Meeting



Tuesday, September 10, 2024
Regular Meeting – 1:30 PM

The City Clerk/Agency/Authority Secretary hereby declares the agenda was posted
by 5:00 p.m. on September 06, 2024
at the entrance to  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 Member 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.
 
LEVINE ACT/GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 84308
Parties to any proceeding involving a license, permit, or other entitlement for use pending before the City Council must disclose any campaign contribution over $250 (aggregated) within the preceding 12 months made by the party, their agent, and those required to be aggregated with their contributions under Gov. Code Section 82015.5. The disclosure must include the amount contributed and the name(s) of the contributor(s). 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. “G.C. Section 84308: Yes” on this agenda indicates that the item is subject to these regulations.
 

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
Jordan Corlew, Grace Chapel

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
 

COUNCIL ACTIONS
 
CONSENT CALENDAR
CC 1.
Waive further reading of any proposed ordinance. (This permits reading the title only in lieu of reciting the entire text.)      
CC 2.
Approve the City Council/Successor Agency/Financing/Power Authority Regular Meeting Minutes of August 27, 2024.      
CC 3.
Capital Improvement Program Appropriation for the Lancaster Energy Incubator Renovation Project    Recommendation(s):

Appropriate $30,500.00 to account 50149900.8000 project string CP11BS047, which includes advertisement ($500) and city engineering offset costs ($30,000). Appropriate $44,275.00 to account 50199900.8000 project string CP11BS047 to cover the engineering services from Duke Engineering. The total appropriation is $74,775.00 from fund balance and authorize the City Manager to execute all related documents. 

Lancaster Energy (LE) is a forward-thinking organization dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions and innovative technologies to combat climate change. LE’s mission includes developing cutting-edge renewable energy systems, enhancing energy efficiency, and promoting a greener future. Renovating the Incubator would not only reflect our commitment to sustainability, but it would also create a modern, inspiring workspace that fosters creativity and collaboration among the team. A modern office would reinforce LE’s brand as an industry leader and provide a functional environment tailored to our dynamic operations. 



CC 4.
Acceptance of Public Works Construction Project No. 22-011 – 2022 Annual Thermoplastic Refresh Program    Recommendation(s):
Accept the work constructed by Sterndahl Enterprises, LLC., for Public Works Construction Project No. 22-011, 2022 Annual Thermoplastic Refresh 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 project was a maintenance effort to refresh approximately twenty-one (21) roadway miles of fading long line striping throughout the City.

CC 5.
Accept Lo​s Angeles County Region Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) Measure A Grant    Recommendation(s):
A. Accept $1,328,747.27 in Los Angeles County RPOSD Measure A grant funds to revenue account 210.6990.4998.

B. Appropriate Los Angeles County RPOSD Measure A grant funds in the amount of $1,328,747.27 to expenditure account 210.6990.5656.

In November 2016, Los Angeles County voters approved the Los Angeles County Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks, Open Space, Beaches, Rivers Protection, and Water Conservation Measure (Measure A). Funding through the program is generated in perpetuity through the collection of a parcel tax. Measure A provides the City of Lancaster with formula-based annual allocations, which can be utilized for park improvement projects.  

 

CC 6.
Accept Los Angeles County Local Solutions Funds (Measure H)    Recommendation(s):

1.      Accept Los Angeles County Local Solutions Funds (Measure H) in the amount of $1,499,314.00 to revenue account 20230000.4998

2.      Funds in the amount of $1,499,314.00 were previously appropriated to FY25 budget to expenditure account #20230000.5656. Funds to be used in the implementation of the Local Solutions Funds (Measure H) programs/projects.

3.      Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute all contracts, amendments, and associated documents, including memoranda of agreement, and other agreements necessary or appropriate to implement and expend up to $1,499,314.00 in accordance with the Funding Agreement Between County of Los Angeles and the City of Lancaster for Homeless Services Contract Number HI-23-004, Amendment One, subject to City Attorney approval.


4.     Authorize the City Manager or his designee to accept future Los Angeles County Local Solution Funds pursuant to Funding Agreement Between County of Los Angeles and the City of Lancaster for Homeless Services Contract Number HI-23-004, and execute all future contracts, amendments, and associated documents, including memoranda of agreement, and other agreements necessary or appropriate to implement and expend all future appropriations up to the amount awarded to the City by Los Angeles County, in accordance with the Funding Agreement Between County of Los Angeles and the City of Lancaster for Homeless Services Contract Number HI-23-004, subject to City Attorney approval.

In 2017 the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approved Measure H funding allocations in support of the County’s Homeless Initiative strategies to prevent and combat homelessness in the County.  In 2017, the City was awarded Measure H funding specifically to develop a plan to address homelessness within the City, which allowed the City to qualify for future funding opportunities.    



CC 7.
Award Contract for Request for Proposal 831-24 Parks and Facilities Landscape Services to Landscape Connection Group Inc.    Recommendation(s):

1. Award contract for Request for Proposal (RFP) 831-24 Parks and Facilities Landscape Services to Landscape Connection Group Inc. in the amount of $811,832, plus 5% contingency, for landscape services for FY25.

2. Find that this item is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act.

3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to sign all documents, including up to two 1-year extensions.

The City of Lancaster maintains the landscape of fourteen parks, eleven facilities, and ten community homes.  Services covered under this proposal include, but are not limited to mowing, edging, pruning, planter maintenance, general site clean-up, weed control, pest control, fertilizing, and aerating.
 

CC 8.
Check Registers – August 11, 2024, through August 24, 2024.    Recommendation(s):
Approve the Check and Wire Registers for payments made August 11, 2024, through August 24, 2024, in the amount of $3,621,903.86 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 and paid by the City for the purchase of materials, supplies, services, and capital projects during the prior three to four weeks.

PUBLIC HEARING
PH 1.
Public Hearing for City Council consideration to receive comments and file the 2023-2024 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)    Recommendation(s):
1. Conduct a public hearing and upon accepting public testimony concerning housing and community development needs, priority non-housing community development needs, proposed strategies and actions for affirmatively furthering fair housing, the development of proposed activities, and review of program performance, proposals and questions;

2. Approve the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) prepared for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to report on specific Federal housing assistance and community development activities undertaken by the City during the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024; and

3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute any documents necessary to submit the CAPER, along with any comments received during the public hearing and public comment period to HUD.

Federal regulations require the City to prepare an annual report called the CAPER. The 2023-2024 CAPER is a federally mandated informational assessment report of activities implemented with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) grant funds to address the needs of low- and moderate-income residents.

NEW BUSINESS
NB 1.
Professional Services Agreement for Community Preservation Consulting & Supplementary Services – Willdan    Recommendation(s):
1. Approve a Professional Services Agreement for as-needed services with Willdan for Community Preservation Consulting & Supplementary Services for a three-year term and up to two optional one-year extensions.

2. Annual task orders will be for an amount not-to-exceed $704,000, with a grand total not to exceed $3,520,000 for the entirety of the contract.

3. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to finalize and execute all related documents, including up to two one-year extensions upon confirming satisfactory performance during the initial term.

The City of Lancaster has recently transitioned the Community Preservation team, formerly known as Code Enforcement, from the Lancaster Police Department to the Community Development Department.  With this transition comes a new opportunity to augment Community Preservation services within the City, with an emphasis on enhancing public safety, boosting property values, and enriching aesthetics.

NB 2.
Professional Services Agreement for Community Preservation Consulting & Supplementary Services – 4LEAF, Inc.    Recommendation(s):
1. Approve a Professional Services Agreement for as-needed services with 4LEAF, Inc. for Community Preservation Consulting & Supplementary Services for a three-year term and up to two optional one-year extensions.

2. Annual task orders will be for an amount not-to-exceed $704K, with a grand total not to exceed $3,520,000 for the entirety of the contract.

3. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to finalize and execute all related documents, including up to two one-year extensions upon confirming satisfactory performance during the initial term.

The City of Lancaster has recently transitioned the Community Preservation team, formerly known as Code Enforcement, from the Lancaster Police Department to the Community Development Department.  With this transition comes a new opportunity to augment Community Preservation services within the City, with an emphasis on enhancing public safety, boosting property values, and enriching aesthetics.

COUNCIL REPORTS
CR 1.
Council Reports   
LANCASTER FINANCING AUTHORITY
No action required at this time.    
LANCASTER POWER AUTHORITY
No action required at this time.    
LANCASTER SUCCESSOR AGENCY
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) - four potential cases.

2.         Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation: consideration
            of initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code
            Section 54956.9(d) (4) – four 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.         Brisa Mahoney, et al. v. City of Lancaster, et al., LASC Case No. 2OSTCV02556

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

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

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

9.         Castro v. Lancaster

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

11.       Perez v. Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23AVCV00577
  
12.       City of Whittier v. Superior Court, LASC Case No. 23 STCP03579   

ADJOURNMENT
Next Regular Meeting:
October 08, 2024 at 1:30 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.