PALMDALE CITY COUNCIL/LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL/
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING
MINUTES
July 31, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger called the Special Joint Meeting to order at 4:04p.m.
Mayor Parris called the meeting of the Lancaster City Council to order at 4:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: City Council Members: Dorris, Malhi, Mann, Vice MayorNice Chair Crist; Mayor/Chair Parris
STAFF MEMBERS:
City Manager; Deputy City Managers; Interim City Attorney; Acting City Clerks; Economic and Community Development Director; Public Works Director; Finance Director; and Neighborhood Services Director.
City of Palmdale Mayor Bettencourt called the meeting of the Palmdale City Council to order at 4:04p.m.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT: Palmdale City Council: Mayor Bettencourt, Mayor Pro Tern Alarcon, City Councilmembers Bishop, Loa, and Ohlsen
INVOCATION
Council Member Dorris
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Councilmember Bishop
OPENING COMMENTS
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, Mayor Bettencourt and Mayor Parris Supervisor Barger announced the Public Comment time limit would be one minute.
PRESENTATIONS
6.1 Center for Transportation Technology Excellence
Presenters: Jess Montes, Sr. Executive Officer, LA Metro, and Karly Katona, Managing Director, Trifiletti Consulting
PALMDALE CITY COUNCIL/LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING
MINUTES
July 31, 2023
Joint City Council discussion between the City of Lancaster, City of Palmdale, Supervisor Barger, Mr. Montes, and Ms. Katona included the information provided, mutual benefits to the region, future needs assessments, and future benefits to both cities.
No public comment at this time.
6.2 Care Court
Presenter: Jennifer Hunt, Acting Senior Deputy Director of Reentry Services LA County Department ofMeutal Health
Joint City Council discussion between the City of Lancaster, City of Palmdale, Supervisor Barger, and Ms. Hunt included the information provided, mental health evaluations, and the need for local services to be available to the residents of the Antelope Valley.
No public comment at this time.
City of Palmdale Councilmember Bishop recused himself from all agendized Joint New Business out of an abundance of caution because of prior business he has done with the City of Lancaster.
City of Palmdale Mayor Pro Tern Alarcon recused herself from Joint New Business 7.1.
JOINT NEW BUSINESS
JNB 7.1 AV FAIR MULTI AGENCY REGIONAL RESILIENCY CENTER (MARRC)
AND PALMDALE REGIONAL RECREATION CENTER
City of Lancaster Public Works Director and City of Palmdale Public Works Director presented the staff report regarding this item.
Joint City Council discussion between the City of Lancaster, City of Palmdale, Supervisor Barger, City of Palmdale Attorney, and staff included the location selected, future planning, funds identified to be appropriated, seat on the JP A, need for both cities to work together, future sharing of the location, and future disaster planning.
Addressing both City Councils on this item:
Kathy MacLaren - discussed the importance of the item and benefits to the residents.
Michael Ross - Palmdale Freedom Coalition Member, discussed the use of other facilities, potential future deficit for the City, and regionalism.
Marsha-discussed past activities by Palmdale residents relating to evacuation and event centers.
Jaylene Davidson - discussed the ridiculousness of this item, need for evacuation centers to be in both cities, lack of benefit to the resideuts, and right to speak. 2 PALMDALE CITY COUNCIL/LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING
MINUTES
July 31, 2023
JNB 7.1 AVFAIRMULTIAGENCYREGIONAL RESILIENCY CENTER(MARRC) AND PALMDALE REGIONAL RECREATION CENTER CONTINUED ...
Proud Patriot - discussed why everyone was present, funds allocated, other potential locations, need to do better, and flag ordinance.
Mario Presents - discussed the need for the cities to work together, proposed locations, events talcing place at the fairgrounds, nepotism, and the need for a central location.
Abraham Salcedo - discussed his concern for the funds being committed, control of the funds, return on investment, and concepts being identified.
On a motion by Councilmember Loa, and seconded by Councilmember Ohlsen the City Council approved (i) identifying and appropriating an additional $7 .5 milJion in addition to the $2.5 million that has already been disbursed, for a total of $10 million for the MARRC facility; and (ii) reaffirming its commitment to the development of a center that will serve residents of the City of Palmdale in times of emergencies that may happen to occur and asking the City Manager to work out and define the details by the following vote: 2-1-0-0; AYES: Loa, Ohlsen; NOES: Bettencourt; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT:
None
City of Lancaster City Council took action to approve JNB 7.1 as presented (i) acknowledging it has contracted for design services in the amount of $6.5 million; and (ii) reaffirming its commitment to developing a funding strategy which will fully fund the construction of the evacuation center and directing the City Manager to pursue all available funding sources including, but not limited to, grant funds and/or debt financing.
City of Palmdale Mayor Pro Tern Alarcon returned to the meeting at this time.
Supervisor Barger reconfirmed she had a hard stop and would need to head back to Los Angeles at 6 p.m.
Joint City Council discussion between the City of Lancaster, City of Palmdale, and Supervisor Barger, discussed turning the meeting over at 6 p.m.
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SPECIAL JOINT MEETING
MINUTES
July 31, 2023
JNB 7.2 AN™AL CARE & CONTROL
City of Pahndale Neighborhood Services Director and City of Lancaster Public Safety Director presented the staff report regarding this item.
Joint City Council discussion between the City of Lancaster, City of Palmdale, Supervisor Barger, and staff included the potential for forming a JP A between both cities, costs, recognition of room for improvement, and abandoned animals.
Addressing both City Councils on this item:
Laurel Forrest - discussed the abandonment of animals, treatment of cats, and overpopulation of animals.
City of Lancaster City Council took action to approve JNB 7.2 as presented with the modification to the recommendation of, up to and including the formation of a JP A with the City of Palmdale.
On a motion by Councilmember Loa, and seconded by Mayor Bettencourt, the City Council approved reviewing and considering options to mitigate the cost of animal care and control services through programs, engage local rescues, and feasibility study options for alternative, with the modification to the recommendation of, up to and including the fonnation of a JP A with the City of Lancaster, by the following vote: 4-0- 0-0; A YES: Bettencourt, Alarcon, Loa, Ohlsen; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
Supervisor Barger turned the meeting over at this time to Angie Hughes.
The City Councils requested a break at this time.
Angie Hughes, President of the Antelope Valley Fair Board, reconvened the meeting at 6:10 p.m.
JNB 7.3 ANTELOPE VALLEY COMMUNITY WORKFORCE AGREEMENT (CWA) City of Lancaster Assistant City Manager presented the staff report regarding this item.
Joint City Council discussion between the City of Lancaster and City of Palmdale included future projects, importance of the CW As, the need for City Council representation included with the ongoing negotiations, reporting requirements, conflict of interest, and the suggestion to modify the recommendations to approve and authorize the City Managers, or their designees, and the Vice Mayor and Mayor Pro Tern, or their designees.
4 PALMDALE CITY COUNCIL/LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING
MINUTES
July 31, 2023
JNB 7.3 ANTELOPE VALLEY COMMUNITY WORKFORCE AGREEMENT (CWA) CONTINUED ...
Addressing both City Councils on this item:
Kathryn MacLaren - discussed the collaboration with the building trades, the positive impact to the community, new area representative along with representation in Washington.
Joint City Council discussion between the City of Lancaster, City of Palmdale, and Ms. MacLaren included Ms. MacLaren's background working with business development from both sides with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the National Electrical Contractors Association, and Labor Management Corporation Cooperation; additionally, Ms. MacLaren discussed the number of workers located within the Antelope Valley.
Additional Joint City Council discussion between the City of Lancaster and City of Palmdale included the proposed modification to the recommendations, conflict of interest, and the addition of, so long as there is no conflict, to the previously agreed upon modification to the recommendations.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tern Alarcon, and seconded by Councilmember Loa 1.
Approved and authorized the City Managers, or their designees, and the Vice Mayor and Mayor Pro Tern, or their designees, so long as there is no conflict, to collaborate with the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building & Trades Council to identify, support and/or pursue changes to the Vehicle Miles Traveled Metric established by the State of California through the passage of Senate Bill 743, and 2. Approved and authorized the City Managers, or their designees, and the Vice Mayor and Mayor Pro Tern, or their designees, so long as there is no conflict, to negotiate with the Los Angeles/Orange Counties Building & Trades Council a mutually beneficial community work force agreement by the following vote: 4-0-0-0; A YES: Bettencourt, Alarcon, Loa, Ohlsen; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None.
City of Lancaster City Council took action to approve JNB 7.3 as presented with the modification to the recommendations to approve and authorize the City Managers, or their designees, and the Vice Mayor and Mayor Pro Tern, or their designees, so long as there is no conflict.
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SPECIAL JOINT MEETING
MJNUTES
July 31, 2023
JNB 7.4 WELLNESS CENTER
City of Lancaster Director of PARCS, Arts, Recreation, and Community Services presented the staff report regarding this item.
Joint City Council discussion between the City of Lancaster, City of Palmdale, and staff included the information provided.
No public comment at this time.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tern Alarcon, and seconded by Mayor Bettencourt, the City Council, 1. Authorized each City's respective staff to develop and release a Request for Proposal for Wellness Center Operation ("RFP") that generally requires a proposal to include at least the following information: (i) proposed operator's identity, relevant experience, and ownership information; (ii) proposed location of the Wellness Center; and (iii) proposed programming, services, and other resources to be offered at the Wellness Center; 2. Authorized each City's respective staff to coordinate and work with the operator ("Operator") selected pursuant to the RFP process above and/or the County of Los Angeles to identify potential funding sources for the Operator to (i) identify, acquire, assemble, develop, and/or rehabilitate a site for operation of the Wellness Center and (ii) operate the Wellness Center on a long-term basis; 3. Authorized each City's respective staff to negotiate and draft a Wellness Center Operating Agreement with the Operator; and 4. Authorized each Clty's City Manager, or his or her designee, to execute all documents (including, without limitation, the Wellness Center Operating Agreement) and take all actions necessary or convenient to facilitate Operator's development and operation of the Wellness Center, by the following vote: 4-0-0-0; AYES: Bettencourt, Alarcon, Loa, Ohlsen; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
City of Lancaster City Council took action to approve JNB 7.4 as presented.
JNB 7.5 AUTO DEALERS SALES TAX SHARING AGREEMENT
City of Director of Economic and Community Development presented the staff report regarding this item.
Joint City Council discussion between the City of Lancaster, City of Palmdale, and staff included the information provided along with the need for the cities to work together and not compete against each other.
Additional Joint City Council discussion between the City of Lancaster, City of Palmdale, and staff included a modification to the recommendations to include, an additional recommendation of a step in between the two presented directing staff to return to the City Councils with the MOU prior to execution for the City Councils' review and approval.
6 PALMDALE CITY COUNCIL/LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING
MINUTES
July 31, 2023
JNB 7.5 AUTO DEALERS SALES TAX SHARING AGREEMENT CONTINUED ...
Addressing both City Councils on this item:
Jessica Enos -: discussed her strong opposition to this item.
Gigi Speaks - discussed her opposition to this item.
Michael Ross - discussed a statement by the Mayor of Lancaster, the deal being presented, Measure AV money, and money from the citizens of Palmdale.
Abraham Salcedo - discussed his opposition to this item, business enticements, and taking money from Palmdale.
Jaylene Davidson - discussed the terrible idea behind this item, FBI investigation, being accountable for decision making, and supporting the Sheriff.
Proud Patriot - discussed the item being presented, financial benefits, relocation of dealerships, and the Mayor of Lancaster.
Mario Presents - discussed the history of both cities, reallocation of funds, FBI Investigation, Mayors, and performance of both cities.
Marsha - discussed the growth of Palmdale, relocation of dealerships, tax dollars, and negative future outcome.
Rich Gallego - Pahndale Freedom Coalition, discussed cross competition and conflict of interest.
Carol Ross - discussed her opposition to this item and regionalisms.
Joint City Council discussion between the City of Lancaster and City of Palmdale, included the positive benefits of the collaboration, support from local dealerships, and free competition.
Additional Joint City Council discussion between the City of Lancaster, City of Pahndale, and Gus Camacho with Camacho Auto Sales, Inc. included the benefits to the community, shopping locally, support from the dealerships, and the previously discussed modification to the recommendations presented. 7 PALMDALE CITY COUNCIL/LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING
MINUTES
July 31, 2023
JNB 7.5 AUTO DEALERS SALES TAX SHARING AGREEMENT CONTINUED ...
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tern Alarcon, and seconded by Councilmember Loa, the City Council, 1. Directed staff to draft a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Palmdale and the City of Lancaster based on the deal points outlined within this staff report; 2. Directed staff to return to the City Councils with the MOU prior to execution for the City Councils' review and approval; and 3. Authorize the City Managers, or their designees, to execute the Memorandum of Understanding by the following vote; 4-0-0-0; A YES: Bettencourt, Alarcon, Loa, Ohlsen; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None
City of Lancaster City Council took action to approve JNB 7.5 as presented with a modification to the recommendations to include an additional modification of a step in between the two presented directing staff to return to the City Councils with the MOU prior to execution for the City Councils' review and approval.
JNB 7.6 ANTELOPE VALLEY MOSQUITO AND VECTOR CONTROL DISTRICT City of Palmdale Deputy City Manager presented the staff report regarding this item.
Joint City Council discussion between the City of Lancaster, City of Palmdale, and staff included the information on what the benefits are to the community, the need to explore the conversations of a JPA between the cities and the Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District including the need for input from the Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.
Additional Joint City Council discussion between the City of Lancaster, City of Palmdale, and Leann Verdick, Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District Manager, included the need to explore the conversations of a JP A between the cities and the Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District.
No public comment at this time.
,r
On a motion by Mayor Bettencourt, and seconded by Councilmember Loa, the City Council, directed staff to explore opportunities and engage in discussions regarding entering a joint effort including a JP A to ensure continued funding and support of the Antelope Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District, by the following vote: 4-0-0-0; AYES: Bettencourt, Alarcon, Loa, Ohlsen; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT:
None
City of Lancaster City Council took action to approve JNB 7.6 as presented with a modification to the recommendation to include, including a JP A. 8 PALMDALE CITY COUNCIL/LANCASTER CITY COUNCIL
SPECIAL JOINT MEETING
MINUTES
July 31, 2023
JNB 7.7 ANTELOPE VALLEY AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT (AV AQMD) PETITION FOR REVlEW OF US ENVIRONMENTAL
PROTECTION AGENCY (EPA) DECISION
Both City Councils agreed to waive the staff report for this item.
Addressing both City Councils on this item:
George Jung - Northrop Grumman Senior Environmental Engineer discussed the EPA rule and negative impacts to the local aerospace community.
On a motion by Mayor Pro Tern Alarcon, and seconded by Mayor Bettencourt, the City Council, authorized and directed each City's respective staff to work with the AVAQMD, including entering into a common interest/joint defense agreement with AVAQMD regarding its filing a petition for review to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals challenging the EPA's decision, by the following vote: 4-0-0-0; A YES: Bettencourt, Alarcon, Loa, Ohlsen; NOES: None; ABSTAIN: None; ABSENT: None City of Lancaster City Council took action to approve JNB 7.7 as presented.
CLOSING COMMENTS BY CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
Joint City Council discussion between the City of Lancaster and City of Palmdale included a thank you to the Antelope Valley College, concerns being addressed in a positive manner, earlier meeting regarding water in the City of Palmdale, and important matters being addressed.
ADJOURNMENT
Angie Hughes adjourned the Joint City Council meeting at 7:18 p.m.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 18th day of October. 'l!aMII" :I] ;J/fu <2,4--A---
Laura Bettencourt, Mayor
Rochelle Scott, Acting City Clerk
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