HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-09-12 - AGENDA REPORTS - REGULAR MIN APPROVALO
CITY 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
Tuesday, August 22, 2023
—Minutes—
6:00 PM
INVOCATION
Councilmember Miranda delivered the invocation.
City Council Chambers
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CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Gibbs called to order the Joint Regular meeting of the City Council and Board of Library
Trustees at 6:09 p.m.
ROLL CALL
All Councilmembers were present.
FLAG SALUTE
Councilmember Weste 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.
Item 3 was pulled for a correction to the minutes and a request to speak was received for item 9.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Councilmember Weste spoke of the dangers of fentanyl and invited parents to encourage their
teens to join the City's Drug Free Youth in Santa Clarita Valley program and attend the City's
annual Parent Resource Symposium next month on September 28; announced that the City
proclaims August 21 as National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day in Santa Clarita; and
invited Matt Markley and Carey Quashen to the dais to receive the proclamation and take a
photo.
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Councilmember Miranda commented on the six Santa Clarita teens who competed in the World
Championship of Youth Savate, French Kickboxing, in Slovenia where the team won one gold
and one silver medal, as well as a "Fair Play" award. Councilmember Miranda invited the team
and their coaches to the dais to receive their certificates and take a photo.
Mayor Pro Tern Smyth spoke of the Legends FC Santa Clarita Valley Girls 07 Team that brought
home their second National Championship title and the Girls 10 team that secured their first
National Championship title. Mayor Pro Tern Smyth invited the players and coaches in
attendance to the dais for a photo and to receive their awards.
Mayor Gibbs discussed the Southern California Garrison 501st Legion, "The World's Definitive M
Imperial Star Wars Costuming Organization," which is an all -volunteer organization. Members
proudly wear the costumes of their favorite Star Wars characters while serving the community M
throughout the world and recently participated in the City's Fourth of July parade. Mayor Gibbs
invited the Legion to the dais to present them with a certificate of recognition and to take a
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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Addressing the City Council were TimBen Boydston, Julie Roberts, and Lorinne Jefferson
regarding weed abatement and Community Preservation enforcement on Sand Canyon Road;
Elaine (no last name provided) regarding the writers and actors strike; Alan Ferdman, regarding
lighting district funds; Lynne Plambeck regarding the oak tree ordinance; Diane Zimmerman
regarding ballot machines; Nancy (no last name provided) regard the LGBTQ community; Steve
Petzold regarding a College of the Canyons grant; and Cindy Josten regarding Councilwoman
McLean's work on homeless issues and commenting on fentanyl, illegal aliens, and leadership.
STAFF COMMENTS
City Manager Ken Striplin commented that the Community Preservation Manager will
investigate Ms. Jefferson's issues; commented that reports were provided to the Council
regarding mitigation measures of oak trees for Gate King; and stated he will provide additional
information on Gate King and Redmond projects.
Mayor Pro Tern Smyth inquired if there was available information on the economic impact of the
strike on the City, and Mr. Striplin responded that it is too early to determine, but stated he does
expect an impact to the economy. Mayor Smyth commented that the next fiscal year budget may
need to be adjusted accordingly.
Mayor Gibbs commented on the accountability and follow-up process for grants given by the
City.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Councilmember Weste recounted an animal control issue where a dog, "Betty," was lost for two
years and was reunited with her family due to being micro chipped. Councilmember Weste
requested adjournment of tonight's meeting in memory of John Grannis.
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Mayor Pro Tem Smyth echoed Councilmember Weste's comments regarding Mr. Grannis.
Councilmember Miranda reminded parents to be Heads Up drivers and students to be Heads Up
pedestrians. Councilmember Miranda invited residents to a fundraising event on September 9 for
metastatic breast cancer research.
Councilwoman McLean commented on a November ballot measure, "H2O," which has no sunset
on additional taxes for homeless issues and requested that residents, their family, and friends
implore the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors to redirect the funds back to local non-
profits. Councilwoman McLean commented on Los Angeles Metro's issues with homeless and
that Metro officials visited the City of Philadelphia, where efforts have been successful in
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addressing these issues. Councilwoman McLean commented on A131679, which is a gut and
amend bill. The bill could raise property taxes and add fees to home purchases. Councilwoman
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McLean requested to agendize an item to select a City representative to serve as a Board of
Supervisors' North County and San Fernando committee for homeless issues, and Council
concurred.
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PUBLIC HEARINGS
ITEM 1
SHADOWBOX STUDIOS - MASTER CASE 21-109
Request for the development of a full -service film and television studio campus consisting of
approximately 1.3 million square feet, including 19 sound stages, a two-story production support
warehouse building, a three-story office building, catering facilities, as well as a four-story (five
parking levels) parking structure and a surface parking lot.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Conduct the public hearing.
2. Adopt a resolution certifying the Final Environmental Impact Report (SCH No. 2022030762)
prepared for the project and adopting the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program, and
making the appropriate findings under the California Environmental Quality Act.
Adopt a resolution approving Master Case 21-109, including, Architectural Design Review
21-016; Conditional Use Permit 21-010; Development Review 21-012; General Plan
Amendment 21-002; Hillside Development Review 21-001; Minor Use Permit 21-016; Oak
Tree Permit (Class 4) 421-001; Ridgeline Alteration Permit 21-001; Zone Change 21-001;
and Tentative Tract Map 83513, subject to the conditions of approval.
4. Introduce an ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING ZONE CHANGE 21-001
(MASTER CASE 21-109) TO AMEND THE CITY' S ZONING MAP AND CHANGE THE
ZONING DESIGNATION OF ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBERS 2834-002-046, 2834-
003-044, 2834-016-041, 2834-017-021, 2834-001-014, 2834-005-041, 2834-004-045, 2834-
014-043, AND 2834-015-021 FROM NON -URBAN 5 TO MIXED -USE
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NEIGHBORHOOD, AND ESTABLISH THE JOBS CREATION OVERLAY ZONE
ACROSS ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBERS 2834-021-034, 2834-001-034, 2834-011-
021, 2834-010-043, 2834-008-039, 2834-001-015, 2834-006-041, 2834-007-045, 2834-013-
041, 2834-021-023, 2834-005-041, 2834-004-045, 2834-014-043, AND 2834-015-021;"
waive reading of the text and consent to read by title only, as listed on the agenda, and pass
to second reading.
Mayor Gibbs opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Mary Cusick stated that all notices required by law have been provided
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Councilmember Weste recused herself from participating on this item due to the proximity of her
property and left the Council Chambers. M
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Senior Planner Erika Iverson provided the staff presentation.
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Jeff Weber, Applicant, provided the applicant presentation. U
Addressing the Council in support were Josh Christensen, representing Southwest Regional
Carpenters Union; Jamie Barber; Karen Bryden; Luis Bauccio; Luis Armando Garcia; Denise
Lite; Nathan Keith; Ivan Volschenk, representing SCV Chamber of Commerce; Mary Frances
Larson; Ben Law, representing Brewery Draconum; Holly Schroeder, representing Santa Clarita
Valley Economic Development Corporation; Tony Matthess; Nick Mairose, representing Elite
Media Technogies; Dave Rendau; Dean Cox; Jan Gallegos; Shannon Mee; Barbara Myler;
Alfredo Miranda, representing CalArts; Matt Nelson; Becki Robb, representing SCV Chamber of
Commerce; Charlie Rasmussen; Brian Schlick; Di Thompson; Frank Talamantes; Suzette
Valladares; Paul Veluzat, representing Melody Ranch Studio; Wela Cook; Joseph Fuchs,
representing Southwest Regional Carpenters Union; Nanette Machado; Brenda Campos; and
Samuel Nieto.
Addressing the Council in opposition were Sandra Cattell, representing Sierra Club; Joe Morelli,
representing Placerita Canyon Property Owners Association (PCPOA); Diane Zimmerman;
Judah E. Bateman; and Cathy Zamora.
Addressing the Council in a neutral position were Lynne Plambeck, representing Santa Clarita
Organization for Planning and the Environment; Andrew Graf, representing CREED LA; Elaine
(no last name provided); Peggy Cannistrali, representing PCPOA, Annette Mathews,
representing PCPOA; and Teresa Todd, representing PCPOA.
Seven written comment cards were received in support.
Mayor Gibbs closed the public comment and Council requested that the Applicant respond to
comments regarding the traffic element, emergencies, hydrology, and oak tree issues after a
break.
Council recessed the meeting at 9:42 p.m. and reconvened at 9:54 p.m.
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Pat Gibson, Traffic Consultant, addressed the traffic improvements in the conditions of approval
which will triple the capacity for emergency evacuation at 13th and Arch Streets without the
completion of the Dockweiler extension at the time of project completion; addressed the worst
case scenario analysis in an emergency and that the Planning Commission conditioned the
project to include eight lanes of traffic, not two lanes; commented on the analysis of roundabout
or traffic signalized intersection and that either design works under everyday conditions;
however, a roundabout has capacity constraints with trucks, trailers, and emergency situations;
commented that the CEQA criteria no longer uses level of service and congestion of delay as a
measure of impact but instead, the only criteria used is vehicle miles of travel (VMT) and this
project meets the work VMT criteria, therefore there are no impacts per CEQA. Mr. Gibson
concluded that the project will add improvements at eight intersections as conditions of approval.
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Councilmember Miranda inquired about impacts to traffic from trains and train break -downs,
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and Mr. Gibson responded that there would be a potential back -road evacuation plan, that the
evacuation analysis assumed four trains per hour, and the traffic numbers reflect the additional
time for trains.
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Councilwoman McLean inquired about a possible second road out of the project. Mr. Weber
responded the Emergency Operations Plan is to follow public safety officials' directions during
an emergency evacuation and that the emergency access property belongs to the Metropolitan
Water District (MWD). Mr. Weber stated there is a condition of approval that the project would
provide access from their gate at 12th Street to access the road towards the MWD property
across the creek and new bridge; he commented that the project has a mutual benefit partnership
with MWD. Councilwoman McLean inquired, and Ms. Iverson confirmed, that PL11 is the
condition of approval to provide a vehicle gate and access to the MWD property in an
emergency. Mayor Gibbs inquired if residents would be allowed access to the gate, and Mr.
Weber confirmed that the purpose of the gate is for residents' access.
Mayor Gibbs inquired how many trucks are queued in the modeling of the traffic signal, and Mr
Gibson responded that there may be two trucks at a time at the most. Mayor Gibbs inquired
about impacts of construction to traffic during an emergency, and Mr. Gibson responded that it
should be minimal.
Councilwoman McLean commented on meeting several times with Mr. Weber who had agreed
to several aesthetic changes. However, Councilwoman McLean had questions regarding the
impacts of noise, traffic, wildlife corridor and contamination to the creek. Mr. Weber responded
that there is an adequate amount of separation from the creek to allow water to now back into the
flood detention basin. Craig Whittaker, Civil Engineer, explained that the parking lot was
designed to have water and debris go into the catch basin, not the creek, and there will be a berm
as added protection for the creek. Councilwoman McLean inquired if there were planned lighting
in the parking lot during all hours, and Ms. Iverson responded that there is an energy
management component in the conditions of approval for the parking lot lights, and they will be
dimmed when not occupied. Councilwoman McLean inquired about the health conditions and
the plan to remove oak tree numbers 11, 12, and 13 by the parking lot, and Oak Tree Arborist
Specialist, Kerry Norman, responded that those trees have severe structural defects.
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Councilwoman McLean commented on seeing many birds by the trees, and Mr. Norman
responded that no tree with nesting birds can be removed during nesting season.
Mayor Gibbs inquired about the mitigation plan for the oak trees, and Mr. Weber responded
there will be 214 new oak trees in various sizes planted, which will replace some older and dying
trees.
Mayor Pro Tem Smyth commented on the Applicant's discussions with PCPOA regarding
mitigation and special standards and inquired about trail benefits. Mr. Weber responded that a
Class I trail will be installed along the property and that the Applicant is also funding additional
trails. Mayor Pro Tem Smyth discussed past proposals at that site, that every project had a
housing component, and if the City does not proceed, any future proposal would include a
housing proposal where the City would not have any influence over mitigation measures due to
the state's further erosion of local control around land use; commented that the City currently has
three projects that bypass CEQA requirements, with no mitigation or concern for the community;
and commented this project helps with job/housing balance; and commented on the need to move
forward for the community while protecting wildlife corridors, containing contaminants, and
providing adequate emergency evacuation plans. Mayor Pro Tem Smyth inquired about the
economic benefit from the project, and Mr. Weber responded that the economic analysis looked
at direct, indirect, and induced jobs that will have a billion dollar regional effect on the
community.
Councilwoman McLean inquired if there were a condition prohibiting truck activity between the
hours of 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and Ms. Iverson confirmed that it is addressed in condition of
approval, PL6.
Mayor Gibbs thanked all for their comments and concerns and appreciated the time taken by the
Applicants, PCPOA, and residents; he commented that Placenta Canyon is a beautiful location
and hopes that the Applicant remembers and honors the area.
Adopted Resolution Nos. 23-52 and 23-53
RESULT:
APPROVED [4 TO 0]
MOVER:
Bill Miranda, Councilmember
SECONDER:
Cameron Smyth, Mayor Pro Tem
AYES:
Jason Gibbs, Cameron Smyth, Marsha McLean, Bill Miranda
RECUSED:
Laurene Weste
CONSENT CALENDAR
RESULT:
APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER:
Cameron Smyth, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER:
Bill Miranda, Councilmember
AYES:
Jason Gibbs, Cameron Smyth, Marsha McLean, Bill Miranda
ABSENT:
Laurene Weste
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ITEM 2
APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES — The minutes are submitted for approval.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the July 11, 2023, Special
Meeting.
ITEM 3
APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES — The minutes are submitted for approval.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the July 11, 2023, Regular
Meeting.
ITEM 4
CHECK REGISTER NOS. 15 AND 16 a
Check Register No. 15 for the Period 06/016/23 through 06/29/23 and 07/06/23. Electronic
Funds Transfers for the Period of 06/19/23 through 06/30/23. Check Register No. 16 for the v
Period of 06/30/23 through 07/13/23 and 07/20/23. Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period of
07/03/23 through 07/14/23.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: v
City Council approve and ratify for payment the demands presented in Check Register No. 15
and Check Register No. 16. a
ITEM 5
LOS ANGELES REGION IMAGERY ACQUISITION CONSORTIUM PARTICIPATION
AGREEMENT
City Council consideration to approve a contract with Los Angeles County to participate in the
seventh round of the Los Angeles Region Imagery Acquisition Consortium for the purchase of
high -quality aerial imagery and elevation datasets.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Direct staff to execute a Participant Agreement with Los Angeles County and approve
contract for an amount not to exceed $89,564 for the purchase of high -quality aerial imagery
and elevation datasets.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents
subject to City Attorney approval.
ITEM 6
LANDSCAPE MULCH PURCHASE AND DELIVERY CONTRACT
The recommended action will provide the purchase and delivery of mulch for the Landscape
Maintenance District operations throughout Santa Clarita.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Award a two-year contract to C & M Topsoil, Inc., for the purchase and delivery of mulch in
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support of the City of Santa Clarita's Landscape Maintenance District operation as specified
in Bid No. LMD 22-23-37 for an annual amount not to exceed $117,000.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute up to three additional one-year renewal
options beginning in year three, not to exceed the base contract of $117,000 plus CPI
adjustments, upon request of the contractor and contingent upon the appropriation of funds
by the City Council in the annual budget for such fiscal year.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents,
subject to City Attorney approval.
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ITEM 7 M
TWO 2023 FORD F-250 TRUCKS AND ONE 2023 FORD F-350 TRUCK PURCHASE v
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This item is to approve the purchase of two Ford F-250 trucks for the Parks Division and one
Ford F-350 truck for the Community Preservation Division. o
RECOMMENDED ACTION: v
City Council:
1. Approve the purchase of two 2023 Ford F-250 trucks from AutoNation Ford Valencia for a
total amount not to exceed $63,784 each.
2. Approve the purchase of one 2023 Ford F-350 truck from AutoNation Ford Valencia for a
total amount not to exceed $73,000.
Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney
approval.
ITEM 8
DRAYTON STREET IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT F1024 - PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS,
AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
This item awards a construction contract for the Drayton Street Improvements along Drayton
Street and segments of Springbrook Avenue. Improvements include pavement rehabilitation
treatments, adding a sidewalk, curb and gutter, and curb ramps along the south side of Drayton
Street.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the Drayton Street Improvements, Project F 1024.
2. Find the Drayton Street Improvements Project exempt from review under the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Title 14 of the California Code of
Regulations, Article 19, Section 15301.
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Award the construction contract to R.C. Becker and Son, Inc., in the amount of $570,624 and
authorize a contingency in the amount of $85,593, for a total contract amount not to exceed
$656,217.
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney
approval.
ITEM 9
TAX -SHARING RESOLUTIONS FOR SANITATION DISTRICT, ANNEXATION NOS.
1121, 1123, 1124, 1125, 1126, 1127, AND 1128 M
The Santa Clarita Valley Sanitation District provides wastewater treatment services within the
District's service area. To provide wastewater treatment service to properties located outside the M
District's service area, the boundary must be expanded through the annexation process.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
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1. Adopt the Santa Clarita Valley Sanitation District's resolutions approving and accepting the
negotiated exchange of property tax revenues resulting from Santa Clarita Valley Sanitation
District Annexation Nos. 1121, 1123, 1124, 1125, 1126, 1127, and 1128.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney
approval.
Addressing the Council was Alan Ferdman.
At the request of the Mayor, City Attorney Joseph Montes responded that this is a routine item
done several times a year and that it is a property tax reallocation between the City and other
agencies anytime there is a boundary change in the district for Sanitation District services.
Adopted Resolution Nos. 23-54, 23-55, 23-56, 23-57, 23-58, 23-59, 23-60, 23-61, 23-62, 23-63,
23-64, 23-65, 23-66, 23-67, 23-68, 23-69, 23-70, and 23-71
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION II
There were no additional requests to speak received.
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ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Gibbs adjourned the Regular Meeting in memory of John Grannis at 11:05 p.m.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
MAYOR
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