CC/SA Minutes – 12/06/2023 – 5pm
1 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL/SA/HA
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
38300 SIERRA HIGHWAY, SUITE B
PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA
DECEMBER 6, 2023
1) CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Bettencourt called the meeting to order at 5:06 pm.
*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, BETTS
PRESENT: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Richard J. Loa, Christina Fraga-Saenz, Dianne Betts.
ABSENT: None.
3) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
4) PRESENTATIONS
4.1) Los Angeles Internal Services Department and the Southern California Regional Energy Network (SoCalRen) presented an award to the City of Palmdale for “Extraordinary Emission Reduction for the Highest Energy Savings Achieved by a Public Agency".
4.2) Chair Jung declared December as Human Rights Month in the City of Palmdale and provided a verbal update on the City of Palmdale Human Rights Advisory Committee.
4.3) Presentation of the Film Palmdale Strategic Plan.
Deputy Director of Ec onomic and Community Development Taggart spoke regarding the implementation of the strategic plan. Economic Development Manager Schuler gave a presentation and discussed the goals and objectives of the strategic plan.
Council discussion ensued regarding the use of municipal facilities, the creation of a Film Commission, fee structure, economic value, quality of life for citizens in the entertainment industry, and environmental benefits.
CC/SA Minutes – 12/06/2023 – 5pm
2 5) PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Mayor Bettencourt announced the Closed Session agendized for this evening had been cancelled.
The following individuals provided public input: Sandy Corrales thanked Mayor Bettencourt for her leadership as Mayor; Jason Zink commented regarding the protestors, film commission, and the housing track on Ave S and 65th East; Kevin Shenkman spoke regarding the capacity restrictions, changing demographics, and food distribution; Marsha Furman commented regarding the process for rotating the mayor; and Citizen (no name) commented regarding the distribution of city funds to help all citizens.
Mayor Bettencourt closed the Public Comments.
6) HOUSING AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR
6.1) Approve the Housing Authority of the City of Palmdale’s 2022 -2023 Annual Report pursuant to California Health and Safety Code 34176.1 and direct staff to post the report on the City’s website.
6.2) Approve the minutes from the previous meetings.
August 16, 2023
September 6, 2023
November 15, 2023
Motion: Approve all items listed under the Housing Authority Consent Calendar.
Moved by Eric Ohlsen, seconded by Christina Fraga-Saenz.
Vote: Motion carried (7-0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Richard J.
Loa, Christina Fraga-Saenz, Dianne Betts.
Mayor Bettencourt adjourned the Housing Authority.
7) CONSENT CALENDAR
7.1) Waive full reading of the Resolution(s) and/or Ordinance(s) to be considered and voted on at this meeting. (This permits reading the title only in lieu of reciting the entire text.)
7.2) Receive and file the Monthly Investment Activity Report for October 2023.
7.3) Receive and file the Annual Activity Report for Development Agreement pertaining to the Oasis Wellness Village Project located at the southeast corner of Palmdale Boulevard and Tierra Subida Avenue.
7.4) Approve agreement with Ninth Patriot, LLC for the deferment of undergrounding of transmission mainlines for Site Plan Review No. 19-001.
Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón pulled this item for discussion.
CC/SA Minutes – 12/06/2023 – 5pm
3 Public Works Director Glidden presented the staff report and answered questions regarding the deferment and completion of the project.
Motion: Approve agreement with Ninth Patriot, LLC.
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.
7.5) Notice of Completion - Accept Public Improvements for Tract 61611 & 61981 located at the northeast corner of Avenue S and 65th Street East.
7.6) Approve Final Parcel Map No. 83805 (located at Trade Center Drive and Avenue P-4).
7.7) Approve Requisition No. 240592 with All -State Utility Supply, Inc. for the purchase of replacement streetlight poles and other related items in an amount not to exceed $207,380 for FY 2023-24.
7.8) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2023 -059, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale approving the renaming of Avenue Q -6 to Hammack Avenue (Avenue Q-6) between Sierra Highway to 10th Street East.
Mayor Bettencourt pulled this item for discussion and noted that the Hammack family was in the audience.
Public Works Director Glidden provided a brief overview of the staff report.
The Hammack family was presented with a street sign.
Councilmember Loa provided the background on the passing of Deputy Hammack.
Motion: Adopt Resolution No. CC 2023-059, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale approving the renaming of Avenue Q -6 to Hammack Avenue (Avenue Q-6).
Moved by Laura Bettencourt, seconded by Richard J. Loa.
Vote: Motion carried (5-0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Richard J. Loa.
7.9) Notice of Completion - Accept Public Improvements for Circle K at 3851 East Palmdale Blvd.
Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón pulled this item for discussion and spoke regarding staff's diligent research and verification that Caltrans will maintain the street improvements along Palmdale Boulevard.
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4 Councilmember Loa recognized the O'Connor family.
Motion: Accept Notice of Completion for Public Improvements.
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.
7.10) Approve the minutes from the previous meetings.
CC - November 15, 2023
CC - November 16, 2023
Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón pulled this item for discussion and suggested adopting joint minutes once on the agenda.
Motion: Approve the minutes from the previous meetings.
Moved by Austin Bishop, seconded by Laura Bettencourt.
Vote: Motion carried (5-0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Richard J. Loa.
Motion: Approve all items listed under the Consent Calendar except 7.4, 7.8, 7.9, and 7.10
Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Laura Bettencourt.
Vote: Motion carried (5-0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Richard J.
Loa.
8) PUBLIC HEARING
8.1) Public Hearing to obtain community input for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Grant for the development of the 2024-2025 Action Plan.
Management Analyst Bartlett provided a detailed overview on this item.
Councilmember Bishop, Councilmember Loa, and Mayor Bettencourt spoke regarding the benefits of CDBG funds.
Public Comments: Jason Zink spoke regarding rental assistance, basic cable, and free internet for seniors.
Mayor Bettencourt closed the Public Hearing.
Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón announced there will be a second public hearing on May 1, 2024.
Mayor Bettencourt closed the Public Hearing.
CC/SA Minutes – 12/06/2023 – 5pm
5 Motion: Approve the recommendations and findings as listed in the staff report.
Moved by Austin Bishop, seconded by Eric Ohlsen.
Vote: Motion carried (5-0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Richard J. Loa.
8.2) Introduction and Adoption of Ordinance No. 1627, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Palmdale approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment (ZOA) 23-0003 to amend Title 17 and finding that the amendment is consistent with Program Environmental Impact Report (PEIR) 22 -002 prepared and certified in conjunction with the City's General Plan (Palmdale 2045).
Planning Manager Magana provided a detailed overview of the Zoning Ordinance Amendment.
City Attorney Curley read the title of Ordinance No. 1627.
A motion was made and carried unanimously to introduce Ordinance No. 1627.
Mayor Bettencourt called for Public Comments.
The following individuals provided public input in opposition to this item:
Benjamin Fiss, Pacific Zoning LLC; Rick Norris; Mark McGaughey, CBRE; Robert Valencia; Yvette Emard; Navid Sharafatian; Jason Zink; and Mario Presents
Barry Munz, Antelope Valley Engineering commented in support and opposition of this item.
Angelica Maldonado spoke in support of this item.
Mayor Bettencourt closed the Public Hearing.
Director of Economic and Community Development Garibay provided an update to the Council on this item.
Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón asked how the comments brought by developers were assessed. Director Garibay provided a response.
Councilmember Loa spoke regarding the redline documents submitted by Mr.
Valencia and asked what else would be impacted if the item was not adopted.
Director Garibay responded that other potential uses will be impacted.
Discussion ensued regarding communicating with developers and the impacts of the changes requested.
Councilmember Bishop spoke regarding the distance and separation related to drive-thru restaurants and traffic issues. Mr. Bishop volunteered to work with the developers and staff on a committee and suggested that another Councilmember join. Councilmember Loa volunteered to be a part of the committee.
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6 Councilmember Ohlsen spoke regarding communicating with developers and moving forward with the adoption of the current ordinance.
Mayor Bettencourt encouraged face-to-face communication with the developers.
Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón asked questions regarding the redline that was proposed by the business community. Director Garibay responded.
Motion: Adopt Ordinance No. 1627 and continue working with developers on outstanding items.
Moved by Eric Ohlsen, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote: Motion carried (5-0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Richard J. Loa.
Mayor Bettencourt called for a recess 7:30 pm - 7:40 pm.
9) NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS:
The following individuals spoke in support of SALVA receiving City funding for their community programs: Stephanie Mayol; Allan Morales; Marisela Adriana Gomez; Eduardo; Felix Menendez; Oscar Carrasco; Marcos Alvarez; Alejandro Rubio; Elmer Mayorga, Brenda Zaso, Dulce Zamora, and Scarlet Alvarez.
Mayor Bettencourt stated Council has never spoken regarding anyone's citizenship status.
Rich Gallego and Christine spoke regarding the Code of Conduct and SALVA.
Eugene Hernandez commented regarding the enforcement of abandoned shopping carts.
Jason Zink commented regarding change, Palmdale leadership, and food distribution.
Yul Gevargas commented regarding citizenship and naming of Desert Sands Park.
Roger Soderstedt requested that staff presentations include the cost to taxpayers.
Marsha Furman spoke regarding the rotational mayor and commended Mayor Bettencourt for her service to the citizens of Palmdale.
Mayor Bettencourt closed the public comments.
Councilmember Bishop spoke regarding the support he has personally provided to SALVA.
Councilmember Loa commented regarding the public accusations and the responsibilities of the Council to provide equality to all citizens.
CC/SA Minutes – 12/06/2023 – 5pm
7 Councilmember Ohlsen commented on the lack of communication, misunderstanding, and the Measure AV grant program.
Mayor Pro Tem Alarcón spoke regarding distributing food to the needy, funding for SALVA, and allocation of Measure AV funds. She thanked all of those who attended the meeting.
10) NEW BUSINESS
10.1) Rotation of Incumbents serving as Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem.
City Attorney Curley provided a brief overview of the process.
City Attorney announced Councilmember Bishop would be Mayor and Councilmember Loa would be as Mayor Pro Tem pursuant to the code.
11) PRESENTATION OF A PLAQUE TO MAYOR BETTENCOURT AND CEREMONIAL
PASSING OF THE GAVEL
Mayor Bettencourt did the ceremonial passing of the gavel to Councilmember Bishop.
Councilmember Bishop presented Mayor Bettencourt with a plaque. 12) INFORMATIONAL REPORT FROM MAYOR AND / OR COUNCILMEMBERS ON
THEIR VARIOUS COMMITTEE MEMBERSHIPS AND MEETINGS ATTENDED AT
PUBLIC EXPENSE
12.1) Council Reports on Committee Memberships and Meetings Attended at Public Expense
All reports were submitted electronically.
13) CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REQUESTS
None.
14) CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Perez reported on the following: Food Vendor Training, Family Volunteer Day; Opening of Oasis Park playground; celebrated the Journey of Hula at the Playhouse; SAVES Thanksgiving basket distribution; Business Watch presentations; worked with the Partners Against Crime Team to hold public safety multi-family housing presentations; holiday safety presentations through social media; celebrated Jolly Holiday and the Holiday Lights event; announced the Palmdale School District winter parade Saturday, December 9 at 10 am; High Desert Corridor project was awarded a $500,000 grant; Brightline received $3.1 billion from President Biden; Department of Transportation awarded $3.1 billion for the high-speed rail from San Francisco to Los Angeles; approved for 2,400 units of Narcan from the State; grand opening of Raising Cane's; and Luxury Perfume Outlet grand opening on December 15.
Councilmember Bishop thanked staff for all of their hard work.