CC 2
11/18/2025
TN
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Mayor Crist called the meeting of the Lancaster City Council / Successor Agency/ Financing/Power Authority to order at 1:37 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: City Council Members /Agency Directors /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 Malhi, the City Council excused Mayor Parris from the City Council/Successor Agency/Financing Power Authority Regular Meeting of October 14, 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; City Attorney/Agency/Authority Counsel; City Clerk/Agency/ Authority Secretary; Director- Public Works; Planning Manager-Community Development; Assistant Director- Parks, Recreation, Arts, & Community Services; Senior Director/Treasurer- Admin Services; Chief of Police.
INVOCATION
Pastor David McCoy - Grace Chapel
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2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Rodrick Amalin, Chief of Police
PRESENTATION
Recognition of WM
Presented by: Trolis Niebla, City Manager
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Mann recused himself from item numbers CC 7 and CC 8 as he owns property within proximity to the projects.
On a motion by Council Member Hughes-Leslie and seconded by Council Member Malhi, the City Council approved the consent calendar pulling item number CC 7 and CC 8, by the following vote: 4-0-0-1: AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Mann, Malhi, Vice Mayor Crist; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Parris.
Council Member Mann left the dais at approximately 1:46 p.m.
On a motion by Council Member Hughes-Leslie and seconded by Council Member Malhi, the City Council approved item numbers CC 7 and CC 8 as comprised, by the following vote: 3-0-1-1; AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Malhi, Vice Mayor Crist; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: Mann; ABSENT: Parris
Council Member Mann re-entered the meeting at approximately 1:47 p.m.
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 Meeting October 14, 2025.
CC 3. CHECK REGISTERS – SEPTEMBER 28, THROUGH OCTOBER 11, 2025 Approved the Check and Wire Registers for payments made September 28, 2025, through October 11, 2025, in the amount of $5,205,356.59 as presented.
CC 4. MONTHLY REPORTS OF INVESTMENTS – SEPTEMBER 2025
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3 Accepted and approved September 2025 Monthly Report of Investments as submitted.
CC 5. APPROVAL OF FACILITIES RELOCATION AGREEMENT WITH SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY FOR SR-138 (SR-14) AVENUE K INTERCHANGE
PROJECT
Authorized the City Manager, or his designee, with the concurrence of the City Attorney, to enter into a Facilities Relocation Agreement with Southern California Edison Company (SCE) for the relocation of SCE owned and maintained transmission and distribution facilities (SCE Facilities) within the SR-138 (SR-14) Avenue K Interchange project limits and execute all related documents.
CC 6. LANCASTER MAINTENANCE DISTRICT ANNEXATIONS
1. Authorized Staff to Initiate Proceedings to Conduct a Public Hearing, tabulate the returned ballots, and announce results at the December 9 Council Meeting.
2. Adopted Resolution No. 25-59, Initiating Proceedings for Annexations into the Lancaster Maintenance Districts.
3. Adopted Resolution No. 25-60, 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 7. APPROVAL OF ACQUISITION AND REIMBURSEMENT AGREEMENTS WITH HD DEVELOPMENT OF MARYLAND, INC. FOR LANCASTER HEALTH
DISTRICT PROJECT
1. Authorized the City Manager, or his designee, with the concurrence of the City Attorney, to enter into an acquisition agreement with HD Development of Maryland, Inc., and acquire approximately 36,102 square feet via roadway easement to construct Avenue J-5 at 20 Street West and execute all related documents.
2. Authorized the City Manager, or his designee, with the concurrence of the City Attorney, to enter into a reimbursement agreement with HD Development of Maryland, Inc., for the onsite improvements necessitated by the acquisition agreement along Avenue J-5 and 20 Street West and execute all related documents.
CC 8. FINAL MAP APPROVAL – TRACT MAP NO. 83231 (LOCATED ON THE NORTHEAST CORNER OF NUGENT STREET AND 20TH STREET EAST)
Approved the map and accept ed the dedications as offered on Tract Map No. 83231 located on northeast corner of Nugent Street and 20 Street East; made findings that this Docusign Envelope ID: 0137FC23-9F1F-4258-9D09-1BAE344E1CCD
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4 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 9. MOAH CHILLER REPLACEMENT PROJECT NOTICE OF COMPLETION
Accepted the work completed by ACCO Engineered Systems, for the MOAH Chiller Replacement Project, and directed the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion for the project system at the Museum of Art and History (MOAH). This replacement successfully protected
CC 10. LAND AND WATER CONSERVATION FUND (LWCF) AVENUE J POCKET
PARK DEED RESTRICTION
A. Approved a Deed Restriction for the park and open space improvements funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF).
B. Authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the deed restriction and related documents, subject to City Attorney's review and approval.
CC 11. LANCASTER EASTSIDE ANNEXATION – ANNEXATION NO.24-001/PRE-ZONE NO. 25-001
Adopted Ordinance No. 1138, amending the City Zoning Map to pre-zone 638 acres of land generally bounded by Avenue I, Avenue J, 50th Street East, and 60th Street East to Rural Residential (RR-2.5), known as Pre-Zone (PZ) No. 25-001, associated with Annexation (ANX) No. 24-001.
CC 12. ORDINANCE PERTAINING TO BUILDING CONSTRUCTION
Adopted Ordinance No. 1139, adopting the 2025 edition of the California Building Code; the 2025 edition of the California Residential Code; the 2025 edition of the California Electrical Code; the 2025 edition of the California Mechanical Code; the 2025 edition of the California Plumbing Code; the Lancaster Security Code, the 2024 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code; the 2025 edition of the California Energy Code; the 2025 edition of the California Historical Buildings COde; the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code; 2025 edition for the Los Angeles County Fire Code; the 2025 edition of the California Green Building Standards Code; the 2025 edition of the California Existing Buildings Code; and the 2025 edition of the California Referenced Standards Code, all pertaining to life and safety and to the construction, alteration, moving demolition, repair, maintenance, and use of buildings, structures, and properties within the City.
CC 13. WESTSIDE ANNEXATION – ANNEXATION NO. 24-002/ GENERAL PLAN Docusign Envelope ID: 0137FC23-9F1F-4258-9D09-1BAE344E1CCD
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5 AMENDMENT NO. 24-002 PRE-ZONE NO. 24-001 / SPECIFIC PLAN NO. 24-002 DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT 24-001
1. Adopted Ordinance No. 1140, amending the City Zoning Map to pre-zone 7,153 acres of land generally bounded by Avenue B, Avenue G, 30 Street West, and Sierra Highway/Edwards Air Force Base to Rural Residential (RR-2.5), Mixed Use – Employment (MU-E), Light Industrial (LI), Public (P), Mobile Home Park (MHP), and Specific Plan (SP), known as Pre-Zone (PZ) No. 24-001.
2. Adopted Ordinance No. 1141, adopting Development Agreement (DA) No. 24-001 to Establish development rights for Planning Areas 2,4,6,7 and pf Specific Plan No. 24-002.
PH 1. APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE NO. 1142 AMENDING THE LANCASTER MUNICIPAL CODE SECTION 11. 08.060 ANNUAL RENT INCREASE FORMULA
FOR MOBILE HOME PARKS
Vice Mayor Crist opened the public hearing.
Sam McNutt, Manager-Community Preservation presented the staff report on this item.
Discussion among Council included impacts to the community as it relates to the stabilization of where people live.
Vice Mayor Crist closed the public hearing.
On a motion by Council Member Mann and seconded by Council Member Hughes-Leslie, the City Council approved introduction of Ordinance No. 1142, amending the Lancaster Municipal Code, Title 11, Section 11.08.060, changing the annual mobile home park rental increase calculation from the current formula of 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to an annual increase structure based on the annual CPI, at a minimum of 2.5% and a maximum of 3%, by the following vote: 4-0-0-1: AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Mann, Malhi, Vice Mayor Crist; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Parris
PH 2. URGENCY INTERIM ORDINANCE IMPOSING MORATORIUM ON TOBACCO
RETAILER BUSINESSES, ALSO KNOWN AS SMOKE SHOPS
Vice Mayor Crist opened the public hearing.
Rodrick Armalin, Chief of Police presented the staff report on this item.
Discussion among Council included the recognition of this issue by the Criminal Justice Commission; the sale of what is considered to be gateway drugs; the powerfulness of some items being sold.
Addressing the Council at this time:
Jessica Dasselaar- spoke in support of this item and the concern for easily accessible products.
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6 Mark Maldanado-discussed the importance of taking care of the children and whether the moratorium is temporary.
Regina Armstrong-spoke in support of the ordinance, and spoke in opposition to smoke shops providing packaging that is attractive to children.
Brooke Hopkins-spoke in support of this item as a concerned parent and the need to protect children.
Barry Staunton-spoke in support of this item, and spoke in opposition of disguising cannabis in packaging that is attractive to children.
Nicole H. -spoke in support of action taken to stop the sale of illegal products to minors.
Dondra Arcidiacono- thanked the Lancaster Police Department for holding smoke shops accountable, and protecting children’s well-being.
Michelley-spoke in support of this item.
Heather Varden-spoke in support of the proposed ordinance.
Jeff Little- Chair of the Criminal Justice Commission, spoke in support of this ordinance.
Mark Ritthaler-discussed treating the smoke shops like adult shops and not allowing children in the establishment.
Fran Sereseres-discussed that the manufacturers should be held accountable for making packaging that is attractive to kids.
Speaker #13-spoke in support of this item and discussed how toxic the products are to children and the overall health of young children.
Michelle Royal-discussed the correlation between compliant businesses as it compares to uncompliant businesses and the crime rate.
David Harris-discussed the issue with children even seeing the products and the mental health of individuals.
Vice Mayor Crist closed the public hearing.
Discussion among Council included the benefits of having a police department that can do such operations. Council also discussed the Lancaster Police Department working to happen alongside the sheriff’s deputies to accomplish this objective. Council also discussed the intent of the City to take care of the children in the community.
On a motion by Council Member Mann and seconded by Council Member Hughes-Leslie, the City Council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 1143, imposing an interim moratorium on certain new tobacco retailer businesses and expansion of existing tobacco retailer businesses, also known as smoke shops, by the following vote: 4-0-0-1: AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Mann, Malhi, Vice Mayor Crist; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Parris
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7 PH 3. PUBLIC HEARING RE BALLOT MEASURE TO VOTERS TO AMEND THE
LANCASTER CITY CHARTER
Vice Mayor Crist opened the public hearing.
Allison Burns, City Attorney presented the staff report on this item.
Discussion among Council included the proposed number of City Council seats.
Vice Mayor Crist requested that the City Attorney explain the legal aspect of the costs associated with fighting against districting.
Allison Burns, City Attorney advised everyone on the consequences of fighting against districting.
Discussion among Council was regarding the consequences of not taking action.
Allison Burns, City Attorney advised on what has happened in other jurisdictions.
Discussion among Council includes current Supreme Court case that may change the outcome.
Addressing the Council at this time:
Michelley-discussed the Council makeup with the proposed charter amendment.
Discussion among Council included the makeup of the proposed City Council.
Vice Mayor Crist closed the public hearing.
NB 1. GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION-APRIL 14, 2026
Andrea Alexander, City Clerk presented the staff report on this item.
Discussion among Council included what happens if an incumbent does not pull papers.
On a motion by Council Member Mann and seconded by Council Member Malhi, the City Council approved item number NB 1 as comprised, by the following vote: 4-0-0-1; AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Mann, Malhi, Vice Mayor Crist; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: Parris
Approved Recommendation(s):
1. Adopted Resolution No. 25-61, calling for the holding of a General All-Mail Ballot Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, for the election of two (2) City Council Members as required by the provisions of the applicable laws of the state of California and the City of Lancaster, City Charter.
2. Adopted Resolution No. 25-62, requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to render specified services to the City relating to the conduct of a General Docusign Envelope ID: 0137FC23-9F1F-4258-9D09-1BAE344E1CCD
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8 Municipal Election to be held Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
3. Adopted Resolution No. 25-63, adopting regulations for candidates for elective office, pertaining to filing fees and candidate statements submitted to the voters at an election to be held Tuesday, April 14, 2026.
4. Adopted Resolution No. 25-64, providing for the conduct of a special runoff election for elective offices in the event of a tie vote at any municipal election.
5. Directed staff to conduct a standalone all-mail ballot general municipal election and approve the following Professional Services Agreements to provide election support services.
A. Hart InterCivic for ballot design, tabulation software, equipment, and associated services in an amount not to exceed $95,836.32 and
B. ProVote Solutions for ballot production, print and mail services in an amount of $205, 045.40;
C. SnailWorks for mail tracking for approximately of $2,994.61.
D. City of Whittier/GEM for ballot tracking in an amount not to exceed $30,000.
E. Los Angeles County for Voter data, Ballot Drop-off Boxes and other services.
6. Authorized the City Manager, or his designee with the occurrence of the City Attorney to approve, finalize and execute any and all such documents necessary to complete the contemplated transactions.
COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Hughes Leslie discussed the impact to the City based on decisions made. Council Member Hughes Leslie also reported on the Haunt at the Hanger.
Staff provided a video recap of the Haunt at the Hanger event.
Council Member Malhi discussed the importance of the community and reported on the Senior Expo event.
Staff provided a video recap of the Senior Expo event.
Council Member Mann reported on meetings with the schools and discussed how action on smoke shops will impact schools in a positive way.
Vice Mayor Crist reported on the North County Transportation Commission (NCTC) meeting regarding the issues and possible closure of the Metrolink.
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9 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 announced upcoming events such as Trunk-or-Treat at the Lancaster Community Center scheduled for October 31, 2025; Day of Drafts event on November 1, 2025; Love Your City cleanup event scheduled for November 8, 2025.
Rodrick Armalin, Chief of Police provided an update on the Sierra Highway operation to combat sex trafficking, and the arrests of individuals that hire prostitutes. The Chief of Police also talked about efforts to assist individuals caught in sex trafficking.
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
Heather Brown-discussed the issues with forever chemicals in the water.
Michelley- discussed various topics.
Dennis Porter-discussed issues with illegal dumping in local neighborhood.
Cristina Alonso- discussed the benefits of the Lancaster Community Center (LCC) and expressed gratitude for LCC staff members.
David Paul- discussed various topics.
David Harris- discussed upcoming community clean up event.
Fran Sereseres-discussed issues with the location of the Social Services building, and the lack of a crosswalk on Gingham Avenue and speeding in the area.
CLOSED SESSION
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10 Allison Burns, City Attorney announced that the City Council would go into closed session to discuss closed session item numbers one (1) through twenty-two (22).
Vice Mayor Crist adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at approximately 3:28 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. 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. 25AVCV00196
6. Abaied v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25STCV14733
7. Montenegro v. Green, LASC Case No. 22AVCV01050
8. Perez v. Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23AVCV00577
9. City of Whittier v. Superior Court, LASC Case No. 23 STCP03579
10. Lindo v. Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23AVCV00950.
11. Nazari v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25AVCV00192
12. Mahfound v. County of Los Angeles, City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25AVCV00586
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11 13. Morgan v. Antelope Valley Transit Authority,
City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25AVCV00061
14. Lea v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No.: 25STCV09046
15. Stockman v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23 AVCV00838
16. Zimmerman v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 24AVCV00848
17. Snyder v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 21AVCV00770
18. Higgins v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23AVCV00125
19. Wright v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23AVCV00864
20. Cordova v. City of Lancaster, Case No. 24AVCV00221
21. Darnell Wayne Thomas 25STCV17622th
22. Payne v. City of Lancaster 24AVCV00308
RECONVENED
Vice Mayor Crist reconvened the meeting at approximately 4:03 p.m.
Allison Burns, City Attorney announced that the City Council took action on closed session item numbers two (2) for three potential actions and closed session item sixteen (16). No reportable action.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice Mayor Crist adjourned the meeting at 4:04 p.m.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 18th day off November 2025, by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Hughes-Leslie, Malhi, Mann, Crist, Parris NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
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12 ATTEST: APPROVED:
___________________________________ ____________________________ 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/ 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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