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, August 25, 2026 6:00 PM City Council Chambers
INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Ayala 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 6:14 p.m.
ROLL CALL
All Councilmembers were present.
FLAG SALUTE
Mayor Pro Tem Ayala 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 Gibbs recognized the Santa Clarita Public Library’s One Thousand Books Before Kindergarten program and the young readers who completed the milestone, celebrating their dedication to reading and early literacy. Councilmember Gibbs also recognized participant Jericho Shahin, who was unable to attend and commended his strength and courage. The readers and their parents were invited to the dais to receive the recognition and take a photo.
Mayor Weste recognized Alice and Tom Renolds for their commitment to traffic safety and for turning the tragic loss of their sons, Timothy and Daniel, into a legacy of hope and healing for
the community. The Renolds helped establish the City’s Blue Ribbon Task Force, which led to the creation of the Santa Clarita Youth Grove at Central Park, which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Alice and Tom were invited to the dais to receive a certificate of recognition for their dedication to community safety, and take a photo.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayala recognized Gilchrist Farm for its 10-year milestone and its contributions to the Santa Clarita community by preserving the area’s agricultural heritage and providing families with opportunities to experience farm life and connect with nature. Mayor Pro Tem Ayala highlighted the farm’s educational and family-oriented activities and invited Monica and Jim Gilchrist to the dais to receive the recognition and take a photo.
Mayor Weste recognized SoCalGas and the Honor Rancho Storage Facility for its role in supporting reliable energy infrastructure and the Santa Clarita community. Mayor Weste highlighted the Honor Rancho Compressor Modernization Project, which will modernize infrastructure, reduce smog-forming emissions by approximately 95 percent, and provide economic benefits to the community. The City congratulated SoCalGas and the Honor Rancho team on this important investment and invited them to the dais to accept a certificate and take a photo.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Addressing the Council were James Debree, regarding traffic and parking in Valencia Summit; Marcos Montoya, regarding Flock cameras and Santa Clarita Valley development and infrastructure to support residents; Omar Reza, regarding Flock cameras; Rishi Jaligama, regarding Flock cameras; Riley Wambolt, regarding Flock cameras; Gracie Bell, regarding Flock cameras; Charlotte Brown, regarding Flock cameras; Jaechan Lee, regarding Flock cameras; Richard Passmore, regarding the Old Town Newhall Fire and Flock cameras; and Andrea Polak, regarding OneLegacy.
STAFF COMMENTS
City Manager Ken Striplin responded to comments regarding Valencia Summit traffic issues, stating that the City had received the residents’ request and that City staff were conducting an investigation. He stated that he would follow up with the timeline for the results and recommendations. City Manager Ken Striplin stated that he would reserve his comments regarding Flock cameras for the second half of Public Participation. Councilwoman McLean stated that residents should research legislation in Sacramento that may affect local government authority and development decisions. She noted the importance of responsible government.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Councilmember Miranda commented his appreciation to Mayor Pro Tem Ayala for acknowledging the Old Town Newhall fire in the invocation, expressed gratitude that the Canyon Theatre Guild remained intact, and recognized the impact to local businesses, including El Trocadero Restaurant, The MAIN, Care Tucker Style House, Newhall Refinery, Gary’s Auto Collision, and Source, Inc. Industries. He pledged the City’s support for rebuilding, suggested providing alternative venues for MAIN performers, noted offers of assistance from Valencia Town Center and the Santa Clarita Arts and Cultural Center, and highlighted local artist Jane
Mick’s efforts to hold an exhibit following the loss of her paintings in the fire. He also provided updates on upcoming Arts and Culture events, including the Hispanic Heritage Month exhibition, “Beyond the Desk” exhibit, and Business for Artists Conference.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayala commented on attending the Los Angeles County Sanitation Districts Open House, discussed water and salt collection and treatment processes, thanked first responders for their response to the Old Town Newhall fire, and shared her draft recovery plan for impacted businesses and residents, including potential assistance and a benefit event at the Newhall Community Center. She also mentioned the upcoming El Grito event.
Councilwoman McLean commented on attending various events during the Council hiatus, including Leap Museum workshops, she noted that City Arts grants support numerous nonprofit organizations, and discussed her visit to Old Town Newhall and ongoing revitalization efforts.
She requested that City Manager Ken Striplin develop a 10-point plan to rebuild and restore areas lost in the fire, mentioned Community Beautification Day and her visit to the Canyon Theatre Guild, and expressed her commitment to rebuilding Old Town Newhall. Councilwoman McLean requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Rose Koscielny.
Councilmember Gibbs commented that members of the Koscielny family were touched by the adjournment in memory of Rose Koscielny, thanked Councilmember Miranda for his dedication to the arts, and commended the Council and community for their support of Newhall and the arts following the fires. He also mentioned the Child & Family Center board installation, founding member Liz Seipel, and Concerts in the Park, and thanked residents who shared their thoughts on Flock cameras and addressed the Council.
City Manager Ken Striplin provided an overview of staff’s rebuilding and recovery efforts following the Old Town Newhall fire, noting that staff would incorporate these efforts into a plan to support redevelopment of the affected area and assist impacted businesses and business owners.
Mayor Weste commented on the importance of art, history, and community, stating that the community would recover by working together, thanked City staff and the Fire Department for their response, expressed gratitude that the Canyon Theatre Guild remained standing following the fire, mentioned the “Beyond the Desk” exhibit at City Hall, and encouraged residents to support Care Tucker Style House.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ITEM 1
MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS (MASTER CASE 26-038) - FIRST READING
City Council consideration of objective design standards and related Santa Clarita Municipal Code amendments, as required by state law, to review multifamily and mixed-use housing projects with measurable and verifiable criteria.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Conduct the public hearing.
2. Find the Multifamily and Mixed-Use Residential Objective Design Standards project and Santa Clarita Municipal Code amendments exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), the common-sense exemption.
3. Approve a resolution entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING CITY-WIDE OBJECTIVE
DESIGN STANDARDS (ODS) FOR QUALIFIED MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE
RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT PROJECTS, IN ACCORDANCE WITH CALIFORNIA LAW.”
4. Introduce an ordinance entitled: “AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE SECTIONS 17.06.130, 17.11.020, 17.23.100, AND 17.37.030 TO IMPLEMENT REGULATIONS GOVERNING OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS,” and pass to second reading.
Mayor Weste opened the Public Hearing.
Deputy City Clerk Angelica Aguirre reported all notices required by law have been provided.
Associate Planner Zarui Chaparyan provided the staff report.
No requests to speak were received.
Mayor Weste closed the public comment period.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayala asked about the guidelines that would remain subjective, opportunities for residents to comment on streamlined projects, and whether the Council would receive reports on completed projects. Staff explained that the standards were developed to preserve Santa Clarita’s community design character, while the existing inspection processes would remain unchanged.
Councilmember Gibbs asked for clarification regarding “massing,” and staff explained that the standards were intended to prevent overly simplistic, box-like development while allowing elements of the City’s design guidelines to be incorporated.
Adopted Resolution No. 46-44
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Bill Miranda, Councilmember
SECONDER: Patsy Ayala, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES: Weste, Ayala, Gibbs, McLean, Miranda
CONSENT CALENDAR
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Jason Gibbs, Councilmember
SECONDER: Bill Miranda, Councilmember
AYES: Weste, Ayala, Gibbs, McLean, Miranda
ITEM 2
APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES – The minutes are submitted for approval.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the July 14, 2026, Special Meeting.
ITEM 3
APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES – The minutes are submitted for approval.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the July 14, 2026, Regular Meeting.
ITEM 4
CHECK REGISTER NOS. 15, 16, AND 17
Check Register No. 15 for the Period 06/12/26 through 06/25/26 and 07/02/26. Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period 06/15/26 through 06/26/26. Check Register No. 16 for the Period 06/26/26 through 07/09/26 and 07/16/26. Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period 06/29/26 through 07/10/26. Check Register No. 17 for the Period 07/10/26 through 07/23/26 and 07/30/26.
Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period 07/13/26 through 07/24/26.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council approve and ratify for payment the demands presented in Check Register Nos. 15,16 & 17.
ITEM 5
LOS ANGELES COUNTY EDUCATIONAL CAMPAIGN GRANT
City Council consider acceptance of grant funds from Los Angeles County to fund an educational campaign regarding the dangers of fentanyl.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Appropriate $29,943.58 in grant funds to the Drug Free Youth-Promotion and Publicity Expenditure Account (1005316-516105) and increase DFY County Grant Revenue Account (100-421109) by the same amount.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney review.
ITEM 6
ESTABLISH A LOADING/UNLOADING ZONE AND A NO-PARKING ZONE ON
SCHOOL DAYS ONLY ALONG THE EAST SIDE OF CATALA AVENUE
This item considers adopting a resolution to establish a 270-foot Loading/Unloading zone and a 330-foot No Parking zone between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. and between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. on school days only along the east side of Catala Avenue, south of Onlee Avenue.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution to establish a 270-foot Loading/Unloading zone and a 330-foot No Parking zone between 7:00 and 8:00 a.m. and between 12:00 and 3:00 p.m. on school days only along the east side of Catala Avenue, south of Onlee Avenue.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney review.
Consent Item No. 6 was pulled for further discussion.
Addressing the Council via Zoom was Donna Rooney.
Joel Bareng, Assistant City Engineer, stated that the City had met with school and district representatives regarding student drop-off and safety concerns.
Councilwoman McLean inquired about parent meetings, and Mayor Pro Tem Ayala asked how parents were informed.
Council concurred to pull the item from the Consent vote to allow for further discussion with the parents.
ITEM 7
2025-26 BRIDGE PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE PROGRAM, PROJECT M0162 -
DESIGN CONTRACT
This item considers awarding a design contract to provide professional engineering services for the 2025-26 Bridge Preventative Maintenance Program. Improvements include the preparation of plans, specifications, and cost estimates for bridge maintenance, permitting, and bid assistance.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Award the design contract to Tetra Tech, Inc., for the 2025-26 Bridge Preventative Maintenance Program, Project M0162, in the amount of $178,155 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $17,816, for a total contract amount not to exceed $195,971.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney review.
ITEM 8
NEWHALL PARK IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT P2017 - DESIGN CONTRACTS This item considers awarding design services contracts for the Newhall Park Improvements project. The project includes the restoration and enhancement of existing park amenities, incorporation of new park amenities, and the installation of a regional stormwater infiltration facility.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Award the design contract to Pacific Coast Land Design, Inc., for the park improvements for the Newhall Park Improvements, Project P2017, in the amount of $1,843,133 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $184,313, for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,027,446.
2. Award the design contract to Pacific Advanced Civil Engineering, Inc., for the regional stormwater infiltration facility for the Newhall Park Improvements, Project P2017, in the amount of $428,780 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $42,878, for a total contract amount not to exceed $471,658.
3. Appropriate one-time funds in the amount of $2,672,000 to the Newhall Park Improvements, Project P2017, from the following funds:
• $1,071,103 from Measure W Safe Clean Water Regional Fund (Fund 274) to expenditure account P2017274-516101;
• $1,025,897 from Facilities Fund (Fund 723) to expenditure account P2017723-516101; • $450,000 from Stormwater Utility Fund (Fund 356) to expenditure account P2017356- 516101;
• $125,000 from TDA Article 8 (Fund 233) to expenditure account P2017233-516101.
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney review.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayala proposed adding a stage to Newhall Park.
Councilmember Gibbs suggested a pop-up stage that could be used for performances as needed.
City Manager Ken Striplin stated that redesigning the park was not recommended because the current design had received community approval, but staff could explore incorporating a stage into the existing design.
ITEM 9
PURCHASE OF MINI EXCAVATOR FOR OPEN SPACE MAINTENANCE AND SKID
STEER LOADER FOR STREET MAINTENANCE
This item considers approving the purchase of one new mini excavator to support Open Space Maintenance operations and one replacement skid steer loader to support Street Maintenance operations.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Approve the “piggyback” purchase of one mini excavator using Sourcewell contract number 020223-CAT with Quinn Company for a total amount not to exceed $83,755.
2. Approve the “piggyback” purchase of one skid steer loader using Sourcewell contract number 020223-CAT with Quinn Company for a total amount not to exceed $108,305.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney review.
ITEM 10
APPLICATION AND RECEIPT OF STATE TRANSIT ASSISTANCE FUNDS City Council consideration to adopt a resolution to submit an annual claim to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for State Transit Assistance funds.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council adopt a resolution allowing the City Manager or designee to submit an annual claim to the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for State Transit Assistance funds.
Adopted Resolution No. 26-43
ITEM 11
USE TAX INCENTIVE PROGRAM WITH AEROSPACE DYNAMICS INTERNATIONAL City Council consideration to approve Use Tax Incentive reimbursement to Aerospace Dynamics International pursuant to the City of Santa Clarita's Use Tax Incentive Agreement.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council approve reimbursement of $80,857 to Aerospace Dynamics International (ADI) per the Use Tax Incentive Program agreement entered into between the City of Santa Clarita and ADI on June 10, 2010.
ITEM 12
TRANSFER OF COMMUTER BUSES
City Council consideration to enter into an agreement with the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System to assume three Compressed Natural Gas-powered buses.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Waive the City of Santa Clarita’s competitive procurement requirements for the transfer of three buses from the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System and the associated contracts with Complete Coach Works and Connexionz, pursuant to Santa Clarita Municipal Code Section 3.12.270(F).
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to negotiate a transfer and reimbursement agreement with the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System for three Motor Coach Industries (MCI) Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, for a not-to-exceed amount of $300,000, subject to Federal Transit Administration approval.
3. Authorize staff to negotiate and enter into a contract with Complete Coach Works to remove the existing paint scheme and prepare and paint the three buses in the Santa Clarita Transit livery, in an amount not-to-exceed $119,928, and authorize a contingency in the amount of $10,000, for a total contract amount of $129,928.
4. Authorize staff to negotiate and enter into a contract with Connexionz for the purchase and installation of automatic vehicle locating systems for the three buses, for a not-to-exceed amount of $56,627.
5. Appropriate funds in the amount of $486,555 to the Transit Administration Automotive Equipment Expenditure Account (7003700-520103), and increase the Municipal Operator Service Improvement Program Revenue Account (700-442207) by $386,555.
6. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney review.
ITEM 13
BOUQUET CANYON PARK PARKING LOT REFURBISHMENT PROJECT P0032, PLANS,
SPECIFICATIONS, AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
This item considers awarding a construction contract for the Bouquet Canyon Park Parking Lot Refurbishment Project, P0032. Improvements include repairs to root-damaged asphalt and concrete, ADA enhancements of the parking stalls and adjacent walkways, asphalt overlay, all associated striping and signage for the parking lot.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the Bouquet Canyon Park Parking Lot Refurbishment Project P0032.
2. Find the Bouquet Canyon Park Parking Lot Refurbishment Project P0032 exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations, Article 19, Section 15301.
3. Award a construction contract to E&M Constructors, Inc., for $303,145 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $30,315, for a total contract amount not to exceed $333,460.
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney review.
ITEM 14
BELCARO AT SAND CANYON PROJECT (MASTER CASE 24-093) ENVIRONMENTAL
IMPACT REPORT CONTRACT
City Council to consider authorizing an increased expenditure authority to the City's contract with SWCA Environmental Consultants for the preparation of the Belcaro at Sand Canyon project Environmental Impact Report (Master Case 24-093).
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Authorize an amendment to the existing contract with SWCA Environmental Consultants for the preparation of the Belcaro at Sand Canyon Project Environmental Impact Report (Master Case 24-093), and increase expenditure authority by $54,286, including a contingency of $7,081, for a total contract amount not to exceed $423,850.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contract and associated documents, subject to City Attorney review.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION II
Addressing the Council were Braden Pinvidic, regarding Flock cameras; Stanley Call, regarding Flock cameras; Alina Tatoian, regarding Flock cameras; Gabby (last name not provided), regarding Flock cameras; Maya Christian, regarding Flock cameras; Daniel Negreta, regarding Flock cameras; Janell Zazveta, regarding data centers and the presence of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement in Santa Clarita; and TimBen Boydston, expressing gratitude to the City Council, City staff, and first responders in relation to the Old Town Newhall fire.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Weste adjourned the Regular Meeting in memory of Rose Koscielny at 8:42 p.m.
______________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
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CITY CLERK