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, April 14, 2026 6:00 PM City Council Chambers
INVOCATION
Mayor Weste delivered the invocation.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Weste called to order the Joint Regular Meeting of the City Council and Board of Library Trustees at 6:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL
All Councilmembers were present, with the exception of Councilmember Gibbs.
FLAG SALUTE
Mayor 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
Councilwoman McLean recognized those who support individuals on the autism spectrum and announced the upcoming FestAbility event at West Creek Park, which celebrates individuals with special needs through inclusive activities and community participation. Councilwoman McLean announced that the City proclaims April as Autism Awareness Month and invited members of Agape Village to the dais to receive the proclamation and take a photo.
Mayor Weste recognized the contributions of City volunteers who support programs, events, and community initiatives. Mayor Weste announced that the City proclaims April as National
Volunteer Month. Members of the Junior Chamber International of Santa Clarita, along with graduating high school students who received the Civic Service Impact Award for completing over 100 volunteer hours, were invited to the dais to accept the proclamation and take a photo.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Addressing the Council were Peter Fehler, regarding wildfire mitigation; Mark Armendariz, regarding San Francisquito open space; and Margie Reid, regarding the oak tree ordinance amendment.
STAFF COMMENTS
City Manager Ken Striplin provided clarification on the oak tree ordinance amendment. He commented that after the Council passed the ordinance to a second reading, City staff was made aware of legal issues that required further review and study; therefore, the ordinance was put on hold until further review occurs. Mr. Striplin advised that staff will be in contact with the speaker to attempt to assist in resolving the speaker's issues.
Regarding San Francisquito open space, Mr. Striplin stated he received and responded to the speaker's email and will investigate and respond if violations exist.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Mayor Pro Tem Ayala commented on the City of Santa Clarita's first-ever Tree-mendous Arbor Day, the first-ever May the 4th Be With You event at Central Park, and Día de los Niños/Día de los Libros at the Santa Clarita Library on April 25. Mayor Pro Tem Ayala thanked several organizations, including the William S. Hart School District, The Boss Ladies! She Means Business Network, City of Hope Hospital, and Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley.
Councilmember Miranda commented on the grand reopening of the William S. Hart Museum and spoke of the opportunities available to the attendees.
Councilwoman McLean commented on the first-ever Art Hop celebration and the event activities. Councilwoman McLean shared that the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Council unanimously approved the bylaws amendment that she put forth, providing clarification for the bylaw committee on how Santa Clarita could qualify for its own district in SCAG, and it will now move on to the General Assembly in May.
Councilwoman McLean thanked staff for the preservation of the William S. Hart Museum and commented on the North County Transportation Coalition meeting discussion of a new high- speed rail business plan that includes an above-ground route.
Mayor Weste commented on the 30th Anniversary of the Santa Clarita Cowboy Festival and all the festivities, including honoring Gary Combs and the Happy family as the newest inductees to the Walk of Western Stars, the first SENSES Block Party of 2026; the inaugural Line Dance Competition; and the festival itself at William S. Hart Park. Mayor Weste concluded her comments by requesting adjournments in honor of Rick Patterson and Richard Musella.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ITEM 1
ACCESSORY DWELLING UNIT ORDINANCE AND HOUSING LAW UPDATES – FIRST
READING
Amendments to the Santa Clarita Municipal Code, regarding the City of Santa Clarita's accessory dwelling unit ordinance, the two-unit development ordinance, and Housing Element Policy HP-2.1.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Conduct the public hearing.
2. Find the Accessory Dwelling Unit Ordinance and Housing Law Updates project exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the common-sense exemption.
3. Introduce an ordinance entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING MASTER CASE 26-011 (UDC26-001), AMENDING THE SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE,” and pass to second reading.
Mayor Weste opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Mary Cusick reported all notices required by law have been provided.
Associate Planner Andy Olson provided the staff report.
City Attorney Joseph Montes discussed the letter from Santa Clarita Organization for Planning and the Environment (SCOPE) regarding the project. He stated that Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) applications require a sixty-day approval, and the City cannot require anything with respect to oak trees. Regarding the high fire severity zones, the City looked at several studies and jurisdictions, and found there would not be a rationale that would satisfy the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). Mr. Montes stated that two additional statutory CEQA exemptions will be added to the ordinance if the Council moves forward with the first reading.
Addressing the Council was Lynne Plambeck, representing SCOPE.
Mayor Weste closed the public comment period.
Councilwoman McLean asked about the makeup of the HCD and who makes decisions within the agency. City Attorney Joseph Montes explained that HCD is led by an appointed director and staffed by several employees who review housing elements and housing-related issues. Mr.
Montes noted that the agency also has an enforcement division that works with the Attorney General’s Office regarding housing laws and housing element compliance. Councilwoman
McLean expressed concern that HCD does not adequately consider public safety or neighborhood preservation when implementing housing laws. She stated that while the City is attempting to comply with state requirements while maintaining safety and infrastructure standards, HCD leadership and staff have indicated that the City cannot impose certain local requirements. She characterized the situation as egregious.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayala asked what the City's restrictions are, and Associate Planner Andy Olson stated that the state ties the City's hands with the regulations; she asked how can the City ensure that new ADUs are not creating any additional public safety risks in high fire severity zones, and Mr. Olson replied that ADUs will still need to comply with the building codes and current standards; she inquired about impacts on infrastructure, and City Manager Ken Striplin stated that an analysis can be done, but the state has made it clear that local control is being removed and an analysis would not change anything. Mayor Pro Tem Ayala encouraged the use of social media to communicate state legislation to the constituents of Santa Clarita.
Councilmember Miranda voiced his concern about the continued erosion of local control.
Mayor Weste remarked that the ordinance is a compliance update.
RESULT: APPROVED [3 TO 1]
MOVER: Bill Miranda, Councilmember
SECONDER: Patsy Ayala, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Laurene Weste, Patsy Ayala, Bill Miranda
NAYS: Marsha McLean
ABSENT: Jason Gibbs
NEW BUSINESS
ITEM 2
INTRODUCTION OF AN ORDINANCE CONCERNING COUNCILMEMBER
COMPENSATION PER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 36516
City Government Code Section 36516(a) allows regular adjustments to the City Council compensation. City Council to consider Councilmember compensation increase to be effective 2027. The last increase of Councilmember compensation was effective in 2025.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Review and discuss City Council compensation and determine increase to be effective after the November 2026 election.
2. Introduce and pass to a second reading an ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE
CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SECTION 2.04.048 OF THE SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE CONCERNING CITY COUNCIL SALARY."
City Manager Ken Striplin provided the staff report.
Councilwoman McLean stated that 2.5 percent is consistent with prior increases.
Councilmember Miranda stated that councilmembers earn less than minimum wage and recommended higher pay for future councilmembers.
Councilwoman McLean made a motion for an increase of 2.5 percent per year, not compounded, and consistent with the last increase.
RESULT: APPROVED [3 TO 1]
MOVER: Marsha McLean, Councilmember
SECONDER: Patsy Ayala, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Laurene Weste, Patsy Ayala, Marsha McLean
NAYS: Bill Miranda
ABSENT: Jason Gibbs
ITEM 3
ARTS MASTER PLAN 2035: VISION AND ACTION
City Council review and consider adoption of the Arts Master Plan 2035: Vision and Action.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council receive report and adopt the Arts Master Plan 2035: Vision and Action.
Continued to a date uncertain; and return to the Arts Commission.
RESULT: CONTINUED
CONSENT CALENDAR
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Patsy Ayala, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Marsha McLean, Councilmember
AYES: Laurene Weste, Patsy Ayala, Marsha McLean, Bill Miranda ABSENT: Jason Gibbs
ITEM 4
APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES – The minutes are submitted for approval.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the March 24, 2026, Special Meeting.
ITEM 5
APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – The minutes are submitted for approval.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the March 24, 2026, Regular Meeting.
ITEM 6
CHECK REGISTER NO. 07 AND 08
Check Register No. 07 for the Period 02/20/26 through 03/05/26 and 03/12/26. Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period of 02/23/26 through 03/06/26. Check Register No. 08 for the Period 03/06/26 through 03/19/26 and 03/26/26. Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period of 03/09/26 through 03/20/26.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council approve and ratify for payment the demands presented in Check Register No. 07 and 08.
ITEM 7
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA'S FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 STATEMENT OF INVESTMENT POLICY
Per California Government Code Section 53646, the City Treasurer may annually present the City's Investment Policy to the City Council to reaffirm or make any changes to the existing policy.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council adopt the City of Santa Clarita's Fiscal Year 2026-27 Statement of Investment Policy, and direct staff to submit the policy to the Association of Public Treasurers of the United States and Canada for certification in their annual award program.
ITEM 8
PORTABLE DOCUMENT FORMAT ACCESSIBILITY AND REMEDIATION SOFTWARE Authorization to implement DocAccess, a PDF remediation and accessibility software solution, to ensure City documents comply with ADA, Section 504, and WCAG standards. This initiative supports equitable public access to information while reducing legal and compliance risks associated with inaccessible digital content.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Award a three-year contract to CivicPlus, LLC, for the use of the DocAccess PDF remediation and accessibility application, for a total contract amount not to exceed $83,965.
2. Appropriate funding from the General Fund (Fund 100) to Technology Services expenditure account 1002200-516101 in the amount of $28,000 in Fiscal Year 2026-27, $27,300 in Fiscal Year 2027-28, and $28,665 in Fiscal Year 2028-29. Funding for future fiscal years are contingent upon the appropriations funds by the City Council in the annual budget for such fiscal year.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney review.
ITEM 9
WILLIAM S. HART PARK BARNYARD ANIMAL FEED EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY
INCREASE
The purpose of this item is to increase expenditure authority with Fox Feed for the purchase of animal feed for the William S. Hart Park Barnyard.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Authorize an increase in expenditure authority in the amount of $40,004 with Fox Feed for animal feed at the William S. Hart Park Barnyard, for an annual amount not to exceed $90,000.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
ITEM 10
NEWHALL COMMUNITY CENTER PLAYGROUND RENOVATION P2027-DESIGN
CONTRACT
City Council consideration of a design services contract for the Newhall Community Center Playground Renovation.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Award a design contract to Architerra Design Group, for design services for the Newhall Community Center Playground Renovation Project, in the amount of $74,720 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $7,472 for a total contract amount not to exceed $82,192.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
ITEM 11
PUBLIC ART DONATION: ENDANGERED FOSSILS
Consideration of accepting a donation from artist Judith Modrak for the temporary public artwork, Endangered Fossils, located at West Creek Park into the City of Santa Clarita's permanent public art collection.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council accept the donation of Judith Modrak’s artwork, Endangered Fossils, and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a contract with Ms. Modrak, subject to City Attorney approval.
Addressing the Council was Mr. Jasik.
ITEM 12
BUS HYDROGEN REFUELING STATION CONSULTING AND PROJECT
MANAGEMENT SERVICES CONTRACT AMENDMENT
This item considers amending the existing contract with Hydrogen Technology & Energy Corporation to provide for Bus Hydrogen Refueling Station consulting and project management services.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Amend the existing contract with Hydrogen Technology & Energy Corporation (HTEC) for Bus Hydrogen Refueling Station consulting and project management services to increase expenditure authority in the amount of $231,684, plus a 15 percent contingency of $34,753, for a total increase of $266,437, for a total not to exceed amount of $748,847, and extend the contract term with HTEC through final acceptance of the hydrogen production and fuel station currently under construction.
2. Appropriate one-time funds in the amount of $266,437 to Transit Capital Contractual Services Expenditure Account (7003702-516101), and increase Miscellaneous Federal Grants Revenue Account (700-442409) by $266,437.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
ITEM 13
TRANSIT MAINTENANCE FACILITY EV CHARGERS CONTRACT
This agenda item considers the award for the purchase and installation of three electric vehicle chargers at the Transit Maintenance Facility.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Award a contract to Beam Global for the purchase of two EV ARC™ solar powered electric vehicle chargers for the Transit Maintenance Facility in the amount of $198,294.
2. Award a contract to ChargePoint, Inc., for the purchase of one electric vehicle charger for the Transit Maintenance Facility in the amount of $57,222.
3. Award a contract to H&S Electric, Inc., for the installation of one electric vehicle charger at the Transit Maintenance Facility in the amount of $43,000, and authorize a contingency in the amount of $4,300, for a total contract amount not to exceed $47,300.
4. Appropriate funds in the amount of $255,516 to Transit Capital Equipment Expenditure Account (7003702-520102) and $47,300 to Transit Capital Contractual Services Expenditure Account (7003702-516101), increase SB1 State of Good Repair Revenue Account (700- 442414) by $257,039 and increase Miscellaneous Revenue Account (700-462101) by $45,777.
5. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
ITEM 14
MV TRANSPORTATION OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE CONTRACT EXTENTION
OF THE CITY'S TRANSIT SERVICE SYSTEM
City Council consideration to extend the contract between the City of Santa Clarita and MV Transportation for the operation and maintenance of the City's transit service system through June 30, 2028.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Authorize the remaining two-year contract extension with MV Transportation, Inc., extending the contract through June 30, 2028, and authorize an increased expenditure authority in the amount of $3,190,106 for Fiscal Year 2026-27, in an annual amount not to exceed $32,056,649, and an additional four percent, or $1,282,266 for FY 2027-28, in an annual amount not to exceed $33,338,915.
2. Appropriate ongoing funds from the Transit Fund (Fund 700) starting Fiscal Year 2026-27 in the amount of $1,339,485 to Transit Local Bus Service Expenditure Account (7003700- 516116); $540,222 to Transit Dial-A-Ride Service Expenditure Account (7003700-516117); $391,736 to Transit Commuter Bus Service Expenditure Account (7003700-516118); $666,891 to Transit Contract Administration Expenditure Account (7003700-516119); and $251,772 to Transit GO Transit Expenditure Account (7003700-516121).
3. Adjust the Fiscal Year 2026-27 billing rates for MV Transportation, Inc., as follows: local and special services to $108.48 per revenue hour, Dial-A-Ride $55.80 per trip, commuter services $108.48 per revenue hour, on demand $93.69 per revenue hour, fuel $13.78 per revenue hour, and administration fee $563,503 per month, and authorize an additional four percent increase for FY 2027-28.
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION II
Addressing the Council was Lynn Plambeck, regarding evacuation in high fire zones and density bonuses, as well as ADUs.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Weste adjourned the Regular Meeting in memory of Rick Patterson and Richard S.
Musella at 7:30 p.m.
______________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________________
CITY CLERK