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
August 7, 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, August 7, 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 – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9 Subparts (a), (d)(2) and (e)(1) - One case Dated: August 1, 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, August 7, 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 – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9 Subparts (a), (d)(2) and (e)(1) - One case
REGULAR SESSION
• Pledge Of Allegiance
• Invocation
ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
PRESENTATIONS
1. Rotary Peace Baton – World Peace Day Rotary Club of China Lake PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA - Persons wishing to address the Council on matters that are within the Council’s jurisdiction and DO NOT ALREADY APPEAR ON THE AGENDA, may do so at this time.
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS/DIRECTION
CONSENT CALENDAR – All Matters Listed Under The Consent Calendar Are To Be Considered Routine And Enacted By One Motion Unless Pulled By A Council Member Or A Member Of The Public.
2. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meeting Dated July 17, 2024 Charlon
3. Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Agreement With Sierra Sands Unified School District For Law Enforcement Services (School Resource Officer Program) Chief Ysit
DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS
4. Resolution of the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest Approving the Zero Emission Rollout Plan for the City of Ridgecrest/Ridgecrest Transit Smith
AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – August 7, 2024
COMMITTEE REPORTS
City Organization and Services Committee (‘City Org’)
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Skip Gorman
Meeting: 1st Thursday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ Report from 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
Finance Committee
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Scott Hayman
Meeting: 2nd Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1
st Floor
➢ Next Meeting August 13, 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 August 22, 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
➢ Report from August 6, 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 July 17, 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: Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meeting Dated July 17, 2024
PRESENTED BY: Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
SUMMARY:
Draft Minutes of the City Council / Successor Redevelopment Agency / Housing Authority / Financing Authority Regular Meeting Dated July 17, 2024 FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve minutes
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: August 7, 2024 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
Draft Minutes
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 Closed Session – 5:30 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 – 5:30 p.m.
Council Present: Mayor Eric A. Bruen; Mayor Pro-Tem Solomon P. Rajaratnam; Vice Mayor Kyle Blades; Council Member L. Scott Hayman; Council Member Skip Gorman
Absent: None
Staff Present: City Attorney M. Koczanowicz; City Clerk Charlon; City Manager Strand; PW Director Reed; Captain Tucker;
APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Motion To Approve Agenda – Blades – Rajaratnam 5 Ayes NOTE: The vote is displayed in bold below each item. For example, Blades-Rajaratnam denotes Council Member Blades made the motion and Council Member Rajaratnam seconded the motion. Ayes, Noes, Absents, Abstentions follow.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION - None
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
ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION – No reportable action taken
PRESENTATIONS
1. Employee Years of Service Council
2. Key to the City – Michael Cash Council
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA – V. Cash; T. Wiknich
DRAFT MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – July 17, 2024
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS/DIRECTION
CONSENT CALENDAR
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
Motion To Approve Consent Calendar – Rajaratnam - Hayman 5 Ayes
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 Strand
Public comment – T. Wiknich
Motion to approve the Resolution with the amendment of “at the end of March 2025” to replace “end of 2024” Motion To Approve – Gorman - Hayman 5 Ayes 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 (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 Motion To Approve – Blades - Rajaratnam 5 Ayes
Motion To Introduce, By Tile Only 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 Motion To Approve – Blades - Rajaratnam 5 Ayes
7. A Resolution To Accept The Base Bid As Submitted By Resource Environmental Inc.; Allocate Measure P Funds For The Base Bid, And Up To $32,500.00 For A Ten Percent (10%) Construction Contingency. A Maximum Total Of Up To $357,500.00; Award A Construction Contract To Resource Environmental Inc. For The Demolition Of The Pinney Pool Complex; And Authorize The City Manager, Ronald Strand, To Execute The Contract Reed
Public comment – None
Motion To Approve – Hayman - Gorman 5 Ayes
DRAFT MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – July 17, 2024
8. Discussion Regarding The Board Of The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) Hayman
Public comment – T. Wiknich
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
Open Public Hearing – 7:36 pm
Public Comment – None
Close Public Hearing – 7:38 pm
Motion To Approve – Blades - Rajaratnam 5 Ayes
COMMITTEE REPORTS
City Organization and Services Committee (‘City Org’)
Members: Mayor Eric A. Bruen and Skip Gorman
Meeting: 1st Thursday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ 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
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
DRAFT MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – July 17, 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 – 7:52 p.m.
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council Authorizing The City Manager To Enter Into A Memorandum Of Agreement With Sierra Sands Unified School District For Law Enforcement Services (School Resource Officer Program)
PRESENTED BY: Mario Ysit, Chief of Police
SUMMARY:
For several years, the Ridgecrest Police Department has been providing law enforcement services to the Sierra Sands Unified School District (SSUSD) – School Resource Officer (SRO) Program. In 2013, a second SRO was added under a Department of Justice, COPS Hiring Program, which ended November 2016. SSUSD and the Police Department continued this second position to maintain services throughout the District.
SSUSD agrees to reimburse the City one-half of actual costs incurred by the City in employing the two (2) Police Officers. Actual cost shall be defined as officer’s salary and benefits, including, but not limited to, health insurance, life insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, PERS, educational incentive pay, uniform allowance, officer safety equipment, and overtime.
The agreement is attached to the resolution for your review as Exhibit A.
FISCAL IMPACT: (2) School Resource Officers – Reimbursed at 50% of actual costs (an estimated $150,000).
ACTION REQUESTED: Recommend approval by City Council authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an agreement with the SSUSD for law enforcement services (School Resource Officer Program).
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Captain Aaron Tucker Action Date: August 7, 2024 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
RESOLUTION NO. 24-
RESOLUTION OF THE RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL AUTHORIZING THE
CITY MANAGER TO ENTER INTO MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH
SIERRA SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT SERVICES (School Resource Officer Program)
WHEREAS, the Sierra Sands Unified School District (SSUSD) and the City of Ridgecrest have agreed to enter into Memorandum of Agreement for the Police Department to continue to provide School Resource Officer services in the School District, and; WHEREAS, the School Resource Officer (SRO) Program provides law enforcement services to the district helping ensure there is a safe learning environment at the elementary, middle and high schools for the students, faculty and staff, and; WHEREAS, it is beneficial to both the City and SSUSD that this program continue to function, and;
WHEREAS, SSUSD agrees to reimburse the City 50% of actual costs of the School Resource Officer Program.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an agreement with the Sierra Sands Unified School District to provide law enforcement services (School Resource Officer Program), including any amendments.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 7
th day of August 2024, by the following vote.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Eric A. Bruen, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
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AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into by and between the City of Ridgecrest, a Municipal Corporation, hereinafter referred to as “CITY,” and the Sierra Sands Unified School District, a public entity, hereinafter referred to as “DISTRICT.” WHEREAS, DISTRICT does not maintain a school law enforcement agency pursuant to Section 38000(a) of the California Education Code, and DISTRICT wishes to acquire the services of two sworn peace officers, and
WHEREAS, CITY, through the Ridgecrest Police Department, hereinafter referred to as “RPD,” is willing to provide the service of two sworn peace officers.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto agree as follows:
1. CITY agrees to provide the services of two sworn peace officers to serve the DISTRICT at the primary and secondary schools within the Ridgecrest city limits, specifically Faller Elementary School, Gateway Elementary School, Las Flores Elementary School, Pierce Elementary School, Richmond Elementary School, James Monroe Middle School, Murray Middle School, Mesquite High School, and Burroughs High School.
2. CITY shall supervise the officers through the command structure of the RPD.
3. DISTRICT shall appoint a designated individual to interface with RPD regarding activities of the officers and to interface with such officers in accordance with a joint operating protocol developed between RPD and DISTRICT.
The responsibilities of the SRO’s shall include, but not be limited to:
a. Handling requests for calls for service in and around schools b. Conducting comprehensive safety and security assessments c. Developing and implementing safety plans or strategies d. Responding to unauthorized persons on school property e. Serving as liaisons between the school and other police agencies, investigative units, or juvenile justice authorities when necessary and consistent with applicable civil rights laws and privacy laws
f. Serving as a member of a multidisciplinary school team to refer students to professional services within both the school (guidance counselors or social workers) and the community (youth and family service organizations) g. Building relationships with juvenile justice counselors to help connect youth with needed services
h. Developing and expanding crime prevention efforts for students
4. At all times during the term of this AGREEMENT, the officers shall be employees of the CITY, under supervision and control of CITY, and not an employee or agent
of DISTRICT; and CITY shall assume responsibility and liability for the activities of the officers.
5. During the term of this AGREEMENT, DISTRICT agrees to reimburse CITY one-half actual cost incurred by CITY in employing the officers. For purpose of this AGREEMENT, actual cost shall be defined as officer’s salary and benefits, including, but not limited to, health insurance, life insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, PERS, educational incentive pay, uniform allowance, officer safety equipment, and overtime.
6. THIS AGREEMENT shall be effective September 1, 2024 and remain in full force and effect for a 12-month period ending August 31, 2025. Either party may terminate this AGREEMENT prior to August 31, 2025, by giving ninety (90) day notice to the other party. Notice to CITY shall be in writing, and mailed to or delivered to:
City Manager
City of Ridgecrest
100 W. California Avenue, Ridgecrest, CA 93555
Notice to DISTRICT shall be in writing, and mailed or delivered to:
Superintendent
Sierra Sands Unified School District
113 W. Felspar Ave.
Ridgecrest, CA 93555
7. Each party to this AGREEMENT hereby holds the other harmless from all claims or lawsuits for damages to property and for injuries to persons arising from each party’s performance of its obligations under this AGREEMENT. This obligation will include providing a defense to lawsuits and related services.
8. In the event any dispute arises between the parties concerning the interpretation or enforcement of the Terms and Conditions of this AGREEMENT, the parties hereto agree to submit any such dispute to arbitration pursuant to rules of the American Arbitration Association. Any decision of the American Arbitration Association shall be binding on the parties hereto. In the event that any matter is submitted to arbitration or if legal action or proceeding is taken in connection with the interpretation or enforcement of this AGREEMENT, whether or not such action is arbitrated or litigated, the prevailing party of any such action, proceeding, or arbitration shall be awarded, in addition to its actual costs incurred, its actual attorneys’ fees incurred. Actual attorneys’ fees means all attorneys’ fees incurred by the prevailing party whether or not such attorneys’ fees are deemed to be “reasonable” by a court of competent jurisdiction or an arbitrator. Furthermore, the sole and exclusive remedy for the resolution of disputes concerning the enforcement and interpretation of this AGREEMENT shall be arbitration.
9. This AGREEMENT constitutes the sole and only agreement between the parties hereto. Any prior discussions, agreements or understandings, whether written or oral, are of no force and effect. This AGREEMENT may be modified only by a written agreement executed by both parties hereto.
FOR THE CITY OF RIDGECREST
___________________________ _________________
Eric Bruen, Mayor Date
___________________________ _________________
Ronald Strand, City Manager Date
FOR THE SIERRA SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
______________________________ _________________
Bill Farris, Board President Date
______________________________ _________________
Dr. April Moore, Superintendent Date
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: Resolution of the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest Approving the Zero Emission Rollout Plan for the City of Ridgecrest/Ridgecrest Transit PRESENTED BY: Christopher Smith, Transit Services Coordinator SUMMARY:
The Innovative Clean Transit Rule (ICT) is a regulation promulgated by the California Air Resources Board which requires public transit agencies in the state of California to shift their bus fleets to zero-emission vehicles (ZEV), either electric buses or fuel cell vehicles. By 2029, only ZEVs will be allowed for new bus purchases, and the entire fleet must use ZEVs by 2040.
The Innovative Clean Transit Rule also requires that each transit agency produce a ZeroEmission Rollout Plan and that these plans must be approved by the organization’s governing board.
The attached Zero-Emission Rollout Plan was produced by City of Ridgecrest staff. The Rollout Plan details the steps that have been taken to shift Ridgecrest Transit operation to zero-emission technology such as the installation of the solar powered charging system and Corpyard and acquisition of a battery electric Transit van. Additionally, the Rollout Plan details steps that will still be taken to complete transition to zero-emission technologies, such as future vehicle acquisitions.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED:
Approve a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest Approving the Zero Emission Rollout Plan for the City of Ridgecrest/Ridgecrest Transit CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:
Submitted by: Christopher Smith Action Date: August 7, 2024 (Revised Jan2019)
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RESOLUTION # 24-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST
APPROVING THE ZERO EMISSION BUS ROLLOUT PLAN FOR THE CITY
OF RIDGECREST/RIDGECREST TRANSIT
WHEREAS, California Code of Regulations Title 13, Division 3, Chapter 1, Article 4.3, Part 2023.1(d) Zero Emissions Bus Rollout Plan Requirements requires that a transit agency’s ZeroEmission Bus Rollout Plan must be approved by its Governing Board; and WHEREAS, the Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan sets forth the City of Ridgecrest/Ridgecrest Transit’s plan which meets the following requirements:
• A goal of full transition to zero-emission vehicles by 2040 with careful planning that avoids early retirement of conventional internal combustion engine vehicles; • Identification of the types of zero-emission vehicle technologies that Ridgecrest Transit is planning to deploy;
• A schedule for zero-emission and conventional internal combustion engine bus purchases and lease options;
• A schedule for conversion of conventional internal combustion engine buses to zeroemission technologies; • A schedule for construction of facilities and infrastructure modifications or upgrades, including charging, fueling and maintenance facilities to deploy and maintain zeroemission buses; • Explanation of how Ridgecrest Transit plans to deploy zero-emission buses in Disadvantaged Communities;
• A training plan and schedule for zero-emission bus operators and maintenance and repair staff; and
• Identification of potential funding sources.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest hereby approves the City of Ridgecrest/Ridgecrest Transit Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan as attached.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that insofar as the provisions of any ordinance, resolution, document or previous action of the City Council and/or its City Manager, prior to the date of this Resolution, are inconsistent with the provisions of this Resolution or any policy adopted by this Resolution, this Resolution and the Board Policies adopted herein shall control APPROVED AND ADOPTED, this the 7th day of August, 2024, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Eric Bruen, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ricca Charlon, CMC, City Clerk
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Ridgecrest Transit
ZERO EMISSION ROLLOUT PLAN
1.1 Introduction
The City of Ridgecrest operates Ridgecrest Transit, a service that provides demand response and deviated fixed-route service within the Indian Wells Valley and the City of Ridgecrest itself.
Transit Agency Name: Ridgecrest Transit
Mailing Address: 100 West California Avenue, Ridgecrest, California 93555 Air District: Eastern Kern Air Pollution Control District Air Basin: Mojave Desert
Total Buses in Annual Maximum Service: Ridgecrest Transit operates 4 buses for demand response service and 1 bus for combination deviated fixed-route and demand response service.
Urbanized Area: Ridgecrest Transit provides demand response service in the City of Ridgecrest and a combination of demand response and deviated fixed route service to the nearby unincorporated towns of Inyokern and Johannesburg/Randsburg.
City Manager Contact Info: Ron Strand, City Manager, 760-499-5001, [email protected] Joint Group: Ridgecrest Transit is not part of a joint group.
Does Ridgecrest Transit’s Rollout Plan Transition to ZE Technologies by 2040 and Avoid Early Retirement of Conventional Transit Buses? Yes.
Date of City Council Approval of Rollout Plan:
City Council Resolution Number:
City Council Approved Resolution Attached to Rollout Plan? Follow-Up Contact Info: Christopher Smith, Transit Services Coordinator, 760-499-5041, [email protected]
1.1.1 Service Area
Ridgecrest Transit serves the City of Ridgecrest and other unincorporated tows of Inyokern and Johannesburg/Randsburg which lie in the Indian Wells Valley in eastern Kern County. The combined population of these areas in the 2020 United States Census was 35,228.
1.1.2 Environmental Factors
The City of Ridgecrest and other parts of the service area reside within the Indian Wells Valley in Mojave’s high desert. The area is rural and isolated. It lies nearly 50 miles away from the nearest incorporated city.
The City of Ridgecrest and its service area experience a desert climate. Average high temperatures in July are 104 degrees and average low temperatures in December are 31 degrees. The area typically receives little precipitation with average rainfall of 5.7 inches per year.
1.1.3 Schedule and Operations
Ridgecrest Transit operates demand response or Dial-A-Ride service within the Ridgecrest city limits from 6:30 am to 5 pm on Monday through Friday. Rides are booked for this service 1 to 7 days in advance with same day trips fulfilled as availability allows.
Ridgecrest Transit also offers deviated fixed route service from Ridgecrest to Inyokern and Inyokern to Ridgecrest via a looping route. This occurs three times per day on Monday through Friday, leaving Ridgecrest at 6:45, 10:45 and 3:15 respectively. Passengers are able to make deviation requests via phone 1 to 7 days in advance or at the time of boarding.
Lastly, Ridgecrest Transit offers demand response service from Ridgecrest to the Johannesburg and Randsburg area and back on Fridays at 8:30 am and 2:00 pm.
1.2 Fleet and Acquisitions
The following section provides an overview of Ridgecrest Transit’s existing fleet, planned purchases and a description of how Ridgecrest Transit will meet the requirements of the Innovative Clean Transit legislation.
1.2.1 Existing Bus Fleet
As of June 2023, the City of Ridgecrest directly operates a fleet of 9 vehicles. These 8 vehicles consists of four (4) 2012 El Dorado Aero Elite 29’, gas-powered cutaway buses; one (1) 2013 El Dorado Aero Elite 29’ gas-powered cutaway bus; two (2) 2016 Starcraft Allstar 25’ gas-powered cutaway buses; one (1) Ford Transit 21’ propulsion assist hybrid van and one (1) Ford Transit 21’ Lightning Motors battery electric van.
MANUFACTURER SERIES FUEL TYPE LENGTH
IN SERVICE
YEAR
VEHICLE
TYPE
# OF
VEHICLES
El Dorado Aero Elite Gas 29' 2012 Cutaway 4
El Dorado Aero Elite Gas 29' 2013 Cutaway 1
Starcraft All Star Gas 26' 2016 Cutaway 2
Sunset Vans
Ford Transit 350
EL Hybrid 21' 2021 Van 1
Lightning Motors
Ford Transit 350
EL
Battery
Electric 21' 2023 Van 1
1.2.2 ZEB Technology Application
Past and ongoing ZEB analysis for Ridgecrest Transit’s operations have determined that Battery Electric vehicles is the ZEB technology that will best enhance the City of Ridgecrest’s transit needs. Fuel Cell Electric (FCE) vehicles were determined to not be feasible at this time as there are no existing manufacturers for FCE cutaway buses or Transit vans. Additionally, Ridgecrest Transit’s service area is not of sufficient size to make FCE vehicles and infrastructure cost effective.
BATTERY-ELECTRIC BUS
Ridgecrest Transit’s future Battery Electric vehicles are expected to have specifications that are compatible with the SAE J1772 charging standard (e.g. “plug-in charging”) Battery sizing (kilowatts) will be determined based upon service and what is available on the market at the time the replacement is ordered as well as feasible based upon cost and vehicle weight. Charger rating (kilowatt-hour) will be based on service needs, battery acceptance and costs.
FUEL CELL ELECTRIC BUS
Currently, there are no manufacturers in the U.S. market that offer a FCE cutaway bus deeming hydrogen infeasible for the City of Ridgecrest under existing conditions. While a hydrogen-powered cutaway may be developed in the future, the City of Ridgecrest must plan and design for facilities and vehicles that are currently on the market to ensure compliance with CARB’s ICT regulation. However, as technology further develops, the city will remain open to technologies outside of BE vehicles and will update plans, studies and strategies accordingly.
1.2.3 Procurement Schedule
In accordance with ICT regulation the City of Ridgecrest will prioritize ZEB purchases and plans 100% purchase of ZEB vehicles for replacement of current vehicles. The City of Ridgecrest currently has one (1) battery electric Transit van.
Early retirement will not be an issue pursuant to ICT regulation based on the fact that 7 of the 9 current vehicles for Ridgecrest Transit have or will soon reach their useful life benchmarks.
Ridgecrest Transit existing fleet will be replaced at a 1:1 ratio with all new vehicles being battery electric Transit vans. The 1:1 replacement was determined to be sufficient due to current vehicle daily mileage compared to the range of existing BE vehicles on the market.
The following table shows the City of Ridgecrest procurement schedule through 2040:
ZERO EMISSION VEHICLES
YEAR TOTAL VEHICLES # % TYPE FUEL TYPE
2025 2 2 100 Van BEB
2026 1 1 100 Van BEB
2027 1 1 100 Van BEB
2028 1 1 100 Van BEB
2029 1 1 100 Van BEB
2030 1 1 100 Van BEB
2031 1 1 100 Van BEB
2032 0 0 0
2033 0 0 0
2034 1 1 100 Van BEB
2035 1 1 100 Van BEB
2036 1 1 100 Van BEB
2037 1 1 100 Van BEB
2038 1 1 100 Van BEB
2039 1 1 100 Van BEB
2040 1 1 100 Van BEB
1.2.4 ZEB Range Requirements and Costs
The City of Ridgecrest operates one deviated fixed route loop three times per weekday. This loop is approximately 22 miles long. Additionally, the City of Ridgecrest provides demand response service within the City of Ridgecrest. Buses travel approximately 60 to 70 miles per 7-hour day currently when assigned to Demand Response service. Based on current vehicle specifications, the City of Ridgecrest believes that the ZEB vehicles will be able to handle current ridership trends. Additionally, the City of Ridgecrest is installing fast chargers as part of the infrastructure upgrade to provide vehicles with opportunity charge during downtimes such as employee lunch breaks or times when no rides may be scheduled.
1.2.5 ZEB Conversions
Conventional bus conversions to ZEB technologies are not being considered for Ridgecrest due to the fact that the majority of the City of Ridgecrest fleet has exceeded the useful life benchmark.
1.3 Facilities and Infrastructure Modifications
The following sections detail the planned charging strategies, infrastructure, detailed garage improvements and program schedule.
1.3.1 Methodology
Beginning in 2018 the City of Ridgecrest began exploring the possibility of zero emission vehicles for use within the transit division. In 2019 the City of Ridgecrest applied for a Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) grant to supplement State of Good Repair (SGR) and Low Carbon Transit Operations Project (LCTOP) grant funds. In 2020 the CMAQ grant was authorized. The scope of the CMAQ project allows a full capability build for the existing level of service. The project was bid in 2022 and work began in 2023. Work was completed on the project in 2024.
1.3.2 Facility Modifications
The City of Ridgecrest has made several modifications to its Corpyard facility to enable the transition to Battery Electric Bus technology.
This includes the installation of 168 430-Watt Solar Panels capable of producing 115,400 kWH in year 1.
For vehicle charging, the City of Ridgecrest installed 2 ChargePoint Express Plus Model CPE250C-625- CCS1-CHD Level 3 DC Fast Chargers and 4 ChargePoint Model CT4025-GW1 Dual Port Level 2 AC Chargers.
1.4 Disadvantaged Communities
Disadvantaged communities (DACs) refer to the areas that suffer the most from a combination of economic, health and environmental burdens. The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) and California’s Senate Bill 535 define a “disadvantaged” community as a community located in the top 25th percentile of census tracts identified by the results of the California Communities Environmental Health Screening Tool (CalEnviroScreen.)
CalEnviroScreen uses environmental, health, and socioeconomic data to measure each census tract (community) in California. Each tract is assigned a score to gauge a community’s pollution burden and socioeconomic vulnerability. A higher score indicates a more disadvantaged community, whereas, a lower score indicates fewer disadvantages.
The replacement of conventional buses with ZEBs can yield many benefits in the communities they serve, including a reduction of noise and harmful pollutants. DACs are disproportionately exposed to these externalities and thus should be prioritized and considered during initial deployments of ZEBs.
1.4.1 Ridgecrest Transit’s Disadvantaged Community Analysis To understands ZEBs impacts on Ridgecrest Transit’s service area, it was pertinent to establish if: 1) the City of Ridgecrest Corpyard in a DAC; and 2) if its routes traverse DACs.
At this time, the City of Ridgecrest Corpyard is not in an area considered “disadvantaged.” Its service currently traverses five census tracts. One of these census tracts, 6029005404, containing Inyokern, unincorporated areas west of Ridgecrest, Johannesburg and Randsburg is considered to be disadvantaged by the CalEnviroScreen tool.
The following table summarizes Ridgecrest Transit’s garage and census tracts served in terms of DACs.
GARAGE IN DAC?
NOX EXEMPT
AREA?
COMMUNITIES
SERVED
DACs
SERVED
% OF DACS
SERVED
Ridgecrest
Transit No No 3 1 33%
1.5 Workforce Training
The following section provides an overview of Ridgecrest Transit’s plan and schedule to train personnel on the impending transition.
1.5.1 Training Requirements
The transition to ZEBs will significantly alter Ridgecrest Transit’s service and operations. Converting to ZEBs from gas is an arduous endeavor and will impact all ranks of the organization. This will require extensive change to managing and training which will be provided by the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Ridgecrest Transit. Ridgecrest Transit received its first BEB and is currently working on training staff to maintain and drive the vehicle. Since battery technology is rapidly evolving it is likely that buses and their supporting battery chemistries and software will change between now and 2040, therefore, Ridgecrest Transit’s future procurements/deliveries will require refresher or updated trainings for relevant staff.
Safety training, however, will be provided on an annual or other recurring basis to ensure that staff Is knowledgeable and maintains best and safe practices when operating, handling, or servicing BEBsupporting components or infrastructure.
The following provides a list of personnel and positions that will receive training on ZEBs:
- Bus Operators
Bus operators require BEB operational training including bus handling, charging procedures, safety training.
- Equipment Maintenance Staff
Maintenance staff will be familiarized with scheduled and unscheduled repairs, high-voltage systems, the specific maintenance and repair and charging procedures. - Road Safety Driver Trainer
Maintenance and training instructors will need to understand all aspects of the transition of ZEBs to train others.
- Management and Dispatch Staff
All management and dispatch staff will be familiarized with ZEB operations, safety and charging procedures.
1.6 Costs and Funding
The following section identifies the preliminary capital costs and funding sources that Ridgecrest Transit is pursuing to continue its adoption of ZEBs.
1.6.1 Costs
For Ridgecrest Transit, Battery Electric Van acquisitions cost roughly $225k per vehicle. However, there will be additional midlife overhauls, training and soft costs that will occur during the ZEB adoption. The total cost of adoption will be refined as these costs occur.
1.6.2 Funding Sources
The capital funding for the City’s revenue fleet is coming from several sources including the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP), Stage of Good Repair program (SGR), Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program, the Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP) and Zero Emission Transit Capital Program (ZETCP.) The City of Ridgecrest current has approved projects within these programs lined up to replace all existing vehicles that have surpassed their useful life benchmark with ZEBs. The funding for the charging infrastructure located at the City of Ridgecrest Corpyard came from approved CMAQ, LCTOP and SGR projects.
1.7 Startup and Scale-up Challenges
To comply with the ICT’s regulation’s purchase and transition requirements, there are a variety of challenges and opportunities that Ridgecrest Transit has identified. The following section briefly describes some of the challenges that NAT faces for its transition. - Costs. Adoption of ZEBs has many benefits including potential lifecycle cost savings. However, the continued investment for capital revenue vehicles is more expensive than traditional gasoline vehicles. While the current costs are funded by existing grant funds, future vehicle purchases will require similar funding to be procured.
- Market Production Factors. The ICT regulation will put a lot of pressure on OEMS to produce ZEBS at unprecedented rates. However, it is not only California that is interested in converting to ZEBs. These monumental policy changes will have a great impact on these transitions; however, it will also make it challenging to meet ZEB goals for agencies if supply of buses cannot meet with demand.