Ridgecrest City Council
July 17, 2024

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
July 17, 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, July 17, 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 COUNSEL
Existing Litigation Government Code Section 54956.9.

Finley v. Ridgecrest et al Kern County Superior Court Case No. BCV-22-100048

CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Government Code § 54956.8
City: City Manager and City Attorney
Other Party(ies): Undetermined
Under Negotiation: Seek Council’s direction regarding various available properties within City limits.

Dated: July 10, 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, July 17, 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 COUNSEL
Existing Litigation Government Code Section 54956.9.

Finley v. Ridgecrest et al Kern County Superior Court Case No. BCV-22-100048

CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Government Code § 54956.8
City: City Manager and City Attorney
Other Party(ies): Undetermined
Under Negotiation: Seek Council’s direction regarding various available properties within City limits.

REGULAR SESSION
• Pledge Of Allegiance
• Invocation

ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION

PRESENTATIONS

1. Employee Years of Service Council

2. Key to the City – Mike Cash Council
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA - Persons wishing to address the Council on matters that are within the Council’s jurisdiction and DO NOT ALREADY APPEAR ON THE AGENDA, may do so at this time.

COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS/DIRECTION

AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – July 17, 2024

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.

3. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meeting Dated June 19, 2024 Charlon

4. Consideration Of Resolutions Relating To The Calling Of Ridgecrest’s General Municipal Election To Be Held On November 5, 2024 Charlon

5. A Resolution of The City Council of The City of Ridgecrest to Levy and Collect Sewer Fees on The General Tax Rolls for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Reed

DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS

6. Adoption Of A Resolution And Introduction And First Reading, An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest Amending The Ridgecrest Municipal Code By Establishing A Transactions And Use (Sales) Tax To Be Administered By The State Board Of Equalization And Placing The No Tax Increase Reauthorization Measure On The Election Ballot For November 5, 2024 Attorney

7. A Resolution To Accept The Base Bid As Submitted By “Contractor To Be Named”; Allocate Measure P Funds For The Base Bid, And Up To $##.## For A Ten Percent (10%) Construction Contingency. A Maximum Total Of Up To $##.## Award A Construction Contract To “Contractor To Be Named” For The Demolition Of The Pinney Pool Complex For An Amount Of $##.##, And Authorize The City Manager, Ronald Strand, To Execute The Contract Reed

8. Discussion Regarding The Board Of The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) Hayman

PUBLIC HEARING

9. A Resolution And Public Hearing Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest, Authorizing The Use Of Federal Funding Under Federal Transit Administration, “FTA” Section 5311 (49 U.S.C. Section 5311) And/Or 5339 (49 U.S.C. Section 5339) With California Department Of Transportation Reed

COMMITTEE REPORTS
City Organization and Services Committee (‘City Org’)
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Skip Gorman
Meeting: 1st Thursday each month at 5:30 p.m.

Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ Next meeting August 1, 2024
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
➢ Next meeting August 5, 2024

AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – July 17, 2024

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
➢ Report from July 9, 2024 - Canceled
Infrastructure Committee
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Kyle Blades
Meeting: 4
th Thursday each month at 5:00 p.m.

Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1
st Floor
➢ Report from June 27, 2024 - Canceled
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 July 2, 2024
Ridgecrest Area Convention and Visitor Bureau (RACVB)
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Jennifer Rickets (staff) Meeting: 4th Wednesday each month at 9:00 a.m.

Location: California Welcome Center
➢ Report from June 26, 2024

OTHER COMMITTEES, BOARDS, OR COMMISSIONS

CITY MANAGER REPORT

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS

ADJOURNMENT
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority

STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: Employee Service Award Presentations
PRESENTED BY: Mayor and City Council
SUMMARY:

Service recognition awards presented by the Ridgecrest City Council to employees who have reached milestones in increments of five (5) or more years of employment with the City of Ridgecrest.
2 nd Quarter April - June 2024
25 Years
Justin Dampier - Police
10 Years
Patricia Rockwell – Human Resources
5 Years
Jennifer Ledbetter – Parks & Rec
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED:

Presentation Of Certificates To Employees By City Council Members CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:

Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: July 17, 2024
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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 June 19, 2024
PRESENTED BY: Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
SUMMARY:

Draft Minutes of the City Council / Successor Redevelopment Agency / Housing Authority / Financing Authority Regular Meeting Dated June 19, 2024 FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve minutes
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: July 17, 2024
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RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL

SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

FINANCING AUTHORITY

HOUSING AUTHORITY

DRAFT MINUTES
Wednesday, June 19, 2024 Closed Session – 5:00 p.m.

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 – 5:02 p.m.

Council Present: Mayor Pro-Tem Solomon P. Rajaratnam; Council Member L. Scott Hayman; Council Member Skip Gorman

Absent: Mayor Eric A. Bruen; Vice Mayor Kyle Blades
Staff Present: City Attorney M. Koczanowicz; City Clerk Charlon; City Manager Strand; Captain Dampier; P & R Director Wegener; Finance Director Freese
APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Motion To Approve Agenda with deletion of item 6 – Hayman – Gorman 3 Ayes; 2 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 ON CLOSED SESSION - None

CLOSED SESSION

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9 (4 cases)
•City of Ridgecrest v. Super 8, Patel & Solanki
•City of Ridgecrest v. Heritage Living LLC
•Aguillar & Atkinsson v. City of Ridgecrest and R. Henderson •Mojave Pistachios LLC et al v. IWVWD et al

CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL POTENTIAL LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(b) Two Cases

CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Government Code § 54956.8
City: City Manager and City Attorney
Other Party(ies): Undetermined
Under Negotiation: Seek Council’s direction regarding various available properties within City limits.

REGULAR SESSION – 6:05 p.m.

ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION – Unanimous denial of George Claim as untimely

PRESENTATIONS

1. American Radio Relay League (ARRL) Field Day Presentation & Proclamation Council PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA – M. Neel

DRAFT MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – June 19, 2024

COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS/DIRECTION

CONSENT CALENDAR

2. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meeting Dated June 5, 2024 Charlon

3. Grant Acceptance For A Grant Awarded From The University Of California – Davis School Of Veterinary Medicine Dampier

4. Proposed Action To Adopt A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council And The Successor Redevelopment Agency Adopting The Annual Budget For Fiscal Year 2024-25, Establishing Appropriations, Estimating Revenues, And Establishing The Policies By Which The Budget May Be And Shall Be Amended Freese

5. Authorization For The City Manager, Ron Strand To Sign The Notice Of Completion For The Installation Of Spectator Shades At The Kerr McGee Youth Sports Complex; For The City Clerk To File The Notice Of Completion And For City Staff To Release Retention In The Amount Of Twenty-Five Thousand Three Hundred Fifty-Six Dollars And Eighty Cents ($25,356.80) To The Contractor, Landscape Structures Within Thirty (30) Days After Recordation Of The Notice Of Completion Wegener

6. A Resolution Of The City Of Ridgecrest City Council To Adopt A Road Project List For Fiscal Year 2024- 2025 Partially Funded By SB1: The Road Repair And Accountability Act Of 2017 Reed Motion To Approve Consent Calendar – Hayman – Gorman 3 Ayes; 2 Absent

DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS

7. Discussion Regarding The Board Of The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) Hayman

COMMITTEE REPORTS
City Organization and Services Committee (‘City Org’)
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Skip Gorman
Meeting: 1st Thursday each month at 5:30 p.m.

Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ Next meeting July 4, 2024
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
➢ Next meeting July 3, 2024
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
➢ Report from June 11, 2024

DRAFT MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – June 19, 2024

Infrastructure Committee
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Kyle Blades
Meeting: 4
th Thursday each month at 5:00 p.m.

Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1
st Floor
➢ Next meeting June 27, 2024
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
➢ Next meeting July 2, 2024
Ridgecrest Area Convention and Visitor Bureau (RACVB)
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Jennifer Rickets (staff) Meeting: 4th Wednesday each month at 9:00 a.m.

Location: California Welcome Center
➢ Next meeting June 26, 2024

OTHER COMMITTEES, BOARDS, OR COMMISSIONS

CITY MANAGER REPORT

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT – 6:34 p.m.

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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority

STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: Consideration Of Resolutions Relating To The Calling Of Ridgecrest’s General Municipal Election To Be Held On November 5, 2024
PRESENTED BY: Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
SUMMARY: This item, once approved by the City Council, calls for the General Municipal Election for November 5, 2024. It requests that the Board of Supervisors of the County of Kern consolidate a General Municipal Election with the State Wide General Election. The Ridgecrest voters will consider election of one Mayor, two members of the City Council and approval of a budget measure to continue the current 1% tax for local expenditures only.

In accordance with Section 1301 of the California Elections Code, Ridgecrest’s General Municipal Elections are held on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of each even-numbered year. The next regularly-scheduled General Municipal Election will be held on November 5, 2024, for the election of one Mayor for the full term of two years, and two Council Members, for the full term of four years.

In order for the election to take place, it is necessary for the City Council to adopt two (2) resolutions by a two-thirds vote: 1.) Calling the General Municipal Election for the election of one Mayor, and two Council Members and a question to be put before the voters and 2.) Requesting Kern County to consolidate the election with the Statewide General Election and provide related services.

NOTE: The candidate filing period for nomination papers opens on Monday, July 15, 2024 and runs through Thursday, August 8, 2024*.

Per Election Code §10220 - Candidates may be nominated for any of the elective offices of the city in the following manner: Not earlier than the 113th day* nor later than the 88th day* before a municipal election during normal office hours, as posted*, the voters may nominate candidates for election by signing a nomination paper.
113th day – Monday, July 15, 2024
88th day – Friday, August 9, 2024
*Normal hours, as posted – Thursday, August 8, 2024 is the last day to file nomination papers since Ridgecrest City Hall is closed on Fridays
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for the November 2024 Consolidated Election has been budgeted in the FY 2024-25 budget.

ACTION REQUESTED:

1. Adopt Resolution calling for the holding of a General Municipal Election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.

2. Adopt Resolution requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Kern to consolidate, administer, manage and oversee the Election.

CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested.

Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: July 17, 2024
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RESOLUTION NO. 24-53

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST,

CALIFORNIA, CALLING FOR THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2024, FOR THE ELECTION OF CERTAIN OFFICERS

AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE LAWS OF THE STATE OF

CALIFORNIA RELATING TO GENERAL LAW CITIES AND FOR THE SUBMISSION

TO THE VOTERS A QUESTION RELATING TO LOCAL SERVICES TAX MEASURE WHEREAS, under the provisions of the laws relating to general law cities in the State of California, a General Municipal Election shall be held on November 5, 2024, for the election of Municipal Officers; and,
WHEREAS, in November of 2016 Ridgecrest residents voted to approve a 1% transaction and use tax, which will lapse by its own terms at the end of 2024; and, WHEREAS, continued local funding is needed to prevent cuts and maintain City of Ridgecrest services, including fixing city streets and potholes, 9-1-1 emergency response times, crime prevention and investigation, neighborhood police patrols, and the number of current number of police officers; and,
WHEREAS, continued local funding is needed to maintain current levels of public safety and police services, including neighborhood patrols, crime prevention and investigation programs, and 9-1-1 response times; and,
WHEREAS, existing, voter-approved local funding has helped repair major streets and fix potholes in Ridgecrest and is needed to continue the work to repair neighborhood streets and fix potholes; and,
WHEREAS, the previously adopted local sales tax will expire under its own terms; and, WHEREAS, on October 6, 1997, Assembly Bill 1472 became law adding Chapter 2.93 commencing with Section 7286.52 to Part 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code; and,
WHEREAS, California Constitution Article XIII C Section 2(b) added by Proposition 218 effective November 1996, requires that a measure proposing a general tax be submitted to the voters at an election consolidated with a regularly scheduled general election for members of the governing body of the local government; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Constitution Article XIII C Section 2(b) and Elections Code Section 10201, the City also desires to submit to the electors at the General Election a measure to enact an ordinance establishing a transactions and use tax.

Resolution No. 24-53 Page 2 of 3

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Call for General Municipal Election: Pursuant to the requirements of the laws of the State of California relating to General Law Cities, there is called and ordered to be held in the City of Ridgecrest, California, on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, a General Municipal Election for the purpose of electing one Mayor for a term of two years and two Members of the City Council, each for the full term of four years.

SECTION 2. The City Council, pursuant to its right and authority, does submit to the voters at the General Municipal Election the following question:
“Ridgecrest Public Safety/ Essential Services
Reauthorization Measure. To prevent cuts/ maintain
City of Ridgecrest services, such as:
• repair potholes/ city streets;
• 9-1-1 emergency response times;
• police officers/ neighborhood police patrols;
• attract/ retain local business/ jobs; and
• for general government use,
shall the City of Ridgecrest measure reauthorizing a
previously voter approved 1¢ sales tax with no tax
increase, providing $6,500,000 annually, until ended by voters, with independent oversight/ audits, all funds for City of Ridgecrest, no funds for Sacramento, be adopted?”
YES
NO
SECTION 3. The vote requirement for the measure to pass is a majority (50% + 1) of the votes cast.

SECTION 4. Ballots: The ballots to be used at the election shall be in form and content as required by law.

SECTION 5. Coordination: The City Clerk is authorized, instructed and directed to coordinate with the County of Kern Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk to procure and furnish any and all official ballots, notices, printed matter and all supplies, equipment and paraphernalia that may be necessary in order to properly and lawfully conduct the election.

SECTION 6. Vote Centers: The vote centers for the election shall be open at 7:00 A.M. of the day of the election and shall remain open continuously from that time until 8:00 P.M. of the same day when the vote centers shall be closed, pursuant to Election Code § 10242, except as provided in §§ 14212, 14401 of the Elections Code of the State of California.

Resolution No. 24-53 Page 3 of 3
SECTION 7. General: In all particulars not recited in this resolution, the election shall be held and conducted as provided by law governing municipal elections.

SECTION 8. Notice: Notice of the time and place of holding the election is hereby given and the City Clerk is authorized, instructed and directed to give further or additional notice of the election, in time, form and manner as required by law.

SECTION 9. Authorization for Payment: The City Council authorizes the City Clerk to administer said election and authorizes all reasonable and actual election expenses to be paid by the City upon presentation of a properly-submitted bill.

SECTION 10. Certification: The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution and shall enter the same in the Book of Original Resolutions.

APPROVED and PASSED this 17th day of July, 2024.

City of Ridgecrest, California
BY:

ERIC A. BRUEN, Mayor
ATTEST:

RICCA CHARLON, City Clerk

CERTIFICATION
I, Ricca Charlon, Chief City Clerk of the City of Ridgecrest, do hereby certify that Resolution No. 24-53 was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest at a regular meeting held on the 17th day of July, 2024, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

Dated:

RICCA CHARLON, Chief City Clerk
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RESOLUTION NO. 24-54

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST,

CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE

COUNTY OF KERN TO CONSOLIDATE A GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024, WITH THE STATEWIDE

GENERAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THAT DATE, PURSUANT TO
§10403 OF THE ELECTIONS CODE
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest called a General Municipal Election to be held on November 5, 2024, for the purpose of the election of a Mayor, and two Members of the City Council and putting a question to the City voters through a ballot measure; and,
WHEREAS, it is desirable that the General Municipal Election be consolidated with the Statewide General Election to be held on the same date and that within the city the precincts, vote centers and election officers of the two elections be the same, and that the election department of the County of Kern canvass the returns of the General Municipal Election and that the election be held in all respects as if there were only one election.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Pursuant to the requirements of § 10403 of the Elections Code, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Kern is hereby requested to consent and agree to the consolidation of the City of Ridgecrest General Municipal Election with Statewide General election on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, for the purpose of the election of a Mayor, and two Members of the City Council and putting a question to the City’s voters through a ballot measure.

SECTION 2. The County election department is authorized to canvass the returns of the General Municipal Election. The election shall be held in all respects as if there were only one election, and only one form of ballot shall be used. The election will be held and conducted in accordance with the provisions of law regulating the statewide election.

SECTION 3. The Board of Supervisors is requested to issue instructions to the County election department to take any and all steps necessary for the holding of the consolidated election.

SECTION 4. The City Council authorizes the City Clerk to administer said election for the City and reimburse the County for all actual election expenses upon presentation of a properly submitted bill.

Resolution No. 24-54 Page 2 of 2
SECTION 5. The City Clerk is hereby directed to file a certified copy of this resolution with the Board of Supervisors and the County election department of the County of Kern.

SECTION 6. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution and shall enter the same in the Book of Original Resolutions.

APPROVED and PASSED this 17th day of July, 2024.

City of Ridgecrest, California
BY:

ERIC A. BRUEN, Mayor
ATTEST:

RICCA CHARLON, City Clerk

CERTIFICATION
I, Ricca Charlon, Chief City Clerk of the City of Ridgecrest, do hereby certify that Resolution No. 24-54 was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest at a regular meeting held on the 17th day of July, 2024, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

Dated:

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 City Council of The City of Ridgecrest to Levy and Collect Sewer Fees on The General Tax Rolls for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
PRESENTED BY: Travis Reed, Public Works Director
SUMMARY: Staff has continued to undertake the task of sewer fee levy and collection in-house this year.

Waste-water and Accounting Staff have dedicated much time to keeping this levy in good standing. Said functions that have been completed are as follows:

1. Verify the tax roll and addresses associated match.

2. Verify property use type.

3. Coding each levy according to property type.

4. Field verify the use of each property.

5. Create a database for information storage moving forward.

6. Verified formulas and methods of calculation.

7. Submission of the special assessment package.

8. Prepare all Levy documentation for County submittal.

The City Council will direct City Staff to furnish to Kern County Board of Supervisors and Kern County Auditor, a description of the parcel for both residential and commercial sewer charges. This is an annual requirement to allow for the collection of the flat rate charge on the property tax bill. The parcels billed by the flat rate charges are shown in Exhibit “A”. Please note Exhibit “A” does not include the County fee associated with applying this levy: As of April 16, 2024, the County has determined their fee to be $0.20 per parcel.

This year’s Sewer fees will not increase for single or multi-family dwellings. See Exhibit “B”.

This Resolution along with Exhibit “A” shall be furnished to the County on or before August 9, 2024.

The revenues derived from the subject charge shall be used only for construction, expansion, maintenance and operation of the City’s wastewater treatment and collection facilities. This resolution complies with the applicable provisions of Article XIIID of the California Constitution and California Government Code 54984 and has authority to adopt a sewer user charge for
use of City sanitation facilities pursuant to Health and Safety Code Section 5471, et. seq. and Government Code Section 51334.

The Council will also direct City Staff to bill and collect service charges for those properties whose status is tax exempt and not on the County tax rolls; therefore, are not a part of this resolution.

FISCAL IMPACT:

ACTION REQUESTED: Adopt A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest To Levy And Collect Sewer Fees On The General Tax Rolls For Fiscal Year 2024-2025.

CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
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RESOLUTION NO. 24-XX

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST TO

LEVY AND COLLECT SEWER FEES ON THE GENERAL TAX ROLLS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2024/2025
WHEREAS, the City Council will direct the City Clerk to furnish the Kern County Board of Supervisors and the County Auditor with a description of the parcels for both residential and commercial sewer charges; and,
WHEREAS, this is an annual requirement to allow for the collection of the flat rate charge on the property tax bill; and,
WHEREAS, the parcels billed by the flat rate charges are shown in Exhibit “A”; and, WHEREAS, the rates were established for five years beginning in 2013 from a Prop 218 hearing that passed on June 5, 2013, for fiscal year 2024/2025 the rates will remain the same as the previously approved; and,
WHEREAS, The Board of Supervisors and the County Tax Collector are hereby requested to levy and collect the charge as a part of the annual General County Tax Bill; and, WHEREAS, The Council will also direct City Staff to bill and collect service charges for those properties whose status is tax exempt and not on the County tax rolls; therefore, are not a part of this resolution.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest Adopts a Resolution to Levy and Collect Sewer Fees on the General Tax Rolls for Fiscal Year 2024/2025.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 17th day of July, 2024 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:
___________________________
Eric A. Bruen, Mayor
ATTEST:
_____________________
Ricca Charlon, CMC
City Clerk
This Page Intentionally Left Blank

FUND ATN ACTION RATE MULTIPLIER AMOUNT
20455 03306003007 C 00 378.21
20455 03306004000 C 00 676.32
20455 03306005003 C 00 378.21
20455 03307004003 C 00 378.21
20455 03307025004 C 00 378.21
20455 03307026007 C 00 3,991.48
20455 03307027000 C 00 1,069.09
20455 03307038002 C 00 419.65
20455 03307040007 C 00 2,105.96
20455 03307044009 C 00 8,265.99
20455 03307047008 C 00 8,105.24
20455 03307053005 C 00 1,743.71
20455 03308004006 A 00 10,612.21
20455 06701006008 C 00 1,180.07
20455 06701007001 C 00 2,957.85
20455 06701017000 C 00 378.21
20455 06701020008 C 00 860.99
20455 06701025003 C 00 2,959.92
20455 06702206005 C 00 378.21
20455 06702209004 C 00 378.21
20455 06702211009 C 00 2,960.22
20455 06702303003 C 00 378.21
20455 06702305009 C 00 871.99
20455 06702308008 C 00 3,223.01
20455 06702309001 C 00 378.21
20455 06702329009 C 00 697.30
20455 06702412006 C 00 1,048.77
20455 06702413009 C 00 609.86
20455 06702414002 C 00 494.03
20455 06702436006 C 00 435.11
20455 06703101006 C 00 427.94
20455 06703104005 C 00 378.21
20455 06703105008 C 00 378.21
20455 06703116000 C 00 605.24
20455 06703117003 C 00 1,022.66
20455 06703118006 C 00 378.21
20455 06703203009 C 00 1,009.70
20455 06703204002 C 00 1,351.75
20455 06703208004 C 00 405.15
20455 06703214001 C 00 378.21
20455 06703217000 C 00 378.21
20455 06703218003 C 00 503.15
20455 06703219006 C 00 1,623.41
20455 06703220008 C 00 378.21
20455 06703304009 C 00 512.32
20455 06703311009 C 00 447.30
20455 06703325000
C 00 378.21
20455 06703505006C 00 446.59
20455 06704008003C 00 1,654.56
20455 06704019005C 00 378.21
20455 06704020007C 00 895.52
20455 06704023006C 00 378.21
20455 06704029004A 02 74.00
20455 06705005007C 00 430.01
20455 06705011004C 00 1,229.80
20455 06705012007C 00 1,180.07
20455 06705019008C 00 1,211.17
20455 06710601001C 00 378.21
20455 06712101002C 00 378.21
20455 06712102005C 00 378.21
20455 06712120007C 00 5,337.21
20455 06712122003C 00 440.61
20455 06712223003C 00 650.27
20455 06712225009C 00 393.19
20455 06712226002C 00 479.04
20455 06714008002C 00 1,394.08
20455 06714012003C 00 378.21
20455 06714014009C 00 378.21
20455 06714016005C 00 378.21
20455 06714017008C 00 589.55
20455 06714020006C 00 539.83
20455 06714021009C 00 390.69
20455 06714023005C 00 378.21
20455 06714028000C 00 465.23
20455 06714033004C 00 428.63
20455 06714035000C 00 378.21
20455 06714037006C 00 378.21
20455 06714042000C 00 378.21
20455 06714044006C 00 613.92
20455 06714045009C 00 378.21
20455 06714046002C 00 378.21
20455 06714047005C 00 522.88
20455 06714054005C 00 378.21
20455 06714055008C 00 378.21
20455 06714057004C 00 378.21
20455 06714060002C 00 601.99
20455 06715019007C 00 378.21
20455 06715041000C 00 378.21
20455 06715042003C 00 380.28
20455 06715044009C 00 378.21
20455 06719110009C 00 378.21
20455 06719116007C 00 378.21
20455 06719119006C 00 595.77
20455 06719201000
C 00 378.21
20455 06719202003C 00 508.75
20455 06719203006C 00 4,091.53
20455 06719211009C 00 493.65
20455 06719215001C 00 378.21
20455 06719222001C 00 378.21
20455 06719227006C 00 1,251.71
20455 06719235009C 00 2,329.15
20455 06719236002C 00 378.21
20455 06719237005C 00 378.21
20455 06719240003C 00 891.14
20455 06719304006C 00 415.51
20455 06719401004C 00 378.21
20455 06719402007C 00 560.55
20455 06719403000C 00 378.21
20455 06719501001C 00 1,080.95
20455 06719502004C 00 378.21
20455 06719503007C 00 378.21
20455 06719507009C 00 378.21
20455 06719509005C 00 479.74
20455 06719601008C 00 378.21
20455 06719604007C 00 378.21
20455 06719606003C 00 378.21
20455 06719607006C 00 937.65
20455 06719608009C 00 378.21
20455 06719609002C 00 378.21
20455 06721004000C 00 599.91
20455 08001001000C 00 699.27
20455 08001029002C 00 382.35
20455 08002018003C 00 1,312.93
20455 08002059002C 00 378.21
20455 08002060004C 00 378.21
20455 08002061007C 00 378.21
20455 08002062000C 00 378.21
20455 08004101006C 00 1,200.79
20455 08004112008C 00 1,119.99
20455 08006122003C 00 378.21
20455 08006147006C 00 378.21
20455 08011201003C 00 378.21
20455 08011208004C 00 378.21
20455 08011211002C 00 378.21
20455 08011213008C 00 1,117.03
20455 08011302003C 00 378.21
20455 08011303006C 00 747.62
20455 08011306005C 00 658.63
20455 08011307008C 00 378.21
20455 08011401007C 00 378.21
20455 08011403003
C 00 378.21
20455 08011407005C 00 504.60
20455 08011413002C 00 378.21
20455 08011414005C 00 378.21
20455 08011415008C 00 384.43
20455 08011416001C 00 378.21
20455 08011417004C 00 378.21
20455 08012104008C 00 378.21
20455 08012105001C 00 378.21
20455 08012107007C 00 540.77
20455 08012116003C 00 1,405.63
20455 08012118009C 00 865.13
20455 08012119002C 00 378.21
20455 08012202009C 00 793.79
20455 08012212008C 00 378.21
20455 08012214004C 00 2,679.31
20455 08012216000C 00 378.21
20455 08013104001C 00 559.07
20455 08013109006C 00 523.25
20455 08013119005C 00 378.21
20455 08013122003C 00 697.30
20455 08013123006C 00 950.08
20455 08013201009C 00 378.21
20455 08013202002C 00 378.21
20455 08013311005C 00 447.30
20455 08015105000C 00 378.21
20455 08015120003C 00 1,501.15
20455 08015205007C 00 597.84
20455 08015301002C 00 3,644.29
20455 08015304001C 00 608.37
20455 08019202000C 00 6,221.59
20455 08019203003C 00 2,239.22
20455 08019204006C 00 3,183.31
20455 08019210003C 00 2,105.96
20455 08019211006C 00 1,359.45
20455 08102421006C 00 378.21
20455 08102422009C 00 657.76
20455 08108154009C 00 378.21
20455 08109147002C 00 378.21
20455 08110536000A 02 2.00
20455 08112238001A 02 2.00
20455 08114125002A 02 2.00
20455 34303116003C 00 378.21
20455 34303172005C 00 1,807.89
20455 34304160003C 00 1,439.07
20455 34321209002C 00 378.21
20455 34321211007C 00 2,338.08
20455 34323011009
C 00 1,041.25
20455 34335115003C 00 722.16
20455 34335120007C 00 471.45
20455 34335136004C 00 3,150.85
20455 34335142001C 00 9,630.64
20455 34335143004C 00 901.54
20455 34336204001C 00 463.16
20455 34337001001C 00 481.81
20455 39602005007C 00 390.64
20455 39602008006C 00 378.21
20455 39602009009C 00 378.21
20455 39602010001C 00 378.21
20455 39602012007C 00 378.21
20455 39602013000C 00 2,159.83
20455 39606003003C 00 1,099.27
20455 39606005009C 00 378.21
20455 39606011006C 00 651.71
20455 39606012009C 00 378.21
20455 39606016001C 00 378.21
20455 39650004003C 00 7,416.20
20455 39650009008C 00 378.21
20455 39650010000C 00 647.83
20455 39650014002C 00 468.08
20455 41802008005C 00 442.44
20455 41802011003C 00 1,676.66
20455 41802014002C 00 384.43
20455 41803007005C 00 1,045.39
20455 41803012009C 00 656.59
20455 41804101007C 00 540.77
20455 41804103003C 00 378.21
20455 41804105009C 00 378.21
20455 41804120002C 00 6,111.86
20455 41804204003C 00 378.21
20455 41804205006C 00 378.21
20455 41804207002C 00 378.21
20455 41804213009C 00 409.29
20455 41804227000C 00 378.21
20455 41804228003C 00 5,871.52
20455 41806101003C 00 542.61
20455 41806103009C 00 378.21
20455 41806105005C 00 378.21
20455 41806106008C 00 378.21
20455 41806107001C 00 378.21
20455 41806202003C 00 378.21
20455 41806204009C 00 409.29
20455 41806205002C 00 378.21
20455 41806209004C 00 378.21
20455 41806219003
C 00 378.21
20455 41806220005C 00 378.21
20455 41810409009C 00 378.21
20455 41811002003C 00 456.95
20455 41811004009C 00 378.21
20455 41901001008C 00 378.21
20455 41901002001C 00 378.21
20455 41901003004C 00 512.99
20455 41901004007C 00 378.21
20455 41901009002C 00 1,763.49
20455 41901015009C 00 974.75
20455 41901033001C 00 378.21
20455 41901037003C 00 585.41
20455 41901047002C 00 378.21
20455 41901048005C 00 665.25
20455 41901049008C 00 2,271.43
20455 41901050000C 00 535.46
20455 41901054002C 00 378.21
20455 41901055005C 00 378.21
20455 41902001001C 00 951.23
20455 41902002004C 00 378.21
20455 41902005003C 00 2,462.64
20455 41902017008C 00 2,721.64
20455 41902019004C 00 378.21
20455 41902022002C 00 3,360.41
20455 41902023005C 00 378.21
20455 41902024008C 00 378.21
20455 41902031008C 00 823.22
20455 41902033004C 00 378.21
20455 41902041007C 00 3,291.38
20455 41903101001C 00 3,733.67
20455 41903104000C 00 399.27
20455 41903201008C 00 378.21
20455 41903204007C 00 378.21
20455 41904245009C 00 378.21
20455 41904253002C 00 378.21
20455 41906105002C 00 3,905.52
20455 41906203003C 00 542.80
20455 41906205009C 00 593.70
20455 41906209001C 00 889.99
20455 41906211006C 00 3,156.47
20455 41906215008C 00 3,905.52
20455 41907317004C 00 496.31
20455 41907318007C 00 496.31
20455 41907320002C 00 378.21
20455 41907321005C 00 378.21
20455 42002016005C 00 490.10
20455 42002018001
C 00 1,309.43
20455 42002021009C 00 1,099.57
20455 42002026004C 00 4,678.91
20455 42004121002C 00 766.32
20455 42004124001C 00 378.21
20455 42004125004C 00 1,008.10
20455 42004218001C 00 378.21
20455 42005222005C 00 427.94
20455 42005252002C 00 611.89
20455 42101004004C 00 5,926.12
20455 42101005007C 00 16,826.83
20455 42101008006C 00 2,489.84
20455 42101010001C 00 19,848.61
20455 42101013000C 00 869.27
20455 42101015006C 00 1,300.25
20455 42101016009C 00 1,061.97
20455 42101018005C 00 1,728.86
20455 42101019008C 00 9,461.38
20455 42101024002C 00 3,743.14
20455 42101026008C 00 3,529.72
20455 42105001007C 00 2,356.08
20455 42105003003C 00 378.21
20455 42105005009C 00 616.79
20455 42105006002C 00 711.80
20455 42105007005C 00 1,878.93
20455 42109001009C 00 7,831.79
20455 42118063005C 00 880.11
20455 45301104004C 00 927.29
20455 45301108006C 00 378.21
20455 45301109009C 00 378.21
20455 45301110001C 00 407.22
20455 45301114003C 00 1,082.69
20455 45301115006C 00 378.21
20455 45301116009C 00 378.21
20455 45301201002C 00 7,609.49
20455 45301203008C 00 378.21
20455 45301204001C 00 378.21
20455 45301206007C 00 378.21
20455 45301207000C 00 405.15
20455 45301209006C 00 1,627.63
20455 45301210008C 00 724.55
20455 45301211001C 00 397.45
20455 45301212004C 00 378.21
20455 45301303005C 00 378.21
20455 45301305001C 00 597.84
20455 45301306004C 00 397.94
20455 45301308000C 00 378.21
20455 45301312001
C 00 537.75
20455 45301313004C 00 378.21
20455 45301315000C 00 474.66
20455 45301321007C 00 378.21
20455 45301322000C 00 378.21
20455 45301324006C 00 477.67
20455 45303102004C 00 1,422.50
20455 45303107009C 00 492.17
20455 45303110007C 00 1,801.67
20455 45303111000C 00 483.88
20455 45303201008C 00 811.03
20455 45303203004C 00 722.92
20455 45303205000C 00 378.21
20455 45303208009C 00 378.21
20455 45303214006C 00 834.05
20455 45303215009C 00 502.53
20455 45306101000C 00 1,076.72
20455 45306115001C 00 378.21
20455 45306117007C 00 378.21
20455 45306118000C 00 378.21
20455 45306145008C 00 378.21
20455 45306147004C 00 378.21
20455 45306151005C 00 728.38
20455 45306154004C 00 494.24
20455 45306215008C 00 378.21
20455 45307113008C 00 378.21
20455 45307116007C 00 378.21
20455 45307119006C 00 378.21
20455 45307201000C 00 378.21
20455 45307221008C 00 378.21
20455 45307222001C 00 564.69
20455 45307243002C 00 378.21
20455 45307246001C 00 378.21
20455 45313001003C 00 442.44
20455 45329301001A 01 1.00
20455 45601004008C 00 2,860.17
20455 45601005001C 00 817.12
20455 45601006004C 00 441.20
20455 45605117005C 00 502.16
20455 45605205007C 00 378.21
20455 45606011003C 00 378.21
20455 45606012006C 00 877.56
20455 45606016008C 00 378.21
20455 45607006002C 00 651.71
20455 45607007005C 00 707.68
20455 45609005005C 00 1,101.34
20455 45609006008C 00 378.21
20455 45635208003
A 01 1.00
20455 47701007000C 00 378.21
20455 47701017009C 00 378.21
20455 47702004004C 00 378.21
20455 47702015006C 00 595.77
20455 47702018005C 00 378.21
20455 47702020000C 00 378.21
20455 47702030009C 00 378.21
20455 47702032005C 00 527.39
20455 47703033001C 00 378.21
20455 47706002000C 00 378.21
20455 47707003006C 00 386.50
20455 47707015001C 00 1,369.12
20455 47709003002C 00 401.00
20455 47711016005C 00 378.21
20455 47711017008C 00 378.21
20455 47801010005C 00 378.21
20455 47802011001C 00 378.21
20455 47802013007C 00 378.21
20455 47802016006C 00 378.21
20455 47802018002C 00 378.21
20455 47802021000C 00 378.21
20455 47802028001C 00 506.67
20455 47802029004C 00 541.90
20455 47802032002C 00 378.21
20455 47802034008C 00 378.21
20455 47802035001C 00 378.21
20455 47802040005C 00 378.21
20455 47802041008C 00 378.21
20455 47802043004C 00 378.21
20455 47802047006C 00 378.21
20455 47802048009C 00 758.19
20455 47802051007C 00 392.71
20455 47802053003C 00 874.60
20455 47802056002C 00 3,465.49
20455 47802057005C 00 440.37
20455 47803012007C 00 4,874.45
20455 47803017002C 00 378.21
20455 47803032005C 00 378.21
20455 47805207003C 00 378.21
20455 47805208015C 00 473.52
20455 47806101001C 00 548.11
20455 47806216002C 00 378.21
20455 47806319008C 00 378.21
20455 47806410008C 00 378.21
20455 47808209008C 00 378.21
20455 47808309005C 00 7,036.84
20455 47808315002
C 00 1,035.81
20455 47808316005C 00 378.21
20455 47809132000C 00 378.21
20455 47810101002C 00 748.03
20455 47810105004C 00 5,625.35
20455 47810106007C 00 5,625.35
20455 47810107000C 00 2,649.00
20455 47810205001C 00 620.63
20455 47810208000C 00 1,848.15
20455 47810307004C 00 1,286.75
20455 47901001006C 00 479.04
20455 47904203005C 00 378.21
20455 48001002009C 00 896.67
20455 48001003002C 00 4,075.32
20455 48001004005C 00 2,671.64
20455 48001006001C 00 3,418.76
20455 48001007004C 00 678.51
20455 48001009000C 00 4,547.07
20455 50822206007A 01 1.00
20455 50822210008A 01 1.00
20455 50822309003A 01 1.00
20455 50822402009A 01 1.00
20455 50822412008A 01 1.00
20455 50901002007C 00 5,682.53
20455 50902021005C 00 22,157.89
20455 50902022008C 00 378.21
20455 50902024004C 00 2,548.48
20455 50902039008C 00 764.00
20455 50902049007C 00 378.21
20455 50902050009C 00 9,859.68
20455 50903001000C 00 1,432.86
20455 50908305008C 00 2,286.26
20455 50921013007C 00 529.47
20455 06703207001A 00 405.15
20455 08107101002C 01 1.00
20455 08107214007C 01 1.00
20455 08109132008C 01 1.00
20455 41804104006A 00 378.21
20455 41907316001A 00 378.21
20455 42101006000A 00 2,489.84
20455 47802014000A 00 378.21
20455 47806203004A 00 597.82
20455 39650016008A 00 378.21
20455 39650017001A 00 378.21
20455 39650018004A 00 378.21
20455 39650019007A 00 378.21
20455 39650020009A 00 378.21
20455 39650021002
A 00 378.21
20455 47805322003C 00 805.65
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EXHIBIT B
Rates 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Single Family Residential $31.52 $31.52 $31.52 $31.52 $31.52 $31.52 Multi-Family Residential $27.48 $27.48 $27.48 $27.48 $27.48 $27.48 Mobile Homes $23.44 $23.44 $23.44 $23.44 $23.44 $23.44
Commercial Rates
2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023
Annual Fixed Fee* $378.21 $378.21 $378.21 $378.21 $378.21 $378.21 Volumetric Charge (per hundred cubic feet)**
Auto: Repair Shop and Service Station $3.12 $3.12 $3.12 $3.12 $3.12 $3.12 Auto: Steam Cleaning $6.69 $6.69 $6.69 $6.69 $6.69 $6.69 Bakery and Food Preparation $4.81 $4.81 $4.81 $4.81 $4.81 $4.81 Bars w/o Dining Facilities $2.93 $2.93 $2.93 $2.93 $2.93 $2.93 Car Wash $2.61 $2.61 $2.61 $2.61 $2.61 $2.61
Commercial & Institutional - Other $2.59 $2.59 $2.59 $2.59 $2.59 $2.59 Department and Retail Store $2.74 $2.74 $2.74 $2.74 $2.74 $2.74 Hospital and Convalescent $2.71 $2.71 $2.71 $2.71 $2.71 $2.71 Hotel with dining facilities $4.30 $4.30 $4.30 $4.30 $4.30 $4.30 Hotel/Motel without dining $2.83 $2.83 $2.83 $2.83 $2.83 $2.83 Institutional and Professional: Restrooms
Only $2.54 $2.54 $2.54 $2.54 $2.54 $2.54
Laundromat $2.64 $2.64 $2.64 $2.64 $2.64 $2.64
Laundry: Commercial $3.29 $3.29 $3.29 $3.29 $3.29 $3.29 Laundry: Industrial $4.68 $4.68 $4.68 $4.68 $4.68 $4.68 Market with Garbage Grinders $5.14 $5.14 $5.14 $5.14 $5.14 $5.14 Mortuary $5.14 $5.14 $5.14 $5.14 $5.14 $5.14
Restaurant $4.81 $4.81 $4.81 $4.81 $4.81 $4.81
Soft Water Service $2.34 $2.34 $2.34 $2.34 $2.34 $2.34
Septic System or No Plumbing No Fixed Fee or Charge
Exempt $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00 $0.00
China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station $3.34 $3.34 $3.34 $3.34 $3.34 $3.34 *The annual fixed fee includes the first 71 hundred cubic feet of water flow per year. ** Based on 80% of potable water consumption to account for water not returned to the sewer with except of NAWS which has its sewage metered directly.
*** Year listed is the usage year we are billing for.

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6 This Page Intentionally Left Blank

CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/

FINANCING AUTHORITY/HOUSING AUTHORITY AGENDA ITEM

SUBJECT: Adoption Of A Resolution And Introduction And First Reading, An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest Amending The Ridgecrest Municipal Code By Establishing A Transactions And Use (Sales) Tax To Be Administered By The State Board Of Equalization And Placing The No Tax Increase Reauthorization Measure On The Election Ballot For November 5, 2024
PRESENTED BY: Ron Strand, City Manager
SUMMARY:

Local governments throughout California have the responsibility to provide a range of basic services and are often expected to provide enhanced services as well. The cost of maintaining those services often exceeds the resources available to local governments. This imbalance is exacerbated when the state determines that state needs are a higher priority than those of the local governments. The unbalanced relationship between local and state governments permits the state to raid local funds which further strains the ability of local governments to provide the services expected by local residents.

The state has repeatedly exercised its right to take money from local governments through a variety of means (i.e. Redevelopment Agency dissolution, Educational Reimbursement Augmentation Fund, Supplemental Educational Reimbursement Augmentation Fund, Vehicle License Fees, booking fees, and several others).

In 2016, the citizens of Ridgecrest enacted a local sales tax to provide local funding for the City to protect public safety services and road maintenance services. The sales tax is currently scheduled to sunset at the end of 2024. The current financial condition of the City does not afford the City the resources needed to meet these resident demands in the absence of the sales tax.

A reauthorization of the current sales tax, which would NOT increase the rate, is needed to provide the locally controlled funding to maintain current levels of public safety and police services, including neighborhood patrols, crime prevention and investigation programs, and 9- 1-1 response times and to continue repairing major streets in the City. Without continued local funding, a large portion of Ridgecrest’s police budget and the road repair budget would be cut.

After engaging hundreds of residents through the Ridgecrest Community Conversation and this year’s budget process, residents continue to prioritize maintaining this funding for public safety and public works City service needs. If enacted, the measure will fund City services prioritized by Ridgecrest residents such as continuing to repair potholes and City streets, maintaining 911 emergency medical response and response times, maintaining City parks and playgrounds, attracting and retaining local businesses and jobs, maintaining recreation programs for all ages and ensuring local control of firefighting services.

It is fiscally responsible to maintain our streets, roads and potholes now so they don’t deteriorate and become more costly to fix in the future. Furthermore, addressing infrastructure and facilities needs such as parks, sports fields and recreation centers is essential to maintaining our quality

of life and providing quality youth programs which are essential to keeping kids away from gangs.

This item requests approval from the City Council to place an item on the November 5th ballot for a reauthorization of the 1 cent local sales tax measure to provide funding for the City to maintain the level of public safety and road maintenance that residents demand and expect. If approved, such measure would not increase but maintain the current tax that was adopted in 2016.

The measure would continue the strict fiscal accountability provisions the City has adhered to previously including an independent citizen’s oversight committee, independent audits and public spending reports. Purchases of groceries and prescription medications are exempt from sales tax so it is not a burden on seniors or low-income residents. No money could be taken by the State or County ensuring Ridgecrest has local control to ensure tax dollars are spent on Ridgecrest services.

Approval of this item will not, in and of itself, make any changes to the tax rate. Instead, it will place the measure on the ballot for Ridgecrest voters’ consideration.

FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact from placing the measure on the ballot, other than the costs charged by the County which are estimated to be $30,000 ACTION REQUESTED:

1. Approve A Resolution Ordering The Submission To The Qualified Electors Of The City Of Ridgecrest A Measure Relating To The Establishment Of A Transactions And Use Tax (Sales Tax) At The General Election To Be Held On Tuesday, November 5, 2024, As Called By Resolution Nos. 24-53 And 24-54

2. Motion To Waive Reading In Full Of An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest Amending The Ridgecrest Municipal Code By Establishing A Transactions And Use Tax To Be Administered By The State Board Of Equalization And Placing The Measure On The Election Ballot For November 5, 2024

3. Motion To Introduce, By Title Only, An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest Amending The Ridgecrest Municipal Code By Establishing A Transactions And Use Tax To Be Administered By The State Board Of Equalization And Placing The Measure On The Election Ballot For November 5, 2024
CITY MANAGER / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION:

Action as requested: Approve The Resolution Placing A Transactions And Use Tax Measure On The Election Ballot Of November 5, 2024; Approve A Motion To Waive Reading In Full Of The Temporary Transactions And Use Tax Ordinance As Presented And Approve A Motion To Introduce, By Title Only, The Temporary Transactions And Use Tax Ordinance As Presented.

Submitted by: Ronald Strand Action Date: July 17, 2024

RESOLUTION NO. 24-Xx

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

RIDGECREST ORDERING THE SUBMISSION TO THE QUALIFIED

ELECTORS OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST A MEASURE RELATING

TO THE NO TAX INCREASE REAUTHORIZATION OF A

TRANSACTIONS AND USE TAX (SALES TAX) AT THE GENERAL
ELECTION TO BE HELD ON NOVEMBER 5, 2024, AS CALLED BY
RESOLUTION NO. 24-53
WHEREAS, in November of 2016 Ridgecrest residents voted to approve a 1 cent transaction and use (sales) tax, which generates $6,500,000 annually, but which will end by its own terms at the end of 2024; and,
WHEREAS, the measure is not a tax increase, simply a reauthorization of previously voter approved funding; and,
WHEREAS, it is fiscally responsible to maintain our streets, roads and potholes now so they don’t deteriorate and become more costly to fix in the future; and, WHEREAS, addressing infrastructure and facilities needs such as parks, sports fields and recreation centers is essential to maintaining our quality of life and providing quality youth programs which are essential to keeping kids away from gangs; and, WHEREAS, purchases of groceries and prescription medications are exempt from sales tax so it is not a burden on seniors or low-income residents; and, WHEREAS, the measure will fund City services prioritized by Ridgecrest residents such as continuing to repair potholes and City streets, maintaining 911 emergency medical response and response times, maintaining City parks and playgrounds, attracting and retaining local businesses and jobs, maintaining recreation programs for all ages and ensuring local control of firefighting services; and,
WHEREAS, by law, all funds from this measure must stay in Ridgecrest to maintain local services and none of it can be taken by Sacramento or County; and, WHEREAS, continued local funding is needed to prevent cuts and maintain City of Ridgecrest services, including fixing city streets and potholes, 9-1-1 emergency response times, crime prevention and investigation, neighborhood police patrols, and the number of current police officers; and,
WHEREAS, continued local funding is needed to maintain current levels of public safety and police services, including neighborhood patrols, crime prevention and investigation programs, and 9-1-1 response times; and,

WHEREAS, existing, voter-approved local funding has helped repair major streets and fix potholes in Ridgecrest and is needed to continue the work to repair neighborhood streets and fix potholes; and,
WHEREAS, Ridgecrest streets have more than $50 million of deferred maintenance, just to keep them in good working condition; and, WHEREAS, without continued local funding half of the Ridgecrest police budget, and most of the road repair budget, would have to be cut – including eliminating 14 police officers who patrol Ridgecrest’s neighborhoods; and,
WHEREAS, this measure requires independent resident oversight, mandatory financial audits, and yearly reports to the community to ensure the funds are spent in a fiscally prudent manner; and,
WHEREAS, the previously adopted local sales tax will expire under its own terms; and,
WHEREAS, on October 6, 1997, Assembly Bill 1472 became law adding Chapter

2.93 commencing with Section 7286.52 to Part 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code; and,
WHEREAS, California Constitution Article XIII C Section 2(b) added by Proposition 218 effective November 1996, requires that a measure proposing a general tax be submitted to the voters at an election consolidated with a regularly scheduled general election for members of the governing body of the local government; and, WHEREAS, the City Council, passed Resolution Nos. 24-53 and 24-54, calling a General Municipal Election to be held on November 5, 2024, and requested the County Board of Supervisors to approve consolidation of the election with the Statewide General Election to be held on the same day; and,
WHEREAS, pursuant to California Constitution Article XIII C Section 2(b) and Elections Code Section 10201, the City also desires to submit to the electors at the General Election a measure to enact an ordinance establishing a transactions and use tax.

NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST, CALIFORNIA, DOES RESOLVE, DECLARE, DETERMINE AND ORDER as follows:

Section 1. That the City Council, pursuant to its right and authority, does order submitted to the electors at the General Municipal Election the following question:
“Ridgecrest Public Safety and Essential Services Reauthorization Measure.

To prevent cuts/ maintain City of Ridgecrest services, such as:
• repair potholes/ city streets;
• 9-1-1 emergency/ medical response times;
• neighborhood police patrols;
• attract/ retain local business/ jobs; and
• for general government use,
shall the City of Ridgecrest measure reauthorizing a previously voter approved 1¢ sales tax with no tax increase, providing $6,500,000 annually, until ended by voters, with independent oversight/ audits, all funds for City of Ridgecrest, no funds for Sacramento, be adopted?”
____________ Yes ____________ No
Section 2. The City Clerk is hereby directed to forward a copy of Resolution Nos. 24-53 and 24-54 and this Resolution to the County Clerk for inclusion in the ballot for the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election.

Section 3. The proposed Ridgecrest Public Safety/Essential Services Reauthorization Measure will pass only if a majority of the votes cast by electors voting on the measure are “yes” votes and will, if passed, take precedence over any other conflicting measure receiving less votes in this election.

Section 4. The City Council hereby directs the City Attorney to prepare an impartial written analysis of the measure, not to exceed 500 words in length, showing the effect of the measure on existing law and the operation of the measure. The impartial analysis shall be filed by the date set by the City Clerk for the filing of primary arguments.

Section 5. The City Council hereby authorizes its members to file written arguments for or against the measure described above to this Resolution. All written arguments filed by any person in favor or against the measure shall be accompanied by the names and signatures of the persons submitting the arguments as required by applicable law and any names, signatures and arguments may be filed until the time and date fixed by the City Clerk, after which no change may be submitted to the City Clerk unless permitted by law.

Section 6. The proposed Ordinance amending Chapter 9, Article III of the Ridgecrest Municipal Code establishing a Temporary Transactions and Use Tax, attached hereto as Exhibit “A”, the test of the measure, together with the City Attorney’s impartial analysis, and any arguments for or against the measure, to be mailed to all qualified electors with the ballot. In addition to other notices and publications required by law, the City Clerk, not less than forty (40) days and not more than sixty (60) days before the General Municipal Election, shall cause the text of the measure to be published once in the official newspaper. The City Clerk is authorized to give such notices and to fix such

times and dates as are required by law or which are appropriate to properly conduct the election.

Section 7. The provisions of Resolution 24-53 refer to more particulars concerning the General Municipal Election to be held on November 5, 2024, and in all respects the election shall be held and conducted as provided for by applicable law. The City Clerk is authorized and directed to procure and furnish any official ballots, notices, printed materials, and all supplies or equipment that may be necessary in order to properly and lawfully conduct the election.

PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED on July 17, 2024, by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NAYS:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

Eric Bruen, Mayor
ATTEST:

Ricca Charlon, CMC, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

By:

Martin Koczanowicz, City Attorney
ORDINANCE NO. 24 - Xx

AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST AMENDING THE

RIDGECREST MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING A TEMPORARY REAUTHORIZATION

TRANSACTIONS AND USE (SALES) TAX TO BE ADMINISTERED BY THE STATE BOARD

OF EQUALIZATION
BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST as follows:

1. Purpose.

This Ordinance amends the Ridgecrest Municipal Code in order to change the term of a temporary transactions and use tax.

2. Amendment.

The existing Chapter 9, Article III of the Ridgecrest Municipal Code is hereby deleted and replaced as follows:

Article III. Temporary Transactions and Use Tax
Sec. 9-50 Purpose and Operative Date.
(a) The purpose of this article is to impose a retail transactions and use tax in accordance with the provisions of the Revenue and Taxation Code which authorizes the City to adopt this tax if a majority of the qualified voters of the City vote to approve the imposition of the tax. Unlike the tax described in Article IV of this Chapter, this tax is subject to revocation by the voters.
(b) “Operative Date” means the first day of the first calendar quarter commencing more than 110 days after the later of the adoption of this ordinance and article, the date of such adoption being as set forth on the ordinance that adopted this article, or the approval of the voters of the City of a measure approving the imposition of the transaction and use tax set forth herein; provided, that if the City shall not have entered into a contract with the State Board as required herein prior to such date, the Operative Date shall be the first day of the first calendar quarter following execution of such a contract.
(c) When becoming operative, this measure automatically repeals and replaces Measure ‘V’, which was passed by the citizens of Ridgecrest in November of 2016. (d) Prior to the Operative Date, the City shall contract with the State Board of Equalization to perform all functions incident to the administration and operation of this transactions and use tax article; provided, that if the City shall not have contracted with the State Board of Equalization prior to the operative date, it shall nevertheless so contract and in such a case the operative date shall be the first day of the first calendar quarter following the execution of such a contract.

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Sec. 9-51. Transactions Tax Rate.

Commencing on the Operative Date and continuing until ended by voters, for the privilege of selling tangible personal property at retail, a tax is hereby imposed upon all retailers in the incorporated territory of the City at a rate of one cent (1%) of the gross receipt of any retailer from the sale of all tangible personal property sold at retail in said territory on and after the Operative Date of this article. Such tax shall be in addition to any other transaction (sales) tax imposed by this Code or applicable state law.

Sec. 9-52. Place of Sale.

For the purposes of this article, all retail sales are consummated at the place of business of the retailer unless the tangible personal property sold is delivered by the retailer or his agent to an out-of-state destination or to a common carrier for delivery to an out-of-state destination. The gross receipts from such sales shall include delivery charges when such charges are subject to the state sales and use tax, regardless of the place to which delivery is made. In the event a retailer has no permanent place of business in the State or has more than one place of business, the place or places at which the retail sales are consummated shall be determined under rules and regulations to be prescribed and adopted by the State Board of Equalization.

Sec. 9-53. Use Tax Rate.

Commencing on the Operative Date and continuing until ended by voters, an excise tax is hereby imposed on the storage, use or other consumption in the City of tangible personal property purchased from any retailer on or after the Operative Date of this article for storage, use, or other consumption in the incorporated territory of the City at a rate of one percent (1%) of the sales price of the property. The sales price shall include delivery charges when such charges are subject to state sales or use tax, regardless of the place to which delivery is made. Such tax shall be in addition to any other use tax imposed by this Code or applicable to state law. Specifically, this tax is in addition to the tax imposed by Article IV of this Code.

Sec. 9-54. Adoption of Provisions of State Law.

Except as otherwise provided in this article, and except insofar as they are inconsistent with the provisions of Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, all of the provisions of Part 1 (commencing with Section 6001) of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code are hereby adopted and made a part of this article as though fully set forth herein.

Sec. 9-55. Limitations on Adoption of State Law and Collection of Use Taxes.

In adopting the provisions of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code:
(a) Wherever the State of California is named or referred to as the taxing agency, the name of this City shall be substituted therefor. However, the substitution shall not be made when:
(1) The word “State” is used as a part of the title of the State Controller, State Treasurer, State Board of Control, State Board of Equalization, State Treasury, or the Constitution of the State of California;
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(2) The result of that substitution would require action to be taken by or against this City or any agency, officer, or employee thereof rather than by or against the State Board of Equalization, in performing the functions incident to the administration or operation of this article; (3) In those sections, including, but not necessarily limited to, sections referring to the exterior boundaries of the State of California, where the result of the substitution would be to:
(a) Provide an exemption from this tax with respect to certain sales, storage, use or other consumption of tangible personal property which would not otherwise be exempt from this tax while such sales, storage, use or other consumption remain subject to tax by the State under the provisions of Part 1 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code; or (b) Impose this tax with respect to certain sales, storage, use or other consumption of tangible personal property which would not be subject to tax by the State under the said provision of that Code;
(4) In sections 6701, 6702 (except in the last sentence thereof), 6711, 6715, 6737, 6797, or 6828 of the Revenue and Taxation Code.
(b) The word “City” shall be substituted for the word “State” in the phrase “retailer engaged in business in this State” in Section 6203 and in the definition to that phrase in Section 6203.

Sec. 9-56. Permit Not Required.

If a seller’s permit has been issued to a retailer under Section 6067 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, an additional transactor’s permit shall not be required by this article.

Sec. 9-57. Exemptions and Exclusions.
(a) There shall be excluded from the measure of the transactions tax and the use tax the amount of any sales tax or use tax imposed by the State of California or by any city, city and county, or county pursuant to the Bradley-Burns Uniform Local Sales and Use Tax Law or the amount of any State-administered transactions or use tax. (b) There are exempted from the computation of the amount of transactions tax and gross receipts from:
(1) Sales of tangible personal property, other than fuel or petroleum products, to operators of aircraft to be used or consumed principally outside the County in which the sale is made and directly and exclusively in the use of such aircraft as common carriers of persons or property under the authority of the laws of this State, the United States, or any foreign government. (2) Sales of property to be used outside the City which is shipped to a point outside the City, pursuant to the contract of sale, by delivery to such point by the retailer or his agent or by delivery by the retailer to a carrier for shipment to a consignee at such point. For the purposes of this paragraph, delivery to a point outside the City shall be satisfied:

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(a) With respect to vehicles (other than commercial vehicles) subject to registration pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 4000) of Division 3 of the Vehicle Code, aircraft licensed in compliance with Section 21411 of the Public Utilities Code, and undocumented vessels registered under Chapter 2 of Division 3.5 (commencing with Section 9840) of the Vehicle Code by registration to an out-of-City address and by a declaration under penalty of perjury, signed by the buyer, stating that such address is, in fact, his or her principal place of residence; and
(b) With respect to commercial vehicles, by registration to a place of business out-of-City and declaration under penalty of perjury, signed by the buyer, that the vehicle will be operated from that address.
(3) The sale of tangible personal property if the seller is obligated to furnish the property for a fixed price pursuant to a contract entered into prior to the operative date of this article.
(4) A lease of tangible personal property which is a continuing sale of such property, for any period of time for which the lessor is obligated to lease the property for an amount fixed by the lease prior to the operative date of this article. (5) For the purposes of subsections (3) and (4) of this section, the sale or lease of tangible personal property shall be deemed not to be obligated pursuant to a contract or lease for any period of time for which any party to the contract or lease has the unconditional right to terminate the contract or lease upon notice, whether or not such right is exercised. (c) There are exempted from the use tax imposed by this article, the storage, use or other consumption in this City of tangible personal property:
(1) The gross receipts from the sale of which have been subject to a transactions tax under any state-administered transactions and use tax article. (2) Other than fuel or petroleum products purchased by operators of aircraft and used or consumed by such operators directly and exclusively in the use of such aircraft as common carriers of persons or property for hire or compensation under a certificate of public convenience and necessity issued pursuant to the laws of this State, the United States, or any foreign government. This exemption is in addition to the exemptions provided in Sections 6366 and 6366.1 of the Revenue and Taxation Code of the State of California. (3) If the purchaser is obligated to purchase the property for a fixed price pursuant to a contract entered into prior to the operative date of this article. (4) If the possession of, or the exercise of any right or power over, the tangible personal property arises under a lease which is a continuing purchase of such property for any period of time for which the lessee is obligated to lease the property for an amount fixed by a lease prior to the operative date of this article.
(5) For the purposes of subsections (3) and (4) of this section, storage, use, or other consumption, or possession of, or exercise of any right or power over, tangible personal property shall be deemed not to be obligated pursuant to a contract or lease for any period of time for which any party to the contract or lease has the unconditional right to terminate the contract or lease upon notice whether or not such right is exercised. (6) Except as provided in subparagraph (7), a retailer engaged in business in the City shall not be required to collect use tax from the purchaser of tangible personal property, unless the retailer ships or delivers the property into the City or participates within the City in making the sale of the property, including, but not limited to, soliciting or receiving the order, either directly or indirectly, at a place of business of the retailer in the City or through any representative, agent, canvasser, solicitor, subsidiary, or person in the City under the authority of the retailer.

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(7) “A retailer engaged in business in the City” shall also include any retailer of any of the following: vehicles subject to registration pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 4000) of Division 3 of the Vehicle Code, aircraft licensed in compliance with Section 21411 of the Public Utilities Code, or undocumented vessels registered under Chapter 2 of Division 3.5 (commencing with Section 9840) of the Vehicle Code. That retailer shall be required to collect use tax from any purchaser who registers or licenses the vehicle, vessel, or aircraft at an address in the City.
(d) Any person subject to use tax under this article may credit against that tax any transactions tax or reimbursement for transactions tax paid to a district imposing, or retailer liable for a transactions tax pursuant to Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code with respect to the sale to the person of the property the storage, use, or other consumption of which is subject to the use tax.

Sec. 9-58. Amendments.
(a) All amendments subsequent to the effective date of this article to Part 1 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code relating to sales and use taxes and which are not inconsistent with Part 1.6 and Part 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, and all amendments to Part 1.6 and Part 1.7 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, shall automatically become a part of this article, provided however, that no such amendment shall operate so as to affect the rate of tax imposed by this article.
(b) The City Council of the City of Ridgecrest may make amendments to this article that do not affect the rate of tax imposed without approval of the voters of the City. The City Council of the City of Ridgecrest may repeal this article by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Council without approval of the voters of the City, provided all indebtedness secured by the tax has been satisfied.

The City Council may amend the rate of tax imposed herein (increase or decrease) or extend the term of the tax only upon two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Council and with approval of the voters of the City.

Sec. 9-59. Enjoining Collection Forbidden.

No injunction or writ of mandate or other legal or equitable process shall issue in any suit, action or proceeding in any court against the State or the City, or against any officer of the State or the City, to prevent or enjoin the collection under this article, or Part 1.6 of Division 2 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, of any tax or any amount of tax required to be collected.

Sec. 9-60. Use of Tax Proceeds.

All proceeds of the tax levied and imposed under this article shall be paid into the general fund for use by the City of Ridgecrest.

Secs. 9-61 – 9-78. – Reserved
DIVISION 2. – CITIZEN OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
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Sec. 9-79. Establishment of Committee and Purpose.

A Citizens’ Oversight Committee is hereby established to oversee expenditures of the revenues received by the City from the sales and use taxes imposed pursuant to this chapter, and to ensure that tax revenues are spent by the City in a manner consistent with the voter approved measure adopting this chapter as well as any voter approved or council approved priorities adopted to implement the provisions of this chapter.

Sec. 9-80. Appointment and Tenure of Committee Members. (a) The Citizens’ Oversight Committee shall consist of five members appointed by the City Council. Three members shall constitute a quorum. The City Manager shall appoint an exofficio staff person to serve as the secretary and custodian of records who shall not have a vote. (b) Upon their appointment and during their incumbency, members of the committee shall be and remain residents of the City; provided, however, that City employees, other city officials, and City vendors shall not be qualified to serve as committee members at any time they occupy such positions or are engaged in such business. Should a member cease to be a City resident, that office shall be deemed vacant and the term of such member terminated. The secretary shall notify the City Council and City Manager of such termination as soon as administratively possible.
(c) All members of the committee shall serve at the pleasure of the City Council and may be removed by a majority vote of the City Council at any time.

Sec. 9-81. Terms of Office.
(a) Of the members of the committee first appointed, two shall be appointed for terms of one year, two shall be appointed for terms of two years, and one shall be appointed for a term of three years. Succeeding members shall be appointed for terms of four years. The secretary’s term shall be designated by the City Manager. All members shall serve until a successor is appointed and qualified.
(b) Should a member of the committee fail to attend three consecutive meetings, unless excused for cause by the chairperson, that member’s office shall be deemed vacant and the member’s term ended. The committee secretary shall immediately notify the City Council and City Clerk of such termination.

Sec. 9-82. Organization.
(a) Each January, a board, commission, or committee shall annually organize and elect a chairperson and vice-chairperson from its membership for a one-year term. In the chairperson’s or vice-chairperson’s absence or disability, the committee may designate a chairperson or vicechairperson pro tempore. (b) Regular meetings shall be held on the day and time established by resolution of the board, commission, or committee as amended from time-to-time.

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(c) Each board commission or committee shall establish a procedure for calling special meetings and may also adopt application requirements, meeting procedures, and other reasonable rules and regulations for conducting business. Minutes shall be kept of all meetings and the secretary shall deliver copies of minutes to the City Manager and City Clerk for filing and distribution to City Council members.
(d) Any board, commission, or committee may designate one of its members, or a subcommittee composed of not more than two members, to study, review, consider, or make recommendations concerning any matter within its purview, provided that, a board, commission, or committee authorized to consist of seven members may designate one of its members, or a subcommittee composed of not more than three members, to study, review, consider, or make recommendations.

Sec. 9-83. Duties.
(a) The committee is charged with the following responsibilities: (1) reviewing all appropriations of revenues received by the City from the sales and use taxes imposed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter to determine whether such funds are to be used as provided for in this chapter and the voter approved measure that adopted this chapter; (2) reviewing the audit prepared by an independent auditor retained by the City to perform the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report to determine whether such funds have been spent as provided for in this chapter and the voter approved measure; and (3) prepare and issue the committee’s own annual report setting forth their findings in regard to the foregoing. (b) The committee shall confine itself specifically to funds received by the City from the sales and use taxes imposed pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. City revenues and funds generated through other sources are outside the scope of the committee. (c) In order to preserve the integrity and independence of the oversight process, committee members will not play a formal role in contracting, project management, construction, or any other aspect of the public safety funding. In addition, the committee is not charged with decision-making on spending priorities, construction schedules, project details, funding source decisions (e.g., leveraged funds, developer fees, etc.), financing plans, tax rate assumptions, or selection of consultants, design, and construction firms.”

3. Effective Date.

This Ordinance relates to the levying and collecting of the City transactions and use taxes, and is a valid and binding ordinance of the City upon passage and approval by the electorate of the City of Ridgecrest. This Ordinance shall be considered as adopted upon the date that the vote is declared by the legislative body, and shall go into effect ten (10) days after that date.

4. Severability.

If any provision of this Ordinance or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the Ordinance and the application of such provision to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.

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5. Other
Accept as otherwise provided herein the Ridgecrest Municipal Code is Reaffirmed and Readopted.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED by the Ridgecrest City Council on _________, 2024, by the following roll call vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:
_______________________________
Eric A. Bruen, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________________
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk

NOTICE TO VOTERS OF DATE AFTER WHICH NO

ARGUMENTS FOR OR AGAINST (A) CITY MEASURE(S) MAY

BE SUBMITTED TO THE CITY CLERK

POST NOTICE ON CITY HALL BULLETIN BOARD
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the General Municipal Election is to be held in the City of Ridgecrest on November 5, 2024, at which there will be submitted to the voters the following measure(s):
“Ridgecrest Public Safety and Essential Services Reauthorization Measure.

To prevent cuts/ maintain City of Ridgecrest services, such as:
• repair potholes/ city streets;
• 9-1-1 emergency/ medical response times;
• neighborhood police patrols;
• attract/ retain local business/ jobs; and
• for general government use,
shall the City of Ridgecrest measure reauthorizing a previously voter approved 1¢ sales tax with no tax increase, providing $6,500,000 annually, until ended by voters, with independent oversight/ audits, all funds for City of Ridgecrest, no funds for Sacramento, be adopted?” NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that pursuant to Article 4, Chapter 3, Division 9 of the Elections Code of the State of California, the legislative body of the City, or any member or members thereof authorized by the body, or any individual voter or bona fide association of citizens, or any combination of voters and associations, may file a written argument, not to exceed 300 words in length, accompanied by the printed name(s) and signature(s) of the author(s) submitting it, or if submitted on behalf of an organization, the name of the organization, and the printed name and signature of at least one of its principal officers who is the author of the argument, for or against the City measure(s).

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that, based upon the time reasonably necessary to prepare and print the arguments and sample ballots for the election, the City Clerk has fixed August 12, 2024, during normal office hours, as posted, as the date after which no arguments for or against the City measure(s) may be submitted to the Clerk for printing and distribution to the voters as provided in Article 4. Arguments shall be submitted to the City Clerk, accompanied by the printed name(s) and signature(s) of the author(s) submitting it, or if submitted on behalf of an organization, the name of the organization, and the printed name and signature of at least one of its principal officers who is the author of the argument, at the City Hall, Ridgecrest, California.

Arguments may be changed or withdrawn until and including the date fixed by the City Clerk.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that the City Council has determined that rebuttal arguments, not to exceed 250 words in length, as submitted by the authors of the opposing direct arguments, may be filed with the Clerk, accompanied by the printed name(s) and signature(s) of the author(s) submitting it, or if submitted on behalf of an organization, the name of the organization, and the printed name and signature of at least one of its principal officers who is the author of the argument, not more than 10-calendar days after the final date for filing direct arguments.

NOTICE IS FURTHER GIVEN that any ordinance, impartial analysis, or direct argument filed under the authority of the Elections Code will be available for public examination in the Clerk’s office for not less than 10-calendar days from the deadline for the filing of the arguments and analysis(es). Any rebuttal argument filed under the authority of the Elections Code will be available for public examination in the Clerk’s office for not less than 10-calendar days from the deadline for filing rebuttal arguments. ___________________________
City Clerk
Dated:

POST NOTICE ON CITY HALL BULLETIN BOARD

FORM OF STATEMENT TO BE FILED

BY AUTHOR OF ARGUMENT
All arguments concerning measures filed pursuant to Division 9, Chapter 3 (beginning with § 9200) of the Elections Code shall be accompanied by the following form statement to be signed by each proponent, and by each author, if different, of the argument:

The undersigned proponent(s) or author(s) of the (primary/rebuttal) argument (in favor of/against) ballot Measure _____ at the General Municipal Election to be held on November 5, 2024, hereby state that the argument is true and correct to the best of (his/her/their) knowledge and belief.

Sign Print Name Date
_____________________ _________________________ ______________ _____________________ _________________________ ______________ _____________________ _________________________ ______________ _____________________ _________________________ ______________ _____________________ _________________________ ______________ All Authors must print his/her name and sign this form (EC 9600) AND print his/her name and sign the Argument itself (EC 9283) AND Print his/her name and sign the Rebuttal Argument itself (EC 9285) Further, pursuant to Election Code § 9219, printed arguments submitted to the voters shall be titled either “Argument In Favor Of Measure ___” or “Argument Against Measure ____.” Likewise, printed rebuttal argument submitted pursuant to Election Code §§ 9220 and 9285 shall be titled either “Rebuttal To Argument In Favor Of Measure ____” or “Rebuttal to Argument Against Measure ____.”
Give this form to Council Members, Proponents and Opponents of Measures 7 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority

STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: A Resolution To Accept The Base Bid As Submitted By “Contractor To Be Named”; Allocate Measure P Funds For The Base Bid, And Up To $##.## For A Ten Percent (10%) Construction Contingency. A Maximum Total Of Up To $##.## Award A Construction Contract To “Contractor To Be Named” For The Demolition Of The Pinney Pool Complex For An Amount Of $##.##, And Authorize The City Manager, Ronald Strand, To Execute The Contract
PRESENTED BY: Travis Reed, Public Works Director
SUMMARY:

Bids for this project were opened on Tuesday July 9, 2024 @ 11:00am.

At the time of agenda posting, bids were being reviewed by Willdan for responsiveness.

Once this review is complete, which is planned to be NLT Monday July 15, 2024, a supplemental agenda packet will be published with additional information.

FISCAL IMPACT: TBD
ACTION REQUESTED: TBD
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:

Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: July 17, 2024
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority

STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: Discussion Regarding The Board Of The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA)
PRESENTED BY:

L. Scott Hayman, City Council / IWVGA Representative
SUMMARY:

Report and discussion regarding Board meetings of the IWVGA. Including, Board discussion and consideration of issues of importance requiring action by the IWVGA.

FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Discuss
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: July 17, 2024
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority

STAFF REPORT
Submitted by: Travis Reed Action Date: July 17, 2024
SUBJECT: A Resolution And Public Hearing Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest, Authorizing The Use Of Federal Funding Under Federal Transit Administration, “FTA” Section 5311 (49 U.S.C. Section 5311) And/Or 5339 (49 U.S.C. Section 5339) With California Department Of Transportation
PRESENTED BY: Travis Reed, Director of Public Works
SUMMARY:

Discuss and hold a public hearing to transfer the CMAQ Electric bus project to FTA 5311 funds.

Said project has a $59,173.73 local match, and the City will receive $456,726.00 from said grant program.

The total for said project is $515,900.00
FISCAL IMPACT: Local Match - $59,173.73
ACTION REQUESTED:
(1) Conduct the Public Hearing to accept public testimony, and comments. (2) Adopt the resolution approving the project transfer and obligation of the local match funds.

CITY MANAGER / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested This Page Intentionally Left Blank
RESOLUTION 24-__
Resolution 24-__ Page 1 of 3

A RESOLUTION AND PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF

THE CITY OF RIDGECREST, AUTHORIZING THE USE OF FEDERAL
FUNDING UNDER FEDERAL TRANSIT ADMINISTRATION, “FTA”
SECTION 5311 (49 U.S.C. SECTION 5311) AND/OR 5339 (49 U.S.C.

SECTION 5339) WITH CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF

TRANSPORTATION
The City Council of the City of Ridgecrest, California (hereafter referred to as “City Council”) hereby finds, determines, resolves and orders as follows:

WHEREAS, the U. S. Department of Transportation is authorized to make grants to states through the Federal Transit Administration to support capital/operating assistance projects for non-urbanized public transportation systems under Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Act (FTA C 9040.1G), and Section 5339 of the Federal Transit Act (FTA C 5100.1); and,
WHEREAS, the California Department of Transportation (Department) has been designated by the Governor of the State of California to administer Section 5311 and Section 5339 grants for transportation projects for the general public for the rural transit and outlining areas; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Ridgecrest desires to apply for said financial assistance to permit operation of service/purchase of capital equipment in Ridgecrest, CA; and, WHEREAS, the City of Ridgecrest has, to the maximum extent feasible, coordinated with other transportation providers and users in the region; and, WHEREAS, the capital project has an estimated expenditure of $456,726.26 for the purchase of two (2) electric transit vans; and,
WHEREAS, the Cities financial obligation for the project is $59,173.73 for the purchase of two (2) electric transit vans; and,
WHEREAS, a public notice was given at least 10 days prior to this public hearing meeting stating the date, place, time, and specific purpose of the hearing; and, WHEREAS, for persons unable to attend the public hearing the public notice provided for written and electronic comments to be received by the City Clerk; and, WHEREAS, said public hearing was held at 6:00 pm on July 17, 2024 at which time the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest, after receiving all public testimony and any and all other public testimony (written and/or electronic) determined there are no comments on the proposed capital project; and,
RESOLUTION 24-__
Resolution 24-__ Page 2 of 3
WHEREAS, the City Council of The City of Ridgecrest does hereby Authorize the City Manager or designee, to file and execute applications on behalf of with the Department to aid in the financing of capital/operating assistance projects pursuant to Section 5311 of the Federal Transit Act (FTA C 9040.1G), as amended, and pursuant to Section 5339 of the Federal Transit Act (FTA C 5100.1), as amended; and, WHEREAS, the City Manager or designee is authorized to execute and file all certification of assurances, contracts or agreements or any other document required by the Department; and,
WHEREAS, the City Manager or designee is authorized to provide additional information as the Department may require in connection with the application for the Section 5311 and/or Section 5339 projects; and,
WHEREAS, the City Manager or designee is authorized to submit and approve request for reimbursement of funds from the Department for the Section 5311 and or Section 5339 project(s).

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, as follows

1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct.

2. That the City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest hereby finds that a full and fair public hearing has been held and that there are no comments of the proposed projects within the city of Ridgecrest.

3. Adopt the resolution approving the project transfer and obligation of the local match funds.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED this 17th day of July, 2024. _______________________________ ,
Eric Bruen, Mayor
City of Ridgecrest
_______________________________ ,
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
City of Ridgecrest
RESOLUTION 24-__
Resolution 24-__ Page 3 of 3

STATE OF CALIFORNIA)
COUNTY OF KERN) ss.

CITY OF RIDGECREST)
I, Ricca Charlon, City Clerk of the City of Ridgecrest, County of Kern, State of California do hereby certify that the foregoing Resolution was regularly adopted by the City Council of said City of Ridgecrest at a regular meeting of said council held on the 17th day of July, 2024 by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAINED:
________________________________
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
City of Ridgecrest