Lancaster Council approves safety and housing actions

Lancaster Leadership Academy Graduation Presenter: Trolis Niebla, City Manager

Lancaster Police Department Officer Swearing-In Presenter: Rodrick Armalin, Chief of Police

American Red Cross Lifesaving Award Presenter: Sonya Patterson, Director-Parks, Art, Recreation & Community Services

Lancaster Police Department Updates Presenter: Rodrick Armalin, Chief of Police

Housing Successor Annual Report Regarding the Low-and-Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund Recommendation(s): Authorize Submittal of the Housing Successor 2024-2025 Annual Report to the California Department of Housing and Community Development This Report details the activities of the City of Lancaster acting as the Successor Housing Agency (LHA) during Fiscal Year 2024-2025. As required by California law, the Report provides an annual, independent financial audit on the This Housing Successor Agency Annual Report regarding Low-and Moderate-Income Housing Asset Fund (LMIHAF) for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 has been prepared pursuant to California Health and Safety Code Section 34176.1(f). This Report details the activities of the City of Lancaster acting as the Successor Housing Agency (LHA) during Fiscal Year 2024-2025. As required by California law, the Report provides an annual, independent financial audit on the housing assets and activities of the LHA.

Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule for the Period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027 Recommendation(s): Adopt Resolution No. _________ , approving the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule for the period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027, and directing staff to bring it before the County of Los Angles Consolidated Oversight Board for approval. Health & Safety Code Section 34177(o)(1) requires the Successor Agencies of the previous redevelopment agencies to prepare Recognized Obligation Payment Schedules (ROPS) that list obligations to be paid for the coming July 1 to June 30. These schedules are used by the County Auditor-Controller in determining the amount of property tax revenues to distribute to the Successor Agency.

Successor Agency Administrative Budgets for the Periods July 1, 2026, to December 31, 2026, and January 1, 2027, to June 30, 2027 Recommendation(s): Adopt Resolution No.______ , approving the Successor Agency of the Former Redevelopment Agency to the City of Lancaster Administrative Budgets for the periods of July 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026 and January 1, 2027 to June 30, 2027, as detailed in Attachments A & B. Health and Safety Code Section 34177(j) require successor agencies to adopt six-month budgets. These budgets are developed from the enforceable obligations listed on the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule for the period July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027. Each budget recommended for approval covers the corresponding six-month periods of July 1, 2026 to December 31, 2026 and January 1, 2027 to June 30, 2027.

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 November 18, 2025.

Check Registers – November 02, through November 22, 2025 Recommendation(s): Approve the Check and Wire Registers for payments made November 02, 2025, through November 22, 2025, in the amount of $8,701,886.29 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

Amendment to Lancaster Municipal Code Chapter 9.55 — Vacant Residential and Commercial Property Compliance Program Recommendation(s): Adopt Ordinance No. 1144 , amending and restating Chapter 9.55 of the Lancaster Municipal Code to establish a unified Vacant Property Compliance Program that sets registration, monitoring, and maintenance standards for vacant commercial properties, clarifies existing residential provisions, and authorizes registration and monitoring charges to recover the City’s inspection, enforcement, and compliance costs. Vacant properties—both residential and commercial—can negatively impact neighborhood stability, diminish property values, and create recurring public safety and code enforcement challenges. The City’s existing Vacant Property Ordinance (Chapter 9.55) currently provides a framework for managing unoccupied residential properties, but does not adequately address the growing number of commercial vacancies along key corridors such as Lancaster Boulevard, Avenue J, and Avenue I.

Construction Award of Bid – Public Works Construction Project 24-008 – Samaritan’s Purse Park Improvements (Previously known as El Dorado Park) Recommendation(s): 1. Award Public Work Construction Project (PWCP) No. 24-008, Samaritan’s Purse Park Improvements, to R.C. Becker and Son Inc., of Santa Clarita, CA, Base Bid Items in the amount of $6,480,957.29, plus a 15% contingency, for the improvements to the existing community building and the addition of several new amenities to enhance the park experience; and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to sign all documents in accordance with California Public Contract Code Section 22038(b). 2. Find that the City has complied with the California Environmental Quality Act. A Notice of Exemption was filed on May 03, 2021. 3. Authorize Task Order expenditure amount of $120,000.00 pluse 10% contingency for construction support services with IDS Group, Inc. 4. Authorize Task Order expenditure amount of $19,840.00, plus a 5% contingency for labor compliance services with Cumming Management Group, Inc. Samaritan’s Purse Park is located on the northwest corner of 5th Street East and Pondera Street within a densely populated area, and is surrounded by established residential neighborhoods, an elementary school, and commercial businesses. The Samaritan’s Purse Park revitalization project focuses on creating renovated amenities to improve and expand community resources based on community input.

Resolution No. 25-XX for Conditional Award for CalHome Super NOFA Recommendation(s): 1. Adopt Resolution No. _________ , authorizing the acceptance of the conditional award from the California State Department of Housing and Community Development for funding under the the CalHome Program and the Joe Serna, Jr., Farmworker Housing Grant Fund. 2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute any documents related to the acceptance and implantation of approved the CalHome Program and the Joe Serna, Jr., Farmworker Housing Grant Fund. The CalHome Mortgage Assistance Program will provide at least 30 deferred payment second mortgage loans to first-time homebuyers earning 80% or less of AMI, who will be buying condominiums homes in Grupe’s new condominium development. Approximately 215 first-time homebuyer condominiums are planned for the HNR-3 site, targeting Low- and Moderate-Income households, as well as Worforce-Income households.

Conditional Use Permit No. 05-14 (Portion of Phase II) - Acceptance of Improvements (Streets) Recommendation(s): Approve the developer-constructed streets on a portion of Phase II improvements, conditioned on Conditional Use Permit (CUP) No. 05-14. Remaining Phase II improvements have been deferred and shall be constructed and accepted prior to occupancy of the proposed Phase II field house and lunchroom. In addition, accept the streets for maintenance by the City and for public use. Project Location/Owner CUP 05-14 Northwest corner of 30 th Street West and Avenue M Owner: Paraclete High School (Archdiocese of Los Angeles Education and Welfare Corp.) 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.

Encroachment Permit (ECR) No. 20-06472 – Los Angeles County Department of Public Works Sewer Improvements Recommendation(s): Approve the developer-constructed sewer improvements on the following project and accept the sewer infrastructure for maintenance by the City. Project Location/Owner ECR 20-06472 45712 Division Street, Lancaster, CA 93535 Los Angeles County Department of Public Works The sewer improvements 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 to the Director of Public Works.

Encroachment Permit (ECR) No. 21-02850 – C.A. Rasmussen, Inc. Recycled Water Improvements Recommendation(s): Approve the developer-constructed recycled water improvements on the following project and accept the recycled water infrastructure for maintenance by the City. Project Location/Owner ECR No. 21-02850 46471 Division Street, Lancaster, CA 93535 C.A. Rasmussen, Inc. The recycled water improvements 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.

California Department of Transportation Reimbursement for Roadway Repairs, Agreement 07-5333, Project ID 0715000194 EA 31600 (07-LA-14-60.7R/77R) Recommendation(s): Recognize revenue in the amount of $238,804.04 to Accounts Receivable Account No. 21149900.4998, and appropriate an expenditure in the same amount to account CP15BR007.CONST, GL Account 21149900.8000. With the re-routing of freeway traffic and several ramp closures, freeway traffic was detoured from the freeway through our local roads. In April 2025, City staff discovered the prolonged detour had accelerated wear and deterioration along 30 th Street West, from Avenue G-8 to Avenue E, resulting in near total failure of the road. The segment of roadway was closed and the City requested that Granite Construction Company, contractor for the City’s PWCP 20-005, SR 138 (SR-14) Avenue J Interchange Improvements (Phase II Caltrans Interchange), Project CP15BR007, complete emergency asphalt paving.

Approval of Reimbursement Agreement with NP Fox Field Building, LLC for Site Plan Review (SPR) 23-003 Recommendation(s): 1. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, with the concurrence of the City Attorney, to enter into a reimbursement agreement with NP Fox Field Building, LLC for the installation of certain public improvements, including asphalt, pavement, and concrete curb, gutter, and sidewalk along 45 th Street West and William J Barnes Avenue, and execute all related documents. 2. Appropriate $732,849.70 from fund balance to project string SPR23-003.CONST GL Account 41449900.8000. As part of the construction of this facility, the Developer must also construct certain off-site improvements that mitigate the impacts of the new development on the level of service and capacity of the City’s existing facilities, and minimize the additional traffic burden created by such development.

Authorization for Final Payment of the Remainder of the City of Lancaster’s Twenty-Five Percent (25%) Share of Grant Funding in Accordance with the North Valley Regional Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project Cooperation Agreement with the United States Department of the Army Recommendation(s): 1. Authorize final payment in the amount of $133,231.31 to the United States Army Corps of Engineers (“USACE”) in accordance with the cost sharing terms of the North Valley Regional Water and Wastewater Infrastructure Project Cooperation Agreement (“PCA”) with the United States Department of the Army. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all related documents. 2. Appropriate $133,231.31 from fund balance to project CP17RW005.CONST, GL Account 10149900.8000. The City entered into a PCA with the U.S. Department of the Army in September 2004 to provide design and construction services, as well as Federal funding, for several potable water projects within the City. The PCA specified a cost-sharing requirement of not less than twenty-five percent (25%).

SPR 19-07 - 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 Location/Owner Site Plan Review No. 19-07 Southeast Corner of 17th Street East and Avenue J-2 Owner: Lancaster 690, LP The drainage improvements for this project have been installed by the developer according to the approved plans and specifications. The improvements have been inspected and found to be satisfactory to the Director – Public Works.

Purchase and Sale Agreement with Dante Simi Recommendation(s): 1. Find the sale of property categorically exempt under the California Environmental Quality Act and authorize staff to execute and file a Notice of Exemption. 2. Approve the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Dante Simi for the sale of APN 3203-018-901, a 2.51-acre residential parcel located near Avenue K and 70 th Street West. 3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute (i) the Purchase and Sale Agreement in substantially the form presented, subject to non-substantive changes approved by the City Manager and City Attorney; and (ii) all documents necessary or appropriate to complete the transaction. The City received an offer to purchase a 2.51-acre City-owned residential parcel. The property is landlocked and has limited independent development potential due to the lack of direct access. The proposed sale will return the parcel to private ownership and encourage more effective land use consistent with the surrounding residential area.

Amending Employee Classification and Compensation Schedule Recommendation(s): 1. Adopt Resolution No. ________ , amending Resolution 25-49, establishing a compensation schedule for various classifications of employees of the City of Lancaster and establishing the following changes: ​​​​ In accordance with California Labor Code Section 1182.12, which increases the minimum wage requirements for exempt employees, adjust the salary schedule for the following 4000 series Tier 2 classifications starting December 28, 2025: Specialist I Administrative Assistant Removal of the Technician II classification from the 5000 series Tier I employee group: No other 5000 series Tier 1 classifications remain Update 5000 series Tier 2 classifications to 5000 series classifications Addition of the following classification to 5000 series employee group: Dispatcher Trainee Security Guard (Armed) Police Recruit Addition of the Retired Annuitant Reserve Officer classification to the 8000 series employee group Appropriate $13,110.00 in additional funding to support the salary schedule adjustments for the Administrative Assistant and Specialist I classifications, affecting twenty-three (23) employees, for the remainder of the 2025–2026 fiscal year California Labor Code Section 1182.12 increases the minimum salary threshold for exempt employees to $70,304 annually effective January 1, 2026. This change impacts twenty-three (23) City of Lancaster employees in the 4000 Series Tier 2 classifications of Specialist I and Administrative Assistant. To ensure compliance with the updated state minimum wage requirements, effective December 28, 2025, Step 1 of the pay range for these classifications must be adjusted to meet the new minimum salary threshold. Steps 2 through 6 will be realigned accordingly to maintain consistency with the City’s established salary schedule for the Specialist I and Administrative Assistant classifications within the 4000 Series Tier 2 employee group.

SPR 19-07 - Acceptance of Improvements (Streets) Recommendation(s): Approve the developer-constructed streets on the following project. In addition, accept the streets for maintenance by the City and for public use. Project Location/Owner Site Plan Review No. 19-07 Southeast Corner of 17th Street East and Avenue J-2 Owner: Lancaster 690, LP 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 to the Director – Public Works.

Approve the Subrecipient Agreement between the City of Lancaster and the North County Transportation Coalition for the Allocation of Measure A Funds Recommendation(s): 1. Approve the Subrecipient Agreement between the City of Lancaster and the North County Transportation Coalition (NCTC) for the Allocation of 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 Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) Measure A Funds. To formalize Lancaster’s receipt of its allocation, a Subrecipient Agreement is required between the City and NCTC. Approval of this Subrecipient Agreement will allow the City of Lancaster to accept and administer its Measure A allocation for housing production, preservation, renter protections, and homelessness prevention while the City establishes its own status as an eligible jurisdiction with LACAHSA. Execution of the agreement ensures that Measure A funds can be utilized during FY 2025–2026 for critical community housing needs and aligns with the City's long-term housing strategies.

Lancaster Maintenance Districts Annexations 2025 Recommendation(s): Adopt Resolution No. _______ , Announcing the Results of an Assessment Ballot Procedure Public Hearing, Ordering the Annexation of Territory into the Lancaster Maintenance Districts, and Ordering the Levy and Collection of Assessments Therein. The Annexations being considered include projects from fiscal year 2025-2026. There are a total of 11 projects being finalized. Each property owner within the proposed Annexations was mailed an assessment ballot, notice of public hearing and waiver and consent to annex into the Districts. The returned Assessment Ballots will be tabulated after the close of the public hearing.

Second 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.

Urgency Interim Ordinance Extending Moratorium on Tobacco Retailer Businesses, Also Known as Smoke Shops Recommendation(s): Adopt Urgency Ordinance No.______, extending an interim moratorium on certain new tobacco retailer businesses and expansion of existing tobacco retailer businesses, also known as smoke shops. The growing number of smoke shops operating illegally poses serious health, safety, and community concerns, and erodes the integrity of legitimate business operations in the City of Lancaster. These activities create an unsafe environment for residents, particularly youth. Enhanced regulatory measures and stronger enforcement mechanisms should be researched, studied and considered in order to curb these illegal practices.

Approval of a Three-Year Agreement with SoundThinking for Plate Ranger License Plate Recognition (LPR) Cameras Recommendation(s): 1.Approve a three-year agreement with SoundThinking for the purchase, installation, and service of fifty (50) Plate Ranger License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras to expand LPR network coverage on the East and South sides of Lancaster. 2.Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to sign all documents related to the agreement and any amendments, including adjustments to the deployment plan, system expansion, or service enhancements, subject to City Attorney approval. The City currently deploys a limited number of License Plate Recognition (LPR) cameras, which have proven highly effective in advancing public safety objectives. Existing LPR systems have assisted the Lancaster Police Department in identifying wanted vehicles, locating missing persons, supporting violent-crime investigations, and providing actionable intelligence that has directly resulted in the arrest of violent offenders. To continue improving community safety, the Lancaster Police Department is seeking to expand its LPR coverage—specifically on the East and South sides of Lancaster, areas identified through crime-trend analysis as high-value locations for LPR deployment.

Discussion and Consideration of Appointment and Reappointment to Various Commissions and Boards as Reflected on the Maddy Act Draft.

Council Reports

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