City Council Meeting 3/4/2026

The City Council meeting of Ridgecrest on March 4, 2026, included several procurement-related discussions and approvals. The council approved an amendment to a professional services agreement with Fluwelling and Moody, Inc. related to the pool complex and senior center, formalizing previously authorized scope changes to enable payment. They also approved a budget allocation from a special fund to install a mini split air conditioning unit in the snack bar at the Leroy Jackson softball fields, following receipt of three estimates and agreement from the local softball organization. Additionally, the council held a public hearing and approved the annual application for the 2026-2027 Kern County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, with an allocation of $88,740. Other agenda items included updates to the community and economic development manager job description to reflect supervisory responsibilities over code enforcement officers, and appointments to council committees related to Measure V and Measure P oversight. Public comments focused heavily on concerns about the city's use of AI-powered surveillance cameras from Flock Safety, with calls for contract termination due to data privacy and security issues. No votes were taken on this matter during the meeting. Overall, the meeting addressed contract amendments, budget appropriations for capital improvements, grant applications, and personnel role clarifications, reflecting ongoing city operational and procurement activities.