CC 2
1/27/2026
TN
Tuesday, January 13, 2026
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Parris called the meeting of the Lancaster City Council / Successor Agency/ Financing/Power Authority to order at 1:32 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: City Council Members /Agency Directors /Authority Members: Hughes- Leslie, Malhi, Mann; Vice Mayor/ Vice Chair Crist/ Mayor/Parris
STAFF MEMBERS:
City Manager/ Executive Director; City Attorney/Agency/Authority Counsel; City Clerk/Agency/ Authority Secretary; Director- Public Works; Planning Manager-Community Development; Director- Parks, Recreation, Arts, & Community Services; Senior Director/Treasurer-Admin Services; Chief of Police.
INVOCATION
Ethan Berthiaume, Grace Chapel
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2 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Raj Malhi, Council Member
PRESENTATION
1. 2025 Year in Review
Presented by: Trolis Niebla, City Manager
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Parris stated that he needs to recuse himself from item number CC 14 as he owns property within proximity to the project.
Council Members Mann, Malhi, and Mayor Parris recused themselves from item number CC 15 due to conflicts. Council Member Malhi remained present due to “the rule of necessity”.
On a motion by Vice Mayor Crist and seconded by Council Member Malhi, the City Council approved the consent calendar, pulling items CC 14 and CC 15, by the following vote: 5-0-0- 0: AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Mann, Malhi, Crist, Parris; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None.
Mayor Parris and Council Member Mann left the dais at this time.
On a motion by Council Member Hughes-Leslie and seconded by Council Member Malhi, the City Council approved item CC 15 as comprised, by the following vote: 3-0- 2-0; AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Malhi, Vice Mayor Crist; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: Mann, Parris; ABSENT: None.
Council Member Mann returned to the dais at this time.
On a motion by Council Member Hughes-Leslie and seconded by Council Member Mann, the City Council approved the consent calendar, CC 14, by the following vote: 3-0-2-0:
AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Mann, Malhi, Crist; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: Parris; 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.)
C 2. MINUTES
Approved the City Council/Successor Agency/Financing/Housing/Power Authority regular meeting minutes for December 09, 2025.
CC 3. CHECK REGISTERS – NOVEMBER 23, THROUGH DECEMBER 27, 2025.
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3 Approved the Check and Wire Registers for payments made November 23, 2025, through December 27, 2025, in the amount of $13,563,295.10 as presented.
CC 4. MONTHLY REPORTS OF INVESTMENTS – NOVEMBER 2025.
Accepted and approved the November 2025 Monthly Report of Investments as submitted.
CC 5. LANCASTER MAINTENANCE DISTRICT ANNEXATIONS
1. Authorized Staff to Initiate Proceeding to Conduct a Public Hearing, tabulate the returned ballots, and announce results at February 10 Council Meeting.
2. Adopted Resolution No. 26-01, Initiating Proceedings for Annexations into the Lancaster Maintenance District.
3. Adopted Resolution No. 26-02, 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 6. PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT WITH QUARTZ HILL WATER DISTRICT
1. Found the sale of property categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act and authorized staff to execute and file a Notice of Exemption.
2. Approved the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Quartz Hill Water District for Assessor’s Parcel Numbers (APNs) 3110-040-909 and 3110-040-910, two contiguous parcels located in the Open Space zone.
3. Authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to execute (i) the Purchase and Sale Agreement in substantially the form presented, subject to non-substantive changes approved by the City Manager and City Attorney, and (ii) all documents necessary or appropriate to complete the transaction.
4. Made findings that the sale of property to Quartz Hill Water District is exempt from the Surplus Land Act pursuant to Government Code 54421 (f)(1)(D), because the City is transferring the property to another public agency for that public agency’s use.
CC 7. HARRIS & ASSOCIATES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
AMENDMENT
1. Approved Agreement Amendment with Harris & Associates for Special District Re- Districting Professional Services in an amount not to exceed $136,000.
2. Authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to finalize and execute all documents related to the Agreement.
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4 CC 8. TAX SHARING RESOLUTION FOR PROPOSED ANNEXATION NO. 14-569 INTO LOS ANGELES COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT NO. 14
a. Adopted the Tax Sharing Resolution for proposed Annexation No. 14-469 into Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 14
b. Approved the City Clerk to route three copies of the tax share resolution to the City Attorney and the Mayor for wet signatures.
CC 9. TAX SHARING RESOLUTION FOR PROPOSED ANNEXATION NO. 14-468 INTO LOS ANGELES COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT NO. 14
a. Adopted the Tax Sharing Resolution for proposed Annexation No. 14-468 into Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 14
b. Approved the City Clerk to route three copies of the tax share resolution to the City Attorney and the Mayor for wet signatures.
CC 10. APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR THE DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING 7 URBAN
DEVELOPMENT (HUD) FOR HOME AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN (HOME-ARP)
1. Approved appropriation of additional HOME-ARP funds in the amount of $3,662.00 for expenditure in accordance with the HOME-ARP Program
2. Authorized the City Manager, or his designee, to sign all documents as it relates to these funds.
CC 11. ADOPT RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING APPLICATION FOR STATE OF
CALIFORNIA PROHOUSING INCENTIVE PROGRAM FUNDS
1. Adopted Resolution No. 26-03, authorizing the submittal of an application to the California State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for funding under the Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP); the execution of a standard agreement if selected for such funding and any amendments thereto; and any related documents necessary to participate in the Prohousing Incentive Program.
2. Accepted the Prohousing Incentive Program grant award funds, and appropriated said funds into a Prohousing Incentive Program Fund account number, to be created by Finance.
3. Authorized the City Manager, or their designee, to allocate any awarded funds—up to $1,140,000—in alignment with the Prohousing Incentive Program.
4. Found that this item is not a project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act.
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5 CC 12. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) 18-26 – ACCEPTANCE OF
IMPROVEMENTS (SEWER)
Approved the following developer-installed sanitary sewer and accept the sewer for maintenance by the City and for public use:
Project No. Private Contract No. Location/Owner
Conditional Use
Permit No. 18-26
80-26 ± 2.3 gross acres on the west
side of Sahuayo Street, north of
Avenue K-4;
Assessor’s Parcel Number
(APN):3126-031-039
Owner: Imagine Village II, LP
CC 13. CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (CUP) 18-26 – ACCEPTANCE OF
IMPROVEMENTS (STREETS)
Approved the developer-constructed streets on the following project. In addition, accept the streets for maintenance by the City and for public use.
Project No. Location/Owner
Conditional Use Permit ±2.3 gross acres on the west side of Sahuayo Street No. 18-26 North of Avenue K-4; Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN): 3126-031-039
Owner: Imagine Village II, LP
CC 14. FINAL MAP APPROVAL – PARCEL MAP NO. 84186 (LOCATED ON THE SOUTHWEST CORNER OF AVENUE K AND 30TH STREET WEST)
Approved the map and accepted the dedication as offered on Parcel Map No. 84186 located on the southwest corner of Avenue K and 30 Street West; 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 dedication shown thereon.
CC 15. CONSTRUCTION AWARD OF BID – PUBLIC WORKS CONSTRUCTION PROJECT 24-028 – LANCASTER HEALTH DISTRICT PHASE 2
1. Awarded Public Works Construction Project (PWCP) 24-028, Lancaster Health District Phase 2, to Toro Enterprises, Inc., of Oxnard, CA, in the amount of $5,589,286.60, plus a 20% contingency, for the improvements to 18 Street West between Avenue J and Avenue J-8, and authorized City Manager, or his designee, to sign all documents in accordance with California Public Contract Code Section 22038(b).
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6 2. Found that the City has complied with the California Environmental Quality Act. An Environmental Impact Report was prepared, mitigation measures were made a condition of approval of the project, and a Notice of Determination was filed on June 8, 2021.
3. Authorized Task Order expenditure amount of $74,762.00 plus a 10% contingency for Construction Support Services to Kimley-Horn and Associates, Inc.
4. Authorized Task Order expenditure amount of $151,130.00 plus a 10% contingency for Environmental and Cultural Resources Support Services to Psomas.
5. Authorized Task Order expenditure amount of $44,714.30, plus a 5% contingency for labor compliance services to the successful firm in Multi-Year Professional Services Agreement, Service Group Category (SGC) 16 - Labor Compliance.
6. Authorized Task Order expenditure amount of $20,000.00, plus a 5% contingency for materials and laboratory testing services to the successful firm in Multi-Year Professional
NB 2. ORDINANCE REPEALING SECTIONS 10.04.035 AND 10.01.040 OF THE LMC, 4903-4278-5150-1
Allison Burns, City Attorney presented the staff report on this item.
Discussion among Council included the possibility of bringing back cruising on the Boulevard.
On a motion by Vice Mayor Crist, and seconded by Council Member Mann, the City Council, approved the introduction of Ordinance No. 1146 repealing sections 10.04.035 and 10.04.040 of the Lancaster municipal code relating to vehicular cruising to align with AB436, which amended Section 21100(k) CVC, by the following vote: 5-0-0-0; AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Mann, Malhi, Vice Mayor Crist, Mayor Parris; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None.
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.
CR1. COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Hughes-Leslie reported on the Lost Angels Cohort graduation
Staff provided a video recap of the Lost Angels Cohort graduation.
Mayor Parris reported on the Magical Boulevard event.
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7 Staff provided a video recap of the Magical Boulevard event.
Councilmember Malhi reported on the 7/11 toy giveaway.
Staff provided a video recap of the 7/11 event.
Vice Mayor Crist reported on the Antelope Valley Transit Authority (AVTA) toy and grocery giveaway.
Staff provided a video recap of the AVTA toy and grocery giveaway.
PUBLIC BUSINESS FROM THE FLOOR - NON-AGENDIZED ITEMS
Addressing the Council at this time:
Jose D. Alvarez – discussed concerns with the Boulevard and presented various ideas to bring family and citizens to the Boulevard.
Mayor Parris inquired about opportunities for citizens to express their ideas.
Sonya Patterson Director-Parks, Art and Community Services discussed the PARCS master plan as a mechanism to provide feedback.
Fran Sereseres – discussed the upcoming Area Plan meeting and invited the public to attend.
LANCASTER FINANCING AUTHORITY
No action is required at this time.
LANCASTER HOUSING AUTHORITY
No action is required at this time.
LANCASTER POWER AUTHORITY
No action is 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 Justice Sunday Annual Performance scheduled on Sunday, January 18th, 4 pm-8 pm and the MLK Day of Service scheduled for Saturday, January 17, 2026.
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8 CITY COUNCIL / AGENCY/ AUTHORITY COMMENTS
Mayor Parris inquired about the status of drone usage for public safety.
Rodrick Armlain, Chief of Police provided an update regarding the status of drone usage.
CLOSED SESSION
Allison Burns, City Attorney announced that the City Council would now go into Closed Session to discuss Closed Session item numbers 1 through 22.
Mayor Parris adjourned the meeting to Closed Session at approximately 2:18 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 Docusign Envelope ID: 2F4DD2CE-969B-479D-8023-D0501C26ED9B 1-27-26 CC-SA-FA-PA Meeting Minutes
9 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
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 25STCV17622
22. Payne v. City of Lancaster 24AVCV00308
RECONVENED
Mayor Parris reconvened the meeting at 3:06 p.m.
Allison Burns, City Attorney announced that the City Council took action on closed session item number 1 for one case and item number 2 for two cases and gave direction to staff and legal counsel. No reportable action.
NB 1. RESOLUTION SUBMITTING A MEASURE TO THE VOTERS TO AMEND SECTION 201 OF THE LANCASTER CHARTER
Allison Burns, City Attorney presented the staff report on this item.
Addressing the Council at this time:
David Paul-spoke in favor of the citizens’ ability to vote on the issue but questioned the makeup of the Council and the management-council form of government.
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10 have not really improved city governance.
On a motion by Vice Mayor Crist and seconded by Mayor Parris, the City Council disapproved the submission of a measure to the voters at the General Municipal Election on April 14, 2026, to amend Section 201 of the Lancaster Charter to authorize the City Council to enact an ordinance to (I) increase the number of Council Members from 4 to 5, (II) add the office of Vice Mayor, and (III) transition from at-large to district-based elections for Council Members consistent with the California Voting Rights Act of 2001, by the following vote: 5-0-0-0; AYES: Hughes-Leslie, Mann, Malhi, Vice Mayor Crist, Mayor Parris; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Parris adjourned the meeting at 3:16 p.m. and stated the next City Council/Successor Agency/Financing/Power Authority meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, at 1:30 p.m.
PASSED, APPROVED and ADOPTED this 27th day of January 2026, by the following vote:
AYES: Council Members Hughes-Leslie, Malhi, Mann, Crist, Parris NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
ATTEST: APPROVED:
ANDREA ALEXANDER, CMC R.REX PARRIS
CITY CLERK MAYOR/CHAIRMAN
AGENCY AUTHORITY SECRETARY
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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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