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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-14 - MINUTES - REGULARCITY OF SANTA CLARITA City Council Regular Meeting Joint Meeting with Board of Library Trustees Hereinafter the titles Mayor, Mayor Pro Tem, Councilmember, City Manager, City Attorney, and City Clerk may be used also to indicate Mayor/Chair/President, Mayor Pro Tem/Vice-Chair/Vice President, City Manager/Executive Director, City Attorney/Counsel, and City Clerk/Secretary -Minutes- Tuesday, February 14, 2023 6:00 PM City Council Chambers INVOCATION Mayor Gibbs delivered the invocation. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Gibbs called to order the Joint Regular meeting of the City Council and Board of Library Trustees at 6:17 p.m. ROLL CALL All Councilmembers were present. FLAG SALUTE Mayor Pro Tern Smyth led the flag salute. EXECUTIVE MEETING This time has been set aside for Councilmembers to review the agenda and obtain any further information that may be needed. Council will also discuss each individual item during the course of the meeting with the exception of the Consent Calendar, which may be approved in its entirety by one motion, unless there is a request to pull an item for discussion. No action will be taken on public agenda items during the Executive Meeting. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Motion by Weste, second by Smyth, to approve the agenda with a minor correction to the January 24, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes. Hearing no objections, it was so ordered. RESULT: APPROVED AGENDA AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS Addressing the Council regarding Black History Month was Alan Ferdman. Mayor Gibbs discussed the origins of Black History Month and the City's annual MLK Unity Walk at Central Park; announced that the City proclaims February 2023 as Black History Month; and invited Di Thompson, Inaugural Chair of the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce's Black Business Council, to the dais to accept the proclamation and take a photo. Councilmember Miranda recognized and thanked Dan Masnada for his service to the community as a member of the City's Planning Commission and invited him to the dais to receive his certificate. PRESENTATIONS Mayor Gibbs introduced South Coast Air Quality Management District Vice Chair Michael Cacciotti to the lectern to make a presentation. Mr. Cacciotti presented information on sources of pollution, its impact on health, and meeting federal standards for ozone and particulate matter. Council inquired and received information on electrical lawn equipment, the Environmental Protection Agency, and enforcement of their plan. Mayor Gibbs invited City Librarian Shannon Vonnegut to the lectern to announce the 2023 One Story One City program book. Ms. Vonnegut announced that the book is Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt and provided members of the Council with a copy. Councilwoman McLean commented on the program and encouraged all to join. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Addressing the Council were Nicolas DeSesa regarding bike safety on Wiley Canyon; Alan Ferdman regarding issues in 2022 including recognitions, solar panels, housing for homeless, and hillsides; Elaine (no last name provided) and Meeka regarding the new lectern, electric car vehicle costs, and hidden fees and taxes through the Federal Communications Commission; Diane Zimmerman regarding politicians and news media; James Doyle regarding employment at the Library; Tony Maldonado regarding the City's hiring practices; Cindy (no last name provided) regarding recognition for veterans and conservative Christians; Nancy (no last name provided) regarding all -electric infrastructure sustainability; and Carrie (no last name provided) regarding increase in gang activity, graffiti, and early prison release. Six written comment cards were received regarding parking issues on Camomile Lane. Councilmember Weste requested staff reach out to those individuals. STAFF COMMENTS City Manager Ken Striplin commented in response to crime, disputed the comments regarding an influx of gang activity or violent crime, and confirmed there is a slight increase in Part 1 property crime for which the City is running a campaign to educate the public to lock their doors and not leave valuables in vehicles. Mr. Striplin responded to Mr. Ferdman's comments to note the City has provided Bridge to Home with $1 million in land donation, $2 million in funding, and provided two temporary shelters during the pandemic and construction, as well as discussed Page 2 Council's advocacy to have Measure H funds returned at the local level. Mr. Striplin spoke of the status of the solar panel litigation and addressed areas of Council responsibility, which included the completion of several large projects during 2022, including Council's support for law enforcement agencies helping the City achieve the status of the fourth safest city in United States. Mayor Pro Tem Smyth requested the City Manager address the bike path, and Mr. Striplin commented that the Traffic Engineer has met and will continue to meet with Mr. DeSesa to address his concerns. Councilwoman McLean commented on Measure H funding and the numerous meetings with local agencies; stated that the County Board of Supervisors requested periodic reports on how the funding is handled, but the last report due November 2022 has yet to be released; and encouraged residents to contact the Board regarding the status of the Blue Ribbon Task Force findings. COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS Councilwoman McLean commented on attending a ribbon cutting of Know Your Nature at the Placerita Nature Center project which was funded by a City grant; mentioned she is working to put together a coalition to draft a letter to the Governor regarding decreased funding for transportation and infrastructure safety projects by $2.5 billion; and mentioned the upcoming agenda item regarding the fees for fire abatement. dMomm Councilmember Miranda wished all a happy Valentine's Day; agreed with the public participation speaker regarding Wiley Canyon and suggested reflectors for the bike lane; and commented on attending a Guardians SCV event where the documentary "PTSD91 I" premiered and discussed post -traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) issues for first responders and military. Mayor Pro Tem Smyth made no comments. Councilmember Weste complimented Supervisor Barger on the new exhibit at Placerita Nature Center and mentioned that it is accessible for all abilities; discussed the documentary "PTSD911 " demonstrating that first responders are under constant stress and as a City we need to better support them; requested adjournment in memory of Sheriff Deputy Jonathan Buchan and Michelle Jenkins; and mentioned that eight Santa Clarita first responders were the first to be deployed to Turkey on February 8 to aide in the rescue operation. Mayor Gibbs spoke of toasting the newly married couples at the City's Big I Do event today at The Centre; and invited all to the 2nd annual Free to Be Me Festival, offering inclusive and adaptive activities for all to enjoy, at Canyon Country Community Center on March 11. Page 3 PUBLIC HEARINGS ITEM 1 SANTA CLARITA LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING DISTRICT ANNEXATION NO. 2023-1 (FORMER REALTY EXECUTIVES PROPERTY - SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD AT WHITES CANYON ROAD) - PUBLIC HEARING Conduct SMD Annexation 2023-1 Public Hearing associated with the annexation of Assessor Parcel Number 2803-030-046 (Formerly Realty Executives Property - Soledad Canyon Road at Whites Canyon Road) into Santa Clarita Streetlight Maintenance District, Zone B. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Conduct a public hearing, open, and tabulate ballots. 2. Adopt resolutions declaring the results of the property owner protest ballot proceeding and approving the annexation of Assessor Parcel Number 2803-030-046 into the Santa Clarita Streetlight Maintenance District, Zone B, if no majority protest exists, and order levies beginning Fiscal Year 2023-24. If a majority protest exists, no further action will be required. Mayor Gibbs opened the public hearing. City Clerk Mary Cusick stated that all notices required by law have been provided. No requests to speak were received. Mayor Gibbs closed the public comment. City Clerk Mary Cusick opened the ballot and announced that the measure passed unanimously. Adopted Resolution Nos. 23-3 and 23-4 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Marsha McLean, Councilmember SECONDER: Laurene Weste, Councilmember AYES: Gibbs, Smyth, McLean, Miranda, Weste Page 4 NEW BUSINESS ITEM 2 CITY DELEGATE AND ALTERNATE REPRESENTATIVE FOR THE 2023 SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS' GENERAL ASSEMBLY Each year, the City Council appoints a Delegate and an Alternate to the Southern California Association of Governments (SLAG) General Assembly. SCAG holds an annual Regional Conference and General Assembly Meeting where the Delegates take part in panel discussions with fellow elected officials and stakeholders throughout Southern California and may vote on resolutions proposed to the General Assembly. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council appoint a Delegate and an Alternate to the 2023 Southern California Association of Governments' General Assembly. Intergovernmental Relations Officer Masis Hagobian provided the staff report. Councilmember Smyth made a motion to nominate Councilwoman McLean as the Delegate. Councilmember Miranda seconded the motion. Councilmember Miranda nominated Mayor Gibbs as Alternate. Councilmember Weste seconded the nomination. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cameron Smyth, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Bill Miranda, Councilmember AYES: Gibbs, Smyth, McLean, Miranda, Weste ITEM 3 CONSIDERATION OF A CONTRIBUTION TO HENRY MAYO NEWHALL HOSPITAL'S BUILDING FOR YOUR HEALTH CAPITAL CAMPAIGN The City Council to consider Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital's request for a contribution to its Building for Your Health capital campaign. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council discuss the capital campaign request made by Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital and provide direction to City staff. Assistant to the City Manager Michael Villegas provided the staff report. Addressing the Council were Alan Ferdman representing Santa Clarita Community Council, Steve Petzold, Tony Maldonado, Elaine (no last name provided) and Meeka, and Dale Donahoe and Marlee Lauffer representing Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital. Councilwoman McLean made inquiries of Ms. Lauffer regarding future expansions of the emergency room and services and potential sale of the hospital. Page 5 Council discussed the expanding services of the only hospital within Santa Clarita, the need to support the community hospital, the need for mental wellness, and expressed support of donating to the hospital. Mayor Pro Tern Smyth made a motion for the City to donate $500,000 per year for four years and Councilmember Weste seconded the motion. Mayor Gibbs supported the $500,000 per year for four years; however, requested the donation to begin with this fiscal year. Councilwoman McLean requested that an agreement include a full accounting of City funds expended and Mr. Striplin commented on the appropriateness to include in the recommendation, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining terms of the contribution. Mayor Pro Tem Smyth amended his motion to include an MOU and for funding to begin FY 2022-23. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cameron Smyth, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Laurene Weste, Councilmember AYES: Gibbs, Smyth, McLean, Miranda, Weste ITEM 4 PROPERTY ACQUISITION AND LEASE AGREEMENT FOR YMCA BUILDING City Council consider acquiring the property located at 26147 McBean Parkway, and amending the property lease between the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles and the Valencia Summit Homeowners Association, naming the City of Santa Clarita as the tenant. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Approve a Donation Agreement with the YMCA for the transfer of ownership of the building located at 26147 McBean Parkway, at no cost to the City. 2. Amend the Lease Agreement between the YMCA and the Summit Homeowners Association, removing the YMCA as the tenant and naming the City of Santa Clarita the tenant for the duration of the lease. 3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney. Parks Planning and Open Space Manager Susan Nelson provided the staff report. Addressing the Council were Steve Petzold and Diane Zimmerman. Council discussed the intent to expand recreational programming to the area, the lease extension option, and the value of the building. Page 6 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Cameron Smyth, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Laurene Weste, Councilmember AYES: Gibbs, Smyth, McLean, Miranda, Weste ITEM 5 PROPOSED 2023 LOS ANGELES COUNTY WEED ABATEMENT AND BRUSH CLEARANCE PROGRAM City Council to discuss the proposed Los Angeles County Weed Abatement and Brush Clearance Program for calendar year 2023, including the impact to Santa Clarita property owners, and provide staff direction. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council discuss the proposed Los Angeles County Weed Abatement and Brush Clearance Program for calendar year 2023 and provide direction to City staff. Assistant to the City Manager Michael Villegas provided the staff report. Addressing the Council was Roger Haring. Councilwoman McLean expressed concern regarding residents' confusion of the notices sent by the County, that there is not a protest hearing scheduled in Santa Clarita, there are new maps being proposed which should exclude townhomes and condos, how residents get exempt from this program, and the high cost of the inspections. Assistant Fire Chief, Bill Romo, answered questions regarding the property zones affected by the inspection fees, the availability of the zone maps on the Los Angeles County Fire Department website, and a potential protest hearing in Santa Clarita. Council commented that the County should ensure that residents have an understanding of the changes, costs, and their responsibilities; requested that the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors postpone the March 14 public hearing so that Santa Clarita residents could also hold a protest hearing; inquired about multi -family dwellings, notice of pass or fail, and if unimproved parcels are also included. Assistant Fire Chief, Pat Sprengel, responded that multi -family dwellings will be included next year where the concern is ember cast, everyone who receives a notice will receive a pass or fail notice, and only improved properties are included. City Manager Ken Striplin commented that single family and townhomes are included in the inspection notice this year and spoke of the County cost recovery structure, charging every condo or townhome in the fire zones. Councilmember Weste commented that the mandate should go to homeowners associations or management companies, not individual condo owners; and made a motion to send a letter to the Board of Supervisors. Mayor Pro Tern Smyth seconded the motion and reiterated that the letter, sent from the Mayor, should include elements of the fee recovery structure, the need for a hearing in Santa Clarita, and a potential delay of the March 14 public hearing. Councilmember Weste requested staff to send letters to all condo and townhome associations so Page 7 they are aware of the issue and provide their input once a Santa Clarita hearing date is set. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Laurene Weste, Councilmember SECONDER: Marsha McLean, Councilmember AYES: Gibbs, Smyth, McLean, Miranda, Weste CONSENT CALENDAR RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Laurene Weste, Councilmember SECONDER: Cameron Smyth, Mayor Pro Tern AYES: Gibbs, Smyth, McLean, Miranda, Weste ITEM 6 APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES — The minutes are submitted for approval. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the January 24, 2023, Special Meeting. ITEM 7 APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES — The minutes are submitted for approval. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the January 24, 2023, Regular Meeting. ITEM 8 CHECK REGISTER NO. 02 Check Register No. 02 for the Period 12/16/22 through 12/29/22 and 01/05/23. Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period 12/ 19/22 through 12/3 0/22. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve and ratify for payment the demands presented in Check Register No. 02. ITEM 9 SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE AMENDING THE SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE TITLE 2 PERTAINING TO LIBRARY CODE OF CONDUCT Second reading of an ordinance, updating Title 2 of the Santa Clarita Municipal Code, pertaining to the Santa Clarita Public Library Code of Conduct. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council waive reading of the text and consent to read by title only, as listed on the agenda, and adopt an ordinance entitled "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, AMENDING TITLE 2 OF THE SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE PERTAINING TO LIBRARY CODE OF CONDUCT." Adopted Ordinance No. 23-1 Page 8 ITEM 10 2022-23 ANNUAL CONCRETE REHABILITATION PROGRAM, PROJECT M0148 AND 2022-23 ADA ACCESS RAMPS, PROJECT D0003 - PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT The sidewalk repair program will replace selected existing sidewalks damaged by tree roots and pavement settlement. The access ramp construction program will serve people with disabilities through the installation of new access ramps. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Approve the plans and specifications for the 2022-23 Concrete Rehabilitation Program, Project M0148, and 2022-23 ADA Access Ramps, Project D0003. 2. Award the construction contract to Toro Enterprises, Inc., in the amount of $643,160 and authorize a contingency of $10,000 for the total contract amount of $653,160. 3. Authorize the transfer of project savings in the amount of $100,000 to 2022-23 Concrete Rehabilitation Program expenditure account MO148233-516101 from the f owing accounts: • $38,000 in TDA Article 8 Street & Road (Fund 233) from expenditure a.ecount T3027233- 516101, Sidewalk Gap Closure; • $3 7,000 in TDA Article 8 Street & Road (Fund 23 3) from expenditure account M014723 3 - 516101, 21-22 Thermoplastic Lane Striping; and • $25,000 in TDA Article 8 Street & Road (Fund 233) from expenditure account C0064233- 516101, 20-21 Circulation Improvement Program. 4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney approval. ITEM 11 MAGIC MOUNTAIN PARKWAY BEAUTIFICATION, PROJECT B 1019 - DESIGN CONTRACT This item awards the design contract for the beautification on Magic Mountain Parkway from Tourney Road to Avignon Drive. Improvements will be designed and constructed in two phases. Phase I will be the landscape medians and phase II improvements will provide the full buildout of street improvements including bike paths, street lighting and sidewalks. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Award a design contract to Encompass Consultant Group, Inc., for the Magic Mountain Parkway Beautification, Project B 1019, in the amount of $625,979 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $62,597, for a total contract amount not to exceed $688,576. 2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney approval. Page 9 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION II No additional requests to speak were received. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Gibbs adjourned the Regular Meeting in memory of Jonathan Buchan, Myron Sproul, and Michele Jenkins at 9:20 p.m. ATTEST: - CIT4' CLERK Page 10 i A-YOR