CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
City Council
Special Meeting-Council Reorganization
~Minutes~
Tuesday, December 9, 2025 5:00 PM City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Miranda called to order the Special Meeting at 5:08 p.m.
ROLL CALL
All Councilmembers were present.
FLAG SALUTE
Councilmember Ayala led the flag salute.
VALENCIA HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR
The Valencia High School Choir performed for the City Council and members of the public.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION FOR AGENDIZED ITEMS (ONE MINUTE LIMIT) Addressing the Council were Patricia Lara Ladd, and Glenda (no last name given), regarding Mayor Miranda.
PRESENTATION TO OUTGOING MAYOR BY NON-CITY OFFICIALS
Making presentations to Mayor Miranda were Board President, Maria Gutzeit, representing the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency; Board of Trustees President, Sharlene Johnson, representing the Santa Clarita Community College District; Board of Trustees Members, Erin Wilson and Dr.
Aakash Ahuja, representing the William S. Hart Union School District; Shannon Hurst, representing Congressman George Whitesides; Thomas Moreno, representing State Senator Suzette Valladares; Crystal Carr, representing Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo; Stephanie English, representing Supervisor Kathryn Barger; Andrew Taban, representing Assessor Jeffrey Prang; Ondre Seltzer, representing the Santa Clarita Valley Economic Development Corporation; Claudia Carrillo, representing the Santa Clarita Valley Latino Business Alliance; Di Thompson, representing the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce; Selina Thomas, representing the Santa Clarita Valley Industry Association; Leon Worden, representing the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society; Scott Schauer, representing the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Foundation; Mandy O’Connor, representing Bridge to Home; Carmen Garcia, representing Family Promise; Nikki Buckstead, representing the Child & Family Center; Shelly Jefferies, representing Single Mothers Outreach; Joanne Ainsworth and Andrew Taban, representing the Santa Clarita Valley Food Pantry; Matt Nelson, representing the Santa Clarita Valley Boys & Girls Club; Kevin MacDonald, representing the Santa Clarita Valley Senior Center; Jessica Escorza and Tim Smith, representing Agape Village; Tim and Musette Hart representing Olive Branch Theatricals; and Chandra Neal, representing SNAP.
REMARKS BY OUTGOING MAYOR
Mayor Miranda commented on his appreciation for the community and that it was an honor to serve. Mayor Miranda spoke of the City's 2025 accomplishments, among them standing united with first responders, the addition of River of Lights at Central Park and Pioneer Oil Refinery Park, the transfer of William S. Hart Park to the City, as well as many community events throughout the City.
PRESENTATION TO OUTGOING MAYOR BY CITY MANAGER
City Manager Ken Striplin highlighted the Mayor's accomplishments and presented Mayor Miranda with a memento.
NOMINATIONS FOR MAYOR 2026
Mayor Miranda turned the gavel over to the City Clerk.
City Clerk Mary Cusick opened the nominations for office of Mayor.
Motion to: Nominate Mayor Pro Tem Weste for Mayor.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Marsha McLean, Councilmember
SECONDER: Jason Gibbs, Councilmember
AYES: Miranda, Weste, Ayala, Gibbs, McLean
CITY CLERK SWEARS IN NEW MAYOR
City Clerk Mary Cusick administered the Oath of Office and handed the gavel to incoming Mayor Weste.
NEW MAYOR ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
Mayor Weste thanked Council for their support and commented on upcoming projects and goals for 2026.
NOMINATIONS FOR MAYOR PRO TEM 2026
Mayor Weste opened the nominations for Mayor Pro Tem.
Motion to: Nominate Councilwoman McLean for Mayor Pro Tem.
RESULT: FAILED [2 TO 3]
MOVER: Marsha McLean, Councilmember
SECONDER: Jason Gibbs, Councilmember
AYES: Jason Gibbs, Marsha McLean
NAYS: Bill Miranda, Laurene Weste, Patsy Ayala
Motion to: Nominate Councilmember Ayala for Mayor Pro Tem.
RESULT: APPROVED [3 TO 2]
MOVER: Bill Miranda, Councilmember
SECONDER: Laurene Weste, Mayor
AYES: Bill Miranda, Laurene Weste, Patsy Ayala
NAYS: Jason Gibbs, Marsha McLean
COUNCIL COMMENTS
There were no Council comments.
ADJOURN
Mayor Weste adjourned the Special Meeting at 6:39 p.m.
RECEPTION
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MAYOR
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK