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 8, 2026 6:00 PM City Council Chambers
INVOCATION
Councilwoman McLean 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 6:21 p.m.
ROLL CALL
All Councilmembers were present.
FLAG SALUTE
Councilwoman McLean 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 Rhona Jukes, in honor of her retirement following a 54-year career in the mortgage and real estate industry, including eight years with Logix Federal Credit Union, highlighted her contributions to local nonprofits and numerous professional and community honors. Councilmember Gibbs thanked Ms. Jukes for her dedication and service to the Santa Clarita community, congratulated her on her retirement, and invited her to the dais to take a photo and share a few words.
Councilmember Miranda spoke of the rising awareness of childhood cancer; announced that the
City proclaimed September 2026 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month; invited representatives from the Michael Hoefflin Foundation for Children’s Cancer and families they have supported to the dais to receive the proclamation.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayala announced that the City proclaims September 15 through October 15, 2026, as Hispanic Heritage Month; highlighted the rich histories, cultures, traditions, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans; and noted this year’s theme, “Unidos, somos más,” or “Together, we are more.” She invited residents to participate in City cultural programs and celebrations, including Día de los Muertos, and recognized the contributions of Hispanic families to the Santa Clarita community. Representatives from the local business community and Newhall Community Center programs were invited to the dais to receive the proclamation.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Addressing the Council were Grant Hooker, regarding Flock cameras; Riley Wambolt, regarding Flock cameras; Stanley Call, regarding Flock cameras; and Jaechan Lee, regarding Flock cameras.
Due to audience disturbance, Council recessed the meeting at 7:03 p.m. and reconvened at 7:15 p.m.
City Attorney Joe Montes reminded the public of Council’s limitations to respond to public comment for non-agendized items and explained the reasons behind the Council’s request that applause during the meeting be limited to allow the meeting to proceed.
Addressing the Council were Charlotte Brown, regarding Flock cameras; Omar Reza, regarding Flock cameras; Alina Tatoian, regarding Flock cameras; Janell Zaznuta, regarding meeting with Councilmembers; Kai Manangon, regarding Flock cameras; and Nick Spencer, regarding Flock cameras.
STAFF COMMENTS
City Manager Ken Striplin addressed comments regarding Flock cameras, stating that there is a misunderstanding and misrepresentation regarding their use; that the cameras were implemented as a tool to supplement law enforcement and enhance public safety; and that the program has been successful and is used in compliance with state law. He noted that safeguards have become more sophisticated, inappropriate use is flagged and addressed, and the use of the technology has been discussed at multiple public meetings.
Captain Barclay, representing the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, stated that Flock is an investigative tool and does not replace human judgment, emphasized that public safety and privacy are not competing objectives, and that access to law enforcement technology carries responsibility and accountability. He stated that Flock information is accessed only for legitimate law enforcement purposes and shared when there is a lawful and necessary reason to do so.
Mayor Weste asked for clarification on the locations of Flock cameras, and Captain Barclay
explained that cameras are located on public streets. Captain Barkley noted that some homeowners’ associations have Flock cameras to assist with residential burglaries.
Councilmember Gibbs asked, and Captain Barclay responded regarding audit logs, authorized access, required information for searches, access by homeowners’ associations, and how improper use or failures are identified.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Councilmember Miranda commented on the public’s respectful conduct following the recess.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayala encouraged speakers to bring forward proposals regarding replacement of Flock cameras and highlighted upcoming opportunities to support the community, including the Rink grand opening, Old Town Newhall fire recovery efforts, and local business and performance groups.
Councilmember McLean commented on Make a Difference Day, the River Rally cleanup, the Environmental Expo, and the history of Old Town Newhall, emphasizing the community’s shared goal of rebuilding.
Councilmember Gibbs commented on the Aspire project and concerns regarding micro-trenching on sidewalks. Technology Services Manager Benny Ives explained the micro-trenching process and project phases, noting delays and that Phase 2 includes sealing the trenches; he also noted that aesthetic concerns are often addressed the same day.
Mayor Weste commented on the Santa Clarita Sheriff’ Station 100th anniversary, thanked the Sheriff’s department for keeping the community, trails, and open spaces safe, and highlighted Community Beautification Day and the City’s blood drive. Mayor Weste requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Michael Faina.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ITEM 1
BOUQUET CANYON BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM
This item considers establishing a Business Assistance Grant Program to provide temporary, financial assistance to eligible businesses experiencing documented economic hardship during the Bouquet Canyon Road closure.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing and adopt a resolution entitled: “A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, ESTABLISHING THE
PUBLIC PURPOSE FOR AND APPROVING THE BOUQUET CANYON BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GRANT PROGRAM.”
2. Approve a one-time transfer of $640,000 from Contingency Account (1009300-701001) to
Business Development and Retention Account (1003500-517105).
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents necessary to administer the Bouquet Canyon Business Assistance Grant Program, including agreements with eligible grant recipients and a third-party grant administrator, subject to City Attorney review.
Mayor Weste opened the Public Hearing.
Deputy City Clerk Angelica Aguirre reported all notices required by law have been provided.
Economic Development Manager Tyler Pledger provided the staff report.
Addressing the Council was Valerie Bradford.
Mayor Weste closed the public comment period.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayala asked and staff responded that Council would receive updates in a summary report. Councilmembers emphasized keeping the process simple and expressed concern regarding unnecessary bureaucracy. Mayor Weste emphasized the need for a quick, fair, and streamlined process given the significant impacts to affected businesses and requested updates before Council meetings. Councilwoman McLean questioned the program’s scope and how the contingency fund would be replenished. City Manager Ken Striplin stated the program was tailored to address specific issues in the affected area and that funds used would be replenished through the budget process.
Adopted Resolution No. 26-45
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Bill Miranda, Councilmember
SECONDER: Jason Gibbs, Councilmember
AYES: Weste, Ayala, Gibbs, McLean, Miranda
CONSENT CALENDAR
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Marsha McLean, Councilwoman
SECONDER: Patsy Ayala, Mayor Pro Tem
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 August 25, 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 August 25, 2026, Regular Meeting.
ITEM 4
CHECK REGISTER NO. 18
Check Register No. 18 for Period 07/24/26 through 08/06/26 and 08/13/26. Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period 07/27/26 through 08/07/26.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council approve and ratify for payment the demands presented in Check Register No. 18.
ITEM 5
MULTIFAMILY AND MIXED-USE RESIDENTIAL OBJECTIVE DESIGN STANDARDS (MASTER CASE 26-038) - SECOND READING
City Council consideration of 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 adopt 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.” ITEM 6
PARCEL MAP FOR PARCEL MAP NO. 84435 (LYONS AVENUE)
Pursuant to Section 66474.1 of the Subdivision Map Act, City Council consider approving Parcel Map No. 84435 (Lyons Avenue). The map is for subdivision purposes and is located on the northwest corner of Lyons Avenue and Orchard Village Road.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Approve Parcel Map for Parcel Map No. 84435.
2. Find Parcel Map for Parcel Map No. 84435 exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Guideline 15301 Class 1 because the subdivision is an existing commercial building/property where no physical changes occur.
3. Make findings as follows: This project is consistent with the provisions of Sections 66474 and 66474.1 of the Subdivision Map Act and should be approved.
4. Instruct the Director of Administrative Services to endorse the Special Assessment Statement on the face of Parcel Map for Parcel Map No. 84435, which indicates all special assessments levied by the City of Santa Clarita are paid.
5. Instruct the City Clerk to endorse the City Clerk’s Statement on the face of Parcel Map for
Parcel Map No. 84435, which embodies the approval of said map.
6. Instruct the City Surveyor to endorse the City Surveyor’s Statement on the face of Parcel Map for Parcel Map No. 84435, which provides for verification that the map is technically correct.
7. Instruct the City Engineer to endorse the City Engineer’s Statement on the face of Parcel Map for Parcel Map No. 84435, which provides for verification of substantial conformance with the Tentative Parcel Map and all provisions of local ordinances and state laws applicable at the time of approval.
ITEM 7
2026-27 SPORTS FIELD REPLACEMENT PROGRAM P4037, CENTRAL PARK MULTIPURPOSE FIELDS 5 - 8, SPORTS FIELD SOD CONTRACT
This item considers awarding a contract to West Coast Turf for the purchase and installation of sport grass sod at four multipurpose fields at Central Park. The contract includes materials, delivery, and installation of new sports field sod at the four fields.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Award a one-year contract to West Coast Turf for the purchase and installation of turf sod in the amount of $307,269.
2. Find the 2026-27 Sports Field Replacement Project, P4037, 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. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney review.
ITEM 8
CONCESSION AGREEMENT FOR THE RINK SPORTS PAVILION
This item considers awarding a contract to operate The Wheel Restaurant at The Rink Sports Pavilion. The selected vendor will offer food and beverage concessions.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Award a three-year contract to Top Shelf Bar and Grille for the operation of The Wheel Restaurant at The Rink Sports Pavilion.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute up to two additional one-year renewal options beginning in year four.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney review.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION II
Addressing the Council were Alex Honadel, regarding Flock cameras; Gabby Cunada, regarding Flock cameras; Eren Ellis, regarding Flock cameras; Gracie Bell, regarding Flock cameras; Sophie Lewis, regarding Flock cameras; Iris Warrender, regarding Flock cameras; Sean Kiner, regarding Flock cameras; Amanda Sinks, regarding Flock cameras; Andrea Celis, regarding Flock cameras; Jake Blaha, regarding Flock cameras; Nicholas Azarian, regarding a bike trail entrance, Flock cameras, and the possible creation of a swap meet; David Stears, regarding Downtown Newhall and theater community engagement; Michael Hansel, regarding sports fields; Vincent Torres, regarding Flock cameras; and Marlowe Wekman, regarding The MAIN theater.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Weste adjourned the Regular meeting in memory of Michael Faina at 9:18 p.m. ______________________________________
MAYOR
ATTEST:
______________________________________
CITY CLERK