City Council

PUBLIC HEARING PH 1. Approval of Ordinance No. X Amending the Lancaster Municipal Code Section 11.08.060 Annual Rent Increase Formula for Mobile Home Parks Recommendation(s): Approve Ordinance No. ______ amending the Lancaster Municipal Code, Title 11, Section 11.08.060, changing the annual mobilehome park rental increase calculation from the current formula of 60% of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to an annual increase structure based on the annual CPI, at a minimum of 2.5% and a maximum of 3%. The current CPI-based formula creates unpredictable year-to-year variations, making it difficult for both residents and park owners to plan ahead. In conclusion, the proposed amendment to cap annual mobilehome park rental increases at 2.5% minimum and 3% maximum would enhance housing stability for vulnerable residents, provide predictable revenue for park owners, and simplify administration for the City, while positioning the community as a regional leader in mobilehome resident protection. PH 2. Urgency Interim Ordinance Imposing Moratorium on Tobacco Retailer Businesses, Also Known as Smoke Shops Recommendation(s): Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. ________, imposing an interim moratorium on certain new tobacco retailer businesses and expansion of existing tobacco retailer businesses, also known as smoke shops There are currently 196 active tobacco retailer business licenses within the City of Lancaster. This number includes gas stations, convenience stores, markets, and similar retail establishments. Of these licensed locations, approximately 76 are identified as smoke shops, many of which are suspected of engaging in unlawful activities. PH 3. Public Hearing re Ballot Measure to Voters to Amend the Lancaster City Charter Recommendation(s): Conduct a public hearing to consider whether to submit a ballot measure to voters to amend section 201 of the Lancaster charter to authorize the City Council to enact an ordinance to (i) Increase the number of Council Members from 4 to 5, (ii) add the office of Vice Mayor and (iii) Transition from at-large to district-based elections for Council Members consistent with the California Voting Rights Acts of 2001. The general law provides an expedited process for general law cities to transition to a districtbased method of elections by merely enacting an ordinance, without voter approval; however, that expedited process is not available to the City because the City must first amend section 201 of its Charter. NEW BUSINESS