Agenda — Ridgecrest City Council, February 19, 2025

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
February 19, 2025
Closed Session 5:00 p.m.

Regular Session 6:00 p.m.

City Hall, Council Chambers
100 100 West California Avenue
Ridgecrest CA 93555
Ricca Charlon, 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.

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CITY COUNCIL
Travis Endicott, Mayor
Kyle Blades, Mayor Pro-Tem
Solomon P. Rajaratnam, 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, February 19, 2025 @ 5:00 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 (GC Sec. 54956.9) Mojave Pistachios, LLC v Indian Wells Valley Water District, et al.

Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2021-01187275-CU-OR-CJC Dated: January 13, 2025
Travis Endicott, Mayor / Chair
ATTEST:

Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
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RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL

SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

FINANCING AUTHORITY

HOUSING AUTHORITY

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AGENDA
Wednesday, February 19, 2025 Closed Session – 5:00 p.m.

Regular Session – 6:00 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER

ROLL CALL

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - Existing Litigation (GC Sec. 54956.9) Mojave Pistachios, LLC v Indian Wells Valley Water District, et al.

Orange County Superior Court Case No. 30-2021-01187275-CU-OR-CJC

REGULAR SESSION
• Pledge Of Allegiance
• Invocation

ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION

PRESENTATIONS
Lifesaving Awards
Sgt. Nathan Lloyd, Ofc. Andrew Solorzano, Ofc. Bryce Benites, and Ofc. James Quiroz Meritorious Award
Dispatcher Amber Peterson and Dispatcher Ariana Luque
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.

1. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meeting Dated February 5, 2025 Charlon

2. A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest Setting A Date For The Unmet Transit Needs Hearing Reed

DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS

3. A Resolution To Approve An Equipment Donation Agreement Between The City Of Ridgecrest And Indian Wells Valley TV Boosters, Inc. Freese

AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – February 19, 2025

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4. 2024 Annual Progress Report (APR) For The General Plan And Housing Element With Regional Housing Need Allocation Progress Spurlock

5. Discussion Of Blight Within The Community Rajaratnam

6. City Response To Indian Wells Valley Water District Letter Dated February 3, 2025 Lemieux

7. Discussion Regarding The Board Of The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) Hayman
COMMITTEE REPORTS**Committee Meeting dates are subject to change and will be announced on the City website
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 March 3, 2025
Finance Committee
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Scott Hayman
Meeting: 2nd Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.

Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1
st Floor
➢ Report from February 11, 2025
Infrastructure Committee
Members: Mayor Endicott 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 February 27, 2025
Parks, Recreation, and Quality of Life Committee
Members: Mayor Endicott and Scott Hayman
Meeting: 1
st Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.

Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ Next Meeting March 4, 2025

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 February 5, 2025
PRESENTED BY: Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
SUMMARY:

Draft Minutes of the City Council / Successor Redevelopment Agency / Housing Authority / Financing Authority Regular Meeting February 5, 2025
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve minutes
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: Feb. 19, 2025
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RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL

SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

FINANCING AUTHORITY

HOUSING AUTHORITY

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DRAFT MINUTES
Wednesday, February 5, 2025 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 Endicott; Mayor Pro-Tem Blades; Vice Mayor Rajaratnam; Council Member Hayman; Council Member Gorman

Absent: None
Staff Present: City Attorney M. Koczanowicz; City Clerk Charlon; Chief Ysit (Acting City Manager); Finance Director Brewton
APPROVAL OF AGENDA – Motion To Approve Agenda – Hayman - Blades 5 Ayes NOTE: The vote is displayed in bold below each item. For example, Blades-Rajaratnam denotes Council Member Blades made the motion and Council Member Rajaratnam seconded the motion. Ayes, Noes, Absents, Abstentions follow.

CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL Potential Litigation GC Section 54956.9(c) – two cases CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL Existing Litigation Gov Code Section 54956.9 One case - Wiknich v. Blades Kern County Superior Court REGULAR SESSION – 6:00 p.m.

ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION – Rejected claim from Frontier, No reportable action on other potential litigation, Unanimous approval to file amicus brief on behalf of the Wiknich v. Blades

PRESENTATIONS
Safely Surrendered Baby Awareness Proclamation Council
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA – G. Croll, A. Lopez, R. Westa-Lusk, J. Kersey, M. Neel,

COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS/DIRECTION

CONSENT CALENDAR

1. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meetings Dated December 18, 2024 & January 15, 2025 Charlon
Motion To Approve Consent Calendar Blades - Gorman 5 Ayes

DRAFT MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – February 5, 2025

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DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS

2. Discussion Regarding The Possibility Of Dissolving The City Organization And Services Committee Along With Resolution Approval If Dissolved Charlon
Staff discussed keeping of City Org and sending the Blight issue of Mr. Gorman’s as a topic. Unanimously approved to keep.

3. Discussion Regarding Needed Appointments To Council Committees, Boards, And Commissions Charlon

PUBLIC HEARINGS

4. A Public Hearing And Resolution Approving The Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Annual Application Regarding The Kern County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Wegener Open Public Hearing
Staff reviewed project in agenda packet
Receive comments: R. Westa-Lusk
Close Public Hearing
Motion To Approve item 4 Endicott - Hayman5 Ayes

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Economic Development Committee
Members: Kyle Blades and Solomon Rajaratnam
Meeting: 1st Monday of the month @ 5:15 p.m.

Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1
st Floor
➢ Report from February 3, 2025
Finance Committee
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Scott Hayman
Meeting: 2nd Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.

Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1
st Floor
➢ Next meeting February 11, 2025
Infrastructure Committee
Members: Mayor Endicott 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 January 23, 2025
Parks, Recreation, and Quality of Life Committee
Members: Mayor Endicott and Scott Hayman
Meeting: 1
st Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.

Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ Report from February 4, 2025 - canceled

OTHER COMMITTEES, BOARDS, OR COMMISSIONS

CITY MANAGER REPORT

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT - 7:16 p.m.
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority

STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest Setting A Date For The Unmet Transit Needs Hearing
PRESENTED BY: Sergio Covarrubias & Justin Schuchman, Transit Division SUMMARY:

The Transportation Development Act of 1971 (TDA), as amended, provides for the disbursement of funds from the Local Transportation Fund for various eligible transportation uses. The funds are distributed by the Kern Council of Governments (KCOG), in its capacity as the Regional Transportation Planning Agency. An eligible claimant wishing to receive TDA funding through KCOG must conduct an annual review of the transit needs of individuals and groups in the community.

This year’s submittal of the Public Hearing documentation is due to Kern Council of Government by the end of April 2025. Subsequently, a public hearing must be held before the end of April 2025. Since the public hearing must be duly noticed for thirty days prior to the public hearing date, staff is requesting that the hearing be scheduled for the Council Meeting of April 2, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers.

FISCAL IMPACT: Allows the Transit Division of Public Works to continue receiving Transportation Development Act funding from Kern Council of Governments.

ACTION REQUESTED:

Approve A Resolution as requested.

CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION:

Action as requested.

Submitted by: Sergio Covarrubias, Justin Schuchman Action Date: February 19, 2025 (Revised Jan2019)
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RESOLUTION NO. 25-Xx

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST

SETTING A DATE FOR THE UNMET TRANSIT NEEDS HEARING
WHEREAS, The City of Ridgecrest receives Transportation Development Act funds for various transportation uses; and,
WHEREAS, A public hearing must be held to determine if there are any “Unmet Needs that are Reasonable to Meet” in the public transportation system; and, WHEREAS, A Notice of Public Hearing must be published thirty days prior to the hearing date.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest does hereby set the public hearing for Unmet Transit Needs for April 2, 2025 at 6:00 pm in the City Council Chambers, approves the Notice of Public Hearing, and directs the City Clerk to publish the notice.

ADOPTED, AND APPROVED, this 19th day of February, 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

Travis Endicott, Mayor
ATTEST:

Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT A PUBLIC HEARING WILL BE HELD BEFORE THE CITY OF RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF CITY HALL, 100 W. CALIFORNIA AVENUE, RIDGECREST, CALIFORNIA ON WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2, 2025, AT 6:00 P.M. OR AS SOON THEREAFTER AS THE MATTERS MAY BE HEARD.

UNDER CONSIDERATION WILL BE a public hearing to receive comments related to unmet and reasonable transit needs in the City of Ridgecrest and the surrounding county areas services by the Ridgecrest Transit System.

Kern COG is required to define “unmet needs” and “reasonable to meet,” and has defined them by resolution 90-04.

Unmet needs:

An unmet need exists if an individual or any age or physical condition is unable to transport him or herself due to deficiencies in the existing transportation system. Excluded are (1) those request for minor operational improvements, and (2) those improvements funded and scheduled for implementation in the following fiscal year.

Reasonable to meet:

A. Operational feasibility. The requested improvement must be safe to operate and there must be adequate roadways for transit vehicles.

B. Duplication of Service. The proposed services shall not duplicate other transit services.

C. Timing. The proposed service shall be in response to an existing, rather than a future need.

D. Service must meet the legally required farebox ratio (PUC Sections 99288.2, 99288.5 and CAC Sections 8833.2, 8833.5 with fares of similar service.

All interested persons are invited to attend and present testimony.

CITY OF RIDGECREST, Ricca Charlon, CMC, City Clerk
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority

STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: A Resolution To Approve An Equipment Donation Agreement Between The City Of Ridgecrest And Indian Wells Valley TV Boosters, Inc.

PRESENTED BY: Matt Freese
Background
The Indian Wells Valley (IWV) TV Boosters, Inc. is a local non-profit corporation that has been providing free TV and radio services to the citizens of the Indian Wells Valley, including the City of Ridgecrest, since the 1950s and 1960s, respectively. Members of IWV TV Boosters, Inc. are unpaid volunteers, and funding to maintain their equipment on Laurel Mountain comes from user and non-profit donations, as well as occasional reimbursement grants from the FCC. In addition to providing free TV and radio services, IWV TV Boosters, Inc. also transmits local government meetings and plays a critical role in the IWV Emergency Services communication network.

Summary
The City of Ridgecrest has been in partnership with the Indian Wells Valley (IWV) TV Boosters, Inc. to serve the valley with Government Channel 41 via Over the Air (OTA) transmission since 2009. During the budget workshops for the fiscal year 25 budget, IWV TV Boosters, Inc. approached the City for additional financial assistance in fortifying uninterruptible power systems for the purposes of service availability to the community. The City approved a project budget of $5,000 that includes the purchase of an uninterruptible power supply and supporting infrastructure. The staff has already purchased the equipment and is ready to donate them to IWV TV Boosters, Inc. once the Equipment Donation Agreement has been approved by the City Council.

The City Attorney has prepared an Equipment Donation Agreement, which is now before the City Council for approval.

Attachments
A) Equipment Donation Agreement between the City of Ridgecrest and IWV TV Boosters, Inc.

FISCAL IMPACT: $5,000
ACTION REQUESTED: Adopt the Resolution.

CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested.

Submitted by: Matt Freese Action Date: February 19, 2025 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
RESOLUTION NO. 25-xx
A Resolution To Approve An Equipment Donation Agreement Between The City Of Ridgecrest And Indian Wells Valley TV Boosters, Inc.

WHEREAS, the Indian Wells Valley (IWV) TV Boosters, Inc. is a local non-profit corporation that has provided free TV and radio services to the citizens of Indian Wells Valley, including the City of Ridgecrest, since the 1950s and 1960s, respectively; and, WHEREAS, members of IWV TV Boosters, Inc. are volunteer and funding to maintain their equipment on Laurel Mountain comes from user and non-profit donations and occasional reimbursement grants from the FCC; and,
WHEREAS, IWV TV Boosters, Inc. not only provides free TV and radio services, but also transmits local government meetings and plays a critical role in the IWV Emergency Services communication network; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Ridgecrest has been in partnership with Indian Wells Valley (IWV) TV Boosters, Inc. to serve the valley with Government Channel 41 via Over the Air (OTA) transmission since 2009; and,
WHEREAS, During the budget workshops for the fiscal year 25 budget, IWV TV Boosters, Inc. approached the City for financial assistance in fortifying uninterruptible power systems for the purposes of service availability to the community; and, WHEREAS, the City approved a project budget of $5,000 that includes the purchase of an uninterruptible power supply and supporting infrastructure for donation to IWV TV Boosters, Inc.; and,
WHEREAS, the City Attorney has prepared an Equipment Donation Agreement, which is now before the City Council for approval.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Ridgecrest City Council does hereby authorize the following:

The City Manager to sign this agreement donating the equipment listed in the attached documentation to IWV TV Boosters, Inc.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of February 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSTAIN:

ABSENT:

___________________________
Travis Endicott, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________
Ricca Charlon, CMC
City Clerk
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EQUIPMENT DONATION AGREEMENT – COR & IWVTV Page 1 of 3

CITY OF RIDGECREST

EQUIPMENT DONATION AGREEMENT
This CITY OF RIDGECREST EQUIPMENT DONATION AGREEMENT (”AGREEMENT”) is made and entered into this 19th day of February, 2025, by and between the City of Ridgecrest, a municipal corporation, hereinafter referred to as “CITY,” and Indian Wells Valley TV Booster, Inc., a California corporation DBA hereafter referred to as “DONEE .”

RECITALS
A. CITY owns uninterruptible power supply and supporting infrastructure equipment (“Equipment”) consisting of:

2. EG4 WallMount Indoor Battery 280AH | 51.2V | Indoor | Heated UL1973, UL9540A. Serial Number SC2024094553.

3. EG4 Indoor Buildable Conduit Box | Designed for EG4-WallMount Indoor Battery.

CITY desires to donate the Equipment to DONEE for the public purpose of providing continued retransmission of commercial, public, and local government emergency broadcast transmissions to the residents of Ridgecrest at no cost. The donation made hereunder is acknowledged to be a matter of significant public benefit for the health, safety and welfare of CITY citizens. DONEE is a local nonprofit corporation that provides local access to remote television and radio transmissions. The donation of this equipment will allow for continued community benefit by allowing this surplus equipment to be utilized for community enjoyment and to assist in the broadcast of emergency messages.

NOW, THEREFORE, IN CONSIDERATION OF THIS AGREEMENT, THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Donation. CITY hereby donates the Equipment to DONEE for the above stated purposes.

2. As-Is. DONEE agrees to take possession and responsibility of the Equipment in its “as-is” condition and CITY makes no representations or warranties thereto.

3. Indemnification. DONEE agrees to assume ownership of the Equipment and to assume any and all risks, including, but not limited to, risk of injury or death to third persons.

DONEE agrees to defend, indemnify, and hold harmless and release CITY, its officials, agents, and employees from any and all liability, losses, claims, administrative proceedings, actions, lawsuits, damages, injuries, awards, and court costs, including reasonable attorneys’ fees (“DAMAGES”), whether asserted by DONEE, any of its officers, employees or agents or any third party, arising from any injuries or damages caused by or related to the donation, purchase, EQUIPMENT DONATION AGREEMENT – COR & IWVTV Page 2 of 3
ownership, use or care of the Equipment that may occur on or after the effective date of this AGREEMENT (the “CLAIMS”).

4. Sale or Transfer. DONEE agrees not to sell or transfer the Equipment to any 3rd party without the express written consent of CITY.

5. Venue. This AGREEMENT shall be interpreted, construed and governed both as to validity and to performance of the Parties in accordance with the laws of the State of California.

Legal actions concerning any dispute, claim or matter arising out of or in relation to this AGREEMENT shall be instituted in the Superior Court of the County of Kern, State of California, or any other appropriate court in such county, and DONEE agrees to submit to the personal jurisdiction of such court in the event of such action.

6. No Undue Influence. DONEE declares and warrants that no undue influence or pressure was used against or in concert with any officer or employee of CITY in connection with the terms or implementation of this AGREEMENT, including any method of coercion, confidential financial arrangement, or financial inducement. No officer or employee of CITY has or will receive compensation, directly or indirectly, from DONEE, or from any officer, employee or agent of DONEE, in connection with the granting of this AGREEMENT.

7. Integration; Amendment. This AGREEMENT constitutes the entire agreement between the parties relating to the subject matter of this AGREEMENT and supersedes and replaces any other written or oral agreements thereto. No amendment to this AGREEMENT will be effective unless in writing and signed by both parties.

8. Authority. The persons executing this AGREEMENT on behalf of the parties hereto warrant (i) such party is duly organized and existing, (ii) they are duly authorized to execute and deliver this AGREEMENT on behalf of said party, (iii) by so executing this AGREEMENT, such party is formally bound to the provisions of this AGREEMENT, and (iv) the entering into this AGREEMENT does not violate any provision of any other AGREEMENT to which said party is bound.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, CITY and DONEE have executed this AGREEMENT and is effective as of the date first listed above.

SIGNATURES ON NEXT PAGE
EQUIPMENT DONATION AGREEMENT – COR & IWVTV Page 3 of 3
CITY OF RIDGECREST, a municipal
corporation
Ronald Strand, City Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM:

ALESHIRE & WYNDER, LLP
Martin Koczanowicz, City Attorney
DONEE :

Indian Wells Valley TV Booster, Inc.

By:________________________
Its: ________________________
By:________________________
Its: ________________________
Two corporate officer signatures required when DONEE is a corporation, with one signature required from each of the following groups: 1) Chairperson of the Board, President or any Vice President; and 2) Secretary, any Assistant Secretary, Chief Financial Officer or any Assistant Treasurer. (Cal. Corp. Code § 313.) APPROPRIATE

ATTESTATIONS SHALL BE INCLUDED AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY THE

BYLAWS, ARTICLES OF INCORPORATION, OR OTHER RULES OR
REGULATIONS APPLICABLE TO DONEE’S BUSINESS ENTITY
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CITY COUNCIL AGENDA ITEM
SUBJECT: 2024 Annual Progress Report (APR) For The General Plan And Housing Element With Regional Housing Need Allocation Progress
PRESENTED BY: Heather Spurlock, Community Development Manager SUMMARY:

California Government Code sections 65400 and 65700 require all cities and counties to submit an Annual Progress Report (APR) on the status and progress of implementing their General Plan and Housing Element. There is no standard format for the General Plan APR; however, the Housing and Community Development (HCD) Housing Element APR must be prepared using the specific forms and tables provided by the department.

These reports must be submitted by April 1 to the legislative body, the Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The report has been prepared and processed in accordance with these requirements.

On January 28, 2025, staff presented the APR to the Planning Commission. The Commission reviewed the report and recommended that the City Council review it and direct staff to submit the report to HCD and OPR.

Attached is the 2024 APR for the General Plan and Housing Element.

Environmental Analysis
The Planning Commission determined that the 2024 APR for the General Plan and Housing Element is not classified as a project under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines.

RECOMMENDED MOTIONS:

Motion to adopt a resolution directing staff to submit the report to HCD and OPR by April 1st.

Requires a second
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve recommended motions
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Heather Spurlock Action Date: February 19, 2025 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
RESOLUTION 25- Xx
1 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST APPROVING THE 2024 ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORTS (APR) OF THE

GENERAL PLAN, HOUSING ELEMENT AND REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS

ALLOCATION (RHNA) PLAN AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO FILE THE SAME

WITH THE CALIFORNIA OFFICE OF PLANNING AND RESEARCH (OPR) AND

THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT (HCD)
WHEREAS, California Government Code Section 65400 (a)(2) requires each city and county to provide by April 1 of each year an Annual Progress Report of implementation of its General Plan to its legislative body and the California Office of Planning and Research (OPR);and, WHEREAS, the Government Code further requires each jurisdiction to provide a report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) detailing its progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs as determined pursuant to Section 65584 and local efforts to remove government constraints pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection of Section 65583 of the Government Code; and,
WHEREAS, the staff report prepared and the attached 2024 Annual Progress Report of the General Plan, Housing Element and RHNA follows the guidelines provided by the appropriate agencies; and, WHEREAS, the Annual Progress Report is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and Guidelines; and,
WHEREAS, staff has performed the necessary investigations, prepared a written report, and recommended that the Planning Commission review and recommend approval of the reports to the City Council ; and,
WHEREAS, on January 28, 2025 the Planning Commission reviewed all reports and concluded the said review on that day and recommended approval of the prepared reports to the City Council.

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

SECTION 1. The recitals above are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.

SECTION 2. That the City Council reviewed and approved the reports and hereby adopts this Resolution authorizing staff to file the report with the appropriate agencies on or before April 1, 2025.

APPROVED AND ADOPTED: This 19th day of February 2025, by the following vote:

AYES:

NOES:

ABSENT:

ABSTAIN:

Travis Endicott, Mayor
ATTEST:

Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
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ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT

HOUSING ELEMENT &

GENERAL PLAN
2024
2 2024 General Plan APR
Table of Contents
Section 1: INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................. 4

1.1 Annual Progress Reports.....................................................................................................................4 Section 2: 2024 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT (APR).................................................... 5

2.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................5

2.2 City of Ridgecrest ................................................................................................................................5

2.3 Elements of The Ridgecrest General Plan 2030..................................................................................6

2.4 Amendments to the General Plan, Zoning Map, and Zoning Ordinance............................................8

2.5 General Plan Implementation Actions................................................................................................9 Section 3: 2024 HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT .....................................................13

3.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................13

3.2 Housing Element Progress Report ....................................................................................................13

4.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................16

4.2 Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress ...................................................................................16 Section 5: GOALS, POLICIES, AND OBJECTIVES.................................................................................18

5.1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................18

5.2 Update Zoning Ordinance.................................................................................................................18

5.3 Update General Plan.........................................................................................................................18

5.4 Zoning Map Update ..........................................................................................................................18

5.5 Development.....................................................................................................................................18 Presented by Heather Spurlock, Community Development Manager, to the City of Ridgecrest Planning Commission on January 28, 2025.
3 2024 General Plan APR
Lists of Tables
TABLE 1 GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS................................................................................................ 7 TABLE 2 ZONING AMENDMENTS ................................................................................................... 8 TABLE 3 GP IMPLEMENTATION ACTIONS ..................................................................................... 12 TABLE 4 2023 HOUSING UNITS ..................................................................................................... 13 TABLE 5 SB 9 PERMITS .................................................................................................................. 13 TABLE 6 AFFORDABILITY SUMMARY............................................................................................. 14 TABLE 7 HOUSING APPLICATION .................................................................................................. 14 TABLE 8 APPROVAL TYPE .............................................................................................................. 15 TABLE 9 RHNA PROGRESS............................................................................................................. 17 4 2024 General Plan APR
Section 1: INTRODUCTION

1.1 Annual Progress Reports
The General Plan is a community’s vision for future growth. California law requires that the General Plan address mandatory elements of land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, noise, and safety. California Government Code Sections 65400 and 65700 mandate that all cities and counties submit an annual report on the status and progress in implementing the General Plan. There is no standard form or format for the General Plan Annual Progress Report (APR).

California housing law acknowledges that for the private market to address that state’s housing needs adequately, local government must adopt plans and regulatory systems that provide opportunities for housing development and do not unduly constrain. California Government Code Section 65400 also requires that each city and county prepare an APR on the status of the Housing Element of the General Plan and progress in its implementation, using forms and definitions adopted by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The Housing Element APR fulfills statutory requirements to report certain housing information, including the local agency’s progress in meeting its share of regional housing needs (i.e., applications, entitlements, permits, and certificates of occupancy), certain rezoning activities, actions taken towards competition of housing element programs and local efforts to remove governmental constraints to the development of housing (Government Code Section 65584.3(c) and 65584.5(b)(5)).

The General Plan and Housing Element APRs are required to be submitted by April 1 to the legislative body, the Office of Planning and Research (OPR), and the (HCD). This report has been prepared and processed following the requirements stated above. 5 2024 General Plan APR
Section 2: 2024 GENERAL PLAN ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT (APR)

2.1 Introduction
The current General Plan, Ridgecrest General Plan 2030, was adopted on December 2, 2009. The Ridgecrest General Plan includes land use, community design, circulation, open space and conservation, health and safety, and military sustainability elements. The plan did not have the Housing Element, which is part of the General Plan, but traditionally approved as a separate document. The 2023 Draft Housing Element update has been submitted to the HCD. The Draft Housing Element has received the first comments from HCD. Staff and the Consultant are working to address HCD’s comments and expect a final Housing Element soon.

2.2 City of Ridgecrest
Ridgecrest has a population of 28,138 with 10,948 households. The median household income is $88,107, and the average home price in 2024 was $289,000. The City of Ridgecrest has experienced a period of economic growth and vitality with the recruitment of several new retailers and hospitality development, ongoing public works and infrastructure projects, and the earthquake recovery efforts nearing completion at the adjacent China Lake Naval Air Weapons Station, the City’s largest employers and the most modern Naval land facility in the Western U.S.

Since its incorporation on November 29, 1963, the City has been the closest urban area to the Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake. Therefore, the City’s General Plan contains an elective element, the Military Sustainability Element, to “ensure that future land uses are compatible with the continued operation of China Lake and avoid risks to life, property and the well-being of City residents from hazards associated with aircraft operations”. 6 2024 General Plan APR

2.3 Elements of The Ridgecrest General Plan 2030
Land Use
Chapter 3
Mandatory Element as
required under
Government Code
Section 65302(a)
This element establishes goals, policies, and implementation measures for development of public and private uses. Defines general distribution and intensity of land uses for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, public facilities, and open space.

Military Sustainability
Chapter 4
Optional Element as
discussed in Government
Code Section 65303
This element identifies goals, policies, and implementation measures needed to ensure the City’s dual objective of achieving growth while protecting the flight corridors and military missions associated with Naval Air Weapons Station (NAWS) China Lake. Additionally, this element contains state-mandated elements, including land use, conservation, noise, and safety.

Community Design
Chapter 5
Optional Element as
discussed in Government
Code Section 65303
This element establishes goals, policies, and implementation measures to guide evaluation of City structure and design. The element guides the visual aspects of the built environment to create the City identity and design. It provides guidance for City architecture, landscaping, landmarks, views and to improve the overall image of the City.

This element also contains information for state-mandated elements of Land Use and Conservation.

Circulation
Chapter 6
Mandatory Element as
required under
Government Code
Section 65302(b)
This element contains the City’s goals, policies, and implementation measures to ensure an adequate and functional transportation and circulation system. The element addresses automobile travel (roads and highways), public transit, aviation, and trails for bicyclists and pedestrians.

In addition to providing information for state-mandated elements, including Land Use and Noise, this element also includes congestion management requirements contained in Government Code Section 65088 et. seq.

Open Space and
Conservation
Chapter 7
Mandatory Element as
required under
Government Code
Section 65302(d)
In addition to identifying goals, policies and implementation measures, this element provides direction regarding the conservation, development, and utilization of natural resources. This element also contains information for state-mandated elements, including Land Use, Conservation, and Open Space.

Health and Safety
Chapter 8
Mandatory Element as
required under
This element establishes goals, policies, and implementation measures to ensure public health, safety, and welfare related to natural and artificial hazards. More specifically, this element contains programs to protect the community from seismic, geologic, flood, and wildfire hazards. This 7 2024 General Plan APR
Government Code
Section 65302(g)
element also contains information for state-mandated Noise Element.

Housing
(Separate Document)
Mandatory Element as
required under
Government Code
Section 65302(c)
Even though the Housing Element is a part of the General Plan, a separate document containing the element was initially approved in June 2002; covering 2002 - 2007. This element was updated on May 6, 2015; covering 2015 - 2023. In addition to establishing goals and strategies to guide the development of housing in the City, this element, as approved, analyzes the housing needs to maintain, improve, and create housing for all economic segments of the City population. It ensures the adequate supply of land for affordable housing development within the City.

The City has submitted a Draft Housing Element update to the HCD and we expect an adopted Housing Element early in 2024.

Table 1 General Plan Elements
8 2024 General Plan APR

2.4 Amendments to the General Plan, Zoning Map, and Zoning Ordinance AMENDMENTS TO THE GENERAL PLAN AND ZONING MAP:

No activity during the January 1, 2024 – December 31, 2024 period.

AMENDMENTS TO THE ZONING ORDINANCE:

Ord. 24-02 Accessory Structures
Defined development standards for accessory structures in zones. (Not ADUs)
Ord. 24-03 Medium Density Residential
Updated permitted and conditional uses within the medium density residential zone.

Ord. 24-05 Residential Care Homes & Employee Housing
Added permitted and conditional uses for residential care homes, single room occupancy (SRO), and employee housing to residential zones.

Table 2 Zoning Amendments
9 2024 General Plan APR

2.5 General Plan Implementation Actions

GOAL/POLICY/PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION ACTION
Land Use Element:

LU-1.4 Encourage Infill
Development
LU-3 Commercial Development
LU-3.6 Grouping Commercial
Development
Community Design Element:

CD-3.3 Rehabilitation of Existing
Site
Policy CD-2.7 Drought Tolerant
Landscaping
SPR 24-04 Wendys
Development of a new Wendy’s restaurant with a drive
thru. The existing structure, formerly an Arby’s, will be demolished. The new structure will be 2,187 square feet with a building height of 20 feet. See Figure 5 for
elevations
SPR 24-03 Ridgecrest Medical Transport
Site plan for the development of APN 508-020-02-1, a 3
acre vacant parcel with a zoning designation of general commercial, to construct a 4,800 sq. ft. metal building for office space, and parking for commercial vehicles.

SPR 24-01 Onstott Storage
Development of 3.22 acres of vacant land for storage
units and recreational vehicle storage.

SPR 24-02 China Lake & Bowman
A request for the development of vacant land for
commercial use. The proposed uses are 3 fast food
establishments and 2 future retail uses. The
modification is for the addition of a signalized
intersection on Bowman Rd. and Sanders St.

Housing Element:

H-2.0 Code enforcement program
to bring substandard units to
compliance with city codes, and
improve the overall housing
conditions
H-2.1 Enforcement of nuisance
codes to promote property
maintenance
Abatement
241 S Sunset
1337 S. McCall St
Land Use Element:

LU-2.2 Neighborhood Housing Mix.

Encourage mixed density
residential neighborhoods that
contain a variety of housing types
LU-2.11 Senior Housing
Development. Encourage new
senior housing developments in
Conditional Use Permit 24-01
High Desert Haven
An amendment to an existing CUP that approving High
Desert Haven, a 77-unit residential care facility, for the property located at 1240 College Heights Blvd.
10 2024 General Plan APR
areas where public transportation
LU-10.15 Medical and Emergency
Services. Support the efforts of
local medical providers to maintain
an adequate level of services for
Ridgecrest residents
H-1.2 Encourage development of
housing for the elderly
Land Use Element:

LU-1.4 Encourage Infill
Development
LU-2.1 Housing Choices
LU-2.3 Local Housing Needs
Housing Element:

Policy H-1.1 Provide a variety of
residential development
opportunities
Policy H-1.8 Encourage
development of housing
opportunities for moderate income
households to live in the city
Policy H-3.4 Locate higher density
residential development in close
proximity to public transportation,
retail, services, and recreation
Policy H-3.6 Accommodate new
residential development
Policy H-5.1 Ensure that
development standards for
parking, open space, and other
amenities do not add unduly to the
cost of housing
Tentative Tract Map Extensions
TTM 7345 11 lot subdivision
TTM 7478 16 lot subdivision
TTM 6912 24 lot subdivision
TTM 6691 223 lot subdivision
TTM 7358- 43 lot subdivision
TTM 7359- 51 lot subdivision
TTM 7360- 55 lot subdivision
Land Use Element:

LU-1.4 Encourage Infill
Development
LU-1.3 Compact Development
LU-4.1 Olde Towne as Asset
LU- 4.6Olde Towne Design
Enhancement
General Plan Consistency Balsam Street Land Purchase
PC Reso 24-16
CC Reso 24-68
11 2024 General Plan APR
LU- 4.7 Mutually Supportive Olde
Towne Uses
LU- 4.12 Improvements to Olde
Towne
Open Space & Conservation
Element:

OSC-7.2 Recreational Facilities
OSC-7.3 Park Facility Standards
OSC-7.18 Increase Recreational
Facilities
OSC-10.1 Accommodate Special
Needs
CDGB Leroy Jackson Park Fencing
CC Reso 24-04
CC Reso 24-66
Aquatic Complex & Pinney Pool Demo
CC Reso 24-06
CC Reso 24-57
CC Reso 24-77
Splash Pad
CC Reso 24-21
CC Reso 24-43
Tennis Courts
CC Reso 24-36
CC Reso 24-72
CC Reso 24-83
CDGB Skate Park Shade
CC Reso 24-48
Circulation Element:

C-5.1 Public Transportation
C-1.5 Transportation Improvement
Financing
Unmet Transit Need
CC Reso 24-01
CC Reso 24-18
Update and Implementation of the Transit Title VI Plan
for 2024
CC Reso 24-19
Low Carbon Transit Operations Program- System Wide
Free Fares for Transit Riders
CC Reso 24-25
Health & Safety Element:

HS-3 Emergency Response
Flock Safety Readers
CC Reso 24-07
Sierra Sands School Resource Officer
CC Reso 24-59
Purchase of Police Equipment
24-61
12 2024 General Plan APR
Circulation Element:

C-1.2 City Accessibility
C-1.4 Coordination with Other
Agencies
C-1.6 Additional Funding Sources
C-2.1 Maintain Existing Streets
C-2.15 Street Improvements,
Upgrades, and Maintenance
C-6.5 Pedestrian Facility Standards
West Ward Projects
CC Reso 24-14
CC Reso 24-30
Culverts Gold Canyon
CC Reso 24-11
Bowman Channel Study, 2024 Measure V Paving and
Design Mahan Ave.

CC Reso 24-16
Measure V Paving
CC Reso 24-70
Land Use Element:

LU-2.1 Housing Choices
LU-2.2 Neighborhood Mixing
LU-2.3 Local Housing Needs
Housing Element:

Policy H-1.8 Opportunities for
Moderate-Income Households
Goal H-4 Equal Opportunity for
Residents
CC Ord. 24-03 R4 Medium Density
Updated permitted and conditional uses within the
medium density residential zone.

CC Ord. 24-05 Residential Care Homes
Added permitted and conditional uses for residential
care homes, SRO, and employee housing to residential
zones.

Table 3 GP Implementation Actions
13 2024 General Plan APR
Section 3: 2024 HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS REPORT

3.1 Introduction
The State of California requires each jurisdiction to address housing to combat statewide needs.

The (HCD) allocates statewide housing needs to the Regional Council of Governments (COG). In turn, they allocate regional housing needs to each local jurisdiction. The Ridgecrest Housing Element is currently in review by HCD.

3.2 Housing Element Progress Report
The HCD Housing Element APR is prepared using forms and tables specified by the department.

The completed forms are attached to this report. The Housing Element APR data is summarized in the following tables. This data represents housing development applications for the calendar year between January 1 and December 31, 2024.

Units by Structure Type Entitled Permitted Completed
Single-family Attached 0 0 0
Single-family Detached 408 13 11
2 to 4 Units Per Structure 86 26 31
5+ Units Per Structure 0 0 0
Accessory Dwelling Unit 7 7 3
Mobile/Manufactured Home 0 0 0
Total 501 46 45
Table 4 2023 Housing Units
The Planning Commission of the City of Ridgecrest has approved the development of 408 singlefamily residential housing units through the extension of tentative tract maps. Commission also approved a tentative tract map for the development of 64 mulit-family units. The planning staff has also approved 22 applications for multi-family developments ranging from 2 to 4 units.

Additionally, the Building Department has issued permits for 13 new single-family residential units, 26 multi-family units with 2 to 4 units per building, as well as 7 accessory dwelling units.

The department has also issued a certificate of occupancy to 11 single-family residential units, 31 multifamily units with 2 to 4 units per building, and 3 accessory dwelling units.

Streamlining Provisions Used - Permitted Units # of Projects Units SB 9 (2021) - Duplex in SF Zone 13 26
Table 5 SB 9 Permits
14 2024 General Plan APR
SB 9 allows for the construction of housing developments consisting of 2 residential units within single-family residential zones. These developments must now be considered ministerial without requiring discretionary review or a hearing. The streamlining of duplexes in single-family residential zones has resulted in a total of 13 applications, which will provide a total of 26 units.

Building Permits Issued by Affordability Summary
Income Level Current Year
Very Low
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed
Restricted
0 Low
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed
Restricted
0 Moderate
Deed Restricted 0
Non-Deed
Restricted
37 Above Moderate 9
Total Units 46
Table 6 Affordability Summary
Housing unit affordability income levels are defined below:

Very low-income households: 0-50 percent AMI
Low-income households: 50-80 percent AMI
Moderate-income households: 80-120 percent AMI
Above-moderate households: above 120 percent
*AMI means the median household income based on a household size of a geographical area of the state, as annually updated by HCD, pursuant to Health and Safety Code, section 50093.

In 2024, 37 single-family residential units were designated for moderate-income housing. These new units are generally infill development in existing neighborhoods, like Ridgecrest Heights. An additional 9 units were designated for above-moderate income. The Planning department received 24 housing applications for the development of potentially 498 housing units. Out of all the applications received, 17 were classified as ministerial and 7 as discretionary.

Housing Applications Summary
Total Housing Applications Submitted: 24
Number of Proposed Units in All Applications Received: 498 Total Housing Units Approved: 498
Total Housing Units Disapproved: 0
Table 7 Housing Application
15 2024 General Plan APR
Ministerial and Discretionary Applications
# of
Applications Units
Ministerial 17 27
Discretionary 7 471
Table 8 Approval Type
The permitting and planning activities for 2024 were similar to those of the previous year.

However, the most significant changes occurred in the area of duplexes, specifically those with 2 to 4 units. In 2023, 6 duplexes received occupancy permits, but that number increased dramatically to 31 units in 2024.

The completion of single-family residential units remained relatively low, with only 11 completed, which is comparable to the previous year. In contrast, in 2021, this number was as high as 53. We anticipate a decrease in entitled units moving forward, as tentative tract map extensions are no longer conducted on an annual basis.
16 2024 General Plan APR
Section 4: REGIONAL HOUSING NEEDS ALLOCATION (RHNA) PLAN

4.1 Introduction
Kern Council of Governments (Kern COG) and each jurisdiction within the county prepare and adopt the Regional Housing Needs Allocation Plan (RHNA) with allocations for each jurisdiction.

The Kern COG Sixth Cycle RHNA Plan was adopted on August 8, 2022, with a final corrected plan on January 1, 2023, and covers the projection period from June 2023, to December 2031. The Plan has been approved by the HCD. According to the adopted plan, the City of Ridgecrest has been allocated a total of 1,436 units for the period of 2023-2031.

4.2 RHNA Progress
This is the first full year in the 6
th Cycle RHNA. HCD has included permitting activities from June 2023 in the 6th Cycle. Progress on meeting the RHNA allocation is displayed in the table below.

Regional Housing Needs Allocation Progress
Permitted Units Issued by Affordability
1 Projection Period 2 3 4
Income Level
RHNA Allocation by
Income Level
Projection Period –
06/30/2023-12/30/20232023 2024 2025 2025 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 Total Units
to Date (all
years)
Total
Remaining
RHNA by
Income
Level
Very Low
Deed Restricted
379
-

-
-

-
- 379
Non-Deed
Restricted
-

-
Low
Deed Restricted
241
-

-
-

-
- 241
Non-Deed
Restricted
-

-
Moderate
Deed Restricted
225
-

-
61 164
Non-Deed
Restricted
24 -

37 -

-
- - -
Above
Moderate
591 5

-
9 - - - - - - - 14 1361
Total RHNA 1,436
Total Units 29

- 46 75 190
Progress toward extremely low-income housing need, as determined pursuant to Government Code 65583(a)(1). 5 6 7
17 2024 General Plan APR
Extremely lowIncome Need
2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 Total Units to Date
Total Units
Remaining
Extremely Low-Income Units*

190

- 190
Table 9 RHNA Progress
18 2024 General Plan APR
Section 5: GOALS, POLICIES, AND OBJECTIVES

5.1 Introduction
The Planning Department has established their goals for the upcoming year. These goals consist of revising the Zoning Ordinance, updating the General Plan, and streaming of the development process to facilitate housing development. The City has been awarded a grant from the Office of Local Defense Community Cooperation agency for an update to the Military Sustainability Element of the General Plan and a Housing Development Assessment Report.

5.2 Update Zoning Ordinance
• Commercial Landscaping Standards

5.3 Update General Plan
▪ Military Sustainability Element Update
▪ Housing Development Assessment Report

5.4 Zoning Map Update
▪ Professional office zone Graaf Ave., Ward Ave., Sanders St., and Ridgecrest Blvd. ▪ Multi-family rezoning for The Ridge and Oasis
▪ Misc. Urban Reserve, Agricultural and Public Use rezoning

5.5 Development
▪ GIS Zoning Map
▪ ADU and Duplex Standard Plans (available soon)
▪ 2023 Housing Element Approval
▪ Kern Multi-jurisdictional Hazard Mitigation Plan
Table A2
2 3 5 6
Prior APN+ Current APN Street Address Project Name+ Local Jurisdiction Tracking ID
Unit Category
(SFA,SFD,2 to
4,5+,ADU,MH)
Tenure
R=Renter
O=Owner
Very LowIncome Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome Non
Deed Restricted
Low- Income
Deed
Restricted
Low- Income
Non Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Non
Deed Restricted
Above
ModerateIncome
Entitlement
Date Approved # of Units issued
Entitlements
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below 0 0 0 0 0 29 472 501 509-132-01-00-3 701 W WILDROSE 2023-0987 ADU R 1 1/23/2024 1 453-061-23-00-4 916 W ATKINS
AVE C 2024-0381 ADU R 1 2/27/2024 1
453-061-24-00-7 920 W ATKINS
AVE C 2024-0382 ADU R 1 2/27/2024 1
453-071-20-008 916 W PERDEW
AVE 2024-0730 ADU R 1 9/24/2024 1
453-071-23-007 928 W PERDEW
AVE C 2024-0731 ADU R 1 9/25/2024 1
081-101-000 905 W DOLPHIN
AVE 2024-0865 ADU R 1 11/20/2024 1
081-101-16-004 915 W DOLPHIN
AVE 2024-0867 ADU R 1 11/20/2024 1
081-301-10-004 1205 W
MARIPOSA 2024-0564 2 to 4 R 2 8/1/2024 2
081-301-11-007 1201 W
MARIPOSA 2024-0565 2 to 4 R 2 8/1/2024 2
081-051-48-00-3 1615 S MAYO ST 2024-0601 2 to 4 R 2 8/15/2024 2 081-051-40-009 1524 S PORTER 2024-0531 2 to 4 R 2 7/18/2024 2 081-292-20 1113 W BENSON
AVE 2024-0369 2 to 4 R 2 6/3/2024 2
081-292-19 1117 W BENSON
AVE 2024-0392 2 to 4 R 2 6/3/2024 2
343-230-53-001 1128 E
CALIFORNIA AVE 2024-0420 2 to 4 R 2 6/10/2024 2
081-071-02-005 1305 S MAYO ST 2022-1366 2 to 4 R 0
081-051-33-009 1608 S PORTER 2024-0692 2 to 4 R 2 9/18/2024 2 453-071-23-007 928 W PERDEW 2024-0729 2 to 4 R 0
081-101-18-000 905 W DOLPHIN
AVE 2024-0864 2 to 4 R 2 11/20/2024 2
081-101-16-004 915 W DOLPHIN
AVE 2024-0866 2 to 4 R 2 11/20/2024 2
081-301-50-000 1133 W
MARIPOSA AVE 2024-0939 2 to 4 R 2 12/18/2024 2
081-082-31-009 1416 S MAYO ST 2022-1341 2 to 4 R 0
081-233-40-005 925 W MARIPOSA 2022-1349 2 to 4 R
0 081-091-16-002 1417 S
YORKTOWN 202-1354 2 to 4 R
0 081-092-28-004 1424 S
FARRAGUT 2022-1355 2 to 4 R
0 081-142-25-009 1236 S
FARRAGUT 2022-1359 2 to 4 R
0 081-232-05-007 713 S DOWNS ST 2022-1360 2 to 4 R 0
081-283-01-007 1241 W LANGLEY 2022-1361 2 to 4 R
0 081-283-45-005 1240 W ST
GEORGE 2022-1362 2 to 4 R
0 343-230-33-003 129 S LOCUST 2023-0975 2 to 4 R 0
343-230-33-003 129 S LOCUST 2023-0975 ADU R 0
478-084-04-00-7 223 W HALOID 2023-1124 2 to 4 R 0
478-062-00-3 311 W CHURCH
AVE 2023-1178 2 to 4 R
0 508-222-08-00-3 416 S THOMAS ST 2022-1409 SFD O
0 509-081-01-002 633 W CORAL
AVE 2022-0321 SFD O
0 508-221-14-00-3 432 S INYO ST 2022-1390 SFD O 0
508-223-12-00-1 320 S ABIGAIL 2022-1392 SFD O 0
508-223-11-00-8 326 S ABIGAIL 2022-1406 SFD O 0
1 4
Annual Building Activity Report Summary - New Construction, Entitled, Permits and Completed Units Project Identifier Unit Types Affordability by Household Incomes - Completed Entitlement 081-281-02-006 1237 W UPJOHN 2024-0315 SFD
O
0 081-283-19-00-0 1115 W LANGELY 2024-0344 SFDO
0 081-132-40-009 1120 S MAYO ST 2024-0374 SFDO
0 508-223-13-00-4 316 ABIGAIL 2024-0414 SFDO
0 343-052-32-002 408 S Gateway
Blvd 2024-0936 SFD
O
0 508-223-12-00-1 320 S ABIGAIL ST 2022-1392 SFDO
0 08-333-33-004 1336 W
MARIPOSA AVE 2023-1136 SFD
O
0 510-172-07-003 100 W JAVIS AVE 2024-0428 SFDO
0 343-051-10-001 337 S VALLEY 2024-0604 SFDO
0 081-181-11-003 1136 W VULCAN
AVE 2024-0624 SFD
O
0 453-231-08-00-0 1241 W ANDREA
CT 2024-0920 SFD
O
0 081-021-04 908 W OREGON
AVE 2024-0958 SFD
O
0 081-021-05 612 W OREGON
AVE 2024-0595 SFD
O
0 453-013-02 ERWIN CRT TTM 7478 2 to 4R 64 3/26/2024 64 510-020-07 S NORMA &
SHENANDOAH TTM 7345 SFD
O 11 1/10/2024 11
510-041-01 DEL ROSA &

COLLEGE

HEIGHTS
TTM 6912 SFDO 24 1/10/2024
24 455-100-09 MAHAN & RC
BLVD TTM 6691 SFD
O 224 1/10/2024 224
067-050-21 LAS FLORES &
DOWNS TTM 7358 SFD
O 43 8/2/2024 43
343-070-24 UPJOHN &
RICHMOND TTM7360 SFD
O 51 8/2/2024 51
480-010-13 SANDERS TTM7359 SFDO 55 8/2/2024 550000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 Table A2
2 3 5 6
Prior APN+ Current APN Street Address Project Name+ Local Jurisdiction Tracking ID
Unit Category
(SFA,SFD,2 to
4,5+,ADU,MH)
Tenure
R=Renter
O=Owner
Very LowIncome Deed
Restricted
Very LowIncome Non
Deed Restricted
Low- Income
Deed
Restricted
Low- Income
Non Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Deed
Restricted
ModerateIncome Non
Deed Restricted
Above
ModerateIncome
Entitlement
Date Approved # of Units issued
Entitlements
Summary Row: Start Data Entry Below 0 0 0 0 0 29 472 501 509-132-01-00-3 701 W WILDROSE 2023-0987 ADU R 1 1/23/2024 1 453-061-23-00-4 916 W ATKINS
AVE C 2024-0381 ADU R 1 2/27/2024 1
453-061-24-00-7 920 W ATKINS
AVE C 2024-0382 ADU R 1 2/27/2024 1
453-071-20-008 916 W PERDEW
AVE 2024-0730 ADU R 1 9/24/2024 1
453-071-23-007 928 W PERDEW
AVE C 2024-0731 ADU R 1 9/25/2024 1
081-101-000 905 W DOLPHIN
AVE 2024-0865 ADU R 1 11/20/2024 1
081-101-16-004 915 W DOLPHIN
AVE 2024-0867 ADU R 1 11/20/2024 1
081-301-10-004 1205 W
MARIPOSA 2024-0564 2 to 4 R 2 8/1/2024 2
081-301-11-007 1201 W
MARIPOSA 2024-0565 2 to 4 R 2 8/1/2024 2
081-051-48-00-3 1615 S MAYO ST 2024-0601 2 to 4 R 2 8/15/2024 2 081-051-40-009 1524 S PORTER 2024-0531 2 to 4 R 2 7/18/2024 2 081-292-20 1113 W BENSON
AVE 2024-0369 2 to 4 R 2 6/3/2024 2
081-292-19 1117 W BENSON
AVE 2024-0392 2 to 4 R 2 6/3/2024 2
343-230-53-001 1128 E
CALIFORNIA AVE 2024-0420 2 to 4 R 2 6/10/2024 2
081-071-02-005 1305 S MAYO ST 2022-1366 2 to 4 R 0
081-051-33-009 1608 S PORTER 2024-0692 2 to 4 R 2 9/18/2024 2 453-071-23-007 928 W PERDEW 2024-0729 2 to 4 R 0
081-101-18-000 905 W DOLPHIN
AVE 2024-0864 2 to 4 R 2 11/20/2024 2
081-101-16-004 915 W DOLPHIN
AVE 2024-0866 2 to 4 R 2 11/20/2024 2
081-301-50-000 1133 W
MARIPOSA AVE 2024-0939 2 to 4 R 2 12/18/2024 2
081-082-31-009 1416 S MAYO ST 2022-1341 2 to 4 R 0
081-233-40-005 925 W MARIPOSA 2022-1349 2 to 4 R
0 081-091-16-002 1417 S
YORKTOWN 202-1354 2 to 4 R
0 081-092-28-004 1424 S
FARRAGUT 2022-1355 2 to 4 R
0 081-142-25-009 1236 S
FARRAGUT 2022-1359 2 to 4 R
0 081-232-05-007 713 S DOWNS ST 2022-1360 2 to 4 R 0
081-283-01-007 1241 W LANGLEY 2022-1361 2 to 4 R
0 081-283-45-005 1240 W ST
GEORGE 2022-1362 2 to 4 R
0 343-230-33-003 129 S LOCUST 2023-0975 2 to 4 R 0
343-230-33-003 129 S LOCUST 2023-0975 ADU R 0
478-084-04-00-7 223 W HALOID 2023-1124 2 to 4 R 0
478-062-00-3 311 W CHURCH
AVE 2023-1178 2 to 4 R
0 508-222-08-00-3 416 S THOMAS ST 2022-1409 SFD O
0 509-081-01-002 633 W CORAL
AVE 2022-0321 SFD O
0 508-221-14-00-3 432 S INYO ST 2022-1390 SFD O 0
508-223-12-00-1 320 S ABIGAIL 2022-1392 SFD O 0
508-223-11-00-8 326 S ABIGAIL 2022-1406 SFD O 0
1 4
Annual Building Activity Report Summary - New Construction, Entitled, Permits and Completed Units Project Identifier Unit Types Affordability by Household Incomes - Completed Entitlement 081-281-02-006 1237 W UPJOHN 2024-0315 SFD
O
0 081-283-19-00-0 1115 W LANGELY 2024-0344 SFDO
0 081-132-40-009 1120 S MAYO ST 2024-0374 SFDO
0 508-223-13-00-4 316 ABIGAIL 2024-0414 SFDO
0 343-052-32-002 408 S Gateway
Blvd 2024-0936 SFD
O
0 508-223-12-00-1 320 S ABIGAIL ST 2022-1392 SFDO
0 08-333-33-004 1336 W
MARIPOSA AVE 2023-1136 SFD
O
0 510-172-07-003 100 W JAVIS AVE 2024-0428 SFDO
0 343-051-10-001 337 S VALLEY 2024-0604 SFDO
0 081-181-11-003 1136 W VULCAN
AVE 2024-0624 SFD
O
0 453-231-08-00-0 1241 W ANDREA
CT 2024-0920 SFD
O
0 081-021-04 908 W OREGON
AVE 2024-0958 SFD
O
0 081-021-05 612 W OREGON
AVE 2024-0595 SFD
O
0 453-013-02 ERWIN CRT TTM 7478 2 to 4R 64 3/26/2024 64 510-020-07 S NORMA &
SHENANDOAH TTM 7345 SFD
O 11 1/10/2024 11
510-041-01 DEL ROSA &

COLLEGE

MARIPOSA AVE
0 510-172-07-003 100 W JAVIS AVE1 10/21/20241
343-051-10-001 337 S VALLEY0
081-181-11-003 1136 W VULCAN
AVE
0 453-231-08-00-0 1241 W ANDREA
CT
0 081-021-04 908 W OREGON
AVE
0 081-021-05 612 W OREGON
AVE
0 453-013-02 ERWIN CRT0
510-020-07 S NORMA &

SHENANDOAH
0 510-041-01 DEL ROSA &

COLLEGE

HEIGHTS
0 455-100-09 MAHAN & RC
BLVD
0 067-050-21 LAS FLORES &
DOWNS
0 343-070-24 UPJOHN &

RICHMOND
0 480-010-13 SANDERS0000000
Table A2
Annual Building Activity Report Summary - New Construction, Entitled, Permits and Completed Units Streamlining Infill
Housing without Financial
Assistance or Deed
Restrictions
Term of Affordability
or Deed Restriction
13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
Current APN Street Address Project Name+
How many of the
units were
Extremely Low
Income?
Please select the
state streamlining
provision the project
was APPROVED
pursuant to. (may
select multiple)
Infill Units?
Y/N+
Assistance Programs
for Each Development
(may select multiple -
see instructions)
Deed Restriction
Type
(may select multiple -
see instructions)
For units affordable without
financial assistance or deed
restrictions, explain how the
locality determined the units
were affordable
(see instructions)
Term of Affordability or
Deed Restriction (years)
(if affordable in perpetuity
enter 1000)+
Number of
Demolished/Destroyed
Units
Demolished or
Destroyed Units
Demolished/De
stroyed Units
Owner or
Renter
Total Density Bonus Applied to
the Project (Percentage
Increase in Total Allowable
Units or Total Maximum
Allowable Residential Gross
Floor Area)
Number of Other
Incentives,
Concessions, Waivers,
or Other Modifications
Given to the Project
(Excluding Parking
Waivers or Parking
Reductions)
List the incentives,
concessions,
waivers, and
modifications
(Excluding Parking
Waivers or Parking
Modifications)
Did the project receive a
reduction or waiver of
parking standards? (Y/N)
0 0
509-132-01-00-3 701 W WILDROSE NONE Y RENTAL PRICE
453-061-23-00-4 916 W ATKINS

AVE C NONE Y RENTAL PRICE
453-061-24-00-7 920 W ATKINS

AVE C NONE Y RENTAL PRICE
453-071-20-008 916 W PERDEW

AVE NONE Y RENTAL PRICE
453-071-23-007 928 W PERDEW

AVE C NONE Y RENTAL PRICE
081-101-000 905 W DOLPHIN

AVE NONE Y RENTAL PRICE
081-101-16-004 915 W DOLPHIN

AVE NONE Y RENTAL PRICE
081-301-10-004 1205 W

MARIPOSA
SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
081-301-11-007 1201 W

MARIPOSA
SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
081-051-48-00-3 1615 S MAYO ST SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
081-051-40-009 1524 S PORTER SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
081-292-20 1113 W BENSON
AVE
SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
081-292-19 1117 W BENSON
AVE
SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
343-230-53-001 1128 E

CALIFORNIA AVE
SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
081-071-02-005 1305 S MAYO ST SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
081-051-33-009 1608 S PORTER SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
453-071-23-007 928 W PERDEW SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
081-101-18-000 905 W DOLPHIN
AVE
SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
081-101-16-004 915 W DOLPHIN
AVE
SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
081-301-50-000 1133 W

MARIPOSA AVE
SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
081-082-31-009 1416 S MAYO ST SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
081-233-40-005 925 W MARIPOSA SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
081-091-16-002 1417 S

YORKTOWN
SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
081-092-28-004 1424 S

FARRAGUT
SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
081-142-25-009 1236 S

FARRAGUT
SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
081-232-05-007 713 S DOWNS ST SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
081-283-01-007 1241 W LANGLEY SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
081-283-45-005 1240 W ST
GEORGE
SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
343-230-33-003 129 S LOCUST NONE Y RENTAL PRICE
343-230-33-003 129 S LOCUST NONE Y RENTAL PRICE
478-084-04-00-7 223 W HALOID SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
478-062-00-3 311 W CHURCH
AVE
SB 9 (2021) - Duplex
in SF Zone Y RENTAL PRICE
508-222-08-00-3 416 S THOMAS ST NONE Y
509-081-01-002 633 W CORAL

AVE NONE Y
508-221-14-00-3 432 S INYO ST NONE Y
508-223-12-00-1 320 S ABIGAIL NONE Y
508-223-11-00-8 326 S ABIGAIL NONE Y
081-281-02-006 1237 W UPJOHN NONE Y
081-283-19-00-0 1115 W LANGELY NONE Y
081-132-40-009 1120 S MAYO ST NONE Y
508-223-13-00-4 316 ABIGAIL NONE Y
343-052-32-002 408 S Gateway
Blvd NONE Y
508-223-12-00-1 320 S ABIGAIL ST NONE Y
08-333-33-004 1336 W

MARIPOSA AVE NONE Y SALES PRICE
510-172-07-003 100 W JAVIS AVE NONE Y
343-051-10-001 337 S VALLEY NONE Y
081-181-11-003 1136 W VULCAN

AVE NONE Y SALES PRICE
453-231-08-00-0 1241 W ANDREA

CT NONE Y
081-021-04 908 W OREGON

AVE NONE Y SALES PRICE
Housing with Financial Assistance
and/or Deed Restrictions Project Identifier Demolished/Destroyed Units Density Bonus 081-021-05 612 W OREGON

AVE NONE

Y SALES PRICE
453-013-02 ERWIN CRT NONE
N
510-020-07 S NORMA &

SHENANDOAH NONE
N
510-041-01 DEL ROSA &

COLLEGE

HEIGHTS
NONEN
455-100-09 MAHAN & RC

BLVD NONE
N
067-050-21 LAS FLORES &

DOWNS NONE
N
343-070-24 UPJOHN &

RICHMOND NONE
N
480-010-13 SANDERS NONE
N

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STAFF REPORT – February 19, 2025
SUBJECT: Overview of the Recycled Water Project and Option Agreement with the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA)
SUMMARY: This report provides an overview of the contract granting the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) an option to use recycled water from the City of Ridgecrest Wastewater Treatment Facility. It also details the history of the evaluation of the Recycled Water Project, from its inclusion in the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP), through the feasibility study, and ultimately the decision to abandon the project due to financial infeasibility.

OPTION AGREEMENT
On November 19, 2020, the City of Ridgecrest and IWVGA entered into an Option Agreement granting IWVGA the right to purchase treated water from the City’s Wastewater Treatment Facility. The agreement providesthat the City operates the Wastewater Treatment Facility located on the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, under an easement granted by the U.S. Navy. The Navy retains the right to use 525 acre-feet of treated water annually, with specific allocations for mission support and environmental mitigation. All water produced at the facility beyond the Navy’s allocation is owned by the City and termed "Available Treated Water." The IWVGA has the right to purchase this treated water to mitigate undesirable effects of groundwater pumping and to support sustainability efforts outlined in the GSP.

In exchange for this option the IWVGA reimbursed the City for past administrative costs and also agreed to reimburse the City for future costs. As a result, the IWVGA has been reimbursing the city for legal expenses related to the groundwater authority pursuant to this agreement. This agreement has a term of five years and is set to expire on November 19th, 2025. As a result of this agreement the IWVGA and not the City has the right and ability to control the use of recycled water during the term of the agreement.

IWVGA EVALUATION OF THE RECYCLED WATER PROJECT
Inclusion in the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP): The Recycled Water Project was initially identified in the GSP as a potential project to supplement native water supplies and mitigate undesirable results caused by groundwater pumping.

Feasibility Study: In 2022, the IWVGA Board directed staff to prepare and submit a Feasibility Study to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) under Title XVI of the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act (WIIN Act). On October 2, 2023, USBR approved the Feasibility Study, making the project eligible for federal funding covering up to 25% of the total project costs.

The feasibility study described the project as including tertiary and advanced treatment facilities, booster facilities, pipeline infrastructure, and injection wells. The project’s purpose was to treat secondary effluent from the City of Ridgecrest Wastewater Treatment Plant and inject treated water into the aquifer for groundwater recharge.

Yield and Cost Analysis: Initial recycled water yield was estimated at 1,573 acre-feet per year (AFY), based on current effluent flow and treatment losses. With a projected one-percent annual growth rate, return flow could increase to 2,223 AFY over the plant’s lifespan. The total project cost was estimated at $140,240,000.00. Planning costs, including environmental permitting, design, and engineering, were estimated at $5,300,000.00. Annual operations and maintenance (O&M) costs were projected at $3,241,477.79. The per-unit cost of recycled water production was estimated at $6,674.66 per acre-foot initially, decreasing to $3,493.36 per acre-foot over the plant’s lifespan with growth.

Decision to Suspend the Project: In August and October 2023, IWVGA staff presented updates detailing project cost estimates, O&M costs, and potential funding sources. Despite the USBR's approval of the Feasibility Study, the Board unanimously decided in October 2023 to suspend work on the project. This decision was based on two primary factors. First, the recycled water yield projections were insufficient to meet sustainability requirements and did not substantively offset the need for imported water within the GSP. Second, the high per-unit cost of recycled water production would have substantially increased water rates.

The financial infeasibility stemmed from several key issues. The total project cost was an estimated $140,240,000.00, with only 25% eligible for federal funding under Title XVI, leaving approximately $105,180,000.00 to be sourced from state or local funding. Financing options, including loans from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund, the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act, or local bonds, would impose significant financial burdens due to interest rates and repayment terms. For instance, a State Revolving Fund loan with a 2.125% APR over 30 years would result in annual payments nearing $5 million, with total interest payments exceeding $39 million over the loan period. Additionally, annual operations and maintenance costs were projected at $3,241,477.79, not accounting for potential increases in power costs, which are significant due to the energy-intensive nature of the injection wells required by the project.

Moreover, the per-unit cost of recycled water production was prohibitively high. Initial estimates placed the cost at $6,674.66 per acre-foot, far exceeding typical water rates in the region. Even with projected growth reducing the cost to $3,493.36 per acre-foot over the plant’s lifespan, these figures were still considered unsustainable. This high cost would translate to substantial increases in water rates for consumers, making the project economically unviable. The Board also considered that the project’s yield would not sufficiently offset the need for imported water, further diminishing its cost-effectiveness.

CONCLUSION
While the IWVGA initially pursued the Recycled Water Project as a key component of the GSP, financial, operational, and yield constraints ultimately led to the decision to suspend the project.

The existing Option Agreement remains in place, allowing for the potential future use of treated water if conditions change.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

This report is for informational purposes only. No action is required at this time.

ATTACHMENTS:

1. Option Agreement between the City of Ridgecrest and the IWVGA (November 19, 2020)

2. IWVGA Board Meeting Agendas and Staff Reports (August 2023 – October 2024) This Page Intentionally Left Blank

OPTION AGREEMENT

BY AND BETWEEN CITY OF RIDGECREST AND THE INDIAN WELLS VALLEY

GROUNDWATER AUTHORITY FOR AN OPTION TO PURCHASE TREATED

WATER FROM THE WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY
This Agreement for the option to purchase recycled water ("Option Agreement" or "Agreement") is dated this 19th day of November , 2020 ("EffectiveDate"), and is entered into by and between City of Ridgecrest, a municipal corporation ("City") and Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority, a Joint Powers Authority ("Authority"). City and Authority shall be the signatories to this Agreement and shall hereinafter be referred to as "Party" or "Parties." The City operates a Wastewater Treatment Plant (the "Facilities" operated pursuant to a Grant ofEasement on certain real property identified as Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake (the "Installation") and owned by the United States and represented by the Commanding Officer, Naval Facilities Engineering Command, Southwest, acting by and through the Secretary of the Navy. The City was granted an easement for the construction, installation, uninterrupted operation, maintenance, repair, renovation, and replacement ofthe "Facilities." (attached as Exhibit A).

Pursuant to thatagreement, the Installation has the right to use 525-acre feet ofwater each year. 325-acre feet each year oftreated water can be used in any manner the Installation deems necessary to support its mission. The additional 200 acrefeet oftreatedwater per yearcan be used to implement the Installation's obligation to provide mitigation and habitat preservationmeasures for the protection of the Federally listed endangered species commonly known as the Mojave Tui Chub ("Tui Chub") or in the alternative for any other Installation use not to include landscaping, unless such landscaping use results in a reduction in the use of groundwater and is approved by the City. All other water produced at the Facility is owned by the City ("Available Treated Water").

City intends to replace the current Facility with a new Facility and anticipates that such construction will take approximately three years to complete.

The Authority was created in compliance with SustainableGroundwater ManagementAct (SOMA") to create a Groundwater Sustainability Plan for the Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Basin ("Basin"). The purpose of the GSP is to provide a plan that implements projects necessary to allow water to be continued to be extracted from the Basin without suffering undesirable results.

One ofthe projects identified in the GSP is the purchase oftreated water from the Facility so that this water can be recycled to supplement native water supplies.

This agreement is adopted in furtherance of the GSP project goals. The Authority desires to purchase the Available Treated Water from the City and use it to mitigate against undesirable results caused by the pumping of groundwater from the Basin pursuant to the Groundwater Sustainability Plan (GSP) approved by the Authority. Doing so will meet the Parties shared objective to optimize the use of the Available Treated Water to mitigate the need for imported water and to maintain the sustainability ofthe water supply in the region. Through thisagreement the City pledges to make its treated water available for purchase by the Authority upon completion ofthe new Facility.

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City of Ridgecrest Kern County Inyo County San Bernardino County Indian Wells Valley Water District

INDIAN WELLS VALLEY

GROUNDWATER AUTHORITY
Ridgecrest City Hall 100 W California Ave., Ridgecrest, CA 93555 760-499-5002

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A G E N D A
Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Closed Session – 10:15 a.m.

Open Session – No earlier than 11:00 a.m.

Pursuant to California Government Code 54953(b)(1) two additional call-in locations have been established for Board Members who will attend this meeting via teleconference at 14955 Dale Evans Parkway Apple Valley, CA. 92307 and at 1360 N Main St Bishop, CA. 93514.

NOTICE: In accordance with the evolving public health declarations, we will continue to provide live stream video for those wishing to participate virtually. Please see the Public Comment Notice below for detailed instructions on submitting public comment as well as websites for livestream broadcasting.

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 this meeting, please contact April Keigwin at (805) 764-5452. Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one full business day before the start of the meeting. Documents and material relating to an open session agenda items that are provided to the IWVGA Board of Directors prior to a regular meeting will be available for public inspection and copying at Ridgecrest City Hall, 100 W California Ave, Ridgecrest, CA 93555, or online at https://iwvga.org/.

Statements from the Public
The public will be allowed to address the Board during Public Comments about subjects within the jurisdiction of the IWVGA Board and that are NOT on the agenda. No action may be taken on off-agenda items unless authorized by law. Questions posed to the Board may be answered after the meeting or at a future meeting. Dialog or extended discussion between the public and the Board or staff will be limited in accordance with the Brown Act. All Public Comment portions of the meeting shall be limited to three (3) minutes per speaker. Each person is limited to one comment during Public Comments.

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

3. PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION

4. CLOSED SESSION
• CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) - Name of case: Searles Valley Minerals Inc v. Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority, et. al. - Orange County Superior Court 30-2022-01239487-CU-MC-CJC
2 | Page
IWVGA Board of Directors
Board Meeting of October 9, 2024
• CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL- EXISTING LITIGATION
(Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) - Name of case: Mojave Pistachios, LLC, a California limited liability company, et.al. v. Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority, a California Joint Powers Authority, et. al. - Orange County Superior Court 30-2022-0139479-CU-MC-CJC

5. OPEN SESSION – No earlier than 11:00 a.m.
a. Report on Closed Session
b. Pledge of Allegiance
c. Roll Call

6. PUBLIC COMMENT
This time is reserved for the public to address the Board about matters NOT on the agenda. No action will be taken on non-agenda items unless authorized by law. Comments are limited to three minutes per person.

7. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS
This time is reserved for comments by Board members and/or staff and to identify matters for future Board business.

8. CONSENT AGENDA
a. Approve Minutes of Board Meeting September 11, 2024
b. Approve Expenditures
*To view itemized invoices please visit https://iwvga.org/iwvga-meetings i. $117,292.30 – Stetson Engineers
ii. $18,660.39 – Regional Government Services – (Replenishment / Extraction) iii. $14,225.00 – Capitol Core Group – (Replenishment)
iv. $593,264.61 – Provost & Pritchard – (SGMA IP Grant)

9. UPDATE ON RADEMACHER CONSOLIDATION AND APPROVAL OF

REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENT BETWEEN INDIAN WELLS VALLEY

GROUNDWATER AUTHORITY AND INDIAN WELLS VALLEY WATER DISTRICT

10. RECYCLED WATER PRESENTATION

11. GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY PLAN MODELING AND PERIODIC

EVALUATION UPDATE

12. WATER RESOURCES MANAGER REPORT
a. Grant Funding
b. GSP Implementation Projects/Management Action Updates i. Imported Water Project
ii. Shallow Well Mitigation Program
iii. GSP Periodic Evaluation and Amendment
c. Miscellaneous Items
i. Data Collection and Monitoring
ii. IWVGA Basin Model Configuration Management Plan
iii. Rose Valley Subflow Update
3 | Page
IWVGA Board of Directors
Board Meeting of October 9, 2024

13. GENERAL MANAGER’S REPORT
a. Monthly Financial Report
b. C&E Plan Update
c. Report on IWVGA’s Water Marketer (Capitol Core Group) d. Amendment to JPA to Modify Board Member Alternate Appointments

14. DATE OF NEXT MEETING – NOVEMBER 13, 2024

15. ADJOURN

PUBLIC COMMENT NOTICE
IWVGA meetings will be open to the public for physical attendance; However, for those who wish to continue using virtual alternatives please follow the directions below for access to live stream video as well as ways to submit public comment.
• Watch meetings on-line:

All of our meetings are streamed live at https://ridgecrest-ca.gov/369/Watch (4 second streaming delay) or on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/cityofridgecrest/live (22 second streaming delay) and are also available for playback after the meeting.
• Call in for public comments:

If you wish to make verbal comment, 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 pause between callers to give time for media delays and callers to dial in. Due to media delays, please mute your streaming device while making public comment. If you wish to comment on multiple items, you will need to call in as each item is presented.
• Submit written comments:

We encourage submittal of written comments supporting, opposing, or otherwise commenting on an agenda item, for distribution to the Board prior to the meeting. Send emails to [email protected] written correspondence may be sent to April Keigwin, Clerk of the Board, 100 W. California Ave., Ridgecrest, CA 93555. Please specify to which agenda item your comment relates. • Large Groups:

If you are part of a large group that would like to comment on an agenda item, please consider commenting in writing. This will be as impactful to the Board as having a large group in attendance.

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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: Feb 19, 2025
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Ridgecrest City CouncilFebruary 19, 2025

Ridgecrest City Council
February 19, 2025