HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-26 - MINUTES - REGCITY OF SA TA CLARITA
City Council
Regular Meeting
.point 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, August 26, 2025 6:00 PM City Council Chambers
INVOCATION
Councilmember Ayala 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.
FLAG SALUTE
Councilmember Ayala 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.
Councilmember McLean and Mayor Pro Tem Weste requested to pull Item 11 from Consent.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Mayor Miranda spoke of the City of Santa Clarita Public Library's One Thousand Books Before
Kindergarten early literacy program and invited participants and their parents to the dais to
receive their certificates and take a photo.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Addressing the City Council were Keith Lobert regarding youth safety on motorized e-bikes;
Douglas (no last name provided) regarding a manufactured home appeal hearing contract; and
Diane Zimmerman regarding new California state.
STAFF COMMENTS
City Manager Ken Striplin made no comments.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Councilwoman McLean commented that the State Historical Resources Committee recognized
La Puerta as a point of historical interest site, where the first recorded European land expedition
occurred; mentioned that as Chair of the San Fernando Valley Council of Governments
(SFVCOG) Transportation Committee, she addressed members of Mayor Bass' office regarding
transportation infrastructure needs during the 2028 Olympics, advocating for Metrolink Antelope
Valley Line improvements and enhanced schedule; commented on attending the first year
anniversary celebration of the Bridge to Home shelter, where a tour was provided showing many
amenities that bring dignity to those in need; mentioned Fred Gruchalla who recently passed
away; and urged all to read Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrum.
Councilmember Gibbs congratulated Captain Brandon Barclay on his new position; commented
on attending a Mass of Thanksgiving event celebrating Belinda Bresnahan's remission from
cancer; spoke of attending the annual Hart of the West event benefiting Carousel Ranch for
equine therapy; and requested to adjourn the meeting in memory of Detective Joshua Kelley -
Eklund and Chad Kampbell.
Mayor Pro Tern Weste commented on the City's partnership with the Castaic Animal Care
Center to host the Pet Adoption Day at Bridgeport Park on July 24, which showcased the City's
Library Express Youth Sports activities, achieving five dog adoptions that day, and mentioned
her work with the Animal Care Foundation; and requested to adjourn the meeting in memory of
Hank Arklin.
Councilmember Ayala thanked residents for bringing their concerns regarding an energy storage
facility to a meeting at the Canyon Country Community Center; mentioned graduating from the
LA County Sheriffs Department Academy for new City Councilmembers; commented on
participating in many of the summer events sponsored by the City; and spoke of her attendance
at the opening of a new office for Senator Valladares and non-profit events.
Mayor Miranda commented on the welcoming of the City's 40th park, William S. Hart Park,
which officially transitioned from Los Angeles County to City ownership; spoke of attending the
Triumph Foundation gala benefiting paraplegic individuals; commented on the anniversary of
Bridge to Home and spoke of the City and County's efforts to support solving homeless issues;
commented on the non-profit, Agape Village, which works with special needs adults and has a AMEM
coffee and t-shirt branding shop at the mall; congratulated Captain Barclay on his new position;
and commented on attending non-profit event featuring salsa dancing, raising funds for the Olive
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Branch Theatricals, also at the mall; and adjourned the meeting in memory of Dr. John
MacArthur.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ITEM 1
MODIFICATION TO THE HARTWELL MIXED USE PROJECT (MASTER CASE 25-089)
Public Hearing regarding a request to modify the Hartwell Mixed Use Project, previously
considered by the City Council on May 13, 2025 (Master Case 24-134), by expanding into the
adjacent property, increasing the project to 98 apartment units and 6,300 square feet of
commercial floor area on the corner of Main Street, Market Street, and Railroad Avenue.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Conduct the public hearing.
2. Determine that the project is exempt from additional review under the California
Environmental Quality Act as the project was contemplated and will comply with all
mitigation measures established under the Old Town Newhall Specific Plan Final
Environmental Impact Report.
3. Adopt a resolution approving Master Case 25-089 (Minor Use Permit 25-014 and
Development Review 25-009) for the modification of the Hartwell Mixed Use Project,
located at the corner of Main Street, Market Street, and Railroad Avenue, subject to the
attached revised Conditions of Approval (Exhibit A).
Councilmember Gibbs disclosed that he received campaign contributions in excess of $500 from
property owners that will now be included as part of the project site, recused himself from
participating on this item due to the Levine Act, and left the dais.
Mayor Pro Tern Weste also recused herself from participating in this item, consistent with her
prior recusal when this project was first considered, and left the dais.
Mayor Miranda opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Mary Cusick stated all notices required by law have been provided.
Senior Planner Erika Iverson provided the staff presentation, and Applicant Representative Jason
Tolleson provided the applicant presentation.
Addressing the City Council in support were Carl Goldman, Gene Cox, and Gerald Charbonneau
Addressing the City Council in opposition were Frank Maga; Glenda (no last name provided)
spoke on behalf of Tony Maldonado; TimBen Boydston, representing the Canyon Theater Guild;
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Barry Agin; Eduardo Arteaga, representing the Canyon Theater Guild; and Felicia Grady,
representing the Canyon Theater Guild.
One written comment card was received in opposition to the project.
The Applicant Representative rebutted public comments.
Councilwoman McLean inquired whether the 30-day period during which a project may be
amended had been restarted due to this modification, and City Attorney Joseph Montes
responded. Councilwoman McLean inquired if parking issues could be addressed by the
applicant and inquired about the total amount of in -lieu fees paid regarding parking, and Ms.
Iverson responded that the total is $88,000 to be used for parking at a later date. Councilwoman
McLean expressed concern regarding Mr. Maga's letter to the City and potential lawsuit, and Mr.
Montes responded regarding the 30-day period and Assembly Bill (AB) 2097 parking standards.
Councilmember Ayala requested additional information on guest parking, and Mr. Tolleson
responded. Councilmember Ayala also spoke of the City's mitigation efforts to address parking
spaces, the planned parking structure nearby, and addressed rumors regarding a lack of
transparency, monetary exchanges, and the impact fee.
Mayor Miranda spoke of recusals, the sale price of the property, and mitigation issues, and Mr. doom
Tolleson responded to his concerns. Mayor Miranda also addressed the rumors surrounding this
project.
Councilwoman McLean raised her concerns for small businesses that may be impacted by the
project and inquired if the project could move forward if she did not vote yes on the project. Mr.
Montes responded that there could be potential lawsuits against the City. Councilwoman
McLean stated she would vote yes under protest.
Mayor Miranda closed the public comment portion of the public hearing.
Adopted Resolution No. 25-47
RESULT: APPROVED [3 TO 01
MOVER: Patsy Ayala, Councilmember
SECONDER: Bill Miranda, Mayor
AYES: Patsy Ayala, Bill Miranda, Marsha McLean
RECUSED: Jason Gibbs, Laurene Weste
The City Council recessed the meeting at 8:20 p.m. and reconvened at 8:33 p.m.
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ITEM 2
THE MASTER'S UNIVERSITY AND SEMINARY TAX EQUITY AND FISCAL
RESPONSIBILITY ACT (TEFRA) HEARING
Consideration of a Tax Equity and Fiscal Responsibility Act resolution approving the proposed
financing by The Master's University and Seminary through the issuance of $65 million in tax-
exempt bonds by the California Municipal Finance Authority.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council conduct a public hearing and adopt a Tax Equity and Financial Responsibility Act
resolution approving the issuance of tax-exempt obligations by the California Municipal Finance
Authority in an aggregate amount not to exceed $65 million.
Councilmember Gibbs returned to the dais, and Mr. Montes stated that Mayor Pro Tern Weste
recused herself from participating in this item due to the proximity of her property to the project.
Mayor Miranda opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Mary Cusick stated all notices required by law have been provided.
Assistant to the City Manager Michael Villegas provided the staff presentation.
Addressing the City Council in support was Wendy Kane.
Addressing the City Council in opposition were Sandra Cattell; Linda Townsley, representing
Placerita Canyon Property Owners Association (PCPOA); Tracey Bruckner; Teresa Todd;
representing PCPOA; Joe Morelli; and Brian Walters.
Seven written comment cards were received: six were in opposition to the item and one was in
support.
Mayor Miranda closed the public comment portion of the public hearing.
Councilmember Gibbs inquired if there was a mechanism to monitor how the bond funds are
spent, and Mr. Villegas responded that the California Municipal Finance Authority (CMFA) is
responsible for monitoring the bond proceeds. City Manager Ken Striplin further clarified that
the City would not have a means to monitor or enforce how the bonds were spent.
Councilmember Gibbs inquired what would happen if the City did not approve the bonds, and
Mr. Montes responded that under the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) code, the university may
also go to the state for approval of the bonds.
Councilmember Ayala inquired of the representative regarding the university's communication
with residents, and John Russell, Director of Finance, responded that he was prepared to answer
questions on the financing, not communications. Councilmember Ayala commented on her
disappointment with the lack of communication.
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Councilwoman McLean commented on issues with perception and impact to the community,
further commented that she would like to see the university's new master plan before any
approvals to facilitate this bond.
Councilmember Gibbs sought clarification on whether there would be restrictions on the use of
funds through the current specific plan, and Mr. Striplin responded that on -campus
improvements would need to follow the master plan, and off -campus purchases or improvements
would not have restrictions. Mr. Villegas clarified that $13 million would be subject to the
currently approved master plan.
Councilwoman McLean voiced her concerns about Airbnbs.
Councilmember Gibbs commented on his concerns about the university's purchase of single-
family homes and would like to see the university work with PCPOA on their concerns.
The motion was defeated.
RESULT:
DEFEATED [2 TO 21
MOVER:
Jason Gibbs, Councilmember
SECONDER:
Bill Miranda, Mayor
AYES:
Bill Miranda, Jason Gibbs
NAYS:
Patsy Ayala, Marsha McLean
RECUSED:
Laurene Weste
Mayor Pro Tern Weste returned to the dais.
UNFINISHED BUSINESS
ITEM 3
UNSCHEDULED VACANCY ON THE PLANNING COMMISSION
City Council consider an appointment to fill an unscheduled vacancy on the Planning
Commission.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
l . Approve Mayor Pro Tern Weste's nomination to fill one unexpired term of office on the
Planning Commission.
2. Instruct the City Clerk to update the Local Appointments List and post a copy at all branches
of the Santa Clarita Public Library and on the City of Santa Clarita's website.
Mayor Pro Tern Weste commented on meeting with the candidates and then nominated Daniel
Faina.
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Addressing the Council on this item was Glenda (no last name provided), speaking on behalf of
Tony Maldonado.
On roll call vote, Council approved the nomination.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Laurene Weste, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Jason Gibbs, Councilmember
AYES: Ayala, Miranda, Gibbs, McLean, Weste
CONSENT CALENDAR
All items on consent were approved with the exception of Item 11, which was pulled from
Consent Calendar.
RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER: Laurene Weste, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER: Patsy Ayala, Councilmember
AYES: Ayala, Miranda, Gibbs, McLean, Weste
ITEM 4
APPROVAL OF SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES — The minutes are submitted for approval
RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the July 8, 2025, Special
Meeting.
ITEM 5
APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES — The minutes are submitted for approval.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the July 8, 2025, Regular
Meeting.
ITEM 6
CHECK REGISTER NOS. 15, 16, AND 17
Check Register No. 15 for the Period 06/13/25 through 06/26/25 and 07/03/25. Electronic Funds
Transfers for the Period of 06/ 16/25 through 06/27/25. Check Register No. 16 for the Period
06/27/25 through 07/10/25 and 07/17/25. Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period of 06/30/25
through 07/11/25. Check Register No. 17 for the Period 07/11/25 through 07/24/25 and 07/31/25.
Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period of 07/14/25 through 07/25/25.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council approve and ratify for payment the demands presented in Check Register Nos. 15,
16, and 17.
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ITEM 7
MEDITATION GARDEN, PROJECT P4032 - PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND
CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
This item considers awarding a construction contract for the Meditation Garden, Project P4032,
which will create a tranquil outdoor space for meditation, reflection, and relaxation at Duane R.
Harte Park.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Approve plans and specifications for Meditation Garden, Project P4032.
2. Award a construction contract to Estate Design and Construction for the Meditation Garden
Project in the amount of $195,800, and authorize a contingency in the amount of $19,580 for
a total contract amount not to exceed $215,3 80.
3. Authorize a one-time appropriation of funds in the amount of $215,380 in General Fund -
Capital (Fund 601) to Meditation Garden, Project P4032, expenditure account P4032601-
516101.
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents,
subject to City Attorney approval.
ITEM 8
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH JACOB GREEN AND ASSOCIATES TO
UPDATE THE LOCAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN
This item considers the award of a professional services agreement to update the Local Hazard
Mitigation Plan, which outlines a municipality's long-term strategy to reduce or eliminate risk to
human life, property, and infrastructure from future natural or human -caused disasters. To ensure
the plan is relevant and effective, the Federal Emergency Management Agency requires the plan
to be updated every five years. The City of Santa Clarita's plan is due to expire in November
2026.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Award a contract to Jacob Green and Associates to update the Local Hazard Mitigation
Plan for a total contract amount not to exceed $84,900.
2. Appropriate one-time funds in the amount of $84,900 from the General Fund (Fund 100) to
Expenditure Account 1001105-516102 and increase the General Fund (Fund 100) FEMA
Grant Revenue Account 100-445101 by $63,675.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents,
subject to City Attorney approval.
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ITEM 9
LAST AND FINAL RECOGNIZED OBLIGATION PAYMENT SCHEDULE FOR
SUBMITTAL TO THE DEPARTMENT OF FINANCE
This item considers adoption of a resolution approving the Last and Final Recognized Obligation
Payment Schedule. Pursuant to California Health and Safety Code section 34191.6 (a) (1)(2)(3),
successor agencies may submit a Last and Final Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule
(ROPS), and the successor agency has met the conditions for the Last and Final ROPS.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council acting as the Successor Agency to the former Redevelopment Agency adopt a
resolution approving the Last and Final Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule from Fiscal
Year 2026-27 through Fiscal Year 2042-43 for submittal to the Department of Finance.
Adopted Resolution No. SA 25-2
ITEM 10
RESOLUTION FOR SUMMARY VACATION OF LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE
EASEMENT ON KYRA COURT
This item considers summary vacation of a landscape maintenance easement at 21603 Kyra
Court and 21602 Kyra Court.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution for the summary vacation of the landscape maintenance easement at
21603 Kyra Court and 21602 Kyra Court, as described in the attached Legal Description
Exhibits.
2. Direct the City Clerk to record the certified original resolution in the County of Los Angeles
Registrar -Recorder's office.
Adopted Resolution No. 25-48
ITEM 11 WAS MOVED TO ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
ITEM 12
PURCHASE OF CITY REPLACEMENT VEHICLES
This item considers awarding contracts for the purchase of a bucket truck, a vactor truck, and
two pickup trucks.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Approve the "piggyback" purchase of a new Altec AT37G bucket truck, using Sourcewell
cooperative purchasing contract # 110421-ALT in an amount not to exceed $243,045 .
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2. Approve the "piggyback" purchase of anew Freightliner 114SD vactor truck, using
Sourcewell cooperative purchasing contract # 101221-VTR in an amount not to exceed
$704,765.
3. Award the purchase of two new pickup trucks from Peoria Ford, in an amount not to exceed
$1301229.
4. Appropriate one-time funds in the amount of $55,229 from the Vehicle Replacement Fund
(Fund 722) to the Automotive Equipment Expenditure Account (7222103-520103).
5. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents,
subject to City Attorney approval.
ITEM 13
CONTRACT AMENDMENT WITH HTEC FOR BUS HYDROGEN REFUELING STATION
CONSULTING AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT SERVICES
This item considers amending the existing contract with HTEC to provide for Bus Hydrogen
Refueling Station Consulting and Project Management services.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Extend the existing contract with Hydrogen Technology & Energy Corporation (HTEC) for
Bus Hydrogen Refueling Station Consulting and Project Management services to March 31,
2026 and authorize an increased expenditure authority in the amount of $74,655, plus a 10-
percent contingency of $7,465, for a total increase of $82,120 and a revised contract not to
exceed $482,410.
2. Appropriate one-time funds in the amount of $82,120 to expenditure account 7003702-
516101, and increase Miscellaneous Federal Grants Revenue account 700-442409 by
$82,120.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, or
modify the award in the event issues of impossibility of performance arise, subject to City
Attorney approval.
ITEM 14
CONTRACT FOR CITYWIDE JANITORIAL SERVICES
This item considers an increase in expenditure authority for the existing janitorial services
contract with Servicon Systems, Inc., to support maintenance and custodial services at
designated City facilities.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Authorize an expenditure authority increase for janitorial services for new parks and facilities
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with Servicon Systems Inc., in the amount of $147,043 for a revised total contract amount
not to exceed $2,083,822.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute up to one additional, one-year renewal
option beginning in Fiscal Year 2026-27, not to exceed the base annual contract amount of
$2,083,822, and any adjustment in compensation consistent with the appropriate Consumer
Price Index.
3. Appropriate an ongoing expenditure of $52,600 for cost increases related to the Consumer
Price Index from the General Fund (Fund 100), Citrus Facility Fund (Fund 130), Public
Library Fund (Fund 309), Golden Valley Ranch Open Space Maintenance District (Fund
350), Areawide Fund (Fund 367), Cooper Street Fund (Fund 369), and Transit Fund (Fund
700) per Attachment A, to support Citywide janitorial services with Servicon Systems, Inc.
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents
subject to City Attorney approval.
ITEM 15
PURCHASE OF BIG BELLY TRASH AND RECYCLING SOLAR COMPACTOR UNITS
This item considers approval of the purchase of ten Big Belly Solar Trash and Recycling Units
for placement at City parks to continue standardizing the collection of recyclables and waste.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Approve the purchase, through Waxie Sanitary Supply, of ten Big Belly Solar Trash and
Recycling Units, using the appropriated budget from the Construction and Demolition
Forfeiture funds and the City/County Beverage Container Payment Program grant from
CalRecycle in the amount not to exceed $115,687.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents subject to City Attorney
approval.
ITEMS PULLED FROM CONSENT CALENDAR
ITEM 11
SUMMARY VACATION OF PORTIONS OF THE PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY KNOWN AS
PLACERITA CANYON ROAD AND ACCEPTANCE OF EASEMENT FOR TRAIL
PURPOSES LOCATED NEAR SIERRA HIGHWAY
This item considers a summary vacation of portions of the public right-of-way known as
Placerita Canyon Road and acceptance of an easement for public use and trail purposes located
near Sierra Highway.
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RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Adopt a resolution for the summary vacation of portions of the public right-of-way known as
Placerita Canyon Road, as described in Exhibit "A" Legal Description, and as shown on
Exhibit "B" Exhibit Map of the attached resolution.
2. Reserve easements for public utility purposes as specified in the attached resolution, as
described in Exhibit "C" Legal Description, and as shown on Exhibit "D" Exhibit Map of the
attached resolution.
3. Authorize the City Manager, or designee to accept the dedication and grant of easement for
public use and trail purposes as shown on the attached Location Map.
4. Direct the City Clerk to record the certified original resolution in the Los Angeles County
Registrar -Recorder's office.
5. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney
approval.
Addressing the Council on this item were Lynne Plambeck, representing the Santa Clarita
Organization for Planning and the Environment; Linda Townsley, representing PCPOA; Teresa
Todd, representing PCPOA; and Anthony Mathews, representing the property owners.
Mayor Pro Tern Weste commented that the easement area is part of a critical wildlife corridor,
the property is subject to flooding, and the need to protect wildlife and the creek.
Councilwoman McLean spoke of her concerns regarding not knowing the planned development
and it is premature to give up an easement without knowing the future plans.
Council discussed options on protecting the corridor, and staff responded to questions of the
Council.
Motion by Councilwoman McLean, second by Mayor Pro Tem Weste to return the item with
updated language on area -use restrictions, with no action on the item at this time.
RESULT: NO ACTION TAKEN
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION II
There were no additional requests to speak received.
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ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Miranda adjourned the Regular Meeting in memory of Hank Arklin, Chad Kampbell,
Joshua Kelley -Eklund, and John MacArthur at 9:45 p.m.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
MAYOR
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