Lancaster Council approves road and park projects

Impact Presentation Program Presenter: Bailey Ziehr, Coordinator I-Recreation

CPRS Award of Excellence Award Presentation-IMPACT Program Presenter: Sonya Patterson, Director-Parks, Art, Recreation & Community Services

Juneteenth Presentation Presenter: Sonya Patterson, Director-Parks, Art, Recreation & Community Services

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 May 26, 2026.

Acceptance of Public Works Construction Project No. 23-006 – Guardrail Improvements Program HSIPSL-5419(060) Recommendation(s) : 1. Accept the work constructed by AZ Construction, Inc., dba ACE Fence Company, for Public Works Construction Project (PWCP) No. 23-006, Guardrail Improvements Program HSIPSL-5419(060), 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 7107(c). 2. Find the City has complied with the California Environmental Quality Act. A Notice of Exemption was filed on May 23, 2023. This project included systematically replacing damaged guardrails at four distinct intersections: · Avenue H and Sierra Highway · Avenue L and Sierra Highway · Avenue I and 50th Street West · Avenue I and 60th Street West

2026-2027 Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) Project List for Senate Bill 1, The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 Recommendation(s) : Adopt Resolution No.______ , approving Senate Bill 1 (SB 1) Proposed Project List form, and allocate funds in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Capital Improvement budget to clarify Road Maintenance and Rehabilitation Account (RMRA) funded projects. SB 1 emphasizes the importance of accountability and transparency; therefore, in order to be eligible for RMRA funding, statue requires cities to adopt a proposed project list at a regular public meeting. The list of proposed projects must include a description and location of each proposed project, a proposed schedule for the project’s completion, and the estimated useful life of the improvement. Cities must also adopt RMRA funded projects into a city’s operating or capital improvement budget. Cities must then submit the completed SB 1 Proposed Project List form to the California Transportation Commission (CATC), in order to receive its apportionment of RMRA funds from the State Controller.

Tax Sharing Resolution for Proposed Annexation No. 40-174 (4-229) into Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40, Antelope Valley Recommendation(s) : Adopt the Tax Sharing Resolution for proposed Annexation No. 40-174 (4-229) into Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40, Antelope Valley. Direct the City Clerk to route three (3) copies of the tax share resolution to the City Attorney and the Mayor for wet signatures. The property owners within Annexation No. 40-174 (4-229) are requesting water service for their properties. Before water service can be provided, the properties must first be annexed into Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40. Additionally, before annexation may be approved, the agencies already providing services to the sites must negotiate reallocation of the ad valorem taxes within the District.

Tax Sharing Resolution for Proposed Annexation No. 14-465 into Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 14 Recommendation(s) : a. Adopt the Tax Sharing Resolution for proposed Annexation No. 14-465 into Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 14. b. Direct the City Clerk to route three copies of the tax share resolution to the City Attorney and the Mayor for wet signatures. The property owners have requested, in writing, annexation of property (Annexation No. 14-465) into the County Sanitation District No. 14 (District) in order to receive off-site disposal of sewage. The annexation process requires that a resolution for property tax revenue exchange be adopted by all the affected local agencies before an annexation may be approved.

Tax Sharing Resolution for Proposed Annexation No. 14-462 into Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 14 Recommendation(s) : a. Adopt the Tax Sharing Resolution for proposed Annexation No. 14-462 into Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 14 b. Direct the City Clerk to route three copies of the tax share resolution to the City Attorney and the Mayor for wet signatures. The property owners have requested, in writing, annexation of property (Annexation No. 14-462) into the County Sanitation District No. 14 (District) in order to receive off-site disposal of sewage. The annexation process requires that a resolution for property tax revenue exchange be adopted by all the affected local agencies before an annexation may be approved.

Tax Sharing Resolution for Proposed Annexation No. 14-472 into Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 14 Recommendation(s) : a. Adopt the Tax Sharing Resolution for proposed Annexation No. 14-472 into Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 14 b. Direct the City Clerk to route three copies of the tax share resolution to the City Attorney and the Mayor for wet signatures. The property owners have requested, in writing, annexation of property (Annexation No. 14-472) into the County Sanitation District No. 14 (District) in order to receive off-site disposal of sewage. The annexation process requires that a resolution for property tax revenue exchange be adopted by all the affected local agencies before an annexation may be approved.

Service Agreement and Release of Liability Amendment for Astral Challenger Artwork Repairs Recommendation(s) : Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Service Agreement and Release of Liability with Shana Mabari Studio LLC for repairs to the “Astral Challenger” public art installation located at Avenue L and Challenger Way, increasing the agreement amount by $8,370 for a total contract amount not to exceed $132,370, and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all related documents. The “Astral Challenger” public art installation located at the Avenue L and Challenger Way roundabout was originally designed and installed by artist Shana Mabari in 2015/2016 through the City’s public art selection process. On December 7, 2025, the artwork sustained significant damage as the result of a single-vehicle collision. On March 9, 2026, the City entered into a Service Agreement and Release of Liability with Shana Mabari Studio LLC in an amount not to exceed $124,000 for the repair, fabrication, electrical restoration, and reinstallation of the damaged artwork.

Approval of Resolutions to Comply with SB 707 Recommendation(s) : 1. Approve Resolution No. _________ , a resolution of the City Council of Lancaster adopting a policy addressing disruption of telephonic or internet service during public meetings. 2. Approve Resolution No. _________ , a resolution of the City Council of Lancaster determining reasonable efforts to encourage public participation in meetings pursuant to Government Code Section 54953.4. The Ralph M. Brown Act (Brown Act) establishes requirements for open and public meetings of local legislative bodies. In 2025 the Brown Act was amended via Senate Bill 707 to include additional requirements to encourage more public participation at meetings. Senate Bill 707 requires that the City Council determine and make reasonable efforts to invite groups that do not traditionally participate in public meetings to attend those meetings. The bill requires beginning July 1, 2026, and until January 1, 2030, an eligible legislative body, as defined to comply with additional meeting requirements.

Measure A Category 4 Competitive Grant Funds for the Avenue J Neighborhood Park Planning and Design Recommendation(s) : 1. Accept the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) Measure A Planning and Design Competitive Grant in the amount of $445,200.00 to revenue account 21069900-4998 (CP11ZZ016.MEASUREA), 2. Appropriate funds in the amount of $445,200 to the expenditure account 21069900-5656 (CP11ZZ016.LOCALMATCH.MSRA). 3. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute the grant agreement and any related documents, subject to City Attorney review. A core component of this planning and design phase is a robust public engagement strategy. This process will allow residents to provide direct feedback on the park’s specific features, ensuring the final design reflects the unique needs of the surrounding community. By prioritizing robust community engagement during this design phase, the City ensures that the final 2.9-acre development, slated for completion by July 21, 2030, delivers a high-utility public space that reflects the unique needs of local residents. Ultimately, this project serves as a vital strategic intervention for the historically park-poor Westside; by directly increasing the park-acres-per-resident ratio, the City is providing underserved communities with equitable access to premier outdoor recreation, fitness amenities, and essential green space.

School Law Enforcement Services Agreement for School Resource Officer Program – City of Lancaster Police Department and Eastside Union School District Recommendation(s) : 1. Approve School Law Enforcement Services Agreement for School Resource Officer Program By and Between City of Lancaster Police Department and Eastside Union School District. 2. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to sign all documents related to the agreement and all amendments, including amendments to extend the term, and add additional services as desired, subject to City Attorney approval. In 2023 the City Council created the City of Lancaster Police Department as a community led policing agency to address quality-of-life issues related to public safety. As such, there is an expressed need from school districts for a School Resource Officer Program. The Eastside Union School District desires to contract with the City of Lancaster Police Department for these services.

Amending Employee Classification and Compensation Schedule & Filing of the Classification and Compensation Study. Recommendation(s) : 1. Adopt Resolution No. 26- _____, amending Resolution 26-XX, establishing a compensation schedule for various classifications of employees of the City of Lancaster and establishing the following changes: 2. Receive and file the classification and compensation studies for both the City of Lancaster and the Lancaster Police Department. 3. Adopt the recommended changes proposed and summarized in Exhibit A and Exhibit B, resulting from the classification and compensation studies, ongoing union negotiations, and the operational needs of the City. On February 25, 2025, the City Council approved a contract agreement with AveNew Solutions, LLC to conduct a classification and compensation study for the City of Lancaster. The purpose of the study was to ensure the City remains competitive with comparable agencies and the current labor market. The cities selected for comparison were Palmdale, Santa Clarita, and Victorville, based on similarities in size, employee count, and geographic location. Because none of these comparable cities operate their own police department, a separate public safety classification and compensation study was conducted for the Lancaster Police Department.

TDA Article 8 FY 2025-26 Application for Available Funds Recommendation(s) : Approve Resolution No. _______ , authorizing the City Manager, or his designee, to apply for $7,270,694 of funds available to the City of Lancaster from Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA). Annually, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority allocates Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 8 funds to fund unmet transit needs in areas outside the Metro service area.

Check Registers – May 10, through May 23, 2026 Recommendation(s) : Approve the Check and Wire Registers for payments made May 10, 2026, through May 23, 2026, in the amount of $4,123,902.23 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.

Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park Award of Playground Surfacing Replacement Contract Recommendation(s) : A. Award the contract to improve the Sgt. Steve Owen Memorial Park Playground to Playcore Wisconsin, Inc dba GameTime c/o Great Western in an amount not to exceed $488,223.40 plus a 5% contingency utilizing the OMNIA Partners cooperative purchasing process. B. Appropriate $512,634.57 from the General Fund to account CP12ZZ010.CONST (GL 10169900-8000). C. Find that the City has complied with the California Environmental Quality Act. A Notice of Exemption was filed on June 12, 2026. D. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval. Due to the playground’s high level of use, the safety surfacing has experienced significant wear and deterioration. The condition of the flooring now presents visible signs of stress. While multiple sections of the surfacing have been repaired over the years, these repairs have only provided temporary relief and have not addressed the underlying long-term deterioration of the material.

Adoption of Revised Personnel Rules and Regulations Recommendation(s) : · Adopt Resolution No. ____ , amending Resolution No. 14-65 approving the revisions to the City of Lancaster Personnel Rules and Regulations. · Repeal and replace the existing Personnel Rules and Regulations with the revised Personnel Rules and Regulations attached hereto. The City of Lancaster Personnel Rules and Regulations establish policies and procedures governing personnel administration, recruitment, classification, compensation, employee relations, disciplinary actions, leave administration, and other employment-related matters. The proposed revisions update and clarify numerous provisions throughout the document, including equal employment opportunity protections, recruitment and hiring procedures, employment classifications, disciplinary and appeal procedures, exempt employee designations, organizational references, and administrative provisions.

Proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budgets City Council and City Council acting as Lancaster Housing Authority, Lancaster Choice Energy and Lancaster Power Authority conduct the public hearing and direct staff to schedule the Proposed Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Budget adoption for June 23, 2026. The Proposed FY 2026-2027 Budget thoughtfully balances the City’s financial resources with the evolving needs of the community. It ensures the preservation of strong General Fund reserves, positioning the City to sustain essential services and respond effectively to future economic uncertainties. This budget enables the continued delivery of high-quality municipal services, including public safety, parks and recreation, youth and senior programming, and community enrichment events—that collectively enhance the quality of life for all Lancaster residents.

Public Hearing on Vacancies and Recruitment and Retention Efforts to Comply with Assembly Bill 2561 Recommendation(s) : Receive and file this report. No Council action is required at this time. This report is presented in compliance with Assembly Bill 2561 (AB 2561), signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom on September 22, 2024. AB 2561 requires local agencies to conduct at least one public hearing annually prior to budget adoption to report on staffing vacancies, assess recruitment and retention efforts, and provide a forum for participation by recognized employee organizations. The City of Lancaster's workforce data for calendar year 2025, along with current staffing data as of June 1, 2026, are included herein.

Award of Construction Bid – Public Works Construction Project No. 24-023 – 2025 Preventative Maintenance & Rehabilitation Program Recommendation(s) : 1. Award Public Works Construction Project (PWCP) 24-023, 2025 Preventative Maintenance & Rehabilitation Program, to Vance Corporation, of Beaumont, California, in the amount of $3,512,718.28, plus 20% contingency, to repair and resurface roads at six locations within the City of Lancaster; and authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to sign all documents in accordance with California Public Contract Code Section 22038(b). 2. Find the City has complied with the California Environmental Quality Act. A Notice of Exemption was filed on September 23, 2025. 3. Authorize Task Order expenditure amount of $ 7,000.00 , plus a 10% contingency, for Labor Compliance services to the successful firm in Multi-Year Professional Services Agreement, Service Group Category (SGC) 16 - Labor Compliance. 4. Authorize Task Order expenditure amount of $32,340.00, plus a 10% contingency, for Materials and Laboratory Testing services to the successful firm in Multi-Year Professional Services Agreement, Service Group Category (SGC) 09 – Materials and Laboratory Testing. The proposed project is funded by Gas Tax – SB-1, Proposition C, and the Lancaster Financing Authority. This project will include roadway preventative maintenance at the following locations : Lancaster Boulevard from Challenger Way to 100 feet West of 15 th Street Avenue L-4 from 30 th Street West to 27 th Street West 28 th Street West from Avenue L-8 to Avenue L-4 27 th Street West from Avenue L-8 to Avenue L-4 26 th Street West from Avenue L-8 to End of Street Lancaster Boulevard from Division Street to Challenger Way (Additive Alternate 3)

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