City Council advances housing, election, and safety measures

Recognition of WM Presenter: Trolis Niebla, City Manager

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

Approve the City Council/Successor Agency/Financing/Housing/Power Authority Regular Meeting Minutes of October 14, 2025.

Check Registers – September 28, through October 11, 2025 Recommendation(s): Approve the Check and Wire Registers for payments made September 28, 2025, through October 11, 2025, in the amount of $5,205,356.59 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.

Monthly Reports of Investments – September 2025 Recommendation(s): Accept and approve the September 2025 Monthly Report of Investments as submitted. Each month, the Finance Department prepares a report listing the investments for all separate entities under the jurisdiction of the City as identified in the City’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report.

Approval of Facilities Relocation Agreement with Southern California Edison Company for the SR-138 (SR-14) Avenue K Interchange Project Recommendation(s): Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, with the concurrence of the City Attorney, to enter into a Facilities Relocation Agreement with Southern California Edison Company (SCE) for the relocation of SCE owned and maintained transmission and distribution facilities (SCE Facilities) within the SR-138 (SR-14) Avenue K Interchange project limits, and execute all related documents. As part of the construction improvements, street, sidewalk, curb and gutter improvements will be required, which will conflict with SCE infrastructure. SCE currently operates and maintains certain transmission and distribution facilities within and proximate to the project area. The City has determined that the implementation of project improvements will necessitate the relocation of portions of the SCE facilities, and have requested that SCE relocate some or all of the SCE facilities. Under the Facilities Relocation Agreement, SCE will relocate seventeen (17) transmission poles with Distribution.

Lancaster Maintenance District Annexations Recommendation(s): 1. Authorize Staff to Initiate Proceeding to Conduct a Public Hearing, tabulate the returned ballots, and announce results at December 9 Council Meeting. 2. Adopt Resolution No. ______ , Initiating Proceedings for Annexations into the Lancaster Maintenance Districts. 3. Adopt Resolution No. ______ , approving the Engineer’s Report, Announcing the Time and Place for a Public Hearing, and Its Intention to Annex into the Lancaster Maintenance Districts and to Levy and Collect Assessments Therein. The Lancaster Maintenance Districts, separately known as the Lancaster Lighting Maintenance District, the Landscape Maintenance District and the Drainage Maintenance District “Districts”) were formed to provide a dedicated funding source for the maintenance, operations, servicing and installation of public lighting, public landscaping and public drainage facilities within the City of Lancaster. The District properties, which include the Annexations, benefit from the services provided and are assessed their proportionate share of the costs for each District. Each property owner within the proposed Annexations has been provided a waiver and consent, requesting annexation into the Districts. The Assessment Ballots and Notices of Public Hearing have been mailed to each owner, as required by Law.

Approval of Acquisition and Reimbursement Agreements with HD Development of Maryland, Inc., for Lancaster Health District Project Recommendation(s): 1. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, with the concurrence of the City Attorney, to enter into an acquisition agreement with HD Development of Maryland, Inc., and acquire approximately 36,102 square feet via roadway easement to construct Avenue J-5 at 20 th Street West and execute all related documents. 2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, with the concurrence of the City Attorney, to enter into a reimbursement agreement with HD Development of Maryland, Inc., for the onsite improvements necessitated by the acquisition agreement along Avenue J-5 and 20 th Street West and execute all related documents. The Lancaster Health District (LHD) project proposes to develop the area bounded by 12 th Street West to the east, Avenue J to the north, 20 th Street West to the west, and SR-14 (Antelope Valley Freeway) and Avenue J-8 to the south, and is funded by the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) 2015 Call for Projects. The City was awarded a total grant amount of $11,412,757.00, with a local matching fund requirement of $6,767,765.00.

Final Map Approval – Tract Map No. 83231 (Located on the Northeast Corner of Nugent Street and 20th Street East) Recommendation(s): Approve the map and accept the dedications as offered on Tract Map No. 83231 located on northeast corner of Nugent Street and 20 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. On September 20, 2021, the City of Lancaster Planning Commission approved Tentative Tract Map No. 83231 for the subdivision of approximately 9.92 acres of land into 39 residential lots, in accordance with the standards of the R-7000 zone. On September 26, 2023, the City of Lancaster Planning Commission adopted Resolution 23-24 granting a three-year extension. The Tentative Tract Map will expire on September 20, 2026.

MOAH Chiller Replacement Project Notice of Completion Recommendation(s): Accept the work completed by ACCO Engineered Systems, for the MOAH Chiller Replacement Project and direct the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion for the project. The proposed project included replacing the outdated, irreparable chiller for the HVAC system at the Museum of Art and History (MOAH). This replacement successfully protected the numerous artistic assets housed at this facility as the temperature can now be properly regulated.

Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) Avenue J Pocket Park Deed Restriction Recommendation(s): A. Approve a Deed Restriction for the park and open space improvements funded by the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF). B. ​Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the deed restriction and related documents, subject to City Attorney's review and approval. The Avenue J Pocket Park project includes the construction of a new 2.9-acre park featuring a drought-tolerant demonstration garden, a shaded playground, a pedestrian/bike lane with lighting and benches, a shaded plaza/picnic area, a fitness course with exercise stations, a shaded open space area, signage, perimeter fencing, and landscaping.

Lancaster Eastside Annexation - Annexation No. 24-001/Pre-Zone No. 25-001 Recommendation(s): Adopt Ordinance 1138 , amending the City Zoning Map to pre-zone 638 acres of land generally bounded by Avenue I, Avenue J, 50th Street East, and 60th Street East to Rural Residential (RR-2.5), known as Pre-Zone (PZ) No. 25-001, associated with Annexation (ANX) No. 24-001. The Lancaster City Council authorized the filing of this annexation application on July 9, 2024. The application was filed with the Local Area Formation Commission (LAFCO) of Los Angeles County on July 2, 2025. Upon approval of the annexation and pre-zoning applications, LAFCO will proceed with the annexation process.

Ordinance Pertaining to Building Construction Recommendation(s): Adopt Ordinance No. 1139 , adopting the 2025 edition of the California Building Code; the 2025 edition of the California Residential Code; the 2025 edition of the California Electrical Code; the 2025 edition oft he California Mechanical Code; the 2025 edition of the California Plumbing Code; the Lancaster Security Code, the 2024 edition of the International Property Maintenance Code; the 2025 edition of the California Energy Code; the 2025 edition of the California Historical Buildings COde; the 2025 edition of the California Fire Code; 2025 edition for the Los Angeles County Fire Code; the 2025 edition of the California Green Building Standards Code; the 2025 edition of the California Existing Buildings Code; and the 2025 edition of the California Referenced Standards Code, all pertaining to life and safety and to the construction, alteration, moving demolition, repair, maintenance, and use of buildings, structures, and properties within the City By adopting the 2025 California Codes, with minimal amendments, the City will place itself in a level position with other communities throughout the State. This will place the City ahead of those communities adopting more restrictive amendments.

Westside Annexation - Annexation No. 24-002 / General Plan Amendment No. 24-002 Pre-Zone No. 24-001 / Specific Plan No. 24-002 Development Agreement No. 24-001 Recommendation(s): 1. Adopt Ordinance No. 1140 , amending the City Zoning Map to pre-zone 7,153 acres of land generally bounded by Avenue B, Avenue G, 30 th Street West, and Sierra Highway/Edwards Air Force Base to Rural Residential (RR-2.5), Mixed Use – Employment (MU-E), Light Industrial (LI), Public (P), Mobile Home Park (MHP), and Specific Plan (SP), known as Pre-Zone (PZ) No. 24-001. 2. Adopt Ordinance No. 1141 , adopting Development Agreement (DA) No. 24-001 to establish specific development rights for Planning Areas 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8 of Specific Plan No. 24-002 In order to accommodate the future economic needs of the City and to better align some of the City’s irregular boundaries, the annexation (ANX24-002) of approximately 7,153 acres generally bound by Avenue B, Avenue G, 30 th Street West, and Sierra Highway/Edwards Air Force Base has been proposed from unincorporated Los Angeles County into the City of Lancaster. Associated with the annexation is a general plan amendment (GPA No. 24-002) and pre-zone application (PZ No. 24-001 to align the land use and zoning designation with the City’s land use and zoning. Specifically, the land use designations would be NU, MU, LI, P, MR1 and SP while the associated zoning would be RR-2.5, MU-E, LI, P, MHP, and SP.

Approval of Ordinance No. X Amending the Lancaster Municipal Code Section 11.08.060 Annual Rent Increase Formula for Mobile Home Parks Recommendation(s): Approve Ordinance No. _____ _ amending the Lancaster Municipal Code, Title 11, Section 11.08.060, changing the annual mobilehome park rental increase calculation from the current formula of 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to an annual increase structure based on the annual CPI, at a minimum of 2.5% and a maximum of 3%. The current CPI-based formula creates unpredictable year-to-year variations, making it difficult for both residents and park owners to plan ahead. In conclusion, the proposed amendment to cap annual mobilehome park rental increases at 2.5% minimum and 3% maximum would enhance housing stability for vulnerable residents, provide predictable revenue for park owners, and simplify administration for the City, while positioning the community as a regional leader in mobilehome resident protection.

Urgency Interim Ordinance Imposing Moratorium on Tobacco Retailer Businesses, Also Known as Smoke Shops Recommendation(s): Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. ________ , imposing an interim moratorium on certain new tobacco retailer businesses and expansion of existing tobacco retailer businesses, also known as smoke shops There are currently 196 active tobacco retailer business licenses within the City of Lancaster. This number includes gas stations, convenience stores, markets, and similar retail establishments. Of these licensed locations, approximately 76 are identified as smoke shops, many of which are suspected of engaging in unlawful activities.

Public Hearing re Ballot Measure to Voters to Amend the Lancaster City Charter Recommendation(s): Conduct a public hearing to consider whether to submit a ballot measure to voters to amend section 201 of the Lancaster charter to authorize the City Council to enact an ordinance to (i) Increase the number of Council Members from 4 to 5, (ii) add the office of Vice Mayor and (iii) Transition from at-large to district-based elections for Council Members consistent with the California Voting Rights Acts of 2001. The general law provides an expedited process for general law cities to transition to a district-based method of elections by merely enacting an ordinance, without voter approval; however, that expedited process is not available to the City because the City must first amend section 201 of its Charter.

General Municipal Election-April 14, 2026 Recommendation(s): 1. Adopt Resolution No. _____, calling for the holding of a General All-Mail Ballot Municipal Election to be held on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, for the election of two (2) City Council Members as required by the provisions of the applicable laws of the state of California and the City of Lancaster, City Charter. 2. Adopt Resolution No. _______, and requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to render specified services to the City relating to the conduct of a General Municipal Election to be held Tuesday, April 14, 2026. 3. Adopt Resolution No. ______, adopting regulations for candidates for elective office, pertaining to filing fees and candidate statements submitted to the voters at an election to be held Tuesday, April 14, 2026. 4. Adopt Resolution No. _______, providing for the conduct of a special runoff election for elective offices in the event of a tie vote at any municipal election. 5. Direct staff to conduct a standalone all-mail ballot general municipal election and approve the following Professional Services Agreements to provide election support services. A. Hart InterCivic for ballot design, tabulation software, equipment, and associated services in an amount of $95,836.32, plus any delivery return cost for the equipment which may not exceed $5,000 and B. ProVote Solutions for ballot production, print and mail services in an amount of $205, 045.40 plus an additional $5,000 for postal services rendered by this vendor; C. SnailWorks for mail tracking for approximately of $2,994.61. D. City of Whittier/GEM for ballot tracking in an amount not to exceed $30,000. E. Los Angeles County for Voter data, Ballot Drop-off Boxes and other services. 6. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee with the concurrence of the City Attorney to approve, finalize and execute any and all such documents necessary to complete the contemplated transactions. During odd numbered years, the City Council adopts the necessary resolutions to proceed with the General Municipal Election in April of even-numbered years. These resolutions fulfill certain legal requirements to conduct the General Municipal Election; request information and supplies from the County of Los Angeles; establish guidelines and costs associated with candidate statements; and provide provisions to conduct a special runoff election to resolve a tie vote.

Council Reports

No action required at this time.

No action required at this time.

No action required at this time.

No action required at this time.

This portion of the agenda allows an individual the opportunity to address the Legislative Bodies on any item NOT ON THE AGENDA regarding City/Agency/Authority business and speaker cards must be submitted prior to the beginning of this portion of the Agenda. Please complete a speaker card for the City Clerk/Agency/Authority Secretary and identify the subject you would like to address. We respectfully request that you fill the cards out completely and print as clearly as possible. Following this procedure will allow for a smooth and timely process for the meeting and we appreciate your cooperation. State law prohibits the Legislative Body from taking action on items not on the agenda and your matter may be referred to the City Manager/Executive Director. Individual Speakers are limited to three (3) minutes each unless a different time limit is announced.

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 22. Payne v. City of Lancaster 24AVCV00308