Meeting



Tuesday, May 13, 2025
Regular Meeting – 1:30 PM

The City Clerk/Agency/Authority Secretary hereby declares the agenda was posted
by 5:00 p.m. on May 9, 2025
at the entrance to  Lancaster City Hall 
44933 Fern Avenue, Lancaster, CA 93534


LEGISLATIVE BODY

City Council/Successor Agency/Financing/Housing/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.
 
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/Housing/Power Authority

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

INVOCATION
Jordan Corlew, Grace Chapel

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
 

PRESENTATIONS
 

1.
Proclamation and Presentation for Older American’s Month
Presenter: Sonya Patterson, Director-Parks, Arts, Recreation & Community Services   
2.
Lancaster High School Football Team: League Win Recognition
Presenter: Trolis Niebla, City Manager   
3.
SCAG Award Recognition
Presenter: Larissa De La Cruz, Assistant City Manager   
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/Housing/Power Authority Regular Meeting Minutes of April 08, 2025.      
CC 3.
Check Registers – March 23, through April 26, 2025    Recommendation(s):
Approve the Check and Wire Registers for payments made March 23, 2025, through April 26, 2025, in the amount of $25,495,556.32 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. This process provides the City Council with the opportunity to review the City’s expenditures. Claims have been paid via checks, Electronic Funds Transfer EFT), Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments, or federal wires. The justifying backup information for each expenditure is available in the Finance Department.

CC 4.
Monthly Reports of Investments – March 2025.    Recommendation(s):
Accept and approve the March 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.
Budget Adjustment Covering LA County Services Rendered    Recommendation(s):
Appropriate an additional amount of $276, 007.20 to Account No. 10112000-5313 to cover election services rendered for the City of Lancaster Special Municipal Election held on November 5, 2024. 

At the Lancaster City Council meeting held on December 10, 2024, the City Council approved Resolution No 24-71, a resolution for the City Council of the City of Lancaster reciting the facts of the Special Election held on November 5, 2024, and declaring the results and such other matters as provided by law. Resolution No. 24-71 recites that the County of Los Angeles on behalf of the City Clerk canvassed the returns of the elections; thus, fulfilling the request of the City of Lancaster to render full services of the City of Lancaster Special Municipal Election. The Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk submitted an invoice dated April 25, 2025 requesting payment of $294, 130.06. The Elections Account (Account No. 10112000-5313) has funds totaling $20,000 which was already approved for the 2024-2025 fiscal year budget.

CC 6.
2025-2026 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) Project List for Senate Bill 1, The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017    Recommendation(s):
Adopt Resolution No. _____ of the City Council of the City of Lancaster, California, approving Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) Proposed Project List form, and allocate funds in the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Capital Improvement budget to clarify Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funded projects. 

SB 1 emphasizes the importance of accountability and transparency; therefore, in order to be eligible for RMRA funding, statue requires cities to adopt a proposed project list at a regular public meeting. The list of proposed projects must include a description and location of each proposed project, a proposed schedule for the project’s completion, and the estimated useful life of the improvement. Cities must also adopt RMRA funded projects into a city’s operating or capital improvement budget. Cities must then submit the completed SB 1 Proposed Project List form to the California Transportation Commission (CATC), in order to receive its apportionment of RMRA funds from the State Controller.
 

CC 7.
Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. Third Revised Task Order 1 and DMR Team, Inc. Third Revised Task Order 2 for Multi-Year Professional Services for PWCP 20-005, SR 138 (SR-14) Avenue J Interchange Improvements (Phase II Caltrans Interchange)    Recommendation(s):
1. Approve Third Revised Task Order No. 1, for services in accordance with the Multi-Year Professional Services Agreement (RFQ 769-22), Service Group Category 1 – Roadway and Structures Engineering, with Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc. (KHA), of Los Angeles, California, in the amount of $84,154.00, to provide construction support services during construction of SR-138 (SR-14) Avenue J Interchange Improvements (Phase II – Caltrans), and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to sign all documents.

2. Approve Third Revised Task Order No. 2, for services in accordance with the Multi-Year Professional Services Agreement (RFQ 739‑21), Service Group Category 1 – Construction Management and Inspection, with DMR Team, Inc. (DMR), of Chatsworth, California, in the amount of $607,705.00, to provide on-call construction management and inspection services during construction of SR-138 (SR-14) Avenue J Interchange Improvements (Phase II – Caltrans), and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to sign all documents.


The PWCP 20-005, SR-138 (SR-14), Avenue J Interchange Improvements (Phase II – Caltrans Interchange) will install Phase II improvements, completing the local streets improvements that started in Phase I, as well as the freeway interchange improvements to add a northbound off-ramp at Avenue J, add a southbound on-ramp at Avenue J, and other lighting, signalization, landscaping, and interchange improvements


CC 8.
Acceptance of Public Works Construction Project No. 23-008 – Mariposa Park Renovation (Phase I)    Recommendation(s):
Accept the work constructed by R Brothers, Inc., for Public Works Construction Project (PWCP) No. 23-008, Mariposa Park Renovation (Phase I), 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). 

Mariposa Park is located at 45755 Fig Avenue, Lancaster, CA 93534, within a densely populated area, and is surrounded by established residential neighborhoods, an elementary school, and industrial businesses. The Mariposa Park Improvements project focused on increasing Americans with Disability Act (ADA) accessibility within the park and created renovated amenities to improve and expand community resources based on community input. Construction of the project has been completed to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works. The project was substantially completed on February 3, 2025, which was within the time permitted by the contract. The construction quantities and the amount of payment have been approved by the Contractor and the Director of Public Works.

CC 9.
Award of Bid and Task Order for Multi-Year Professional Services (Service Group Category 16 - Labor Compliance) - Public Works Construction Project (PWCP) 24-002 - Systemic Commercial Driveway Modification HSIPSL - 5419(060)    Recommendation(s):
1.   Award PWCP 24-002, Systemic Commercial Driveway Modification, to Chrisp Company of Bloomington, California, in the amount of $197,677.50 plus a 20% contingency, to restrict and prohibit left turns at seven distinct locations; and authorize the 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 December 30, 2022.

3. Authorize Task Order expenditure amount of $2,470.97, 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 State of California, Department of Transportation (Caltrans) approved Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) Cycle 10 funding and local matching funds. This project will systematically restrict and prohibit left turns at the seven distinct locations.
 

CC 10.
Site Plan Review (SPR) No. 20-02 - Acceptance of Improvements (Water)    Recommendation(s):
Approve the completed water system installed by the developer for the following project:

Project                                                       Location/Owner
Site Plan Review No. 20-02                     Southwest Corner 27th Street West and Avenue K-12     Owner: The Emerald 2020, LP


Water system improvements are approved by the City in order to exonerate the Developer’s Undertaking Agreement and release improvement securities.  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.  Additionally, the work has been inspected and found to be satisfactory by the Director of Public Works
 

CC 11.
Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLP) Grant Application Local Funding Commitment    Recommendation(s):
A. Allocation commitment of $2,350,000 in matching local funds to the ORLP Grant upon award for the Webber Pool and Jane Reynolds Park Improvement Project.
B. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all contracts and associated documents, including, but not limited to, a Letter of Commitment committing up to $2,3500,000 in matching funds, subject to City Attorney approval.

The Webber Pool and Jane Reynolds Park Improvement Project addresses the need for enhanced recreational amenities in Lancaster. A key component of this initiative is the reconstruction of the currently non-functional Webber Pool, including new service equipment and repairs to the pool building and vandalized restroom facilities. The project also features new water play elements with the development of a new splash pad area, responding directly to community requests for aquatic features.
 

CC 12.
T-Mobile Cell Tower Site LA56XC941 Lease Agreement First Amendment    Recommendation(s):
  1. Approve first amendment to the T-Mobile/Sprint PCS12 TC Assets, LLC, A Delaware limited liability company, at Rawley Duntley Park, 3334 West Ave. K, Lancaster CA 93534, also known as site # LA56XC94.  
  1. Authorize City Manager, or his designee, to sign all agreements and associated documents.  


    The original lease agreement between Sprint PCS Assets, L.L.C. and the City of Lancaster for the operation of a wireless communications cell tower at Rawley Duntley Park was executed on October 28, 2002. The initial lease term of five years has been extended several times, and the current agreement is set to expire on October 27, 2027. To ensure the continued operation of the cell tower, the City is amicable to this first amendment to the agreement that will go into effect on October 28, 2027.


CC 13.
Final Map Approval – Parcel Map No. 84702 (Southeast Corner of William J Barnes Avenue and 47th Street West)    Recommendation(s):
Approve the map and accept the dedications as offered on Parcel Map No. 84702 located on the southeast corner of William J Barnes Avenue and 47th 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 28, 2025, the City of Lancaster Community Development Department approved Administrative Tentative Parcel Map No. 84702 for the subdivision of land into two lots. The Final Map is in substantial conformance with the approved Administrative Tentative Parcel Map No. 84702, has been examined by the City Surveyor, and is ready for Council approval.  In addition, an Undertaking Agreement has been executed and improvement securities collected to guarantee the installation of improvements and monuments.


CC 14.
Approve agreement between the Antelope Valley Fair Authority and the City of Lancaster.    Recommendation(s):
Approve a 4-year staffing agreement between the Antelope Valley Fair Authority (FAIR) and the City of Lancaster (CITY).  Authorize the City Manager, or their designee, to execute all necessary and related documents.

The Antelope Valley Fair Authority provides administrative services to the Antelope Valley Fair to include the operation of facilities for educational, entertainment and business needs as well as year-round community events for the public.  The FAIR has requested to contract with the CITY for certain administrative and operations services. 
 

CC 15.
L28 Lancaster Government Access Channel/TJ Productions    Recommendation(s):
1. Approve  a one-year $700,000 Professional Services contract (with option of two 1-year extensions) with TJ Productions to produce and broadcast weekly news programming, non-news content, special event coverage, local sports, and other production services for L28 Public Access Television.
2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to sign all documents. 

To meet the evolving media needs of a growing community, the City is prioritizing the production of locally-focused news and programming that accurately and effectively communicates important information and updates to Lancaster residents. Programming will continue to highlight community events, businesses, and organizations to foster greater resident engagement.

PUBLIC HEARING


 

PH 1.
Substantial Amendment to the City’s 2020-2021 through 2024-2025 Action Plans    Recommendation(s):
a. Conduct a public hearing and upon accepting public testimony;
b. Approve the Substantial Amendment to the 2020-2021 through 2024-2025 Action Plans (Action Plans) to allow for the reprogramming of $745,009.74 in Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds to the City’s existing First Time Homebuyer (FTHB) Program; 
c. Approve a Substantial Amendment from the Neighborhood Stabilization Program 3 (NSP3) to transfer $868,398.81 in program income funds to the City’s new Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) First-Time Homebuyer Program; and appropriate $868,398.81 to the CDBG Fund (31022000.5656) accordingly.
d. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute and transmit all necessary documents to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), including the Substantial Amendment to the Action Plans to ensure the City’s timely expenditure of HUD funds.

HUD requires all entitlement communities receiving CDBG funds, such as the City, to prepare and submit a Consolidated Plan every five (5) years to establish a unified, strategic vision for economic development, housing and community development actions.  The Consolidated Plan encompasses the analysis of local community needs and coordinates appropriate responses to those needs and priorities.
 

PH 2.
2025 Zone Text Amendment to Titles 2, 8, 15, 16, and 17 of the Lancaster Municipal Code (ZTA25-001) and General Plan Amendment to the Safety Element of the General Plan (GPA25-001)    Recommendation(s):
Introduce Ordinance No. _______, for Zone Text Amendment No. 25-001 (ZTA25-001) for the 2025 Zone Text Amendment to Titles 2, 8, 15, 16, and 17 of the Lancaster Municipal Code and General Plan Amendment No. 25-001 (GPA25-001) for the update to the Safety Element of the General Plan to provide clarification, consistency, and compliance with City policies and State requirements.


The City proposes to update the LMC with text amendments to the following chapters/titles: Chapter 2.36 (Disaster Council), Chapter 8.50 Landscaping Installation and Maintenance, Chapter 15.04 Administrative Code, Chapter 15.64 Development Impact Fees, Chapter 16.04 General Provisions, and Title 17 Zoning, and to update the Safety Element of the General Plan (project). The project only consists of text amendments. No changes to the City’s zoning map or development densities are proposed. No construction or development is proposed as part of the project. The project is necessary because it aims to address current state legislation and regulations, implement new and current City policies and procedures, and provide code “clean ups” and clarifications. The goal is to improve the LMC to be innovative, compliant, and user-friendly to City staff and the public.
 

NEW BUSINESS


 

NB1.
Approve Annual Hardware and Software Costs for Community Preservation Vehicle Mounted Cameras and AI Services provided by City Detect    Recommendation(s):
Approve Annual Hardware and Software Costs for Community Preservation Vehicle Mounted Cameras and AI Services provided by City Detect for an initial term of three (3) years.

City Detect is an advanced AI platform designed to enhance staff services by analyzing images of properties to identify and map issues such as blight, damage, and graffiti. This technology transforms raw data into actionable insights, enabling staff to allocate resources more effectively.

NB2.
Urgency Ordinance No. ____ Accepting the Requirements of Section 13510(c) and 13522, and 13512 of the Penal Code Relating to the Recruitment and Training Standards of Law Enforcement Officers and Public Safety Dispatchers    Recommendation(s):
Introduce and adopt Urgency Ordinance No. ____ Accepting the Requirements of Section 13510(c) and 13522, and 13512 of the Penal Code Relating to the Recruitment and Training Standards of Law Enforcement Officers and Public Safety Dispatchers.

This ordinance is a necessary step to (i) allow the City of Lancaster to receive aid from the State related to Police Department personnel recruitment and training, and (ii) become certified as a Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) agency.

COUNCIL REPORTS


 

CR1.
Council Reports   

HOUSING AUTHORITY - CONSENT CALENDAR
 

HA CC 1.
Approve Amendment No. 1 to Agreement with LDM Associates, Inc. to Support the Administrative and Implementation Services for the Housing Rehabilitation Program    Recommendation(s):
1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with LDM Associates, Inc. (LDM) to support the Administrative and Implementation Service for the Housing Rehabilitation Program, increase the not to exceed amount of $603,226, and to extend through March 29, 2026. 
2. Authorize the Executive Director, or his designee, to execute all related documents.

This program seeks to assist eligible low-income homeowners with financial assistance to support rehabilitation opportunities. Since 2023, the City of Lancaster has successfully implemented the Housing Rehabilitation Program that includes loans and grants for emergency repairs, mobile home repairs, minor repairs and accessibility needs, major repairs, turf replacement, and beautification.

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 27 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.