Lancaster Council approves cleanup and police purchases

Sheriff’s Deputy Recognition Presenter: Rodrick Armalin, Chief of Police

Agreement for Exchange of Real Property between City of Lancaster and Lancaster Housing Authority Recommendation(s): 1. Find the exchange of property categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act and authorize staff to execute and file a Notice of Exemption. 2. Approve the Agreement and Escrow Instructions for Exchange of Real Property between the City of Lancaster and Lancaster Housing Authority. 3. Authorize the City Manager and Executive Director, or their designees, to finalize and execute all related documents. On December 14, 2021, the City Council approved a Purchase and Sale Agreement between the City of Lancaster and L Street Properties for a roughly 45-acre portion of Assessor Parcel Number (APN) 3128-004-023, located in the City’s Parkway Village project area.

Approve Extension to Exclusive Negotiating Agreement with Grupe Investment Company, Inc. Recommendation(s): 1. Authorize the Executive Director or his designee to negotiate, finalize and execute an Extension to the original Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with Grupe Investment Company, Inc. for an additional three-month period for the potential disposition of property owned by the Lancaster Housing Authority. No deposit will be required. 2. Authorize the Executive Director or his designee to negotiate, finalize and execute all related documents in a form approved by the City Attorney. The envisioned project has incredible potential to meet a significant need in our community: affordable first-time homebuyer opportunities for moderate and workforce households that are otherwise mostly shut out of the homeownership market. Attractive design, together with quality-of-life features fostering walkability and recreation, will make this a sought-after destination for workforce households, particularly those with children as well as young couples just beginning to build their lives together. These homes will assist its owners in achieving the benefits of homeownership: housing stability and building generational wealth, thereby serving a need in Lancaster for generations to come.

Initial Cost Recovery Program from Lahontan Regional Water Quality Control Board for HNR-1 Recommendation(s): 1. Approve the Initial Cost Recovery Program from Lahontan Water Quality Control Board (LRWQCB) (Exhibit A and Exhibit B). 2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to finalize and execute all documents related to the Initial Cost Recovery Program. The Initial Cost Recovery Program is set up so that reasonable expenses incurred by governmental agencies such as the Regional Water Boards, in overseeing water quality cleanup matters, can be recovered from the discharger/responsible party.

Disposition and Development Agreement with Pacific West Communities, Inc. Recommendation(s): 1. The Board should only consider this item if it has first approved the Agreement for Exchange of Real Property with the City of Lancaster (Agenda Item No. JCC 1). 2. Adopt the Planning Commission’s findings and decision to adopt the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration (SCH#2025070610), and approve the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, consistent with the Notice of Determination filed on on August 19, 2025. 3. Approve the Disposition and Development Agreement (DDA) with Pacific West Communities, Inc., for the sale of a 10-acre parcel located near Avenue K-8 and 15 th Street West. 4. Authorize the Executive Director, or his designee, to execute (i) the DDA in substantially the form presented, subject to non-substantive changes approved by the Executive Director and City Attorney; and (ii) all documents necessary or appropriate to complete the transaction. The City of Lancaster and the Housing Authority have strategically acquired certain parcels over time to support high quality developments throughout the City. Pacific West Communities, Inc., submitted an offer to purchase the parcel located near Avenue K-8 and 15 th Street West, known as Assessor’s Parcel Number (APN) 3125-009-908, for the development of a multifamily affordable housing project.

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/Power Authority Regular Meeting Minutes of August 12, 2025.

Check Registers – July 27, through August 09, 2025 Recommendation(s): Approve the Check and Wire Registers for payments made July 27, 2025, through August 09, 2025, in the amount of $9,655,578.41 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.

WeatherTrak Irrigation System Purchase Recommendation(s): A. ​​Authorize the purchase of the WeatherTrak irrigation system from SiteOne Landscape Supply in an amount not to exceed $202,419.67. B.​Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval.​ ​This purchase will support the continued expansion of smart irrigation technology to Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park (OMP) and the James C. Gilley National Soccer Center (LNSC). These two high-use facilities currently rely on outdated irrigation systems that are no longer supported by their original manufacturers or software providers. This creates a significant risk of irrigation failure, which could lead to costly turf damage and the temporary closure of fields critical to community use and recreation programming.

Lo​s Angeles County Region Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) Measure A Annual Allocation Agreement and Deed Restriction Approval Recommendation(s): Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the Measure A Annual Allocation Grant agreement, and future Measure A Annual Allocation Agreements as needed, to implement and expend up to the full amount awarded by RPOSD under the Measure A Annual Allocation program. These agreements shall be subject to City Attorney's review and approval. ​ ​Approve Deed Restrictions for all park and open space improvements funded by Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) Measure A funds. ​The Signed RPOSD Measure A Annual Allocation Grant agreement will enable the city to apply for and utilize funding for various park and open space improvements. A standard condition of receiving these funds is the recordation of a Deed Restriction on the improved property. This action ensures that the land is perpetually restricted to park and open space use, consistent with the public purposes of the Measure A grant program. The approval of a broad authorization for Deed Restrictions will streamline the process for all current and future projects funded through this program, allowing the City to meet grant requirements efficiently and proceed with vital park improvements. ​

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Grant Application - Samaritan’s Purse Park Improvements Recommendation(s): A. Adopt Resolution No.______ , approving the application for the 2025 Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant for the Samaritan's Purse Park Improvement Project. B. Approve the Letter of Secured Contributions of Match Share. C. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval. The LWCF grant will allow the city to address critical elements from the original community-requested scope that were unfunded due to budgetary constraints. These elements were primarily impacted by post-pandemic pricing increases.

Joint Resolution Approving and Accepting the Negotiated Exchange of Property Tax Revenues Resulting from Reorganization 40-169, Local Agency Formation Commission Designation 2024-02 Recommendation(s): a. Adopt the Joint Resolution Approving and Accepting the Negotiated Exchange of Property Tax Revenues Resulting from Reorganization 40-169, Local Agency Formation Commission Designation 2024-02 b. Direct the City Clerk to route three copies of the tax share resolution to the City Attorney and the Mayor for wet signatures. This resolution stems from a request by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Works to approve the exchange of ad valorem property tax related to the reorganization of territories within the Cities of Lancaster and Palmdale, as well as Unincorporated Los Angeles County, referred to as Reorganization 40-169 (see Exhibits A and B). This exchange will occur between the Quartz Hill Water District and the Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40, Antelope Valley (hereinafter referred to as the “District”)

MOAH Chiller Replacement Project Recommendation(s): A. ​​Award the contract to replace the chiller for the MOAH HVAC system to ACCO Engineered Systems in an amount not to exceed $193,420.97, plus a 15% contingency utilizing the Sourcewell public sector contract process. B.​ Find that the City has complied with the California Environmental Quality Act. A Notice of Exemption was filed on August 21, 2025. C. ​Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval.​ The Museum of Art and History (MOAH) is a vital cultural hub for our community, offering an artistic view found nowhere else in Lancaster while also hosting a wide array of unique programs and events. The MOAH urgently needs a replacement of the chiller for the HVAC system. The current chiller has aged beyond repair and could pose a larger issue if the unique pieces of artwork located at this facility are compromised due to rising temperatures. With it being the summer season, it is vital that this piece of equipment is replaced to maintain the integrity of the facility and the art housed there.

Amending Employee Classification and Compensation Schedule and Increasing the Full Time Equivalent (FTE) Headcount Recommendation(s): 1. Adopt Resolution No. ____ , amending Resolution 25-33, establishing a compensation schedule for various classifications of employees of the City of Lancaster and establishing the following changes: · Adding one (1) full-time equivalent (FTE) position in the Community Development department, increase the City of Lancaster’s total FTE count from 336 to 337. · Reclassifying the vacant Technician I position in the City Manager’s Office – Communications division to an Administrative Assistant position · Addition of the following classification to 8000 series: Senior Production Assistant 2. Appropriate $18,529.05 in general funds to support the reclassification of the Technician I position to an Administrative Assistant position in the City Manager’s Office – Communications division 3. Appropriate $229,520.31 in existing Measure A and Public Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) funds, to support the addition of one (1) Senior Analyst position in the Community Development department. Both the reclassified Administrative Assistant position and the new Senior Analyst position will improve departmental capacity and enhance service delivery. Final personnel costs will be determined based on hire date and salary step at which these positions are filled

Approval of the Water Rights Transfer Agreement and Water Rights Transfer Option Agreement with Tivoli Investments, LLC. Recommendation(s): 1. Approve the Water Rights Transfer Agreement between the City of Lancaster and Tivoli Investments, LLC. (Tivoli Investments) for the purchase of 500-Acre Feet of Permanent Water Rights. 2. Approve the Water Rights Transfer Option Agreement between the City of Lancaster and Tivoli Investments, LLC. for the Option to Purchase an Additional 500-Acre Feet of Permanent Water Rights. 3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designees, to execute all documents and make any non-substantive changes necessary to complete the transaction. The proposed acquisition of permanent and optional water rights from Tivoli Investments represents a strategic investment in Lancaster’s short-term water security and development capacity. Securing these rights will ensure the City is well-positioned to support ongoing and future growth, particularly as demand increases across residential, industrial, and renewable energy sectors.

Proposal for the purchase of Axon equipment for the Lancaster Police Department Recommendation(s): Approve the purchase of Axon body cameras, vehicle cameras, AI assisted report writing, and accompanying systems. This proposal also includes in-vehicle camera systems which focus on the road and focus on the backseat to monitor detained persons’ well-being and actions. The forward camera is equipped with ALPR to add to the already robust technology of the Intelligence Crime Center’s capabilities. Finally, the Axon system comes with the ability to provide links to the public so they can provide images and video of events related to a case or incident. The ability to integrate public provided evidence into a case enhances surety of facts and conclusions.

Central City Community Cleanup Program Implementation and Appropriation of Funds Recommendation(s): 1. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to implement a Community Cleanup Program, and direct City staff to provide additional graffiti and illegal dumping abatement services. 2. Appropriate $75,000.00 in General Funds from fund balance to Operating Budget account GL 101410000.5318. 3. Appropriate $105,000.00 in General Funds from fund balance to Operating Budget account GL 101410000.5103. 4. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all related documents. The proposed Community Cleanup Program is designed to enhance neighborhood pride, reduce blight, and improve the quality of life.

Council Reports

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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