Lancaster approves housing, energy, and safety actions

Waive further reading of any proposed ordinance. (This permits reading the title only in lieu of reciting the entire text.)

Approve the City Council/Sucessor Agency/Financing/Housing/Power Authority Regular Meeting Minutes of July 08, 2025.

Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Affordable Housing Solutions & Development of Southern California, LLC. Recommendation(s): 1. Approve the Second Amendment to the Affordable Housing Solutions & Development of Southern California, LCC Professional Services Agreement extending the term of the agreement by one (1) year for a total of five (5) years, increasing the annual not-to-exceed amount to $165,000 for the remainder of the contract, for a total contract amount not-to-exceed of $605,200, and updating and expanding the services to be provided to include those listed in Exhibit A. 2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to finalize and execute all documents related to the Amendment. In May 2022, the City entered into an agreement with consultant Affordable Housing Solutions (AHS) following a Request for Proposals (RFP) process to procure technical assistance services related to affordable housing projects, programs, and funding sources. Examples of services provided to-date by AHS have included assistance with drafting Requests for Proposals consistent with the requirements of former state Redevelopment Law (RDA) and the state Surplus Land Act (SLA), providing technical services and assistance to draft and carry out Disposition & Development Agreements, monitoring emerging funding sources and Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) schedules, preparing funding applications to state and federal sources, and providing expert advice to support miscellaneous programs and projects.

Final Map Approval – Parcel Map No. 84456 (Located at 44447 10th Street West) Recommendation(s): Approve the map for Parcel Map No. 84456 located at 44447 10 th Street West ; make findings that this project will not violate any of the provisions of Sections 66473.5, 66474.1 and 66474.6 of the Subdivision Map Act; and instruct the City Clerk to endorse on the face of the map the certificate which embodies the approval of said map. On April 15, 2024, the City of Lancaster Community Development Department approved Tentative Administrative Parcel Map No. 84456 subject to the conditions of approval for Site Plan Review No. 19-05. Tentative Administrative Parcel Map 84456 expires on April 15, 2026. The Final Map is in substantial conformance with the approved Tentative Administrative Parcel Map No. 84456, has been examined by the City Surveyor, and is ready for the City Council’s approval. In addition, monuments have been set and inspection for the monumentation has been completed.

Approve the Lancaster Energy Residential Peak Demand Response Incentive Program. Recommendation(s): Approve the Lancaster Energy Residential Peak Demand Response Incentive Program and Authorize the City Manager or his designee to negotiate and execute program contracts and policies, if applicable, on behalf of the City with concurrence from the City Attorney. On October 25, 2022, the City Council approved a set of agreements for the Lancaster Power Choice Solar and Battery Residential Program. The City, Participate Energy (PE), and Tesla developed the Lancaster Energy Power Choice Program, which provides developers and existing homeowners with a zero-up-front cost option to install solar and batteries for energy cost savings, backup, and participation in grid services. The Lancaster Energy Power Choice program empowers residents with the benefits of solar energy and was designed to help customers save on their monthly energy bills, maintain reliable backup power in the event of outages, and support Lancaster Energy in reducing grid stress during peak demand periods.

Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Execution of an Amended Surety Bond to Meet the Financial Security Requirement for Lancaster Energy and Rescinding Resolution No. 23-22 Recommendation(s): 1. Adopt Resolution No. ______, authorizing the execution of an amended Surety Bond to meet the Financial Security Requirement for Lancaster Energy and rescinding Resolution No. 23-22. 2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute this and subsequent amended Surety Bond documents to accommodate increases and decreases associated with the annual fee of the Surety Bond for an amount not to exceed $100,000 annually. Effective September 1, 2025, the FSR for LE will increase from $147,000.00 to $4,103,705.00. Therefore, to satisfy the increase to LE’s FSR obligation, the annual cost associated with maintaining LE’s surety bond will increase to $41,037.05. Staff is requesting a not-to-exceed amount of $100,000 annually to accommodate any future changes to FSR requirements.

Approve Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with SRK Consulting, LLC. (SRK) Recommendation(s): 1. Approve Amendment No. 2 to the Professional Services Agreement with SRK Consulting LLC (SRK) for an additional two (2) years (expiration date moved to 8/14/2028) and a not-to-exceed amount of $125,000 annually for additional services added to scope. 2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to finalize and execute all documents related to the Amendment. In July 2022, the City onboarded SRK Consulting LLC as a force multiplier for Housing staff following an extensive Request for Proposals (RFP) process. SRK currently provides support to a variety of programs and projects including, but not limited to, the First Time Homebuyer Program; the Housing Rehabilitation Program; Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) monitoring and reporting; annual Neighborhood Stabilization Program monitoring; and annual Mobilehome Park Permits to Operate and quarterly report collection. Based on SRK’s knowledge of these items and current status in the midst of several projects with the Housing team, staff is proposing an extension of their professional services agreement for an additional two (2) years

Los Angeles County Proposition A funding for Youth and Senior Excursion Transportation Costs Recommendation(s): A. ​Appropriate $35,000 from Proposition A to account 21862300.5656 (Project String PROPACMNSRV.YOUTHTRNSP). B. Appropriate $36,000 from Proposition A to account 21862300.5656 (Project String PROPACMNSRV.SRTRNSPRT). The City of Lancaster actively provides a variety of enriching field trips and educational excursions to youth and senior participants through its Parks, Arts, Recreation and Community Services (PARCS) Department. These excursions offer participants the opportunity to experience cultural, educational, and recreational sites throughout the Southern California region, enhancing quality of life and community connection. To support these ongoing efforts and ensure affordability and accessibility for participants, the City has identified available Proposition A Transportation Funds. The available funds will be utilized to offset the cost of transportation, including charter bus services and vehicle rentals, associated with youth and senior excursions.

Adopt Resolution X to accept Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) Measure A Funds Recommendation(s): 1. Adopt Resolution X, to accept LACAHSA Measure A Funds. 2. Authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute any documents related to the application, acceptance, and implementation of approved grant programs and projects of the LACAHSA Measure A Funds. LACAHSA has allocated $2,706,937 to the City of Lancaster for affordable housing creation, preservation, prevention, and ownership. Activities will be identified based on guidelines provided by LACAHSA.

Lancaster Energy – 2024 Power Source Disclosure Attestation. Recommendation(s): Provide the attestation specified under California’s Power Source Disclosure (PSD) Program, which requires the governing council of a public agency providing retail electric service to endorse the accuracy of the annual report, as submitted to the California Energy Commission, for the previous year. In the case of Lancaster Energy (LE), such attestation will be based on the California Choice Energy Authority’s (CalChoice) technical review and will address the 2024 Annual Report prepared for the LE community choice aggregation (CCA) program.

“Shop. Drive. Earn.” Economic Incentive Program Expansion Recommendation(s): Adopt Resolution No. ____ expanding the “Shop. Drive. Earn.” Economic Incentive Program to include campers. On April 8, 2025 the City Council approved the “Shop. Drive. Earn.” Economic Incentive Program. The program is designed to build on the momentum of existing shop local initiatives and further encourage patronizing local businesses. Through this program, consumers who purchase or lease new and used vehicles from participating dealerships within Lancaster are eligible to receive rewards through the Open Rewards app. New car purchases and leases earn $175 rewards and used car purchases earn $100.

Professional Services Agreement – Frydman Counsel Recommendation(s): It is recommended that the City Council approve the Professional Services Agreement with Frydman Counsel in an amount not to exceed $125,000.00, and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to sign all documents; and Approve an appropriation of $125,000.00 from General Fund Balance to 10110000.5710 Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute any additional amendments to the Agreement deemed necessary to complete the project in a form approved by the City Attorney; and Find that this item is not a project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The methods in this plan are designed to establish a reliable framework for quality and efficiency in City operations. Through strategic planning, each proposal will benefit from increased clarity, efficiency, accountability, and fostering a culture of excellence and reliability. This investment will deliver long term, sustainable improvements in service delivery for the City and its residents.

Consider Approval of an Amendment to the Promissory Note Dated January 28, 2025, Between the City of Lancaster and First Public Hydrogen Authority Increasing the Amount by $4,000,000. Recommendation(s): 1. Approve an amendment to the Promissory Note dated January 28, 2025, between the City of Lancaster and First Public Hydrogen Authority increasing the amount from $2,600,000 to $6,600,000, an increase of $4,000,000. 2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to sign all documents related to the promissory, subject to City Attorney approval. FPH2 is poised to execute off-take agreements by the end of the current fiscal year, providing FPH2 visibility to its initial revenue sources. An increase in the Promissory Note of $4,000,000 will provide sufficient funds for expenditures through June 30, 2026. The Maturity Date of July 1, 2028 and interest in an amount equal to the average of the average monthly effective yields of the Local Agency Investment Fund (“LAIF”) remain unchanged.

Check Registers – June 22, through July 26, 2025. Recommendation(s): Approve the Check and Wire Registers for payments made June 22, 2025, through July 26, 2025, in the amount of $34,001,694.73 as presented. At each regular City Council Meeting, the City Council is presented with a check and ACH/wire registers listing the financial claims (invoices) against and paid by the City for the purchase of materials, supplies, services, and capital projects during the prior three to four weeks. This process provides the City Council with the opportunity to review the City’s expenditures. Claims have been paid via checks, Electronic Funds Transfer EFT), Automated Clearing House (ACH) payments, or federal wires. The justifying backup information for each expenditure is available in the Finance Department.

Approval of Employee Guidelines for the Use of Personal Protective Spray Recommendation(s): 1. Approve the City of Lancaster Pepper Spray Policy for permanent and temporary non-law enforcement employees working in the City of Lancaster who have completed the required training and have City of Lancaster approval, are authorized to carry and use pepper spray as a self-defense measure while on duty. To enhance the safety of unarmed City staff who regularly interact with the public, the City has developed a Pepper Spray Policy outlining appropriate use, training requirements, and reporting procedures. This policy applies to permanent and temporary non-law enforcement employees in the Community Preservation Division and Lancaster Police Department.

Amendment to the Lancaster Municipal Code Section 11.08.090 Regarding Mobile Home Parks Recommendation(s): Adopt Ordinance No. 1135 , amending Section 11.08.090 of the Lancaster Municipal Code concerning mobile home rent increases following certain vacancies, sales, or transfers. The proposed amendment balances the interests of mobile home park owners and residents by allowing limited rent increases during ownership changes while protecting certain family transfers from such increases. The ordinance maintains necessary regulatory oversight while providing more flexibility in the mobile home rental market.

General Plan Amendment No. 24-001/Zone Change No. 24-001 Recommendation(s): Adopt Ordinance No. 1136 , amending the City zoning plan for 40 acres of land located on the northwest corner of Avenue M and Division Street (APNs 3128-013-010 and -011), known as Zone Change No. 24-001, from OP (Office Professional) to LI (Light Industrial). On February 13, 2024, the Community Development Department received applications for the construction and operation of two industrial buildings totaling 807,005 square feet on approximately 40 acres at the northwest corner of Avenue M and Division Street. These applications included a Site Plan Review (SPR), General Plan Amendment (GPA), and Zone Change (ZC) entitlement. The proposed project would consist of one building totaling 401,973 square feet and the other totaling 405,032 square feet. Both buildings would be 50 feet in height. Use of the site is intended to be general industrial operation.

Lancaster Community Center Roof Project Notice of Completion Recommendation(s): Accept the work completed by Rite-Way Roofing Corporation for the Lancaster Community Center Roof Project and direct the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion for the project. The proposed project included Rite-Way roofing supplying the building with a 60 mil thick PVC single-ply roof membrane, ensuring the building’s longevity and continued programming. Construction of the project has been completed to the satisfaction of the Director of PARCS. The project was substantially completed on July 9, 2025, which was within the time permitted by the contract.

Site Plan Review (SPR) 18-05 - Acceptance of Improvements (Drainage Maintenance District) Recommendation(s): Approve and accept for maintenance the work and materials of the drainage improvements for the following Drainage Maintenance District annexation, installed by the developer of the subject project: Project Annexation No. Location/Owner Site Plan Review No. 18-05 19-33 610 East Avenue L Owner: Peter Biernat The developer installed the drainage improvements for this project according to the approved plans and specifications. The improvements have been inspected and found satisfactory by the Director of Public Works.

Agreement with the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation Agreement Number - C5612955 Incarcerated Persons Community Service Work Crews Recommendation(s): 1. Approve the agreement with the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation (CDCR) Incarcerated Persons Community Service Work Crews. 2. Find that this item is not a project under the California Environmental Quality Act. 3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to negotiate, finalize and execute the agreement, as well as any ancillary agreements or approvals, all in a form approved by the City Attorney. 4. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to sign all documents. The City of Lancaster has contracted with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation for the past 24 years for extension of workforce labor. These crews perform essential tasks, such as weed abatement, litter removal, pruning trees and shrubs, and miscellaneous landscaping work.

Site Plan Review (SPR) 18-05 - Acceptance of Improvements (Streets) Recommendation(s): Approve the developer-constructed streets on the project listed below. In addition, accept the streets for maintenance by the City and for public use. Project Location/Owner Site Plan Review No. 18-05 610 East Avenue L Owner: Peter Biernat The streets have been constructed and completed by the developer according to the approved plans and specifications. The work has been inspected and found to be satisfactory by the Director of Public Works.

Acceptance of Public Works Construction Project No. 23-017 – Lancaster Auto Mall Dealership Signs Project Recommendation(s): Accept the work designed and constructed by Square Signs, LLC dba Front Signs, for Public Works Construction Project No. 23-017, Lancaster Auto Mall Dealership Signs Project, and direct the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion for the project. Retention on this project shall be disbursed in accordance with California Public Contract Code Section 7107(c). This project provided for the installation of 12 branded dealership pole signs and 20,000 square feet of landscaping within the City’s landscape easement adjacent to the Lancaster Auto Mall. The pole signs were installed parallel to northbound SR-138 (SR -14), north of Avenue K-8, behind the Auto Mall. The project included one (1) future sign foundation at the Auto Mall and two (2) building-mounted lightbox signs at the Lancaster Police Department.

Final Map Approval – Tract Map No. 061817 (Located at the South Side of Avenue H-4 and 15th Street East) Recommendation(s): Approve the map and accept the dedications as offered on Tract Map No. 061817 located at the south side of Avenue H-4 and 15 th Street East ; make findings that this project will not violate any of the provisions of Sections 66473.5, 66474.1 and 66474.6 of the Subdivision Map Act; and instruct the City Clerk to endorse on the face of the map the certificate which embodies the approval of said map and the dedications shown thereon. The Final Map is in substantial conformance with the approved Tentative Tract Map No. 061817, has been examined by the City Surveyor, and is ready for the City Council’s approval. In addition, an Undertaking Agreement has been executed, and Improvement Securities have been collected to guarantee the installation of improvements and monuments.

Rental Agreement of Property to First Public Hydrogen at 431 E. Avenue K-4 Recommendation(s): Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, with the concurrence of the City Attorney, to negotiate, finalize and execute the Rental Agreement between the City of Lancaster and First Public Hydrogen for the lease of City property located at 431 E. Avenue K-4. The proposed lease will allow FPH₂ to establish its headquarters and operational base at a City owned property located at 431 E. Avenue K-4. The site, which consists of two parcels (Assessor Parcel Nos. 3126-031-901 and 3126-031-902), was previously occupied by Heliogen, a company that conducted hydrogen research and development. The facility is well suited for continued use in the clean energy space and provides an ideal setting for incubation, research and development, and early stage hydrogen innovation.

Monthly Reports of Investments – July 2025. Recommendation(s): Accept and approve the July 2025 Monthly Report of Investments as submitted.

Approval of CEQA Notice of Exemption and Adoption of Resolution 25-XX Authorizing the City Manager to negotiate, finalize, and execute certain documents relating to the California Department of Health Care Services Bond BHCIP Round 1 Launch Ready Program Funding, including, but not limited to: (1) Ground Lease agreement with Universal Health Services, Inc.; and (2) Program Funding Agreement with Advocates For Human Potential, Inc. and determining such actions to be exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act Recommendation(s): 1. Approve California Environmental Quality Act Notice of Exemption 2. Adopt Resolution 25-_____ a. Authorizing the City Manager to finalize, negotiate and execute a Ground Lease Agreement with UHS, Inc. in substantially the form presented and to sign all documents related to said Ground Lease b. Authorizing the City Manager or his designee to sign Program Funding Agreement (PFA) and Attachments as appropriate with Advocates for Human Potential, Inc. for the California Department of Health Care Services Bond BHCIP Round 1 Launch Ready Program Funding for the Behavioral Health Hospital Grant In May of this year, the City was notified that it was selected to be an awardee for Round 1 in the amount of $83,740,546 to develop a 96-bed behavioral health hospital. Envisioned services will include an acute psychiatric hospital, outpatient community mental health clinic, crisis stabilization unit, outpatient treatment for substance use disorder, and a partial hospitalization program.

Consideration of Nomination and Appointment of Commission Members to the Planning Commission. Presenter: Mayor R. Rex Parris

Consideration of Nomination and Appointment of Commissioner to Measure LC Citizens’ Oversight Committee Presenter: Mayor R. Rex Parris

Consideration of Nomination and Appointment of Deputy Mayor-Innovation Presenter: Mayor R. Rex Parris

Council Reports

No action required at this time.

No action required at this time.

No action required at this time.

1. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation: significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d) (2) - four potential cases. 2. Conference with Legal Counsel - Anticipated Litigation: consideration of initiation of litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d) (4) – four potential cases. 3. Conference Involving a Joint Powers Agency: Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.96 Discussion will concern: Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District v. United States Environmental Protection Agency, et al. 9 th Cir. Case No. 23-1614 Name of local agency representative on joint powers agency board: Marvin Crist, Ken Mann 4. Antelope Valley Groundwater Cases Included Action: Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40 v. Diamond Farming Co. Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Case No. BC325201; Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40 v. Diamond Farming Co. Superior Court of California, County of Kern, Case No. S-1500-CV-254-348; Wm. Bolthouse Farms, Inc. v. City of Lancaster, Diamond Farming Co. v. City of Lancaster, Diamond Farming Co. v. Palmdale Water District Superior Court of California County of Riverside, consolidated actions; Case Nos. RIC 353 840, RIC 344 436, RIC 344 668 5. Galant v. Lancaster School District, LASC Case No. 25AVCV00196 6. Abaied v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25STCV14733 7. Montenegro v. Green, LASC Case No. 22AVCV01050 8. Perez v. Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23AVCV00577 9. City of Whittier v. Superior Court, LASC Case No. 23 STCP03579 10. Lindo v. Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23AVCV00950. 11. Nazari v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25AVCV00192 12. Mahfound v. County of Los Angeles, City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25AVCV00586 13. Morgan v. Antelope Valley Transit Authority, City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25AVCV00061 14. Lea v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No.: 25STCV09046 15. Stockman v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23 AVCV00838 16. Zimmerman v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 24AVCV00848 17. Snyder v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 21AVCV00770 18. Higgins v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23AVCV00125 19. Wright v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23AVCV00864 20. Cordova v. City of Lancaster, Case No. 24AVCV00221 21. Darnell Wayne Thomas 25STCV17622