CC 2
09/09/2025
TN
Tuesday, August 26, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Mayor Crist called the meeting of the Lancaster City Council / Successor Agency/ Financing/ Housing/Power Authority to order at 1:38 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: City Council Members /Agency Directors /(Housing) Authority Members: Hughes- Leslie, Malhi, Mann; Vice Mayor/ Vice Chair Crist
EXCUSED ABSENCE
On a motion by Council Member Mann and seconded by Council Member Hughes-Leslie, the City Council excused Mayor Parris from the City Council/Successor Agency/Financing/Housing Power Authority Reuglar Meeting of August 26, 2025, by the following vote:4-0-0-1; AYES:
Hughes-Leslie, Malhi, Mann, Crist; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: 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.
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INVOCATION
Eric Mendoza, Grace Chapel
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Council Member Mann
PRESENTATIONS
1. Sheriff’s Deputy Recognition
Presented by: Rodrick Armalin, Chief of Police
JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
On a motion by Council Member/Housing Authority Member Mann and seconded by Council Member/ Housing Authority Member Malhi, the Lancaster Housing Authority and Lancaster City Council approved the Joint Consent Calendar as comprised, by the following vote:4-0-0-1; AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Malhi, Mann, Crist; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Parris
JCC 1. AGREEMENT FOR EXCHANGE OF REAL PROPERTY BETWEEN CITY OF
LANCASTER AND LACASTER HOUSING AUTHORITY
1. Found the exchange of property categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act and authorize staff to execute and file a Notice of Exemption.
2. Approved the Agreement and Escrow Instructions for Exchange of Real Property between the City of Lancaster and Lancaster Housing Authority.
3. Authorized the City Manager and Executive Director, or their designees, to finalize and execute all related documents.
HOUSING AUTHORITY – CONSENT CALENDAR
On a motion by Housing Authority Member Hughes-Leslie and seconded by Housing Authority Member Mann, the Lancaster Housing Authority approved the Housing Authority Consent Calendar as comprised, by the following vote: 4-0-0-1; AYES: Hughes- Leslie, Malhi, Mann, Crist; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Parris
HAA CC 1. APPROVE EXTENSION TO EXCLUSIVE NEGOTIATING AGREEMENT WITH GRUPM INVESTMENT COMPANY, INC.
1. Approved the Executive Director or his designee to negotiate, finalize, and execute an Extension to the original Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Grupe Investment Company, Inc., for an additional three-month period for the potential Docusign Envelope ID: C202B238-FA9A-4D74-9B54-7ED66103D2CF CC/SA/FA/HA/PA Minutes- 08-26-2025
disposition of property owned by the Lancaster Housing Authority. No deposit will be required.
2. Authorized the Executive Director or his designee to negotiate, finalize, and execute all related documents in a form approved by the City Attorney.
HA CC 2. INITIAL COST RECOVERY PROGRAM FROM LAHONTAN REGIONAL WATER QUALITY CONTROL BOARD FOR HNR-1
1. Approved the Initial Cost Recovery Program from Lahontan Water Quality Control Board (LRWQCB) (Exhibit A and Exhibit B).
2. Authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to finalize and execute all documents related to the Initial Cost Recovery Program.
HA CC 3. DISPOSITION AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT WITH PACIFIC WEST COMMUNITIES, INC.
1. The Board should only consider this item if it has first approved the Agreement for Exchange of Real Property with the City of Lancaster (Agenda Item No. JCC 1).
2. Adopted the Planning Commission’s findings and decision to adopt the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH#2025070610), and approved the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, consistent with the Notice of Determination filed on on August 19, 2025.
3. Approved the Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) with Pacific West Communities, Inc., for the sale of a 10-acre parcel located near Avenue K-8 and 15 Street West.
4. Authorized the Executive Director, or his designee, to execute (i) the DDA in substantially the form presented, subject to non-substantive changes approved by the Executive Director and City Attorney, and (ii) all documents necessary or appropriate to complete the transaction.
CONSENT CALENDAR
On a motion by Council Member Mann and seconded by Council Member Malhi, the City Council approved the Consent Calendar as comprised, by the following vote: 4-0-0- 1; AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Malhi, Mann, Crist; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT:
Parris
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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/Housing/Power Authority Regular Meeting Minutes of August 12, 2025.
CC 3. CHECK REGISTERS – JULY 27, THROUGH AUGUST 09, 2025 Approved the Check and Wire Registers for payments made July 27, 2025, through August 09, 2025, in the amount of $9,655,578.41 as presented.
CC 4. WEATHER TRAK IRRIGATION SYSTEM PURCHASE
A. Authorized the purchase of the WeatherTrak irrigation system from SiteOne Landscape Supply in an amount not to exceed $202,419.67.
B. Authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
CC 5. LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGION PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT (RPOSED) MEASURE ANNUAL ALLOCATION AGREEMENT AND DEED
RESTRICTION APPROV AL
1. Authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Measure A Annual Allocation Grant agreement, and future Measure A Annual Allocation Agreements as needed to implement and expend up to the full amount awarded by RPOSD under the Measure A Annual Allocation program. These agreements shall be subject to City Attorney's review and approval.
2. Approved Deed Restrictions for all park and open space improvements funded by Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) Measure A funds.
CC 6. LAND AND WATER CONSERV ATION FUND (LWCF) GRANT APPLICATION – SAMARITAN’S PURSE PARK IMPROVEMENTS
A. Adopted Resolution No. 25-48, approving the application for the 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant for the Samaritan's Purse Park Improvement Project.
B. Approved the Letter of Secured Contributions of Match Share.
C. Authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
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CC 7. JOINT RESOLUTION APPROVING AND ACCEPTING THE NEGOTIATED
EXCHANGE OF PROPERTY TAX REVENUES RESULTING FROM
REORGANIZATION 40-169, LOCAL AGENCY FORMATION COMMISSION DESIGNATION 2024-02
a. Adopted the Joint Resolution Approving and Accepting the Negotiated Exchange of Property Tax Revenues Resulting from Reorganization 40-169, Local Agency Formation Commission Designation 2024-02
b. Directed the City Clerk to route three copies of the tax share resolution to the City Attorney and the Mayor for wet signatures.
CC 8. MOAH CHILLER REPLACEMENT PROJECT
A. Awarded the contract to replace the chiller for the MOAH HA V AC system to ACCO Engineered Systems in an amount not to exceed $193,420.97, plus a 15% contingency utilizing the Soucrewell public sector contract process.
B. Found that the City has complied with the California Environmental Quality Act. A Notice of Exemption was filed on August 21, 2025.
C. Authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
CC 9. AMENDING EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATION AND COMPENSATION
SCHEDULE AND INCREASING THE FULL-TIME EQUIV ALENT (FTE)
HEADCOUNT
1. Adopted Resolution No. 25-49 amending Resolution 25-33, establishing a compensation schedule for various classifications of employees of the City of Lancaster and establishing the following changes:
• Adding one (1) full-time equivalent (FTE) position in the Community Development department, increase the City of Lancaster’s total FTE count from 336 to 337.
• Reclassifying the vacant Technician I position in the City Manager’s Office – • Communications division to an Administrative Assistant position • Addition of the following classification to 8000 series: Senior Production Assistant
2. Approved to appropriate $18,529.05 in general funds to support the reclassification of Technician I position to an Administrative Assistant position in the City Manager’s Office -Communications division
3. Appropriated $229,520.31 in existing Measure A and Public Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) funds, to support the addition of one (1) Senior Analyst position in the Community Development department
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CC 10. APPROV AL OF THE WATER RIGHTS TRANSFER AGREEMENT AND WATER RIGHTS TRANSFER OPTION AGREEMENT WITH TIVOLI INVESTMENTS, LLC.
1. Approved the Water Rights Transfer Agreement between the City of Lancaster and Tivoli Investments, LLC. (Tivoli Investments) for the purchase of 500-Acre Feet of Permanent Water Rights.
2. Approved the Water Rights Transfer Option Agreement between the City of Lancaster and Tivoli Investments, LLC., for the Option to Purchase an Additional 500-Acre Feet of Permanent Water Rights.
3. Authorized the City Manager, or his designees, to execute all documents and make any non-substantive changes necessary to complete the transaction.
NB 1. PROPOSAL FOR THE PURCHASE OF AXON EQUIPMENT FOR THE
LANCASTER POLICE DEPARTMENT
Officer Lilian Shaw presented the staff report on this item.
Discussion among Council included the quantity and cost of each system.
On a motion by Council Member Mann and seconded by Council Member Malhi, the City Council approved the purchase of Axon body cameras, vehicle cameras, AI assisted report writing and accompanying systems, by the following vote: 4-0-0-1; AYES: Hughes Leslie, Malhi, Mann, Crist; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Parris
NB 2. COMMUNITY CLEANUP PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION AND
APPROPRIATION OF FUNDS
Trolis Niebla, City Manager presented the staff report on this item.
Discussion among Council included the opportunity to provide disadvantaged youth with employment and a sense of ownership.
On a motion by Council Member Hughes-Leslie and seconded by Council Member Malhi, the City Council approved item number NB 2 as comprised, by the following vote: 4-0-0-1; AYES: Hughes Leslie, Malhi, Mann, Crist; NOES: None; ABSTAIN:
None; ABSENT: Parris
Approved Recommendations:
1. Authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to implement a Community Cleanup Program, and directed City staff to provide additional graffiti and illegal dumping abatement services.
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2. Appropriated $75,000.00 in General Funds from fund balance to Operating Budget account GL 10d1410000.5318.
3. Appropriated $105,000.00 in General Funds from fund balance to Operating Budget account GL 101410000.5103.
4. Authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all related documents.
CR 1. COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Malhi reported on the Brews with Blues event.
Staff provided a video recap of the Brews with Blues event.
Council Member Hughes-Leslie reported on the Lancaster Community Center end of summer bash event.
Staff provided a video recap of the Lancaster Community Center end of summer bash event.
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
Trolis Niebla, City Manager reported on ongoing Public Works construction; upcoming Landscaping maintenance project Landscape on Sierra Highway: acceptance of Home Town Hero applications.
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
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Addressing the Council at this time:
Aubrey McPherson- discussed concerns with Recall Rex campaign and issues with the lack of dignity in death.
Mark Maldanado- discussed compliance with the recall efforts, and issues with public speaking time along with the City Council meeting time.
Casey Miller- discussed issues with having National Guard involvement and fentanyl comment.
Lusidia Reyler- discussed issues with having National Guard involvement and fentanyl comment.
Michelley- discussed issues with the time of the City Council meeting; issues with the fentanyl comment, and messaging regarding road closures.
Dylan Gonzales- discussed issues with the City Council meeting time; issues with the fentanyl comment, and issues with military involvement.
David Paul- discussed various topics.
Fran Sereseres- discussed various topics.
Caleb Norwood- inquired about the Axon body cameras and data collection use; and amount of pay for youth involved in cleanup efforts.
Mark Ritthaler - discussed various topics and available resources.
CITY COUNCIL / AGENCY/ AUTHORITY COMMENTS
Council Member Hughes-Leslie discussed the upcoming Service Military Academy Information Night and the opening of the Veteran Affairs clinic. Council Member Hughes-Leslie also discussed the availability of a construction calendar on the City’s website that provides upcoming construction.
Vice Mayor Crist announced upcoming events such as the 9/11 ceremony at the A V Mall and the Antelope Valley Fair.
CLOSED SESSION
Vice Mayor Crist adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at approximately 2:40 p.m.
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The City Attorney announced that the City Council would go into closed session to discuss closed session item numbers one through twenty-one.
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. 9 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. Galant v. Lancaster School District, LASC Case No. 25A VCV00196
6. Abaied v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25STCV14733
7. Montenegro v. Green, LASC Case No. 22A VCV01050
8. Perez v. Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23A VCV00577
9. City of Whittier v. Superior Court, LASC Case No. 23 STCP03579
10. Lindo v. Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23A VCV00950.
11. Nazari v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25A VCV00192
12. Mahfound v. County of Los Angeles, City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25A VCV00586
13. Morgan v. Antelope Valley Transit Authority,
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City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25A VCV00061
14. Lea v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No.: 25STCV09046
15. Stockman v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23 A VCV00838
16. Zimmerman v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 24A VCV00848
17. Snyder v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 21A VCV00770
18. Higgins v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23A VCV00125
19. Wright v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23A VCV00864
20. Cordova v. City of Lancaster, Case No. 24A VCV00221
21. Darnell Wayne Thomas 25STCV17622th
RECONVENE
Vice Mayor Crist reconvened the meeting at approximately 3:34 p.m.
Allison Burns, City Attorney announced that the City Council took action on closed session item number one. The City Council gave direction to staff and legal counsel. No reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice Mayor Crist adjourned the meeting at 3:34 p.m. and stated the next City Council/Successor Agency/Financing/Power Authority meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 1:30 p.m.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 9th day of September 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Hughes-Leslie, Mann, Vice Mayor Crist NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Malhi, Parris
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ATTEST: APPROVED:
________________________________ __________________________FOR ANDREA ALEXANDER, CMC R. REX PARRIS
CITY CLERK MAYOR/CHAIRMAN
AGENCY AUTHORITY/SECRETARY
STATE OF CALIFORNIA }
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES } ss
CITY OF LANCASTER }
CERTIFICATION OF MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY/FINANCING/ HOUSING/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/ Housing/ 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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