Meeting



Tuesday, March 25, 2025
Regular Meeting – 1:30 PM

The City Clerk/Agency/Authority Secretary hereby declares the agenda was posted
by 5:00 p.m. on March 21, 2025
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).  “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/California Choice Energy Authority

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

INVOCATION
Jeremy Johnson, Grace Resources

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
 

PRESENTATIONS
 

1.
Presentation on Stadium Renovation
Presenter: Trolis Niebla, City Manager   
2.
Destination Lancaster Presentation
Presenter: Mark Hemstreet   
3.
Senate District 23’s Women of the Year Recognition
Presenter: Trolis Niebla, City Manager   
4.
Measure LC Presentation
Presenter: George Harris, Senior Director-Admin Services    
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 March 11, 2025.         
CC 3.
Check Registers – February 23 through March 08, 2025.    Recommendation(s):
Approve the Check and Wire Registers for payments made February 23, 2025, through March 08, 2025, in the amount of $9,359,814.39 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.

CC 4.
Monthly Reports of Investments – February 2025.    Recommendation(s):
Accept and approve the February 2025 Monthly Report of Investments as submitted.

Each month, the Finance Department prepares a report listing the investments for all separate entities under the jurisdiction of the City as identified in the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

 

CC 5.
Approval of the 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report and the 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report    Recommendation(s):
1. Approve the 2024 General Plan Annual Progress Report and the 2024 Housing Element Annual Progress Report.

The General Plan and Housing Element APRs describe the progress of the City’s ongoing efforts to implement and assess identified goals, policies and objectives in the General Plan and Housing Element. Demonstration of ongoing compliance with State-required reporting ensures that the City maintains eligibility and competitiveness for ongoing grant funding opportunities that may help to implement these goals and policies.
 

CC 6.
2024 Sewer Collection System Annual Report    Recommendation(s):
Accept the 2024 Sanitary Sewer Collection System Annual Report.

The attached Sewer Collection System Annual Report provides detailed information regarding the system's growth and characteristics over the past year, and outlines the accomplishments of the Public Works – Utilities Services Division regarding operations and maintenance of the City's sewer system.  

CC 7.
Award of Bid and Task Order for Multi-Year Professional Services (Service Group Category 16 - Labor Compliance) - PWCP 21-002 – Park-and-Ride Parking Lot Refurbishment    Recommendation(s):
1.   Award Public Works Construction Project (PWCP) 21-002, Park-and-Ride Parking Lot Refurbishment, to Addison-Miller, Inc. of Orange, California, in the amount of $1,935,111.33 plus a 10% contingency, to refurbish the existing parking lots at the six (6) park-and-ride locations within the City of Lancaster and authorize City Manager, or his designee, to sign all documents in accordance with California Public Contract Code Section 22038(b).

2. Find the City has complied with the California Environmental Quality Act. A Notice of Exemption was filed on May 24, 2024.

3. Authorize Task Order expenditure amount of $19,351.11 plus a 5% contingency for labor compliance services award to the successful firm in Multi-Year Professional Services Agreement, Service Group Category (SGC) 16 - Labor Compliance.

The proposed project is funded by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority, Prop A funds. This project will include resurfacing existing parking lots, installing new striping, markings and signage, ADA parking stalls, and access at the park-and-ride locations.


CC 8.
Acceptance of Public Works Construction Project No. 23-004 – Edgeline Refresh Program HSIPSL-5419(065)    Recommendation(s):
Accept the work constructed by Sterndahl Enterprises, LLC, for Public Works Construction Project (PWCP) No. 23-004, Edgeline Refresh Program HSIPSL-5419(065), 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).

This project provided for the refresh of roadway edgelines with thermoplastic material at eight (8) segments within Lancaster city limits.


CC 9.
Mariposa Park Outdoor Fitness Equipment Project Notice of Completion (NOC)    Recommendation(s):
Accept the Capital Improvement Project No. CP11ZZ014.CONST – Mariposa Park Outdoor Fitness Equipment Project as complete and direct the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion for the project.

The California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services awarded grant funds in the amount of $123.294 for the installation of concrete pads and the purchase of outdoor exercise equipment from the Greenfields Outdoor Fitness, which was installed in-house by City of Lancaster Staff with oversite by a Greenfields Outdoor Fitness supervisor on February 5, 2025.

CC 10.
Purchase and Sale Agreement with First Baptist Church of Lancaster    Recommendation(s):
1. Find the project categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act and authorize staff to execute and file a Notice of Exemption.

2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee, with the concurrence of the City Attorney, to negotiate, finalize and execute the Purchase and Sale Agreement and all related documents.

Desert Christian Schools recently announced plans to move their high school campus to a larger site at City Church in Lancaster. The new location offers additional amenities, room for future growth, and greater proximity to their main campus.  This transition creates an exciting opportunity for the City to purchase the existing high school campus and establish a new City-owned and operated facility, coined “Mid-Town Education Center”, envisioned as a welcoming space where residents of all ages can connect, learn, and thrive.


CC 11.
Amending Employee Classification and Compensation Schedule and Reclassification of open position from Analyst to Assistant Director    Recommendation(s):
Adopt Resolution No. 25-_____, amending Resolution 25-XX, establishing a compensation schedule for various classifications of employees of the City of Lancaster and establishing the following changes:

              • Reclass and appropriate funds for existing open position in the City Manager’s Office
              • Analyst to Assistant Director for City Manager’s Officer
              • Appropriate $18,600 in funds for the increase in pay from Analyst to Assistant Director for the remainder of the fiscal year
 
The City of Lancaster is dedicated to fostering innovation and advancing renewable hydrogen technologies. To lead these efforts, Jason Caudle was appointed CEO of Lancaster Energy, where he oversees day-to-day operations.  With the City’s partnership with H2 and the transition of personnel the reclassification of Analyst to Assistant Director is the determined need of the City Manager.  This position will fill a key leadership role, assisting the City Manager, and ensuring the continued growth and development of all current and future city initiatives.


PUBLIC HEARING


 

PH 1.
Citywide Fee Schedule Amendment to Approve Proposed Memorial Bench Program Fees    Recommendation:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-____, establishing fees for the City’s Memorial Bench Program.  
2. Establish a revenue project 6000BENCH.BENCHFEE (account 10160099.4713) for the Memorial Bench Program 
3. Establish an expenditure project 6000BENCH.RPRS&MAINT (account 10160099.5790) for the Memorial Bench Program.

The Memorial Bench Program will allow individuals to dedicate a bench in memory of a loved one. Each bench is personalized and placed in a city park, with locations determined by City staff based on suitability and availability. This program aligns with the City’s commitment to enhancing public spaces while offering residents a lasting tribute to those they wish to commemorate. 

NEW BUSINESS


 

NB 1.
Introduce and Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. __ to the Lancaster Municipal Code approving the updated Lancaster Police Department's Military Equipment Use Policy    Recommendation(s):
Introduce and adopt Urgency Ordinance No.____ to the Lancaster Municipal Code approving the updated Lancaster Police Department’s Military Equipment Use Policy.

Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 481 on September 30, 2021, which aims to regulate the financing, procurement, and utilization of "military equipment" by law enforcement agencies in California. AB 481 is a state requirement that all agencies disclose the purchase or intent to purchase certain listed equipment available to Law Enforcement agencies from the federal government as military surplus.

COUNCIL REPORTS


 

CR1.
Council Reports   

LANCASTER HOUSING AUTHORITY
 

No action is required at this time.    

LANCASTER FINANCING AUTHORITY
 

No action is required at this time.    

LANCASTER POWER AUTHORITY
 

No action is required at this time.    

LANCASTER SUCCESSOR AGENCY
 

No action is 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:
April 08, 2025 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.