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
October 1, 2025
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
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
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
AGENDA
Wednesday, October 1, 2025 Regular Session – 6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
REGULAR SESSION
• Pledge Of Allegiance
• Invocation
PRESENTATIONS
1. Kern Council Of Governments Executive Director John (Jay) Schlosser, P.E.
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 Charlon
DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
3. Proposed Approval Of Increased Appropriations To The Fiscal Year 2025 Budget For An Emergency Well Repair At Leroy Jackson Sports Complex Wegener
4. Discussion Regarding The East Kern Healthcare District Council
ORDINANCES
5. Introduction And First Reading Of An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest Amending Article III Of The Ridgecrest Municipal Code To Provide Regulations Of Illegal Fireworks And Assess Liability For Illegal Use On The Property Owners Attorney / Chief Ysit
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, 1st Floor
➢ Next meeting October 6, 2025
AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – October 1, 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, 1st Floor
➢ Next meeting October 14, 2025
Infrastructure Committee
Members: Mayor Endicott and Kyle Blades
Meeting: 4th Thursday each month at 5:00 p.m.
Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1st Floor
➢ Report from September 25, 2025
Parks, Recreation, and Quality of Life Committee
Members: Mayor Endicott and Scott Hayman
Meeting: 1st Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ Next meeting October 7, 2025
OTHER COMMITTEES, BOARDS, OR COMMISSIONS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
1 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
2 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
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 September 17, 2025
PRESENTED BY: Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
SUMMARY:
Draft Minutes of the City Council / Successor Redevelopment Agency / Housing Authority / Financing Authority Regular Meeting September 17, 2025
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve minutes
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: October 1, 2025 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
DRAFT MINUTES
Wednesday, September 17, 2025 Closed Session – 5:30 p.m.
Regular Session – 6:00 p.m.
Pursuant to California Government Code 54953(b)(1) one additional call-in location has been established for the Mayor to attend this meeting via teleconference at Kern Council of Governments Board Room; 1401 19th Street, Suite 300, Bakersfield, CA 93301.
ROLL CALL – 5:30 p.m.
Council Present: Mayor Pro-Tem Blades; Vice Mayor Rajaratnam; Council Member Hayman; Council Member Gorman
Staff Absent Mayor Endicott
Staff Present: City Attorney M. Koczanowicz (Webex); City Manager Strand; City Clerk Charlon APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Motion To Approve Agenda – Rajaratnam - Hayman - 4 ayes – 1 absent
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL Existing Litigation Gov Code Section 54956.9 Gilmore vs. City of Ridgecrest et al. USDC Eastern District Case No: 1:25-CV-01022-JLT-CDB
REGULAR SESSION
ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION – No reportable action in closed session
PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation of Proclamation – Constitution Week Council
2. Presentation of Retirement from PACT – Lou Arnold & MaryLise Trowsdale Chief Ysit
3. Recognition of Ridgecrest Police Officers Who Represented The City Of Ridgecrest In The World Police And Fire Games In Birmingham Alabama – Sergeant Groves, Sergeant N. Lloyd, Officer Coe, Officer R. Smith, & SRO Galaviz Chief Ysit
4. FY2024 Measure V Report Measure V Committee
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA - None
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS/DIRECTION
CONSENT CALENDAR
5. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Charlon Motion To Approve Consent Calendar– Rajaratnam - Hayman 4 ayes – 1 absent
DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
6. Council’s Discussion And Direction To Staff Regarding An Ordinance Prohibiting Illegal Fireworks And Assessing Responsibility On Property Owner City Attorney / Chief Ysit Direction given to bring back to next meeting for 1st reading
DRAFT MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – September 17, 2025
7. A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council Authorizing Acceptance Of The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District (SJVAPCD) New Alternative Fuel Vehicle Gran Chief Ysit Motion To Approve – Hayman – Gorman 4 ayes – 1 absent
8. Discussion Regarding The Board Of The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) Hayman
Public Comments – Mike Sinnott
9. Discussion And Proposed Action To Approve A Resolution Designating A Voting Member And Alternate(s) To Attend The League Of California Cities Annual Conference And Represent The City Of Ridgecrest Charlon
Motion To Approve Gorman as primary and Blades as secondary – Hayman – Gorman 4 ayes – 1 absent
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, 1st Floor
➢ Next meeting October 6, 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, 1st Floor
➢ Report from September 9, 2025
Infrastructure Committee
Members: Mayor Endicott and Kyle Blades
Meeting: 4th Thursday each month at 5:00 p.m.
Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1st Floor
➢ Report from September 4, 2025
Parks, Recreation, and Quality of Life Committee
Members: Mayor Endicott and Scott Hayman
Meeting: 1st Tuesday each month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Council Chambers
➢ Next meeting October 7, 2025
OTHER COMMITTEES, BOARDS, OR COMMISSIONS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS – East Kern Healthcare District Conversations once per month opposite GA conversations
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT -7:45 p.m.
3 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: Proposed Approval Of Increased Appropriations To The Fiscal Year 2025 Budget For An Emergency Well Repair At Leroy Jackson Sports Complex
PRESENTED BY: Nerissa Wegener, Parks and Recreation Director SUMMARY: On the morning of August 26, 2025, City of Ridgecrest Maintenance staff arrived at the Leroy Jackson Sports Complex and observed that the irrigation system had failed—there was no water running, and the turf on the soccer fields appeared dry. Upon further inspection, staff discovered burned wiring inside the control panel for the primary well.
In response, staff contacted our service provider, Independent Well Drilling, who dispatched a crew to assess the situation. After removing and disassembling the pump assembly, the team confirmed that both the pump and motor had suffered severe burn damage and required full replacement.
A video inspection of the well casing was then performed. This inspection revealed:
• Accumulation of silt at the bottom of the well, likely causing a loss of depth. • Improper compaction of materials from a prior well repair in 2022. • Significant buildup of black algae, both on the well casing and blocking screen perforations.
Recommended Scope of Work:
Independent Well Drilling recommends the following actions to restore the well to full functionality:
1. Bailing and airlifting via dual trimmy of the pip and packer to clean and regain original depth
2. If there is no plug found at the bottom, attempt to install a plug to prevent gravel migration into the PVC liner.
3. Descale, brush, and disinfection of the plugged screens and casing to remove black algae.
4. Install a gravel filter in the annular space between the liner and the old screen.
5. Conduct a post-rehabilitation camera inspection to verify the condition of the well.
6. Install a new, properly sized pump and motor selected for optimal efficiency.
Urgency of Request:
The Leroy Jackson Sports Complex is currently operating with only one functional well. While staff have managed to maintain irrigation, the increased demand is putting excessive stress on the remaining system. If this second well were to fail, it could result in the loss of turf and trees, impacting both aesthetics and usability of the park.
The Parks and Recreation Department is requesting City Council approval for a $60,000 allocation from the General Fund Reserve. This amount includes a construction contingency to cover potential unforeseen issues that may arise during rehabilitation.
This will be a sole source vendor repair due to the risk to City property.
FISCAL IMPACT: $60,000 from unallocated General Fund
Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
ACTION REQUESTED:
1. Allocate unallocated General Fund Reserve in the Amount of $60,000 for the Emergency Repair of the Well at the Leroy Jackson Sports Complex.
2. Authorize the Finance Director to amend the budget for account 100.63.6306.5103.301 using general fund reserves in the amount of $60,000 for well repairs
3. Authorizes The City Manager, Ronald Strand, To Execute all Contracts & Agreements.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Nerissa Wegener, Parks and Recreation Director Action Date: October 1, 2025 RESOLUTION NO. 25-Xx
A RESOLUTION OF THE RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL APPROVING
INCREASED APPROPRIATIONS IN THE ANNUAL BUDGET FOR AN
EMERGENCY WELL REPAIR AT THE LEROY JACKSON SPORTS
COMPLEX
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest has duly adopted its annual budget per resolution; and,
WHEREAS, resolution 21-30 spells out the circumstances whereby total fund appropriations may be and can be increased; and,
WHEREAS, certain increases in annual appropriations and estimated revenues to the budget require City Council Resolution prior to implementation; and, WHEREAS, The City of Ridgecrest Parks and Recreation Department is asking City Council to approve a $60,000 increase which includes a Construction Contingency for an emergency well repair at the Leroy Jackson Sports Complex; and, WHEREAS, the well needs to be immediately repaired to maintain the fields and trees at the park.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest does hereby:
1. Allocate unallocated General Fund Reserve in the Amount of $60,000 for the Emergency Repair of the Well at the Leroy Jackson Sports Complex.
2. Authorize the Finance Director to amend the budget for account 100.63.6306.5103.301 using general fund reserves in the amount of $60,000 for well repairs
3. Authorizes The City Manager, Ronald Strand, To Execute all Contracts & Agreements
APPROVED AND ADOPTED, this 1
st day of October 2025 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
Travis Endicott, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
4 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: Discussion Regarding The East Kern Healthcare District PRESENTED BY: City Council
SUMMARY:
Discussion regarding the East Kern Healthcare District.
This topic was requested by Council at the 9/17/25 City Council meeting to have a regular, once per month, standing item for discussions regarding the District.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Discuss
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: Oct. 1, 2025
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
5 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: Introduction And First Reading Of An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest Amending Article III Of The Ridgecrest Municipal Code To Provide Regulations Of Illegal Fireworks And Assess Liability For Illegal Use On The Property Owners PRESENTED BY: Martin Koczanowicz, City Attorney
SUMMARY: Ridgecrest is just one of numerous cities where illegal use of fireworks has been an issue. Such uncontrolled use can result in injuries to people and property, for those engaged in that activity and for innocent neighbors and bystanders. Staff is initially presenting this item for Council discussion, questions and direction.
The attached draft Ordinance addresses illegal use and responsibility for such use of fireworks, making enforcement easier.
ANALYSIS: One of the difficulties in curbing illegal use of fireworks is effective enforcement. As a general proposition it is difficult to catch the perpetrators “in the act” as usually by the time the situation is reported and law enforcement arrives, the wrongdoers have scattered or they cannot be observed by the arriving officers “in the act”, a necessary component for fines or criminal prosecution at infraction of misdemeanor level.
In order to improve deterrence, cities have adopted “social host” ordinances which place the responsibility for such illegal acts on property owners. This in turn provides not only for an effective enforcement mechanism (no need to witness the actual offence) but also for a very good deterrent tool. Property owners will be less likely to allow or engage in the lighting of illegal fireworks, when they can be held responsible and cited for such offences, just by the virtue of having control over property.
The proposed Ordinance bans the use of any “dangerous fireworks” in the City. Such are defined as any fireworks, except for those authorized by the City, and set off in location pre-approved by the City.
Staff was directed by City Council at the September 17th meeting to bring this Ordinance back for 1st reading.
Recommended Motions:
Motion to Waive Reading in Full of An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest Amending Article III Of The Ridgecrest Municipal Code To Provide Regulations Of Illegal Fireworks And Assess Liability For Illegal Use On The Property Owners Requires A Second Motion to Introduce, By Title Only, An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest Amending Article III Of The Ridgecrest Municipal Code To Provide Regulations Of Illegal Fireworks And Assess Liability For Illegal Use On The Property Owners Requires A Second FISCAL IMPACT: City Council’s discussion of this item will not have any fiscal impact on the General Fund. Future adoption of a “social host” Ordinance will have a long-term fiscal benefits arising out of more efficient enforcement and revenue from the assessed fines.
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve recommended motions.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Same as Above
Submitted by: Martin Koczanowicz Action Date: 10.1.25
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
ORDINANCE NO. 25-xx
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST
AMENDING ARTICLE III OF THE RIDGECREST MUNICIPAL CODE TO
PROVIDE REGULATIONS OF ILLEGAL FIREWORKS AND ASSESS
LIABILITY FOR ILLEGAL USE ON THE PROPERTY OWNERS
WHEREAS, illegal fireworks increase the risk of ignition and spread of fires in the City, which is particularly troubling given the area Ridgecrest is situated in being increasingly prone to fires; and,
WHEREAS, illegal fireworks also pose a significant risk of bodily injuries and property damage in the City, with numerous severe injuries caused by fireworks in Kern County every Fourth of July and New Year season; and,
WHEREAS, illegal fireworks cause severe disturbances to City residents due to the associated noise, danger and other factors; and,
WHEREAS, any fireworks activity can significantly increase the demand on law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency medical services, diverting resources from other critical public safety needs; and,
WHEREAS, California Health and Safety Code Section 12541 expressly authorizes cities to prohibit the sale, use, and discharge of all fireworks (California Health & Safety Code Section 12511) notwithstanding any other provision of the State Fireworks Law; and, WHEREAS, for the protection of public health, safety and welfare, pursuant to the City’s police power, the City Council hereby intends to amend the Ridgecrest Municipal Code to enact regulations to prohibit the sale, use and discharge of illegal fireworks, except for “safe and sane” fireworks and such use and discharge of any fireworks as may be permitted in connection with permitted public displays within City limits.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST, CALIFORNIA DOES ORDAIN AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Sections 6-6 through Section 6-13 of Chapter 6 (“Fire Prevention and Protection”) of (“ILLEGAL FIREWORKS - SOCIAL HOST LIABILITY”) of the Ridgecrest Municipal Code are hereby adopted to read as follows:
Sec. 6-6 SOCIAL HOST LIABILITY – PURPOSE.
(a) This Chapter authorizes the imposition of administrative fines on any person, including any “Social Host” who violates any provision of this ordinance in order to encourage and to obtain compliance with the provisions of this ordinance for the benefit and protection of the entire community. This Chapter governs the imposition, enforcement, collection, and administrative ORDINANCE NO. 25-xx Page 2 of 6
review of all administrative fines, related to: the possession, use, storage, sale, and/or display of those fireworks classified as “dangerous fireworks” in California Health and Safety Code section 12505, with the exception of a pyrotechnic licensee when operating pursuant to that license; and the use of “safe and sane fireworks” as defined in California Health and Safety Code section 12529 on or at dates, times and/or location other than those permitted by this Chapter. Said administrative fines are imposed under authority of Government Code Section 53069.4, Health and Safety Code Section 12557, and the police power of the City.
(b) The issuance of citations imposing administrative fines may be performed at the discretion of the officials of the City authorized hereunder; and the issuance of a citation to any responsible person constitutes but one remedy for the City to redress violations of this Code. By adopting these regulations, the City does not intend to limit its ability or authority to employ any other remedy, civil or criminal, to redress any violation of this Code by any responsible person. (c) The imposition of fines related to “dangerous fireworks” under this Chapter shall be limited to host(s) who possess, sell, use and/or display, or allows, or fails to prevent others from the same, or the seizure of, twenty-five (25 lbs.) pounds or less (gross weight) of such dangerous fireworks.
Each individual violation observed is subject to a $1,000 citation. (d) Fines collected pursuant to these sections related to “dangerous fireworks” shall not be subject to Section 12706 of the Health and Safety Code, which provides that certain fines collected by a court of the State be deposited with, and disbursed by, the County Treasurer. Instead, fines collected pursuant to this Chapter related to “dangerous fireworks” shall be subject to Health and Safety Code Section 12726, which section provides that 65 percent of all administrative fines or penalties collected by the City shall be forwarded to the Controller of the State of California for deposit in the State Fire Marshal Fireworks Enforcement and Disposal Fund, as described in Health and Safety Code Section 12728.
(e) This Chapter also imposes a duty upon the owners of all real property to ensure that there are no violations of this Code related to “dangerous fireworks” on such real property.
Sec. 6-7. DEFINITIONS.
The following definitions apply to the use of these terms for the purposes of this section relating to social host liability:
(a) “Citee” means any person served with an administrative citation charging him or her as a responsible person for violation.
(b) “Citation” means an administrative citation issued pursuant to these regulations in response to a violation of the provisions of these Sections.
ORDINANCE NO. 25-xx Page 3 of 6
(c) “Code” means the City of Ridgecrest Municipal Code or any law, rule, regulation, or Code that is adopted by reference.
(d) “Dangerous Fireworks” as defined in California Health and Safety Code 12505. (e) “Enforcement Officer” means any person duly authorized to enforce the provisions of this Code as identified in Sec.1-119.
(f) “Fireworks” as defined in California Health & Safety Code Section 12511 (g) “Person” means a natural person or a legal entity that is also an owner, tenant, lessee and/or other person with any right to possession or control of the property where a violation of this code occurred.
(h) “Responsible Person” means a person or host who causes a code violation to occur or allows a violation to exist or continue, by his or her action or failure to act, or whose agent, employee or independent contractor causes a violation to occur, or allows a violation to exist or continue. There is a rebuttable presumption that the record owner of a residential parcel, as shown on the County’s latest equalized property taxes assessment rolls, and a lessee of a residential parcel has a notice of any violation existing on said property. For purposes of this Chapter, there may be more than one responsible person for a violation. Any person, irrespective of age, found in violation of any provision of this Chapter may be issued a citation in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter.
Every parent, guardian or other person, having the legal care, custody or control of any person under the age of 18 years, who knows or reasonably should know that a minor is in violation of this Chapter, may be issued a citation in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter, in addition to any citation that may be issued to the offending minor. (i) “Social host” or “host” means a person who is:
1. An owner of private property as listed on the most recent assessment roll; and/or
2. Any person who has the right to use, possess, or occupy public or private property under a lease, permit, license, rental agreement, or contract; and/or
3. Any person who hosts, organizes, supervises, officiates, conducts, sponsors, or accepts responsibility for a gathering on public or private property. (j) “Violation” or “Violates” refers to any violation of any provision of this Chapter.
Sec. 6-8 HOST LIABILITY.
(a) Except as may be permitted by State law, no host shall permit or fail to prevent the possession, sale, use,storage, display, explosion, or discharge of any dangerous firework on the host’s property, or an adjacent public or private street or sidewalk, within the City of Ridgecrest.
ORDINANCE NO. 25-xx Page 4 of 6
(b) It shall be unlawful to store any fireworks in any residence, home, garage, or automobile within the City of Ridgecrest. It shall also be unlawful to store any fireworks in any building or other place within the City of Ridgecrest without having first applied for and received a business license pursuant to Chapter 9 Article IV of this Code and a permit therefore pursuant to the provisions of this Section from the City Council. An application for such a permit shall be filed with the City Council along with payment of a nonrefundable application fee established by City Council resolution. The City Council shall cause an investigation to be made of the place where it is proposed to store such fireworks. Notwithstanding the foregoing, storage of fireworks in connection with a public display of fireworks by a pyrotechnic operator shall be governed by permit issued under this Chapter and Chapter 9 Article VI. (c) Prior to initiating the storage of fireworks at the permitted location, the permittee shall procure general liability and property damage insurance covering its operation in and about said premises in a minimum aggregate amount of $1,000,000 , naming the City of Ridgecrest, its officers and employees as an additional insured on such insurance. The permittee shall file a certificate of such insurance with the City Revenue Division within seven (7) days after Council’s approval of such storage operation, which approval shall not be in effect until such certificate is filed. (d) No fireworks shall be stored within one hundred (100) feet of any gasoline service station or in any garage located within twenty-five (25) feet of any other structure, on or off the permitted property. Any facility for the storage of fireworks shall maintain a minimum setback from the street curbing of ten (10) feet.
(e) There shall be maintained at each location where fireworks are stored at least two (2) fire extinguishers approved by the Kern County Fire Department; provided, however, that if more than one (1) room at any location is used for fireworks storage, there shall be at least one (1) approved fire extinguisher per room.
(f) A host who permits or fails to prevent any discharge of dangerous fireworks on a property under their possession or control, or on adjacent public or private street or sidewalk, shall be deemed to have actual or constructive knowledge that dangerous fireworks have been discharged if the host has not taken all reasonable steps to prevent the discharge of dangerous fireworks. (g) There is a rebuttable presumption that the record owner of a private property, as shown on the County’s latest equalized property taxes assessment rolls, and a lessee of the property have notice of any violation existing on or from said property.
(h) It is the duty of any host to take all reasonable steps to prevent the discharge of dangerous fireworks on the host’s property, or on an adjacent public or private street or sidewalk, within the City of Ridgecrest.
ORDINANCE NO. 25-xx Page 5 of 6
(i) The provisions of this section shall not apply to:
1. The possession, manufacture, storage, display, sale, use, or discharge of “Safe and sane” fireworks as permitted under Federal or State law (California Health and Safety Code Section 12529).
2. A host who initiates contact with law enforcement or fire officials to assist in removing any person, or dangerous fireworks, from the host’s property or terminating the activity in order to comply with this Chapter, if the request for assistance is made before arrival of such law enforcement or fire officials, or before any other person contacts law enforcement or fire officials to complain about the violation of this chapter.
3. No person who has the right to use, possess, or occupy a unit in a multifamily residential property under a lease, rental agreement, or contract shall be liable for dangerous fireworks violations occurring in the common areas of the property, unless such person is determined to be a Responsible Person apartment renter.
Sec 6-9 ADMINISTRATIVE FINES FOR FIREWORKS VIOLATIONS.
(a) Each person who violates any provision of this Code as it relates to the possession, use, storage, sale and/or display of “dangerous fireworks” shall be subject to the imposition and payment of an administrative fine or fines as provided below.
(b) Administrative fine(s) issued pursuant to this ordinance shall be due and payable in accordance with Chapter 1 Article III of the Code and the Citee shall be required to abate the violation and immediately surrender all illegal fireworks to the law enforcement personnel, and/or fire personnel. For penalties not paid in full within that time, a late charge in the amount set by resolution of the City Council may be imposed and must be paid to the City by the Citee. (c) Payment of the administrative fine shall not excuse or discharge a Citee from the duty to immediately abate and correct a violation of the Code, nor from any other responsibility or legal consequences for a continuation or a repeated occurrence(s) of a violation of the Code.
Sec. 6-10 APPEALS. Appeals for administrative citations issued in conjunction with this chapter will be handled in accordance with Chapter 1 Article III of the Code.
Sec. 6-11 MISDEMEANOR. Any person who violates the provisions of this Chapter maybe charged with a misdemeanor which shall be enforced pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 1 of the Code.
ORDINANCE NO. 25-xx Page 6 of 6
Sec. 6-12 ISSUANCE OF ADMINISTRATIVE CITATION.
(a) Whenever an Enforcement Officer determines that a violation of the code has occurred, he or she may issue an administrative citation on a City-approved form listing the code violation(s) and the amount of the administrative fine required to be paid by the Responsible Person(s) in accordance with the provisions of this Division and Chapter 1 Division 3 of the Code.
SECTION 2. SEVERABILITY. If any section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion of this ordinance is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unconstitutional by the decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this ordinance. The City Council hereby declares that it would have adopted this ordinance and each section, subsection, sentence, clause, phrase, or portion thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more sections, subsections, sentences, clauses, phrases, or portions thereof may be declared invalid or unconstitutional.
SECTION 3. The Mayor shall sign and the City Clerk shall attest to the passage of this Ordinance.
The City Clerk shall cause the same to be published once in the official newspaper within fifteen (15) days after its adoption. This Ordinance shall become effective thirty (30) days after adoption.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest at the regular meeting of this ___ day of _______________, 2025.
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
_____________________________
Travis Endicott, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk