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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-12 - MINUTES - REGCITY 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 TemMce-Chair/1'ice President, City Manager/Executive Director, City Attorney/Counsel, and City Clerk/Secretary —Minutes— Tuesday, November 12, 2024 6:00 PM INVOCATION Mayor Pro Tem Miranda delivered the invocation City Council Chambers CALL TO ORDER Mayor Smyth called to order the Joint Regular meeting of the City Council and Board of Library Trustees at 6:05 pm. ROLL CALL All Councilmembers were present. FLAG SALUTE Mayor Pro Tem Miranda 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. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS Mayor Pro Tem Miranda spoke on honoring the rich cultures, histories and contributions of Native American communties. Mayor Pro Tem Miranda announced that the City proclaims November 2024 as Native American Heritage Month and invited Femandefto Tataviam Band of Mission Indians Vice President Mark V illasenor and Tribal Senators Joseph Bodle, Jorge Salazar and Cheryl Martin to the dais to accept the proclamation and take a photo. Councilmember Weste recognized and congratulated the winning Santa Clarita Sister Cities Young Artists and Authors for 2024, whose original artwork, literature, photography and music captured the essence of this year's theme, "CLIMATESCAPE: Resilient Cities for Tomorrow's Climate. The winners and finalists from Santa Clarita were submitted to Sister Cities International in Washington, D.C., where they competed with over 325 entries from 21 countries around the globe. Councilmember Weste announced that two students representing Santa Clarita Sister Cities won at the international level, and also recognized Brant Button, an English teacher at Saugus High School for always encouraging his students to submit an entry. Councilmember Weste invited Brant and the student artists to come up to the dais and receive their certificates. Councilwoman McLean honored and recognized the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley for their milestone occasion of celebrating their 50th anniversary. She commented that for half a century, Zonta has empowered, advocated and supported women and girls, both in the community and internationally, through scholarships, mentorships and support programs. Councilwoman Mclean on behalf of the entire City Council, congratulated the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley on their incredible milestone, thanked them for their dedication to community and invited Club President, Dr. Alicia Estrada, and members of the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley, to the dais to receive their recognition and to take a photo. Councilmember Gibbs proudly announced a new recognition in partnership with Burrtec - the Recycling All Star. He commented that this new award is part of the City's waste services agreement with Burrtec, designed to highlight businesses and organizations that stand out in their recycling and waste reduction efforts. Councilmember Gibbs announced that the City's very first Recycling All Star was Chick-Fil-A Valencia, where the staff at Chick-Fil-A takes organics recycling seriously - diligently separating fruit and vegetable scraps into their dedicated organics recycling containers, and that Chick-Fil-A. Valencia has teamed up with Bridge to Home, the n Cities local homeless services provider - to donate any leftover edible food to their clients. Councilmember Gibbs recognized Chick-Fil-A Valencia staff as the Fast Recycling All Stars and invited a representative from Chick-Fil-A to the dais to say a few words and take a photo. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Addressing the City Council were Glenda (no last name provided) regarding the Planning Commission; Di Zimmerman regarding the Planning Commission; Tony Maldonado regarding the Planning Commission; Douglas (no last time provided) regarding the Planning Commission and Translation services; and Richard Galvan HI regarding the City of Santa Clarice m a community. STAFF COMMENTS There were no staff comments. COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS Councilwoman Mclean commented that on Saturday November 2id she was honored to speak at the opening ceremony of Touch a Truck put on by the Santa Clarice Valley Education Foundation event, where she now serves as an honorary member chair of the education foundation fundraiser. Councilwoman McLean publicly thanked the foundation for continuing this family -oriented event. Councilwoman McLean remarked on attending the Veteran's Day event as a wonderfully attended event, done very well, and was proud to have been there. n Councilwoman McLean commented on attending the grand opening of the Family Promise Page 2 .. Resource center where families experiencing homelessness now have a place to go to receive the resources, they need to get them out of homelessness in a very dignified way. Councilmember Gibbs commented on the recent elections, and thanked everyone who ran, lost and won. He remarked that it is important to get involved, step up, and serve the community. Councilmember Gibbs thanked outgoing Congressman Mike Garcia, for his service to the Santa Clarita community, and congratulated Mr. George Whitesides Mayor Pro Tem Miranda invited the community to the City of Santa Clarita's Community Beautification Day on Saturday, November 23, from 9:00 a.m. to noon in Saugus. He mentioned that during this one -day beautification and cleanup, volunteers and City staff will help spread mulch on the parkway along Bouquet Canyon Road and pick up trash in the Bouquet Canyon Channel. Anyone who wants to register can do so online at SantaClaritaVolunteers.com. Mayor Pro Two Miranda announced that the City of Santa Clarita has scheduled informational meetings for non-profit organizations to learn more about applying for the 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant, also known as CDBG funding. He mentioned that the City requires any interested applicants to attend one of two scheduled Zoom calls either on Wednesday, November 13, or on Thursday, November 14, 2024. For more information, including the Zoom meeting link, passcode and where to RSVP, please visit the City's website at SantaClarita.gov/Housing. nn Councilmember Weste thanked those who ran during election, commented on crime rates going up, and the Sheriffs department doing a good job with no support from the District Attorney's office. Councilmember Weste mentioned that was a new District Attorney Nathan Hoffman and was looking forward to law enforcement being supported to fight crime. Lastly, she commented on attending the grand opening of the Family Promise Resource center and complimented City Manager Ken Stiplin on ajob well done, as the units are an amazing sample of what can be done for low-income housing. Councilmember Weste announced that after months of development, the Bouquet Canyon Trail in Saugus was ready to open. She invited the community to join the City for a ribbon -cutting ceremony on November 25 at I0:00 a.m., at Central Park, new the basketball courts. Councilmember Weste mentioned that the Bouquet Canyon Trail is 0.7 miles long and is a shared -use bike and pedestrian trail located along the Bouquet Creek Channel which provides a low -stress, active transportation route, allowing pedestrians and bicyclists easy and safe access to Central Park. Mayor Smyth shared his condolences on the loss of Dr. Lester A. Tanner and remarked on his long-term connection to the family. Mayor Smyth thanked everyone who made the City of Santa Clarita's Annual Make A Difference Day a huge success. He mentioned that volunteers of all ages gathered to lend a helping hand, engaging in projects from painting windows and small rocks, enhancing the courtyard at the ARTree, spreading mulch to create a safe pedestrian walkway at the Newhall Community Center, installing sand at the Newhall Park playground area and much more. Mayor Smyth commented that the City had a 230 percent increase in the Page 3 number of volunteers who participated, with 300 volunteers taking part this year. Mayor Smyth I 1 expressed his appreciation to all of the hard-working volunteers for all they do in the community. I ' Mayor Smyth remarked that Thursday, October 17, marked the last SENSES Block Party of 2024, which brought unforgettable evenings of live music, themes, activities and great times among friends, families and neighbors He mentioned that engaging themes transformed Main Street into other worlds like Alice in Wonderland and Pirates - not to mention celebrating the 100th SENSES Block Party in August. Mayor Smyth commented that this yew brought another incredible lineup that will have the City anticipating what's in store for 2025. Mayor Smyth announced that on Saturday, November 16, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m., the ultimate kick-off to the holiday season with Light Up Main Street will commence. He invited the community to take a step onto Main Street in Old Town Newhall where they will be transported to a Winter Wonderland, complete with real snow, photos with Santa, and tens of thousands of dazzling holiday lights. Mayor Smyth mentioned that this annual festive Santa Clarita tradition will feature the highly anticipated Tree Lighting Ceremony, at 5:30 p.m. CONSENT CALENDAR 411 items approved except Item 13 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Laurene Weste, Councilmember SECONDER: Jason Gibbs, Councilmember AYES: Smyth, Miranda, Gibbs, McLean, Weste ITEM 1 APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES — The minutes are submitted for approval. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the October 17, 2024, Special Meeting. ITEM 2 APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES — The minutes are submitted for approval. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the October 22, 2024, Special Meeting. ITEM 3 APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES — The minutes are submitted for approval. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the October 22, 2024, Regular Meeting. CHECK REGISTER NO. 22 Check Register No. 22 for Period 0920/24 through 10/0324 and 10/10/24. Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period 09/2324 through 10/04/24. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve and ratify for payment the demands presented in Check Register No. 22. Page 4 7 ITEM 5 RECREATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM REPLACEMENT CONTRACT This item considers an award of a five-year contract to Kaizen Labs for a new, state-of-the-art Recreation Management System (RMS) that will serve as the customer portal, point -of -sale, and management platform for the City's popular recreation programs. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Award a five -yew contract to Kaizen Labs for the replacement of the City of Santa Clarita's Recreation Software Management System for a total amount not to exceed $1,360,000. 2. Appropriate funding in the amount of $160,000 from the Technology Replacement Fund (Fund 720) to Expenditure Account 7202203-516101 for Fiscal Year 2025-26. 3. Authorize an ongoing annual appropriation from the General Fund balance (Fund 100) to Technology Services Expenditure Account 1002200-516101 for annual support, hosting, and maintenance beginning in Fiscal Year 2026-27 for $169,150, Fiscal Year 2027-28 for $75,000, Fiscal Year 2028-29 for $50,000, and Fiscal Year 2029-30 for $35,000, contingent upon the appropriation of funds in the annual budget for such fiscal years. 4. Authorize an ongoing annual appropriation from the General Fund balance (Fund 100) to Finance Expenditure Account 1002102-516132 for credit card processing fees beginning in Fiscal Year 2025-26 for $54,000, with an annual increase of three percent through Fiscal Year 2029-30 based on increased estimated revenue projections. 5. Authorize the City Manager or designee to modify the award over the course of the contract term with Kaizen Labs based on revenue actuals. 6. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents and approve future upgrades at no additional cost, subject to City Attorney approval. FLOCK SAFETY AUTOMATED LICENSE PLATE READER CAMERAS CONTRACT City Council to consider approving a two-year contract with an option for two, one-year renewals with Flock Safety for the lease and deployment of 35 Automated License Plate Reader cameras. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Approve a two-year contract with Flock Group, Inc. for the lease of 35 Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader cameras in an amount of $261,250, with an option for two, one-year renewals in an amount of $125,000 annually, for a total amount not to exceed $511,250. 2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney approval. Page 5 Addressing the Council was Glenda (no last name provided), Tony Maldonado and Di n Zimmerman. Councilmember Gibbs commented that the staff report mentioned that the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department (LASD) and other law enforcement agencies will have access to data. He mentioned that as he understood it the data is generated constantly, and placed onto a flock server, and when accessed by LASD or other agencies they can pull that data, which saves for a 30-day rotation and will consistently delete. Councilmember Gibbs inquired on whether LASD constantly downloads the data from flock; were there specific times they go to access the data; and what initiates LASD to pull information from the system. Captain Diaz responded that LASD would access the data when one of the flock cameras gets a hit on on a particular license plate associated to a wanted person, amber alert, missing person or stolen vehicle. Captain Diaz commented on the investigative part of when a crime has occurred, detectives would have 30 days to access the camera to review footage, search for specific descriptors of the vehicle and work on figuring out the type of vehicle, the vehicle license plate number, which would assist in determining who is the owner of the registered vehicle. Councilmember Gibbs inquired on what the protocols were for other law enforcement agencies having access. Captain Diaz responded that LASD does not share the data with any private agencies, however as long as there was a signed agreement with other law enforcement agencies LASD does share the data and vice versus. Councilmember Gibbs inquired on whether any of the upper courts have addressed the flock ^ system in regards to constitutionality. City Attorney Joe Montes responded that he was not aware of any final decisions on flock related lawsuits, however there are pending lawsuits. Councilmember Gibbs requested staff provide quarterly updates on flock security cameras to Public Safety Committee. Councilmember Weste inquired on whether the flock system can be used to track amber alerts, civil alerts, stolen cars and cars linked to serious crimes. Captain Diaz responded that the flock system would be able to do so, and commented on the efficiency of the flock cameras, the removal of human error and the flock system getting the job done. VALENCIA HERITAGE TENNIS COURT IMPROVEMENTS DESIGN CONTRACT PROJECT P1021 This item considers an award for a design contract for tennis courts improvements at Valencia Heritage Park, which includes an additional tennis court, site improvements and amenities. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: L Award a design contract to Hirsch and Associates, Inc., for the Valencia Heritage Tennis Court Improvements Design Project P 1021 in the amount of $81,420 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $8,142, for a total contract amount not to exceed $89,562. n Page 6 ^ 2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney approval. ITEM 8 FIRST AMENDMENT TO THE AGREEMENT FOR THE PROVISION OF GARBAGE, RECYCLABLE MATERIALS, AND ORGANIC WASTE COLLECTION SERVICES AND ANNUAL RATE ADJUSTMENT This is an Amended and Restated Agreement and a request for an annual rate adjustment for Solid Waste Collection Services. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council adopt a resolution approving the Amended and Restated Agreement between the City of Santa Clarita and Burrtec Waste Industries, Inc., for the provision of garbage, recyclable materials, organic waste collection, and the annual rate adjustment. Addressing the Council was Glenda (no last name provided), Tony Maldonado and Di Zimmerman. Adopted Resolution No. 24-70 ITEM 9 PRESERVATION OF 40 +/- ACRES OF REAL PROPERTY IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY, ^ ENCORE PROPERTY, ASSESSOR PARCEL NO. 2865-021-004 This item considers the acquisition of this property supporting the City's commitment to preserve open space lands in an effort to complete the open space greenbelt surrounding the Santa Clarita Valley. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Approve the purchase of 40+/- acres of real property northwest of the City of Santa Clarita, Assessor Parcel Number 2865-021-004, at a total cost of $195,310, which includes property purchase price, escrow, title, due diligence costs, maintenance, and payment of annual property taxes. 2. Appropriate one-time funds in the amount of $195,310 from the Open Space Preservation District Fund (Fund 358) to Open Space Preservation District Expenditure Account 3587501- 520104. 3. Appropriate ongoing funds in the amount of $8,600 from Open Space Preservation District Fund (Fund 358) to Open Space Expenditure Accounts 3587501-518503 ($3,600) and 3587501-511101 ($5,000) for annual property taxes and ongoing maintenance. 4. Find this acquisition exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Article 19, Section 15313 (Class 13); Section 15317 (Class 17); and Section 15325 (Class 25). ^ 5. Authorize the City Manager or designee, to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney Page 7 approval. Addressing the Council was Tony Maldonado. PRESERVATION OF 169 +/- ACRES OF REAL PROPERTY IN LOS ANGELES COUNTY, HARTIGAN PROPERTY, ASSESSOR PARCEL NOS. 3211-001-034, 3211.001-042, 3214- 022.024, AND 3214-022-025 This item considers the acquisition of this property supporting the City's commitment to preserve open space lands in an effort to complete the open space greenbelt surrounding the Santa Clarita Valley. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Approve the purchase of 169+/- acres of real property northeast of the City of Santa Clarita, Assessor Parcel Numbers 3211-001-034, 3211-001-042, 3214-022-024, 3214-022-025, at a total cost of $702,046, which includes propertypurchase price, escrow, title; due diligence costs, maintenance, and payment of annual property taxes. 2. Appropriate one-time funds in the amount of $664,837 from the Open Space Preservation District Fond (Fund 358) to Open Space Preservation District Expenditure Account 3587501-520104 and $37,209 from the General Fund (Fund 100) to Property Acquisition Account 1007503-520104. 3. Appropriate ongoing funds in the amount of $17,538 from the Open Space Preservation District Fund (Fund 358) to Open Space Expenditure Accounts 3587501-518503 ($12,803) and 3587501-511101 ($4,735) for annual property taxes and ongoing maintenance. 4. Appropriate ongoing funds in the amount of $982 from the General Fund (Fund 100) to Finance Administration Account 1002100-518503 ($717) and to the Property Acquisition Management Expenditure Account I007503-5I4101 ($265) for annual property taxes and ongoing maintenance. 5. Find this acquisition exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Article 19, Section 15313 (Class 13); Section 15317 (Class 17); and Section 15325 (Class 25). 6. Authorize the City Manager or designee, to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney approval. Addressing the Council was Tony Maldonado. n Councilmember Weste commented on working hard to get an Open Space Preservation District passed, and was proud to live in a City where 67 percent of the voters mandated the City purchase the open space, and clarified that the open space cannot be built on. She remarked that n the only way that it could be rescinded is if the community voted by 67 percent again to remove I ' Page 8 .�. it from open space. Councilmember Weste commented that this piece of land was purchased from John Hartigan who wanted it to be open space and for it to be legacy in the community, unfortunately Councilmember Weste announced Mr. Hartigan had passed a few days prior. Councilmember Weste asked the Council to entertain the naming of this Open Space land after John Hartigan. Mayor Smyth requested an item be agendized at the next Regularly Scheduled City Council meeting to name this Open Space land after John Hartigan. ITEM 11 2024-25 CIRCULATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM, PROJECT C0073 - DESIGN CONTRACT This item considers awarding a design contract for the 2024-25 Circulation Improvement Program project. The project will modify three existing intersections to enhance traffic circulation and maximize capacity. The intersections include Newhall Ranch Road and McBean Parkway, Golden Valley Road and Centre Pointe Parkway, and Magic Mountain Parkway and Valencia Boulevard. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Award the design contract to Encompass Consultant Group, htc. for the 2024-25 Circulation Improvement Program, Project C0073, in the amount of $382,204 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $38,220, for a total contract amount not to exceed $420,424. 2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval. ITEM 12 SAFE ROUTES TO SCHOOL, PLACERITA JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL AND HART HIGH SCHOOL, PROJECT C2030 - DESIGN CONTRACT This item considers awarding a design contract to provide design services for the Safe Routes to School, Placerita Junior High School and Hart High School project. The improvements include crossing, sidewalk, and shared bike lane enhancements on the streets surrounding the schools. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Award the design contract to MNS Engineers, Inc., for the Safe Routes to School, Placerita Junior High School and Hart High School, Project C2030, in the amount of $193,400 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $19,340, for a total contract amount not to exceed $212,740. 2. Appropriate one-time funds in the amount of $217,740 from the Transportation Development Act (TDA) Article 8 — Street and Road Fund (Fund 233) to expenditure account C2030233- 516101. 3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney Page 9 approval. ITEM 13 WAS MOVED TO ITEMS PULLED FOR A SEPARATE VOTE CONTRACT EXPENDITURE AUTHORITY FOR ON -CALL BUILDING & SAFETY CONSULTING FIRMS This item considers an increase in expenditure authority for contracts with previously selected, qualified vendors to provide as -needed building plan review, building inspection, and permit - related professional services to the City of Santa Clarks. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Authorize an expenditure authority increase to the City of Santa Clairta's on -call Building & Safety consulting firms JAS Pacific, Scott Fazekas & Associates, Interwest Consulting Group, and TRB and Associates in the amount of $500,000, resulting in a total on -call expenditure authority amount of $1,000,000 for Fiscal Year 2024-25. n 2. Appropriate one-time funds in the amount of $500,000 from the General Fund (Fund 100) to n Building & Safety Expenditure Account 1003800-516101. 3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney approval. LETTER OF AGREEMENT WITH SANTA CLARITA VALLEY AUTOMOBILE DEALERS ASSOCIATION FOR THE SHOP LOCAL PROGRAM City Council to consider the continuance of a public/private partnership agreement with the Santa Clarita Valley Automobile Dealers Association for the Shop Local program. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Approve $70,000 for a public/private partnership with the Santa Clarita Automobile Dealers Association for continuing the Shop Local program for Fiscal Year 2024-25, per the attached Letter of Agreement. Page 10 PON\ 2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contract documents and up to four annual renewal options, subject to City Attorney approval, not to exceed $70,000 in each fiscal year, contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the City Council in the annual budget for such fiscal year. ITEMS PULLED FOR A SEPERATE VOTE RESULT: APPROVED MOVER: Laurene Weste, Councilmember SECONDER: Jason Gibbs, Councilmember AYES: Smyth, Miranda, Gibbs, McLean, Weste ABSTAIN: McLean ITEM 12 RIVERVIEW PROJECT - MASTER CASE 21-205 This item considers approval of the Riverview Project (Master Case 21-295); including 318 residential units and 127,000 square feet of commercial space located -at the current Saugus Speedway property. - RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council adopt a resolution adopting the Mitigated Negative Declaration 9VNEi prepared for the project and approving Master Case 21-205, including ArchitectutW D69i&n:Rev1ew 21- 025, Conditional Use Permit 21-014, Development Review 21-019; Hillside Develop!i ent Review 22-001, Minor Use Permit 21-027, Oak Tree Permit 21-003, afid`,,ract.I Mtip 83605, subject to the conditions of approval. Addressing the Council were Douglas (no last name provided), Tony Maldonado who read two written comment cards in Spanish, G Rick, and Nicholas Azarian. Councilwoman McLean commented that at the last City Council meeting she requested the item be brought back with some retail to serve residents who would be living in the development. She commented that she did not hear back; therefore was requesting again, as part of the Conditions of Approval, to have the developer make the commitment to encourage mixed use in the development. Councilwoman Mclean mentioned that she had inquired about bus stops at the development and received confirmation from City Manager Ken Striplin that there would be access to school bus facilities for children. Lastly, Councilwoman McLean commented that on package page 340, under Environmental Services, it stated that all single-family residential dwellings must be designed with space for three, 90-gallon trash cans. However, she wanted to make staff aware that most trash cans are 96-gallons, and whether something needed to be changed to make space for 96-gallon trash cans. Councilmember Weste commented that she would want the decision on the size of the trash cans '� be left up to City staff; mentioned that there would be a tremendous amount of retail on the other side of the parking lot with the Sunridge project; and would not want to redesign the project. Page 11 Adopted Resolution No. 24-71 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION II No additional requests to speak were received. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Smyth adjourned the Regular Meeting in memory of Audrey Quiros, Dr. Lester A. Tanner, Grace Elliott, and Steve Zimmer at 7:42 pm. =� MAYOR ATTES�- CITVr LPRK--"- .. Page 12