1. CALL MEETING TO ORDER
*Note: All City Council memberships are reflected in their City Council titles.
2. ROLL CALL
MAYOR BETTENCOURT, MAYOR PRO TEM ALARC
Ó
N, COUNCILMEMBERS
BISHOP, LOA, OHLSEN
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
4. PUBLIC COMMENT RULES:
“(California Government Code Section 54954.3).
(a) Every agenda for regular meetings shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body on any item of interest to the public, before or during the legislative body’s consideration of the item, that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body, provided that no action shall be taken on any item not appearing on the agenda unless the action is otherwise authorized by subdivision (b) of Section 54954.2 [section omitted].
(b) (1) The legislative body of a local agency may adopt reasonable regulations to ensure that the intent of the subdivision (a) is carried out, including, but not limited to, regulations limiting the total amount of time allocated for public testimony on particular issues and for each individual speaker.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), when the legislative body of a local agency limits
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
38300 SIERRA HIGHWAY
SUITE B
PALMDALE, CA 93550
WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2023
5:00 PM
www.cityofpalmdale.org
WELCOME
City Council
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
time for public comment, the legislative body of a local agency shall provide at least twice the allotted time to a member of the public who utilizes a translator to ensure that non- English speakers receive the same opportunity to directly address the legislative body of a local agency.”
In furtherance of Section 54954.3 of the Brown Act, the public is allotted to speak a total of three (3) minutes on the entirety of the Consent Calendar and Appointments, with two (2) minutes on the New Business item, and, if desired, an additional two (2) minutes on items not on the agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council.
As specified in the Brown Act, a speaker utilizing a translator will receive twice the amount of time specified.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS:
CONSENT CALENDAR AND APPOINTMENTS:
Now is the time for public
participation on items listed on the Consent Calendar and Appointments. Each speaker is allotted three (3) minutes total on the entirety of the above sections.
6. CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar will be enacted by one motion unless an item(s) is pulled by Council, in which case the item(s) will be removed from the Calendar and will be considered separately following this portion of the Agenda.
6.1 Approve the minutes from the previous meeting.
June 21, 2023 - CC/SA/IDA/PAA/PCA/PFA
CC SA IDA PAA PCA PFA Mins 06 21 2023.pdf
7. APPOINTMENTS
7.1 City Council Nomination and Appointment of one (1) Alternate Member for the Human Rights Advisory Committee.
07_19_2023_Appoint_Alternate_Member_HRAC.docx
Mancilla, Tanya Janine Rincon.pdf
Sigala, Belen.pdf
Sartika, Hestia.pdf
7.2 City Council Nomination and Appointment of four (4) Members to fill the current vacancies on the Mobile Home Park Rental Review Board.
07_19_2023_Appoint_MHRRB_Members.docx
Henderson, Amber.pdf
McLaurin, Debra.pdf
Olguin, Hector Ramses Pacheco.pdf
City Council
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
Perkins, Richard.pdf
7.3 City Council Nomination and Appointment of two (2) Housing Authority Tenant Member Commissioners.
07_19_2023_Appoint_HA_Members.docx
Betts, Dianne.pdf
Cannata, Sandra.pdf
Chriss, Sandra.pdf
Denny, Phil.pdf
Fraga-Saenz, Christina.pdf
Gollner, Lana C. Morey.pdf
Griffith, Vard.pdf
8. NEW BUSINESS
8.1 Presentation update for Economic Development.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Now is the time for public participation on this item.
Each speaker is allotted two (2) minutes.
9. NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
:
Now is the time for public participation on
items not listed on the agenda. Each speaker is allotted two (2) minutes total on items not listed on the agenda.
10. CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR NEW AGENDA ITEMS
11. CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
12. ANNOUNCEMENT BY CITY ATTORNEY
13. ADJOURN
meeting to August 2, 2023 at 5:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chamber located at 38300 Sierra Highway, Suite B, Palmdale, California.
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Accommodations
In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you require a disability- related modification or accommodation to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (661) 267-5151 at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
If you require oral Spanish translation, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at (661) 267- 5151 at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
City Council
Wednesday, July 19, 2023
City Council/SA/HA/IDA/PAA/PCA/PFA – 06/21/2023 – 5pm
1 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL/SA/HA/IDA/PAA/PCA/PFA
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
38300 SIERRA HIGHWAY, SUITE B
PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA
JUNE 21, 2023
www.cityofpalmdale.org
1) CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Bettencourt called the meeting to order at 5:00 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, Richard J. Loa, Christina Fraga-Saenz, Phil Denny.
ABSENT: None.
3) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
4) PRESENTATIONS
4.1) Councilmember Bishop presented a Commendation recognizing Fiona Currie,12-year-old, for graduating from Los Angeles City College with a 4.0 GPA and an associate degree in studio arts.
4.2) Councilmember Ohlsen presented a Certificate of Recognition to Robert “Bobby” Breech, Atherine Blanco, and the Antelope Valley Cemetery District for their service to the veteran community.
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 Richard J. Loa.
Vote: Motion carried (5-0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Richard J. Loa.
City Council/SA/HA/IDA/PAA/PCA/PFA – 06/21/2023 – 5pm
2 6) PUBLIC COMMENT RULES:
(California Government Code Section 54954.3).
(a) Every agenda for regular meetings shall provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the legislative body on any item of interest to the public, before or during the legislative body’s consideration of the item, that is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the legislative body, provided that no action shall be taken on any item not appearing on the agenda unless the action is otherwise authorized by subdivision (b) of Section 54954.2 [section omitted].
(b) (1) The legislative body of a local agency may adopt reasonable regulations to ensure that the intent of the subdivision (a) is carried out, including, but not limited to, regulations limiting the total amount of time allocated for public testimony on particular issues and for each individual speaker.
(2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), when the legislative body of a local agency limits time for public comment, the legislative body of a local agency shall provide at least twice the allotted time to a member of the public who utilizes a translator to ensure that non -English speakers receive the same opportunity to directly address the legislative body of a local agency.”
In furtherance of Section 54954.3 of the Brown Act, the public is allotted to speak a total of three (3) minutes on the entirety of the Consent Calendar, Appointment(s), New Business and Closed Session, with two (2) minutes on each Public Hearing, and, if desired, an additional two (2) minutes on items not on the agenda that are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council. As specified in the Brown Act, a speaker utilizing a translator will receive twice the amount of time specified.
7) PUBLIC COMMENTS:
The following individuals provided public comments: Jorge Ventura spoke regarding the Taco Festival; Eugene Hernandez commented regarding the unhoused; and Jason Zink spoke on Items 8.3, 8.4 and 8.5.
A motion was made and carried unanimously to close the Public Comments.
8) CONSENT CALENDAR
8 . 1 ) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2023 -042, a Resolut ion of the City Council of the City of Palmdale establishing an appropriations limit for Fiscal Year 2023-24 pursuant to Article XIII B of the California Constitution and repeal Resolution No. CC 2022-067.
8 . 2 ) Approve purchase order 20240000 with Amazon Capit al Services, Inc. dba Amazon Business in an amount not to exceed $205,000.00 for FY 2023-24.
City Council/SA/HA/IDA/PAA/PCA/PFA – 06/21/2023 – 5pm
3 8 . 3 ) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2023 -044, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale Amending the City’s Classification and Pay Plan for General Positions; Adopt Resolution No. CC 2023 -045, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale Amending the City’s Classification and Pay Plan for Bargaining Unit Positions; and Adopt Resolution No. CC 2023 -046, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale Amending the City’s Classification and Pay Plan for Parks and Recreation Unbenefited Positions.
8 . 4 ) Approve Second Amendment to Legal Services Agreement with Harper & Burns, LLP (A -8232) to increase the total amount of the Agreement by an additional $400,000 not to exceed the sum of $720,000.
Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón pulled Item 8.4 for discussion and made remarks on Items 8.3 and 8.5. City Manager Perez provided a detailed overview of Item
8.4. Discussion ensued regarding the cost and term of the contract and number of consulting legal contracts. Interim City Attorney Curley provided clarification on the streamlining of billings for consulting attorneys and firms.
Motion: Approve Second Amendment to Legal Services Agreement with Harper & Burns, LLP
Moved by Laura Bettencourt, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote: Motion carried (4-1)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Richard J. Loa.
No: Andrea Alarcón.
8 . 5 ) Approve authorizing City Manager to bind insurance coverages related to the agreement between VINSA, Inc. and City of Palmdale (A -7994) in an amount not to exceed $2,750,000.
Motion: Approve all items listed on the Consent Calendar with the exception of 8.4.
Moved by Richard J. Loa, seconded by Eric Ohlsen.
Vote: Motion carried (5-0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Richard J. Loa.
9) PUBLIC HEARING
9.1) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2023-043, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale restating in its entirety the City of Palmdale Master Schedule of Fees and repealing all prior enactments inconsistent with this Resolution.
Director of Finance Samson presented the staff report.
The following individuals provided public comments: Jason Zink and Xavier Flores spoke regarding waiving fees for Palmdale residents.
A motion was made and carried unanimously to close the Public Comments.
City Council/SA/HA/IDA/PAA/PCA/PFA – 06/21/2023 – 5pm
4 Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón spoke regarding support of residents and access to public facilities, special events, and parks. She provided three (3) suggestions:
1) Create equity in the deposit structure so that the security deposit is the same for all parks; 2) Do not increase the fees for youth sports; and 3) Do not implement the special event fees for the Jolly Holiday activity wristband, Springfest activity wristband, and the Bingo Card fee.
Recreation Manager Altobelli and Management Analyst I Kelley provided information to Council regarding the park fees and youth sc holarships.
Discussion ensued regarding disseminating scholarship information to schools and organizations, increased costs, use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, waiver or reduction of the general admission fee for the fireworks show, and the use of Measure AV funds for community events.
Motion: Adopt Resolution No. CC 2023 -043 as proposed with the exception of the park security deposit fees ensuring that they are applied equitably to all parks throughout the City; eliminate the increase in youth sports; eliminate wristband fee for Springfest and Jolly Holiday, and the Bingo Card fee; and consideration of an admission fee reduction for the 4th of July event in 2024.
Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote: Motion carried (5-0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Richard J. Loa.
10) JOINT PUBLIC HEARING CC/SA/HA/IDA/PAA/PCA/PFA
10.1) Adopt Joint Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale (No. CC 2023-041), the Successor Agency to the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Palmdale (No. SA 2023 -003), the Palmdale Civic Authority (No.
PCA 2023-001), the Housing Authority of the City of Palmdale (No. HA 2023- 003), the Industrial Development Authority (No. IDA 2023 -001), the Palmdale Airport Authority of the City of Palmdale (No. PAA 2023-001), and the Palmdale Financing Authority (No. PFA 2023-001) approving and adopting the City of Palmdale's Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2023-24, and approving revenue and expenditure adjustments to Fiscal Year 2022-23.
City Manager Perez presented a video of the City's accomplishments and made remarks regarding the City's budget.
Director of Finance Samson provided a detailed PowerPoint presentation of the budget.
Council directed City Manager Perez to address the CARPing (Cadre of Administrative Reserve Personnel program) issue in the upcoming Sheriff's Department contract.
There was Council discussion regarding the Sheriff's Department being understaffed and the CARPing system.
City Council/SA/HA/IDA/PAA/PCA/PFA – 06/21/2023 – 5pm
5 Mayor Bettencourt recused herself from the discussion.
Discussion continued regarding deputy fatigue, community safety, minimum standard of servicing noted in the contract, disputing CARPing, and use of Code Enforcement staff for non-emergent items.
Acting Captain Rhea provided clarification on the CARPing system. Mayor Bettencourt rejoined the meeting.
Director of Finance Samson continued with the budget PowerPoint presentation.
Council discussion continued regarding the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, disadvantaged and disproportionately impacted communities, and Capital Improvement Projects.
Mayor Bettencourt recessed the meeting from 7:46 pm - 8:03 pm.
The following individuals commented regarding the City's budget: Jason Zink, Marcos Alvarez, Felix Menendez, Arturo Perez, Xavier Flores, Lilia Galindo, Laurel Forrest, Eduardo Medina, Marisela Gomez, Stephanie Mavol, Azuceno Preciado, Allan Morales, Ismael Galvan, Shannon Wainwright, Vincent Allen, Ruth Sanchez, Diana Morales, Jasmine Graham, Jose Madera, Eugene Hernandez, and Steve Hill.
A motion was made and carried unanimously to close the Public Comments.
Councilmember Loa thanked the community for their comments on the budget and spoke regarding providing equal service across the City.
Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón spoke regarding community voices, community service providers, thanked staff, and proposed revisions to the Community Programs component of the Measure AV budget.
There was further Council discussion regarding the allocation of Measure AV funds, the grant process, and hiring of an Independent Consultant to manage the process.
Motion: Adopt Joint Resolution Nos. CC 2023 -041, SA 2023 -003, PCA 2023 -001, HA 2023-003, IDA 2023-001, PAA 2023-001, PFA 2023-001.
Moved by Richard J. Loa, seconded by Laura Bettencourt.
Vote: Motion carried (6-1)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Richard J. Loa, Christina Fraga - Saenz, Phil Denny.
No: Andrea Alarcón.
Mayor Bettencourt called for a break at 9:09 pm - 9:17 pm.
Mayor Bettencourt adjourned the Housing Authority meeting at 9:18 pm.
City Council/SA/HA/IDA/PAA/PCA/PFA – 06/21/2023 – 5pm
6 11) APPOINTMENT
11.1) City Council Nomination and Appointment of one (1) Member to the Board of Library Trustees.
Motion: Appoint Challen David
Moved by Austin Bishop, seconded by Richard J. Loa.
Vote: Motion carried (5-0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Richard J. Loa.
Challen David provided her background and experience.
12) NEW BUSINESS
12.1) Discussion, direction and possible action on future public safety initiatives.
This item was addressed during the budget discussion.
13) CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR NEW AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Bishop requested that staff go back to the Measure AV board and fund community groups through an equitable distribution of a to be determined dollar amount with a Professional Grant Administrator in place.
Discussion ensued regarding the allocation of Measure AV funds, other fund sources, and a professional Administrator for Measure AV grant funds.
14) CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Perez reported on the following items: Flag Day event; Yellen Park groundbreaking; Juneteenth event; Summer Concerts and Family Movie Nights; Cine Gear Expo at Paramount Studios; and grand opening of the eastside Chick -fil- A and Trader Joe warehouse.
15) NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individuals provided public input regarding Council and Committee Member conduct: Rich Gallego, Yul Gevargis, and Abraham Salcedo.
The following individuals provided input regarding the Measure AV budget: Abraham Salcedo, Marcos Alvarez, Mar io Presents, Jason Zink, Ruth Sanchez, Stephanie Mayol, and Xavier Flores.
The following individuals provided public input: Laurel Forrest commented regarding ADA compliance; and Eugene Hernandez spoke regarding freedom of speech.
Mayor Bettencourt directed staff to record Measure AV meetings.
City Council/SA/HA/IDA/PAA/PCA/PFA – 06/21/2023 – 5pm
7 Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón spoke in support of non-profits.
16) PRESENTATION BY CITY ATTORNEY
Interim City Attorney Curley confirmed items were properly agendized.
16.1) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Shanae Smith, Patricia Nevarez and Michael "Mike" Behen vs. City of Palmdale, et al.
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Case No. 22STCV18219
This closed session is being held pursuant to the authority of California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
16.2) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION Maithi Ricci v. City of Palmdale, et al.Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 22STCV01269
This closed session is being held pursuant to the authority of California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
16.3) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL—EXISTING LITIGATION Ricky Thorstensen v. City of Palmdale, et al.Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 22STCV29463
This closed session is being held pursuant to the authority of California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
16.4) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Kenya Torres vs. City of Palmdale, et al.
Los Angeles County Superior Court
Case No. 22STCV37041
This closed session is being held pursuant to the authority of California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
16.5) PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT
Title: City Attorney
17) ANNOUNCEMENT BY CITY ATTORNEY
Attorney Halfman, Harper & Burns, LLP, announced Council was updated on Closed Session matters and there was no reportable action.
City Council/SA/HA/IDA/PAA/PCA/PFA – 06/21/2023 – 5pm
8 18) ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Bettencourt adjourned the meeting at 10:56 p.m. to July 12, 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 19th day of July, 2023.
Laura Bettencourt, Mayor
ATTEST:
Rochelle Scott, Acting City Clerk
City Council Staff Report
DATE: JULY 19, 2023
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CITY MANAGER’S OFFICE – CITY CLERK DIVISION
DISTRICT: ALL
SUBJECT: CITY COUNCIL NOMINATION AND APPOINTMENT OF ONE (1)
ALTERNATE MEMBER TO THE HUMAN RIGHTS ADVISORY
COMMITTEE
ISSUE
City Council Nomination and Appointment of one (1) Alternate Member to the Human Rights Advisory Committee.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that pursuant to Palmdale Municipal Code 2.08.030, the City Council nominate and appoint one (1) individual to serve as the Alternate Member on the Human Rights Advisory Committee for a term to expire on April 30, 2025.
1. Mancilla, Tanya Janine Rincon (D5) 2. Sartika, Hestia (D4)
3. Sigala, Belen (Out of District
Boundaries)
BACKGROUND
The Human Rights Advisory Committee was created by the City Council to act in an advisory capacity providing advice and actionable recommendations to the Mayor, City Council and City Managerin their efforts to build a more inclusive community. Residency in the City of Palmdale is not required.
DISCUSSION
The City Clerk’s Office was informed of the resignation of Covel Jenkins on June 15, 2023. The alternate, Elizabeth Henriquez, selected by Council at the April 5, 2023, meeting has filled the position.
The alternate position must now be filled. There are three (3) remaining qualified applicants who are interested in serving on the Committee. The applicant’s district is listed for informational purposes only.
Report to Mayor and City Council
Re: City Council Nomination and Appointment of one (1) Alternate Member to the Human Rights Advisory Committee
July 19, 2023
This item is brought forth for City Council Nomination and Appointment of one (1) Alternate Member to the Human Rights Advisory Committee for a term to expire April 2025.
A Livescan fingerprint submission via the California Department of Justice is required for the appointment to be complete. The State of California requires a Statement of Economic Interest Form 700 be filed within 30-days of the appointment.
FISCAL IMPACT
Approximately $4,166 was spent on advertising this position, budgeted in Account No. 10112001-722310.
STRATEGIC PLAN
Goal II: Ensure long-term fiscal health of the City and maintain funding for services.
C. Involve and expand engagement to enhance public oversight and transparency.
Prepared by: Rochelle Scott, Acting City Clerk
Certified as to availability of Funds: Janelle Samson, Director of Finance Approved by: Ronda Perez, City Manager
Approved as to form: William P. Curley, III, Interim City Attorney
ATTACHMENTS
Redacted Applications