CC 2
6/24/2025
TN
Tuesday, June 10, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Parris called the meeting of the Lancaster City Council / Successor Agency/ Financing/ Power Authority to order at 1:35 p.m.
ROLL CALL
City Council Members /Agency Directors /Authority Members: Hughes-Leslie, Malhi, Mann; Vice Mayor/ Vice Chair Crist, Mayor/Chair Parris
STAFF MEMBERS:
City Manager/ Executive Director; Assistant City Manager/Deputy Executive Director; City Attorney/Agency/Authority Counsel; City Clerk/Agency/Authority Secretary; Director- Public Works; Director-Community Development; Director- Parks, Recreation, Arts, & Community Services; Senior Director/Treasurer- Admin Services; Chief of Police.
INVOCATION
Andres Bonifacio, The Salavation Army Antelope Valley Corps
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Mann
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2 PRESENTATIONS
1. Impact Program Presentation
Presented by: Sonya Patterson, Director-Parks, Arts, Recreation & Community Services, and Bailey Ziehr, Coordinator 1-Recreation
2. Juneteenth Committee Presentation
Presented by: Sonya Patterson, Director-Parks, Arts, Recreation & Community Services & Christina Smith, Supervisor- Community Services
3. Antelope Valley Foster Friends
Presented by: Kate Downing
CONSENT CALENDAR
On a motion by Vice Mayor Crist and seconded by Council Member Mann, the City Council approved the Consent Calendar as comprised pulling item numbers CC 5, CC 6, and CC 16 for separate discussion, by the following vote: 5-0-0-0; AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Malhi, Mann, Crist, Parris; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
Addressing the Council at this time:
Jason Zink- inquired as to why the annexation items weren’t combined. He also discussed the ability to annex landscaping with housing tracks, issues dead trees, and the need for pools.
On a motion by Vice Mayor Crist and seconded by Council Member Hughes-Leslie, the City Council approved item numbers CC 5, CC 6, and CC 16 as comprised, by the following vote: 5-0-0-0; AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Malhi, Mann, Crist, Parris; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
CC 1. ORDINANCE WAIVER
Waived further reading of any proposed ordinance. (this permits reading the title only instead of reciting the entire text.)
CC 2. MINUTES
Approved the City Council/Successor Agency/Financing/Power Authority Regular Meeting Minutes Meeting May 27, 2025.
CC 3. CHECK REGISTERS – MAY 11, THROUGH MAY 24, 2025
Approved 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.
CC 4. LEASE AGREEMENT FOR 44845 CEDAR AVENUE
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3 1. Approved lease agreement for use of real property, located at 44845 Cedar Avenue, to the OUTreach Center through June 2026.
2. Authorized 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 the City Attorney approval.
CC 5. TAX SHARING RESOLUTION FOR PROPOSED ANNEXATION NO. 40-170 (4- 225) INTO LOS ANGELES COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 40, ANTELOPE VALLEY
Adopted the Tax Sharing Resolution for proposed Annexation No. 40-170 (04-225) into Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40, Antelope Valley. Directed the City Clerk to route three (3) copies of the tax share resolution to the City Attorney and the Mayor for wet signatures.
CC 6. TAX SHARING RESOLUTION FOR PROPOSED ANNEXATION NO. 40-171 (4- 226) INTO LOS ANGELES COUNTY WATERWORKS DISTRICT NO. 40
Adopted the Tax Sharing Resolution for proposed Annexation No. 40-171 (04-226) into Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40, Antelope Valley. Directed the City Clerk to route three (3) copies of the tax share resolution to the City Attorney and the Mayor for wet signatures.
CC 7. LANCASTER LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT NO. 1 ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/26
1. Adopted Resolution No. 25-20 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. Adopted Resolution No. 25-21 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.
CC 8. LANCASTER LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/26
1. Adopted Resolution No. 25-22 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 Docusign Envelope ID: 30C32A3E-6FC0-4223-815F-A350C93369F9 CC/SA/FA/PA Minutes-06/10/2025
4 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. Adopted Resolution No. 25-23 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 Division15 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California.
CC 9. LANCASTER DRAINAGE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT DISTRICT ANNUAL ASSESSMENT FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025/26
1. Adopted Resolution No. 25-24 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. Adopted Resolution No. 25-25 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.
CC 10. LANCASTER MAINTENANCE DISTRICT ANNEXATIONS
1. Authorized Staff to Initiate Proceeding to Conduct a Public Hearing, tabulate the returned ballots and announce results at June 24 Council Meeting.
2. Adopted Resolution No. 25-26, Initiating Proceedings for Annexations into the Lancaster Maintenance Districts.
3. Adopted Resolution No. 25-27, 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.
CC 11. RENTAL ESTATE OPTION AGREEMENT WITH L STREET PROPERTIES, LLC.
1. Authorized 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. Appropriated $150,000.00 from General Fund to 101.24000.8010, as consideration for the Real Estate Option Agreement.
CC 12. MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AMONG THE ANTELOPE VALLEY
WATERMASTER AND RANCHO SIERRA PROPERTIES, LLC
1. Found the acquisition of land categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act and authorized staff to execute and file a Notice of Exemption.
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5 2. Authorized 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. Appropriated $151,778.77 from General Fund to Account No. 101.24000.8010 to effectuate a transfer 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)
Approved the map and accepted the dedications as offered on Tract Map No. 53642-01 located on the northeast corner of 60 Street West and Avenue K-8; made 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 instructed 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.
CC 14. FINAL MAP APPROVAL – TRACT MAP NO. 53642-01 (LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST CORNTER OF 60TH STREET WEST AND AVENUE K-8)
Received audited annual financial report for the City of Lancaster, CA, Fiscal Year ending June 30, 2024.
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
Adopted 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.
CC 16. RATIFICATION OF TAX CERTIFICATE AGREEMENT WITH ANTELOPE
VALLEY UNION HIGH SCHOOL DISTRICT RELATED TO JOINT AQUATIC CENTER
PROJECT
Adopted a resolution (Resolution No. 25-28) 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.
PH 1. INTRODUCTION OF ORDINANCE 1133 ADDING CHAPTER 9.55 TO THE
LANASTER MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO VACANT RESIDENTIAL
PROPERTIES
Mayor Parris opened the public hearing.
Patti Garibay presented the staff report on this item.
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6 Addressing the Council at this time:
Jason Zink- discussed issues with deteriorating houses and properties.
Mayor Parris closed the public hearing.
On a motion by Vice Mayor Crist and seconded by Council Member Malhi, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 1133 adding Chapter 9.55 to the Lancaster Municipal Code relating to Vacant Residential Properties, and authorized the City Manager to approve the Vacant Property Registration Application in substantially the form attached, and to amend the same from time to time as the City Manager determines to be necessary or appropriate, by the following vote: 5-0-0-0; AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Malhi, Mann, Crist, Parris; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
PH 2. PROPOSED FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026 BUDGETS AND FIVE-YEAR CAPITAL
IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
Mayor Parris opened the public hearing.
Trolis Niebla, City Manager ; Larissa De La Cruz, Assistant City Manager, and George Harris, Senior Director-Admin Services presented the staff report on this item.
Discussion among Council included accomplishments and upcoming developments.
Addressing the Council at this time:
Shawn Cannon-discussed that the budget refle cts the same c ommitment to education and quality of life for students.
Mayor Parris directed staff to provide a report regarding the public art master plan.
Mayor Parris closed the public hearing.
On a motion by Vice Mayor Crist, opened and seconded by Council Member Mann, the City Council acting as Lancaster Housing Authority, Lancaster Choice Energy, and Lancaster Power Authority conducted the public hearing and directed staff to schedule the Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget and Five-Year Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) adoption for June 24, 2025, by the following vote: 5-0-0-0; AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Malhi, Mann, Crist, Parris; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
NB 1. ORDINANCE NO. 1134 AMENDING SECTION 2.04.060 OF THE LANCASTER
MUNICIPAL CODE RELATING TO A LOCAL EXPENSE ALLOWANCE FOR THE
MAYOR AND COUNCIL MEMBERS
The City Council waived the staff report on this item seeing that there weren’t any public comments.
On a motion by Vice Mayor Crist and seconded by Council Member Hughes-Leslie, the City Council approved the introduction of Ordinance No. 1134 amending Section 2.04.060 of the Lancaster, by the following vote: 5-0-0-0; AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Malhi, Mann, Docusign Envelope ID: 30C32A3E-6FC0-4223-815F-A350C93369F9 CC/SA/FA/PA Minutes-06/10/2025
7 Crist, Parris; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
CA 1. CONSIDERATION AND ACTION TO DIRECT STAFF REGARDING ENABLING
OR DISABLING SOCIAL MEDIA COMMENTS ON CITY-AFFILIATED ACCOUNTS
On a motion by Vice Mayor Crist and seconded by Council Member Mann, the City Council directed staff to disable social media comments on City-affiliated accounts, by the following vote: 5-0-0-0; AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Malhi, Mann, Crist, Parris; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
CR 1. COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Malhi reported on the tour of new low incoming housing development.
Council Member Hughes-Leslie reported on the AV ALTA Founding Member event; Sundown Elementary School Career Day event; George Whitesides’ Service Academy sendoff.
Council Member Mann reported on the Community Outreach meeting regarding the unhoused and the Destination Lancaster meeting. Council Member Mann also reported on his attendance at the Internal Life Ministries graduation ceremony.
Vice Mayor Crist reported on the Sheriff’s Department’s casino night were over $500,000 was raised.
Mayor Parris reported on the meeting with United States Speaker of the House regarding immigration policies. Mayor Parris also reported on his attendance at the Artificial Intelligence (AI) conference and the Public Hydrogen (H2) meeting.
CITY MANAGER / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ANNOUNCEMENTS
Trolis Niebla, City Manager announced upcoming events such as the Juneteenth Celebration scheduled for Sunday, June 15, 2025; Summer Block Party scheduled on June 28, 2025 and the Fourth of July celebration. The City Manager also announced t he upcoming Dine In Movies at the Lancaster East Side Pool and Brews with Blues on June 18, 2025.
CITY CLERK/AGENCY/AUTHORITY SECRETARY ANNOUNCEMENT
The City Clerk provided the public with the procedure to address the City Council/Successor Agency/Authority regarding non-agendized items.
PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
Connie Vaughn-discussed her attendance at the Coumminty Outreach Workshop regarding the unhoused and desire to see more of the same workshops.
Jason Zink- discussed issues with buildings that need to be repainted, dead trees and the need for road repairs. Jason Zink also discussed the need for the Council to make requests with Governor Newsom.
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8 Dr. Nicolle Blackwood- discussed the need to be empathetic and express compassion to those within the community. She also discussed the need to not just build an ultra safe community but a city that heals deeply.
Antelope Valley Resource Conservation District-discussed opportunities to repopulate and discussed the need for conservation in the Antelope Valley. They also discussed the possibility of partnering with the City.
CITY COUNCIL/AGENCY/AUTHORITY COMMENTS
Council Member Hughes-Leslie commented on the Inform Lancaster application where citizens may submit applauses, complaints or concerns.
Mayor Parris discussed the deputy involved shooting and supporting the deputy.
CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Parris announced that the City Council would now move to closed session to discuss closed session items 1 through 23.
The City Council went into closed session at approximately 4:03 p.m.
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 Docusign Envelope ID: 30C32A3E-6FC0-4223-815F-A350C93369F9 CC/SA/FA/PA Minutes-06/10/2025
9 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
RECONVENED
Mayor Parris reconvened the meeting at approximately 4:56 p.m.
Allison Burns, City Attorney stated that the City Council discussed closed session item numbers 1, 9 and 13. The City Council gave direction to staff and counsel. No reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Parris and City Council paused to recognize and remember a remarkable member of our community — Allison Gatlin, a longtime journalist with the Antelope Valley Press who passed away last month.
Allison was a trusted voice in the Antelope Valley. She reported on everything from government and healthcare to water and environmental quality, but her true passion was aerospace — and in that world, she was deeply respected. Whether covering the latest advancements in private spaceflight or capturing the stories of aviation legends, Allison brought clarity, care, and accuracy to every assignment. Her work earned her admiration not just from her peers, but from the very engineers, scientists, and pilots she covered.
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10 As many of her colleagues have stated, Allison could do it all — and she did it with grace, humility, and a genuine love for this community.
We extend our condolences to her friends, family, and everyone at the Antelope Valley Press. Today, we close in her honor and memory.
Thank you, Allison — for telling the stories of our Valley with heart and truth. You will be missed.
Mayor Parris adjourned the meeting at 4:58 p.m. and stated the next City Council/Successor Agency/Financing/Power Authority meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 24th day of June 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Hughes-Leslie, Malhi, Mann, Vice Mayor Crist, Mayor Parris
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ATTEST: APPROVED:
__________________________ _____________________________ ANDREA ALEXANDER, CMC R. REX PARRIS
CITY CLERK MAYOR/CHAIRMAN
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CC/SA/FA/PA Minutes-06/10/2025
11 STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES } ss
CITY OF LANCASTER }
CERTIFICATION OF MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/FINANCING/ POWER AUTHORITY
I, ___________________________, ___________________________ of the City of Lancaster, CA, do hereby certify that this is a true and correct copy of the original City Council/Successor Agency/ Financing/ Power Authority Minutes, for which the original is on file in my office.
WITNESS MY HAND AND THE SEAL OF THE CITY OF LANCASTER, CA on this _______________ day of ______________________, ____________.
(seal)
_________________________________
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