Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-08 - MINUTES - REGCITY OF SANTA CLAR]TA Ah City Council 1WRegular Meeting Joint Meeting with Beard 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, July 8, 2025 6:00 PM City Council Chambers INVOCATION Mayor. Miranda delivered the invocation. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Miranda called to order the Joint Regular meeting of the City Council and Board of Library Trustees at 6:11 p.m. ROLL CALL All Councilmembers were present. 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. AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS Mayor Miranda recognized Santa Clarita residents who recently passed the California State Bar exam and invited Angela Serricchio and Carl Kanowsky from the Santa Clarita Valley Bar Association to the dais to receive a recognition and take a photo. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Addressing the City Council were Ray Mount and Cynthia Rodriguez regarding gas powered leaf blowers; Alan Ferdman, Tony Maldonado, Diane Zimmerman, and Glenda (no last name provided) regarding battery storage facilities; Merryjayne Machado, representing Sadie Rae & Mattie Mae's Animal Rescue, regarding a City of Santa Clarita animal shelter; Gabriela Parada Ramirez, representing Plant Based Treaty, regarding endorsing a plant based treaty; Dawn Scalzo regarding Hart Park Barnyard employee pay; and Nancy (no last name provided) regarding labor laws. STAFF COMMENTS Assistant City Manager Frank Oviedo commented that staff would contact Mr. Mount regarding gas powered leaf blowers; announced the upcoming battery storage informational meeting at the Canyon Country Community Center on July 10, 2025, where Terra -Gen and the Los Angeles County Fire Department would be in attendance to answer questions from the public; and responded to Councilmember Gibbs' inquiry regarding Fire Suppression System questions by stating that notes addressing those questions would be submitted to the Fire Department for the meeting. Councilwoman McLean inquired about Brown Act limitations for the July 10 meeting, asking if the meeting was limited to two councilmembers, to which Mr. Oviedo affirmed, stating that the meeting would be live -streamed, and participants watching the live -stream would not be able to ask questions during the meeting. Councilmember Gibbs inquired, and Mr. Oviedo confirmed, that prior to the presentation councilmembers may submit questions they would like answered during the presentation. Mayor Pro Tern Weste and Councilmember Ayala commented that they would attend the meeting in person. Mayor Pro Tern Weste inquired about whether the City of Santa Clarita (City) had a ban against gas powered leaf blowers, to which City Attorney Joseph Montes responded it did not. COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS Councilmember Ayala commented on the thousands who attended the 93rd annual SCV Fourth of July Parade on July 4, 2025. Mayor Pro Tern Weste commented on the River of Lights Illumination Ceremony at Central Park, which drew over 1,000 community members to witness the illumination of over 200 embedded lights on June 25, 2025. Councilwoman McLean commented the City was being considered as a host location by the Brazilian Paralympic Committee; spoke of the Haskell Canyon Bike Park official groundbreaking ceremony on July 1, 2025; and mentioned the 16th Annual State of the County event hosted by the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce on July 2, 2025. Page 2 Mayor Miranda commented on the Celebrate event series, spotlighting Colombian culture at the Canyon Country Community Center on July 11, 2025. NEW BUSINESS ITEM 1 SUMMER SHUTTLE SERVICE PILOT PROGRAM City Council discussion of a Summer Shuttle Service Pilot Program in Old Town Newhall. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council review and discuss the proposed Summer Shuttle Service Pilot Program in Old Town Newhall and provide direction to staff. Transit Manager Adrian Aguilar provided the staff report. Addressing the City Council was John Alexopoulos, representing the Canyon Theatre Guild, and Tony Maldonado. One written comment card was received. Councilwoman McLean commented that the shuttle program was a good idea to help alleviate parking limitations; noted that the original request was for service during evening events; proposed changing the service hours to better accommodate the theater productions and received unanimous agreement from Council that the hours needed to be reconsidered for the benefit of the patrons and businesses. Assistant City Manager Frank Oviedo requested that the timeframes for shuttle operation remain open for changes to best match weekend operations of Downtown Newhall businesses. Councilwoman McLean further inquired about the $5,500 donation, to which Mr. Aguilar confirmed that the Canyon Theatre Guild (CTG) had been one of the donors, but the donation amount and partner donors were not known because Old Town Newhall Association collected the donations. Councilwoman McLean shared that Mr. Boydston wanted it to be known that CTG agreed to donate $1,000. Councilwoman McLean inquired, and Mr. Oviedo clarified, that the donations reduced the cost of running the shuttle service by $5,500. Councilmember Ayala inquired about the use of trolleys instead of GO! Buses to enhance the charm and character of Downtown Newhall, to which Mr. Oviedo responded that the trolleys were already under contract with the Tourism District for the remainder of the summer. Mr. Oviedo committed to explore use of the trolley should the pilot program continue the following summer. Mayor Pro Tern Weste inquired about nighttime Metrolink transportation, to which Councilwoman McLean responded that she was working with the North County Transportation Coalition (NCTC) and the San Fernando Valley Council of Governments (SFVCOG) to bring that service to the City, but it was a long, slow process. She agreed that the trolleys would fit in with the quaintness of downtown and be the preferred style of shuttle service in the future. Page 3 After receiving clarification from Mr. Aguilar regarding the routing of shuttle stops at the Newhall Community Center, Councilmember Gibbs made a motion to implement the summer shuttle pilot program, appropriate $25,000 to run the program, and keep the option open to flex the hours of operation to ensure the needs of all businesses were met. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jason Gibbs, Councilmember SECONDER: Marsha McLean, Councilmember AYES: McLean, Gibbs, Ayala, Weste, Miranda ITEM 2 CONSIDERATION OF REQUEST FOR REMOVAL OF PLANNING COMMISSIONER City Council consideration of Mayor Pro Tern Lauren Weste's request to remove Planning Commissioner Denise Lite. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Based upon the June 24 request of Mayor Pro Tern Laurene Weste, discuss the removal of Planning Commissioner Denise.Lite and take action as deemed appropriate. Mayor Pro Tern Laurene Weste provided the presentation and commented she supported Planning Commissioner Denise Lite when she ran for City Council in 2024; at no time during her tenure on the Council had she ever directed or required one of her commissioners to vote a certain way or take a particular position; she had always respected the independence of her appointees; her request for Commissioner Lite to resign was simply predicated on an apparent unwillingness to meet and confer with her regarding various City issues; she never criticized Ms. Lite for her comments on the Downtown Newhall project and the historical issues; she recused herself from consideration of the Downtown Newhall project when concerns were raised; and the Planning position was an appointed position, not an elected position. Addressing the City Council in opposition to Planning Commissioner Denise Lite's removal were David Guenther; Fred Arnold; Alan Ferdman; Gary Martin; Nancy Starczyk; Bill Cooper; Pam Ingram; Dr. Harleen Grewal; Stephanie English; Veronica Hixson; Len Unkeless; Cindy Josten; Joshua Rivas; Lisa Kocicka; Nicole Marr; Missy Carter; Carl Goldman, representing KHTS Radio; Jerry R. Cook; representing Freedom's Way Baptist Church; Bradley Grose speaking on behalf of Jeri Seratti-Goldman; Denise Lite; Matt Watson; Nicole Lynch; Sharlene Johnson; Paul Martinez; Suzie Perez; Erin Wilson; Dawn Scalzo; Nancy (no last name provided); and George Thomas. Addressing the City Council in support of Planning Commissioner Denise Lite's removal was Tony Maldonado and Glenda (no last name provided). One written comment card was received in opposition. Councilmember Gibbs commented he and Commissioner Lite were friends; commented the Santa Clarita Municipal Code (SCMC) stated that City Council nominees serve at the pleasure of the Council body, not any one councilmember; commented on her character; and stated he did Page 4 O•" .r not hear any evidence of unethical, illegal, or immoral conduct attributable to Commissioner Lite. Councilwoman McLean commented that councilmembers should be able to have a commissioner of their choice; however, it was not right to remove a commissioner for simply speaking out; that there must be good and specific evidence of wrongdoing to remove a commissioner; and that she had not seen wrongdoing in this case. Councilmember Ayala inquired about precedent for removal of a Planning Commissioner; the manner in which removal was initiated; the procedure for removal; limitations councilmembers faced when speaking with developers; clarification on whether her comments at the public hearing discussing the MetroWalk project were considered negotiations or suggestions to the developer; the final allocation of the $750,000; and if any unlawful action was taken by the City Council. Assistant City Manager Frank Oviedo responded there had been three instances of removal, but cause for removal was unknown; removal was initiated through a report brought before the City Council; procedure for removal was through Council deliberation, to which City Attorney Joseph Montes added that a request for removal needed to be agendized by a majority vote of the City Council before it could be accomplished through a motion, also supported by a majority. Mr. Oviedo further commented that suggestions made by councilmembers to developers become negotiations when the issue is heard before the City Council in an open and public form; and that from an administrative standpoint there were at least four public meetings where the $750,000 was discussed, which ultimately was negotiated to a different amount at a public meeting. Mr. Montes commented that conversations with developers, when a public hearing was involved in the approval, needed to be disclosed at the time the City Council got together to deliberate; exactions or dedications required of developers needed to be related and proportionate to the impact created by a project and are a lawful process. Councilmember Ayala informed the audience that her inquiries were made in a deliberate attempt to showcase the government transparency regarding the MetroWalk negotiations that took place and mentioned her support for removal of Commissioner Lite, citing her careful review of the facts, rules, municipal codes, and procedures that govern the City. Mayor Pro Tern Weste commented that she appreciated those in the audience who came to the meeting and Councilmember Ayala's inquires seeking clarification, and she reminded audience members that there were no aspersions on Commissioner Lite's talent, ability, or right to speak; that she wished Commissioner Lite future success in her endeavors; and that she was requesting removal so that she could have an appointee that she could communicate and work with. Mayor Pro Tern Weste further commented that she was not asking anything more of the City Council than the courtesy she would extend to them if they felt a lack of confidence in working with one of their appointees. Mayor Pro Tem. Weste made a motion to remove Denise Lite from the Planning Commission. Page 5 RESULT: APPROVED [3 TO 21 MOVER: Laurene Weste, Mayor Pro Tem SECONDER: Patsy Ayala, Councilmember AYES: Patsy Ayala, Laurene Weste, Bill Miranda NAYS: Marsha McLean, Jason Gibbs CONSENT CALENDAR RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jason Gibbs, Councilmember SECONDER: Patsy Ayala, Councilmember AYES: Ayala, McLean, Weste, Gibbs, Miranda ITEM 3 APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES — The minutes are submitted for approval. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the June 24, 2025, Regular Meeting ITEM 4 CHECK REGISTER NO. 14 Check Register No. 14 for the Period 05/30/25 through 06/12/25 and 06/ 18/25. Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period of 06/02/25 through 06/13/25. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve and ratify for payment the demands presented in Check Register No. 14. ITEM 5 RESOLUTIONS OF INTENTION TO LEVY INCREASED ASSESSMENTS FOR LMD ZONES T44, T48, AND T62 IN FY 2026-27, AND TO ESTABLISH PROCEDURES PURSUANT TO PROPOSITION 218 AND AB 2257 This item considers resolutions declaring the City's intention to levy and collect increased assessments in Fiscal Year 2026-27 for Landscape Maintenance District Zones T44 (Bouquet Canyon), T48 (Shadow Hills), and T62 (Canyon Heights), and establishing procedures pursuant to Proposition 218 and AB 2257. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Adopt a Resolution of Initiation to begin proceedings to levy increased assessments commencing in Fiscal Year 2026-27 for Landscaping Zones T44 — Bouquet Canyon, T48 — Shadow Hills, and T62 — Canyon Heights within the City of Santa Clarita Landscaping and Lighting District, and direct the Engineer to prepare and file a report pursuant to Article 4, Chapter I of the Landscaping and Lighting Act of 1972. 2. Adopt a Resolution of Intention declaring the City of Santa Clarita's intent to levy and collect increased assessments for Landscaping Zones T44 — Bouquet Canyon, T48 — Shadow Hills, and T62 — Canyon Heights within the City of Santa Clarita Landscaping and Lighting District; preliminarily approve the Engineer's Report; and initiate a property owner protest Page 6 ballot proceeding for Fiscal Year 2026-27, in accordance with Article XIIID of the California Constitution, by calling a public hearing and submitting the proposed assessments to qualified property owners. 3. Adopt a Resolution establishing rate -setting procedures for Landscape Maintenance Districts and Zones —including LMD Zones T44, T48, and T62—in accordance with Proposition 218 and Government Code Sections 53759.0 through 53759.2 (including AB 2257). Adopted Resolution Nos. 25-44, 45, and 46 ITEM 6 SECOND READING OF AN ORDINANCE OF THE FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE MAP OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AND ISSUED BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 51179 On June 24, 2025, the City Council introduced and passed to a second reading an ordinance adopting the Fire Hazard Severity Zone (FHSZ) maps, which were published by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) on March 25, 2025. Pursuant to California Government Code Section 51179, local agencies are required to adopt an ordinance within 120 days from when the FHSZ maps are published, designating the fire zones within its jurisdiction. 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, ADOPTING THE FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONE MAP OF THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA AND ISSUED BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF FORESTRY AND FIRE PROTECTION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 51179." Addressing the City Council was Tony Maldonado regarding fire evacuation plans. Mayor Pro Tern Weste commented that a fire evacuation plan was necessary and requested staff to look into creating one. Councilmember Gibbs commented that he would like to see what the impacts of fire would be on older facilities compared to newer ones to clearly understand the risks to the community. Assistant City Manager Frank Oviedo informed the Council the public would have an opportunity to ask questions of the experts of Terra -Gen and the Fire Department at the July 10 meeting, and the presentations would provide context for the concerns brought forth by the City Council and Mr. Maldonado. Adopted Ordinance No. 25-4 Page 7 ITEM 7 AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT WITH THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES FOR THE CITY OF SANTA CLARITA'S FISCAL YEAR 2025-26 MEASURE A LOCAL SOLUTIONS FUND ALLOCATION City Council to consider approval of a contract with Los Angeles County to receive Measure A funding to support grants for Family Promise and Bridge to Home and to fund a Homeless Services Intern to implement the 2025 Community Plan to Address Homelessness. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: Approve a one-year contract with Los Angeles County to receive Measure A Local Solutions Funds in the amount of $476,145 to be distributed as follows: $225,337 to Family Promise for emergency rental and financial assistance to families at risk of homelessness, $225,337 to Bridge to Home to support continued operations of its interim housing site and navigation services; and $25,471 for the Homeless Services Intern to implement the 2025 Community Plan to Address Homelessness. 2. Increase revenue account 273-462101 (Measure A Miscellaneous Revenue) by $476J45 and appropriate $25,471 to expenditure account 2733207-500201 (Measure A Homeless Initiative PTS) and $450,674 to expenditure account 2733207-516101 (Measure A Homeless Initiative Contractual Services). 3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval. ITEM 8 2025 ANIMAL CARE GRANT AWARD RECOMMENDATIONS City Council consideration of the 2025 Animal Care Grant Program funding recommendations by the Grants Committee. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Approve the 2025 Animal Care Grant Committee's funding recommendations in a total amount not to exceed $50,000, as shown in Table A. 2. Direct staff to execute Grant Agreements with the non-profit organizations approved for funding. 3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney approval. Page 8 ITEM 9 2024-25 FEDERAL OVERLAY AND SLURRY SEAL PROGRAM, PROJECT M0158 - PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT This item considers awarding a construction contract for the 2024-25 Federal Overlay and Slurry Seal Program. The annual overlay and slurry seal projects are an integral part of the City of Santa Clarita's pavement management program. Each year, streets are evaluated and identified for pavement preservation and rehabilitation treatments. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Approve the plans and specifications for the 2024-25 Federal Overlay and Slurry Seal Program, Project M0158. 2. Award a construction contract to R.C. Becker, Inc., for the 2024-25 Federal Overlay and Slurry Seal Program, Project M0158, in the amount of $402,604 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $40,260 for a total contract amount not to exceed $442,864. 3. Continue project funding for the 2022-23 Overlay and Slurry Seal Program, Project M0149, in expenditure account M0149260-516101 (Prop C Local Return) for $107,000 and 2024-25 Federal Overlay and Slurry Seal Program, Project M0158, in expenditure account M0158202-516101 (STPL Fund) for $393,000 from Fiscal Year 2024-25 to Fiscal Year 2025-26. 4. Authorize the transfer of project savings in the amount of $107,000 from the Prop C Local Return fund (Fund 260) in 2022-2023 Overlay and Slurry Seal Program, Project M0149, expenditure account M0149260-516101 to the 2024-25 Federal Overlay and Slurry Seal Program, Project M0158, expenditure account M0158260-516101. 5. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval. ITEM 10 HSIP CLASS II BUFFERED BIKE LANES, PROJECT C3022 - PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT This item considers awarding the construction contract for the HSIP Class II Buffered Bike Lanes project, Project C3022, which will enhance bicycle safety and connectivity by installing Class II buffered bike lanes along Kelly Johnson Parkway, Hercules Street, Constellation Road, and Golden Valley Road between Claremore Way and Plum Canyon Road. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Approve plans and specifications for HSIP Class II Buffered Bike Lanes, Project C3022. 2. Award a construction contract to Specialized Pavement Markings, LLC, for the HSIP Class II Buffered Bike Lanes Project in the amount of $230,470 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $23,050 for a total contract amount not to exceed $253,520. Page 9 3. Continue project funding for HSIP Class II Buffered Bike Lanes, Project C3022, from Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to Fiscal Year 2025-2026 in project expenditure accounts C3022229-516101 (Miscellaneous Federal Grants Fund) for $192,457 and C3022233-516101 (TDA Article 8) for $35,361. 4. Authorize a one-time appropriation of funds in the amount of $37,225 in Miscellaneous Federal Grants (Fund 229) to HSIP Class II Buffered Bike Lanes, Project C3022, expenditure account C3022229-516101 and increase Miscellaneous Federal Grants Fund Revenue Account 229-442409 by $37,225. 5. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval. ITEM 11 NEW14ALL PARK IMPROVEMENTS, PROJECT P2017 - DESIGN CONTRACT This item considers awarding a design contract to provide public outreach support, conceptual design services, and cost estimates for the Newhall Park Improvements Project. The improvements include the installation of a subterranean infiltration facility and additional park improvements. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Award a design contract to Pacific Coast Land Design, Inc., for the Newhall Park Improvements Project, Project P2017, in the amount of $599,553 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $59,955 for a total contract amount not to exceed $659,508. 2. Appropriate one-time funds in the amount of $730,000 from the Measure W Safe Clean Water Regional Fund (Fund 274) to the Newhall Park Improvements Project, Project P2017, expenditure account P2017274-516101. 3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval. ITEM 12 WILLIAM S. HART PARK CONTRACTS AND AGREEMENTS The purpose of this item is to approve all associated contracts and agreements with the transfer of William S. Hart Park. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society in a form approved by the City Attorney. 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with the Friends of Hart Park in a form approved by the City Attorney. Page 10 3. Authorize a contract increase in the amount of $171,846 to the City's Parks and Facilities Security Services Contract with Good Guard Security, Inc., to provide security services for the William S. Hart Park and Museum. 4. Authorize a contract increase in the amount of $54,634 to the City's Janitorial Services Contract with Servicon Systems Inc., to provide janitorial services for the William S. Hart Park and Museum. 5. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney approval. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION II No additional requests to speak were received. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Miranda commented that he was proud of the Council for respecting each other's opinions and committing to work together on difficult issues. Mayor Miranda adjourned the Regular Meeting at 9:14 p.m. ATTEST: 0 _V4, CITY CLERK PM MAYOR Page 11