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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-07-14 - MINUTES - REGr_i CITY OF City Council 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 Tem/Vice-Chair/Vice President, City Manager/Executive Director, City Attorney/Counsel, and City Clerk/Secretary —Minutes— Tuesday, July 14, 2026 6:00 PM City Council Chambers INVOCATION Councilmember Miranda delivered the invocation. CALL TO ORDER Mayor Weste called to order the Joint Regular Meeting of the City Council and Board of Library Trustees at 6:20 p.m. ROLL CALL All Councilmembers were present. FLAG SALUTE Golden Valley High School Junior ROTC provided a Presentation of Colors and 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 Ayala recognized the Golden Valley High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps Unit CA-20063 for earning a perfect score on its annual unit assessment and the highest possible rating of "Exceeds Standards." Mayor Pro Tem congratulated cadets from Golden Valley, Hart, and Canyon High Schools, along with instructors Lieutenant Colonel Juan Ghemrdy and Master Sergeant Winston Cagadas, on their achievement; and invited them to the dais to receive the recognition and take a photo. Golden Valley High School Air Force Junior ROTC Recognition PUBLIC PARTICIPATION n Addressing the Council were Ralph Steger, regarding fireworks; Len Unckless, regarding fireworks and housing concerns; Frank Smathers, regarding Santa Clarita Elementary School; Dietra Clayton, regarding Bridge to Home; and Kim Rice Augdin, regarding Santa Clarita Elementary School and school capacity. STAFF COMMENTS City Manager Ken Striplin responded to comments regarding the Santa Clarita Elementary School property, stating that the City does not own or operate schools and that the City is in discussions with the Saugus Union School District regarding the potential acquisition of the site. He noted that updates will be provided as discussions progress. City Manager Ken Striplin responded to comments regarding fireworks, noting that illegal fireworks we an ongoing Fourth of July issue addressed through education and enforcement, and welcomed additional ideas from the public. COMMITTEE REPORTS/COUNCILMEMBER COMMENTS Councilwoman McLean commented on attending the Soroptimist International of Greater Santa Clarita Valley Board Installation, the Southern California Association of Governments Transportation Policy Committee meeting, and a meeting of the Regional Council, where commuter benefits were discussed. She reflected on the Fourth of July Parade, commended staff for a safe and successful event; commented on a recent meeting of the North County ^ Transportation Coalition; and highlighted the Public Library's summer reading program, "Unearth a Story." Councilmember Gibbs commented on the successful Fourth of July Parade, commended staff, and highlighted the City's Animal Cue Grant Program. Mayor Pro Tern Ayala commented on Fire Safety Day at Towsley Canyon, thanked the Los Angeles County Fire Department and event participants, thanked Commissioner Nathan Keith and Commissioner Hugo Cherre for attending the Fourth of July parade on her behalf. Mayor Pro Tem Ayala highlighted Concerts in the Park and Make A Difference Day, and requested that staff analyze the use of drones for future Fourth of July celebrations. Councilmember Miranda commented on the unveiling of the new Rink Sports Pavilion logo during the Fourth of July Parade and noted the facility retrains on track for an October opening. Mayor Weste commented on the success of the Fourth of July Parade, thanked staff and volunteers, and recognized the Outlaw Jeep Ladies of Southern California for receiving the Best Decorated award, Freedom's Way Baptist Church for receiving the Best Theme award, and the Daughters of the American Revolution for receiving the Grand Sweepstakes award. She highlighted Fire Safety Day, congratulated Matthew Stone on his retirement from the Santa Clarita Valley Water Agency, commented on attending the Old Road Improvement Project groundbreaking with Supervisor Kathryn Barger, including the upcoming trail system expansion. Mayor Weste announced adjournments in memory of Veronica Lebecki and Jack C. Stewart, and Page 2 discussed ongoing efforts to support businesses affected by the Bouquet Canyon Road closure, including collaboration with the Santa Clarita Valley Chamber of Commerce. PUBLIC HEARINGS ITEM 1 ANNEXATION TO AND MODIFICATION OF CFD NO.2020-1 (COOPER STREET PARKING STRUCTURE) AND TRANSFER OF PARKING STRUCTURE OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE TO THE CITY City Council conduct a public hearing, adopt a resolution, declare election results, and approve agreements related to the proposed annexation and modifications to the City of Santa Clarity Community Facilities District No. 2020-1 (Cooper Street Parking Structure), which would transfer parking structure operations and maintenance to the City. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: Conduct a public hearing on the proposed annexation and modifications to the City of Santa Clarita Community Facilities District No. 2020-1 (Cooper Street Parking Structure) (the "Maintenance CFD'), including the annexation of certain parcels, the removal of the existing parcel and modifications to the rate and method of apportionment. Adopt a resolution determining the validity of prior proceedings relating to the annexation of property into the Maintenance CFD, and considering certain modifications to the Maintenance .. CFD and calling a special election. Open and review ballots, and declare results. If the proposition passes with a two-thirds vote: (a) adopt a resolution canvassing the results of the election held; and (b) adopt a resolution approving certain modifications, annexing property authorizing the levy of a special tax within the Maintenance CFD, and approving certain agreements relating to the transfer of the operation and maintenance of the Cooper Street Puking Structure to the City. City Council approve and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute a Termination of Parking Management Services Agreement and Settlement Agreement, Amendment and Restatement to Parking Spaces Easement Agreement, and Termination of Easement Agreement for Solar Facilities and Community Identification Signage, associated with the annexation and modification of the Maintenance CFD, subject to City Attorney review. Mayor Weste opened the Public Hearing. Deputy City Clerk Angelica Aguirre reported all notices required by law have been provided. Page 3 Finance Manager Brittany Houston provided the staff report. No in person or remote requests to speak were received. Mayor Weste closed the public comment period. Councilwoman McLean made a motion to adopt the resolution determining the validity of the prior proceedings relating to the annexation of property into the Cooper Street CFD. Adopted Resolution No. 26-39 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Marsha McLean, Councilwoman SECONDER: Jason Gibbs, Councilmember AYES: Weste, Ayala, Gibbs, McLean, Miranda City Council proceeded to Agenda Item 2 while the ballots were tabulated in the Carl Boyer Room and continued with this item once Agenda Item 2 was concluded and the ballots were tabulated. Deputy City Clerk Angelica Aguirre announced that 100 percent of the ballots we in favor and 0 percent are opposed. Therefore, there is no majority protest. Mayor Pro Tern Ayala made a motion to adopt the remaining resolutions and approve the n agreements relating to the transfer of the operation and maintenance of the Cooper Street parking structure to the City. Adopted Resolution Nos. 2640, and 2641 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Patsy Ayala, Mayor Pro Tern SECONDER: Marsha McLean, Councilwoman AYES: Weste, Ayala, Gibbs, McLean, Miranda ADJUST CONSOLIDATED FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT DEVELOPER FEES Public Hearing regarding the Consolidated Fire Protection District developer fees pay for the cost of fire stations, related fire protection improvements, and fire apparatuses. The resolution would adjust developer fees by $0.0891 per square foot for fire protection facilities in keeping with the latest Los Angeles County Development Fee Schedule adopted by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and required under the Developer Fee Detailed Fire Station Plan. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: n Page 4 1. Conduct a public hearing. ^ 2. Adopt a resolution to adjust the Consolidated Fire Protection District developer fee from $1.6710 per square foot to $1.7601 per square foot in accordance with the Developer Fee Agreement between the City of Santa Clarita and the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County. Mayor Weste opened the Public Hearing. Deputy City Clerk Angelica Aguirre reported all notices required by law have been provided. Assistant Fire Chief Patrick Sprengel provided the staff report. No in person or remote requests to speak were received. Mayor Weste closed the public comment period. Mayor Pro Tern Ayala asked questions regarding the development impact fee, including whether it is a General Fund revenue source and how much funding has been collected and used locally. City Manager Ken Striplin clarified that the fee is collected through developer projects and is used to fund infrastructure improvements. Adopted Resolution No. 26-42 7 RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jason Gibbs, Councilmember SECONDER: Patsy Ayala, Mayor Pro Tem AYES: Weste, Ayala, Gibbs, McLean, Miranda UNFINISHED BUSINESS ITEM 3 ARTS MASTER PLAN 2035: VISION AND ACTION City Council review and consider adoption of the Arts Master Plan 2035: Vision and Action. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council receive report and adopt the Arts Master Plan 2035: Vision and Action. Interim Assistant to the City Manager Tracy Sullivan provided the staff report. Addressing the Council were Alan Reinstein, Robert Dunlap, TimBen Boydston, J.R. Hills, David Stems, Jeremy (last name not provided), and Tim Hart. City Manager Ken Striplin thanked the Arts Commission for its work in revising the Arts Master ..� Plan and stated that Olive Branch Theatricals would be added as a community arts asset. Page 5 Councilmember Gibbs requested clarification regarding revisions to the plan and the inclusion of coffee houses as arts venues. Ms. Sullivan explained the revisions and the role of coffee houses as potential arts and cultural venues. Councilmember Miranda commented on the importance of arts organizations, performance venues, rehearsal spaces, and cultural opportunities in fostering a strong community. Mayor Pro Tern Ayala inquired about the first -year implementation priorities and whether future funding requests would return to the City Council. Tracy Sullivan stated that implementation priorities would be presented at a future study session, and City Manager Ken Striplin explained that funding requests would be considered through the annual budget process. Mayor Pro Tern Ayala commented that arts and culture are an important community investment. Mayor Weste asked whether grant funding had been adjusted to account for inflation and increased material costs. Councilwoman McLean commented on the value of the Arts Commission and arts programs and requested an amendment to the plan to include language ensuring future venues are compatible with surrounding neighborhoods. Councilwoman McLean made a motion to approve the Arts Master Plan 2035 as amended above and Councilmember Miranda seconded the motion. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Marsha McLean, Councilwoman SECONDER: Bill Miranda, Councilmember AYES: Weste, Ayala, Gibbs, McLean, Miranda CONSENT CALENDAR Item 6 was pulled for a separate vote. RESULT: APPROVED [UNANIMOUS] MOVER: Jason Gibbs, Councilmember SECONDER: Patsy Ayala, Mayor Pro Tem AYES: Weste, Ayala, Gibbs, McLean, Miranda ITEM 4 APPROVAL OF REGULAR MEETING MINUTES —The minutes are submitted for approval. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve the minutes of the June 23, 2026, Regular Meeting. 17 Page 6 ITEM 5 CHECK REGISTER NO. 14 Check Register No. 14 for Period 05/29/26 through 06/11/26 and 06/18/26. Electronic Funds Transfers for the Period 06/O1/26 through 06/1226. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve and ratify for payment the demands presented in Check Register No. 14. ITEM 6 WAS MOVED TO ITEMS PULLED FOR A SEPARATE VOTE ITEM 7 SANTA CLARITA PUBLIC TELEVISION AUTHORITY PUBLIC TELEVISION MANAGEMENT SERVICES AGREEMENT City Council consideration to authorize funding for a two-year Public Television Management Services Agreement with SCVTV. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Authorize funding for a two -yew Public Television Management Services Agreement with SCVTV for the ongoing management and programming of Charter Communications Operating, LLC, and AT&T for playback, programming, and production studio operations from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028, in the amount not to exceed $355,422 for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026-27 and authorize a Consumer Price Index adjustment to the General Food - funded portion of the amount for FY 2027-28. 2. Appropriate ongoing funds in the amount of $6,422 in FY 2026-27 from the General Fund (Fund I00) to Expenditure Account 1001501-701008 (Public Television -Other Financing Uses) and one-time funds in the amount of $30,000 for FY 2026-27 and FY 2027-28 from the Citrus Facility Fund (Fund 130) to Expenditure Account 1309008-701008 (Citrus Facility -Other Financing Uses). 3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the City Council in the annual budget for such fiscal year and execute all documents subject to City Attorney review. STREETLIGHT MAINTENANCE CONTRACT FOR THE PURCHASE OF LED LIGHTING KITS FOR THE GOLDEN VALLEY BRIDGE This item considers awarding a contract for the purchase of LED Conversion Kits for specific lights on the Golden Valley Bridge. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Award the purchase of 80 King Luminaire LED Conversion Kits for the Golden Valley Bridge to StressCrete Group in an amount not to exceed $113,701. Page 7 2. Authorize a one-time appropriation of $113,701 from the Santa Clarita Streetlight Maintenance District Fund Balance (Fund 359) to expenditure account 3592403-516101 for the purchase of King Luminaire LED Conversion Kits to support the lighting replacement on the Golden Valley Bridge. 3. Authorize a one-time appropriation of $15,481 from the Santa Clarita Streetlight Maintenance District fond balance (Fund 359) to expenditure account 3592403-516101 to support the installation of the LED conversion kits on the Golden Valley Bridge. 4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney review. ITEM 9 CONSULTATION SERVICES FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN AFFORDABLE HOUSING STRATEGY PLAN AND GRANT PROGRAM This item considers the award of a contract for the development of an affordable housing strategy plan and grant program. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Award a one-year contract to HR,&A Advisors, Inc., for the development of an Affordable Housing Strategy Plan, Developer Grant Program, and related technical assistance services in the amount of $129,200. 2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute up to two additional, one-year renewal options beginning in year two. 3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney review. ITEM 10 OPERATION OF TRANSIT SERVICES IN THE UNINCORPORATED SANTA CLARITA VALLEY FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-27 THROUGH FISCAL YEAR 2028-29 AGREEMENT City Council consideration of entering into an agreement with the County of Los Angeles to Operate Transit Services in the Unincorporated Santa Clarita Valley RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council approve an agreement with the County of Los Angeles for the City of Santa Clarita to provide public transportation services in unincorporated areas, beginning July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029, and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute the agreement, or modify the award in the event that issues of impossibility of performance arise, subject to City Attorney review. n Page 8 P" ITEM 11 MANUFACTURING AND DELIVERY OF TWO CNG BUSES CONTRACT City Council consideration to award a contract to Gillig Corporation for the manufacturing and delivery of two CNG buses. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Approve the "piggyback" purchase of two 29-foot Compressed Natural Gas buses using California Association of Coordinated Transportation contract number 23-01, and award a contract to Gillig Corporation for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,882,000. 2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, and modify the awardees in the event of project withdrawal or abandonment, subject to City Attorney review. ITEM 12 CITYWIDE STREET SWEEPING CONTRACT Consideration of a contract for Citywide street sweeping services. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Award a two-year contract to CMAX Commercial Maintenance Inc. for Citywide Street Sweeping in the amount of $1,247,285 annually and authorize an annual contingency of $124,729, for a total contract amount not to exceed $2,744,028. 2. Appropriate an ongoing budget increase, beginning in Fiscal Year 2026-27, from the Stormwater Utility Fund (Fund 356) balance in the amount of $112,013 to expenditure account3567220-514103. 3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute up to three additional, one-year renewal options beginning in year three, not to exceed the annual contract amount, plus an adjustment consistent with the appropriate Consumer Price Index, upon request of the contractor, and contingent upon the appropriation of funds by the City Council in the annual budget for such fiscal year. 4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney review. Page 9 ITEM 13 AMENDMENT TO THE AIDLIN HILLS OPEN SPACE IRREVOCABLE OFFER OF DEDICATION OF REAL PROPERTY (AIDLIN HILLS DEVELOPMENT) OF 147 +/- ACRES IN UNINCORPORATED LOS ANGELES COUNTY Amend the Irrevocable Offer of Dedication Agreement for Aidlin Hills Open Space to adjust the land dedication boundaries resulting in a dedication of 147 +/- acres of real property in Unincorporated Los Angeles County at the west end of Pico Canyon Road, adjacent to Santa Clarita Woodlands and Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy open space to contribute to the City of Santa Clarita's preserved open space. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Approve the amended Irrevocable Offer of Dedication (IOD) with Lerner Homes of California, LLC, including the acceptance of approximately 147 +/- acres, in a form reviewed by the City Attorney and substantially similar to the draft attached as Exhibit A. 2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents, subject to final language approval by the City Manager and City Attorney review. 3. 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). ITEM 14 n HASKELL CANYON OPEN SPACE SHARED ACCESS IMPROVEMENTS - PHASE I, PROJECT M4016 - PLANS, SPECIFICATIONS, AND CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT This item considers awarding a construction contract for Phase I and a professional services contract for the design of Phase II of the Haskell Canyon Open Space Shared Access Improvements project. The improvements include improving the access to the Santa Clarita Archery Range and Haskell Canyon Bike Park located within Los Angeles Department of Water and Power property. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Approve the plans and specifications for the Haskell Canyon Open Space Shared Access Improvements — Phase I, Project M4016. 2. Find the Haskell Canyon Open Space Shared Access Improvements Project Mitigated Negative Declaration Addendum complies with the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to Title 14 of the California Code of Regulation Article 11 sections 15162 and 15164, for changes to the original project (Revised Project). 3. Award the construction contract for Phase I to R.C. Becker, Inc., in the amount of $925,983 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $231,496, for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,157,479. ^ Page 10 4. Award the professional services contract to Psomas, to provide design services for Phase II in the amount of $67,000 and authorize a contingency in the amount of $6,700, for a total contract amount not to exceed $73,700. 5. Appropriate one-time funds in the amount of $1,560,000 from the Facilities Fund (Fund 723) to the Haskell Canyon Open Space Shared Access Improvements, Project M4016, expenditure account M4016723-516101. 6. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney review. PIONEER OIL REFINERY RESTORATION, PROJECT P2018 - DESIGNBUILD CONTRACT This item will award a contract for rehabilitation, reinstallation, and repair of historic structures and equipment at Pioneer Oil Refinery site. RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1. Award a design -build contract to Spectra Company to design and build the phased rehabilitation, reinstallation, and repair of the Pioneer Oil Refinery buildings and structures, in the amount of $1,285,159, and authorize a contingency in the amount of $192,774, for a total contract amount not to exceed $1,477,933. 2. Appropriate one-time funds in the amount of $1,340,000 from the Developer Fee Fund (Fund 306) and $234,000 from the Facilities Fund (Fund 723) to the Pioneer Oil Refinery expenditure accounts P2018306-516101 and P2018723-516101, respectively, for a total appropriation of $1,574,000 for the restoration of the Pioneer Oil Refinery site. 3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all contracts and associated documents, subject to City Attorney review. ITEMS PULLED FOR SEPARATE VOTE ITEM 6 HISTORIC SAUGUS TRAIN STATION REROOFING PROJECT FUNDING This item is to award funding to the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society for the reroofing of the historic Saugus Train Station at Heritage Junction in William S. Hart Park, using funds that were collected by the City as a condition of approval for Master Case 21-205 (Riverview Project). RECOMMENDED ACTION: City Council: 1 1. Approve the remittance of funds received by the City of Santa Clarita pursuant to Master Page 11 Case 21-205 (Riverview Project), to the Santa Clarita Valley Historical Society for reroofing of the historic Saugus Train Station, in an amount not to exceed $150,000 and any accrued^ interest. 2. Appropriate $150,000 and any accrued interest from the Site Improvements Facility Fee Fund 431 to Expenditure Account 4319000-516101. 3. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents, subject to City Attorney review. Mayor Weste recused herself from voting on this item due to her position as a Historical Society Boardmember. RESULT: APPROVED [4 TO 01 MOVER: Marsha McLean, Councilwoman SECONDER: Jason Gibbs, Councilmember AYES: Patsy Ayala, Jason Gibbs, Marsha McLean, Bill Miranda RECUSED: Laurene Weste PUBLIC PARTICIPATION II No additional requests to speak were received. ADJOURNMENT Mayor Weste adjourned the Regular Meeting in memory of Veronica Lebecki and John C. / -- 'Jack' Stewart at 8:12 p.m. MAYOR ATTEST: CITY CLERK Page 12