New policies, crossing approved

New Airport Lease Policy

Back in February, in order to comply with FAA requirements, the Tehachapi City Council approved the Municipal Airport Hanger and Inspection Policy with the inspections to be completed during the months of June and July. Inspections were to verify that the hangers were being used for aviation purposes and not used as storage units and to check for safety equipment like fire extinguishers, and the storage of hazardous materials. Inspectors also checked to be sure leases were in order and subleases and insurance documentation were up to date.

The majority of the 85 hangers were found to be in compliance with some minor violations, most of which have been rectified. Three hanger owners did not show up for their inspection and one owner of seven hangers refused to allow the inspections. Two were found to be used for other than aviation uses and three were unoccupied. Councilman Kenneth Hetge, who did not attend the meeting, would have had to recuse himself from the discussion and vote in accordance with letters received from the California Fair Political Practices Committee.

The City Council approved two additions to the inspection policy. Any hanger tenant passing two successful annual inspections will be allowed to have inspections every third year. Also, an inspection will be required within 30 days of any new lease or sublease.

Emergency services requisition

Following the recent earthquakes in Ridgecrest, the City Council voted to designate those members of City government who will be authorized to request disaster assistance and recovery efforts from the government. Those designated are the mayor, City Manager, public works director and the finance director.

New pedestrian crossings

Development Services Director Jay Schlosser announced that two new improved pedestrian crossing projects are in the planning phase. In August of 2018 the City applied for a Cycle 9 Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) grant to support the project. The project was approved and can now be designed.

One crossing will be on the corner of Valley Blvd. at Mill St. and the other one in the middle of the block on Curry St. in front of Tompkins Elementary School. Both locations exhibit an exceptional amount of pedestrian traffic. Planned improvements include solar powered flashing signs, handicap accessible ramps, curbs, signing and striping.

Tehachapi City Council meetings are held the first and third Monday of the month at 6 p.m. in the Wells Education Center, 300 S. Robinson St., Tehachapi.