HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-03-10 - MINUTES - REGCITY OF CLARITA
Cityty Council
Regular Meeting
Joint Meeting with
Board of Library Trustees
Hereinafter the titles Mayor, Mayor Pro Ter, Councilmember, City Manager, City Attorney, and City
Clerk may be used also to indicate Mayor/Chair/President, Mayor Pro Ter/Vice-Chair/Vice President,
City Manager/Executive Director, Cary Attorney/Counsel, and City Clerk/Secretary
—Minutes—
Tuesday, March 10,2026
6:00 PM
INVOCATION
Councilwoman McLean delivered the invocation.
City Council Chambers
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Weste called to order the Joint Regular Meeting of the City Council and Board of Library
Trustees at 6:05 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.
Councilmember Gibbs pulled Item 9 for comment and later decided not to speak.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
Mayor Weste discussed her admiration for the Santa Clarita Lady Flyers and their remarkable
victory in the twelve and under Western Girls Hockey League Championship following a tragic
accident in Colorado, and invited the team to the dais for a photograph and to receive their
recognition.
PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Weste welcomed President and CEO Ondre Seltzer from the Santa Clarity Valley n
Economic Development Corporation to the podium to present the organization's annual update 1
and goals for 2026.
Councilmembers inquired and Mr. Selzer answered questions regarding attracting businesses, job
seekers, Artificial Intelligence (AI), the labor force, competition within the state, and future
trends, including human oversight of Al.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Addressing the Council were Douglas (no last name) regarding small claims court; David
Lumess regarding driver etiquette and red light safety; Carol Lumess regarding demographics,
ICE protests, and positive experience with the Sheriffs Department; John Meshriky regarding
the Bouquet Canyon Road realignment project; Michael Hansel regarding pickleball and 911
calls; Josh Wente, representing Mission Opera, regarding Council grant fund awards and event
offerings; and Israel Tovar, representing Santa Clarita Valley Defensa, regarding Immigration
and Customs Enforcement raids and positive comments for the Sheriffs Department.
STAFF COMMENTS
City Manager Ken Striplin stated that Small Claims Court is a function of the County Superior
Court, red light fines are determined at the state level, staff will reach out to the business owners
affected by the Bouquet Canyon Road closure, and private pickleball coaching is not allowed on
public courts.
Mayor Weste thanked staff for monitoring the Bouqet Canyon closure. Councilwoman McLean
thanked Mr. Striplin for directing staff to reach out to business owners. Mayor Pro Tem Ayala
asked and Mr. Striplin answered that the City is not informed beforehand or reported to after any
ICE activity in the City. Mayor Pro Tem Ayala spoke of her immigration journey and invited the
Hispanic community to reach out to her.
COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS
Councilmember Miranda commented on the delivery of the City's first hydrogen buses and on
attending the dedication of La Puerta as a California Point of Historical Interest.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayala reported on the successful inspection of the lithium battery facility; and
spoke of attending several events over the last two weeks, including the Valley Industry
Association's network mixer; spoke of returning from Sacramento with a delegation that
advocated for better housing, local control, and water resources.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayala closed by requesting to adjourn in memory of Don Kuehl.
Councilwoman McLean shared a scholarship opportunity for high school or community college
students through the Southern California Association of Governments. Councilwoman McLean
commented on the dedication of La Puerta as a California Point of Historical Interest and the n
work of the Santa Clarita Valley Canyons Preservation Committee. Councilwoman McLean
commented on attending the first event for One Story One City, encouraged everyone to read
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The Music Shop, and spoke on attending the Santa Clarita Historical Society's 50th anniversary
OR event.
Councihnember Gibbs commented on attending the dedication of La Puerta and congratulated
those who worked towards that effort. Councilmember Gibbs shared his congratulations to the
nominees for the Santa Clarita Man and Woman of the Year for 2026, thanked City staff and
Captain Barclay for the quarterly public meeting he attended with Councilmember Miranda, and
commented on attending the Historical Society event.
Mayor Weste announced the 30th Anniversary Cowboy Festival on April 18 and 19, at the City's
own Hart Park; commented on the 50th Anniversary of the Historical Society; commented on
attending Santa Clarita Master Chorale Symphony at the Performing Arts Center; commented on
touring the Sanitation District 32 water filtration process, and commented on attending the
Aspire Fiber ribbon cutting at the Canyon County Fanners Market.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
ITEM 1
DRAINAGE BENEFIT ASSESSMENT AREA 2025-1 (SAND CANYON PLAZA) TRACTS
53074 AND 53074-01
Pursuant to the conditions of approval for the Sand Canyon Plaza project, the property owner
shall establish a Drainage Benefit Assessment Area to ensure the continued maintenance of any
drainage improvements that are not eligible for transfer to the Los Angeles County Flood Control
District.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing and open and review ballots.
2. If no majority protest exists, adopt resolutions approving the Engineer's Report for Drainage
Benefit Assessment Area (DBAA) 2025-1, and authorize the annual levy and collection of
the assessments within DBAA 2025-1, beginning Fiscal Year 2026-27. If a majority protest
exists, no action will be required.
Mayor Weste opened the Public Hearing.
Deputy City Clerk Angelica Aguirre reported all notices required by law have been provided.
Environmental Services Manager Darin Seegmiller provided the staff report.
No requests to speak were received.
Mayor Weste closed the public comment period.
Environmental Services Manager Darin Seegmiller adjourned to the Carl Boyer Room to
tabulate the ballots in an open setting.
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Council proceeded with the meeting while the ballots were tabulated.
Council returned to this item after hearing Item 2. n
Deputy City Clerk Angelica Aguirre announced that 100 percent of the ballots are in favor of the
Drainage Benefit Assessment Area and zero percent are opposed. Therefore, there was no
majority protest.
Adopted Resolution Nos. 26-9 and 26-10
RESULT:
ADOPTED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER:
Bill Miranda, Councilmember
SECONDER:
Marsha McLean, Councilmember
AYES:
Weste, Ayala, Gibbs, McLean, Miranda
ITEM 2
AMENDMENTS TO OAK TREE REGULATIONS
Public Hearing regarding proposed amendments to the City of Santa Clarita's Oak Tree
Regulations establishing a ministerial Class I oak tree permit for certain single-family residential
properties, and to update related oak tree definitions Citywide.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Conduct the public hearing.
Determine that the Ordinance is exempt from further environmental review pursuant to the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) under CEQA Guidelines Sections 15301,
15303, 15304(e), 15305, and 153I t (categorical exemptions), and Section 15061(b)(3)
(common-sense exemption).
2. Introduce an ordinance entitled: "AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA, CALIFORNIA, ADDING A NEW § 17.22.100 TO THE
SANTA CLARITA MUNICIPAL CODE DESIGNATING CERTAIN OAK TREE
PERMITS AS MINISTERIAL AND AMENDING § 17.51.040 AS TO DEFINITIONS AND
TO RECONCILE THE OAK TREE PERMITS REGULATIONS WITH MINISTERIAL
PERMITTING," and pass to a second reading.
Mayor Weste opened the Public Hearing.
Deputy City Clerk Angelica Aguirre reported all notices required by law have been provided.
Urban Forestry Administrator Valerie Ferchaw provided the staff report.
City Attorney Joseph Moores stated that the draft ordinance, when printed, removed lettering
regarding codification formatting and that clarifying language would be included in the second n
reading of the draft ordinance to assist with future codification. Mayor Weste asked, and City I '
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Attorney Monies confirmed that the missing characters do not change the substance of the
r� ordinance.
Addressing the Council in opposition were Gary and Jeff Kodel; David Rodgers; Kathye
Armitage; Lynne Planbeck; Cher Gilmore; Jabari Floyd; and Christopher Robles.
Addressing the Council in support was Atina Martines.
Two written comment cards were received: one neutral and one in support.
Mayor Weste closed the public comment period.
Council commented on having a balanced approach to saving trees and public safety, the historic
significance of oak trees, and the risks of unhealthy trees.
Councilwoman McLean requested that staff provide a chart showing the difference between the
current ordinance and the ordinance being brought to Council and stated she did not have enough
information to make a decision tonight. Councilmember Gibbs asked and City Attorney Montes,
answered that current qualifying structures can be separated from future qualifying structures
according to the effective date of the ordinance, if amended. Council discussed mitigation fees
and requested all funds received be used for tree propagation.
Mayor Pro Tem Ayala made a motion to approve the recommended action, with modifications
limiting qualified structures to those existing m of the ordinance's effective date and limiting
mitigation funds to supporting oak tree propagation.
RESULT:
APPROVED AS AMENDED 14 TO 11
MOVER:
Patsy Ayala, Mayor Pro Tem
SECONDER:
Jason Gibbs, Councilmember
AYES:
Lauren Weste, Patsy Ayala, Jason Gibbs, Bill Miranda
NAYS:
Marsha McLean
CONSENT CALENDAR
RESULT:
APPROVED [UNANIMOUS]
MOVER:
Bill Miranda, Councilmember
SECONDER:
Jason Gibbs, Councilmember
AYES:
Weste, Ayala, Gibbs, McLean, Miranda
ITEM 3
APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES — The minutes are submitted for approval.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the February 24, 2026,
Regular Meeting
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ITEM 4
CHECK REGISTER NO. 05 n
Check Register No. 05 for Period 01/23/26 through 02/05/26 and 02/12/26. Electronic Funds I I
Transfers for the Period O1/26/26 through 02/06/26.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council approve and ratify for payment the demands presented in Check Register No. 05.
ITEM 5
JUVENILE INTERVENTION SPECIALIST CONTRACT
Consideration of an adjustment to the Juvenile Intervention Specialist contract.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council approve an adjustment to the Juvenile Intervention Specialist contract for an annual
contract amount not to exceed $63,000 for Fiscal Year 2025-26, with Consumer Price Index
(CPI) adjustments beginning in Fiscal Year 2026-27, contingent upon the appropriation of funds
by the City Council through the annual budget process.
Mayor Pro Tern Ayala commented her appreciation for the help this position provides.
NETWORK HARDWARE REPLACEMENT CONTRACT
This item seeks contract award to replace critical network equipment before their end -of -support
date is reached. The equipment being replaced safeguards the City's network and allows staff to
provide essential services to the public. This item makes a recommendation to award a contract
for the replacement of the City's network frewalls and associated professional services to install,
configure, and protect the City from cyber attacks while enhancing the performance and
capabilities of the City's network.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Approve the cooperative purchase of network hardware and firewalls with related
professional services, support, and maintenance, from Lanai Group, LLC, utilizing OMNIA
Partners contract #01-154, for a total contract amount not to exceed $185,252.
2. Appropriate one -titre funding from the Technology Replacement Fund (Fund 720) in the
amounts of $169,781 to Information Resources/Compmer Replacement expenditure account
7202203-520102 and $15,471 to expenditure account 7202203-516102.
3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents,
subject to City Attorney approval.
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ITEM 7
..� CONTRACT FOR THE REPLACEMENT AND INSTALLATION OF THE NETWORK
LIGHTING CONTROL SYSTEM AT THE MCBEAN REGIONAL TRANSIT CENTER
This agenda item considers the award for the replacement and installation of the network lighting
control system at the McBean Regional Transit Center to Lighting Technology Services, Inc. dba
LTS Property Services.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Award a contract to Lighting Technology Services, Inc. dba LTS Property Services, for the
purchase and installation of a network lighting control system at the McBean Regional
Transit Center in the amount of $150, 178, and authorize a contingency in the amount of
$15,018, for a total contract amount not to exceed $165,196.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents
and modify the award in the event that issues of impossibility of performance arise, subject to
City Attorney approval.
CONTRACT FOR INSTALLING ONBOARD INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION
SYSTEMS ON SEVEN NEW TRANSIT BUSES
City Council consideration of the purchase, installation, and configuration of the onboard
Intelligent Transportation System on seven New Flyer Hydrogen Fuel Cell transit buses.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Award a contract to Connexion Limited for Intelligent Transportation System (ITS)
hardware, including the installation, configuration, furnishing, and commissioning of the ITS
system on seven New Flyer Hydrogen Fuel Cell transit buses, for a total amount not to
exceed $74,067.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents,
subject to City Attorney approval.
LICENSE AGREEMENT WITH ASPIRE BROADBAND HOLDINGS INC.
License agreement with Aspire Broadband Holdings for utilizing City -owned property for the
purpose of a construction staging area.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Approve a two-year License Agreement with Aspire Broadband Holdings Inc. for a
construction staging area on City -owned property, Assessor's Parcel Number 2811-002-901,
with the option of three one-year renewals, generating $1,000 in monthly revenue, for a total
"^ of $12,000 annually.
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2. Authorize City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents,
subject to City Attorney approval.
ITEM 10
DBAA 24 WELL REDEVELOPMENTS, PROJECT M4015 - PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS,
AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT
This item considers awarding a construction contract for the DBAA 24 Well Redevelopments
project. The improvements include redeveloping 10 monitoring wells for Drainage Benefit
Assessment Area 24.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the DBAA 24 Well Redevelopments, Project
M4015.
2. Find the DBAA 24 Well Redevelopments project exempt from review under the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Title 14 of the California
Code of Regulations Article 19, Sections 15301 and I5302.
3. Award the construction contract to ABC Liovin Drilling, Inc., in the amount of
$371,250 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $37,125, for a total contract
amount not to exceed $408,375.
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated
documents, subject to City Attorney approval.
ITEM 11
PURCHASE OF NEW F-350 TRUCK FOR PARKS PLANNING AND OPEN SPACE
This item considers approving the purchase of one 2025 Ford F-350 one -ton service truck to
support Parks Planning and Open Space operations.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
City Council:
1. Approve the purchase of one 2025 Ford F-350 one -ton 4x4 regular cab service body truck
from One Nation Distribution, LLC, for a total amount not to exceed $74,989.
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents,
and modify the award in the event of vendor withdrawal or non-performance, subject to City
Attorney approval.
n
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PUBLIC PARTICIPATION II
r� No additional requests to speak were received.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Weste adjourned the Regular Meeting in memory of Donald "Don' Kuehl at 8:41 p.m.
ATTEST:
CITY CLERK
PM1
MAYOR
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