City Council/SA/HA - 06/07/2023 - 5pm
1 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL/SA/HA - 06/07/2023 - 5PM
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
38300 SIERRA HIGHWAY, SUITE B
PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA
www.cityofpalmdale.org
1) CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Bettencourt called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m.
*Note: All City Council memberships are reflected in their City Council titles.
2) ROLL CALL MAYOR BETTENCOURT, MAYOR PRO TEM ALARCÓN,
COUNCILMEMBERS BISHOP, LOA, OHLSEN COMMISSIONERS FRAGA-
SAENZ, DENNY
PRESENT: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Christina Fraga-Saenz, Phil Denny.
ABSENT: Richard J. Loa.
Motion: Excuse the absence of Councilmember Loa.
Moved by Laura Bettencourt, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote: Motion carried (6-0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Christina Fraga-Saenz, Phil Denny.
Absent: Richard J. Loa.
3) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
4) PRESENTATION
4.1) Mayor Bettencourt provided information on the immigrants that founded the City of Palmdale and a breakdown of city demographics. The Immigrant Heritage Month proclamation was presented to Bethany Hadlock, City of Palmdale Library Associate.
5) WAIVER OF FULL READING OF RESOLUTION(S) and ORDINANCE(S)
Motion: Move to waive full reading of the Resolution (s) and/or Ordinance(s) to be considered and voted on at this meeting
Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Eric Ohlsen.
City Council/SA/HA - 06/07/2023 - 5pm
2 Vote: Motion carried (6-0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Christina Fraga-Saenz, Phil Denny.
Absent: Richard J. Loa.
6) PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individuals commented regarding an editor’s letter in the AV Press:
Diane, Rich Gallego, and Yul Gevargis.
Jason Zink commented on the sustainable transportation plan and other topics.
The following individuals commented on the Immigrant He ritage Month presentation and the City’s budget: Xavier Flores and Felix Menendez.
The following individuals commented regarding the allocation of Measure AV funds, support of non -profit organizations, businesses, and the community:Juan Eduardo Medina, Erika Alonzo, Irma Hernandez, Marcos Alvarez, Julio Lopez, Vicky Ventura, Jacqueline Diaz, Karina Monzano, Omar Ruiz, Josefina Cruz, Alex Aldana, and Ruth Sanchez.
David Harris commented in support of firework booths and City leadership. Sylvia (NAACP) commented regarding the Rapid Re-housing Program.
Marsha Furman commented in support of safe and sane fireworks and in opposition to the public comment policy.
Mario Presents spoke regarding the People's Business, public comments, and other matters.
Michael Ross commented regarding the distribution of Measure AV funds and the Council code of conduct.
A motion was made and carried unanimously to close the public comments.
Interim City Attorney Curley provided clarification on the Public Comment Rules.
7) HOUSING AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR
7.1) Adopt Resolution No. HA 2023 -002, a Resolution of the Housing Authority of the City of Palmdale; repealing Resolution No. HA 2017 -004 and approving the Housing Authority of the City of Palmdale’s Homelessness Pre vention and Rapid Rehousing Program; approve agreement A -8366 with The Salvation Army to conduct the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program (HPRP); and authorizing the Executive Director or their designee to make necessary changes and execute documents related to the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program.
City Council/SA/HA - 06/07/2023 - 5pm
3 7.2) Approve the minutes from the previous meeting.
HA - April 5, 2023 HA - May 17, 2023
Motion: Approve all items as listed on the Housing Authority Consent Calendar Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote: Motion carried (6-0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Christina Fraga-Saenz, Phil Denny.
Absent: Richard J. Loa.
Mayor Bettencourt adjourned the Housing Authority at 6:23 p.m.
8) CONSENT CALENDAR
8. 1) Receive and file the Monthly Investment Activity Reports for April 2023.
8. 2) Receive and file the Annual Report on Development Impact Fees for Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2022 and adopt findings to commit funds held in the Littlerock Drainage Fee Fund, Fire Facilities Fund, and the Sewer Upgrade Fee Fund.
8. 3) Approve agreement with Harrell & Company Advisors, LLC. for Municipal Advisory Services, in the amount of $125,000, for a five (5) year term through June 30, 2028.
8. 4) Approve Agreement with Flock Group, Inc to provide a fixed location Automated License Plate Recognition (ALPR) system, fifty LPR cameras, and provide implementation services in a not to exceed amount of $157,500 for a one (1) year term.
Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón pulled this item for discussion. Mayor Bettencourt recused herself from this item.
Information Technology Manager Thompson presented the staff report and introduced Jesse Mund from Flock Group to answer questions. Discussion ensued regarding the product features offered to the City, placement of cameras, storage of data, implementation plan, access of information, Amber Alert situations, and privacy of citizens.
There was Council consensus to continue this item to a meeting in July.
Mayor Bettencourt returned to the dais.
8. 5) Approve First Amendment to Agreement with True Point, LLC to provide implementation services for Accela land use, plan review, permitting, and inspection tracking system for an additional amount of $150,000 and a not to exceed amount of $450,000 for a three (3) year term through December 31, 2024.
City Council/SA/HA - 06/07/2023 - 5pm
4 8. 6) Approval of 36 Fireworks booth permits for non-profit organizations.
Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón pulled this item for discussion. Business License Coordinator Andrews provided a PowerPoint presentation. Mayor Bettencourt encouraged citizens to use Safe and Sane fireworks in permitted areas. Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón spoke in support of the non-profits.
Motion: Approval of 36 Fireworks booth permits for non-profit organizations.
Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote: Motion carried (4-0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen.
Absent: Richard J. Loa.
8. 7) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2023 -026, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale of intention to continue assessments for Fiscal Year 2023/2024, preliminarily approving the annual Engineer’s Report and providing for notice of hearing for the City of Palmdale Drainage Benefit Assessment Districts No. 1 and No. 2006-02.
8. 8) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2023 -027, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale of intention to continue assessments for Fiscal Year 2023/2024, preliminarily approving th e annual Engineer’s Report and providing for notice of hearing for the City of Palmdale Landscape Maintenance Assessment Districts and Annexations, Park Maintenance and Recreation Improvement District, and Streetlight Maintenance Assessment Districts and Annexations.
8. 9) Approve lease agreement between the City of Palmdale and New Cingular Wireless, dba AT&T Wireless for a cellular wireless facility lease located at McAdam Memorial Park.
8. 1 0) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2023 -039, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale to repeal and replace Resolution No. CC 2020 -035 with Resolution No. CC 2023 -039 which adopts the updated Title VI Plan for the City of Palmdale for 2023-2026.
8. 1 1) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2023 -040, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale to adopt the City of Palmdale Sustainable Transportation Plan.
Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón pulled this item for discussion. City Traffic Manager Nelson and Darryl, of Kimley -Horn provided a detailed PowerPoint presentation. Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón spoke in support of this item. Mayor Bettencourt requested a meeting with City Traffic Manager Nelson regarding red light cameras. Councilmember Bishop inquired regarding federal and state grant funding and the school traffic issue. Discussion ensued regarding school traffic.
City Council/SA/HA - 06/07/2023 - 5pm
5 Motion: Adopt Resolution No. CC 2023-040
Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote: Motion carried (4-0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen.
Absent: Richard J. Loa.
8. 1 2) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2023 -034, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale to adopt a list of projects for Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Funded by SB 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón pulled this item for discussion. City Engineer Padilla presented the staff report. Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón asked questions regarding the analysis, and City Engineer Pa dilla stated software was used to find the worst roadways.
Motion: Adopt Resolution No. CC 2023-034
Moved by Austin Bishop, seconded by Laura Bettencourt.
Vote: Motion carried (4-0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen.
Absent: Richard J. Loa.
8. 1 3) Approve the minutes from the previous meeting. May 17, 2023 -
CC/SA/IDA/PAA/PCA/PFA
City Manager's Office - City Clerk Department
Motion: Approve all items listed on the Consent Calendar 8.4, 8.6, 8.11, 8.12 Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Laura Bettencourt.
Vote: Motion carried (4-0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen.
Absent: Richard J. Loa.
9) NEW BUSINESS
9.1) Presentation of the City’s Homelessness Plan Update.
Director of Neighborhood Services Reyes provided a detailed PowerPoint presentation. Council spoke in support of the City's Homelessness Plan and other outside organizations that provide resources.
9.2) Discussion and possible direction on the relinquishment of Palmdale Blvd by Caltrans to the City of Palmdale.
City Manager Perez provided an update on the meeting with Caltrans and the relinquishment process.
Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón recommended that the Council authorize Caltrans to move forward with the ADA Ram p and Gap Closure Sidewalk Project and explore the opportunity to advance funding for the second pavement project that is six (6) years out.
City Council/SA/HA - 06/07/2023 - 5pm
6 Council discussion ensued regarding the legislative process, designation of Palmdale Boulevard, benefits of taking over Palmdale Boulevard, liability and exposure to the City, and ongoing maintenance of Palmdale Boulevard.
Council directed staff to bring back a report in 60 to 90 days regarding the proposed use of Palmdale Boulevard.
Authorize City Manager Perez to direct Caltrans to move forward with the ADA Ramp and Gap Closure Project.
10) INFORMATIONAL REPORT FROM MAYOR AND / OR COUNCILMEMBERS ON
THEIR VARIOUS COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS AND MEETINGS ATTENDED AT
PUBLIC EXPENSE
10.1) Council Reports on Committee Memberships and Meetings Attended at Public Expense.
All reports were attached for the public to view.
11) CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR NEW AGENDA ITEMS
Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón requested the following:
• Add an item to the Joint Palmdale/Lancaster agenda regarding establishing a satellite Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court office in the Antelope Valley.
12) CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Perez reported the following: The City will be celebrating Flag Day on Wednesday, June 14 from 12 - 12:30 pm; Juneteenth event will be held at Poncitlan Square on June 19th; Summer Concert series in July, AV Taco Festival, and Yellen Park groundbreaking on Friday, June 8.
13) PRESENTATION BY CITY ATTORNEY
Interim City Attorney Curley announced items were properly agendized. He spoke in support of City Manager Perez.
13.1) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL-EXISTING LITIGATION Gerald Lynn Dolen and Roberta Dora Dolen v. City of Palmdale et al. Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 21AVCV00377
This closed session is being held pursuant to the authority of California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
13.2) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Edman Discua v. City of Palmdale, et al.
Los Angeles Superior Court
Case No. 21STCV45406
City
Council
/
SA
/
HA
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06 /
07 /
2023
-
5 pm
This
closed
session
is
being
held
pursuant
to
the
authority
of
California
Government
Code
Section
54956.9
(
d
)
(
1 )
.
14 )
ANNOUNCEMENT
BY
CITY
ATTORNEY
Interim
City
Attorney
Curley
reported
the
Council
was
updated
and
there
were
no
reportable
actions
.
15 )
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor
Bettencourt
adjourned
the
meeting
at
8 :
30 p
.
m
.
,
in
honor
of
Kamal
Al
-
Khatib
a
great
community
mentor
and
faith
leader
,
to
June
21 ,
2023
,
at
5 :
00 p
.
m
.
in
the
City
Hall
Council
Chamber
located
at
38300
Sierra
Highway
,
Suite
B
,
Palmdale
,
California
.
PASSED
,
APPROVED
,
and
ADOPTED
this
12 th
day
of
July
2023
.
/
0 Ho
.
J
'
YW
'
OO
'
Laura
Bettencourt
,
Mayors
ATTEST
/
Rochelle
Scott
,
Acting
City
Clerk
7