Lancaster City Council approves spending and grants

Presentation from the City Manager Presenter: Trolis Niebla, City Manager

Community Preservation Update Presenter: Patti Garibay, Director-Community Development

PARCS Spring Events Presenter: Effrain Carrera, Jr., Manager-Recreation

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 March 10, 2026.

Check Registers – February 22, through March 7, 2026 Recommendation(s): Approve the Check and Wire Registers for payments made February 22, 2026, through March 7, 2026, in the amount of $7,920,047.17 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.

Monthly Reports of Investments – February 2026 Recommendation(s): Accept and approve the February 2026 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.

Acceptance of Public Works Construction Project No. 21-002 – Park-and-Ride Parking Lot Refurbishment Recommendation(s): Accept the work constructed by Addison-Miller, Inc., for Public Works Construction Project (PWCP) No. 21-002, Park-and-Ride Parking Lot Refurbishment, 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 22038(b). Construction of the project has been completed to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works. The project was substantially completed on August 22, 2025, which was within the time permitted by the contract. The construction quantities and the amount of payment have been approved by the Contractor and the Director of Public Works.

Approve Expansion of City Detect AI Camera Program for Community Preservation Recommendation(s): 1. Approve Annual Hardware and Software Costs for Community Preservation Vehicle Mounted Cameras and AI Services provided by City Detect for an initial term of two (2) years, including the purchase and installation of three additional cameras to be mounted on City street sweepers. 2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to finalize and execute all documents, including a service agreement. City Detect is an advanced AI platform designed to enhance staff services by analyzing images of properties to identify and map issues such as blight, damage, and graffiti. This technology converts raw imagery into actionable data, allowing staff to identify problem areas more quickly and allocate resources more effectively.

DMR Team, Inc., Fourth Revised Task Order 2 for Multi-Year Professional Services for Public Works Construction Project 20-005, SR 138 (SR-14) Avenue J Interchange Improvements (Phase II Caltrans Interchange) Recommendation(s): 1. Approve Fourth Revised Task Order No. 2, for services in accordance with the Multi-Year Professional Services Agreement (RFQ 739‑21), Service Group Category 1 – Construction Management and Inspection, with DMR Team, Inc., (DMR), of Chatsworth, California, in the amount of $159,315.00, to provide on-call construction management and inspection services during construction of SR-138 (SR-14) Avenue J Interchange Improvements (Phase II – Caltrans), and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to sign all documents. 2. Approve an extension of the term of the Multi-Year Professional Services Agreement to December 30, 2026. Public Works Construction Project (PWCP) 20-005, SR-138 (SR-14) / Avenue J Interchange Improvements (Phase II – Caltrans Interchange) will install Phase 2 improvements, completing the local streets improvements that started in Phase 1, as well as the freeway interchange improvements to add a northbound off-ramp at Avenue J, add a southbound on-ramp at Avenue J, and other lighting, signalization, landscaping, and interchange improvements.

Extension of Safe Routes to School Community Engagement Program Services Contract (Request for Proposal No. 797-24) Recommendation(s): Approve the extension of the professional services agreement with Antelope Valley Partners for Health (AVPH) of Lancaster, California, from June 30, 2026, to August 31, 2027, for an additional amount of $225,411.00, ($846,261.00 total contract value), for professional services to provide community engagement services to support an active transportation safety non-infrastructure project that focuses on students K-12. SRTS Refresh, Rebuild, Recruit, Sustain is an overarching non-infrastructure project that will enlist the expertise and resources of a local community-based organization to serve as Lancaster's SRTS Coordinator, to recruit and train the cadre of local volunteers needed to champion SRTS in the neighborhoods, and staff the various education and encouragement programs needed to reestablish active and healthy habits after three years of disruption. It also builds and markets the City’s national award-winning See And Be Seen program, which includes active transportation-themed Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) lessons in webinar format, with downloadable supporting materials for teachers and family-based activities.

Amendment No. 1 to Agreement with LDM Associates, Inc. to Assist in the Administrative Services for the HOME- American Rescue Plan Project Recommendation(s): 1. Approve Amendment No. 1 to Professional Services Agreement with LDM Associates, Inc. (LDM) to assist in the Administrative Services for the HOME- American Rescue Plan (ARP) Application Plan and Policies until the project is completed. 2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all related documents. City of Lancaster qualified for an annual HOME Program allocation for Fiscal Year (FY) 2021 and received HOME-ARP funds through the American Rescue Plan Act to address homelessness and housing instability among vulnerable populations. Eligible populations include individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, fleeing domestic violence or human trafficking, veterans and their families meeting these criteria, and other populations at greatest risk of housing instability. HOME-ARP funds may be used for activities including the development or preservation of affordable housing, tenant-based rental assistance, supportive services, and the development or acquisition of non-congregate shelter.

Approval of Professional Services Agreement with Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak, LLP for Community Preservation Legal Services (RFP No. 873-26) Recommendation(s): 1. Approve a Professional Services Agreement with Dapeer, Rosenblit & Litvak, LLP for Community Preservation Legal Services in an amount not to exceed $150,000 annually, total NTE of $1,050,000 for the entirety of the agreement over the five (5) years, 3 months and option to extend the Agreement for one (1) additional two-year period upon mutual written agreement. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Agreement, subject to City Attorney approval as to form. On January 5, 2026, the City issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 873-26 for Community Preservation Legal Services. The purpose of the RFP was to secure qualified municipal legal counsel with expertise in code enforcement prosecution, nuisance abatement, administrative hearings, civil enforcement actions, ordinance drafting, and related municipal litigation support.

Professional Services Agreement with LDM Associates, Inc. to Assist in the Administrative Services for the Housing Rehabilitation Program Recommendation(s): 1. Approve a Professional Services Agreement with LDM Associates, Inc. (LDM) to assist in the Administrative Services for the Housing Rehabilitation Program for a period of three (3) years with the option of two (2) one-year extensions. 2. Allocate $970,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) account 310.22000.5656 and $30,000 from General Fund account 101.22000.5312, for the contract not to exceed amount of $1,000,000 over the three-years plus optional two (2) one-year extensions. 3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all related documents. The City recognizes the importance of ensuring that residents live in safe, functional, and well-maintained homes. The Housing Rehabilitation Program (HRP) provides loans and grants to eligible low-income homeowners for essential repairs and improvements that enhance safety, accessibility, long-term housing stability, and neighborhood appearance. Eligible activities include emergency and minor repairs, mobile home repairs, accessibility modifications, major system replacements, turf replacement, and exterior property improvements, helping preserve housing quality and support residents in remaining safely in their homes.

Acceptance of California Board of State and Community Corrections - California Community Violence Intervention & Prevention Cohort 5 (CalVIP) Grant Award Recommendation(s): 1. Accept California Board of State and Community Corrections-CalVIP Cohort 5 grant award in the amount of $1,996,592.00, appropriating funds to revenue account LPDCALVIP.STATEOTHER.23030000.4998. 2. Appropriate funds to the following project expense strings for implementation of the CalVIP programs: $708,992.00 to LPDCALVIPP.SAL 23030000.5101 $1,287,600.00 to LPDCALVIPP.MISCGRANTS 23030000.5656 3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the grant agreement including all necessary documents and provisions, subject to City Attorney approval. The Lancaster Police Department will use these funds to provide an integrated approach to safe passage services, outreach, credible messengers, case management, and focused deterrence. The proposed Community Violence Intervention (CVI) strategy will directly address the root causes and immediate threats of violence. With the CalVIP grant funding, Lancaster can enhance the ecosystem that reduces violence today while laying the foundation for long-term resilience and opportunity.

Adoption of Resolution Regarding Regular City Council Meetings Recommendation(s): 1. Adopt Resolution No. _______, setting the regular meeting day and time of the Lancaster City Council. 2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute and sign all documents necessary to implement this change. The proposed resolution cancels the May 5, 2026 City Council meeting and establishes a regular meeting on April 28, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. The proposed date change allows for the elections official to certify the results to the governing body prior to the fourth Friday after the April 14, 2026 election as required by California Elections Code § 10262 (a). The proposed date also allows for the installation of a new Vice Mayor and appointment to various boards and committees.

Approval of the purchase of 10 Portable and 9 Mobile Motorola Radios Recommendation(s): Approve the purchase of 10 Portable and 9 Mobile Motorola Radios from Motorola Solutions using the Los Angeles County contract number 18105, LA COUTY, CA MA-IS-2240228. Lancaster Police Department will be taking on traffic enforcement operations and will be hiring additional motor officers which will require 10 additional Motorola portable radios and 9 mobile radios. These radios are the same radios the City standardized on in 2024 for the new police department. The Motorola APX8000 series radios are compatible with the Los Angeles Sheriff Department and Los Angeles Regional Interoperable Communication System (LARICS) which operates the communications towers used by the Police Department. This radio communication allows for staff to work seamlessly with the Sheriff and provide better safety services to the City’s residents.

Midtown Recreation Center Roof Project Recommendation(s): A. Award a contract to Rite-Way Roof Corporation to replace the Midtown Recreation Center roof in an amount not to exceed $378,675.23, plus a 20% 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 March 26, 2025. C. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval. The Midtown Recreation Center, located at 2340 W Ave J-8, Lancaster, CA 93536, is a significant and strategic new acquisition for the Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Community Services (PARCS) department. This facility is poised to become a vital hub for community engagement, featuring a full-size indoor gymnasium, multiple dedicated classrooms, and a spacious outdoor turf area. Its neighborhood-adjacent location will allow PARCS to dramatically expand recreational programming and better serve the needs of our residents.

Approval of the 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report and the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report Recommendation(s): 1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-__ approving the 2025 General Plan Annual Progress Report and the 2025 Housing Element Annual Progress Report. California Government Code Section 65400 mandates that each city and county planning agency prepare an annual report on the status and progress in implementing their General Plan and Housing Element. The General Plan Annual Progress Report and the Housing Element Annual Progress Report (APRs) are submitted to the State Office of Land use and Climate Innovation (LCI) and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) every year.

Introduce Ordinances Amending Title 5 (Business Licenses) of the Lancaster Municipal Code for Amortization Purposes Recommendation(s): 1. Conduct a Public Hearing 2. Tobacco Retail Establishments Ordinance a. Introduce and waive further reading of proposed Ordinance XX amending Section 5.42.130 of the Lancaster Municipal Code to eliminate references to “deemed approved” status for tobacco retailers; b. Determine that the ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3); and c. Direct staff to return for second reading and adoption. 3. Alcoholic Beverage Establishments and Recycling Facilities Ordinance a. Introduce and waive further reading of proposed Ordinance XX amending Section 5.04.050 of the Lancaster Municipal Code to require applicants for alcoholic beverage establishment business licenses to demonstrate compliance with applicable zoning permits under Title 17 and establish additional business license requirements for recycling facilities; b. Determine that the ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3); and c. Direct staff to return for second reading and adoption. 4. Massage Establishments Ordinance a. Introduce and waive further reading of proposed Ordinance XX amending Section 5.34.150 of the Lancaster Municipal Code to eliminate references to “deemed approved” status for massage establishments; b. Determine that the ordinance is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3); and c. Direct staff to return for second reading and adoption. The proposed ordinances amend portions of Title 5 of the Lancaster Municipal Code to strengthen regulatory oversight and improve coordination between the City’s zoning and business licensing requirements for certain regulated businesses, including recycling facilities, tobacco retailers, alcoholic beverage establishments, and massage establishments.

Mitigation Fee Act (AB 1600) Report for Fiscal Year 2025. Recommendation(s): Staff recommend that the City Council receive and file the Mitigation Fee Act (AB1600) Report on Development Impact Fees for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. As mandated by AB 1600, the City must publicize an annual report of development impact fees. This annual report shall disclose the beginning and ending balance of each development impact fee account for the fiscal year, as well as any interest allocations and new development impact fee revenues. Not less than 15 days after the information is made public, the City Council is required to review this information at its next regularly scheduled public meeting. On March 7th, 2026, a public notice was posted on the City’s website outlining that the annual AB 1600 report had been publicized on the City’s website and was also available for review at City Hall.

Adopt Resolution updating a Policy for the Investment of Public Funds Recommendation(s): Adopt Resolution No. _____ , rescinding Resolution No. 18-06 in its entirety, and establishing a policy for the investment of public funds for the City of Lancaster. Investing funds is a crucial component of a sound financial and cash management program. A formal investment policy is necessary to identify investment objectives, define risk tolerance, assign responsibility, and establish control over the investment process. The Investment Policy of the City of Lancaster (the City), in conformance with State laws, is intended to provide guidelines to the City Treasurer for the prudent investment of the City's temporary idle cash not governed by bond indentures or bond resolutions, and to outline policies for maximizing the efficiency of the City's cash management system.

Discussion and Consideration of Nomination and Appointment of a Deputy Mayor Presenter: Mayor R. Rex Parris

Council Reports

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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. Perez v. Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23AVCV00577 8. City of Whittier v. Superior Court, LASC Case No. 23 STCP03579 9. Lindo v. Lancaster, LASC Case No. 23AVCV00950. 10. Nazari v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25AVCV00192 11. Mahfound v. County of Los Angeles, City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25AVCV00586 12. Morgan v. Antelope Valley Transit Authority, City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 25AVCV00061 13. Lea v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No.: 25STCV09046 14. Zimmerman v. City of Lancaster, LASC Case No. 24AVCV00848 15. Cordova v. City of Lancaster, Case No. 24AVCV00221 16. Darnell Wayne Thomas 25STCV17622