Meeting

AMENDED


Tuesday, April 8, 2025
Regular Meeting – 1:30 PM

The City Clerk/Agency/Authority Secretary hereby declares the agenda was posted
by 6:30 p.m. on April 04, 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/Housing/Power Authority

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

INVOCATION
David McCoy, Grace Chapel

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
 

PRESENTATIONS
 

1.
APWA High Desert Branch 2024 Best Use in Technology Award
Presenter: Marissa Diaz   
2.
CPRS Award of Excellence
Presenter: Sonya Patterson, Director-Parks, Arts, Recreation, & Community Services    

HOUSING AUTHORITY - CONSENT CALENDAR
 

HA CC 1.
Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Affordable Housing Solutions & Development of Southern California, LLC.    Recommendation(s):
1. Approve the Second Amendment to the Affordable Housing Solutions & Development of Southern California, LCC Professional Services Agreement extending the term of the agreement by one (1) year for a total of five (5) years, increasing the annual not-to-exceed amount to $165,000 for the remainder of the contract, for a total contract amount not-to-exceed of $605,200, and updating and expanding the services to be provided to include those listed in Exhibit A.
2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to finalize and execute all documents related to the Amendment.

In May 2022, the City entered into an agreement with consultant Affordable Housing Solutions (AHS) following a Request for Proposals (RFP) process to procure technical assistance services related to affordable housing projects, programs, and funding sources. Examples of services provided to-date by AHS have included assistance with drafting Requests for Proposals consistent with the requirements of former state Redevelopment Law (RDA) and the state Surplus Land Act (SLA), providing technical services and assistance to draft and carry out Disposition & Development Agreements, monitoring emerging funding sources and Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) schedules, preparing funding applications to state and federal sources, and providing expert advice to support miscellaneous programs and projects.

HA CC 2.
Lease Agreement for 45404 and 45356 Division St.    Recommendation(s):

1.Approve lease agreement renewal for real property, located at 45404 Division St., to the Boys & Girls Club of the Antelope Valley through April 30, 2028.

2. Approve lease agreement for real property, located at 45356 Division St., to Boys & Girls Clubs of the Antelope Valley through April 30, 2028.

3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to sign all documents related to the lease agreement(s) and all amendments, including amendments to extend the term, subject to City Attorney approval.

The Boys & Girls Club of the Antelope Valley (AVBGC) has been a vital community resource since 1991, providing mentorship, academic support, and social-emotional guidance for local youth. Their current lease at 45404 Division St. with the Lancaster Housing Authority is set to expire on April 30, 2025. In 2024, AVBGC served 5,507 registered members, with 88% qualifying for free or reduced lunch, and employed 410 Youth Development Professionals.With the recent termination of Cal State University Long Beach’s lease at 45356 Division St., AVBGC is proposing to lease this property to expand their services, particularly for foster youth and those experiencing housing insecurity. The expansion would allow AVBGC to serve an additional 400 young people through academic support, career readiness, and mentorship programs. The facility will include a state-of-the-art tech lab and provide community resources such as an on-site food pantry.



HA CC 3.
Initial Cost Recovery Program from Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board for HNR-3    Recommendation(s):
1. Approve the Initial Cost Recovery Program from Lahontan Water Quality Control Board (LRWQCB) (Exhibit A)
2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to finalize and execute all documents related to the Initial Cost Recovery Program.

The Housing Authority owns Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization -3 (HNR-3), which consists of twenty (20) parcels of land totaling approximately 5.7 acres on the southwest corner of West Avenue I and Sierra Highway in a residential/commercial area of Lancaster. Prior to the City’s acquisition, HNR-3 was developed with residences, retail businesses, gas stations, and automobile repair facilities. All the previous structures were demolished approximately between 2003 and 2011. HNR-3 is currently vacant and unpaved.

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 25, 2025.      
CC 3.
Check Registers – March 09, through March 22, 2025.    Recommendation(s):
Approve the Check and Wire Registers for payments made March 09, 2025, through March 22, 2025, in the amount of $4,153,292.26 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.
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 16-06 - Acceptance of Improvements (Streets)    Recommendation(s):
Approve the developer-constructed streets on the following project.  In addition, accept the streets for maintenance by the City and for public use.

Project                                                             Location/Owner
Conditional Use Permit No. 16-06                 Northwest Corner of 20th Street West and Avenue J
                                                                        Owner: Extram, LLC

Street improvements are approved by the City in order to exonerate the Developer’s Undertaking Agreement and release improvement securities. The street improvements for this project have been constructed and completed according to the approved plans and specifications.

CC 5.
Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 18-26 - Acceptance of Improvements (Water)    Recommendation(s):
Approve the completed water system installed by the developer for the following project:

Project                                                             Location/Owner
Conditional Use Permit No. 18-26                 West of Sahuayo Street,
                                                                        335 feet North of East Avenue K-4
                                                                        Owner: Imagine Village II, LP

The water system for this project has been constructed and completed to the satisfaction of the local water purveyor, Los Angeles County Waterworks District 40-04, Antelope Valley, and was constructed according to the approved plans and specifications.
 

CC 6.
Final Map Approval – Tract Map No. 062664 (Located on the Southeast Corner of 40th Street East and Avenue M-4)    Recommendation(s):
Approve the map and accept the dedications as offered on Tract Map No. 062664 located on the southeast corner of 40th Street East and Avenue M-4; make findings that this project will not violate any of the provisions of Sections 66473.5, 66474.1 and 66474.6 of the Subdivision Map Act; and instruct the City Clerk to endorse on the face of the map the certificate which embodies the approval of said map and the dedications shown thereon.

On November 21, 2016, the City of Lancaster Planning Commission approved Tentative Tract Map No. 062664 for the subdivision of land into 30 single-family residential lots in the Semi-Rural Residential (SRR) zoning designation. On November 28, 2022, the City of Lancaster Community Development Department approved the modifications to the Tentative Tract Map.

CC 7.
Final Map Approval – Tract Map No. 74966-01 (Located on the Northeast Corner of Avenue J and 42nd Street West)    Recommendation(s):
Approve the map and accept the dedications as offered on Tract Map No. 74966-01 located on the northeast corner of Avenue J and 42nd Street West; make findings that this project will not violate any of the provisions of Sections 66473.5, 66474.1 and 66474.6 of the Subdivision Map Act; and instruct the City Clerk to endorse on the face of the map the certificate which embodies the approval of said map and the dedications shown thereon.
 
On February 24, 2020, the City of Lancaster Planning Commission approved Tentative Tract Map No. 74966 for the subdivision of land into 67 single-family residential lots in the R-7,000 zoning designation. On October 9, 2024, the City of Lancaster Community Development Department approved Director’s Review No. 24-040 and Tentative Tract Map No. 74966 Phasing Plan and Matrix. Tract Map No. 74966-01 provides for the subdivision of land into 24 lots.


CC 8.
Approval of Nutanix annual licensing, maintenance, and support.    Recommendation(s):
Approve the annual licensing, maintenance and support for Nutanix Hyperconverged Infrastructure.

The City of Lancaster utilizes Nutanix Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI) for our server and data storage needs. Nutanix HCI is a combination of servers and storage built into a distributed infrastructure platform with intelligent software to create flexible building blocks that replace legacy infrastructure consisting of separate servers, storage networks, and storage arrays.  This eliminates common pain points associated with legacy infrastructure and allows for greater flexibility in computing resources as well as exceptional efficiency. Nutanix HCI has been employed with the City since 2017 and City IT staff want to continue the relationship with Nutanix for the foreseeable future. The proposed support and licensing agreement provides the City with hardware and software support to ensure the City’s data center hardware and applications are available and operational with limited interruptions.

CC 9.
Amendment to California Department of Housing and Community Development Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program Resolution    Recommendation(s):
1. Adopt Resolution No._____ amending Resolution No. 24-32 to remove Jason Caudle’s name and replace it with “City Manager”. No additional modifications are required.

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

On June 25, 2024, the City Council authorized staff to apply for the 2022 PLHA funds. This report seeks City Council consideration regarding the approval of an amendment to Resolution 24-32, requesting the removal of Jason Caudle’s name to replace it with “City Manager.” No additional modifications are required.

CC 10.
Adoption of the 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP)    Recommendation(s):
Adopt Resolution No._____ approving the 2025 Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) for final FEMA approval. By adopting the LHMP, the City will maintain compliance with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)  requirements, ensuring continued eligibility for federal hazard mitigation and disaster relief funding; establish a foundation for future action to incorporate the LHMP into the Safety Element; strengthen hazard mitigation planning to reduce disaster risks in the community.
 
The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires state and local governments to develop and maintain a Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) to qualify for certain types of federal disaster assistance. The LHMP identifies risks, vulnerabilities, and mitigation actions to reduce the impact of disasters on the community. The City has completed an update to its LHMP, which has been reviewed and approved by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as "approvable pending adoption."


CC 11.
Approval of Sewer System Management Plan Update    Recommendation(s):
Approve the Sewer System Management Plan Update, and authorize the Director of Public Works, or her designee, to certify via the State established electronic reporting system known as California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS). 

On May 2, 2006, the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB) adopted General Order No. 2006-0003-DWQ (2006 Order), which established General Waste Discharge Requirements (WDRs) for all publicly owned or operated sanitary sewer systems within the State of California. The WDRs require that owners and operators of sewer collection systems report sewer spills in the California Integrated Water Quality System (CIWQS), an electronic reporting system developed by the SWRCB, and develop and implement a Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP) with the goal of reducing sewer spills.

 

CC 12.
Approval of Update to the City of Lancaster Emergency Operations Plan    Recommendation(s):
Adopt Resolution No._____, approving the updated City of Lancaster Emergency Operations Plan (EOP) and authorizing its implementation.  The updated EOP was developed in collaboration with City departments, emergency response agencies, and community stakeholders, and aligns with the City’s Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) to ensure a comprehensive approach to disaster resilience. Further, direct the mayor to sign the EOP Promulgation Letter, affirming the City’s adoption and commitment to the plan’s execution, as well as the Concurrence Page, signifying the City’s agreement to coordinate response efforts with regional, state, and federal partners.
 
The current City of Lancaster’s EOP was created and approved in 2011. This update provides the framework for coordinated response and recovery efforts during emergencies and disasters.  Periodic updates are necessary to ensure alignment with state and federal regulations, including the Standardized Emergency Management System (SEMS), the National Incident Management System (NIMS), guidance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), and the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES).


CC 13.
Update to the City of Lancaster Local Hazard Mitigation Plan    Recommendation(s):
Adopt Resolution No._____ approving the updated Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) for final Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) approval. By adopting the LHMP, the City will maintain compliance with FEMA requirements, ensuring continued eligibility for federal hazard mitigation and disaster relief funding; establish a foundation for future action to incorporate the LHMP into the Safety Element; strengthen hazard mitigation planning to reduce disaster risks in the community.

The Federal Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 requires state and local governments to develop and maintain an LHMP to qualify for certain types of federal disaster assistance. The current LHMP was created and approved in 2019. The LHMP identifies risks, vulnerabilities, and mitigation actions to reduce the impact of disasters on the community. The City has completed an update to its LHMP, which has been reviewed and approved by FEMA as "approvable pending adoption." Formal adoption by the City Council is required for FEMA’s final approval.

CC 14.
Designation of an Independent Hearing Officer to Hear Appeals of Orders, Decisions, and/or Determinations of the City Building Official    Recommendation(s):
Adopt Resolution No._____ designating an independent hearing officer to hear appeals of orders, decisions, and/or determinations of the City Building Official.

Chapter 15.04 of the Lancaster Municipal Code authorizes the City Building Official to enforce the California Building Code as adopted and/or amended by the City.  Under this chapter, property owners are granted the right to appeal decisions made by the Building Official.  To ensure due process and maintain impartiality in administrative hearings, staff recommends the designation of an independent hearing officer.  This action will establish a consistent and transparent process for hearing appeals related to enforcement actions or determinations made by the Building Official. The independent hearing officer will be responsible for conducting fair and unbiased hearings and rendering decisions in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.  The proposed resolution formally designates an independent hearing officer to hear all such appeals.  This designation enhances the City’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and fair administration of its municipal codes.

CC 15.
Agreement with Antelope Valley Soccer, LLC Regarding Use of City Owned Parcels for Parking    Recommendation(s):
Authorize the City Manager or his designee, with the concurrence of the City Attorney, to negotiate, finalize and execute an agreement for a term not to exceed three years with Antelope Valley Soccer, LLC regarding the use of City owned parcels around the Lancaster Municipal Stadium for parking.

Historically, events held at Lancaster Municipal Stadium have drawn crowds that exceed the venue’s available parking. With no street parking nearby, attendees often park in surrounding areas, including private business lots and undeveloped parcels near the stadium.  Until construction begins, the City is looking to partner with Antelope Valley Soccer, LLC to allow parking on city owned lots near the stadium. Since these lots have been informally used for parking in the past, this agreement would provide a structured approach that will generate revenue while ensuring there is appropriate and adequate insurance coverage.

PUBLIC HEARING


 

PH 1.
Public Hearing and Adoption of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Five-Year Consolidated Plan (2025-2029) and the One-Year Action Plan (2025-2026) for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME).    Recommendation(s):
  1. Approve and adopt the draft Five Year Consolidated Plan (2025-2029) for the CDBG and HOME Programs.
  2. Approve and adopt the draft FY 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan for the CDBG and HOME Programs.
  3. Approve the proposed methodology for distributing funds should the City’s 2025-2026 CDBG and HOME annual allocations increase or decrease.
  4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, including subrecipient agreements, subject to City Attorney approval.

The City has been a recipient of CDBG entitlement funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development since 1986 and began receiving HOME funds in 2020. To continue receiving these allocations, the City must prepare and submit a new Five-Year Consolidated Plan, which establishes a unified, strategic vision for housing, community, and economic development actions.
 


NEW BUSINESS


 

NB 1.
“Shop. Drive. Earn.” Economic Incentive Program    Recommendation:
1. Adopt Resolution No._____ confirming the “Shop. Drive. Earn.” Economic Incentive Program as a valid municipal affair.

2. Appropriate $500,000.00 from General Fund to 101.24000.5312 Special Activity Supplies to administer the program.

Lancaster’s City Council has always been supportive of the local business community. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the City Council remained steadfast in its commitment to creating and supporting a thriving economy. During that time, several award winning programs were developed that supported local business operations, including Operation Jump Start, Stand Strong Business Loan Program, Stand Strong Youth Sports Loan Program, and several iterations of shop local programs that incentivized consumers to spend their dollars locally.  The “Shop. Drive. Earn.” program is designed to build on the momentum of the existing shop local initiatives and further encourage patronizing local businesses. Through this program, consumers who purchase or lease new and used vehicles from participating dealerships within Lancaster will be eligible to receive rewards through the Open Rewards app. New car purchases and leases will earn $175 rewards and used car purchases will earn $100.

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   
13. London v. Lancaster. LASC Case No. 23AVCV00950   

ADJOURNMENT
Next Regular Meeting:
May 13, 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.