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, October 14, 2025 6:00 PM City Council Chambers
INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Weste delivered the invocation.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Miranda called to order the Joint Regular meeting of the City Council and Board of Library Trustees at 6:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL
All Councilmembers were present.
FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Pro Tem 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.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Councilmember Ayala recognized West Ranch High School student Aakash Ahuja Jr., for his achievement in earning his Cisco Certified Network Associate certification at 14 years old as well as other leadership accomplishments and invited him to the dais to receive his recognition and take a photo.
Councilmember Gibbs recognized the achievements of three outstanding athletes from Santa Clarita who earned a spot on Team USA in the Latin America Baseball Classic tournament held in the Dominican Republic and helped bring home a championship victory. Councilmember
Gibbs invited Jack Yamaura, Elijah Avlas, and Kasen Certano to the dais to receive their recognition and take a photo.
Mayor Miranda commented that cancer screenings and early detection saves lives. Mayor Miranda announced that the City proclaims October 2025 as Breast Cancer Awareness Month and invited Circle of Hope board member Alison Lindeman to the dais to accept the proclamation and take a photo.
Councilwoman McLean spoke of the contributions to cultural, economic, and social life from the Filipino-American community. Councilwoman McLean announced that the City proclaims October 2025 as Filipino-American History Month and invited members of the Fil-Am Association of SCV to the dais to accept the proclamation and take a photo.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Addressing the Council were Leslie Garman, representing Santa Clarita Master Chorale, regarding an upcoming Chorale event; Carrie (no last name provided), regarding Charlie Kirk and Israel; Linda Townsley, regarding residential high occupancy licensing and registration ordinance and The Masters University; Keith Lobert, regarding public safety, eBikes and motorized vehicles; Cindy Josten regarding Prop 50,Charlie Kirk, and peace deals; Greg Santilli, regarding bike path safety; Glenda Spitfire, regarding Planning Commission meetings and public safety; Diane Zimmerman, regarding New California State, upcoming events, and the lithium battery storage facility; Tony Maldonado, regarding housing measure Senate Bill (SB) 79, the Canyon Country bike path, and the planning application process for the lithium battery storage facility; and Vaishnavi Mahajan, regarding the current curfew for teens.
One written comment card was received regarding concern for eBikes.
STAFF COMMENTS
City Manager Ken Striplin addressed concerns regarding eBikes, stating that citations and impounds have occurred, signs will be installed, and curfews are enforced when there are issues of public disruption. Mr. Striplin also noted that SB 79 does not apply to the City due to train and bus stops not meeting the frequency threshold.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Councilwoman McLean mentioned the return of the 20 living hostages and gave thanks to President Trump and hoped for peace to remain. Councilwoman McLean spoke of attending several events including a Boys and Girls Club Great Futures breakfast, the joint Southern California Association of Governments and Kern County Council of Governments meeting discussing common interests, and a celebration of life for Jim Tanner. Councilwoman McLean also attended the American Legion of Santa Clarita 2025 California Boys and Girls State Reunion that was a conference event where students put together a government from the ground up; and she also spoke to the students and encouraged them to become involved in a peaceful and deliberative manner. Councilwoman McLean commented on attending a small business ribbon cutting for Senior Helpers and the Old Orchard Park grand opening event that showcased
the park's transformation; and requested to do an adjournment for David Veal at the next regular meeting.
Councilmember Gibbs spoke of Soroptomist International Bras for a Cause event supporting those non-profits that help people with breast cancer; commented on attending the13th annual Ragnarock Valencia High School Pride of the Vikings event; and announced that tickets are available for the annual Santa Clarita Kings Day event.
Mayor Pro Tem Weste thanked staff for their work on the trails system and advocated for more patrols for safety. Mayor Pro Tem Weste inquired if there was a scheduled evacuation plan meeting surrounding the lithium battery storage facility, and Mr. Striplin responded that plans are predicated on the event and there is no one written plan. Mayor Pro Tem Weste discussed the communities' concerns regarding the storage facility and requested a copy of the contingency plan.
Councilmember Ayala commented on attending many events for organizations that make a positive impact on the community and encouraged everyone to take part in the events throughout the City. Councilmember Ayala inquired if there was a maximum occupancy in houses in the special standards of Placerita Canyon, and Mr. Striplin responded there is no maximum number per household or number of permits. Councilmember Ayala asked about a protocol if there were issues, and Mr. Striplin responded that residents should call the Sheriff Department for loud noise or disruption, and call the City for parking or code issues. Councilmember Ayala requested an explanation of why some projects do not go before the Council, and City Attorney Joseph Montes responded that the City's municipal code does not require it. Mr. Striplin further clarified that a member of the City Council has the ability to bring forth a project before the full Council for review.
Mayor Miranda announced the upcoming Master Chorale performances on December 7 and 8.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ITEM 1
SANTA CLARITA LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE DISTRICT ASSESSMENT INCREASE FOR ZONES T44 (BOUQUET CANYON), T48 (SHADOW HILLS), AND T62 (CANYON
HEIGHTS)
Public Hearing related to assessment increases for Landscape Maintenance District Zones T44 (Bouquet Canyon), T48 (Shadow Hills), and T62 (Canyon Heights).
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing on the proposed assessment increases for the City of Santa Clarita Landscape Maintenance Districts, and open and tabulate the ballots.
2. Adopt a resolution declaring the results of the property owner protest ballot proceedings for the levy of increased assessments in Zones T44 (Bouquet Canyon), T48 (Shadow Hills), and T62 (Canyon Heights) within the Santa Clarita Landscaping and Lighting District.
3. If no majority protest exists, adopt a resolution for Zone T44 (Bouquet Canyon), confirming the Assessment Diagram and assessment for the zone, and authorizing the levy and collection of increased assessments, including annual consumer price index adjustments, effective Fiscal Year 2026-27.
4. If no majority protest exists, adopt a resolution for Zone T48 (Shadow Hills), confirming the Assessment Diagram and assessment for the zone, and authorizing the levy and collection of increased assessments, including annual consumer price index adjustments, effective Fiscal Year 2026-27.
5. If no majority protest exists, adopt a resolution for Zone T62 (Canyon Heights), confirming the Assessment Diagram and assessment for the zone, and authorizing the levy and collection of increased assessments, including annual consumer price index adjustments, effective Fiscal Year 2026-27.
Mayor Miranda opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Mary Cusick stated all notices required by law have been provided.
Special Districts Manager Andrew Adams provided the staff presentation.
Addressing the Council in a neutral position was Richard Baum.
One additional ballot was submitted.
Mayor Miranda closed the public testimony for the hearing.
Special Districts Manager Andrew Adams adjourned to the Carl Boyer Room to tabulate the ballots in an open setting.
City Council proceeded to New Business items while the ballots were tabulated.
Council returned to this item after agenda item 3 was approved.
City Clerk Mary Cusick announced that for LMD Zone T44, 51 percent of the ballots are in favor of the increase and 49 percent are opposed; therefore, there is no majority protest. For LMD Zone T48, 58 percent of the ballots are in favor of the increase and 42 percent are opposed; therefore, there is no majority protest. For LMD Zone T62, 56 percent of the ballots are in favor of the increase and 44 percent are opposed; therefore, there is no majority protest.
Adopted Resolution Nos. 25-50, 25-51, 25-52, and 25-53
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jason Gibbs, Councilmember
SECONDER: Laurene Weste, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Ayala, Miranda, Gibbs, McLean, Weste
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM 2
PROPOSITION 50: THE ELECTION RIGGING RESPONSE ACT
Proposition 50 is a legislative constitutional amendment, which will appear on the November 5, 2025, Special Election ballot. The ballot measure establishes new boundary lines for Congressional districts and would go into effect immediately.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council discuss and provide direction to staff.
Intergovernmental Relations Officer Masis Hagobian provided the staff report.
Addressing the Council were David Lutness, Carol Lutness, Glenda Spitfire, Valerie Bradford, and Tony Maldonado.
Council discussed the dilution of influence for Santa Clarita, the consequences of Prop 50 that would reduce accountability and split Santa Clarita into three districts, and would dismantle a non-partisan commission.
Councilwoman McLean made a motion to take a position in opposition to Prop 50.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Marsha McLean, Councilmember
SECONDER: Jason Gibbs, Councilmember
AYES: Ayala, Miranda, Gibbs, McLean, Weste
ITEM 3
CITYWIDE HIGH-SPEED FIBER INTERNET SERVICE
City Council consider approval to grant access to the City's right-of-way and lease dark fiber strands to Aspire Broadband to build, own, and operate a Fiber to the Premises network to deliver Citywide High-Speed Fiber Internet Service to businesses and residents.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Determine that the project is exempt from environmental review pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines § 15301, 15303, and 15304, as a Class 1 (Existing Facilities), Class 3 (New Construction of Small Structures) and Class 4 (Minor Alterations to Land) categorical exemption.
2. Approve a 20-year, non-exclusive Agreement with three additional, optional and successive, 10-year terms, with Aspire Broadband Holdings, Inc. for access to and use of the City’s right-of-way for fiber optic cable installation and accessory facilities for its network; inclusive of a lease of certain City-owned dark fiber strands, subject to availability and to detailed terms set forth in the Agreement.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the Agreement in substantially the form provided in the City Clerk’s reading file, subject to City Attorney approval, with such non- substantive revisions as approved by the City Manager and City Attorney.
Information Services Manager Benny Ives provided the staff report.
Addressing the City Council were Ondre Seltzer representing Santa Clarita Economic Development Corporation, Tony Maldonado, and Glenda (no last name provided).
Council inquired about Aspire Broadband Holdings, Inc.'s (Aspire) success in other California cities and the estimated timeline of completing the microtrenching, and Stephen Weatherford, CEO of Aspire responded.
Council commented on the investment into high-speed fiber Internet service and the positive impact for the community.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Laurene Weste, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Bill Miranda, Mayor
AYES: Ayala, Miranda, Gibbs, McLean, Weste
CONSENT CALENDAR
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Laurene Weste, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Marsha McLean, Councilmember
AYES: Ayala, Miranda, Gibbs, McLean, Weste
ITEM 4
APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES – The minutes are submitted for approval.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the September 23, 2025, Special Meeting.
ITEM 5
APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – The minutes are submitted for approval.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the September 23, 2025, Regular Meeting.
ITEM 6
CHECK REGISTER NOS. 20 AND 21
Check Register No. 20 for the Period 08/22/25 through 09/04/25 and 09/11/25. Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period of 08/25/25 through 09/05/25. Check Register No. 21 for the Period 09/05/25 through 09/18/25 and 09/25/25. Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period of 09/08/25 through 09/19/25.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council approve and ratify for payment the demands presented in Check Register Nos. 20 and 21.
ITEM 7
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR LMD ZONE T51 (VALENCIA HIGH SCHOOL) AND ZONE 16 (VALENCIA INDUSTRIAL CENTER)
City Council consideration to award a contract to Stay Green, Inc., to provide recurring landscape maintenance services for Landscape Maintenance District Zone T51 (Valencia High School) and Landscape Maintenance District Zone 16 (Valencia Industrial Center).
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Award a five-year contract to Stay Green, Inc., to provide landscape maintenance services for Landscape Maintenance District Zone T51 (Valencia High School) and Zone 16 (Valencia Industrial Center), for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,655,074.
2. Appropriate a one-time budget increase in Fiscal Year 2025-26 from the Landscape Maintenance District Fund Balance (Fund 357) to expenditure account 3572437-516110 in the amount of $66,846.
3. Appropriate an ongoing budget increase, beginning in Fiscal Year 2026-27, from the Landscape Maintenance District Fund Balance (Fund 357) to expenditure account 3572437- 516110 in the amount of $96,633, contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the City Council in the annual budget for each fiscal year.
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
5. Find that the award of contract is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Article 19 – Categorical Exemptions, Section 15301, Existing Facilities, (h) Maintenance of Existing Landscaping.
ITEM 8
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR LMD ZONE 20 (GOLDEN VALLEY RANCH COMMERCIAL) AND ZONE 21 (GOLDEN VALLEY RANCH RESIDENTIAL) City Council consideration to award a contract to Marina Landscape Services, Inc., to provide recurring landscape maintenance services for Landscape Maintenance District Zone 20 (Golden Valley Ranch Commercial) and Zone 21 (Golden Valley Ranch Residential).
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Award a five-year contract to Marina Landscape Services, Inc., to provide landscape maintenance services for Landscape Maintenance District Zone 20 (Golden Valley Ranch Commercial) and Zone 21 (Golden Valley Ranch Residential), for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,533,260.
2. Appropriate a one-time budget increase in Fiscal Year 2025-26 from the Landscape Maintenance District Fund Balance (Fund 357) to expenditure account 3572441-516110 in the amount of $18,450 and to expenditure account 3572442-516110 in the amount of $60,417.
3. Appropriate an ongoing budget increase, beginning in Fiscal Year 2026-27, from the Landscape Maintenance District Fund Balance (Fund 357) in the amount of $24,600 to expenditure account 3572441-516110 and $80,556 to expenditure account 3572442-516110, contingent upon appropriation of funds by the City Council in each fiscal year.
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
5. Find that the award of contract is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Article 19 – Categorical Exemptions, Section 15301, Existing Facilities, (h) Maintenance of Existing Landscaping.
ITEM 9
LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR LMD ZONE T52 (STONECREST) City Council consideration to award a contract to Stay Green, Inc., to provide recurring landscape maintenance services for Landscape Maintenance District Zone T52 (Stonecrest).
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Award a five-year contract to Stay Green, Inc., to provide landscape maintenance services for Landscape Maintenance District Zone T52 (Stonecrest), for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,513,908.
2. Appropriate a one-time budget increase in Fiscal Year 2025-26 from the Landscape Maintenance District Fund Balance (Fund 357) to expenditure account 3572427-516110 in the amount of $102,276.
3. Appropriate an ongoing budget increase, beginning in Fiscal Year 2026-27, from the Landscape Maintenance District Fund Balance (Fund 357) to expenditure account 3572427- 516110 in the amount of $169,423, contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the City Council in the annual budget for each fiscal year.
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
5. Find that the award of contract is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Article 19 – Categorical Exemptions, Section 15301, Existing Facilities, (h) Maintenance of Existing Landscaping.
ITEM 10
PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE AND INSPECTION CONTRACT FOR DRAINAGE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT AREAS 3, 6, 18, 19, 20, AND 24
City Council consideration to award contract and authorize a one-time appropriation for preventative maintenance and inspection at Drainage Benefit Assessment Areas 3, 6, 18, 19, 20, and 24.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Award a one-year contract to Flo-Services, Inc., for Drainage Benefit Assessment Area preventative maintenance and inspection services in the amount of $172,910.
2. Authorize the one-time appropriation of funds in the amount of $11,800 from Stormwater Fund (Fund 356) to expenditure account 3567220-514101 for FY 2025-26 and $2,650 for FY 2026-27.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents subject to City Attorney approval.
ITEM 11
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA EDISON COMPANY EASEMENT ON CITY-OWNED
PROPERTY ADJACENT TO BOUQUET CANYON ROAD
This item recommends approving an easement on City property with Southern California Edison Company.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Approve an easement on Assessor Parcel Number 2812-008-900 with Southern California Edison Company for the purpose of relocating transmission lines.
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the necessary documents, subject to City
Attorney approval.
ITEM 12
AGREEMENT FOR THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA TO ASSUME MAINTENANCE AND
OPERATION OF TRAFFIC SIGNAL FACILITIES WITHIN CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT
OF TRANSPORTATION JURISDICTION
This item considers approval of agreements authorizing the City of Santa Clarita to operate California Department of Transportation-owned traffic signals at five intersections along Sierra Highway.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Approve the Delegated Maintenance Agreement and Electrical Facilities Cost Sharing Agreement from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to accept maintenance responsibility for traffic signals within Caltrans jurisdiction.
2. Increase revenue account 354-462101 (Streetlight Maintenance Fund Miscellaneous Revenue) by $35,000 annually and appropriate ongoing $35,000 to expenditure account 3544402-514107 (Traffic Signal Maintenance) annually, contingent upon the appropriation of funds in the annual budget for each fiscal year.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION II
No additional requests to speak were received.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Miranda adjourned the Regular Meeting at 8:54 p.m.
______________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________________
CITY CLERK