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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-27 - MINUTES - REGCITY OF SANTA CLARITA City Council 'ro Regular Meeting Joint Meeting with Board of Library Trustees Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency 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, May 27, 2025 6:00 PM City Council Chambers INVOCATION Councilwoman McLean delivered the invocation. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Miranda called to order the Joint Regular meeting of the City Council and Board of Library Trustees and Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency at 6:03 p.m. ROLL CALL All Councilmembers were present with the exception of Councilmember Gibbs. FLAG SALUTE Councilwoman McLean 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. Councilwoman McLean requested an amendment to the May 13, 2025 Regular Meeting minutes. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS Councilmember Ayala recognized the Valencia High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Color Guard teams, noting their accomplishments at the Winter Guard Association of Southern California Championship events, and invited team members to the dais to accept their awards and take a photo. Councilwoman McLean recognized community high school students who took a hands-on approach to local government by participating in the Youth in Government Program, and invited participants to the dais to receive their certificates and take a photo. Mayor Miranda recognized The Master's University Men's Volleyball Team for their 2025 NAIA National Champion achievement, and invited Coach Jared Goldberg to the dais to accept the recognition and take a photo. PRESENTATION Mayor Miranda announced that mosquito season is ramping up across Los Angeles County and invited Vector Ecologist Rande Gallant of the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District to provide a presentation and give an update. Councilmember Ayala inquired about the current potential risks in the City of Santa Clarita (City), and Mr. Gallant responded that West Nile Virus and Dengue fever were among the greatest risks. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Addressing the City Council were Diane Zimmerman regarding lithium battery storage facilities; Glenda Yakel regarding lithium battery storage facilities; Tony Maldonado regarding lithium battery storage facilities; and Gabriela Thomas regarding concerns over reckless driving on San Francisquito Canyon Road. STAFF COMMENTS City Manager Ken Striplin commented on Mr. Maldonado's letter inquiry stating the notice was sent out, post marked by the post office and received by other community members who attended the Public Hearings; and that the issue of noticing, in a manner that not only complies with the law but that provides ample time for public comments, was being looked at. Mayor Pro Tem Weste inquired whether the Fire Department had scheduled a meeting for residents of Canyon Country regarding a fire evacuation plan, and City Manager Ken Striplin responded it would occur in June. Mayor Pro Tem Weste requested that Mr. Striplin ensure there was ample noticing so that the public could attend that meeting. COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS Mayor Pro Tem Weste commented on community youth that participated in Public Works Week; invited the community to celebrate the City's 391h park grand opening at the historic Pioneer Oil Refinery site on June 17; and requested an adjournment in memory of Dr. X.X. Skip Newhall, who was the great -great-grandson of Henry Mayo Newhall. Councilwoman McLean commented on her meeting with consultants to put together the Arts Master Plan and encouraged community members to complete the Arts survey available on-line; _ mentioned her participation on the homelessness and 2028 Olympics Ad Hoc committees; remarked on her friendship with Dr. X.X. Skip Newhall, noting the environmental issues they Page 2 tackled together in the City; acknowledged the Police Unity Tour that took place at the nation's capital to raise awareness for police officers who have died in the line of duty; and reminded residents of the summer activity resources such as classes offered through Seasons, the Summer Trolley, and the Beach Bus. Councilmember Ayala commented on her interest in knowing when inspections were scheduled for the lithium battery storage facilities; and expressed interested in touring the facility and to have a formal letter sent to the facility's owners expressing residents' concerns. Councilmember Ayala asked when the last Board of Library Trustees meeting occurred, to which City Manager Ken Striplin responded that all City Council meetings are also meetings of the Board of Library Trustees and no agenda items have been added since there have not been issues as of late to discuss; and asked what part of San Francisquito Canyon was within the City's jurisdiction, to which Mr. Striplin responded it was only a very small section. Councilmember Ayala also mentioned her meetings with economic development organizations; her work with the local school district and Sheriff's Department; and her acknowledgement of the Memorial Day celebrations, graduating seniors, and the Beach Bus service starting May 31. Mayor Miranda commented on the 2025 Summer Reading Program, running June 9 through July 26, that would offer reading challenges and activities for youth and families. PUBLIC HEARINGS ITEM 1 FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 ANNUAL OPERATING BUDGET AND CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM The proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget was discussed with the City Council along with the Planning Commission; the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission; and the Arts Commission on April 29, 2025. In addition, on May 20, 2025, the Planning Commission made a finding by minute action that the Draft Fiscal Year 2025-26 Capital Improvement Program is consistent with the City of Santa Clarita's General Plan. The requirements outlined in Assembly Bill 2561 are met within the proposed budget. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council and City Council acting as Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency of the City of Santa Clarita conduct a public hearing on the proposed Fiscal Year 2025-26 Annual Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program and schedule the budget for adoption at the June 10, 2025, City Council meeting. Mayor Miranda opened the Public Hearing. Deputy City Clerk Tiana Bradley stated all notices required by law have been provided. City Manager Ken Striplin delivered the staff presentation. Page 3 Addressing the Council in opposition were Tony Maldonado regarding budget item allocations and Glenda Yakel regarding the City's safety ranking. Mayor Miranda closed the public comment portion of the public hearing. Councilmember Ayala thanked City Manager Ken Striplin for maintaining a balanced budget; asked about the number of GO! Transit vehicles, to which Mr. Striplin responded that there were six; and inquired about the budget for signage and whether it included updated warnings for e- bike users, to which Mr. Striplin responded the signs were not related to e-bikes but that staff would look into e-bike signage separately. RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN ITEM 2 ANNUAL ADJUSTMENT OF FEES AND AMENDMENTS TO THE FEE SCHEDULE Council consideration for Fiscal Year 2025-26 staff recommendations on development -related fees and charges, to be increased by the December year-end Consumer Price Index for the urban consumers of the Los Angeles -Long Beach -Anaheim area. The percentage increase, as reported by the United States Department of Labor, is 3.42 percent. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Conduct the public hearing on the proposed fee adjustments. 2. Adopt a resolution establishing a schedule of fees and charges for City services. Mayor Miranda opened the Public Hearing. Deputy City Clerk Tiana Bradley stated all notices required by law have been provided. Council waived the staff presentation. Addressing the City Council in opposition was Tony Maldonado regarding transportation services. Mayor Miranda closed the public comment portion of the public hearing. City Manager Ken Striplin responded to the public comment stating that the City is moving from four to six buses for the GO! Santa Clarita Transit program. Adopted Resolution No. 25-23 Page 4 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Laurene Weste, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Patsy Ayala, Councilmember AYES: Ayala, Weste, McLean, Miranda ABSENT: Jason Gibbs ITEM 3 2025-26 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN Public Hearing regarding the approval of the 2025-26 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment Partnerships Act Program. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the 2025-26 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant and Home Investment Partnerships Act Programs. Mayor Miranda opened the Public Hearing. Deputy City Clerk Tiana Bradley stated all notices required by law have been provided. Community Preservation Manager Tracy Sullivan delivered the staff presentation. No requests to speak were received. Mayor Miranda closed the public comment portion of the public hearing. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Marsha McLean, Councilmember SECONDER: Laurene Weste, Mayor Pro Tern AYES: Weste, Ayala, McLean, Miranda ABSENT: Jason Gibbs ITEM 4 METROWALK SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT (MASTER CASE 24-230) Public Hearing regarding the applicant, BluMax Santa Clarita, LLC, requesting amendments to the MetroWalk Specific Plan. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Conduct a public hearing. 2. Determine that the project is consistent with the Addendum to the Sustainable Communities Environmental Assessment, prepared pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines, and that the project would not result in any new significant impacts and would not substantially increase the severity of any previously identified impacts. 3. Introduce and pass to second reading, an ordinance entitled: "THE METROWALK Page 5 PER SPECIFIC PLAN (MASTER CASE 24-230, SPECIFIC PLAN AMENDMENT (24-002)," to allow duplexes and detached condos, eliminate planning areas, reduce the setbacks between units, and adjust the timing for the construction of the senior affordable units. Waive reading of the text and consent to read by title only, as listed on the agenda. Mayor Miranda opened the Public Hearing. Deputy City Clerk Tiana Bradley stated all notices required by law have been provided. Senior Planner Erika Iverson provided the staff presentation. Jonathan Frankel, representing New Urban West, provided the applicant presentation. Addressing the City Council in support were Jerry Charboneau, representing the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP), regarding funding for affordable housing; Renee Roque, representing City of Santa Clarita Homeless Task Force Housing Detail, regarding time extension for affordable housing funds; Jennifer Abbot Aston, speaking on behalf of Di Thompson and representing the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce, regarding time extension for affordable housing funds; and Barbara Myler regarding time extension for affordable housing funds. Addressing the City Council with no position was Rylan Smith -Thomas, representing the NAACP Housing Committee, regarding affordable housing concerns. Jonathan Frankel, representing New Urban West, exercised his time for rebuttal. Mayor Miranda closed the public comment portion of the public hearing. Councilmember Ayla commented that the City needs affordable housing; inquired if $16,000 was enough to build an affordable housing unit, to which City Manager Ken Striplin responded it was not; asked what the land in the proposed development site could be used for, to which City Attorney Joseph Montes responded that it was a topic for the Planning department to propose a use and to which the Council could later vote on for approval; and asked what would become of the land's use if the developer failed to secure anticipated tax credits, to which Mr. Frankel responded the land would be used to provide additional market rate housing. Mayor Pro Tern Weste commented that the affordable housing was essentially senior housing; that the Council should seek the assistance of local representatives Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo and Senator Suzette Valladares to secure funding for affordable housing; and that she was in favor of allowing the applicant more time to attempt to secure tax credit funding and desired to see the project continue forward. Councilwoman McLean asked the developer if financing had been secured for the remainder of the project and to confirm the total number of units, to which Mr. Frankel responded that the upper limit for the plan was to build 498 units, and no less than 257 units; asked if the number of units addresses the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) requirements, to which Ms. Page 6 Iverson responded that the project, as currently written, meets the market -rate housing and low- income/affordable RHNA; asked when the meeting to discuss an affordable housing ordinance would be, to which Mr. Striplin responded would be end of September to beginning of October; and mentioned that she agrees that local legislators should be contacted for assistance with the financing for the affordable housing units. Councilwoman McLean expressed concerns with the in -lieu fee. Mayor Miranda asked Ms. Iverson to explain the in -lieu fee, to which she responded that it was the applicant's proposal to pay a fee to the City rather than to construct the affordable housing component of the project. Mr. Striplin commented that the in -lieu fee, if received from the developer, would be used to build affordable housing in the City, and Mr. Montes added that jurisdictions across the state had implemented an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance (IHO) whereby, through analysis, the ordinance outlined an appropriate in -lieu fee for housing, and that the City of Santa Clarita had not undergone that process yet. Mayor Miranda agreed with Councilwoman McLean that the City needed an affordable housing ordinance. Councilwoman McLean commented that she wanted to ensure that the affordable housing component of the project could not be compromised. Mr. Striplin suggested a solution to move forward, and Mayor Miranda asked the applicant if the solution was acceptable, to which Mr. Frankel affirmed. The Council concurred with Mr. Striplin's suggestion to accept the recommended action with the additional direction for staff to seek assistance from local State Legislators on the developer application for tax credit financing for the affordable housing units, and to bring back any future proposal changes to the affordable component of the MetroWalk Specific Plan, if made by the developer. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Laurene Weste, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Marsha McLean, Councilmember AYES: McLean, Weste, Ayala, Miranda ABSENT: Jason Gibbs Page 7 NEW BUSINESS ITEM 5 SOLID WASTE FRANCHISE EXTRAORDINARY RATE ADJUSTMENT Council consideration that due to the closure of the Chiquita Canyon Landfill, Burrtec Waste Industries Inc., (Burrtec) must transport waste to a disposal facility in Sun Valley. As a result of the increased disposal and operating costs, Burrtec has requested an extraordinary rate adjustment to cover these additional expenses. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Adopt a resolution approving the Second Amendment to the Franchise Agreement between the City of Santa Clarita and Burrtec Waste Industries, Inc., for the Provision of Garbage, Recyclable Materials, and Organic Waste Collection Services dated November 12, 2024, and certain revised solid waste rates for services beginning July 1, 2025. 2. Authorize the City's consent, at the request of Burrtec Waste Industries, Inc., for early termination of their continuation rights for waste collection services in the Tesoro Del Valle annexation area. 3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval. Environmental Services Manager Darin Seegmiller delivered the presentation. Addressing the City Council in opposition were Glenda Yakel regarding price increase affordability concerns and Tony Maldonado regarding price increase affordability concerns. City Manager Ken Striplin commented that Burrtec met the contractual requirement to demonstrate the need for a rate increase and that the abrupt closure of the Chiquita Landfill caused extreme disruption to waste management operations. Councilwoman McLean asked about the rate differences between Waste Management and Burrtec during the most recent contract evaluation period, inquiring whether the current rate, including the new increase, was less than the Waste Management proposed rate, to which Mr. Striplin confirmed it was. Councilmember Ayala asked if Burrtec was subsidizing waste collection costs, and Mr. Striplin responded that Burrtec had been absorbing an expense of close to $5 million over the last six months; and asked about available discounts, to which Mr. Seegmiller affirmed that seniors, low- income residents, and those making advanced payments or limiting their waste could access discounts. Mayor Pro Tem Weste noted the distance of the haul that waste vehicles had to travel to service the City's waste. Adopted Resolution No. 25-24 Page 8 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Marsha McLean, Councilmember SECONDER: Patsy Ayala, Councilmember AYES: McLean, Ayala, Weste, Miranda ABSENT: Jason Gibbs CONSENT CALENDAR RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Laurene Weste, Mayor Pro Tem SECONDER: Patsy Ayala, Councilmember AYES: Ayala, McLean, Weste, Miranda ABSENT: Jason Gibbs ITEM 6 APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES — The minutes are submitted for approval. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the May 13, 2025, Special Meeting ITEM 7 APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES — The minutes are submitted for approval. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the May 13, 2025, Regular Meeting ITEM 8 CHECK REGISTER NO. 11 Check Register No. 11 for Period 04/18/25 through 05/01/25 and 05/08/25. Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period 04/21/25 through 05/02/25. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve and ratify for payment the demands presented in Check Register No. 11. ITEM 9 RESOLUTIONS INITIATING THE ANNUAL LEVY OF SPECIAL DISTRICTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 The item considers this procedural matter required by state law and orders, approves, and sets the public hearing for the annual levy of the Landscape and Lighting District, Drainage Benefit Assessment Areas, Golden Valley Ranch Open Space Maintenance District, and the Tourism Marketing District. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Adopt resolutions declaring the City's intention to levy assessments, preliminarily approve Engineer's Reports in connection with Special Districts for Fiscal Year 2025-26, and set a public hearing for June 10, 2025. 2. Adopt the annual report for the Tourism Marketing District, adopt a resolution of intent to Page 9 continue a Business Improvement Area in the City of Santa Clarita designated as the Tourism Marketing District, and set a public hearing for June 10, 2025. Adopted Resolution Nos. 25-25, 26, 27, and 28 ITEM 10 FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 ANNUAL LEVY FOR OPEN SPACE PRESERVATION DISTRICT Consideration and adoption of resolutions associated with the annual process of ordering, approving, and setting the public hearing on the annual levy of the Open Space Preservation District as required by the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council adopt a resolution declaring the City's intention to levy assessments, preliminarily approve an Engineer's Report in connection with the Open Space Preservation District for Fiscal Year 2025-26, and set a public hearing for June 10, 2025. Adopted Resolution No. 25-29 ITEM 11 CONTRACT WITH INNOVATIVE INTERFACES, INCORPORATED, FOR POLARIS INTEGRATED LIBRARY SYSTEM Council consideration for the adoption of new five-year contract with Innovative Interfaces, Inc., for Polaris Integrated Library System. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Award a five-year contract to Innovative Interface, Inc., for the Polaris integrated library system in the amount not to exceed $836,098. 2. Appropriate funding in the amount of $31,402 to Library Fund (Fund 309) Contractual Services Account 3098200-516101 for Fiscal Year 2025-26, $12,192 for Fiscal Year 2026- 27, $16,920 for Fiscal Year 2027-28, $21,789 for Fiscal Year 2028-29, and $26,805 for Fiscal Year 2029-30, contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the City Council during the annual budget process for such fiscal year. 3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval. ITEM 12 2025 MUNICIPAL CODE UPDATES - SECOND READING City Council consideration in adopting the proposed amendments to the City of Santa Clarita's Unified Development Code to address state legislation and other recommended changes. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council adopt an ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING MASTER CASE 24-112, CONSISTING OF UNIFIED DEVELOPMENT CODE 24-001 (UDC24-001) AND SPECIFIC Page 10 PLAN AMENDMENT 24-001 (SP24-001), AMENDING THE SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE, OLD TOWN NEWHALL SPECIFIC PLAN, LYONS CORRIDOR PLAN, AND SOLEDAD CANYON ROAD CORRIDOR PLAN AS SHOWN IN EXHIBITS A- H," waive reading of the text and consent to read by title only, as listed on the agenda. Adopted Ordinance No. 25-1 ITEM 13 CONTRACT WITH GILLIG CORPORATION FOR THE MANUFACTURING AND DELIVERY OF TWO CNG BUSES City Council consider awarding a contract to Gillig Corporation for the manufacturing and delivery of two 29-foot Compressed Natural Gas buses. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Award a contract to Gillig Corporation for the purchase of two 29-foot Compressed Natural Gas buses, for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,850,357. 2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, and modify the award in the event of issues of impossibility of performance arise, subject to City Attorney approval. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION II There were no additional requests to speak received. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Miranda adjourned the Regular Meeting in memory of Dr. X.X. Skip Newhall and Nelson Vides at 9:03 p.m. ATTEST: .",/Ym CITY CLERK MAYOR Page 11