Meeting



Tuesday, February 27, 2024
Regular Meeting – 5:00 PM

The City Clerk/Agency/Authority Secretary hereby declares the agenda was posted
by 5:00 p.m. on February 23, 2024
at the main entrance to the Lancaster City Hall 
44933 Fern Avenue, Lancaster, CA 93534


LEGISLATIVE BODY

City Council/Successor Agency/Financing/Power Authority

Mayor/Chair R. Rex Parris
Vice Mayor/Vice Chair Marvin Crist
Council Member/Agency Director/Authority Lauren Hughes-Leslie
Council Member/Agency Director/Authority Member Raj Malhi
Council Member/Agency Director/Authority Member Ken Mann















 
AGENDA ITEMS TO BE REMOVED
Sometimes it is necessary to remove items from the agenda. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you.
 
PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR - AGENDIZED ITEMS
Any person who would like to address the Legislative Bodies on any agendized item is requested to complete a speaker card for the City Clerk/Agency/Authority Secretary and identify the agenda item you would like to discuss.   Each person will be given an opportunity to address the Legislative Body at the time such item is discussed. Speaker cards are available at the rear of the Council Chambers and your speaker card must be filled out prior to the agenda item being called.  We respectfully request that you fill the cards out completely and print as clearly as possible.  Following this procedure will allow for a smooth and timely process for the meeting and we appreciate your cooperation.  Individual speakers are limited to three (3) minutes each.

 
Consent Calendar items under the Legislative Body may be acted upon with one motion, a second and the vote. If you desire to speak on an item or items on the Consent Calendar, you may fill out one speaker card for the Consent Calendar. You will be given three minutes, unless a different time limit is announced, to address your concerns before the Legislative Body takes action on the Consent Calendar.
 

CALL TO ORDER
City Council/Successor Agency/Financing/Power Authority

ROLL CALL
City Council Members /Agency Directors /Authority Members: Hughes-Leslie, Malhi, Mann;
Vice Mayor/ Vice Chair Crist, Mayor/Chair Parris

INVOCATION
John Meadors, Christian Life Assembly

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
 

PRESENTATIONS
 

1.
Sheriff Explorer Recognition
Presenters: Mayor R. Rex Parris & Jason Caudle, City Manager   
2.
BLVD Association Annual Report 
Presenters: Nicole Jones & Arzrun Minasyan   
3.
Voices of  Youth Mayor Recognition
Presenters: Van Roberts   
4.
Commendation for the LANCAP Team
Presenters: Mayor R. Rex Parris & Jason Caudle, City Manager    

SUCCESSOR AGENCY - CONSENT CALENDAR
 

SA CC 1.
Consideration for approval of actions in connection with Successor Agency-owned parcels related to compliance with the Surplus Land Act and a Purchase and Sale Agreement with the City of Lancaster     Recommendation(s):
1. Adopt Resolution No. ____ , declaring the following Successor Agency-owned property as “exempt surplus land” pursuant to Government Code Section 54221 (f)(1)(d).
2. Adopt Resolution No.  _____, approving the proposed purchase and sale agreements for various Successor Agency-owned properties between the Successor Agency and the City of Lancaster. 
3. Authorize the Executive Director, or his designee, to execute all related documents.

This action will effectuate the disposition of 110 of the remaining Successor Agency parcels, thus making substantial progress in the wind-down of the Successor Agency.  Staff will continue collaborating with brokers to market the remaining parcels, and will evaluate opportunities for additional transfers to the City where appropriate, based on available funding and the City’s needs.

COUNCIL ACTIONS


 

CONSENT CALENDAR


 

CC 1.
Waive further reading of any proposed ordinance. (This permit reading the title only in lieu of reciting the entire text.)      
CC 2.
Approve the City Council/Successor Agency/Financing/Power/California Choice Energy Authority Regular Meeting Minutes of February 13, 2024     
CC 3.
Check Registers – January 28, 2024, through February 10, 2024.    Recommendation(s):
Approve the Check and Wire Registers for January 28, 2024, through February 10, 2024, in the amount of $7,636,242.41 as presented.

At each regular City Council Meeting, the City Council is presented with a check and ACH/wire registers listing the financial claims (invoices) against the City for the purchase of materials, supplies, services, and capital projects issued the prior three to four weeks.

CC 4.
Adopt the Resolution No. ______ authorizing application to and participation in the Prohousing Designation Program    Recommendation(s):
Adopt the Resolution authorizing application to and participation in the Prohousing Designation Program, authorizing the City Manager or his designee to:
A. Submit a Prohousing Designation Program application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), and
B. Execute all documents deemed necessary or appropriate to participate in the Prohousing Designation Program.

The Prohousing Designation provides jurisdictions with a competitive advantage for critical affordable housing and infrastructure grant programs.

CC 5.
Disposition and Development Agreement with Diamond Development Partners, LLC    Recommendation(s):
1. Approve the Disposition and Development Agreement with Diamond Development Partners, LLC for the sale and subsequent development of one industrial parcel located in the Lancaster Business Park.

2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute (i) the Disposition and Development Agreement in substantially the form presented, subject to non-substantive changes approved by the City Manager and City Attorney; and (ii) all documents necessary or appropriate to complete the transaction.

The City acquired several prime properties within the Lancaster Business Park with the purpose of fostering quality development projects. With over six million square feet of industrial development already in the pipeline, the proposed project will offer a sought-out product that is not currently being built in the City. 

CC 6.
Acceptance of Public Works Construction Project No. 22-004 - 2022 Summer Pavement Management Program    Recommendation(s):
Accept the work constructed by C.A. Rasmussen Inc., for Public Works Construction Project No. 22-004 – 2022 Summer Pavement Management Program and direct the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion for the project. Retention on this project shall be disbursed in accordance with California Public Contract Code Section 22038(b).

The proposed project was the ninth project funded, in part, with road bond funds in addition to Proposition C funds and CalRecycle funds. The proposed project included approximately 11.5 lane-miles of roadway repair and rehabilitation in the following project areas: (1) Division Street from Avenue I to Avenue J, and (2) 20th Street West from Avenue K to Avenue L.

CC 7.
Vacation of the Public Road Easement located on 35th Street West, North of Avenue M-4, as Shown on Tract Map No. 45007, Filed in Book 1110, Pages 17 through 26 of Official Records    Recommendation(s):
Adopt Resolution No.______, declaring its intention to vacate the public Road Easement as dedicated and shown on Tract Map No. 45007, filed in Book 1110, pages 17 through 26 of Official Records and located on 35th Street West, north of Avenue M-4, in the City of Lancaster, County of Los Angeles, State of California.

Said public Road Easement was dedicated to the City on July 7, 1988.  City staff recommends to vacate the public Road Easement to prevent illegal passage and trespassing in the abutting neighborhood and private property fences.

CC 8.
Consideration for approval of actions in connection with Successor Agency-owned parcels related to compliance with the Surplus Land Act and a Purchase and Sale Agreement with the City of Lancaster     Recommendation(s):
1. Declare the following Successor Agency-owned property as “exempt surplus land” pursuant to Government Code Section 54221 (f)(1)(d).
2. Adopt Resolution No._______, approving the proposed purchase and sale agreements for various Successor Agency-owned properties between the Successor Agency and the City of Lancaster. 
3. Appropriate $540,000 from General Fund to Account No. 101-24000-8010.
4. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all related documents.

Staff will explore opportunities for infill residential projects to provide affordable housing on these sites, with a focus on home ownership programs. 

CC 9.
Approval of Contract Amount with St. Francis Electric, LLC for Streetlight and Traffic Signal Maintenance Services    Recommendation(s):
1. Increase the total amount of the five-year contract term with St. Francis Electric, LLC, of San Leandro, California, for Streetlight and Signal Maintenance Services by $4,807,020.00, for a total revised contract amount of $6,008,775.

2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to sign all documents.

Based on the criterion, the review panel determined that SFE was the most qualified firm to meet the needs of City Streetlight and Signal Maintenance Services.   
 

CC 10.
Professional Services Agreement – Ryan Michel    Recommendation(s):
  1. It is recommended that the City Council approve a Professional Services Agreement with Ryan Michel in an amount not to exceed $135,000; and
  2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute any amendments to the Agreement deemed necessary to complete the project in a form approved by the City Attorney; and 
  3. Find that this item is not a project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.

The City Manager’s Office is requesting to enter into a Professional Services Agreement and determine Ryan Michel as a Sole Source vendor for L28 Project Management Support for a (12) month agreement.  Given Ryan Michel’s extensive experience and unmatched familiarity with the City’s projects from prior engagements, there is no cost advantage in soliciting bids from other vendors.

CC 11.
Amending Employee Classification and Compensation Schedule    Recommendation(s):
Adopt Resolution No. ___________, amending Resolution 24-06, establishing a compensation schedule for the classifications of Assistant Chief of Police of the City of Lancaster.

The proposed classification and compensation changes will allow the Public Safety Department to continue transitioning into the Lancaster Police Department and provide additional law enforcement resources to aid in addressing crime and quality of life issues.

NEW BUSINESS


 

NB1.
Award Professional Services Agreement for the Development of a Public Art Master Plan    Recommendation(s):
1. Award RFP #804-24 Development of a Public Art Master Plan to RRM in the amount of $174,662 (cost plus 15% contingency).
2. Allocate $174,662 from the general fund balance to account number 101600005700 to cover the cost associated with RFP #804-24.
3. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, with non-substantive changes approved by the City Attorney.

A Public Arts Master Plan is a crucial planning document what will assist the City in expanding its current public art program, establishing additional approaches to public art, developing guidance for the City's Public Art Program, identifying resources for the support of public art throughout Lancaster, and setting priorities for public art within the City.

COUNCIL AGENDA


 

CA1.
Nomination and appointment of Vice Chair to the Planning Commission.    
COUNCIL REPORTS


 

CR1.
Council Reports   

LANCASTER HOUSING AUTHORITY
 

No action required at this time.   

LANCASTER FINANCING AUTHORITY
 

No action required at this time.   

LANCASTER POWER AUTHORITY
 

No action required at this time.   

CITY MANAGER / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANNOUNCEMENTS
 

CITY CLERK/AGENCY/AUTHORITY SECRETARY ANNOUNCEMENT
 

PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
 

This portion of the agenda allows an individual the opportunity to address the Legislative Bodies on any item NOT ON THE AGENDA regarding City/Agency/Authority business and speaker cards must be submitted prior to the beginning of this portion of the Agenda. Please complete a speaker card for the City Clerk/Agency/Authority Secretary and identify the subject you would like to address.  We respectfully request that you fill the cards out completely and print as clearly as possible. Following this procedure will allow for a smooth and timely process for the meeting and we appreciate your cooperation. State law prohibits the Legislative Body from taking action on items not on the agenda and your matter may be referred to the City Manager/Executive Director. Individual Speakers are limited to three (3) minutes each unless a different time limit is announced.    

CITY COUNCIL / AGENCY/ AUTHORITY COMMENTS
 

CLOSED SESSION
 

1.         Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation: significant
            exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code
            Section 54956.9(d) (2) - two potential cases.

2.         Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation: consideration
            of initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code
            Section 54956.9(d) (4) - two potential cases.    

3.         Conference Involving a Joint Powers Agency: Antelope Valley Air Quality
            Management District Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.96
            Discussion will concern: Antelope Valley Air Quality Management
            District v. United States Environmental Protection
            Agency, et al. 9th Cir. Case No. 23-1614 Name of local agency representative
            on joint powers agency board: Marvin Crist, Ken Mann

4.         Antelope Valley Groundwater Cases Included Action:
            Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40 v. Diamond Farming Co.
            Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Case No. BC325201;
            Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40 v. Diamond Farming Co.
            Superior Court of California, County of Kern, Case No. S-1500-CV-254-348;
            Wm. Bolthouse Farms, Inc. v. City of Lancaster, Diamond Farming Co. v.
            City of  Lancaster, Diamond Farming Co. v. Palmdale Water District
            Superior Court of California County of Riverside, consolidated actions;   
            Case Nos. RIC 353 840, RIC 344 436, RIC 344 668

5.         Estate of Guzman v. Lancaster
       
6.         Rahier v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 19AVCV00163

7.         Brisa Mahoney, et al. v. City of Lancaster, et al., LASC Case No. 2OSTCV02556

8.         Manzo v. Beazer Homes Holdings, LLC et al., LASC Case No. 20AVCV00297

9.         Hernandez v. County of Los Angeles, et al., LASC Case No. 20AVCV00318

10.       Romines v. City of Lancaster, et al,, LASC Case No. 20AVCV00345

11.       Moujan v. City of Lancaster et al., LASC Case No. 20AVCV00205

12.       Davis v. State of California, LASC Case No. 19AVCV00805

13.       Lancaster v. Netflix, et al., LASC 21STCV01881

14.       Butts v. Lancaster, LASC 21STCP00389

15.       Lancaster v. Rives

16.      Myesha Lopez, et al. v. County of Los Angeles, et al. CDCA
           Case No. 5:21-cv-00290-JGB(SHKx)

17.      Ortiz v. Lancaster, LASC Case No. 21AVCV00001

18.       Aijala v. Lancaster, LASC Case No. 21STCV07841

19.       Gardner v. Dominoids, LASC Case No. 21AVCV00186

20.       Evans v. Lancaster, LASC Case No. 21AVCV00145

21.       Bojorquez v. Lancaster, LASC Case No. 20AVCV00894

22.       Arkey v. Lancaster, LASC Case No.20AVCV00816

23.       Perez v. Lancaster, LASC Case No. 20AVCV00589

24.       Serrano v. Los Angeles County et al. LASC Case No. 21AVCV00562

25.       Jackson v. RE Schultz Construction et al. LASC Case No. 21AVCV00863

26.       Castro v. Lancaster

27.       Montenegro v. Green, LASC Case No. 22AVCV01050

28.       Carter v. Antelope Valley Fair & Event Center, LASC Case No. 23AVCV00460

29.       Perez v. Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23AVCV00577
  
30​.       ​​​​​​CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
            Property: APN 3135-024-014
            Agency negotiators: Chenin Dow and Allison Burns
            Negotiating parties: Om Sai Ram Inc.
            Under negotiation: price and terms of payment
31.       City of Whittier v. Superior Court, LASC Case No. 23 STCP03579
32.       Pedvin v. Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23STCV07921
33.       CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
             Property: 5215 W. Avenue H, Lancaster, CA
             Agency Negotiators: Chenin Dow and Allison Burns
             Negotiating parties: Camara Living Trust
             Under Negotiation: price and terms of payment   

ADJOURNMENT
Next Regular Meeting:
March 12, 2024 at 5:00 PM

MEETING ASSISTANCE INFORMATION
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, this meeting will be held at a location accessible to persons with disabilities; if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (661)723-6020. Services such as American Sign Language interpreters, a reader during the meeting, and/or large print copies of the agenda are available. To ensure availability, you are advised to make your request at least 72 hours prior to the meeting/event you wish to attend. Due to difficulties in securing sign language interpreters, five or more business days notice is strongly recommended. For additional information, please contact the City Clerk at (661)723-6020.
 
AGENDA ADDENDUM INFORMATION
On occasion items may be added after the agenda has been mailed to subscribers. Copies of the agenda addendum item will be available at the City Clerk Department and are posted with the agenda on the windows of the City Council Chambers. For more information, please call the City Clerk Department at (661) 723-6020.
 
All documents available for public review are on file with the City Clerk Department.