Meeting



Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Regular Meeting – 1:30 PM

The City Clerk/Agency/Authority Secretary hereby declares the agenda was posted
by 5:00 p.m. on June 06, 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 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
Andres Bonifacio, The Salavation Army Antelope Valley Corps

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
 

PRESENTATIONS
 

1.
Impact Program Presentation
Presenter: Sonya Patterson, Director-Parks, Arts, Recreation & Community Services 
 
2.
Juneteenth Committee Presentation
Presenter: Sonya Patterson, Director-Parks, Arts, Recreation & Community Services  
 
3.
Antelope Valley Foster Friends
Presenter: Kate Downing 
 
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 May 27, 2025.       
CC 3.
Check Registers – May 11, through May 24, 2025.    Recommendation(s):
Approve the Check and Wire Registers for payments made May 11, 2025, through May 24, 2025, in the amount of $13,883,533.51 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.
Lease Agreement for 44845 Cedar Avenue    Recommendation(s):
1. Approve lease agreement for use of real property, located at 44845 Cedar Avenue, to the OUTreach Center through June 2026.  

2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to sign all documents related to the lease agreement and all amendments, including amendments to extend the term, subject to City Attorney approval.  

The proposed lease formalizes an arrangement that has been in place and is structured as a one-year term, pre-paid at a subsidized $125 per month, followed by a month-to-month tenancy that either party may end with 30 days’ notice.  

 

CC 5.
Tax Sharing Resolution for Proposed Annexation No. 40-170 (4-225) into Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40, Antelope Valley    Recommendation(s):
Adopt the Tax Sharing Resolution for proposed Annexation No. 40-170 (04-225) into Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40, Antelope Valley. Direct the City Clerk to route three (3) copies of the tax share resolution to the City Attorney and the Mayor for wet signatures.

The property owners within Annexation No. 40-170 (04-225) are requesting water service for their properties. Before water service can be provided, the properties must first be annexed into Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40.

 

CC 6.
Tax Sharing Resolution for Proposed Annexation No. 40-171 (4-226) into Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40    Recommendation(s):
Adopt the Tax Sharing Resolution for proposed Annexation No. 40-171 (04-226) into Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40, Antelope Valley. Direct the City Clerk to route three (3) copies of the tax share resolution to the City Attorney and the Mayor for wet signatures.

The property owners within Annexation No. 40-171 (04-226) are requesting water service for their properties. Before water service can be provided, the properties must first be annexed into Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40. Additionally, before annexation may be approved, the agencies already providing services to the sites must negotiate reallocation of the ad valorem taxes within the District.


CC 7.
Lancaster Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 Annual Assessment for Fiscal Year 2025/26    Recommendation(s):
1. Adopt Resolution No. ______ generally describing any proposed improvements or substantial changes in existing improvements, and ordering the assessment engineer, Harris & Associates, to prepare and file a report for Lancaster Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 and Fox Field Industrial Corridor Landscape Maintenance District, pursuant to provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California.

2. Adopt Resolution No. ______, preliminary approving the Engineer's Report, fixing time and place for public hearing on the levy of the proposed assessment, and declaring intention to levy and collect assessments within Lancaster Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 and Fox Field Industrial Corridor Landscape Maintenance District, pursuant to Part 2 of Division 15 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California.

Lancaster Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 and Fox Field Industrial Corridor Landscape Maintenance District were formed, including subsequent annexations thereto, for the purpose of providing maintenance services to landscaping and appurtenant improvements for various developments within the City, and assessing those properties which benefit from this service.

CC 8.
Lancaster Lighting Maintenance District Annual Assessment for Fiscal Year 2025/26    Recommendation(s):
1. Adopt Resolution No. _______ generally describing any proposed improvements or substantial changes in existing improvements, and ordering the assessment engineer, Harris & Associates, to prepare and file a report for Lancaster Lighting Maintenance District (LLMD), pursuant to provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California; and

2. Adopt Resolution No. _______, preliminarily approving the Engineer’s Report, fixing time and place for public hearing on the levy of the proposed assessment, and declaring its intention to levy and collect assessments within LLMD, pursuant to Part 2 of Division 15 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California.


LLMD was formed, including subsequent annexations thereto, for the purpose of financing maintenance operations and installation of public lighting facilities, including, but not limited to street lights, public parking lot lights, and highway safety lights (public lighting facilities) (as defined in § 22525 of the California Code) within the City of Lancaster, and assessing those properties, which benefit from this service their proportionate share of the cost.

CC 9.
Lancaster Drainage Benefit Assessment District Annual Assessment for Fiscal Year 2025/26    Recommendation(s):
1. Adopt Resolution No. _______, generally describing any proposed improvements or substantial changes in existing improvements and ordering the assessment engineer to prepare and file a report for Lancaster Drainage Benefit Assessment District.

2. Adopt Resolution No. _______, preliminary approving the Engineer's Report, fixing time and place for public hearing on the levy of the proposed assessment, and declaring its intention to levy and collect assessments within Lancaster Drainage Benefit Assessment District.

The City Council previously formed the Lancaster Drainage Benefit Assessment District, including establishment of separate zones, and submitted the proposition to the eligible voters in each respective zone. The majority of voters approved the formation of the District, the separate zones, and the levying of the assessment.

CC 10.
Lancaster Maintenance District Annexations    Recommendation(s):
1. Authorize Staff to Initiate Proceeding to Conduct a Public Hearing, tabulate the returned ballots, and announce results at June 24 Council Meeting.

2. Adopt Resolution No. _______, Initiating Proceedings for Annexations into the Lancaster Maintenance Districts.

3. Adopt Resolution No. _______, approving the Engineer’s Report, Announcing the Time and Place for a Public Hearing, and Its Intention to Annex into the Lancaster Maintenance Districts and to Levy and Collect Assessments Therein.

The Lancaster Maintenance Districts, separately known as the Lancaster Lighting Maintenance District, the Landscape Maintenance District and the Drainage Maintenance District  “Districts”) were formed to provide a dedicated funding source for the maintenance, operations, servicing and installation of public lighting, public landscaping and public drainage facilities within the City of Lancaster.

CC 11.
Real Estate Option Agreement with L Street Properties, LLC    Recommendation(s):
1. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, with the concurrence of the City Attorney, to negotiate, finalize and execute the Real Estate Option Agreement and all related documents.

2. Appropriate $150,000.00 from General Fund to 101.24000.8010, as consideration for the Real Estate Option Agreement.

The Parkway Village Specific Plan area is a forward thinking plan that will guide the development of a vibrant new neighborhood unlike anything that exists in the Antelope Valley today. Encompassing over 430 acres of land, Parkway Village is envisioned as a walkable, mixed use community that aims to bring together a dynamic blend of housing, shopping, health care, recreation, and public spaces right in the heart of the City.


CC 12.
Memorandum of Understanding among the Antelope Valley Watermaster and Rancho Sierra Properties, LLC    Recommendation(s):
1. Find the acquisition of land 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 Memorandum of Understanding, Certificate of Acceptance, and all related documents.

3. Appropriate $151,778.77 from General Fund to Account No. 101.24000.8010 to effectuate a transfer of the property.

The property is subject to a court judgment in favor of the Antelope Valley Watermaster in the amount of $459,749.02. To avoid foreclosure and a Sheriff's sale of the property, the City has negotiated an agreement to pay $151,778.77 to the Watermaster in exchange for taking ownership of the property.


CC 13.
Final Map Approval – Tract Map No. 53642-01 (Located on the Northeast Corner of 60th Street West and Avenue K-8)    Recommendation(s):
Approve the map and accept the dedications as offered on Tract Map No. 53642-01 located on the northeast corner of 60th Street West and Avenue K-8; 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.

Tentative Tract Map No. 53642 was approved by the Planning Commission on April 19, 2004, and has since expired. No additional hearings before the Planning Commission or City Council occurred on the project site until December 12, 2022, when the Planning Commission re-examined and approved Tentative Tract Map No. 53642.


CC 14.
Fiscal Year 2023/24 Financial Audit.    Recommendation(s):
Receive audited annual financial report for the City of Lancaster, CA, Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2024.

The City of Lancaster has recently completed its annual financial audit for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024. The audit was completed by CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA). The audit involves performing procedures to obtain audit evidence about the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements. These procedures include a review of internal controls, testing of transactions, and review of the financial statements for the auditors to express an opinion on the financial statements.

 

CC 15.
Adopt Ordinance Adding Chapter 8.80 to the Lancaster Municipal Code Establishing the Right to Try Investigational Therapies for All Persons Aged 70 or Older, Restricted to Licensed Medical Facilities Within the City    Recommendation(s):
Adopt Ordinance No. 1132 adding Chapter 8.80 to the Lancaster Municipal Code establishing the right to try investigational therapies for all persons aged 70 or older, restricted to licensed medical facilities within the city.    

I
ndividuals aged 70 or older facing conditions without satisfactory FDA-approved treatments should also have access to investigational therapies, subject to strict oversight.  The proposed Ordinance would add Chapter 8.80 to the Lancaster Municipal Code establishing the right to try investigational therapies for all persons aged 70 or older, restricted to licensed medical facilities within the city.       
 

 

CC 16.
Ratification of Tax Certificate Agreement with Antelope Valley Union High School District Related to Joint Aquatic Center Project    Recommendation(s):
Adopt a resolution ratifying the execution of a Tax Certificate agreement between the City of Lancaster and the Antelope Valley Union High School District (AVUHSD) in connection with the issuance of General Obligation Bonds, 2024 Election, 2025 Series A, for the development of a joint-use aquatic center.

On June 2, 2025 the City Manager executed a Tax Certificate on behalf of the City of Lancaster in connection with the issuance of General Obligation Bonds by the Antelope Valley Union High School District. These bonds are intended to fund, in part, the construction of a joint-use aquatic center ("Project") to be used by both the City and the District.


PUBLIC HEARINGS


 

PH 1.
Introduction of Ordinance x adding Chapter 9.55 to the Lancaster Municipal Code Relating to Vacant Residential Properties    Recommendation(s):
Adopt Ordinance No. _______ , adding Chapter 9.55 to the Lancaster Municipal Code relating to Vacant Residential Properties.

Vacant properties have the potential to be a significant source of blight in residential neighborhoods, particularly when property owners neglect their maintenance and management. When this happens, unkept properties have the potential to depreciate property values and create other neighborhood issues including trespassing and unsightly vegetation.

PH 2.
Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budgets and Five-Year Capital Improvement Program.    Recommendation(s):
City Council and City Council acting as Lancaster Housing Authority, Lancaster Choice Energy, and Lancaster Power Authority conduct the public hearing and direct staff to schedule the Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget and Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) adoption for June 24, 2025.

By July 1 of each year, the City is required to adopt a budget, which establishes appropriations and estimates revenue for the coming fiscal year. The proposed budget is a culmination of many months of work by the City Council and staff in reviewing priorities and evaluating programs, with a focus on maintaining responsive and relevant services for residents.


NEW BUSINESS


 

NB1.
Ordinance No. ___ Amending Section 2.04.060 of the Lancaster Municipal Code relating to a local expense allowance for the Mayor and Council Members.    Recommendation:
Introduce Ordinance No. _____ amending Section 2.04.060 of the Lancaster Municipal Code (“LMC”) relating to the local expense allowance for the Mayor and Council Members.

On December 13th, 2016, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1017, which amended section 2.04.060 of the Lancaster Municipal Code to increase the fixed monthly expense allowance from $100 to $600. 
Since 2016, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) federal reimbursement for mileage used for the purpose of tax deduction calculation increased from $.54/mile to $.70/mile.  An increase of 29.63%.  If the same increase is applied to the $600 reimbursement amount set in 2016 that represents an increase of approximately $180, bringing the revised total to $780 per month.
 

COUNCIL AGENDA


 

CA1.
Consideration and action to direct staff regarding enabling or disabling social media comments on City-affiliated accounts. 
Presenter: Mayor Parris
 
 
COUNCIL REPORTS


 

CR1.
Council Reports   

LANCASTER HOUSING AUTHORITY
 

No action required at this time.    

LANCASTER FINANCING AUTHORITY
 

No action is required at this time.    

LANCASTER POWER AUTHORITY
 

No action required at this time.    

LANCASTER SUCCESSOR AGENCY
 

No action required at 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.         Galant v. Lancaster School District, LASC Case No. 25AVCV00196

9.         Abaied v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25STCV14733

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.       Lindo v. Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23AVCV00950.

14.       Nazari v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25AVCV00192

15.       Mahfound v. County of Los Angeles, City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25AVCV00586

16.       Morgan v. Antelope Valley Transit Authority,
            City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25AVCV00061

17.       Lea v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No.: 25STCV09046

18.       Stockman v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23 AVCV00838

19.       Zimmerman v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 24AVCV00848

20.       Snyder v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 21AVCV00770

21.       Higgins v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23AVCV00125

22.       Wright v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23AVCV00864

23.       Cordova v. City of Lancaster, Case No. 24AVCV00221 
 

ADJOURNMENT
Next Regular Meeting:
June 24 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.