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 4, 2026
Special Session 5:00 p.m.
Closed Session 5:10 p.m.
Regular Session 6:00 p.m.
City Hall, Council Chambers
100 100 West California Avenue
Ridgecrest CA 93555
Ricca Charlon, CMC
City Clerk
[email protected]
(760) 499-5002
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you are a disabled person and you need a disability-related modification or accommodation to participate in the meeting, please contact Ricca Charlon at (760) 499-5002. Requests must be made as early as possible and at least one full business day before the start of the meeting.
Watch meetings on-line:
All of our meetings are streamed live at https://ridgecrest-ca.gov/369/Watch or on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/cityofridgecrest/live and are also available for playback after the meeting.
Call in for public comments:
To participate with verbal comments, please call (760) 499-5010. This phone line will allow only one caller at a time, so if the line is busy, please continue to dial. We will be allowing a 20-30 second delay between callers to give time for media delays and callers to dial in. If you wish to comment on multiple items you will need to call in as each item is presented.
CITY COUNCIL
Travis Endicott, Mayor
Kyle Blades, Mayor Pro-Tem
Solomon P. Rajaratnam, Vice Mayor
L. Scott Hayman, Council Member
John ‘Skip’ Gorman, Council Member
Travis Reed, 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 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 SESSION MEETING of the Ridgecrest City Council/Successor Redevelopment Agency/Housing Authority/Financing Authority is hereby called on:
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 @ 5:00 p.m.
City Council Chambers
100 W. California Avenue
Ridgecrest, California
Said SPECIAL CLOSED SESSION MEETING shall be for the purpose of:
Approval Of Consulting Services Agreement With Mr. Ron Strand To Assist As Needed With The Groundwater Adjudications And Upcoming Mediation Dated: January 29, 2026
Travis Endicott, Mayor / Chair
ATTEST:
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
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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 4, 2026 @ 5:10 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 29, 2026
Travis Endicott, Mayor / Chair
ATTEST:
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
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RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
SPECIAL AND REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, February 4, 2026 Special Session – 5:00 p.m.
Closed Session – 5:10 p.m.
Regular Session – 6:00 p.m.
CALL TO ORDER - 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
1. Approval Of Consulting Services Agreement With Mr. Ron Strand To Assist As Needed With The Groundwater Adjudications And Upcoming Mediation
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION
CLOSED SESSION – 5:10 p.m.
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 – 6:00 p.m.
• Pledge Of Allegiance
• Invocation
ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION
PRESENTATION
2. Safely Surrendered Baby Awareness Proclamation 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.
3. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Charlon
AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – February 4, 2026
4. Approve A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest, California, Requesting The Board Of Supervisors Of The County Of Kern To Consolidate A General Municipal Election To Be Held On June 2, 2026, With The Statewide Primary Election To Be Held On That Date, Pursuant To §10403 Of The Elections Code Charlon
DISCUSSION / ACTION ITEMS
5. Approval Of An At-Will Employment Agreement For Professional Services For City Manager With Travis Reed Attorney
6. A Resolution To Approve A Surplus Police Vehicle Donation Agreement Between The City Of Ridgecrest And The Friends Of The Fair Ysit
ORDINANCES
7. Adoption Of A Resolution And Introduction And First Reading Of An Ordinance Amending The Ridgecrest Municipal Code To Clarify That Any Term Of Service On The Council That Is More Than Two Years Counts As A Full Term For Purposes Of Term Limits And To Change Mayoral Term From Two To Four Years And Placing The Measures On The Election Ballot For June 2, 2026 Election Attorney
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 February 2, 2026
Finance Committee
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Scott Hayman
Meeting: 2nd Tuesday every other month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1st Floor
➢ Next meeting February 10, 2026
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 January 22, 2026 / January 29, 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
➢ Report from February 3, 2026
AGENDA - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – February 4, 2026
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: Approval Of Consulting Services Agreement With Mr. Ron Strand To Assist As Needed With The Groundwater Adjudications And Upcoming Mediation PRESENTED BY: Acting City Manager and City Attorney
SUMMARY:
Mr. Ron Strand’s last meeting as the City Manager took place on January 21, 2026. During his tenure he has spent great deal of time assisting the City’s legal team and the Council in the GSA water rights cases. He has been an instrumental part of the City’s team and has acquired a great deal of knowledge and understanding of the history, technical aspects, as well as other issues and relationships driving the lawsuits and the settlements.
The cases that have not been resolved through settlement are going to be mediated in the near future. Mr. Strand is an essential resource for the City’s legal team, and the approval of the Consulting Services Agreement would make him available, on as needed basis, during the preparation for and the actual mediation.
CEQA: This is not a Project under CEQA Guidelines as it does not have any potential for significant impact on the environment. Having this Agreement in place would also allow Mr. Strand to participate in City Council strategy and direction to the mediation team in Closed Session.
FISCAL IMPACT: The proposed Agreement would compensate Mr. Strand at a rate of $150 per hour, funds for which are available in the current budget.
ACTION REQUESTED: Staff recommends that Council approve the Consulting Services Agreement with Mr. Strand which would provide the City’s legal team the ability to have Mr.
Strand assist them as needed in preparation for, and during the mediation.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Concur with Recommended action Submitted by: Travis Reed, Acting City Manager and Martin Koczanowicz, City Attorney Action Date: 02.04.26 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
RESOLUTION NO. 26-Xx
A RESOLUTION OF THE RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL APPROVING A
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH RON STRAND TO
ASSIST AS NEEDED WITH THE GROUNDWATER ADJUDICATIONS
AND UPCOMING MEDIATION
WHEREAS, Mr. Strand’s last meeting as the City Manager took place on January 21, 2026; and,
WHEREAS, During his tenure he spent a great deal of time assisting the City’s legal team and the Council in the GSA water rights cases; and, WHEREAS, He has been an instrumental part of the City’s team and has acquired a great deal of knowledge and understanding of the history, technical aspects, as well as other issues and relationships driving the lawsuits and the settlements; and, WHEREAS, The cases that have not been resolved through settlement are going to be mediated in the near future; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Strand is an essential resource for the City’s legal team, and the approval of the Consulting Services Agreement would make him available, on as needed basis, during the preparation for and the actual mediation; and, WHEREAS, City Staff have reviewed the proposal and determined it to be accurate, fair, and reasonable; and,
WHEREAS, funds to perform this work are available in the current budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Ridgecrest hereby:
1. Authorizes the award of a Consulting Services Agreement to Ron Strand.
2. Authorizes the City Manager to execute the agreement.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED, this 4th day of February, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Travis Endicott, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ricca Charlon, CMC
City Clerk
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CONSULTING SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF RIDGECREST
AND RONALD STRAND FOR CONSULTING SERVICES RELATED TO THE
GROUNDWATER ADJUDICATIONS
This agreement is made effective and entered into this 4th day of February, 2026 by and between the City of Ridgecrest, a municipal corporation of the State of California ("CITY") and Ronald Strand, an individual ("CONTRACTOR").
RECITALS
1. This Contract is entered into under the authority of Section 53060 of the California Government Code which permits the legislative body of any public or municipal corporation to contract with and employ any person for the furnishing to the corporation of special services when such person is specially trained and experienced and competent to perform the special services required.
2. CONTRACTOR represents that, as a result of knowledge gained during his 40-year service to the City, the last eight years as a City Manager and staff point person in the ground water adjudications, he has the necessary experience and knowledge to provide assistance to the City’s legal team and the City Council on an “as needed” basis in the preparation for, and participation in, the mediation and litigation of the GSA water rights cases.
3. The CONTRACTOR represents and CITY acknowledges that the CONTRACTOR is not an attorney and the scope of CONTRACTOR’S services will be of advisory nature only. The Parties further agree and acknowledge that none of the service provided by the CONTRACTOR under this Agreement will constitute, or be in the nature of, City Manager duties, services or responsibilities and be limited solely to an advisory role in the ongoing water right litigations involving the CITY and the GSA.
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual performance by the Parties of the covenants and conditions herein contained, the Parties hereto agree as follows:
ARTICLE 1
TERM OF AGREEMENT
This Agreement commences on February 4th, 2026 and continues in full force and effect till July 31, 2026, unless earlier terminated as provided elsewhere in this Agreement.
ARTICLE 2
RESPONSIBILITIES OF CONTRACTOR
2.1 The CONTRACTOR represents that he will be the person responsible for the performance of any and all tasks and services under this Agreement.
2.2 The CONTRACTOR cannot subcontract or assign any portion of the services herein without CITY' s prior written approval.
2.3 The CONTRACTOR shall invoice the CITY on monthly basis for the service provided under this Agreement.
Strand Consulting Agreement Page 2 of 5
2.4 The CONTRACTOR must comply with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, ordinances and regulations in performance of its duties under this Contract.
ARTICLE 3
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE CITY
3.1 The City Attorney or his designee is the CITY's project manager regarding the subject matter of this Agreement.
3.2 The CITY will pay the CONTRACTOR for all services performed to CITY’s satisfaction under this Agreement.
ARTICLE 4
COMPENSATION
4.1 CITY shall pay CONTRACTOR for services rendered under this Agreement at a rate of $150.00 per hour.
4.2 CITY shall compensate CONTRACTOR for performance of this Agreement upon receipt of a detailed invoices.
ARTICLE 5
TERMINATION OF AGREEMENT
5.1 Either part may terminate this Agreement at any time by giving at least thirty (30) days' notice in writing to the other. If the Agreement is terminated by the CITY as provided herein, the CONTRACTOR will be paid for the costs and expenses incurred up to the termination date.
ARTICLE 6
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
6.1 No officer or employee of the CITY can have any interest, direct or indirect, in this Agreement or the proceeds thereof during his or her tenure with the CITY or for a period of one (1) year thereafter.
This section will survive termination of the Agreement.
6.2 The CONTRACTOR covenants on behalf of itself and its employees, that it has, at the time of the execution of this Agreement, no interest, direct or indirect, which would conflict in any manner or degree with the performance of services required under this Agreement, nor will it acquire any such interest at any time during such performance of services. The CONTRACTOR further covenants that during the performance of this Agreement, no person, having any such interest may be employed by the CONTRACTOR.
6.3 The CITY and the CONTRACTOR covenant and agree that, to their best knowledge, no member of the City of Ridgecrest, nor any officer or employee of the CITY has any interest, whether contractual, non-contractual, financial or otherwise direct or indirect, in this Agreement or in the business of subcontracting work required under this Agreement; and that if any such interest comes to the attention of either party at any time during the performance of this Agreement, a full and complete disclosure of such information must be made in writing to the other party, even if such interest would not be considered a conflict of interest under applicable laws and the CONTRACTOR must take such action as required by law to eliminate the conflict of interest.
Strand Consulting Agreement Page 3 of 5
6.4 The CONTRACTOR covenants that it has not employed or retained any person or company to solicit or secure this Agreement; and that it has not paid or agreed to pay any person or company any fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift, or other compensation, contingent upon or resulting from the award of making of this Agreement. For breach or violation of this covenant, the CITY has the right to annul this Agreement without liability, or in its discretion to deduct from the contract price, or otherwise recover, the full amount of such fee, commission, percentage, brokerage fee, gift, or contingent fee.
ARTICLE 7
INSURANCE
7.1 CONSULTANT shall obtain and maintain during the life of this Agreement the following insurance coverage at its sole cost and expense:
7.2 Automobile liability insurance. CONTRACTOR shall maintain automobile insurance covering bodily injury and property damage for all activities of the CONTRACTOR arising out of or in connection with services to be performed under this Agreement, in accordance with state law.
ARTICLE 8
FORCE MAJEURE
8.1 Neither CONTRACTOR nor CITY will be deemed to be in default if performance of the obligations required in this Agreement is delayed or becomes impossible because of any natural disaster, war, terrorist act, earthquake, fire, strike, sickness, inclement weather, accident, civil commotion, epidemic, pandemic, act of federal, state, or local government (including CITY in its regulatory and police power capacity), its agencies or officers, or any other legitimate cause beyond control of the Parties.
ARTICLE 9
MISCELLANEOUS
9.1 This Agreement is by and between the CITY and CONTRACTOR and is not intended, and cannot be construed, to create the relationship of agent, servant, employee, partnership, joint venture, or association, as between the CITY and CONTRACTOR. The employees and agents of one party are not the employees or agents of the other party for any purpose whatsoever. CONTRACTOR and its employees, if any, are independent contractors and are not employees of the CITY. CONTRACTOR is solely liable and responsible for providing all compensation and benefits to, or on behalf of, all persons performing work pursuant to this Agreement. CITY has no liability or responsibility for the payment of any salaries, wages, unemployment benefits, Federal, State, or local taxes, or other compensation, benefits, or taxes for any personnel provided by or on behalf of CONTRACTOR.
9.2 The CONTRACTOR understands and agrees that all persons performing work pursuant to this Agreement are, for purposes of worker's compensation liability, solely employees of CONTRACTOR, if applicable, and not employees of the CITY. The CONTRACTOR is solely liable and responsible for furnishing any and all worker's compensation benefits to any person as a result of any injuries arising from or connected with any work performed by or on behalf of CONTRACTOR hereunder.
Strand Consulting Agreement Page 4 of 5
9.3 The CONTRACTOR agrees to indemnify, defend with counsel acceptable to the CITY, and hold CITY harmless for any action or proceeding regarding CONTRACTOR'S employees or independent contractor status. The CONTRACTOR must, while on the premises of the CITY, comply with all rules and regulations of the premises, including, without limitation, security requirements.
9.4 Neither the CITY nor the CONTRACTOR can assign, delegate, sublet, or transfer its interest, rights or responsibilities in this Agreement without the written consent of the other party.
9.5 This Agreement was drafted and will be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of California, and exclusive venue for any action involving this agreement will be in Kern County.
9.6 Records of the CONTRACTOR'S expenses pertaining to all services under this Agreement, and records of accounts between the CITY and the CONTRACTOR must be kept on a generally recognized accounting basis. Such records must be available to the CITY or its authorized representative at mutually convenient times for inspection. The CONTRACTOR must maintain all records for up to three (3) years after the termination of this Agreement.
9.7 No waiver of any breach of this Agreement can be held to be a waiver of any other subsequent breach. All remedies afforded in this Agreement will be taken and construed as cumulative, that is, in addition to every other remedy provided therein or by law. The failure of one Party to enforce at any time any of the provisions of this Agreement, or to require at any time performance by the other Party of any of the provisions, therefore, cannot be construed to be a waiver of such provisions, nor in any way affect the validity of this Agreement or any part thereof or the right of the Party to thereafter enforce each and every such provision.
9.8 CONTRACTOR cannot make changes in the services or perform any additional work or provide any additional material under this Agreement without first obtaining written authorization from CITY for additional work or materials. Additional labor or materials provided without authorization is done at CONTRACTOR’S risk and without payment.
9.9 If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions nevertheless continue in full force and effect without being invalidated in any way.
9.10 Each Party had the opportunity to independently review this Agreement with legal counsel.
Accordingly, this Agreement will be construed simply, as a whole, and in accordance with its fair meaning; it will not be interpreted strictly for or against either Party.
9.11 The Parties represent and warrant that all necessary action has been taken by the Parties to authorize the undersigned to execute this Agreement. This Agreement may be modified by written amendment signed by the Parties. CITY's City Manager, or designee, may execute any such amendment on behalf of CITY.
Strand Consulting Agreement Page 5 of 5
9.12 This Agreement supersedes any and all other Agreements either oral or in writing, between the Parties and with respect to the subject matter herein. Each Party to this Agreement acknowledges that this document comprises the entire Agreement between the above Parties with respect to the subject matter of this Agreement and no other promises, statements or representations have been made to any Party to this Agreement other than those contained herein. Any modifications of this Agreement are not valid unless in writing and signed by all Parties.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Parties hereto have executed this Agreement on the date first above written.
CITY OF RIDGECREST
__________________________________
Travis Reed, City Manager
Date: _______________________
ATTEST:
________________________________
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
Date: ______________________
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
By: ________________________________
Martin Koczanowicz, City Attorney
Date: __________________________
CONTRACTOR
_________________________________
Ronald Strand
Date: ________________________
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A Proclamation of
The City of Ridgecrest, California
SAFELY SURRENDERED BABY
AWARENESS MONTH
WHEREAS, the Safely Surrendered Baby Law was created in 2001 with the intent to save the lives of newborn infants at risk of abandonment by encouraging parents or persons with lawful custody to safely surrender the infant within 72 hours of birth, with no questions asked; and, WHEREAS, since 2006 the Safely Surrendered Baby Law has saved 105 infants in Kern County and placed in them loving homes; and,
WHEREAS, In Ridgecrest and throughout Kern County, a newborn baby can be safely surrendered into the hands of any hospital emergency room or Fire Station staff; and WHEREAS, The Safely Surrendered Baby Coalition is led by the Department of Human Services, and includes a group of dedicated individuals representing a long list of agencies, nonprofits, hospitals, and stakeholders, including First Five Kern, the Kern County Fire Department, Bakersfield City Fire Department, Bakersfield Pregnancy Center, Right to Life Kern County, Adventist Health Hospitals, Clinica Sierra Vista, Kern Family Healthcare, Kern County Public Health, and Ridgecrest Regional Hospital.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED by the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest does hereby proclaim the month of February as Safely Surrendered Baby Awareness Month and encourages all Ridgecrest citizens to reach out and assist the Safely Surrender Baby Coalition with their endeavors.
Proclaimed this 4
th Day of February 2026
Travis Endicott
Mayor
Kyle Blades
Mayor Pro-Tem
Solomon P. Rajaratnam
Vice Mayor
L. Scott Hayman
Council Member
John ‘Skip’ Gorman
Council Member
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Safely Surrendered
for Newborns* is a
law that allows you
to give up your baby.
Certainly we want women to get proper medical
care and counseling while they are pregnant, not
after giving birth. But at the same time, we want
parents to know that if they choose not to keep their
baby, they will not go to jail for abandonment if they
deliver the baby to safe hands in any emergency
room or Fire Station in Kern County.
Don’t abandon your baby.
You can safely surrender
your newborn baby (up to
three days old) into the
hands of any fire station or
emergency room staff in
Kern County.
Questions, Call 211 or
1-877-BABYSAF (222-9723)
There is an option.
no shame.
no blame.
no names.
* Up to three days old.
It’s safe.
It’s legal.
And, no one
needs to know.
In California, no one ever
has to abandon a child again.
The California Safely Surrendered Baby Law:
y Permits the parent(s) or surrendering
person to safely and confidentially,
surrender a baby within three days of
birth into the hands of any fire station or
emergency room staff in Kern County.
y Provides a safe place for babies.
y Protects the parent(s) from arrest or
prosecution for abandonment.
y Does not require that names be given
when the baby is surrendered.
100 E. California Ave.
Bakersfield, CA 93307
Tel 661.631.6600 • Fax 661.631.6631
TTY 800.735.2929
@kerncountyDHS
www.KCDHS.org
KCDHS is an equal opportunity agency.
KCDHS 668-SSB (6/15)
How does it work?
A distressed parent who is unable or unwilling to care
for an infant can legally, confidentially and safely
surrender their baby within 3 days of birth. All that
is required is that the baby be brought to any fire
station or emergency room. If there are additional
places, they will be listed on this brochure. A bracelet will be placed on the baby for identification. A
matching bracelet will be given to the parent. The
bracelet will help connect the parent to the baby if
the parent wants the baby back.
Does the parent have to call before bringing
in the baby?
No. A parent can bring in a baby anytime, 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week.
Can only a parent bring in the baby?
In most cases, a parent will bring in the baby. The
law allows another person to bring in the baby if they
have lawful custody.
Does a parent have to tell anything to the people
accepting the baby?
No. Nothing is required. However, hospital personnel
will give the parent a medical information
questionnaire that is designed to gather family
medical history. This could be very useful in caring for the child but it is up to the parent to complete it.
What happens to the baby?
The baby will be examined and given medical
treatment, if needed. Then the baby will be placed in
a foster or pre-adoptive home.
What happens to the parent?
Once the parent(s) has safely turned over the baby,
they are free to go.
What if a parent wants the baby back?
The parent(s) may take the bracelet back to the
hospital. Under the SSB Law, a parent has at least 14
days to claim his or her infant. Hospital personnel will provide information about the baby.
Why does California have this law?
The purpose of the Safely Surrendered Baby Law is to
protect babies from being hurt or killed because they
were abandoned.
You may have heard tragic stories of babies left
in dumpsters or public toilets. The persons who
committed these acts may have been under severe
emotional distress. The mothers may have hidden
their pregnancies, fearful of what would happen if
their families found out. Because they were afraid
and had nowhere to turn for help, they abandoned
their infants.
Abandoning a baby puts the child in extreme
danger. It is also illegal. Too often, it results in the baby’s death. Because of the Safely Surrendered
Baby Law, this tragedy doesn’t ever have to happen
in California again.
Is there another choice?
Yes. Adoption is always a choice and should be
considered first. Whenever parents have decided
that they are unable to care for a baby, whatever
the reason, adoption is by far the best choice.
Adoption protects the rights of all involved, including the baby. In fact, parents may be able to assist in
selecting the adoptive parents and may be allowed
to have contact with the baby after the adoption.
It’s important for women to seek help while they are
pregnant, not after giving birth.
A Safely Surrendered Baby in California
At 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, July 25, 2002,
a healthy newborn baby was brought to St.
Bernardine Medical Center in San Bernardino
under the provisions of the California Safely
Surrendered Baby Law.
This baby was another child protected under
California’s Safely Surrendered Baby Law. As
the law states, the baby’s mother did not have
to identify herself. When the baby was brought
to the emergency room, he was examined by a
pediatrician and was healthy and doing fine.
He was placed in a foster home for short-term
care while the adoption process was started.
Every baby deserves a
chance for a healthy
life. If you or someone
you know is considering
giving up a newborn,
learn about your options.
What is the
Safely Surrendered
Baby Law?
Under this law, a person
may surrender their baby
confidentially without fear
of arrest or prosecution for
abandonment.
Questions, Call 211 or
1-877-BABYSAF (222-9723)
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Regular Meeting Dated January 21, 2026
PRESENTED BY: Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
SUMMARY:
Draft Minutes of the City Council / Successor Redevelopment Agency / Housing Authority / Financing Authority Regular Meeting Dated January 21, 2026 FISCAL IMPACT: None
ACTION REQUESTED: Approve minutes
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: Feb. 4, 2026
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RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
FINANCING AUTHORITY
HOUSING AUTHORITY
DRAFT MINUTES
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 Closed Session – 5:00 p.m.
Regular Session – 6:00 p.m.
This meeting was recorded and will be on file in the Office of the City Clerk for a certain period of time from date of approval by the Ridgecrest City Successor Agency/Financing Authority/Housing Authority. Meetings are recorded solely for the purpose of preparation of minutes.
ROLL CALL – 5:00 p.m.
Council Present: Mayor Endicott; Mayor Pro-Tem Blades; Vice Mayor Rajaratnam; Council Member Hayman;
Absent: Council Member Gorman
Staff Present: City Attorney M. Koczanowicz; City Manager Strand; City Clerk Charlon APPROVAL OF AGENDA - Motion To Approve – Blades - Hayman – 4 ayes; 1 absent
CLOSED SESSION
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL GOV CODE SECTION 54956.9 ( b) Potential Litigation (4 cases)
Closed Session held pursuant to California Government Code Section 54957 Subpart (b):
PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: City Manager
*Gorman arrived at 5:35 and joined closed session
REGULAR SESSION- 6:07 pm
ATTORNEY REPORT OUT OF CLOSED SESSION – 4 claims – denied; City Manager review – unanimous appointment of Travis Reed, contract at next meeting
PRESENTATION
1. Presentation Of The Key To The City to Tex Hoppus Gorman PUBLIC COMMENT OF ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA – M. Neel; M. Licitra
COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS/DIRECTION
CONSENT CALENDAR
2. Proposed Action To Approve Draft Minutes Of The Ridgecrest City Council Charlon Motion To Approve – Blades - Rajaratnam – 5 ayes
PRESENTATION
3. Presentation Of Retirement to City Manager Ron Strand Staff / Council
DRAFT MINUTES - CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY / FINANCING AUTHORITY / HOUSING AUTHORITY REGULAR – January 21, 2026
ADJOURNMENT - 7:25 p.m. after presentation to Ron Strand. All remainder items continued to next meeting.
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 February 2, 2026
Finance Committee
Members: Solomon Rajaratnam and Scott Hayman
Meeting: 2nd Tuesday every other month at 5:30 p.m.
Location: City Hall Conference Room B, 1st Floor
➢ Next meeting February 10, 2026
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 February 3, 2026
OTHER COMMITTEES, BOARDS, OR COMMISSIONS
CITY MANAGER REPORT
FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
MAYOR AND COUNCIL COMMENTS
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: Approve A Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest, California, Requesting The Board Of Supervisors Of The County Of Kern To Consolidate A General Municipal Election To Be Held On June 2, 2026, With The Statewide Primary Election To Be Held On That Date, Pursuant To §10403 Of The Elections Code
PRESENTED BY: Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
SUMMARY:
This item calls for a General Municipal Election To Be Held On June 2, 2026 for the submission of a ballot measure(s) and requests consolidation with the Board of Supervisors of the County of Kern to consolidate with the Statewide Primary Election.
The next regularly scheduled General Municipal Election will be held on June 2, 2026, for the submission of a ballot measure(s).
In order for the election to take place, it is necessary for the City Council to adopt two (2) resolutions by a two-thirds vote: 1.) Calling the Statewide Primary Election for the submission of a ballot measure(s) and 2.) Requesting Kern County to consolidate the election with the Statewide Primary Election and provide related services.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for the June 2, 2026 Election has been budgeted in the FY 2025-26 budget.
ACTION REQUESTED: Adopt Resolution requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Kern to consolidate, administer, manage and oversee the Election.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested.
Submitted by: Ricca Charlon Action Date: February 4, 2026 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
RESOLUTION NO. 26-Xx
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST,
CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF THE
COUNTY OF KERN TO CONSOLIDATE A GENERAL MUNICIPAL
ELECTION TO BE HELD ON June 2, 2026, WITH THE STATEWIDE
PRIMARY ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THAT DATE, PURSUANT TO
§10403 OF THE ELECTIONS CODE
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest called a General Municipal Election to be held on June 2, 2026, for the purpose of submitting two measures for voters’ consideration relating to local ballot measure clarifying and resetting the terms of office for council members and resetting and changing the term of elected mayor; and, WHEREAS, it is desirable that the General Municipal Election be consolidated with the Statewide Primary Election to be held on the same date and that within the city the precincts, vote centers and election officers of the two elections be the same, and that the election department of the County of Kern canvass the returns of the General Municipal Election and that the election be held in all respects as if there were only one election.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Pursuant to the requirements of § 10403 of the Elections Code, the Board of Supervisors of the County of Kern is hereby requested to consent and agree to the consolidation of the City of Ridgecrest General Municipal Election with the Statewide Primary election on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, for the purpose of submitting two measures for voters’ consideration.
SECTION 2. The City Council, pursuant to its right and authority, does submit to the voters at the General Municipal Election the following question:
Resolution No. 26-Xx Page 2 of 4
City of Ridgecrest Council Member Term
Measure.
In order to correct an ambiguity, shall the City of
Ridgecrest Municipal Code be amended to
provide, for purposes of term limits, that any
council member appointed to a partial term of
more two years shall be deemed to have served a
full term for the purpose of determining term
limits?
YES
NO
SECTION 3. The City Council, pursuant to its right and authority, does submit to the voters at the General Municipal Election the following question:
City of Ridgecrest 4-year Mayoral Term
Measure.
Shall the City of Ridgecrest Municipal Code be
amended to provide for the term of an Elected
Mayor to be four (4) years to be the same as the
terms of elected Council Members?
YES
NO
SECTION 4. The proposed complete text of the measures submitted to the voters is attached as Exhibit A.
SECTION 5. The vote requirement for the measure to pass is a majority (50% + 1) of the votes cast.
Resolution No. 26-Xx Page 3 of 4
SECTION 6. Ballots: The ballots to be used at the election shall be in form and content as required by law.
SECTION 7. The County election department is authorized to canvass the returns of the General Municipal Election. The election shall be held in all respects as if there were only one election, and only one form of ballot shall be used. The election will be held and conducted in accordance with the provisions of law regulating the statewide election.
SECTION 8. The Board of Supervisors is requested to issue instructions to the County election department to take any and all steps necessary for the holding of the consolidated election.
SECTION 9. The City Council authorizes the City Clerk to administer said election for the City and reimburse the County for all actual election expenses upon presentation of a properly submitted bill.
SECTION 10. The City Clerk is hereby directed to file a certified copy of this resolution with the Board of Supervisors and the County election department of the County of Kern.
SECTION 11. The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution and shall enter the same in the Book of Original Resolutions.
APPROVED and PASSED this 4
th day of February, 2026.
City of Ridgecrest, California
BY:
TRAVIS ENDICOTT, Mayor
ATTEST:
RICCA CHARLON, City Clerk
Resolution No. 26-Xx Page 4 of 4
CERTIFICATION
I, Ricca Charlon, Chief City Clerk of the City of Ridgecrest, do hereby certify that Resolution No. 26-Xx was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest at a regular meeting held on the 4
th day of February, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Dated: February 5, 2026
RICCA CHARLON, City Clerk
5 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: Approval Of An At-Will Employment Agreement For Professional Services For City Manager With Travis Reed
PRESENTED BY: City Attorney
SUMMARY:
Mr. Ron Strand, after 40 years of public service in Ridgecrest, announced his retirement.
His last meeting as the City Manager was on January 21st, 2026. At that meeting the City Council appointed Mr. Travis Reed to become the next City Manager in Ridgecrest.
Mr. Reed has served the City for number of years as the Public Works Director and most recently as the Deputy City Manager. Mr. Strand’s succession planning, the City Council’s trust and confidence in that plan, and Mr. Reed’s knowledge, experience and dedication to our City provided for a smooth transmission.
Attached to the staff report is Mr. Reed’s 5-year contract with the City for Council’s consideration. It has an effective date of January 22, 2026.
CEQA: This is not a Project under CEQA Guidelines as it does not have any potential for significant impact on the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no adverse impact from the recommended action, as the budgeted salary will remain the same.
ACTION REQUESTED: Staff recommends that Council approve the contract with Mr. Reed for City Manager services.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Concur with Recommended action Submitted by: Martin Koczanowicz, City Attorney Action Date: 02.04.26 (Revised Jan2019)
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RESOLUTION NO. 26-Xx
A RESOLUTION OF THE RIDGECREST CITY COUNCIL APPROVING
AN AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL
SERVICES FOR CITY MANAGER WITH TRAVIS REED
WHEREAS, Mr. Ron Strand, after 40 years of public service in Ridgecrest, announced his retirement and his last meeting as the City Manager was on January 21st, 2026; and,
WHEREAS, At that meeting the City Council appointed Mr. Travis Reed to become the next City Manager in Ridgecrest; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Reed has served the City for number of years as the Public Works Director and most recently as the Deputy City Manager; and, WHEREAS, Mr. Strand’s succession planning, the City Council’s trust and confidence in that plan, and Mr. Reed’s knowledge, experience and dedication to our City provided for a smooth transmission; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Strand is an essential resource for the City’s legal team, and the approval of the Consulting Services Agreement would make him available, on as needed basis, during the preparation for and the actual mediation; and, WHEREAS, City Staff have reviewed the proposal and determined it to be accurate, fair, and reasonable; and,
WHEREAS, funds to perform this work are available in the current budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the City of Ridgecrest hereby:
1. Authorizes the award of an at-will employment agreement with Travis Reed.
2. Authorizes the Mayor to execute the agreement.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED, this 4th day of February, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
Travis Endicott, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ricca Charlon, CMC
City Clerk
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
CITY OF RIDGECREST CITY MANAGER
AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
As of January 22, 2026, the City of Ridgecrest, California (hereinafter “City”), and Travis Reed (hereinafter “Employee”) agree as follows:
1. Purpose.
(a) City desires to retain the services of Employee to perform the duties of City Manager as set forth in City and State Codes for a period of five (5) years. (b) Employee desires to fulfill the duties of the position of City Manager. (c) The parties desire to memorialize certain conditions of employment and to set working conditions of Employee within the framework of an at-will employment relationship.
2. Duties.
(a) Employee shall perform the duties of the Office of City Manager as set forth in the Municipal Code of the City and shall perform such other legally permissible and proper duties and functions as the City Council shall from time-to-time assign. (b) Employee shall have the responsibility of organizing, reorganizing and arranging the staff of the City in such a way that in his judgment best serves City in accordance with Policies set by the City Council, City’s Municipal Code and Personnel Rules. Employee shall have such responsibility in personnel matters, including election, assignment, and transfer of employees in accordance with City Code and Personnel Rules. Employee shall inform members of City Council, individually and collectively, about any significant personnel matter, subject to applicable personnel and rights of privacy laws, rules, and procedures. (c) Employee shall: (1) review all policies to be considered by the City Council and make appropriate recommendations to the Council; (2) periodically evaluate employees as provided for by California law and City policy; (3) advise the Council of possible sources of funds that might be available to implement present or contemplated City programs or services; (4) maintain and improve the professional competence of Employee by available means, including subscription to and reading of appropriate periodicals, and joining and participating in appropriate professional associations and their activities; (5) establish and maintain an appropriate community relations program; and (6) serve as liaison between the Council and City employees, and serve as the Council’s designated representative with respect to all employer-employee matters, and make recommendations to the Council concerning those matters. Notwithstanding that a designee of Employee performs said duties, the Employee shall be the person ultimately responsible to the Council for proper implementation.
(d) The City Manager shall take direction and instructions from a majority of the City Council.
3. Council Duties.
(a) Members of the City Council, individually and collectively, will refer promptly, criticisms, complaints, and suggestions called to their attention to Employee for study and timely recommendation.
(b) Except for the purpose of inquiry, the Council and its members shall deal with the administrative service solely through the City Manager, and neither the Council nor any member thereof shall give orders or direction to any City Employee except the City Manager, either publicly or privately.
CM Contract – Travis Reed 1/27/26
4. Term.
(a) This Agreement commences on January 22, 2026 and will continue for a period of five years from the first day of employment, unless terminated as provided herein. (b) The City Manager is at-will and serves at the pleasure of the City Council.
There exists no contract for or right to employment, either expressed or implied, with the sole exception of the provisions contained herein. The City Council may terminate the employment of the Employee with or without cause.
(c) Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent, limit, or otherwise interfere with the right of Employee to resign at any time from his position with City, subject only to the provisions set forth in section 5 of this Agreement. Upon the termination or expiration of this agreement, Employee shall be entitled to receive payment for all vacation, sick, and administrative leave accrued to date.
(d) Employee agrees to remain in the exclusive employ of City during the employment term, and neither to accept nor to become employed by another employer until said termination date, unless said termination date is affected as hereinafter provided. Notwithstanding, and at the sole discretion of the City, Employee may accept compensation for occasional outside consulting, writing, or speaking engagements, or while teaching or training, or while serving on the Board of Directors of one or more corporations. Such outside activities or work shall not be inconsistent or incompatible with City employment. The only exception to this sub-section is Employee’s own part-time consulting business, Travis Reed Drafting and Design, so long as conduct of such business does not interfere with Employee’s fulfillment of his duties and responsibilities under this Agreement, nor create a Conflict-of-Interest issues, actual, potential, or perceived.
5. Termination.
(a) This Agreement shall terminate upon the occurrence of any of the following events:
(1) upon thirty (30) days’ notice by either Employee or the City; or (2) upon the death of Employee or inability of Employee to perform essential job functions with or without an accommodation; or (3) upon the effective date of retirement from City service pursuant to the California Public Employees Retirement System (“PERS”); or (4) by motion carried by three (3)affirmative votes of the City Council of City, with or without cause.
(5) Notwithstanding the provisions of Section 5.a.4, above Employee may not be terminated (excepting a termination for cause) for a period of three (3) months following a municipal election wherein (a) new Council Member(s) is/are seated, or within three (3) months of a vacant Council seat being filled by appointment, to enable such new Council Member(s) adequate time to assess Employee’s performance. (b) If Employee is terminated without cause, employee shall be entitled to receive payment for all vacation, sick, and administrative leave accrued to date, in addition to six (6) months severance pay equal to then current salary including Cafeteria allowance that he would have been entitled to receive under the terms of this Agreement. (c) City reserves the right to terminate this Agreement without notice and without liability for any severance pay whatsoever, when such termination is made for cause. “Termination for cause” shall include:
CM Contract – Travis Reed 1/27/26
1) Willful breach of this Agreement pursuant to California Labor Code Section 2924 as interpreted.
2) Habitual neglect of the duties required to be performed as City Manager pursuant to California Labor Code Section 2924 as interpreted. 3) Any acts of dishonesty, fraud, misrepresentation, or other acts of moral turpitude.
4) Conviction of any act which would constitute a crime, whether misdemeanor or felony, and which would bring disrespect to the Office of City Manager or City, committed two years prior to, or during the term of this Agreement. 5) Willful violations of City policies of a serious nature, including for example, City’s sexual harassment or drugs-in-the-work-place policies. Before termination for cause, City shall deliver to Employee a written specification of the charges or other reasons upon which “cause” is alleged. Employee shall have five (5) business days to challenge such termination for cause by delivery within such five (5) day period, a written response to such specifications. Within five (5) business day period Employee may also demand a hearing upon the specifications. Failure to demand a hearing within the five (5) business day period shall be a waiver of such right and the City Council shall make its final determination upon the written response, if any made by Employee. If a hearing is demanded, such hearing shall be held before an independent hearing officer to be mutually agreed between the parties, or if no agreement can be reached, the hearing officer shall be a retired judge through the Judicial Arbitration and Mediation Service (JAMS) of California.
The Mutual selection of a hearing officer, including the mutual selection of a JAMS officer, shall be accomplished within ten (10) calendar days following notice of Employee’s request for hearing.
If a mutual selection is not made within this period, and in the absence of an agreement to extend the selection period, the hearing officer shall be appointed by JAMS according to its availability and discretion. The fees of the hearing officer shall be advanced, in full, by City; however, upon a finding of "cause" by the hearing officer, Employee shall reimburse City and be responsible for payment of fifty percent (50%) of such fees. The decision of the hearing officer shall be binding and without right of appeal. The issues to be determined in the hearing shall be whether the specification(s) alleged constitute "cause" pursuant to this contract and whether the specifications are supported by substantial evidence.
The parties acknowledge that a requested hearing for cause shall be held at the earliest possible date, and to that extent, they shall cooperate in selecting a date for the hearing, which shall be no later than sixty (60) days following City’s notice of termination for cause.
Should Employee challenge City’s termination for cause, City shall continue regular payment of Employee’s salary and benefits (as administrative leave pay) pending the date of the decision of the hearing officer. However, in no event, shall such administrative leave pay continue beyond sixty (60) days from the date of service upon Employee of City’s notice of termination for cause.
The event the hearing officer concludes in favor of Employee, that no cause exists for the withholding of severance pay, then the termination is without cause, the administrative pay previously paid to Employee shall be credited against the severance amount payable under Section 5.b., above, and the balance thereof shall be paid to Employee by City.
CM Contract – Travis Reed 1/27/26
(d) If City reduces the salary or other financial benefits of Employee in a greater percentage than the reduction for management employees, or if the City refuses, following written notice, to comply with any other provision benefiting Employee herein, Employee may claim to be deemed to be "terminated without cause" at the date of such reduction or such refusal to comply with this agreement.
6. Compensation.
(a) City shall pay Employee an annual base salary of Two Hundred and ThirtySeven Thousand, Dollars and no Cents ($237,000.00) in installments at the same time as other employees of City.
(b) City shall thereafter perform reviews of Employee’s performance for increases in salary and benefits in such amounts and to such an extent as the City Council may determine. Such performance evaluation and compensation shall take place on the anniversary date of the Employee’s employment with the City.
(c) Except as hereinafter provided, Employee shall receive such other and further benefits as are accorded other management employees of City, including, but not limited to, cost of living adjustments, holidays, sick and bereavement leaves, and executive or administrative leave days. This is an overtime-exempt position.
7. Relocation Expenses.
There will be no reimbursement of relocation expenses.
8. Equipment.
(a) To the extent, as provided and agreed upon by the City Council, in the City’s annual budget, City shall provide business computing, and communications equipment, as well as service and operating costs; furniture; and fixtures necessary and convenient to carry out the terms of this Agreement.
(b) City shall provide a vehicle for the official use of the Employee. Employee may use the Cit vehicle for travel to and from home and for minor personal errands.
9. Vacation and Sick Leave.
(a) Commencing with the effective date of this Agreement and without forfeiting prior accumulated time, Employee shall accumulate 8 hours of vacation each pay period (208 hours annually) and 4.00 hours of sick leave per pay period (104 hours annually). (b) City shall pay Employee, at his election, an amount equal to Employee’s hourly rate of pay times 75% of the accrued vacation remaining in the Employee’s personal account at the end of each fiscal year which amounts of time will be deducted from his leave balance.
10. Dues, Subscriptions, Professional Development.
(a) To the extent permitted by the annual budget, City shall pay the dues and subscriptions of Employee necessary for his contribution and full participation in national, regional, state, and local associations necessary and desirable for his continued professional participation, growth, and advancement, and to maintain active communication with and through local organizations, and for the good of the City.
CM Contract – Travis Reed 1/27/26
(b) To the extent provided in the City’s annual budget and the City’s travel policy, City shall pay the travel and subsistence expenses of Employee for professional and official travel, meetings, and occasions adequate to continue the professional development of Employee and to adequately pursue necessary official and other functions for City, including, but not limited to, the Annual Congress of Cities of the National League of Cities, the Annual Conference of the International City and County Management Association, the Annual Conference of the California League of Cities, and such other national, regional, state, and local governmental groups and committees thereof which Employee serves as a member. (c) To the extent provided in the City’s annual budget and the City’s education policy, City shall pay for the travel and subsistence expenses of Employee for short courses, institutes, and seminars necessary for his professional development and for the good of the City.
11. Disability, Health & Life Insurance, Retirement.
Employee’s disability, health and life insurance and retirement benefits shall include but not limited to:
(a) City provides a cafeteria allowance based on enrollment in PERS major medical. Tier Four provides One Thousand Eight Hundred Eighty-One Dollars and Forty Cents ($1,881.40) per month, which includes the $162 minimum PEMHCA contribution to cover PERS medical, dental, vision, PERS long-term disability, and group life insurance. Cafeteria increases are provided at the level provided other management employees. Workers’ Compensation insurance is provided at no cost to Employee.
(b) Employee will pay the employee/member share of PERS contributions. In the event the employer share contribution changes for other employees, such change will also apply to Employee.
(c) City shall pay into Employee’s retirement account with the Social Security Administration (Federal Insurance Contributions Act) to the same extent as other employees. (d) City shall execute the Deferred Compensation Employment Agreement and the associated Trust Agreement of the Plan of the International City Management Association Retirement Corporation (“ICMARC”) so that Employee may, at Employee’s option and expense, participate in the Plan.
12. Other Terms and Conditions of Employment.
(a) The City Council shall fix any such other terms and conditions of employment, as it may determine from time-to-time, relating to the performance of Employee.
Such terms and conditions shall be consistent with this Agreement, the City of Ridgecrest Municipal Code, and applicable Federal and State laws.
(b) Municipal Code and regulations and rules of City relating to usage of vacation, administrative, and sick leave; retirement and pension system contributions; holidays; and other fringe benefits and working conditions as they now exist or amended, also shall apply to Employee as they would to other management, mid-management, professional, and confidential employees of City.
(c) Employee’s reasonable business expenses will be reimbursed upon submission of appropriate documentation to the City.
CM Contract – Travis Reed 1/27/26
13. General Provisions.
(a) This Agreement shall become effective January 22, 2026. (b) City shall indemnify and defend Employee against claims or litigation arising within the scope of Employee’s office as provided by law. Employee is obligated to cooperate in the defense of such Claims, which obligation will continue for two years following the termination of this Agreement.
(c) Should any litigation occur regarding the interpretation of this Agreement, the prevailing party shall, in addition to damages, be entitled to recover reasonable attorney fees and costs.
(d) This Agreement may be amended only in a writing signed by both parties. (e) This Agreement has been drafted by both parties, and shall not be interpreted in favor of or against either party.
(f) Any notice required under this Agreement shall be personally delivered or mailed via certified mail to the last known address of the other party. (g) The invalidity or partial invalidity of any portion of this Agreement will not affect the validity of any other provision. In the event that any provision of this Agreement is held to be invalid, the remaining provisions shall be deemed to be in full force and effect as if they had been executed by both parties subsequent to the expungement or judicial modification of the invalid provision.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the City of Ridgecrest, State of California, has caused this Agreement to be signed and executed in its behalf by its Mayor, and duly attested by its City Clerk, and the Employee has signed and executed this Agreement, both in duplicate on the date set out below.
For the City of Ridgecrest Employee
By: ____________________________ By: __________________________ Travis Endicot, Mayor Travis Reed, Employee
Date: _____________ Date: ____________
Approved as to Form:
By: ____________________________
Martin D. Koczanowicz, City Attorney
Attest:
By: ____________________________
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
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Ridgecrest City Council
Successor Redevelopment Agency
Financing Authority
Housing Authority
STAFF REPORT
SUBJECT: A Resolution To Approve A Surplus Police Vehicle Donation Agreement Between The City Of Ridgecrest And The Friends Of The Fair
PRESENTED BY: Mario Ysit, Chief of Police
Background
The Friends of the Fair is a local non-profit corporation that has provided services to the families of the Indian Wells Valley, including the City of Ridgecrest for many years. The City of Ridgecrest has worked with the Friends of the Fair for many years and their activities have a substantial benefit to the residents of Ridgecrest. The members of Friends of the Fair are unpaid volunteers and use donated funding to promote the use of the Desert Empire Fairgrounds and to make improvements to the Desert Empire Fairgrounds.
The Friends of the Fair strive to obtain non-profit donations.
Summary
The City of Ridgecrest has worked with Friends of the Fair for many years. The Friends of the Fair wish to organize an auction of a Demolition Derby car for the sole purpose of donating the proceeds to a citizen in need of critical medical services, and the proposal of donating an out-of-service police vehicle, a 1999 Ford Crown Victoria was made. After careful thought and review of prior use, Chief of Police Mario Ysit agrees that the donation of an out-of-service police vehicle would benefit the Friends of the Fair in order to auction the vehicle and donate the proceeds. With the Friends of the Fair accepting this donation, they’re accepting the equipment in as is condition. The City of Ridgecrest will not be responsible for any current or future repairs.
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 Valley Youth Football League FISCAL IMPACT: NONE
ACTION REQUESTED: Authorize the City Manager to finalize the negotiation of the contract amendment consistent with the details provided in the staff report, subject to City Attorney’s approval and authorize the City Manager to execute the amendment on behalf of the City.
CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION: Action as requested.
Submitted by: Mario Ysit Action Date: February 4, 2026
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RESOLUTION NO. 26-XX
A RESOLUTION TO APPROVE AN EQUIPMENT DONATION
AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY OF RIDGECREST AND THE
FRIENDS OF THE FAIR
WHEREAS, the Friends of the Fair, is a local non-profit corporation that has provided services to the families of the Indian Wells Valley, including the City of Ridgecrest for many years; and,
WHEREAS, members of Friends of the Fair are unpaid volunteers and use donated funding to promote the use of the Desert Empire Fairgrounds and to make improvements to the Desert Empire Fairgrounds and strive to obtain non-profit donations; and, WHEREAS, the City of Ridgecrest has worked with Friends of the Fair for many years and their activities have a substantial benefit to the residents of Ridgecrest; and, WHEREAS, The Friends of the Fair wish to organize an auction of a Demolition Derby car for the sole purpose of donating the proceeds to a citizen in need of critical medical services, and the proposal of donating an out-of-service police vehicle was made; and, WHEREAS, after careful thought and review of prior use, the Chief of Police agrees that the donation of an out-of-service police vehicle, a 1999 Crown Victoria, would benefit the Friends of the Fair in order to auction and donate the proceeds; and, WHEREAS, with the Friends of the Fair would be accepting this donation in an “As Is Condition”, the City of Ridgecrest will not be responsible for any current or future repairs; and, WHEREAS, the City Attorney has reviewed and approved an Equipment Donation Agreement, which is before the City Council for approval.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Ridgecrest City Council does hereby authorize the following:
1. Donation of the 1999 Crown Victoria to the Friends of the Fair and execution by the City Manager of the Donation Agreement to reflect such donation.
APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 4
th day of February 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
___________________________
Travis Endicott, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________
Ricca Charlon, CMC
City Clerk
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CITY OF RIDGECREST
EQUIPMENT DONATION AGREEMENT
This CITY OF RIDGECREST EQUIPMENT DONATION AGREEMENT (”AGREEMENT”) is made and entered into this 4th day of February 2026, by and between the City of Ridgecrest, a municipal corporation, hereinafter referred to as “CITY,” and Friends of the Fair, a California nonprofit corporation hereafter referred to as “Friends of the Fair .”
RECITALS
A. CITY owns a 1999 Ford Crown Victoria (#R258) which no longer serves any public purpose or function but does require maintenance, which is an ongoing expense for the City.
B. CITY desires to donate the vehicle to the FRIENDS OF THE FAIR , who is willing to accept it, for purpose of auction to raise money to donate to a citizen who needs assistance with critical emergency care.
C. The Equipment is provided at no cost in an “as is, where is condition” NOW, THEREFORE, THE PARTIES HERETO AGREE AS FOLLOWS:
1. Donation. CITY hereby donates the Equipment to FRIENDS OF THE FAIR only for the above stated purposes.
2. As-Is. FRIENDS OF THE FAIR agrees to take possession and responsibility of the Equipment in its “as-is” condition and CITY makes no representations or warranties there to FRIENDS OF THE FAIR further agrees to use the Equipment and the funds derived from the use of that vehicle only for the stated purpose.
3. Indemnification. FRIENDS OF THE FAIR 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. FRIENDS OF THE FAIR 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 FRIENDS OF THE FAIR, 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, ownership, use or care of the Equipment that may occur on or after the effective date of this AGREEMENT (the “CLAIMS”).
4. 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.
5. No Undue Influence. FRIENDS OF THE FAIR 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 FRIENDS OF THE FAIR, or from any officer, employee or agent of FRIENDS OF THE FAIR, in connection with the granting of this AGREEMENT.
City of Ridgecrest Equipment Donation Agreement Page 2 of 2
6. 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.
7. 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.
CITY OF RIDGECREST, a municipal
corporation
Travis Reed, City Manager
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
ALESHIRE & WYNDER, LLP
Martin Koczanowicz, City Attorney
FRIENDS OF THE FAIR :
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
7 This Page Intentionally Left Blank
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY/
FINANCING AUTHORITY/HOUSING AUTHORITY AGENDA ITEM
SUBJECT: Adoption Of A Resolution And Introduction And First Reading Of An Ordinance Amending The Ridgecrest Municipal Code To Clarify That Any Term Of Service On The Council That Is More Than Two Years Counts As A Full Term For Purposes Of Term Limits And To Change Mayoral Term From Two To Four Years And Placing The Measures On The Election Ballot For June 2, 2026 Election PRESENTED BY: Martin Koczanowicz, City Attorney
SUMMARY:
Some time ago the voters passed a measure that limited the service of any Council Member to eight consecutive years. The measure did not speak to actual term limits, nor did it address how an in-term appointment to fill a vacancy on the Council would be treated for the purposes of the eight-year maximum time of service. This created a situation where a Council Member appointed to fill a vacancy for four or five months before an election would need to resign without completing their term in the second elected term of service, as the eight-year limit would come into effect before their second term ended.
This could discourage prospective appointees from accepting Council appointment and simply waiting till next election to run, so their second term of service would be for the full four years.
The proposed measure would limit each Council Member to serving two terms and establish that any appointed term of office for a period exceeding two years counts as a term for the purposes of term limits. Conversely, any appointment for less than two years does not.
The second measure would change the elected Mayor’s term of office from two (2) to four (4) years. Such change would provide for consistency with the Council Members’ terms of office and avoid having three members of the Council running for office every two years.
In addition, a four-year term of office allows the elected Mayor to focus on the priorities and programs they champion for the City and have the benefit of seeing them through while still in office. Currently after one year in office the Mayor needs to focus on the upcoming re-election efforts, just to maintain continuity of such programs.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council introduce and conduct the first reading, by title only, of an Ordinance which would amend the Ridgecrest Municipal Code to first, set the term of office for any member of City Council to two (2) terms and to define any appointed term in excess of two years as one of those two terms, second set the term of office for an elected Mayor at four (4) years.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no adverse fiscal impact from placing the measures on the ballot, other than the costs charged by the County.
ACTION REQUESTED:
1. Approve A Resolution Ordering The Submission To The Qualified Electors Of The City Of Ridgecrest Measures Relating To The 4-year Mayoral Term And Setting The Term Of Service At Two Terms, With An Appointment Of More Than two Years Counting As A Full Term At The General Election To Be Held On Tuesday, June 2, 2026, As Called By Resolution Nos. 26 - And 26-
2. Motion To Waive Reading In Full Of An Ordinance Of The City Council Of The City Of Ridgecrest Amending The Ridgecrest Municipal Code To Provide For 4-year Term For An Elected Mayor, Set Term Limits At Two Terms And Clarifying A Term Calculation For An Appointed Council Member.
CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION: Approve action as requested Submitted by: Martin Koczanowicz Action Date: February 4, 2026 RESOLUTION NO. 26-XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST,
CALIFORNIA, CALLING FOR THE GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026 FOR THE SUBMISSION TO THE
VOTERS A QUESTION RELATING TO LOCAL BALLOT MEASURE
CLARIFYING AND RESETTING THE TERMS OF OFFICE FOR COUNCIL
MEMBERS AND RESETTING AND CHANGING THE TERM OF ELECTED
MAYOR
WHEREAS, under the provisions of the laws relating to general-law cities in the State of California, a General Municipal Election shall be held on June 2, 2026; and WHEREAS, the City Council desires to submit to the voters at the election a question relating to Council Member term limits and how they apply to appointed positions and to extend the term of Elected Mayor to four (4) years.
NOW, THEREFORE, THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF RIDGECREST, CALIFORNIA, DOES HEREBY RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Call for General Municipal Election: Pursuant to the requirements of the laws of the State of California relating to General-Law Cities, there is called and ordered to be held in the City of Ridgecrest, California, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, a General Municipal Election for the purpose of submitting two measures for voters’ consideration as set out below.
SECTION 2. The City Council, pursuant to its right and authority, does submit to the voters at the General Municipal Election the following question:
City of Ridgecrest Council Member Term
Measure.
In order to correct an ambiguity, shall the City of
Ridgecrest Municipal Code be amended to
provide, for purposes of term limits, that any
council member appointed to a partial term of
more two years shall be deemed to have served a
full term for the purpose of determining term
limits?
YES
NO
Resolution No. 26-XX Page 2 of 4
SECTION 3. The City Council, pursuant to its right and authority, does submit to the voters at the General Municipal Election the following question:
City of Ridgecrest 4-year Mayoral Term
Measure.
Shall the City of Ridgecrest Municipal Code be
amended to provide for the term of an Elected
Mayor to be four (4) years to be the same as the
terms of elected Council Members?
YES
NO
The proposed complete text of the measures submitted to the voters is attached as Exhibit A.
SECTION 4. The vote requirement for the measure to pass is a majority (50% + 1) of the votes cast.
SECTION 5. Ballots: The ballots to be used at the election shall be in form and content as required by law.
SECTION 6. Coordination: The City Clerk is authorized, instructed and directed to coordinate with the County of Kern Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk to procure and furnish any and all official ballots, notices, printed matter and all supplies, equipment and paraphernalia that may be necessary in order to properly and lawfully conduct the election.
SECTION 7. Vote Centers: The vote centers for the election shall be open at 7:00 A.M. of the day of the election and shall remain open continuously from that time until 8:00 P.M. of the same day when the vote centers shall be closed, pursuant to Election Code § 10242, except as provided in §§ 14212, 14401 of the Elections Code of the State of California.
SECTION 8. General: In all particulars not recited in this resolution, the election shall be held and conducted as provided by law governing municipal elections.
Resolution No. 26-XX Page 3 of 4
SECTION 9. Notice: Notice of the time and place of holding the election is hereby given and the City Clerk is authorized, instructed and directed to give further or additional notice of the election, in time, form and manner as required by law.
SECTION 10.Authorization for Payment: The City Council authorizes the City Clerk to administer said election and authorizes all reasonable and actual election expenses to be paid by the City upon presentation of a properly-submitted bill.
SECTION 11. Certification: The City Clerk shall certify to the passage and adoption of this resolution and shall enter the same in the Book of Original Resolutions.
APPROVED and PASSED this 4
th day of February, 2026.
City of Ridgecrest, California
BY:
Travis Endicott, Mayor
ATTEST:
RICCA CHARLON, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
MARTIN KOCZANOWICZ, City Attorney
Resolution No. 26-XX Page 4 of 4
CERTIFICATION
I, Ricca Charlon, Chief City Clerk of the City of Ridgecrest, do hereby certify that Resolution No. 26-XX was duly adopted by the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest at a regular meeting held on the 4
th day of February, 2026, by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
Dated:
RICCA CHARLON, Chief City Clerk
ORDINANCE NO. 26-Xx
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
RIDGECREST AMENDING THE RIDGECREST MUNICIPAL
CODE CLARIFYING HOW TERM OF OFFICE IS
CALCULATED WITH APPOINTED COUNCIL MEMBERS
AND SETTING THE TERM OF ELECTED MAYOR AT FOUR
YEARS
WHEREAS, under the provisions of the laws relating to general-law cities in the State of California, a General Municipal Election was held on June 2, 2026; and WHEREAS, the City Council desired to submit to the voters at the election a question relating to Council Member term limits and how they apply to appointed positions and to extend the term of Elected Mayor to four (4) years; and WHEREAS, on June 2, 2026, the voters passed a measure directing the City Council to amend the Ridgecrest Municipal Code to reflect that an appointed council term of 2 years or more counted as a full term for the purpose of determining term limits; and WHEREAS, on June 2nd 2026, the voters passed a measure __ directing the City Council to amend the Ridgecrest Municipal Code to reflect that the term of office for the directly-elected mayor shall be four (4) years, rather than two (2) years.
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.Chapter 2, Article II, Section 2-25 of the Filmore Municipal Code is amended to read as follows (deletions indicated in strikethrough, additions in bold and italics):
“Sec. 2-25. - Mayor, vice-mayor, and mayor pro tempore. Terms of Service. (a) The vice-mayor has all the powers and duties of the mayor when the mayor or mayor pro tempore are absent or unable to act.
(b) The council shall meet as soon as new council members take office after a general municipal election to choose one of its members to serve as mayor pro tempore and one of its members to serve as vice-mayor.
(c) Any person who has held the office of member of the city council for eight consecutive years two consecutive terms shall not be eligible to hold such office until at ORDINANCE NO. 26-Xx Page 2 of 3
least two years have passed since such person last held such office. In no event shall any person be eligible to serve as a member of the city council for more than eight consecutive years two consecutive terms. An appointed term shall only count as a term for the purposes of this subdivision if it is for a period of more than two years. (d) In the event that the office of mayor is separately elected from the city council, any person who has held any combination of the offices of member of the city council and mayor for eight consecutive years two consecutive terms shall no longer be eligible to hold either the office of member of the city council or the office of mayor until at least two years have passed since such person last served in either capacity. In no event shall any person be eligible to serve in any combination of member of the city council and mayor for more than eight consecutive years two consecutive terms. An appointed term shall only count as a term for the purposes of this subdivision if it is for a period of more than two years.
(e) Any sitting mayor or member of the city council already in office at the time of the adoption of the limitations described in subsections (c) ,(d) and (f) of this section, or elected at any election concurrent with the adoption of the limitations described in subsections (c), (d) and (f) of this section, shall be considered to be in their first four-year term for the purpose of computing years terms of consecutive service. (f) Upon election, the mayor shall serve for a term of four years.” SECTION 3. This Ordinance is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) under Section 15061(b)(3) of the CEQA Guidelines, which provides that CEQA only applies to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where, as here, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question would have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA.
SECTION 4. Any provision of the Ridgecrest Municipal Code or appendices thereto inconsistent with the provisions of this Ordinance, to the extent of such inconsistencies and no further, is hereby repealed or modified to the extent necessary to implement the provisions of his Ordinance.
SECTION 5. If any section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Ordinance, or any part thereof is for any reason held to be invalid or unconstitutional by a decision of any court of competent jurisdiction, such decision shall not affect the validity of the remaining portions of this Ordinance or any part thereof. The City Council hereby declares that it would have passed each section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase thereof, irrespective of the fact that any one or more section, subsection, subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase would be subsequently declared invalid or unconstitutional.
ORDINANCE NO. 26-Xx Page 3 of 3
SECTION 6. 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 upon certification of the June 2, 2026 election results by Kern County and City of Ridgecrest and only to the extent that either, or both proposed measures are approved by the voters. .
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED by the City Council of the City of Ridgecrest at the regular meeting of this ___ day of _______________, 2026.
Travis Endicott, Mayor
ATTEST:
Ricca Charlon, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
_
Martin Koczanowicz, City Attorney
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