Ridgecrest Municipal Code Concerning R-4 Medium Density Multifamily Residential District Reed Spurlock
Public Comment - None
Motion To Waive Reading In Full Of Ordinance 24-03, An Ordinance Of The Ridgecrest City Council Amending The Ridgecrest Municipal Code Concerning R-4 Medium Density Multifamily Residential District – Blades - Rajaratnam 4 Ayes; 1 Absent
Motion To Adopt, By Title Only, Ordinance 24-03, An Ordinance Of The Ridgecrest City Council Amending The Ridgecrest Municipal Code Concerning R-4 Medium Density Multifamily Residential District – Blades - Hayman 4 Ayes; 1 Absent
DRAFT MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – March 20, 2024
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance Committee
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Scott Hayman
Meeting: 2nd Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall
➢ Report from 3/12/24
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 03/27/24
Infrastructure Committee
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Kyle Blades
Meeting: 4th Thursday each month at 5:00 p.m.
Location: City Hall
➢ Next meeting 03/28/24
Economic Development Committee
Members: Kyle Blades and Solomon Rajaratnam
Meeting: 1st Monday of the month @ 5:15 p.m.
Location: City Hall
➢ Next meeting 04/01/24
Parks, Recreation, and Quality of Life Committee
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Skip Gorman
Meeting: 1
st Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: Kerr McGee Center Meeting Rooms
➢ Next meeting 04/02/24
City Organization and Services Committee (‘City Org’)
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Skip Gorman
Meeting: 1
st Thursday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Conference Room B
➢ Next meeting 04/04/24
OTHER COMMITTEES, BOARDS, OR COMMISSIONS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT – 7:35 p.m.
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest Authorizing The Update And Implementation Of The Ridgecrest Transit Title VI Plan For 2024 PRESENTED BY: Christopher Smith, Transit Services Coordinator SUMMARY:
As a recipient of Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Funds, both Federal and State Grants and Funding, the Ridgecrest Transit is required to comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the implementing regulations which provide that no person in the United States shall, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be otherwise subject to discrimination under any program, activity or service that receives Federal financial assistance.
FTA in January of 2014, initiated a requirement that all agencies, whether you were a recipient or a sub-recipient of FTA Funds, must comply with Title VI and have a program in place by June 30, 2014 to continue to receive funding. Ridgecrest Transit as a sub-recipient to funds from Caltrans is required to ensure that its programs, policies, and activities comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) Title VI regulations. Ridgecrest Transit’s Title VI Plan must be updated every three years.
The proposed Title VI Plan is an update of the previous Title VI plan approved by Ridgecrest City Council on January 6th, 2021. Ridgecrest Transit has received zero Title VI complaints in the previous three years. Additionally, an assessment of factors related to limited English proficiency within the service area determined there was no need for fundamental changes made to the languages of the previously approved plan.
In addition, as Ridgecrest Transit is a sub-recipient of Caltrans for FTA funding; Caltrans must approve the final Title VI Plan document for the City of Ridgecrest to receive FTA transit funding.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Allows the City of Ridgecrest to continue receiving Federal transit funding.
ACTION REQUESTED:
A. Adopt A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest Authorizing The Update and Implementation Of The Ridgecrest Transit Title VI Plan For 2024 CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Submitted by: Christopher Smith, Transit Services Coordinator Action Date: April 3, 2024 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
RESOLUTION NO. 24 - Xx
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST
AUTHORIZING THE UPDATE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF THE
RIDGECREST TRANSIT TITLE VI PLAN FOR 2024
WHEREAS, the Ridgecrest Transit is a recipient of Federal funds and is required to meet federal regulatory requirements for Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, established by 49 CFR part 21.7; and
WHEREAS, the Ridgecrest Transit has or will provide all annual certifications and assurances to the Federal Transit Administration required for the Title VI Plan; and WHEREAS, the Ridgecrest Transit assures that no person or group of persons on the basis of race, color, or national origin, including limited English proficient persons are subjected to discrimination in the level and quality of transportation services, programs and activities provided, whether federally funded or not; and WHEREAS, the Ridgecrest Transit assures that all residents and visitors of the Eastern Kern County Area are afforded meaningful access to our programs, activities and services; and
WHEREAS, this Title VI must be updated every three years; and WHEREAS, the proposed Title VI Plan update includes provisions required for compliance with FTA Circular 4702.1B for a Title VI Plan 2017; and WHEREAS, Ridgecrest Transit is a sub-recipient of Caltrans for FTA funding; and WHEREAS, Caltrans must approve the final Title VI Plan 2024 document once approved by a Resolution from the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest to receive FTA funding.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest Authorizes the Adoption and Implementation of the Ridgecrest Transit Title VI Plan 2024.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 3rd day of April 2024 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Eric Bruen, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
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RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 1
TITLE VI PROGRAM
Adopted by Ridgecrest City Council:
Approved by Caltrans:
Prepared by: Ridgecrest Transit
100 W California Avenue, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
(760) 499-5041
Ridgecrest Transit
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 2
Title VI Program
Ridgecrest Transit
2024 CITY COUNCIL
Mayor: Eric Bruen, Ridgecrest City Council
Mayor Pro Tem: Solomon Rajaratnam, Ridgecrest City Council Vice Mayor Kyle Blades, Ridgecrest City Council
Scott Hayman, Ridgecrest City Council
Skip Gorman, Ridgecrest City Council
Transit Services Coordinator: Christopher Smith
Mission Statement: The mission of Ridgecrest Transit is to provide a safe, friendly and reliable transit experience to our community.
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 3
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RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 4
SECTION 1: RIDGECREST TRANSIT
TITLE VI PROGRAM POLICY AND COMPLAINT PROCEDURES
POLICY
Ridgecrest Transit is committed to ensuring that no person is excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or otherwise subjected to discrimination under any of its programs, activities, or services on the basis of race, color or national origin. All persons, regardless of their citizenship, are covered under this regulation. In addition, Ridgecrest Transit prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin in its employment and business opportunities.
Ridgecrest Transit will not condone retaliation against an individual for his/her involvement in asserting his/her rights pursuant to Title VI or because he/she filed a complaint or participated in an investigation under Title VI, and /or this regulation.
As a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) fund recipient, City of Ridgecrest Transit will ensure that its programs, policies and activities comply with the Department of Transportation (DOT) Title VI Regulations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Ridgecrest Transit will ensure that the level and quality of its transportation service is provided without regard to race, color or national origin.
Ridgecrest Transit will promote the full and fair participation of all affected populations in the transportation decisionmaking process.
Ridgecrest Transit will make good faith efforts to achieve environmental justice as part of its mission by identifying and addressing, as appropriate, disproportionately high and adverse human health or environmental effects of its programs, activities, and services on minority populations and low-income populations within Ridgecrest Transit’s service area as provided herein.
Ridgecrest Transit will ensure that Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals have access to Ridgecrest Transit’s programs, activities, and services.
The Ridgecrest Transit Title VI Policy will be posted on the agency website, within the administrative offices, within vehicles and at high demand stops throughout the system.
This Regulation shall be maintained in English and Spanish.
APPLICABILITY
This policy is applicable to all Ridgecrest Transit employees, members of the public and all contractors hired by Ridgecrest Transit.
Failure of a Ridgecrest Transit employee to follow this policy and procedure may subject such employee to disciplinary action up to and including employment termination.
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 5
DEFINITIONS
Adverse Effect means having a harmful or undesired effect.
Discrimination refers to any actor in action, whether intentional or unintentional, in any program or activity of a Federal aid recipient, sub recipient, or contractor that results in disparate treatment, disparate impact, or perpetuates the effects of prior discrimination based on race, color, or national origin.
DOT means Department of Transportation
FTA means Federal Transit Administration
Limited English Proficient (LEP) Persons are individuals for whom English is not their primary language and who have a limited ability to speak, understand, read, or write English. It includes people who reported to the U.S. Census that they do not speak English well or do not speak English at all.
Low-Income Population means any readily identifiable groups of low-income individuals who live in geographic proximity, and if circumstances warrant, geographically dispersed transient persons (such as migrant workers or Native Americans) who will be similarly affected by a proposed DOT program, policy, or activity.
Minority Individuals
1. American Indian and Alaska Native, which refers to people having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America), and who maintain tribal affiliation or community attachment.
2. Asian, which refers to people having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent.
3. Black or African American, which refers to people having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa.
4. Hispanic or Latino, which includes people of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin, regardless of race.
5. Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islanders, which refers to people having origins in any of the original people of Hawaii, Guam, Samoa, or other Pacific Islands.
National Origin means the particular nation in which a person was born, or where the person’s parents or ancestors were born.
Race means a group of people united or classified together on the basis of common history, nationality, or geographic distribution.
Recipient means one that has received or is receiving Federal financial assistance. The term includes sub recipients of a recipient and sub recipients in FTA State administered programs.
Retaliation Any adverse action taken against another individual because of his/her participation in the complaint, investigation, or hearing relating to this policy or the provision of federal or state law.
Vital Documents are documents that convey information that critically affects the ability of the customer to make informed decisions about his/her participation in the program (e.g., public notices, consent forms, complaint forms, eligibility rules, notices pertaining to the reduction, denial or termination of services or benefits, right to appeal, and notices in forming customers of the availability of free language assistance).
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 6
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES
Ridgecrest Transit will carry out its programs, activities, and services in compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Ridgecrest Transit or any of its employees will not, on the grounds of race, color, or national origin, exclude any person from participating in, deny the benefits of, or subject him/her to discrimination under any Ridgecrest Transit programs, services, or activities.
Neither Ridgecrest Transit nor any of its employees will not, on the grounds of race, color or national origin:
a) Provide any service, financial aid, or benefit that is different from that provided to others; b) Subject an individual to segregation or separate treatment; c) Restrict an individual in the enjoyment of any advantage or privilege enjoyed by others; d) Deny any individual service, financial aid, or benefits under any City of Ridgecrest Transit programs, services, or activities;
e) Treat individuals differently in terms of whether they satisfy admission or eligibility requirements; f) Deny an individual the opportunity to participate as a member of a planning or advisory body.
Ridgecrest Transit shall evaluate significant system-wide service and fare changes and proposed improvements at the planning and programming stages to determine whether these changes have a discriminatory impact on low-income and Limited English Proficiency individuals. This applies to major service changes that affect 25% of service hours of a route.
Ridgecrest Transit schedules an unmet Transit Needs Hearing Annually to ensure that all individuals are afforded an opportunity to participate in transportation decisions. It is noticed to the public 30 days prior to the hearing.
Ridgecrest Transit’s legal counsel will maintain a list (a minimum of four years inactive status) of any Title VI investigations, complaints, or lawsuits filed which allege Ridgecrest Transit discriminated against a person or group on the basis of race, color, or national origin. This list will include:
a) The date the investigation, complaint, or lawsuit was filed; b) A summary of the allegation(s);
c) The status of the investigation, complaint, or lawsuit; and d) Any actions or corrective actions taken by Ridgecrest Transit in response to the investigation, complaint or lawsuit.
Ridgecrest Transit will keep the public informed of the protections against discrimination afforded to them by Title VI and Ridgecrest Transit’s obligations under Title VI by posting a Title VI Policy Statement (Attachment A) and associated English and Spanish Complaint Forms, on Ridgecrest Transit’s website at http://ridgecrest-ca.gov, at the Ridgecrest Transit administrative offices, on all Ridgecrest Transit passenger vehicles and at Ridgecrest Transit bus stations.
Ridgecrest Transit will take responsible steps to ensure meaningful access to the benefits, services, information and other important portions of its programs, activities and services for individuals who are Limited English Proficient (LEP).
Ridgecrest Transit will provide information, upon request from FTA, in order to investigate complaints of discrimination, or to resolve concerns about possible noncompliance with Title VI.
Ridgecrest Transit will submit its Title VI Program to the FTA’s regional civil rights officer once every three years to ensure compliance with Title VI Requirements. Ridgecrest Transit will ensure that minority and low-income individuals have meaningful access to Ridgecrest Transit programs, activities and services.
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 7
ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE REQUIREMENTS
Ridgecrest Transit shall integrate an environmental justice analysis into its National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA) documentation of construction projects. Ridgecrest Transit is not required to conduct environmental justice analyses of projects where NEPA documentation is not required. Transit will consider preparing an environmental assessment (EA) or environmental impact statement (EIS) to integrate into its documents the following components:
a) A description of the low-income and minority population within the study area affected by the project, and a discussion of the method used to identify this population (e.g., analysis of Census data, direct observation, or a public involvement process);
b) A discussion of all adverse effects of the project both during and after construction that would affect the identified minority and low-income populations;
c) A discussion of all positive effects of the project that would affect the identified minority and low-income populations, such as improvements in Transit service, mobility, or accessibility; d) A description of all mitigation and environmental enhancement actions incorporated into the project to address the adverse effects, including, but not limited to, any special features of the relocation program that go beyond the requirements of the Uniform Relocation Act and address adverse community effects such as separation or cohesion issues; and the replacement of the community resources destroyed by the project; e) Discussion of the remaining effects, if any, and why further mitigation is not proposed; and f) For projects that traverse predominantly minority and low-income and predominantly non-minority and nonlow-income areas, a comparison of mitigation and environmental enhancement actions that affect predominantly low-income and minority areas with mitigation implemented in predominantly non-minority or non-low-income areas.
g) When a facility is being considered for construction, a Title VI equity analysis will be conducted during the planning stage regarding the location and a copy of the analysis will be provided.
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT (LEP) INDIVIDUALS AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS Ridgecrest Transit will seek out and consider the viewpoints of minority, low-income and Limited English Proficient (LEP) populations in the course of conducting public outreach and involvement activities. Ridgecrest Transit’s public participation strategy will offer early and continuous opportunities for the public to be involved in the identification of social, economic and environmental impacts of proposed transportation decisions.
Ridgecrest Transit will ensure that individuals have access to its programs, activities and services by developing and carrying out the language plan herein. Ridgecrest Transit will continually assess the language assistance needs of the population to be served.
Ridgecrest Transit will use the following four (4) factors to determine what measures must be undertaken to provide reasonable and meaningful access to LEP individuals.
a) Languages likely to be encountered and the number or proportion of LEP persons in the eligible service population likely to be affected by the program, activity, or service. b) Frequency with which LEP individuals come into contact with Ridgecrest Transit programs, activities, and services.
c) Importance of the program, activity, or service provided by Ridgecrest Transit to LEP individual’s lives. d) Resources needed to provide effective language assistance and resulting costs.
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 8
SUMMARY OF PUBLIC OUTREACH AND PUBLIC PARTICIPATION EFFORTS Fall 2021 – Information event at Randsburg Old West Days Fall 2021 – Participation in City of Ridgecrest Trunk or Treat Fall 2022 – Information event at Randsburg Old West Days Fall 2022 – Participation in City of Ridgecrest Trunk or Treat Fall 2022 – Information event at Petroglyph Festival
Spring 2023 – Information event at City of Ridgecrest Community Resource Fair Fall 2023 – Participation in City of Ridgecrest Trunk or Treat Fall 2023 – Information event at Petroglyph Festival
OUTREACH PLAN TO ENGAGE MINORITY POPULATIONS/LEP INDIVIDUALS Ridgecrest Transit staff have identified Spanish-speaking churches as the best opportunity to engage limited English proficient populations. Ridgecrest Transit staff will work with representatives from Immanuel Christian Church and Ridgecrest Apostolic Assembly to arrange outreach events. Ridgecrest Transit will utilize volunteers from the churches to help translate and disperse information. Presentations will focus on distributing info about the transit system, soliciting feedback about the role of transit in the community and encouraging participation in the transit planning process.
Please note that against our best efforts, the outreach plan stalled during the previous Title VI plan period due to lingering effects from the Covid-19 pandemic. Ridgecrest Transit remains optimistic that efforts during this plan period will see more success.
ORAL LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE
Ridgecrest Transit will make every effort to employ bilingual staff to provide Spanish-speaking interpretation at its administrative office and within its Customer Service for basic Transit questions and trip planning assistance.
SAFE HARBOR PROVISION
The City of Ridgecrest’s service area does not meet the 5%- or 1,000-persons threshold in terms of limited English proficient populations. However, in the interest of providing accessible service, the City of Ridgecrest will translate its written materials into Spanish.
MEMBERSHIP OF NON-ELECTED COMMITTEES AND COUNCILS
The City of Ridgecrest does not have a non-elected transit related advisory council at this time.
TITLE VI EQUITY ANALYSIS
The City of Ridgecrest did not build any new Transit-related facilities during the previous Title VI plan period.
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 9
COMPLAINTS/LAWSUITS AND APPEALS
How to File a Title VI Complaint with Ridgecrest Transit: Any person who believes that he/she, or as a member of any specific class of individuals, has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin with respect to Ridgecrest Transit programs, activities, services, or other Transit related benefits, may file a written Complaint with Ridgecrest Transit. A Complaint may be filed by the individual or by a representative. A Complaint must be filed within 180 days after the date of the alleged discrimination, but complainants are encouraged to submit complaints as soon as possible. Ridgecrest Transit will promptly investigate all Complaints filed under Title VI, pursuant to this Regulation.
Complaint must include the following information:
a) A Complaint must be in writing, signed, and dated by the Complainant or his/her representative before any action can be taken.
b) A Complaint shall state, as fully as possible, the facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged discrimination, including the name and address of the complainant, the date, time and location of the incident. The Complaint shall include a description of the program, activity or service on which the alleged discrimination occurred.
A Complaint Form (Attachment B) can be used to file a Title Vi complaint with Ridgecrest Transit. A Complaint Form will be made in an accessible format upon request. A Complaint Form can be obtained at:
a) Ridgecrest Transit’s website http://ridgecrest-ca.gov b) By calling Ridgecrest Transit at (760) 499-5041 a complaint form can be mailed. c) By picking up a complaint form at 100 W. California Ave. Ridgecrest CA. 93555 If the Complaint is received by anyone besides the Ridgecrest Transit’s Transit Services Coordinator, the individual in receipt of the Complaint shall forward it to the Transit Services Coordinator or his/her designee as soon as practical but no later than two (2) business days of receipt. The Transit Services Coordinator shall immediately provide a copy of the Complaint to the Ridgecrest City Council regarding the program, activity or service that is identified as being out of compliance.
Procedures for Investigating Complaints
The Transit Services Coordinator or his/her designee shall promptly investigate the alleged complaint and shall prepare a written response as soon as practicable, but no later than ten (10) business days of his/her receipt of the complaint.
The Transit Services Coordinator or his/her designee may consult with appropriate staff in the preparation of his/her response to the complaint.
Efforts to Contact Complainant
The Transit Services Coordinator or his/her designee shall make every effort to speak (meeting or telephone conversation) with the complainant, at which time the complainant may give written or oral evidence supporting the allegation that his/her rights under Title VI have been violated. The Transit Services Coordinator or his/her designee shall review and consider all the information provided by the complainant, if any, and any other evidence available regarding the allegations of the Complaint. The Transit Services Coordinator or his/her designee shall prepare a written report of his/her findings and if corrective action is required, a time table for the completion of such action.
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 10
Completion of Investigation
As soon as it is practicable, but no later than twenty (20) business days following receipt of the initial Complaint, the Transit Services Coordinator or his/her designee shall inform the complainant of his/her findings and any corrective action to be taken as a result of the Complaint together with the timetable for completion of such action.
Appeal to Chair
If the complainant is not satisfied with the findings and/or action of City of Ridgecrest’s Transit Services Coordinator or his/her designee, then the complainant may file his/her Complaint with the City of Ridgecrest’s Council or with the FTA’s Office of Civil Rights.
Appeal Process
If the complainant chooses to file his/her Complaint with the City of Ridgecrest’s Council, then the Complaint and any supporting documentation should be submitted within five (5) business days of his/her receipt of the results of the Transit Services Coordinator’s investigation with the City of Ridgecrest’s Council. Provide your request to Transit Services Coordinator at Ridgecrest Transit facility. Upon review of the file, the City of Ridgecrest’s Council shall notify the complainant of what actions, if any, will be taken as a result of the review by the Chair within ten (10) business days of the Chair’s notification that the complainant is not satisfied with the results of the Transit Services Coordinator’s investigation. The decision of the City of Ridgecrest’s Council shall be final.
Timeline Waiver
The Transit Services Coordinator upon a showing of good cause may extend any timeline set forth herein.
How to File a Title VI Complaint with the FTA Office of Civil Rights Any person who believes that he/she or as a member of any specific class of individuals, has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color, or national origin with respect to Ridgecrest Transit’s programs, activities, or services, or other Transit related benefits, may file a written Complaint with the FTA. A Complaint may be filed by the individual or by a representative. A Complaint must be filed within 180 days after the date of the alleged discrimination.
FTA will promptly investigate all complaints filed under Title VI in accordance with DOT regulations 49 CFR 21.11(b) and
21.11(c).
FTA Civil Rights Office Address:
Federal Transit Administration Office of Civil Rights Attn: Title VI Program Coordinator East Building, 5th Floor–TCR
1200 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Washington, DC 20590
TTY: 1-800-877-8339
Voice:1-866-377-8642
[email protected]
A Complaint must include the following information:
A. A Complaint must be in writing and signed and dated by the complainant or his/her representative before any action can be taken. In cases where a Complainant is unable or incapable of providing a written statement, but wishes FTA or DOT to investigate alleged discrimination, a verbal Complaint of discrimination may be made to the FTA Director, Office of Civil Rights. If necessary, the Civil Rights Official will assist the person in converting RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 11
the verbal Complaint in to writing. All complaints must, however, be signed by the complainant or his/her representative.
B. A Complaint shall state, as fully as possible, the facts and circumstances surrounding the alleged discrimination, including the date, time and location of the incident. The Complaint shall include a description of the program, activity or service on which the alleged discrimination occurred.
Complaint Acceptance
Once a Complaint has been accepted, FTA will notify Ridgecrest Transit that it has been subject to a Title VI Complaint and ask Ridgecrest Transit to respond in writing to the Complainant’s allegations. Once the complainant agrees to release the Complaint to Ridgecrest Transit, FTA will provide Ridgecrest Transit with the Complaint. FTA may choose to close a Complaint if the Complainant does not agree to release the Complaint to Ridgecrest Transit. FTA strives to complete a Title VI Complaint investigation within 180 days of the acceptance date of a Complaint.
Investigations
FTA will make a prompt investigation whenever a compliance review, report, Complaint or any other information indicates a possible failure to comply with Title VI Regulations. FTA’s investigation will include a review of the pertinent practices and policies of Ridgecrest Transit, the circumstances under which the possible noncompliance occurred, and other factors relevant to a determination as to whether Ridgecrest Transit has failed to comply with Title VI regulations.
Following the investigation, FTA’s Office of Civil Rights will transmit to the complainant and Ridgecrest Transit one of the following three letters based on its finding:
a) Letter of Resolution: explains the steps that Ridgecrest Transit has taken or promises to take to come in to compliance with Title VI.
b) Letter of Finding (Compliance): explains that Ridgecrest Transit is found to be in Compliance with Title VI. This letter will include an explanation of why Ridgecrest Transit was found to be incompliance, and provide notification of the Complainant’s appeal rights.
c) Letter of Finding (Noncompliance): which explains that Ridgecrest Transit is found to be in noncompliance. This letter will include each violation referenced, the applicable regulations, a brief description of proposed remedies, notice of the time limit on the conciliation process, the consequences for failure to achieve voluntary compliance, and an offer of assistance to the of Ridgecrest Transit in devising a remedial plan for compliance.
Appeals Process
The letters of finding and resolution will offer the complainant and the Ridgecrest Transit the opportunity to provide additional information that would lead FTA to reconsider its conclusions. FTA requests that the parties in the Complaint provide this additional information within 60 days of the date of the FTA letter of finding. FTA’s Office of Civil Rights will respond to an appeal either by issuing a revised letter of resolution or finding to the appealing party, or by informing the appealing party that the original letter of resolution or finding remains in force.
DEFICIENCIES WITH TITLE VI COMPLIANCE
Compliance Reviews will be conducted periodically by FTA, as part of its ongoing responsibility pursuant to its authority under 49 CFR 21.11(a).
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 12
If FTA determines that Ridgecrest Transit is in noncompliance with Title VI, it will transmit a Letter of Finding that describes FTA’s determination and request that Ridgecrest Transit voluntarily take corrective actions (which FTA deems necessary and appropriate).
Ridgecrest Transit will submit a remedial action plan including a list of planned corrective actions and, if necessary, sufficient reasons and justification for FTA to reconsider any of its findings or recommendations within 30 days of receipt of FTA’s Letter of Finding.
ADMINISTRATION OF REGULATION
Ridgecrest Transit will integrate the provisions within its Title VI Program into all programs, activities, and services provided by Ridgecrest Transit.
Ridgecrest Transit will integrate the Title VI Program into its policies and procedures.
SECTION 2: LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LEP) PLAN
INTRODUCTION
This Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Plan has been prepared to address the Ridgecrest Transit’s responsibilities as a recipient of federal financial assistance as they relate to the needs of individuals with limited English language skills. The plan has been prepared in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; Federal Transit Administration Circular 4702.1A dated May 13, 2007, which states that no person shall be subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin.
Executive Order 13166, titled Improving Access to Services for Persons with Limited English Proficiency, indicates that differential treatment based upon a person’s inability to speak, read, write or understands English is a type of national origin discrimination. It directs each federal agency to publish guidance for its respective recipients clarifying their obligation to ensure that such discrimination does not take place. This order applies to all state and local agencies, which receive federal funds.
PLAN SUMMARY
The Ridgecrest Transit is the public Transit operator for the Eastern Kern County area and has developed this LEP Plan to help identify reasonable steps for providing language assistance to persons with limited English proficiency who wish to access services provided by Ridgecrest Transit. As defined in Executive Order 13166, LEP persons are those who do not speak English as their primary language and have limited ability to read, speak, write or understand English.
This plan outlines how to identify a person who may need language assistance, the ways in which assistance may be provided, training of staff that may be required, and how to notify LEP persons that assistance is available.
In order to prepare this plan, Ridgecrest Transit undertook the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) four-factor LEP analysis, which considers the following factors:
1. The number or proportion of LEP persons in the service area who may be served or are likely to encounter Ridgecrest Transit program, activity or service.
2. The frequency with which LEP persons come in contact with City of Ridgecrest Transit programs, activities or services.
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 13
3. The nature and importance of programs, activities or services provided by Ridgecrest Transit to the LEP population.
4. The resources available to Ridgecrest Transit and overall costs to provide LEP assistance.
A summary of the results of the Ridgecrest Transit four-factor analysis is in the following section.
Four-Factor Analysis
1. The number or proportion of LEP persons in the service area who may be served or are likely to encounter the Ridgecrest Transit, activity or service.
The Ridgecrest Transit staff reviewed the 2020 American Community Survey Report and determined that 2803 persons in the City of Ridgecrest [14% of the population] speak a language other than English. In the City of Ridgecrest 1,232 persons [4.7%] indicate having limited English proficiency, that is, they speak English “not very well”.
In the City of Ridgecrest, of those persons with limited English proficiency, 851 (3.23% of the total population) speak Spanish; 311 speak Asian and Pacific Island languages (1.18% of the total population) and 70 speak other Indo-European languages (0.26% of the population)
2. The frequency with which LEP persons come in contact with Ridgecrest Transit programs, activities or services.
The Ridgecrest Transit assessed the frequency with which staff and drivers have, or could have, contact with LEP persons. This includes documenting phone inquiries and surveying vehicle operators for requests for interpreters and translated documents. To date, the most frequent contact between LEP persons is with bus drivers and administrative staff. Administrative staff took approximately five calls over a six (6) month survey period, with typical calls being:
General service calls (5).
What is notable, in this instance, is that dispatch staff indicates taking five similar calls during the same survey period.
Based on this information, the Ridgecrest Transit will continue to incorporate bilingual staff as much as practicable, work with local community service agencies identified as having high LEP person traffic and ensure that language assistance information is posted in high volume areas, such as; buses, website and administrative offices.
3. The nature and importance of programs, activities or services provided by the Ridgecrest Transit to the LEP population.
The largest geographic concentration of LEP individuals in the Ridgecrest Transit service area is Spanish. Services provided by Ridgecrest Transit that are most likely to encounter LEP individuals are the demand response system, which serves the general public.
It is also likely that the Ridgecrest Transit will encounter LEP individuals at the City of Ridgecrest Transit offices where passes are sold, at community outreach events and posters are displayed relating to Transit events.
4. The resources available to Ridgecrest Transit and overall costs to provide LEP assistance.
Ridgecrest Transit assessed its available resources that could be used for providing LEP assistance, including determining the cost of a professional interpreter and translation service on an as needed basis and which of its documents would be the most valuable to be translated if the need should arise. In addition, Ridgecrest Transit took an inventory of available organizations that could be collaborated with for outreach and translation efforts. The number of staff and vehicle operating training that might be needed was also considered. Based on the four-factor analysis, the Ridgecrest Transit developed its LEP Plan as outlined in the following section.
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 14
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY (LEP) PLAN OUTLINE
How Ridgecrest Transit and staff have identified an LEP person who needs language assistance:
1. Examine records to see if requests for language assistance have been received in the past, either at meetings or over the phone, to determine whether language assistance might be needed at future events or meetings.
2. Have a staff person greet participants as they arrive to the Ridgecrest Transit sponsored events. By informally engaging participants in conversation, it is possible to gauge each attendee’s ability to speak and understand English.
3. Have Census Bureau Language Identification Flashcards available at the Ridgecrest Transit meetings. This will assist the Ridgecrest Transit in identifying language assistance needs for future events and meetings.
4. Have Census Bureau Language Identification Flashcards on all Transit vehicles to assist vehicle operators in identifying specific language assistance needs of passengers. If such individuals are encountered, vehicle operators will be instructed to try to obtain contact information to give to the Ridgecrest Transit management for follow-up.
5. Vehicle operators and other front-line staff, like dispatchers and service development planners, will be surveyed on their experience concerning any contacts with LEP persons during the previous year.
LANGUAGE ASSISTANCE MEASURES
There are numerous language assistance measures available to LEP persons, including both oral and written language services. There are also various ways in which the Ridgecrest Transit staff responds to LEP persons, whether in person, by telephone or in writing.
Provide bilingual staffing to provide Spanish-speaking interpretation at its Administrative offices and within its Customer Service Transit questions and trip planning;
Network with local human service organizations that provide services to LEP individuals and seek opportunities to provide information on the Ridgecrest Transit programs and services; Placement of statements in notices and publications that interpreter services are available for these meetings, with seven (7) day advance notice;
Survey bus drivers and other front-line staff, like dispatchers and service development planners, annually on their experience concerning any contacts with LEP persons during the previous year; Provide Language Identification Flashcards at the Transit Center, on board the Ridgecrest Transit fleet, in Road Supervisor vehicles and at Transit systems administrative offices; Post the Ridgecrest Transit Title VI Program and LEP Plan on the agency website, https://ridgecrest-ca.gov and at the administrative offices;
Provide local travel training to LEP persons with the assistance of bilingual staff; Include language “Spanish a plus” on bus driver recruitment flyers and onboard recruitment posters; When an interpreter is needed, for a language other than Spanish, in person or on the telephone, staff will utilize a professional interpreter services.
STAFF TRAINING
The following training has been provided to the Ridgecrest Transit staff:
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 15
1. Information on the Ridgecrest Transit Title VI Procedures and LEP responsibilities;
2. Description of language assistance services offered to the public;
3. Use of Language Identification Flashcards (used to identify language preference);
4. Documentation of language assistance requests;
5. Use of professional interpreter services (over the phone interpretation provider);
6. How to handle a potential Title VI/LEP complaint.
OUTREACH TECHNIQUES
In order to ensure that LEP individuals are aware of the Ridgecrest Transit’s language assistance measures, the Ridgecrest Transit provides the following: Local schedules include Spanish translation; Spanish language contact information, phone and email, is posted on the Ridgecrest Transit website home page; Interpreter services provided via phone.
Additionally, when staff prepares a document or schedules a meeting, for which the target audience is expected to include LEP individuals, then documents, meeting notices, flyers, and agendas will be printed and posted in an alternative language based on the known LEP population. These notices will be posted in the following locations:
Ridgecrest Transit Administrative offices; Ridgecrest Transit buses and vans; Ridgecrest Transit website.
Such notices may also be posted or announced with local stakeholders, community centers and effected route major transfer points. Interpreters will be available as needed.
MONITORING AND UPDATING THE LEP PLAN
The Ridgecrest Transit will update the LEP plan as required by U.S. DOT. At a minimum, the plan will be reviewed and updated every three (3) years in conjunction with the Title VI submission, or when data from the 2020 U.S.
Census is available, or when it is clear that higher concentrations of LEP individuals are present in the Ridgecrest Transit service area. Updates will include the following:
The number of documented LEP person contacts encountered annually; How the needs of LEP persons have been addressed;
Determination of the current LEP population in the service area; Determination as to whether the need for translation services has changed; Determine whether local language assistance programs have been effective and sufficient to meet the need; Determine whether the Ridgecrest Transit financial resources are sufficient to fund language assistance resources needed;
Determine whether the Ridgecrest Transit has fully complied with the goals of this LEP Plan; Determine whether complaints have been received concerning the Ridgecrest Transit’s failure to meet the needs of LEP individuals.
DISSEMINATION OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST TRANSIT LEP PLAN A link to the Ridgecrest Transit LEP Plan and the Title VI Program is included on the Ridgecrest Transit website at https://ridgecrest-ca.gov
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 16
Any person or agency with internet access will be able to access and download the plan from the Ridgecrest Transit website. Alternatively, any person or agency may request a copy of the plan via telephone, mail, or in person and shall be provided a copy of the plan at no cost. LEP individuals may request copies of the plan in translation, which the Ridgecrest Transit will provide, if feasible.
Questions or comments regarding the LEP Plan may be submitted to the City of Ridgecrest Transit Services Coordinator:
Ridgecrest Transit
Transit Services Coordinator
100 W. California Avenue
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Phone: 760-499-5041
Email: [email protected]
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 17
Notice
Notifying the Public of Rights Under Title VI
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 18
Notice of Title VI is posted as follows:
Information boards throughout City Hall building, 100 W. California Ave, Ridgecrest, CA.93555 Dispatch office, 636 W Ridgecrest Blvd., Ridgecrest, CA.93555 On all buses
On all bus benches and/or bus shelters
On City Website, https//ridgecrest-ca.gov
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 19
Attachment A
POLICY STATEMENT
The Ridgecrest Transit is committed to providing public transportation in an environment that is free from discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin. The City of Ridgecrest Transit operates its programs, activities and services without regard to race, color or national origin.
As a Federal Transit Administration (FTA) fund recipient, City of Ridgecrest Transit will ensure that its programs, policies and activities comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, and Department of Transportation regulations.
Any person, who believes that he/she, has been subjected to discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin, with respect to Ridgecrest Transit programs, activities, services, or other Transit related benefits, may file a Title VI complaint. Complaints must be filed in writing and signed by the complainant, or are presentative, and should include the complainants name, address, and telephone number or other means by which the complainant can be contacted. Complaints must be filed within180 days of the date of the alleged discriminatory act.
To request additional information on Ridgecrest Transit’s non-discrimination obligations or to file a Title VI Complaint, please submit your request or complaint in writing to:
Ridgecrest Transit
Attn: Transit Services Coordinator
100 W. California Avenue
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Complaint Forms can also be obtained at https//ridgecrest-ca.gov Federal Transit Administration (FTA) Title VI complaints maybe filed directly to:
Federal Transit Administration Office of Civil Rights
Title VI Program Coordinator
East Building, 5th Floor–TCR
1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE
Washington, DC 20590
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 20
Attachment B Ridgecrest Transit
TITLE VI DISCRIMINATION COMPLAINT FORM
100 W California Avenue, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Complainant’s Name: ____________________________________________________________________ Street Address: _________________________________________________________________________ City/State/Zip: __________________________________________________________________________ Phone: ________________________ E-Mail Address: ___________________________________________ Date of Violation: _______________ Time of Violation: _________________________________________ Date of Complaint: ______________ Place of Violation: _________________________________________ Bus Number: ___________________ Bus Route: _______________________________________________ Discrimination because of: □ Race □ Color □ NaƟonal Origin Please provide the name(s) of the Ridgecrest Transit employees who allegedly discriminated against you, including their job titles (if known). __________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Identify what Ridgecrest Transit service, program, or activity did not comply with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. _____________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Identify individuals by name, address and phone number that has information relating to the violation. ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Explain as clearly as possible what happened, how you feel you were discriminated against and who was involved. Please include how other individuals were treated differently from you. ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of Complainant: _______________________________________ Date: _____________________ RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 21
Attachment B Spanish Ridgecrest Transit
FORMULARIO DE QUEJA POR DISCRIMINACIÓN CONFORME
ALTÍTULOVI
100 W California Avenue, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Nombre del quepresenta la queja: _____________________________________________________________ Dirección (calle): ____________________________________________________________________________ Ciudad/Estado/Código postal: _________________________________________________________________ Teléfono: ______________________________ Correo electrónico: ___________________________________ Fecha del incidente: _____________________ Hora del incidente: ___________________________________ Fecha de laqueja: _______________________ Lugar del incidente: ___________________________________ Número del bus: ________________________ Ruta del bus: ________________________________________ Causa de la discriminación: □ Raza □ Color □ Origen nacional Sírvase suministrar el/losnombre(s) de los empleados de Ridgecrest Transitque supuestamente le discriminaron, inclusive los cargos que ocupan (si sesaben). ________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Identifique cuál servicio programao actividadde Ridgecrest Transit no cumplió con el Título VI del Acta de Derechos Civiles de 1964. ____________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Proporcione los nombres, direcciones y números de teléfono de los individuosque poseen información relacionada con el incidente. __________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Expliquelo másclara mente possible loqueo currió, cómo usted siente quele discriminaron y quién estuvo involucrado. Por favor incluya cómo otras personas fueron tratadas de manera diferente a usted. __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________________ Firma del que presenta la queja: __________________________________ Fecha: _____________________ RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 22
Attachment C
LIST OF TRANSIT-RELATED TITLE VI INVESTIGATIONS, COMPLAINTS, AND LAWSUITS (GENERAL REQUIREMENT) Ridgecrest Transit does not have any past, current or pending Title VI complaints RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 23
Attachment D
RIDGECREST TRANSIT FARE AND SERVICE CHANGE PUBLIC NOTIFICATION POLICY
Ridgecrest Transit shall maintain an open and participative process including the consideration of public comment before a fare increase or major service reduction. Public input is solicited while proposals are under consideration. Customers are notified before the implementation of any major service changes or fare increases.
It is the intent of Ridgecrest Transit to comply with the Federal Public Comment on Service change and Fare change policy cited in Federal Transit Administration Section C. 9030.1C.
DEFINITION
For the purpose of the FTAC. 9030.1C comment requirement, Ridgecrest Transit’s definition of a service change is as follows:
Service Change: A change in service area equal to more than 25% total system square mile service area.
Fare Change: A change of any amount compared to existing fare.
PROCEDURES
In order to insure maximum opportunity for community input and involvement in the decision-making process, Ridgecrest Transit adheres to the following:
1. Provide at thirty (30) day advance notice of a public hearing to consider the proposal in appropriate local and/regional publications as appropriate;
2. Provide customer information regarding the fare change and service reduction proposal and process for public comment on board service vehicles;
3. Before finalizing recommendations, the Ridgecrest Transit staff will review proposed fare changes and/or reductions in service and the merits of such proposals with the City of Ridgecrest Council and the Kern Council of Government (Kern COG);
4. Conduct at least one (1) formal public hearing to solicit public input and consider recommendations to the proposed service changes. The hearing includes a staff presentation of proposed service changes and the opportunity for testimony from any interested individual in attendance. Minutes of the hearing are recorded;
5. Following the conclusion of the Public Hearing, the City of Ridgecrest Council will consider both the staff recommendations and the public comment and make the final decision regarding the service change by a simple majority vote. The effective date of any fare or service change shall be at least sixty (60) days after the date noticing the public hearing.
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 24
Attachment E
RIDGECREST TRANSIT SYSTEM PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Ridgecrest Transit currently reports the following Transit Development Act (TDA) mandated Key Performance Measures:
Passenger Fares
Operating Expenses
Farebox Recovery Ratio (FBR)
Operating Cost/Passenger
Operating Cost/Revenue Hour
Operating Cost/Revenue Mile
Passenger Trips/Revenue Hour
Road Calls
Average Fare Per Passenger
Employees/Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)
VEHICLE LOAD STANDARDS BY MODE
The average of all loads during the peak operating period should not exceed vehicles’ achievable capacities, which are 21 passengers for a 25-footcut-away bus, 30 passengers for a 30-footcut-away bus, with 2 wheelchair areas on each bus.
VEHICLE LOAD STANDARDS BY MODE
Average Passenger Capacities
Vehicle Type Seated Standing Total Maximum
Load
Factor
25’ Cut-away 14 7 21 1.5
30’ Cut-away 20 10 30 1.5
30’ Cut-away
22 11 33 1.5
21’ Transit Van
9 0 9 1.0
HEADWAYS AND PERIODS OF OPERATION
Local
Local Service is provided as a Dial-a-Ride service from 6:30 am to 5 pm Monday through Friday. The service area is the City of Ridgecrest.
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 25
Commuter
Service is provided between City of Ridgecrest and surrounding County areas under contract with Kern County Regional Authority. Service area includes Inyokern, Johannesburg, Randsburg and all surrounding County areas. Service operates as a deviated fixed route for Inyokern that is operated three times per weekday, Monday through Friday, at 6:45 am, 10:45 am and 3:15 pm. Service for Johannesburg and Randsburg is provided as a Dial-a-Ride service on Fridays only with a trip at 9 am and a trip at 2 pm.
Routing and scheduling involve the consideration of a number of factors including ridership productivity, transit/pedestrian friendly streets, density of transit-dependent population and activities, relationship to the Regional Transportation Plan, relationship to major transportation developments, land use connectivity, and transportation demand management.
WEEKDAY PEAK BASE EVENING
Local (06:30 am -
5:00 pm)
Dial-a-Ride, request
only
Dial-a-Ride, request
only
N/A
Inyokern (6:45 am,
10:45 am and 3:15
pm)
Route is run three times
daily
Route is run three times
daily
N/A
Commuter
[Randsburg]
(Fridays only
9:00 am and
2:00 pm)
Dial-a-Ride, request
only
Dial-a-Ride, request
only
N/A
ON-TIME PERFORMANCE STANDARDS
Local: Ninety-five (95%) percent of all deviated fixed-route trips should be operated “on-time”, defined as not early, and no more than fifteen (15) minutes late in comparison to the established time.
Commuter: Ninety-five (95%) percent of all trips should be operated “on-time”, defined as not early, and no more than five (5) minutes late in comparison to the established request times.
Local Fixed Route (Deviated): 95%
Commuter/Demand Response: 95%
RIDGECREST TRANSIT – TITLE VI PROGRAM 26
SERVICE AVAILABILITY
It is the goal to provide Transit service to residential areas, major medical, shopping, government, employment centers, and activity centers that can support those route services. The local route system has been designed such that 85 percent of the population cluster areas is within one-fourth (1/4) mile of the service area of a deviated fixed route.
Vehicle Assignment
All vehicles within the Ridgecrest Transit fleet are lift-equipped, have bicycle racks and heat/air conditioning. Vehicles are assigned based on operating characteristics of the routes. Local routes typically operate 30-foot cutaway buses while our Commuter/Demand Response service typically operates 25-foot cut-away buses as to cut operating cost.
We operate five buses daily of a ten-bus fleet and rotate in other vehicles approximately every 45 days as PM’s are performed as to try to keep mileage level across the fleet.
Transit Amenities (Bus Shelters/Seating, Informational Signs, Digital Equipment, Escalators/Elevators, Waste Receptacles)
Installation of Transit amenities are based on passenger boarding’s along the routes. Typically, for local or commuter routes; amenities should be installed where passenger boarding’s number 5 or more persons (benches) and 10 or more persons (shelters).
Ridgecrest Transit staff will begin exploring information sign opportunities to provide more information throughout the route. This will include route maps/schedules to be installed on all bus shelters and bus stop signs being updated to include the stop times for that stop.
Currently, Ridgecrest Transit uses driver call outs and printed route map schedules in lieu of digital equipment such as Audio-Visual Annunciators due to cost. Transit staff will work to identify funding opportunities to modernize and upgrade to this equipment.
The geography of the City of Ridgecrest precludes the necessity of utilizing elevators or escalators at any of its bus stops.
Ridgecrest City Hall does include an elevator to provide an accessible path of travel to the Finance Counter where bus passes may be purchased.
Every effort will be made to include waste receptacles at bus stops that include bus shelters or where trash is found to accumulate during routine bus stop inspections. Waste receptacles will be included at all bus stops that encourage prolonged waiting such as the Ridgecrest City Hall Transfer point and the Inyokern Transfer hub. 4 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 To Deny The Base Bid As Submitted By All Contractors For The Emergency Response Crack Fill Project, Federal Project No. ER-5383(068)
PRESENTED BY:
Travis Reed, Deputy City Manager
SUMMARY:
As council is aware, City staff has been diligently pursuing the final earthquake related projects. The Sewer work has been completed, and the last remining project is crack fill.
Staff has spent money to create a comprehensive set of plans, and even utilized the crack mapping data to try and get a comprehensive set of plans in which multiple contractors would bid.
Unfortunately, after two separate attempts to bid the project, we were only able to receive one bid.
The budget for this project is $354,000.00, Traffic control costs came in more than the entire project budget. Therefore, it is the recommendation of staff that the bids be rejected.
Staff is currently pursuing other options internally that will not require outside aid and does not want to spend additional funds chasing a project that we do not feel can be constructed for the budget allotted.
Staff will continue to work and report back to council in the coming months.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Reject the base bid as submitted by Bowman Asphalt.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Action as requested
Submitted by: Travis Reed, Deputy City Manager Action Date: April 3, 2024 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
RESOLUTION NO. 24- Xx
A RESOLUTION OF THE RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL TO DENY THE BASE
BID AS SUBMITTED BY ALL CONTRACTORS FOR THE EMERGENCY
RESPONSE CRACK FILL PROJECT, FEDERAL PROJECT No. ER-5383(068) WHEREAS, on Tuesday, February 27
th 2024, bids were opened to construct the
Emergency Response Crack fill Project; and,
WHEREAS, bids contained one bid schedule; and,
WHEREAS, a total of one bid was received and the bids are as follows:
Bidder SCH. ONE
Bowman Asphalt $2,908,729.00
WHEREAS, the bids were reviewed and analyzed by Travis Reed, Public Works Director for a recommendation of the lowest responsible and responsive bidder; and, WHEREAS, upon review of the project budget and bid submitted, staff recommends rejecting all bids.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest does hereby:
1. Reject the base bid as submitted by Bowman Asphalt.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED, this 3rd day of April 2024 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Eric Bruen, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ricca Charlon
City Clerk
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council To Accept The Base Bid As Submitted By CLC Construction Inc. In The Amount Of Sixty-Six Thousand Five-Hundred And Forty Dollars And No Cents ($66,540.00) And Up To A Fifteen Percent (15%) Contingency In The Amount Of $9,981.00 And Authorize The City Manager, Ronald Strand, To Execute The Contract
PRESENTED BY: Nerissa Wegener, Parks and Recreation Director SUMMARY:
The City of Ridgecrest Parks and Recreation Department is seeking Council approval for an increase of $76,521 from unallocated general fund reserves to correct a drainage problem at the Splash Pad.
During the summer, this area is highly used. In previous years Parks staff has noticed water pools around the Splash Pad which is unsightly, attracts bees/wasps, and causes the spread of mud. Mud gets into the pumping system and we believe could be a significant cause of the pump deterioration we have witnessed in the previous two seasons. The standing water is a headache for Parks staff waiting to happen. Time is of the essence and we need to correct this problem before the summer season is upon us. During operation (Summer Months) Parks Staff routinely receive complaints by community members who frequent the Splash Pad and staff feels it is imperative to get this done. To ensure this project is completed in a timely manner staff has allotted a 20-working day contract.
The proposed fix is the installation of a Mow curb along the exterior of the splash pad, just outside the proposed drainage system. This will aid in preventing debris accumulation, and grass cuttings from plugging the system. An allowance has been added to the project for any sprinkler work required to facilitate this installation. Below and immediately inside the mow curb will be a 14” trench with slope to drain, encapsulating a French drain system backfilled with ¾” crushed, clean, rock. The top will be capped with a 4” layer of concrete and a commercial channel drain, which is perforated. This will allow the water to enter the French drain system and prevent rocks from making their way into the splash pad. After the water flows through the channel drain, it will enter the rock filed infiltration area of the French Drain (Perforated pipe) system and flow to a newly constructed head wall on the east side of the pad. Accompanying this, will be the installation of a new drainage inlet grate alleviating a potential fall hazard area.
Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
All said and done, the installation of this system will alleviate the problems we have seen in years past, and provide a nice decorative boundary to the splash pad area.
Bids were open on March 25th 2024. The project was advertised as required, and the project was solicited for more than 30 days. Bids contained one bid schedule. A total of 1 bid was received and analyzed by Travis Reed, Public Works Director. CLC Construction Inc. with a base bid of $66,540.00 was recommended as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder.
The amount of unallocated general fund reserves plus 15% contingency ($9,981) is a total allocation of $76,521.00 necessary for the project.
FISCAL IMPACT: $76,521.00 from unallocated General Fund reserves, of which $66,540.00 is required for construction and $9,981.00, shall be authorized for a 15% Construction contingency should we encounter any unknowns.
ACTION REQUESTED:
1. Allocate unallocated General Fund Reserve in the Amount of $76,521.00 for the construction of the Splash Pad Drainage Project.
2. Authorizes the award of a Construction Contract to CLC Construction Inc. to construct the Splash Pad Drainage Infrastructure Project in the amount of $66,540.00.
3. Authorizes the Finance Director to amend the budget to reflect all appropriate capital, revenue and transfer accounts and create a purchase order for CLC Construction INC. for $76,521.00.
4. Authorizes The City Manager, Ronald Strand, To Execute all Contracts & Agreements.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Nerissa Wegener, Parks and Recreation Director Action Date: April 3, 2024 RESOLUTION NO. 24 - Xx
A RESOLUTION OF THE RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL TO ACCEPT THE BASE BID AS SUBMITTED BY CLC CONSTRUCTION INC. IN THE AMOUNT
OF SIXTY-SIX THOUSAND FIVE-HUNDRED AND FORTY DOLLARS AND NO CENTS ($66,540.00) AND UP TO A FIFTEEN PERCENT (15%) CONTINGENCY IN THE AMOUNT OF $9,981.00 AND AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER,
RONALD STRAND, TO EXECUTE THE CONTRACT
WHEREAS, on Monday, March 25th 2024, bids were opened to construct the Splash Pad Drainage Infrastructure Project; and,
WHEREAS, bids contained one bid schedule; and,
WHEREAS, a total of one bid was received and the bids are as follows:
Bidder: CLC Construction Inc. Bid Schedule One: $66,540 WHEREAS, the bids were reviewed and analyzed by Travis Reed, Public Works Director, for a recommendation of the lowest responsible and responsive bidder. CLC Construction Inc., with a base bid of $66,540, was recommended as the lowest responsive and responsible bidder; and,
WHEREAS, an amount of $9,981.00 is necessary for a fifteen percent (15%) construction contingency, and,
WHEREAS, A purchase order will be issued to CLC Construction Inc. for total bid amount plus 15% contingency for $76,521.00 to construct the project; and, NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest does hereby:
1. Allocate unallocated General Fund Reserve in the Amount of $76,521.00 for the construction of the Splash Pad Drainage Project.
2. Authorizes the award of a Construction Contract to CLC Construction Inc. to construct the Splash Pad Drainage Infrastructure Project in the amount of $66,540.00.
3. Authorizes the Finance Director to amend the budget to reflect all appropriate capital, revenue and transfer accounts and create a purchase order for CLC Construction INC. for $76,521.00.
4. Authorizes The City Manager, Ronald Strand, To Execute all Contracts & Agreements.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED, this 3rd day of April 2024 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Eric Bruen, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
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6 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
SUBJECT: Ordinance of the Ridgecrest City Council Amending the Ridgecrest Municipal Code Chapter 106 (Zoning) Regarding Residential Care Homes and Employee Housing and a Finding that the Amendment of the Zoning Code Is Not Subject to Environmental Review Under CEQA.
PRESENTED BY:
Heather Spurlock, City Planner
BACKGROUND
California’s Employee Housing Act (California Health and Safety Code Section 17021.5) requires jurisdictions to permit employee housing for six or fewer employees as a single-family use.
Employee Housing is required to obtain a permit to operate from the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Employee Housing is defined by the State of California as:
In general, employee housing is privately-owned housing that houses five or more employees and meets the following:
• Living quarters provided in connection with any work, whether or not rent is involved. • Housing in a rural area that is:
o Provided by someone who is not an agricultural employer, and o Provided for agricultural workers employed by any agricultural employer.
California Government Code Section 65583(a)(4) and 65583(a)(5) states that jurisdictions must identify zones where emergency shelters are permitted without discretionary review, and demonstrate that transitional housing and supportive housing are considered a residential use and subject only to those restrictions that apply to other residential dwellings of the same type in the same zone.
California Health and Safety Code Section 1568.0831(5) states that no conditional use permit, zoning variance, or other zoning clearance shall be required of a residential care facility that serves six or fewer persons that is not required of a family dwelling of the same type in the same zone.
ANALYSIS
The proposed municipal code amendments bring the municipal code into compliance with the State regulations. The proposed changes are as follows:
The following definitions will be added to the RMC.
Single family residential will add permitted uses for employee housing of six or fewer, and residential care facilities. A conditional use permit will be required for and residential care facilities that serve seven or more persons.
The R-3 & R-4 Medium Density Multifamily districts will add permitted uses for employee housing, residential care facilities, single room occupancy, supportive housing, and transitional housing. A conditional use permit will be required for residential care homes for seven to fourteen persons. §106-2 Definitions
"Employee housing" means housing as described, defined, and regulated by the Employee Housing Act, Sections 17000 et seq. of the California Health and Safety Code.
Employee Housing for up to six persons per dwelling is permitted in the R-1 (single-family residential) zone, and in the RM (multiple family residential) zones, subject to density standards of the particular zone. In the UR (urban reserve) zone, employee housing is permitted for up to twelve units or thirty-six beds.
"Residential care home" means a state authorized, certified or licensed family care home or foster home serving six or fewer mentally disordered or otherwise handicapped persons or dependent and neglected children on a twenty-four-hour basis. “Single Room Occupancy Unit” (SRO) means a facility providing dwelling units where each unit has a minimum floor area of 150 square feet and a maximum floor area of 400 square feet. These dwelling units may have kitchen or bathroom facilities and shall be offered on a monthly basis or longer.
§ 106-318. -R-1 Single-Family Residential District
Permitted uses:
(6) Employee housing for six or fewer employees.
(7) Residential care homes for six or fewer
Conditional uses:
(9) Residential care homes for seven to fourteen persons The following parking requirements will be added for emergency shelters and supportive housing.
Environmental Analysis
This Ordinance is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15378 because it can be seen with certainty that the Ordinance has no possibility of a significant effect on the environment.
This Ordinance concerns organizational and administrative activities involving clarifications or interpretations of existing Zoning Code regulations and it can be seen with certainty that it will not result in any physical changes in the environment. Anything approved per this code section would be either categorically exempt from CEQA or undergo its own environmental review once an application is submitted.
§ 106-320 R-3 Medium Density Multifamily Residential District Permitted uses:
(8) Employee housing
(9) Residential care homes for six or fewer
(10) Single room occupancy
(11) Supportive housing
(12) Transitional housing
Conditional uses:
(10) Residential care homes for seven to fourteen persons § 106-321. – R-4 Medium Density Multifamily Residential District Permitted uses:
8) Employee housing
(9) Residential care homes for six or fewer
(10) Single room occupancy
(11) Supportive housing
(12) Transitional housing
Conditional uses:
(10) Residential care homes for seven to fourteen persons § 106-367. -Residential parking requirements
Emergency Shelters 1 space for every ten beds, plus one space per employee on the maximum shift
Supportive Housing,
Transitional Housing, &
Single room occupancy units
1 parking space per unit, plus one space per employee
on the maximum shift
RECOMMENDED MOTIONS:
Motion to waive reading in full an Ordinance of the Ridgecrest City Council, amending the Ridgecrest Municipal Code Chapter 106 (Zoning) regarding residential care homes and employee housing.
Requires a second
Motion to introduce, by title only, an Ordinance of the Ridgecrest City Council, amending the Ridgecrest Municipal Code Chapter 106 (Zoning) regarding residential care homes and employee housing.
Requires a second
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve recommended motions
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION:
Action as requested
Submitted by: Heather Spurlock Action Date: April 3, 2024 ORDINANCE NO. 24 - Xx
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF RIDGECREST
AMENDING CHAPTER 106 (ZONING) OF THE RIDGECREST
MUNICIPAL CODE REGARDING RESIDENTIAL CARE HOMES AND
EMPLOYEE HOUSING
WHEREAS, California Constitution Article XI, Section 7, enables the City of Ridgecrest (the “City”) to enact local planning and land use regulations; and,
WHEREAS, the authority to adopt and enforce zoning regulations is an exercise of the City’s police power to protect the public health, safety, and welfare; and, WHEREAS, the City desires to ensure that development occurs in a prudently effective manner, in accordance with the goals and objectives of the General Plan and reasonable land use planning principles; and,
WHEREAS, the City desires to update its regulations related to the Residential Care Homes and Employee Housing; and,
WHEREAS, the planning commission held a public hearing and considered the proposed ordinance and recommended for Council approval.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST, CALIFORNIA DOES HEREBY ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The recitals above are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
SECTION 2. Section 106-2 (Definitions) of Article I (In General) of Chapter 106 (Zoning) of the Ridgecrest Municipal Code is hereby amended to add the following definitions:
“"Employee housing" means housing as described, defined, and regulated by the Employee Housing Act, Sections 17000 et seq. of the California Health and Safety Code. Employee Housing for up to six persons per dwelling is permitted in the R-1 (single-family residential) zone, and in the RM (multiple family residential) zones, subject to density standards of the particular zone. In the UR (urban reserve) zone, employee housing is permitted for up to twelve units or thirty-six beds. "Residential care home" means a state authorized, certified or licensed family care home or foster home serving six or fewer mentally disordered or otherwise handicapped persons or dependent and neglected children on a twenty-four-hour basis.
“Single Room Occupancy Unit” (SRO) means a facility providing dwelling units where each unit has a minimum floor area of 150 square feet and a maximum floor area of 400 square feet. These dwelling units may have kitchen or bathroom facilities and shall be offered on a monthly basis or longer.”
SECTION 3. Section 106-318 (R-1 Single Family Residential District) of Division 1 (Generally) of Article IV (Zoning District Regulations) of Chapter 106 (ZONING) of the Ridgecrest Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
“(a)One-family dwelling district. This section shall apply in the R-1 Single-Family Residential District unless otherwise provided in this Code.
(b)Permitted uses.
(1)A one-family dwelling.
(2)Accessory structures which shall be located on the same parcel of land unless the main building and the accessory structure are both located on adjacent lots which meet minimum area requirements.
ORDINANCE NO. 24 – Xx Page 2 of 7
(3)Private greenhouses and horticultural collections, flower and vegetable gardens and fruit trees not intended for commercial purposes.
(4)Home occupations.
(5)Accessory dwelling units subject to the requirements of section 106-37. (6) Employee housing for six or fewer employees.
(7) Residential care homes for six or fewer
(c)Conditional uses. The following uses may be permitted subject to the application for a conditional use permit per division 3 of article II of this chapter. (1)Public and quasi-public uses of an educational or religious type including public and parochial elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools and colleges, day care centers, nursery schools, private nonprofit schools and colleges, churches, parsonages and other religious institutions.
(2)Public and private charitable institutions, hospitals, sanitariums, rest homes and nursing homes, not including hospitals, sanitariums, rest homes or nursing homes for mental or drug addict or liquor addict cases.
(3)Public uses of an administrative, recreational, public service or cultural type including city, county, state or federal administrative centers and courts, libraries, museums, art galleries, police and fire stations and other public buildings, structures and facilities, public playgrounds, parks and community centers.
(4)Electrical distribution substations, gas regulator stations, communications equipment buildings, public service pumping stations and/or elevated pressure tanks. (5)Enclosed temporary construction materials storage yards required in connection with the development of a subdivision, and temporary subdivision sales offices and signs and model home display areas.
(6)Lodges, social halls, fraternal organizations operated by a nonprofit organization. (7)Mobilehome parks.
(8)Parking lots.
(9) Residential care homes for seven to fourteen persons. (d)Building height. Building height shall not exceed 35 feet. (e)Site area. The minimum site area shall be 6,000 feet. (f)Lot frontages. Each site shall have no less than 60 feet of frontage on a public street, except for those sites fronting on a cul-de-sac or knuckle which may have a frontage of not less than 40 feet. (g)Lot width. The minimum width of each interior lot shall be no less than 60 feet except as noted in subsection (f) of this section. A corner lot shall be no less than 65 feet in width. (h)Lot depth. The minimum depth of each lot shall be no less than 100 feet. (i)Site density. Not more than one dwelling unit shall be permitted on each site. (j)Coverage. The maximum site area covered by structure, not including swimming pools, shall not exceed 60 percent.
(k)Yard requirements.
(1)Front yard. The minimum front yard setback shall be 20 feet unless located on a cul-desac or knuckle. In this case the minimum setback line shall be determined by scribing a straight line between two points located 20 feet behind the front property line on the side property lines. In no case shall any portion of the setback line be less than 15 feet. (2)Rear yard. The minimum rear yard shall be ten feet. Accessory structures may be located in any portion of a required rear yard provided they do not encroach into a utility easement.
Further, the drip line of an accessory structure shall not fall outside of the lot on which the accessory structure is installed.
(3)Side yard. There shall be a side yard on each side of a main building of not less than five feet on one side and not less than ten feet on the other side subject to the following conditions and exceptions:
a. On a reversed corner lot, the street side yard shall not be less than one-half the required front yard of the adjoining key lot.
b. Where a lot contains a pedestrian easement, all structures shall have a minimum side yard of five feet from the edge of the easement.
c. Garages and carports taking direct access from the street shall provide a minimum of 20 feet of parking space between the structure and the front or street side ORDINANCE NO. 24 – Xx Page 3 of 7
property line. When adjacent to an alley, they shall be no less than 15 feet from centerline of said alley.
d. Any land lawfully subdivided prior to January 1, 1974 and having a lot frontage of less than 60 feet as specified in subsection (f) of this section shall not be required to comply with the requirement for a ten-foot side yard. In this case a five-foot side yard is the minimum requirement except as otherwise provided.”
SECTION 4. Section 106-320 (R-3 Medium Density Multifamily Residential District) of Division 1 (Generally) of Article IV (Zoning District Regulations) of Chapter 106 (Zoning) of the Ridgecrest Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
“(a)Application. This section shall apply to the R-3 Medium Density Multifamily Residential District unless otherwise provided under this Code.
(b)Permitted uses. The following uses may be permitted subject to the application for a site plan review pursuant to division 4 of article II of this chapter. (1)Multifamily residential dwellings.
(2)A one-family dwelling.
(3)Accessory structures which shall be located on the same parcel of land unless the main building and the accessory structure are both located on adjacent lots which meet minimum area requirements.
(4)Private greenhouses and horticultural collections, flower and vegetable gardens and fruit trees not intended for commercial purposes.
(5)Home occupations.
(6)Accessory dwelling units subject to the requirements of section 106-37. (7)Emergency shelters.
(8) Employee housing.
(9) Residential care homes for six or fewer.
(10) Single room occupancy.
(11) Supportive housing.
(12) Transitional housing.
(c)Conditional uses. The following uses may be permitted subject to the application for a conditional use permit per division 3 of article II of this chapter. (1)Public and quasi-public uses of an educational or religious type including public and parochial elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools and colleges, day care centers, nursery schools, private nonprofit schools and colleges, churches, parsonages and other religious institutions.
(2)Public and private charitable institutions, hospitals, sanitariums, rest homes and nursing homes, but not including hospitals, sanitariums, rest homes or nursing homes for mental or drug addict or liquor addict cases.
(3)Public uses of an administrative, recreational, public service or cultural type including city, county, state or federal administrative centers and courts, libraries, museums, art galleries, police and fire stations and other public buildings, structures and facilities, public playgrounds, parks and community centers.
(4)Electrical distribution substations, gas regulator stations communications equipment buildings, public service pumping stations and/or elevated pressure tanks. (5)Enclosed temporary construction materials storage yards required in connection with the development of a subdivision, and temporary subdivision sales offices and model home display areas.
(6)Lodges, social halls, fraternal organizations operated by a nonprofit organization. (7)Mobilehome parks.
(8)Parking lots.
(9)Bed and breakfast inns.
(10) Residential care homes for seven to fourteen persons. (d)Site area. The minimum site area shall be 6,000 square feet. (e)Building height. Building height shall not exceed 35 feet.
ORDINANCE NO. 24 – Xx Page 4 of 7
(f)Lot frontage. Each site shall have no less than 60 feet of frontage on a public street, except that those sites which front on a cul-de-sac or knuckle may have a frontage of not less than 40 feet. (g)Lot width. The minimum width of each interior lot shall be no less than 60 feet except as noted in subsection (f) of this section. A corner lot shall be no less than 65 feet in width. (h)Lot depth. The minimum depth of each lot shall be no less than 100 feet. (i)Site density. The minimum site area per dwelling unit shall be 2,000 square feet. (j)Coverage. The maximum site area covered by structures shall not exceed 65 percent. (k)Yard requirements.
(1)Front yard. The minimum front yard setback shall be 15 feet with no parking permitted in the setback except on driveways which shall accommodate no more than one automobile per dwelling unit nor occupy more than 75 percent of the setback area. On a cul-de-sac or knuckle lot, the minimum front yard setback line shall be determined by scribing a straight line between two points located 15 feet behind the front property line on the side property lines. In no case shall any portion of the setback line be less than 12 feet.
(2)Rear yard. The minimum rear yard shall be ten feet. Accessory structures may be located in any portion of a required rear yard provided they do not encroach into a utility easement.
Further, the drip line of an accessory structure shall not fall outside of the lot on which the accessory structure is installed.
(3)Side yard. The minimum side yard setback on each side of a main building shall not be less than five feet except that on the street side of corner lots there shall be a side yard of not less than ten feet.
(4)Garages and carports. Garages and carports taking direct access from the street shall provide a minimum of 20 feet of parking space between the structure and the front or street side property line. When adjacent to an alley, they shall be no less than 15 feet from centerline of said alley.
(l)Site plan review. All uses in the R-3 district except single-family dwellings shall comply with the provisions of division 4 of article II of this chapter.” SECTION 5. Section 106-321 (R-4 Medium Density Multifamily Residential District) of Division 1 (Generally) of Article IV (Zoning District Regulations) of Chapter 106 (Zoning) of the Ridgecrest Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
“(a)Application. This section shall apply to the R-4 Medium Density Multifamily Residential District unless otherwise provided in this Code.
(b)Permitted uses. The following uses may be permitted subject to the application for a conditional use permit per division 4 of article II of this chapter. (1)A one-family dwelling.
(2)Accessory structures which shall be located on the same parcel of land unless the main building and the accessory structure area both located on adjacent lots which meet minimum area requirements.
(3)Private greenhouses and horticultural collections, flower and vegetable gardens and fruit trees not intended for commercial purposes.
(4)Home occupations.
(5)Accessory dwelling units subject to the requirements of section 106-37. (6)Emergency shelters.
(8) Employee housing.
(9) Residential care homes for six or fewer.
(10) Single room occupancy.
(11) Supportive housing.
(12) Transitional housing.
(c)Conditional uses. The following uses may be permitted subject to the application for a conditional use permit per division 3 of article II of this chapter. (1)Public and quasi-public uses of an educational or religious type including public and parochial elementary schools, junior high schools, high schools and colleges, day care centers, nursery schools, private nonprofit schools and colleges, churches, parsonages and other religious institutions.
ORDINANCE NO. 24 – Xx Page 5 of 7
(2)Public and private charitable institutions, hospitals, sanitariums, rest homes and nursing homes, but not including hospitals, sanitariums, rest homes or nursing homes for mental or drug addict or liquor addict cases.
(3)Public uses of an administrative, recreational, public service or cultural type including city, county, state or federal administrative centers and courts, libraries, museums, art galleries, police and fire stations and other public buildings, structures and facilities, public playgrounds, parks and community centers.
(4)Electrical distribution substations, gas regulator stations, communications equipment buildings, public service pumping stations and/or elevated pressure tanks. (5)Enclosed temporary construction materials storage yards required in connection with the development of a subdivision, and temporary subdivision sales offices and model home display areas.
(6)Lodges, social halls, fraternal organizations operated by a nonprofit organization. (7)Mobilehome parks.
(8)Parking lots.
(9)Bed and breakfast inns.
(10) Residential care homes for seven to fourteen persons. (d)Site area. The minimum site area shall be 6,000 square feet. (e)Building height. Building height shall not exceed 35 feet. (f)Lot frontage. Each site shall not have less than 60 feet of frontage on a public street, except that those sites which front on a cul-de-sac or knuckle may have a frontage of not less than 40 feet. (g)Lot width. The minimum lot width of each interior lot shall be no less than 60 feet except as noted in subsection (f) of this section. A corner lot shall be no less than 65 feet in width. (h)Lot depth. The minimum depth of each lot shall be no less than 100 feet. (i)Site density. The minimum site area per dwelling unit shall be 1,000 square feet. (j)Coverage. The maximum site area covered by structures shall not exceed 70 percent. (k)Yard requirements.
(1)Front yard. The minimum front yard setback shall be ten feet with no parking permitted in the setback except on driveways, which shall accommodate no more than one automobile per dwelling unit nor occupy more than 75 percent of the setback area. On a cul-de-sac or knuckle lot, the minimum front yard setback line shall be determined by scribing a straight line between two points located ten feet behind the front property line on the side property lines. In no case shall any portion of the setback line be less than eight feet.
(2)Rear yard. The minimum rear yard shall be ten feet. Accessory structures may be located in any portion of a required rear yard provided they do not encroach into a utility easement.
Further, the drip line of an accessory structure shall not fall outside of the lot on which the accessory structure is installed.
(3)Side yard. The minimum side yard setback on each side of a main building shall not be less than five feet except that on the street side of corner lots there shall be a side yard of not less than ten feet.
(4)Garages and carports. Garages and carports taking direct access from the street shall provide a minimum of 20 feet of parking space between the structure and the front or street side property line. When adjacent to an alley, they shall be no less than 15 feet from centerline of said alley.
(l)Site plan review. All uses in the R-4 district except single-family dwelling shall comply with the provisions of division 4 of article II of this chapter.” SECTION 6. Section 106-367 (Residential Parking Requirements) of Article V (Off Street Parking) of Chapter 106 (Zoning) of the Ridgecrest Municipal Code is hereby amended in its entirety to read as follows:
“Residential off-street parking requirements shall be as follows:
ORDINANCE NO. 24 – Xx Page 6 of 7
RESIDENTIAL OFF-STREET PARKING REQUIREMENTS
Single-family detached dwellings Two open or enclosed spaces Multifamily dwelling units:
One-bedroom 1½ parking spaces per unit
Two-bedrooms Two parking spaces per unit
Three or more bedrooms 2½ parking spaces per unit.
Note: In addition, one guest parking space shall be
provided on-site in a convenient and accessible
location for each five residential units. Projects on
sites with four or fewer units are exempt from this
requirement.
Condominiums or townhouses:
One bedroom 1½ parking spaces/dwelling unit.
Two bedrooms Two parking spaces/dwelling unit.
Three bedrooms or more 2½ spaces/dwelling unit.
Note: In addition, one-third parking space shall be
provided for each dwelling unit for guest parking
and one space for each five units shall be provided
for recreational vehicles.
Mobilehome park Two parking spaces/dwelling unit plus one space for each five units for guests.
Housing for elderly (public or federally assisted) One parking space/dwelling unit plus one parking space for each five units for guests.
Inclusionary housing for elderly Residential parking requirements for developments providing at least 50 percent of the units exclusively
for elderly persons may be reduced up to 50
percent upon site plan review and approval by the
city.
Emergency Shelters 1 space for every ten beds, plus one space per employee on the maximum shift.
Supportive Housing, Transitional Housing, &
Single room occupancy units
1 parking space per unit, plus one space per
employee on the maximum shift
“
SECTION 7. This Ordinance is not subject to environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Sections 15061(b)(3) and 15378 because it can be seen with certainty that the Ordinance has no possibility of a significant effect on the environment. This Ordinance concerns organizational and administrative activities involving clarifications or interpretations of existing Zoning Code regulations and it can be seen with certainty that it will not result in any physical changes in the environment. Anything approved per this code section would be categorically exempt or undergo its own CEQA review once an application was submitted.
SECTION 8. Any provision of the Ridgecrest Municipal Code or appendices thereto inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, to the extent of such inconsistencies and no further, is hereby repealed or modified to the extent necessary to implement the provisions of his Ordinance.
SECTION 9. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance, or any part thereof is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
ORDINANCE NO. 24 – Xx Page 7 of 7
SECTION 10. The Mayor shall sign and the City Clerk shall attest to the passage of this Ordinance.
The City Clerk shall cause the same to be published once in the official newspaper within fifteen (15) days after its adoption. This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after adoption.
Introduced and first read at a meeting of the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest Held ____________, ___ 2024.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED: This ___ day of ___________, 2024 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Eric Bruen, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
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