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
November 19, 2025
Closed Session 5:30 p.m.
Regular Session 6:00 p.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers
100 100 West California Avenue
Ridgecrest CA 93555
Ricca Charlon, CMC
City Clerk
[email protected]
(760) 499-5002
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a disabled person and you need a disability-related modification or accommodation to participate in the meeting, please contact Ricca Charlon at (760) 499-5002. Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one full business day before the start of the meeting.
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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, November 19, 2025 @ 5:30 p.m.
City Council Chambers
100 W. California Avenue
Ridgecrest, California
Said SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION MEETING shall be for the purpose of:
Conference with Legal Counsel Anticipated Litigation
Gov Code Section 54956.9(c) - 3 cases
Dated: November 12, 2025
Travis Endicott, Mayor / Chair
ATTEST:
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
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RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
AGENDA
Wednesday, November 19, 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
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
CLOSED SESSION
Conference with Legal Counsel Anticipated Litigation
Gov Code Section 54956.9(c) - 3 cases
REGULAR SESSION
• Pledge Of Allegiance
• Invocation
ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
PRESENTATION
Citizen Recognition Council
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA - Persons wishing to address the Council on matters that are within the Council’s jurisdiction and DO NOT ALREADY APPEAR ON THE AGENDA, may do so at this time.
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS/DIRECTION
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 Charlon
2. A Resolution Of The City Of Ridgecrest City Council Approving Additional Appropriations In The Annual Budget For: The Purchase Of One Battery Electric Transit Van Utilizing Funds Apportioned For The Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP); In An Amount Not To Exceed $127,183.62 Covarrubias
DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
3. Discussion Regarding The Board Of The Indian Wells Valley Groundwater Authority (IWVGA) Hayman
AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – November 19, 2025
4. A Resolution To Accept The Bid As Submitted By AMG & Associates, Inc.; Acknowledge A Base Bid Amount Of $19,587,000.00 With Selected Alternates Deducted For A Total Contract Amount Of $19,122,000.00; Allocate Measure P Funds For The Contract Amount And Up To $278,000.00 For A Construction Contingency, For A Maximum Total Of Up To $19,400,000.00; Award A Contract To AMG & Associates, Inc., For The Construction Of The Sgt. John Pinney Memorial Pool Complex; Authorize The City Manager To Execute A Contract With AMG & Associates, Inc., In Content And Format Approved By The City Attorney And City Manager Roberts
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 December 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 December 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
➢ Next meeting January 22, 2026
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 December 2, 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 November 5, 2025
PRESENTED BY: Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
SUMMARY:
Draft Minutes of the City Council / Successor Redevelopment Agency / Housing Authority / Financing Authority Regular Meeting November 5, 2025
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve minutes
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: November 19, 2025 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
DRAFT MINUTES
Wednesday, November 5, 2025 Closed Session – 5:00 p.m.
Regular Session – 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL – 5:00 p.m.
Council Present: Mayor Pro-Tem Blades; Vice Mayor Rajaratnam; Council Member Hayman; Council Member Gorman
Absent: Mayor Endicott
Staff Present: City Attorney M. Koczanowicz; Deputy City Manager Reed; City Clerk Charlon APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Motion To Approve Agenda – Hayman - Gorman - 4 ayes – 1 absent
CLOSED SESSION
Conference with Legal Counsel Anticipated Litigation
Gov Code Section 54956.9 (one case)
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
ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION – No reportable action
PRESENTATIONS
1. East Kern County Community Foundation
PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public comments: N. Hutmacher; unknown speaker troop 760; J. Dunn
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS/DIRECTION
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Charlon
3. Second Reading And Adoption Of Ordinance 25-03, 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
4. Authorization For The City Manager, Ron Strand, To Sign The Notice Of Completion For The Emergency Well Rehab At The Leroy Jackson Sports Complex, For The City Clerk To File The Notice Of Completion, And For City Staff To Release Retention In The Amount Of Four Thousand Four Hundred Seventy-Five Dollars And Zero Cents ($4,475.00) To The Contractor, Water Well Service Inc., Within Thirty (30) Days After Recordation Of The Notice Of Completion Wegener
5. A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council Authorizing Acceptance Of The State Of California, Office Of Traffic Safety Step Grant Dampier
DRAFT MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – November 5, 2025
Pull item 3 – Tom Wiikncih
Motion To Approve Consent Calendar 2, 4 & 5– Blades – Rajaratnam - 4 ayes – 1 absent Item 3 –
Public comment – Tom Wiikncih; Megan
Motion To Approve Consent Calendar 3– Gorman – Rajaratnam - 4 ayes – 1 absent
DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
6. Professional Services Agreement With Lisa Wise Consulting, Inc., For The Workforce Housing Needs Assessment Spurlock
Public comments: None
Motion To Approve – Rajaratnam - Hayman - 4 ayes – 1 absent
7. A Resolution Of The Ridgecrest City Council Approving A Professional Services Agreement With Provost & Pritchard For Consulting Services For The Continued Design Of The Wastewater Treatment Plant & The State Revolving Fund Application Roberts Public comment: Tom Wiikncih
Motion To Approve – Hayman - Rajaratnam - 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
➢ Report from November 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, 1st Floor
➢ Next meeting November 11, 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 October 23, 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
➢ Report from November 4, 2025
OTHER COMMITTEES, BOARDS, OR COMMISSIONS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT – 7:02 p.m.
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: A Resolution Of The City Of Ridgecrest City Council Approving Additional Appropriations In The Annual Budget For: The Purchase Of One Battery Electric Transit Van Utilizing Funds Apportioned For The Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP); In An Amount Not To Exceed $127,183.62
PRESENTED BY: Sergio Covarrubias, Transit Administrator SUMMARY: The Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) is one of several programs that are part of the Transit, Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program established by the California Legislature in 2014 by Senate Bill 862.
LCTOP is administered by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) in coordination with the Air Resources Board (ARB) and the State Controller’s Office (SCO).
For Fiscal Years 21-22, & 22-23, The State Controller’s Office (SCO) has allocated $146,489.00 to the City of Ridgecrest for the Transit division to purchase (one) batteryelectric van. There is no local match required for this program.
The Transit Department has pending CMAQ funding that would provide the Dept. with funds to purchase an additional (4) Battery-electric vans. The purchase of this battery-electric van will promote ridership for the transit service and benefit the community with reliable transportation and fulfill the requirements for the replacement of our outdated gasoline powered fleet. It would also place Ridgecrest ahead of schedule for The City approved resolution for the City’s Transit Asset Management (TAM) plan to have a zero-emission fleet by 2040.
It is the recommendation of City Council staff, for approval, for the Finance Director to make the necessary allocations for these LCTOP funds be used for the purchase of (one) batteryelectric van to serve the patrons of Ridgecrest Transit and not exceed the amount of $127,183.62.
FISCAL IMPACT: No impact due to funds already apportioned from LCTOP grant.
ACTION REQUESTED: Approval for these LCTOP funds be used for the purchase of (one) battery-electric van to serve the patrons of Ridgecrest Transit and not exceed the amount of $127,183.62.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action is Requested
Submitted by: Sergio Covarrubias, Transit Administrator Action Date: November 19th , 2025 (Revised Jan2019)
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RESOLUTION NO. 25-
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
APPROVING ADDITIONAL APPROPRIATIONS IN THE ANNUAL BUDGET
FOR THE PURCHASE OF (ONE) BATTERY ELECTRIC TRANSIT VAN
UTILIZING FUNDS APPORTIONED FOR THE LOW CARBON TRANSIT
OPERATIONS PROGRAM (LCTOP) PROJECT; IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $127,183.62
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest has duly adopted its annual budget per resolution; and,
WHEREAS, resolution 25-29 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, from previous years, received and allocated an amount of $146,489.00 from the Low Carbon Transit Operators Program (LCTOP); and, WHEREAS, The City of Ridgecrest Transit Department is asking City Council to approve $127,183.62 previously received (LCTOP) funds for the purchase of (one) batteryelectric transit van.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest hereby:
1. Allocate unbudgeted LCTOP funds in the amount of $127,183.62 for the purchase of (one) battery-electric transit van for the Transit department.
2. Authorizes the Finance Director to amend the budget to reflect all appropriate capital, revenue and transfer accounts and create a purchase order for the purchase of (one) battery-electric transit van for the amount of $127,183.62.
3. Authorizes Ron Strand, City Manager, to execute all Contracts & Agreements.
ADOPTED, AND APPROVED, this 19th day of November 2025, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
_________________________
Travis Endicott, Mayor
ATTEST:
___ ____________________
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
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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: Nov. 19, 2025
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: A Resolution To Accept The Bid As Submitted By AMG & Associates, Inc.; Acknowledge A Base Bid Amount Of $19,587,000.00 With Selected Alternates Deducted For A Total Contract Amount Of $19,122,000.00; Allocate Measure P Funds For The Contract Amount And Up To $278,000.00 For A Construction Contingency, For A Maximum Total Of Up To $19,400,000.00; Award A Contract To AMG & Associates, Inc., For The Construction Of The Sgt.
John Pinney Memorial Pool Complex; Authorize The City Manager To Execute A Contract With AMG & Associates, Inc., In Content And Format Approved By The City Attorney And City Manager
PRESENTED BY: Terry Roberts, Public Work Director
SUMMARY:
On Thursday, October 16th, 2025, bids were opened for the construction of the Sgt. John Pinney Memorial Pool Complex. The City received a total of three bids as follows:
Bidder Base Bid
AMG & Associates, Inc. $19,587,000.00
S. C. Anderson, Inc. $19,970,000.00
Bowe Contractors, Inc. $22,150,000.00
The Notice to Contractors Calling For Bids for the Sgt. John Pinney Memorial Pool Complex, Project No. MF24-02 was issued on August 25th, 2025. Bids were received on October 16th, 2025 and were opened at the City Clerk’s office by City Staff in the presence of contractor representatives. After the opening, an apparent low bidder, AMG & Associates, Inc, was selected with the caveat that bids were subject to review by the City’s selected Engineering Firm, Willdan Engineering, and the City project team.
After Staff review, it was recommended that the Contract be awarded to the lowest responsible bidder, AMG & Associates, Inc.
Seven Alternates were included in the bid documents. These were included so items could be deleted if the Base Bid was over the Budgeted amount.
Since the Base Bid was above the Budgeted amount, the following Alternates were selected to be deducted from the contract amount:
Alternate 1: Removal of the HAWKS Pedestrian crosswalk ($104,000.00) Alternate 2: Removal of outdoor area adjacent to senior center ($155,000.00) Alternate 3: Removal of trellised covered walkway ($122,000.00) Alternate 5: Revised extent of interior finishes ($84,000.00) Total Deduction: ($465,000.00)
With that deduction, the bid amount is reduced to $19,122,000.00.
Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
Three Alternates were priced but not accepted for the award:
• Concrete walkway in lieu of truncated domes and bollards: The bidder’s price (+$21,000.00) was an added cost rather than a deduction. • Covered outdoor area in lieu of community room: The bidder’s price (-$185,000.00) was not significant enough to warrant deleting this feature. • Removal of detached building: The bidder’s price (-$694,000.00) was not significant enough to warrant deleting this feature.
Staff recommends the contract be awarded to AMG & Associates, Inc., in the amount of $19,122,000.00.
If Council approves, a purchase order will be issued to AMG & Associates, Inc., for the amount of $19,122,000.00.00, plus a 1.5% contingency of $278,000.00, for a total award of $19,400,000.00.
Funding – Source: Measure P
All funding for this project will be allocated from Measure P.
FISCAL IMPACT:
$19,400,000.00 for Construction Costs, including contingency, all from Measure P Funds.
ACTION REQUESTED:
1. Allocates Measure P funds for the base bid and contingency in the amount of $19,400,000.00, and accept deductive Alternates 1, 2, 3, and 5.
2. Authorizes the award of a Construction Contract to AMG & Associates, Inc., to construct the Pinney Pool Complex in the amount of $19,122,000.00.
3. Authorizes the Finance Director to amend the budget to reflect all appropriate capital, revenue and transfer accounts and create a purchase order for AMG & Associates, Inc., in the amount of $19,400,000.00
4. Authorizes the City Manager, Ronald Strand, to execute the contract.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as Requested
Submitted by: Terry Roberts Action Date: November 19th, 2025 RESOLUTION NO. 25-__
Resolution No 25-__ Page 1 of 2
A Resolution To Accept The Bid As Submitted By AMG & Associates, Inc.; Acknowledge A Base Bid Amount Of $19,587,000.00 With Selected Alternates Deducted For A Total Contract Amount Of $19,122,000.00; Allocate Measure P Funds For The Contract Amount And Up To $278,000.00 For A Construction Contingency, For A Maximum Total Of Up To $19,400,000.00; Award A Contract To AMG & Associates, Inc., For The Construction Of The Sgt. John Pinney Memorial Pool Complex; Authorize The City Manager To Execute A Contract With AMG & Associates, Inc., In Content And Format Approved By The City Attorney And City Manager
WHEREAS, On Thursday, October 16th, 2025, bids for the construction of the Sgt. John Pinney Memorial Pool Complex were opened at 11:00 a.m. and, WHEREAS, A total of three bids were received and the results are as follows:
Bidder Base Bid
AMG & Associates, Inc. $19,587,000.00
S. C. Anderson, Inc. $19,970,000.00
Bowe Contractors, Inc. $22,150,000.00
WHEREAS, An apparent low bidder, AMG & Associates, Inc., was selected with the caveat that bids were subject to review by the City’s selected Engineering Firm, Willdan Engineering; and,
WHEREAS, To prevent delays, City staff built in seven alternates which could be added or deleted should the project come in out of budget.
WHEREAS, Staff recommends the deletion of the items listed below:
Alt. # Description Cost
1 Removal of HAWK signal ($104,000.00)
2 Removal of outdoor area adjacent Senior Center ($155,000.00) 3 Removal of trellised covered walkway ($122,000.00)
5 Revised interior finishes ($84,000.00)
Total Deduction (465,000.00)
WHEREAS, With that deduction, the bid amount is reduced to $19,122,000.00; and, WHEREAS, A purchase order will be issued to AMG & Associates, Inc., for the amount of $19,122,000.00, plus a 1.5% contingency of $278,000.00, for a total award of $19,400,00.00; and,
WHEREAS, Measure P funds shall be allocated to fund this project.
Resolution No 25-__ Page 2 of 2
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest hereby:
1. Allocates Measure P funds for the base bid and contingency in the amount of $19,400,000.00, and accept deductive Alternates 1, 2, 3, and 5.
2. Authorizes the award of a Construction Contract to AMG & Associates, Inc., to construct the Pinney Pool Complex in the amount of $19,122,000.00.
3. Authorizes the Finance Director to amend the budget to reflect all appropriate capital, revenue and transfer accounts and create a purchase order for AMG & Associates, Inc., in the amount of $19,400,000.00
4. Authorizes the City Manager, Ronald Strand, to execute the contract.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 19th day of November, 2025 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
________________________________
Travis Endicott, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________
Ricca Charlon
City Clerk