CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
6:00 PM
City Council Chambers
23920 Valencia Blvd.
Santa Clarita, CA 91355
AGENDA
Joint Meeting with
Board of Library Trustees
How to Address the City Council
Pursuant to Government Code section 54954.3 members of the public are afforded the opportunities to address the City Council. You may address the Council once per meeting during Public Participation on any matter within the Council's jurisdiction that is not listed on the agenda. Public Participation speaker's cards must be submitted to the City Clerk BEFORE this portion of the meeting begins. To address the Council regarding an item on the agenda, please fill out a speaker's card and submit it to the City Clerk BEFORE the Mayor announces the item.
Each person addressing the Council is given three minutes to speak (with double the time allotted to non-English speakers using a translator) indicated by a colored light system on the Council dais. If you wish to provide information to the Council, please present the City Clerk with 10 copies. Otherwise, your materials will simply be added to the official record. Please note use of City Council Chamber technology equipment to present electronic material during meetings is not allowed.
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In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk's Office, (661) 255-4391. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. (28CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title II)
Pursuant to Government Code 54957.5 any writings or documents distributed to a majority of the members of the City Council regarding any open session item on this agenda will be made available for public inspection in the City Clerk’s Office located at 23920 Valencia Boulevard, Suite 120, during normal business hours. View public meeting agendas here, inclusive of all attachments and reading file material.
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INVOCATION
Smyth
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
FLAG SALUTE
EXECUTIVE MEETING
This time has been set aside for Councilmembers to review the agenda and obtain any further information that may be needed. Council will also discuss each individual item during the course of the meeting with the exception of the Consent Calendar, which may be approved in its entirety by one motion, unless there is a request to pull an item for discussion. No action will be taken on public agenda items during the Executive Meeting.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Dragon Boat Team USA
Tidings For Teens
Hispanic Heritage Month
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
The Master's University
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
This time has been set aside for the public to address the City Council on items NOT listed on the agenda. The City Council will not act upon these items at this meeting other than to review and/or provide direction to staff. All speakers must submit a speaker’s card to the City Clerk PRIOR to the beginning of this portion of the meeting. Thirty minutes are allotted for public input at this time. The FIRST TEN people to submit a speaker card prior to the beginning of Public Participation will be heard.
STAFF COMMENTS
COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
NEW BUSINESS
1. CENTRAL PARK BUILDOUT - RIVER OF LIGHTS, PROJECT P4019 - This item will present decorative lighting options along the plaza and adjacent to the exercise stairs at the Central Park Buildout project, and request direction from the City Council.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council receive presentation outlining decorative lighting options at the Central Park Buildout project and provide direction to staff.
2. LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES MEMBERSHIP - The League of California Cities (Cal Cities) is a legislative advocacy association that represents the interests of cities throughout the State, primarily on matters related to state legislation. The City of Santa Clarita (City) has been a member of Cal Cities since City incorporation in December 1987 and annual membership is approximately $45,000.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council discuss and provide direction to staff.
CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be enacted by one motion by the City Council. The items are not individually discussed by the City Council unless a request is made by a member of the public or the Council, in which case, the item(s) will be removed from the Consent Calendar and will be considered separately.
3. APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES – The minutes of the City Council are submitted for approval.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council approve the minutes of the September 12, 2023 Special Meeting.
4. APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – The minutes of the City Council are submitted for approval.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council approve the minutes of the September 12, 2023 Regular Meeting.
5. CHECK REGISTER NO. 19 - Check Register No. 19 for the Period 08/11/23 through 08/24/23 and 08/31/23. Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period of 08/14/23 through 08/25/23.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council approve and ratify for payment the demands presented in Check Register No. 19.
6. QUICK RESPONSE CODE BUS STOP SIGN REPLACEMENT - City Council consideration to award Sterndhal Enterprises, LLC, the contract for the replacement and installation of Quick Response Codes at 692 bus stops.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a contract with Sterndhal Enterprises, LLC, for the removal of old/damaged signs and installation of new Quick Response code signs at 692 bus stops in an amount of $196,740, and authorize a 10 percent project contingency of $19,674, for a total contract amount not to exceed $216,414.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contract documents and extensions, subject to City Attorney approval.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
This time has been set aside for any speakers that have turned in speaker cards and were not heard in the first thirty minutes allotted to address the City Council on items that are NOT on the agenda. Speaker cards may not be submitted relating to any items listed on the agenda.
STAFF COMMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
In memory of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer
FUTURE MEETINGS
The next regular meeting of the City Council will be held October 10, 2023, at 6:00 PM in the Council Chambers, 1st floor of City Hall, 23920 Valencia Blvd., Santa Clarita, CA.
CERTIFICATION
On September 21, 2023, I, Mary Cusick, do hereby certify that I am the duly appointed and qualified City Clerk for the City of Santa Clarita and that the foregoing agenda was posted at City Hall.
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Mary Cusick
City Clerk
Santa Clarita, California
PROCLAMATION
Hispanic Heritage Month
September 15 – October 15, 2023
WHEREAS, National Hispanic Heritage Month celebrates the rich cultural traditions and significant achievements of the Hispanic and Latino communities; and WHEREAS, 62.1 million Americans are Latinos of Hispanic Heritage and represent 19 percent of our nation’s population; and
WHEREAS, 35.4 percent of the City of Santa Clarita’s population is comprised of Latinos who are continuously bringing a rich historical tradition to the City based upon the significant contributions made by Latino forebearers; and
WHEREAS, today the premier leaders of the Latino community of the City are advancing in every area of our American life; and
WHEREAS, many people of Hispanic Heritage serve as civil rights leaders and community organizers, politicians, teachers, journalists, first responders, artists, healthcare professionals, athletes, inventors, entertainers, and more; and
WHEREAS, the City directly reflects the ongoing contributions in language, law, business, health, literature, food, and architecture made by Latinos; and WHEREAS, the Latino residents continue to enhance the City’s artistic life in the areas of art, music, dance, motion pictures, radio, and television; and WHEREAS, the influence brought by a diversity of Latinos continues to prosper and make an undying force in the City.
NOW THEREFORE, the City of Santa Clarita does hereby proclaim September 15 to October 15, 2023, as “Hispanic Heritage Month” in the City of Santa Clarita, California.
Signed this 26th day of September, 2023.
Jason Gibbs, Mayor
Santa Clarita, California
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Attachment: Hispanic Heritage Month 2023 (Hispanic Heritage Month)
PROCLAMATION
Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October 2023
WHEREAS, domestic violence affects people of all genders, sexual orientations, ages, racial, ethnic, cultural, social, religious, and economic groups in the United States and here in California; and
WHEREAS, domestic violence programs provide essential, lifesaving services for survivors, their children, and communities; and
WHEREAS, although progress has been made toward preventing and ending domestic violence and providing support to survivors and their families, important work remains to be done; and WHEREAS, in the City of Santa Clarita, Child & Family Center’s Domestic Violence program and services are free to survivors and include: a 30-day Emergency Domestic Violence Shelter, 24-hour hotline to provide immediate help to those in need, counseling, legal assistance, and court-approved education classes; and
WHEREAS, in the last fiscal year, Child & Family Center’s Domestic Violence staff received 2,936 hotline calls for support and assistance and provided 468 bed-nights in the shelter; and WHEREAS, Child & Family Center’s annual 5K Walk to End Domestic Violence, which will take place on October 14, helps to educate and bring awareness to this issue.
NOW THEREFORE, the City of Santa Clarita does hereby proclaim the month of October 2023, as “Domestic Violence Awareness Month” in the City of Santa Clarita, California.
Signed this 26th day of September, 2023.
Jason Gibbs, Mayor
Santa Clarita, California
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Attachment: Domestic Violence Awareness Month 2023 (Domestic Violence Awareness Month)
Agenda Item: 1
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
NEW BUSINESS
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: September 26, 2023
SUBJECT: CENTRAL PARK BUILDOUT - RIVER OF LIGHTS, PROJECT P4019 DEPARTMENT: Public Works
PRESENTER: Shannon Pickett
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council receive presentation outlining decorative lighting options at the Central Park Buildout project and provide direction to staff.
BACKGROUND
The Central Park Buildout project is being constructed at the southwest corner of Central Park near the intersection of Bouquet Canyon Road and Alamogordo Road, as shown on the location map. The scope of work includes the addition of four full-sized multipurpose fields, the installation of sports field lighting, parking lot lighting, landscaping and irrigation, the construction of a new restroom building, the construction of a new parking lot, upgrades to the adjacent dog park, an accessible walkway with lighting from the new parking lot to the dog park, construction of a 55-foot wide plaza between the parking lot and multipurpose fields, and construction of exercise stairs. This project will be complete in October and supports the Building and Creating Community theme of the City of Santa Clarita’s (City) five-year strategic plan, Santa Clarita 2025. In an effort to enhance the experience of park users, staff has evaluated concepts to incorporate decorative lights into the project.
This item presents three decorative lighting options to the City Council for consideration and direction. Option one includes lights embedded in the concrete of the plaza in a flowing, curvilinear fashion from the shade structures to the public art installation, “When a Cloud Met a Cloud.” Option two includes the installation of approximately 80 pole-mounted lights on the hillside along the exercise stairs. These lights will be mounted on individual poles approximately four feet above the ground surface. Option three is the installation of the lights in both the plaza and along the stairs. The programmable lights will be capable of variable colors and varying levels of brightness to create visual effects such as flowing water. Renderings of the decorative lighting options are attached.
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Based on the engineer’s estimate, the anticipated cost for the lights in option one, the plaza, with the necessary infrastructure is $900,000. The anticipated cost for the lights in option two, along the exercise stairs only, with the necessary infrastructure is $1 million. Much of the infrastructure for these two phases is identical so the engineer’s estimate to construct option three, consisting of both options one and two, is $1.3 million.
Based on the City Council’s direction, staff can prepare plans and specifications to obtain bid prices and return with an agenda item to award a construction contract for the selected option.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact for this item. Based on direction provided, a separate item may be brought to the City Council to award construction and request appropriation at the time of award.
ATTACHMENTS
Location Map
Renderings for River of Lights
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Attachment: Location Map (CENTRAL PARK BUILDOUT - RIVER OF LIGHTS, PROJECT P4019)
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Attachment: Renderings for River of Lights (CENTRAL PARK BUILDOUT - RIVER OF LIGHTS, PROJECT P4019)
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Attachment: Renderings for River of Lights (CENTRAL PARK BUILDOUT - RIVER OF LIGHTS, PROJECT P4019)
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Attachment: Renderings for River of Lights (CENTRAL PARK BUILDOUT - RIVER OF LIGHTS, PROJECT P4019)
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Attachment: Renderings for River of Lights (CENTRAL PARK BUILDOUT - RIVER OF LIGHTS, PROJECT P4019)
Agenda Item: 2
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
NEW BUSINESS
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: September 26, 2023
SUBJECT: LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES MEMBERSHIP
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office
PRESENTER: Masis Hagobian
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council discuss and provide direction to staff.
BACKGROUND
The League of California Cities (Cal Cities) is a legislative advocacy association that intends to represent the interests of cities throughout the state of California (State), primarily on matters related to State legislation. Cal Cities membership includes 476 of the 482 cities in the State, and its structure includes regional divisions, policy committees, caucuses, and professional departments.
The City of Santa Clarita (City) has been a member of Cal Cities since City incorporation in December 1987, and annual membership is approximately $45,000, which includes regional and State membership.
The State Legislature, State Leadership, and Governor’s Office have, for nearly a decade now, dedicated a great deal of attention and legislative action on housing and local zoning, often preempting local land use authority. As a result, many cities, including Santa Clarita, have invested significant resources in opposing proposed State housing policies and subsequently, articulating the concerns and negative impacts of these policies to State officials.
Despite opposition efforts from cities and Cal Cities, the State passed several pieces of legislation that has weakened local discretion and authority of local land use decisions. Some of these policies include preemption of local discretionary review and the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for specific housing developments in cities that have not had homes built at the level zoned in their Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA); preemption of single- family zoning to allow for two duplexes and two accessory dwelling units on each single-family parcel; preemption of minimum parking standards for specific housing developments near public 2 Packet Pg. 14
transit stations; and preemption of local zoning and streamlined approval for specific housing developments in retail commercial or office zones or if the property owner is a local education agency, without local discretionary review.
Earlier this year, the City met with Cal Cities and expressed concerns regarding State legislative matters and Cal Cities’ efforts in advocating for local land use authority. The City withheld from processing this year’s Cal Cities membership due to the City’s ongoing concerns related to the legislative advocacy efforts of Cal Cities. On September 5, 2023, the City received a letter from Cal Cities notifying the City that the City’s membership with Cal Cities would be terminated if this year’s membership dues were not paid by September 19, 2023. The City responded stating that an item would be presented to the City Council on September 26, 2023, to discuss Cal Cities membership and requested a deadline extension of September 27, 2023, to follow the City Council meeting. Cal Cities rejected the City’s request for a deadline extension. The City did not pay this year’s membership dues by September 19, 2023, and as such, is no longer a member of Cal Cities.
As part of Cal Cities’ membership benefits, an annual conference is held, which includes educational workshops, legislative advocacy, intergovernmental networking opportunities, and General Assembly, in which resolutions establishing Cal Cities’ policies and guiding principles are considered for adoption.
At the last Cal Cities Annual Conference, which was held on September 7-9, 2022, in Long Beach, a petitioned resolution was circulated by a group of cities, including the City of Torrance, that would direct Cal Cities to partner with organizers of the “Our Neighborhood Voices” initiative, a draft ballot initiative to amend the State Constitution to restore local land use planning and zoning authority to local governments.
The petitioned resolution would also direct Cal Cities to “allocate sufficient resources to help advance and qualify” the proposed ballot initiative for the November 5, 2024, General Election ballot. The petitioned resolution received over 100 signatures from voting delegates during the signature gathering phase and qualified to be considered by the General Resolutions Committee (Committee) and General Assembly. The City’s voting delegate did not sign the petition. Despite significant support for the initiative, the Committee approved a motion (167-98) to redirect the initiative to various Cal Cities policy committees, in lieu of the General Assembly, as many members of the Committee expressed concerns regarding the language of the ballot initiative and potential monetary obligation directed in the petitioned resolution. Since the 2022 Annual Conference, Cal Cities policy committees have met and discussed the initiative but no further action has been taken by Cal Cities on the initiative.
On October 11, 2022, the Torrance City Council voted unanimously to discontinue its Cal Cities membership, describing Cal Cities’ efforts to protect local land use authority as lackluster and citing the failed attempt to pass the petitioned resolution at the 2022 General Assembly Meeting.
On March 21, 2023, the Redondo Beach City Council voted (3-2) to discontinue its Cal Cities membership, expressing similar concerns and sentiments shared by the Torrance City Council.
However, on August 1, 2023, the Redondo Beach City Council voted (3-2) to reinstate its Cal Cities membership.
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Between 2017-2022, the Santa Clarita City Council adopted a position on approximately 78 pieces of State legislation. Of the 78 bills, Cal Cities adopted a position consistent with the City Council on 35 of those bills or a rate of 44.8 percent in the last five years. Moreover, of the 78 bills the City Council adopted a position on, 31 of those bills were related to housing and land use authority.
Of the 31 housing and land use-related bills, Cal Cities was consistent in their adopted position on 20 of those bills or a consistency rate of 64.5 percent. Of the remaining 11 bills, Cal Cities took a “watch” position on 9 bills and adopted a position that was inconsistent with the City Council’s position on 2 bills.
The City Council has adopted a position on 18 pieces of State legislation this year. Of the 18 bills, Cal Cities adopted a position consistent with the City Council on 7 bills or a rate of 38.8 percent. Of the remaining 11 bills, Cal Cities has a “watch” position on 5 bills that the City Council supported, a “watch” position on 2 bills that the City Council opposed, an “oppose, unless amended” position on 2 bills that the City Council opposed, a “support, if amended” position on 1 bill that the City Council opposed, and no position on 1 bill that the City Council supported.
The referenced three bills where the City Council has adopted an opposed position, but Cal Cities has an “oppose, unless amended” position or a “support, if amended” position, are Assembly Bill (AB) 1490, AB 1630, and Senate Bill (SB) 4, and are all related to housing and land use authority. All three bills require specific housing projects to be approved through a ministerial and streamlined process, preempting local discretionary review, public hearings, and CEQA review.
With regard to AB 1490 and AB 1630, Cal Cities’ position letters reference similar concerns shared by the City Council, however, Cal Cities expresses an “oppose, unless amended” position, requesting the bills only be amended to include a State investment of $3 billion to assist cities in their efforts to prevent and reduce homelessness and increase affordable housing production.
With regard to SB 4, Cal Cities’ position letter expresses a “support, if amended” position, stating Cal Cities would fully support the legislation if it is amended to allow local jurisdictions to continue to determine maximum building heights and parking requirements. As mentioned previously, SB 4 allows for a specific housing project to be approved, by right, preempting any discretionary local government review, local conditional use permits, planned unit development permit, or CEQA review.
Of the three aforementioned bills, AB 1490 and SB 4 passed the State Legislature and are awaiting the Governor’s review.
In addition to the City’s legislative advocacy efforts, the City has contacted Cal Cities for support in the State’s certification of the City’s Housing Element. The City has historically been compliant in meeting the State’s deadlines in updating the Housing Element, however, cities across the State, including Santa Clarita, experienced significant challenges in getting the State to certify the Housing Element Update for the current cycle. In Fall 2022, it was reported that 2 Packet Pg. 16
approximately 124 cities out of 197 cities in Southern California had not met State Housing Element Update deadlines.
Prior to obtaining certification, City staff communicated challenges experienced with the State to Cal Cities. City staff requested assistance from Cal Cities in getting the State to stay consistent and timely with their review and feedback of the City’s Housing Element. Cal Cities never followed up on the City’s multiple requests for assistance. The inconsistency and lack of responsiveness in the State’s review had caused nearly a two-year delay in obtaining certification.
The City’s Housing Element was certified on August 22, 2023, however, there are many cities that are still seeking State certification. In addition to non-compliance with State law, failure to obtain State certification may result in specific housing projects to be approved regardless of local zoning and general plan standards.
As described in this report, the City has attempted to seek support on legislative matters and assistance in resolving State agency issues impacting hundreds of Cal Cities members. The response from Cal Cities on these matters has been mixed. This report seeks the City Council’s consideration with regard to the City’s membership to Cal Cities.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action, as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
No additional resources beyond those contained within the City's adopted 2023-24 budget are required.
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CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
City Council
Special Meeting
~Minutes~
Tuesday, September 12, 2023 5:15 PM City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Gibbs called to order the Special Meeting at 5:43 p.m.
ROLL CALL
All Councilmembers were present.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FOR AGENDIZED ITEMS
Addressing the Council was Douglas (no last name provided) regarding anticipated litigation.
CLOSED SESSION
Joseph Montes, City Attorney, announced that Councilmember Weste would not participate in the matter relating to the letter regarding Shadowbox Studios due to the proximity of her property to the subject matter; announced that the anticipated litigation matter does not involve manufactured housing, and the City is a potential defendant; and advised of the need to conduct a Closed Session for the purpose of holding a:
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS
Government Code Section 54956.8
Property Location: 23743 West Valencia Boulevard, Santa Clarita, CA 91355 Negotiating Parties: Mary Bustamante, Judicial Council of California City’s Authorized Negotiator: City Manager
Under Negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
Name of case: City of Santa Clarita v. County of Los Angeles LASC Case No. 22STCP01395
Name of case: Santa Clarita LLC et al. v. City of Santa Clarita et al.
USDC Case No. 2:22-cv-04261-JLS
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2) - 2 matters (one related to attached letter)
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Sep 12, 2023 5:15 PM (Consent Calendar)
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION - TO BE HELD IN THE MURAL ROOM Mayor Gibbs recessed the meeting to Closed Session at 5:45 p.m.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Mayor Gibbs reconvened the meeting to Open Session at 6:14 p.m.
CITY ATTORNEY ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Joseph Montes announced that no action was taken in Closed Session that was required to be reported.
ADJOURN
Mayor Gibbs adjourned the Special Meeting at 6:14 p.m.
______________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________________
CITY CLERK
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Sep 12, 2023 5:15 PM (Consent Calendar)
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
City Council
Regular Meeting
Joint Meeting with
Board of Library Trustees
Hereinafter the titles Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, Councilmember, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk may be used also to indicate Mayor/Chair/President, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair/Vice President, City Manager/Executive Director, City Attorney/Counsel, and City Clerk/Secretary ~Minutes~
Tuesday, September 12, 2023 6:00 PM City Council Chambers
INVOCATION
Councilmember Weste delivered the invocation.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Gibbs called to order the Joint Regular meeting of the City Council and Board of Library Trustees at 6:17 p.m.
ROLL CALL
All Councilmembers were present.
FLAG SALUTE
Councilmember Weste led the flag salute.
EXECUTIVE MEETING
This time has been set aside for Councilmembers to review the agenda and obtain any further information that may be needed. Council will also discuss each individual item during the course of the meeting with the exception of the Consent Calendar, which may be approved in its entirety by one motion, unless there is a request to pull an item for discussion. No action will be taken on public agenda items during the Executive Meeting.
Agenda item 7 was pulled for a separate vote. Awards and Recognitions, item 6, and item 7 received requests to speak cards.
Councilwoman McLean requested adjournment of tonight's meeting in memory of Susan Lentini and invited her family and Zonta members in attendance to receive a certificate. Mayor Pro Tem Smyth, and Councilmembers Weste and Miranda spoke in memory of Ms. Lentini. 4 Packet Pg. 20
Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Sep 12, 2023 6:00 PM (Consent Calendar)
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Councilmember Weste spoke of the West Ranch High School Wildcat Marching Band, that recently performed at the City's Fourth of July Parade and took home the award for best High School Band. Julio Diaz, Percussion Director, Esther Kamp, Colorguard Director, and members of the West Ranch Marching Band were invited to the dais to take a photo and accept their awards.
Councilmember Miranda discussed raising awareness about childhood cancer and that the Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children’s Cancer provides financial and emotional support to children and their families battling cancer. Councilmember Miranda announced that the City proclaims September 2023 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and invited Sue and Chris Hoefflin, founders of the Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children’s Cancer, as well as board and family members, to the dais to receive the proclamation and take a photo.
Addressing the Council regarding the Constitution Week Proclamation was Nancy (no last name provided).
Mayor Pro Tem Smyth commented on the United States Constitution and the week's celebration of it started by the Daughters of the American Revolution to honor the birth of the nation’s fundamental governing framework. Mayor Pro Tem Smyth announced that the City proclaims the week of September 13 as Constitution Week and invited Jennifer Fitzwater, Elise Leithauser, and Sheryl Kolt of the Alliklik Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to the dais to receive the proclamation and take a photo.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Addressing the Council were Elaine (no last name provided) regarding politicians and elections; Kody Amour regarding the homeless crisis; Ashe Mahoney regarding minimum parking mandates; Steve Petzold regarding The Master's University, German American Heritage Month, campaign finance, and College of the Canyons; Cindy Josten regarding politics; and Nancy (no last name provided) regarding passport services in Santa Clarita.
STAFF COMMENTS
There were none.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Councilmember Weste invited the community to take part in the upcoming River Rally at the Newhall Community Center on September 16 and the Pow Wow at Hart Park on September 30 through October 1.
Councilmember Miranda commented on the upcoming German American Heritage month and spoke of Ms. Valladares' attendance at Council meetings. Councilmember Miranda announced an upcoming fundraiser for Bridge to Home and commented on Measure H fund; gave his support for recognition of The Master's University; and announced that the City is transitioning to the new redesigned website, SantaClarita.gov, on September 25. 4 Packet Pg. 21
Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Sep 12, 2023 6:00 PM (Consent Calendar)
Councilwoman McLean spoke of the recent Northern Corridor Cities meeting and announced that good things are coming for the Antelope Valley Metrolink line. Councilwoman McLean announced that September 19 is National Voter Registration Day.
Mayor Gibbs requested adjournment in memory of Al Hodek.
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM 1
NOMINATION TO THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ON
HOMELESSNESS
The Los Angeles County Executive Committee on Homelessness was recently established by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and is intended to develop a countywide plan to address homelessness. The motion establishes a nine-member Executive Committee, including a representative for the Los Angeles North County and San Fernando Valley subregions.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council discuss and recommend a member of the City Council to serve on the Los Angeles County Executive Committee on Homelessness.
Intergovernmental Relations Officer Masis Hagobian provided the staff report.
Council inquired about the other members of the committee, and Mr. Hagobian responded.
Mayor Pro Tem Smyth volunteered to be a part of the committee, and Council concurred.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Laurene Weste, Councilmember
SECONDER: Marsha McLean, Councilmember
AYES: Gibbs, Smyth, McLean, Miranda, Weste
CONSENT CALENDAR
Agenda Item 7 was pulled for a separate vote.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Cameron Smyth, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Laurene Weste, Councilmember
AYES: Gibbs, Smyth, McLean, Miranda, Weste
ITEM 2
APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – The minutes are submitted for approval.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the August 22, 2023, Regular Meeting.
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Sep 12, 2023 6:00 PM (Consent Calendar)
ITEM 3
CHECK REGISTER NOS. 17 AND 18
Check Register No. 17 for the Period 07/14/23 through 07/27/23 and 08/03/23. Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period 07/17/23 through 07/28/23. Check Register No. 18 for the Period 07/28/23 through 08/10/23 and 08/17/23. Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period 07/31/23 through 08/11/23.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council approve and ratify for payment the demands presented in Check Register No. 17 and Check Register No. 18.
ITEM 4
SANTA CLARITA VALLEY GROUNDWATER SUSTAINABILITY AGENCY
MEMBERSHIP FUNDING
City Council consideration to authorize an appropriation of $20,000 for the City of Santa Clarita's annual member contribution to the Santa Clarita Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council appropriate $20,000 annually from the Stormwater Utility fund balance to expenditure account 3567200-510102 for Fiscal Year 2023-24 through Fiscal Year 2026-27 to pay for Santa Clarita Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency membership dues.
Appropriations commencing in Fiscal Year 2024-25 are contingent upon appropriation of funds by the City Council during the annual budget process.
ITEM 5
2023 ENGINEERING AND TRAFFIC SURVEY STUDY
City Council consideration to establish prima facie speed limits for 13 highway segments that meet the criteria included in the 2023 Traffic and Engineering Survey Study.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution establishing prima facie speed limits on each roadway segment included in the 2023 Engineering and Traffic Survey Study.
2. Direct the City Clerk to certify the 2023 Engineering and Traffic Survey Study.
3. Direct staff to install the necessary speed limit signage changes brought about by adopting the 2023 Engineering and Traffic Survey Study.
4. Request the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department to continue the radar enforcement program on City of Santa Clarita streets and highways covered in the 2023 Engineering and Traffic Survey Study as soon as the signage changes are complete.
Adopted Resolution No. 23-72
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Sep 12, 2023 6:00 PM (Consent Calendar)
ITEM 6
SPECIALIZED DUMP TRUCK CONTRACT
This item would approve the purchase of a 2025 Freightliner 114SD, Cummins L9N 320 HP Engine, CNG dump truck, using Sourcewell contract #060920-NAF.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Approve the “piggyback” purchase of a 2025 Freightliner 114SD, Cummins L9N 320 HP Engine, Compressed Natural Gas dump truck, using Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract #060920-NAF in an amount not to exceed $327,733.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
Addressing the Council was Steve Petzold.
ITEMS PULLED FOR A SEPARATE VOTE
ITEM 7
SECOND READING AND ADOPTION OF AN ORDINANCE TO CHANGE THE ZONING DESIGNATION FROM NON-URBAN 5 TO MIXED-USE NEIGHBORHOOD, AND
ESTABLISH THE JOBS CREATION OVERLAY ZONE FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SHADOWBOX STUDIOS PROJECT (MASTER CASE 21-109)
The second reading of an ordinance for the implementation of a zone change and overlay zone associated with the Shadowbox Studios project, a nearly 1.3 million square foot film and television studio campus, including 19 soundstages, a two-story warehouse support building, three-story office, catering facilities, and a four-story (with five parking levels) parking garage.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council waive reading of the text and consent to read by title only, as listed on the agenda, and adopt an ordinance entitled “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ZONE CHANGE 21-001 (MASTER CASE 21-109) TO AMEND THE CITY’S ZONING MAP AND CHANGE THE ZONING DESIGNATION OF ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBERS 2834-002-046, 2834-003-044, 2834- 016-041, 2834-017-021, 2834-001-014, 2834-005-041, 2834-004-045, 2834-014-043, AND 2834-015-021 FROM NON-URBAN 5 TO MIXED-USE NEIGHBORHOOD, AND ESTABLISH THE JOBS CREATION OVERLAY ZONE ACROSS ASSESSOR’S PARCEL NUMBERS 2834-021-034, 2834-001-034, 2834-011-021, 2834-010-043, 2834-008-039, 2834- 001-015, 2834-006-041, 2834-007-045, 2834-013-041, 2834-021-023, 2834-005-041, 2834-004- 045, 2834-014-043, AND 2834-015-021.”
Councilmember Weste recused herself from participating in this item due to the proximity of her property and left the Council Chambers.
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Sep 12, 2023 6:00 PM (Consent Calendar)
Addressing the Council were Keith Shaw; Peggy Cannistraci; Teresa Todd, representing Placerita Canyon Property Owners Association; and Lynne Plambeck, representing Santa Clarita Organization for Planning and the Environment.
Council commented on maintaining standards and conditions of approval on projects.
Adopted Ordinance No. 23-8
RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 0]
MOVER: Cameron Smyth, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Bill Miranda, Councilmember
AYES: Jason Gibbs, Cameron Smyth, Marsha McLean, Bill Miranda RECUSED: Laurene Weste
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION II
No additional requests to speak were received.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gibbs adjourned the Regular Meeting in memory of Al Hodek and Susan Lentini at 7:31 p.m.
______________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________________
CITY CLERK
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Minutes Acceptance: Minutes of Sep 12, 2023 6:00 PM (Consent Calendar)
Agenda Item: 5
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: September 26, 2023
SUBJECT: CHECK REGISTER NO. 19
DEPARTMENT: Administrative Services
PRESENTER: Brittany Houston
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council approve and ratify for payment the demands presented in Check Register No. 19.
BACKGROUND
Check Register No. 19 for the Period 08/11/23 through 08/24/23 and 08/31/23 in the aggregate amount of $13,955,116.04 inclusive of Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period 08/14/23 through 08/25/23 in the aggregate amount of $1,577,795.07.
FISCAL IMPACT
No fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENTS
Memo - Check Register No.19
Check Register No. 19 (available in the City Clerk's Reading File) 5 Packet Pg. 26
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Attachment: Memo - Check Register No.19 (Check Register No,19)
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Attachment: Memo - Check Register No.19 (Check Register No,19)
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Attachment: Memo - Check Register No.19 (Check Register No,19)
Agenda Item: 6
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
CONSENT CALENDAR
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: September 26, 2023
SUBJECT: QUICK RESPONSE CODE BUS STOP SIGN REPLACEMENT
DEPARTMENT: Economic Development
PRESENTER: Adrian Aguilar
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a contract with Sterndhal Enterprises, LLC, for the removal of old/damaged signs and installation of new Quick Response code signs at 692 bus stops in an amount of $196,740, and authorize a 10 percent project contingency of $19,674, for a total contract amount not to exceed $216,414.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contract documents and extensions, subject to City Attorney approval.
BACKGROUND
In 2011, the City of Santa Clarita (City) purchased Quick Response (QR) code signs and installed them at approximately 700 bus stops within the City limits and at commuter bus stops outside of Santa Clarita. The QR code signs are an easy and effective way for riders to receive real-time bus arrival information while waiting for a bus at any bus stop by simply scanning the code sign using their smartphones. With riders preferring to use contactless methods to receive real-time bus arrival information, staff has seen an increase in usage of these signs over the past two years. The current QR code signs are past their useful life and many stops have damaged or missing signs. Additionally, with the City’s recent transition to santaclarita.gov, the existing signs will no longer be functional.
The City released Bid #TRT-23-24-03 to solicit bids from qualified vendors for the QR Code Bus Stop Sign Replacement Project. The bid was advertised on the City’s website on July 14, 2023, and in The Signal newspaper on July 14 and July 21, 2023. Notifications were also sent to 727 vendors. The bid was downloaded by 23 vendors, with the results as follows:
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Company Location Cost
Sterndhal Enterprises, LLC Sun Valley, CA $196,740
In response to receiving only one bid, staff reached out to vendors who downloaded but ultimately did not submit a bid. The general feedback received was that due to low staffing levels, they were unable to prepare and submit a proposal on time, or that after downloading and reviewing the bid packet, their company was no longer interested in the project.
As a result, staff recommends Sterndahl Enterprises, LLC, to be awarded the contract for the replacement and installation of the QR code signs at bus stops throughout the City.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other action as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund. The City has budgeted Federal 5307 Transit Grant Funds to cover 80 percent of the project costs. The remaining 20 percent will be funded using Municipal Operator Service Improvement Program (MOSIP) funds. Adequate funds are available in the Transit Capital Outlay – Contractual Account 7003702-516101.
ATTACHMENTS
Bid Response-QR Code Bus Stop Sign Replacement - Sterndhal (available in the City Clerk's Reading File)
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