Lancaster Council backs utility relief and road funding

SCAG Sustainability Award Presenter: Jocelyn Swain, Senior Planner-Community Development

Teresa Howard-AVUHSD-ASCA Career Technical Education Administrator of the Year Award 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/Power Authority Regular Meeting Minutes of April 28, 2026.

Check Registers – April 12, through May 9, 2026 Recommendation(s) : Approve the Check and Wire Registers for payments made April 12, 2026, through May 9, 2026, in the amount of $28,482,540.67 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.

Resolution Adopting the Updated Developer Fee Program for the County of Los Angeles Consolidated Fire Protection District Recommendation(s) : Approve Resolution No. ______ adopting the 2026 Developer Fee Program rate increase for the three Areas of Benefit identified by the County of Los Angeles Consolidated Fire Protection District. Area 1 (Malibu/Santa Monica Mountains/City of Calabasas): $1.2417 (+$0.0565); Area 2 (Santa Clarita Valley): $1.7601 (+$0.0891); and Area 3 (Antelope Valley): $1.2010 (+$0.0603). The City of Lancaster is only impacted by the projects occurring in Area 3. On March 24, 2026, The Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County (District) completed its annual review of the Developer Fee Program (DFP) and made recommendations to increase the DFP rates in the three Areas of Benefit and the City of Calabasas. This fee is based upon a capital improvement plan for the construction and equipping of fire stations, which must also be adopted by the City.

Contract to Extend Security Coverage at Lancaster Police Station Recommendation(s) : The City of Lancaster Police Department would like to extend the security contract with Sentry Protective Services to cover services from April 23, 2026, through June 30, 2026. The Police Station currently needs night coverage and 24-hour coverage on the weekends. Starting July 1, 2026, the Police Department should have Security Assistants in place to handle the overnight and weekend coverage

Lancaster Maintenance District Annexations 2026 Recommendation(s) : 1. Authorize staff to initiate proceedings to conduct a public hearing, tabulate the returned ballots, and announce results at June 23 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.

Lancaster Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 Annual Assessment for Fiscal Year 2026/27 Recommendation(s) : 1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-____ , generally describing any proposed improvements or substantial changes in existing improvements, and ordering the assessment engineer, Harris & Associates, to prepare and file a report for Lancaster Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 and Fox Field Industrial Corridor Landscape Maintenance District, pursuant to provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California. 2. Adopt Resolution No. 26-____ , preliminarily approving the Engineer's Report, fixing time and place for public hearing on the levy of the proposed assessment, and declaring its intention to levy and collect assessments within Lancaster Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 and Fox Field Industrial Corridor Landscape Maintenance District, pursuant to Part 2 of Division 15 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California. Lancaster Landscape Maintenance District No. 1 and Fox Field Industrial Corridor Landscape Maintenance District were formed, including subsequent annexations thereto, for the purpose of providing maintenance services to landscaping and appurtenant improvements for various developments within the City, and assessing those properties which benefit from this service. Each year the City Council must, by law, order the preparation of an Engineer's Report describing the existing and proposed maintenance services, and conduct a public hearing to establish and order the amount of assessment for the next fiscal year.

Lancaster Drainage Benefit Assessment District Annual Assessment for Fiscal Year 2026/27 Recommendation(s) : 1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-____ , generally describing any proposed improvements or substantial changes in existing improvements and ordering the assessment engineer to prepare and file a report for Lancaster Drainage Benefit Assessment District. 2. Adopt Resolution No. 26-____ , preliminary approving the Engineer's Report, fixing time and place for public hearing on the levy of the proposed assessment, and declaring its intention to levy and collect assessments within Lancaster Drainage Benefit Assessment District. The City Council previously formed the Lancaster Drainage Benefit Assessment District, including the establishment of separate zones, and submitted the proposition to the eligible voters in each respective zone. The majority of voters approved the formation of the District, the separate zones, and the levying of the assessment. The first year's assessment was paid by the developers of the property. Each year, thereafter, the City Council, after public notice and hearing, may determine and impose an annual assessment. Due to the cost and complexity of accounting for separate zones of benefit within the District, separate zone designations were eliminated in 1992 per Resolution 92-134, by City Council action.

Lancaster Lighting Maintenance District Annual Assessment for Fiscal Year 2026/27 Recommendation(s) : 1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-____ , generally describing any proposed improvements or substantial changes in existing improvements, and ordering the assessment engineer, Harris & Associates, to prepare and file a report for Lancaster Lighting Maintenance District (LLMD), pursuant to provisions of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California; and 2. Adopt Resolution No. 26-___ _, preliminarily approving the Engineer’s Report, fixing time and place for public hearing on the levy of the proposed assessment, and declaring its intention to levy and collect assessments within LLMD, pursuant to Part 2 of Division 15 of the Streets and Highways Code of the State of California. On March 11, 2003, the City Council directed that an election be held asking the property owners within the LLMD to approve an increase in the annual street lighting assessment to $70 per lighting unit, including a Consumer Price Index (CPI) based inflator. LLMD was formed, including subsequent annexations thereto, for the purpose of financing maintenance operations and installation of public lighting facilities, including, but not limited to street lights, public parking lot lights, and highway safety lights (public lighting facilities) (as defined in § 22525 of the California Code) within the City of Lancaster, and assessing those properties, which benefit from this service their proportionate share of the cost. Each year, the City Council must, by law, order the preparation of an Engineer’s Report describing the existing and proposed maintenance services, and conduct a public hearing to establish and order the amount of assessment for the next fiscal year.

Proposed Increase and Expansion of the City of Lancaster Drainage Benefit Assessment District and Initiation of Proposition 218 Proceedings Recommendation(s) : 1. Adopt Resolution No. 26-___ declaring the City Council’s intention to levy and collect assessments within the City of Lancaster Drainage Benefit Assessment District, preliminarily approving the Engineer’s Report, ordering the mailing of notices and assessment ballots, and setting the time and place for a public hearing pursuant to Article XIII D of the California Constitution; and 2. Direct staff to proceed with Proposition 218 noticing and assessment ballot proceedings for the proposed Drainage Benefit Assessment District assessments. The proposed maximum annual assessment rate is approximately $211.14 per Drainage Management Unit (DMU), subject to annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim region. If approved, notices and assessment ballots will be mailed to affected property owners at least forty-five (45) days prior to the public hearing.

Proposed Sewer Service Charge Increases and Initiation of Proposition 218 Majority Protest Proceedings Recommendation(s) : 1.Adopt Resolution No. 26-______ declaring the City Council’s intention to consider proposed sewer service charge increases, directing notice of a public hearing, and setting the time and place for a public hearing pursuant to Article XIII D of the California Constitution; and 2.Direct staff to proceed with Proposition 218 noticing procedures regarding the proposed sewer service charge increases. The proposed sewer service charges would fund continued operation, maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, replacement, inspection, regulatory compliance, capital improvements, and reserves necessary to maintain a safe and reliable wastewater collection system.

Proposed Increase and Expansion of the City of Lancaster Landscape Maintenance District and Initiation of Proposition 218 Proceedings Recommendation(s) : 1.Adopt Resolution No. 26-___ declaring the City Council’s intention to levy and collect assessments within the City of Lancaster Landscape Maintenance District, preliminarily approving the Engineer’s Report, ordering the mailing of notices and assessment ballots, and setting the time and place for a public hearing pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 and Article XIII D of the California Constitution; and 2.Direct staff to proceed with the Proposition 218 noticing and assessment ballot proceedings for the proposed Landscape Maintenance District assessments. The proposed maximum annual assessment unit rate is approximately $72.39 per Equivalent Benefit Unit (EBU), subject to annual CPI-U adjustments. If approved, notices and assessment ballots will be mailed to affected property owners at least forty-five (45) days prior to the public hearing.

Proposed Increase and Expansion of the City of Lancaster Lighting Maintenance District and Initiation of Proposition 218 Proceedings Recommendation(s) : 1.Adopt Resolution No. 26-___ declaring the City Council’s intention to levy and collect assessments within the City of Lancaster Lighting Maintenance District, preliminarily approving the Engineer’s Report, ordering the mailing of notices and assessment ballots, and setting the time and place for a public hearing pursuant to the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972 and Article XIII D of the California Constitution; and 2.Direct staff to proceed with the Proposition 218 noticing and assessment ballot proceedings for the proposed Lighting Maintenance District assessments. The proposed assessment may include annual adjustments based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) for the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim region. If approved, notices and assessment ballots will be mailed to affected property owners at least forty-five (45) days prior to the public hearing.

Award of Agreements for Vehicle Towing and Secure Storage Services (RFP No. 798-26) Recommendation(s) : 1. Approve and authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute Towing Services Agreements with four qualified towing operators for rotational towing and secure storage services in accordance with Request for Proposals (RFP) No. 798-26, subject to City Attorney approval as to form. 2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to finalize and execute all documents. The proposed agreements establish a three-year term and include detailed operational standards governing dispatch procedures, response times, storage facility requirements, insurance requirements, recordkeeping, customer service expectations, and disciplinary procedures.

Director’s Review (DR) 22-223 - Acceptance of Improvements (Sewer) Recommendation(s) : Approve the work and materials for the following developer-installed sanitary sewer and accept the infrastructure for public use and maintenance by the City: Project No. Private Contract No. Location/Owner DR No. 22-223 23-02 Southeast Corner of 5 th Street East and Avenue I (APN: 3146-026-001 and 3146-026-02) Owner: Melvin Mauricio Candray Reyes and David Andrew Swift The listed sanitary sewer has 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.

Approve Memorandum of Agreement to RAND Corporation for ECO system Evaluation Services Recommendation(s) : 1. Approve a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with RAND Corporation for evaluation of the ECOsystem project in accordance with the California Board of State and Community Corrections - CalVIP Chort 5 grant, for a period of three (3) years, not to exceed $200,000. 2. Authorize City Manager, or his designee, to execute the MOA, including all necessary documents, agreements, amendments, and provisions, subject to City Attorney approval. This report focuses on approving the MOA between the City of Lancaster and the RAND in the amount of $200,000.00, funded by the CalVIP grant through the executed grant agreement between the California Board of State and Community Corrections and the City of Lancaster for project evaluation services.

Approve Memorandum of Agreement to Venice 2000 for Violence Intervention and Prevention Services Recommendation(s) : 1. Approve a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Venice 2000 dba HELPER Foundation, Inc. for community violence intervention and prevention services in accordance with the California Board of State and Community Corrections - CalVIP Chort 5 grant, for a period of three (3) years, not to exceed $1,050,000. 2. Authorize City Manager, or his designee, to execute the MOA, including all necessary documents, agreements, amendments, and provisions, subject to City Attorney approval. The Lancaster Police Department, through this MOA is partnering with HELPER Foundation to expand existing programs that have proven to provide an integrated approach to safe passage, 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. Through this partnership, Lancaster can enhance the ecosystem that reduces violence today while laying the foundation for long-term resilience and opportunity.

Acceptance of Fulfillment Agreement for Unprogrammed Surface Transportation Program – Local (STP-L) – Lancaster Health District Recommendation(s) : 1. Approve the fulfillment agreement for unprogrammed surface transportation program – local (STP-L) funds in the amount of $529,697.00, and accept funds to revenue account CP15ST058.CONST., GL 213.49900.4998 . 2. Appropriate $529,697.00 to the Lancaster Health District expense account CP15ST058.CONST., GL 213.49900.8000. 3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the fulfillment agreement, including all necessary documents and provisions, subject to City Attorney approval. The grant funds must be used on eligible projects, as determined by LACMTA, and shall expend funds consistent with the Statement of Work, Schedule, and Budget approved by LACMTA. Funds must be spent in the most cost-effective manner, and quarterly progress and expenditure reports shall be submitted to LACMTA that cover all activities related to the project.

Jensen Enterprises, Inc. Development Agreement (DA No. 26-001) Recommendation(s) : Adopt Ordinance No._________ , adopting Development Agreement (DA) No.. 26-001 to establish specific development rights for Site Plan Review No. 24-010. Jensen is currently in the process of developing a new manufacturing facility on the 80 acres located at the northeast corner of 30 th Street West and Avenue G in the City of Lancaster (Site Plan Review [SPR] No. 23-012/SPR No. 25-003). They have also acquired the 30 acres immediately to the east which has been entitled under SPR No. 24-010 for development as either a 500,000 square feet industrial distribution facility or expanded parking / storage facilities. Due to the anticipated construction timeline for the first facility, a development agreement has been proposed for SPR No. 24-010.

Lancaster Eastside Annexation (Annexation No. 24-001/Lancaster Reorganization 2025-02 Tax Transfer Resolution) Recommendation(s) : Adopt Resolution No. 26-__ approving the Tax Transfer Resolution for Lancaster Reorganization 2025-02 and Annexation No. 24-001, annexing approximately 638 acres generally bound by Avenue I, Avenue J, 50th Street East, and 60th Street East from unincorporated Los Angeles County into the City of Lancaster. In order to accommodate the future economic and housing needs of the City and to better align some of the City’s irregular boundaries, staff proposed the annexation (ANX24-001) of approximately 638 acres generally bound by Avenue I, Avenue J, 50 th Street East, and 60 th Street East from unincorporated Los Angeles County into the City of Lancaster. In association with the annexation, a pre-zone of the annexation area was approved by City Council on October 14, 2025. There is no development associated with the proposed annexation, and future development would be subject to a separate review.

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

Samaritan’s Purse Park LED Retrofit – Award Contract Recommendation(s) : A. Award a contract to Musco Sports Lighting to retrofit the ballfield lighting at Samaritan’s Purse Park in an amount not to exceed $269,023, plus a 10% 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 May 21, 2026. C. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval. The scope of work focuses on these core improvements: r emoval of existing field lights from 6 poles – The current Metal Halide bulbs and the holding fixtures will be removed and disposed of by the contractor; p rocure and install Lighting Components, comprised of LEDs, to 6 poles; test and aim LED fixtures; t est remote access and install necessary software.

City Hall Chiller Replacement Project – Contract Award Recommendation(s) : A. Award the contract to replace the chiller for the City Hall HVAC system to ACCO Engineered Systems in an amount not to exceed $649,043.45, plus a 10% 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 May 28, 2026. C. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval. The proposed award to ACCO Engineered Systems will provide City Hall with a new HVAC chiller, helping ensure the facility remains sustainable, comfortable for staff, and fully operational to serve the public.

Professional Services Agreement with Tripepi Smith Recommendation(s) : 1. Approve the Professional Services Agreement with Tripepi Smith for communications consulting, and appropriate in an amount not to exceed $550,000 for needed services in fiscal year 2026-2027. 2. Appropriate additional funds in an amount not to exceed $275,000 to cover the period of January 2026 through June 2026 to Account No.101.15000.5710. 3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee to execute the agreement and all necessary documents subject to City Attorney approval. Tripepi Smith & Associates has extensive knowledge and experience working with the City in regards to assisting with both digital communication and media outreach. Tripepi has supported the City in various communication efforts since 2019. Currently, the City has more demand for an increased volume of communications support from Tripepi.

PWCP 24-008 Samaritan’s Purse Park Improvements - Hardcourt Lighting Change Order Increase of $47,210 to $7,653,142.88. Recommendation(s) : 1. Recognize an expenditure of $47,210.00 to General Account No. 1014990.8000, CP11ZZ010.CONST. 2. Approve the Change Order to increase the total amount of the contract with R.C. Becker and Son Inc., of Santa Clarita, CA, under PWCP 24-008 Samaritan’s Purse Park Improvements, by $47,210, for a revised total contract amount of $7,653,142.88. The scope of work for the Change Order Claim includes Hardcourt Lighting (Add Alternate #2). Formerly known as El Dorado Park, Samaritan’s Purse Park is a vital hub located at the corner of 5th Street East and Pondera Street. The ongoing revitalization, which includes a new splash pad, skate spot, and exercise stations, originally included Add Alternate Option #2 for specialized hardcourt (basketball) lighting. This was identified as a high-priority item to address community input regarding evening safety and the expansion of recreational hours for the surrounding residential neighborhoods.

Approval of the issuance of bonds related to TEFRA financing for the Bartz-Altadonna Community Health Center Recommendation(s) : 1. Conduct the public hearing under the requirements of the Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act (TEFRA) and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. 2. Adopt Resolution No. ____ approving the issuance of the bonds by the California Enterprise Development Authority (CEDA) for the benefit of Bartz-Altadonna Community Health Center and/or a related or successor entity, for the financing of the facilities located at 43322 Gingham Avenue; 43210 Gingham Avenue; and 42933 Business Center Parkway. A portion of the bond proceeds will specifically fund Phase 2 of the Borrower’s campus expansion project located at 42933 Business Center Parkway. The Phase 2 expansion is intended to increase the organization’s clinical capacity and support the addition of critical healthcare services needed throughout the Antelope Valley region. Planned improvements include expanded outpatient primary care capacity and space to support additional services such as dental care, diagnostic radiology and imaging, dialysis services, and other specialty healthcare services. These improvements are expected to significantly increase access to comprehensive healthcare services for underserved residents throughout the region.

Approval of Lancaster Energy’s Summer Bill Credit Program Recommendation(s) : 1. Approve the implementation of the Summer Bill Credit Program providing a $40.00 bill credit on Southern California Edison (SCE) bills for all Lancaster Energy residential and small business (GS-1) customers for the months of July, August, and September 2026; and 2. 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. This program is designed to pr ovide immediate financial relief during peak summer months; s upport energy affordability for households and small businesses; and r einforce Lancaster Energy’s commitment to reinvesting in its community.

Consideration and Discussion to Endorse Fiona Ma for Lieutenant Governor.

Council Reports

No action is required at this time.

No action is required at this time.

No action is required at this time.

No action is 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. 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