CC/SA Minutes – January 10, 2024 – 5pm 1
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
SUCCESSOR AGENCY
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
38300 SIERRA HIGHWAY, SUITE B
PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA
JANUARY 10, 2024
1) CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Bishop called the meeting to order at 5:08 pm.
Note: All City Council memberships are reflected in their City Council titles.
2) ROLL CALL MAYOR BISHOP, MAYOR PRO TEM LOA, COUNCILMEMBERS OHLSEN, BETTENCOURT, ALARCÓN
PRESENT: Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón.
ABSENT: None.
3) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mayor Pro Tem Loa led the pledge of allegiance.
4) PRESENTATION
4.1) Certificate of Recognition presented to Jordan Ramirez for walking from Lancaster Sheriff Station to Palmdale Sheriff Station in appreciation of our deputies and honor of Deputy Ryan Clinkunbroomer.
Mayor Bishop presented Jordan Ramirez with a Certificate of Recognition. Mr.
Ramirez thanked the Council for the invitation and shared his story regarding the appreciation and honor walks he has completed.
City Manager Perez requested that Item 6.12 be removed from the agenda.
Acting City Clerk Scott read the Public Comment Code of Conduct.
Councilmember Bettencourt requested that Item 6.6 be pulled from the Consent Calendar.
5) PUBLIC COMMENTS:
The following individuals provided public input on Item 9.1 regarding the misconduct of Councilmember Alarcón: Rich Gallego; Jess Enos; Yul Gevargis; Michael Ross; Abraham Salcedo; April C.; Maria & Danielle; Justin McIntosh; Mario Presents; Victoria Rayos; Miguel Coronado; Citizen (no name); Oscar Carrasco; Feliz Menendez; Brooke Sands; Richard Alverdi; Karen Lindsay; Eduardo; Thomas Lopez; Marcos Alvarez; and Xavier Flores.
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Councilmember Bettencourt made a statement regarding her attendance at Council meetings.
6) CONSENT CALENDAR
6.1) Waive full reading of the Resolution(s) and/or Ordinance(s) to be considered and voted on at this meeting. (This allows for reading the title only in lieu of reciting the entire text).
6.2) Receive and file the monthly investment activity report for November 2023.
6.3) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024-003, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale amending the Human Resources Rules and Regulations.
6.4) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024-004, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale designating by title and name those officials who are authorized to sign checks and warrants and repeal Resolution No. CC 2023- 074, and Adopt Resolution No. SA 2024 -011, a Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Palmdale designating by title and name those officials who are authorized to sign checks and warrants, and repeal Resolution No. SA 2022-003.
6.5) Adopt Resolution Nos. SA 2024 -009 and SA 2024 -010, Resolutions of the Successor Agency of the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Palmdale approving the Administrative Budget and the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule, respectively, for the period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025.
6.6) Approve Law Enforcement Feasibility Study Agreement with Citygate Associates, LLC in the amount of $178,453 for a term of six (6) months.
Councilmember Bettencourt recused herself from this item due to the fact she works for the Sheriff's Department, she stepped away from the dais.
Director of Neighborhood Services Reyes presented the staff report.
Councilmember Alarcón asked questions regarding the contractor's outreach plan and the scope of work. Director of Neighborhood Services Reyes provided clarification regarding the outreach plan and scope of work. There was further discussion regarding the review of governing documents and community outreach.
Councilmember Ohlsen discussed the elements of the Law Enforcement Feasibility Study, analyzing the current Sheriff's contract, reimagining policing in the City of Palmdale, the increase in contract costs, decrease in the number of deputies provided, Cadre of Administration Reserve Personnel program (CARPing), and the protection and support of the deputies.
Mayor Pro Tem Loa thanked staff for the report and spoke regarding the financial crisis in the City and State of California and suggested looking at all aspects of the City budget, in particular the law enforcement component, and reviewing all options available to the City.
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Councilmember Ohlsen announced Law Enforcement Day was observed on January 9, 2024.
Councilmember Alarcón asked for clarification on Section 19.3 of the contract.
City Attorney Curley provided clarification.
Motion: Approve Law Enforcement Feasibility Study Agreement with Citygate Associates, LLC in the amount of $178,453 for a term of six (6) months.
Moved by Eric Ohlsen, seconded by Richard J. Loa.
Vote: Motion carried (4-0)
Yes: Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
Councilmember Bettencourt returned to the dais.
6.7) Approve Sub -Recipient Agreement with Antelope Valley Domestic Violence DBA Valley Oasis to administer the HOME Investment Partnerships funded Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) program in an amount not to exceed $787,500 for a term of four years and six months.
This item was removed from the agenda.
6.8) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024-008, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale declaring a Shelter Crisis in the City of Palmdale.
6.9) Award Construction Agreement with Ferreira Construction Co. Inc., DBA Ferreira Coastal Construction Co. for PN 865, Guardrail Maintenance Upgrade, in the amount of $219,898 for a term of 45 working days from the date of the Notice to Proceed.
6.10) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024-006, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale adopting the joint resolution of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles, acting on behalf of the County and other County entities, the Board of Directors of the Antelope Valley Cemetery District, the Board of Trustees of the Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, the Board of Directors of the Antelope Valley Resource Conservation District, the City of Palmdale, and the Board of Directors of the Antelope Valley-East Kern Water Agency approving and accepting negotiated exchange of property tax revenue resulting from annexation 40-161 (4-217), local agency formation commission designation 2023 -06, to the Los Angeles County Waterworks District No. 40, Antelope Valley.
6.11) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024-007, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale adopting the joint resolution of the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles, acting on behalf of the County and other County entities, the Board of Directors of the Antelope Valley Cemetery District, the Board of Trustees of the Antelope Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District, the Board of Directors of County Sanitation District No. 20 of Los Angeles County, the Board of Directors of the Antelope Valley Resource Conservation District, the City of Palmdale, and the Board of Directors of the Antelope Valley- East Kern Water Agency approving and accepting negotiated exchange of property tax revenues resulting from annexation 40 -156 (34-45), local agency formation commission designation 2022 -06, to the Los Angeles County CC/SA Minutes – January 10, 2024 – 5pm 4
Waterworks District No. 40, Antelope Valley.
6.12) Approve Memorandum of Understanding by and between the City of Palmdale and the County of Los Angeles to collaborate on water infrastructure projects located within Waterworks District 40.
6.13) Approve the minutes from the previous meetings.
CC/SA - December 6, 2023
Motion: Approve all items listed under the Consent Calendar except 6.6 and 6.12 Moved by Richard J. Loa, seconded by Laura Bettencourt.
Vote: Motion carried (5-0)
Yes: Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón.
7) APPOINTMENTS
7.1) Nomination and Appointment of Planning Commissioner - District 5.
Councilmember Alarcón nominated Ms. Jones.
Ms. Jones, Ms. Alverdi, and Ms. Fraga-Saenz spoke regarding their background and experience.
There was Council discussion regarding the nomination.
Motion: Appoint Ms. Jones as Planning Commissioner - District 5 Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Eric Ohlsen.
Vote: Motion carried (4-1)
Yes: Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
No: Laura Bettencourt.
7.2) Approve Reappointment of Public Member to the Palmdale Recycled Water Authority.
Motion: Approve the reappointment of Public Member Anson to the Palmdale Recycled Water Authority.
Moved by Richard J. Loa, seconded by Laura Bettencourt.
Vote: Motion carried (5-0)
Yes: Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón.
Ms. Anson thanked Council.
7.3) Discussion and Possible Action regarding City Council Standing Committee Appointments.
ANTELOPE VALLEY AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT DISTRICT
Delegate: Mayor Bishop
Delegate: Mayor Pro Tem Loa
Alternate: Councilmember Bettencourt
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ANTELOPE VALLEY TRANSIT AUTHORITY
Delegate: Mayor Pro Tem Loa
Delegate: Councilmember Ohlsen
Alternate: Councilmember Bettencourt
Alternate: Citizen Kathryn Mac Laren (Appointed by a majority vote of the Council pursuant to PMC §2.08.030 pursuant to PMC §2.08.030)
CALIFORNIA CONTRACT CITIES ASSOCIATION (CCCA)
Delegate: Mayor Bishop
Alternate: Councilmember Ohlsen
CITY OF PALMDALE AUDIT COMMITTEE
Delegate: Mayor Bishop
Delegate: Councilmember Bettencourt
Alternate: Mayor Pro Tem Loa
Public Member: Christine Geary (Appointed by a majority vote of the Council pursuant to PMC §2.08.030 - Term expires July 2023)
CITY OF PALMDALE INVESTMENT OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
Member: Mayor Bishop (Must be Mayor pursuant to City’s Investment Policy)
Member: Councilmember Ohlsen (Rotating Councilmember pursuant to City’s Investment Policy)
EIFD PUBLIC FINANCE COMMITTEE
Authority Member: Mayor Bishop
Authority Member: Mayor Pro Tem Loa
Authority Public Member: Laura Gordon (term expires June 2025)
HIGH DESERT CORRIDOR JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY
Director: Councilmember Ohlsen
Alternate: Mayor Pro Tem Loa
LEAGUE OF CALIFORNIA CITIES – Desert Mountain Division
Delegate: Councilmember Bettencourt
Alternate: Mayor Bishop
2nd Alternate: Mayor Pro Tem Loa
LOS ANGELES COUNTY SANITATION DISTRICT
Delegate for Districts No. 14 and No. 20: Mayor Bishop (Must be the Mayor pursuant to H&S Code §4730)
2nd Delegate for District No. 20: Councilmember Bettencourt Alternate Delegate for District No. 14 & 20 Mayor Pro Tem Loa
NORTH LOS ANGELES COUNTY TRANSPORTATION COALITION
Delegate: Mayor Bishop
Alternate: City Manager Perez
Business Representative: Councilmember Ohlsen
Representative at Large: Mayor Pro Tem Loa
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PALMDALE RECYCLED WATER AUTHORITY (PRWA)
Director: Mayor Bishop
Director: Councilmember Bettencourt
Alternate: Mayor Pro Tem Loa
Public Member: Zakeya Anson – Current term ending 1/31/2025. (Per JPA, appointed by the City and Palmdale Water District jointly and ratified by the PRWA Board
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS (SCAG)
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Delegate: Mayor Pro Tem Loa
Alternate: Mayor Bishop
UNITED STATES/MEXICO SISTER CITIES ASSOCIATION
Delegate: Mayor Bishop
Delegate: Mayor Pro Tem Loa
Alternate: Councilmember Bettencourt
Alternate: Councilmember Ohlsen
CALIFORNIA STATE PRISON – LOS ANGELES COUNTY, CITIZENS
ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Delegate: Councilmember Bettencourt
Alternate: Mayor Pro Tem Loa
Motion: Approve the City Council Standing Committee Appointments.
Moved by Richard J. Loa, seconded by Laura Bettencourt.
Vote: Motion carried (4-1)
Yes: Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Laura Bettencourt.
No: Andrea Alarcón.
8) REPORTS AND ACTION ITEMS FROM MAYOR AND / OR COUNCILMEMBERS
8.1) Council Informational Reports on Committee memberships and meetings attended at public expense.
All reports were submitted.
Mayor Bishop announced that a video would be displayed with the previous year's events.
Mayor Pro Tem Loa recognized Lancaster Mayor, R. Rex Parris, in attendance.
Councilmember Ohlsen attended the Homes for Families Veteran Enrichment Community event; meeting with Congresswoman Judy Chu on the re-opening of the Littlerock Damn recreation area; and Kwanzaa event on December 26, 2023.
Mayor Pro Tem Loa attended the December 16th AVTA drive-thru food and toy giveaway.
Councilmember Alarcón attended the prayer vigil for the Adamyan family , who lost their child in a road rage incident.
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8.2) Council Action Items.
Mayor Bishop asked for an update on the Avenue R Project. Director of Public Works Glidden stated the estimated completion date is October of 2024 and provided details on the project.
Councilmember Ohlsen spoke regarding City projects and delays that are caused by utility companies.
City Manager Perez provided an update to the Council on the utilities and future development. Ms. Perez stated Supervisor Barger authored an action to create a consortium in the Antelope Valley that would specifically look at capital improvements needed, specifically water and fire, to address development going forward in the community.
9) CITY ATTORNEY DIRECTION TO UNDERTAKE REVIEW
9.1) Direction to City Attorney to review matters of municipal violations relating to conduct of Councilmember Alarcón.
Mayor Bishop provided direction to City Attorney Curley to review the matters of municipal violations relating to the conduct of Councilmember Alarcón.
Mayor Pro Tem Loa voiced his approval for the investigation of municipal violations conducted by City Attorney Curley.
City Attorney Curley provided the review process and stated it would be fact- based.
Councilmember Alarcón apologized to her colleagues, staff, law enforcement personnel, and residents she represents for her misconduct. She stated her opposition regarding the direction provided by Mayor Bishop to City Attorney Curley.
City Attorney Curley addressed Councilmember Alarcón's concerns and restated the review will be fact based with a focus on administrative violations. City Attorney Curley stated Council will receive a report per the new policies adopted.
10) CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Perez reported on the following: SAVES holiday food distribution; Aero toy distribution; upcoming desert clean-up event and assembling organic waste containers on January 15 in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day of S ervice; Justice Sunday, revisiting Black Wall Street performance on January 20 at the Palmdale Playhouse; ribbon cutting for Desert Sands playground on February 6; SOS Children's Village project groundbreaking on February 7; the City received a $50,000 grant from CalRecycle for a public education campaign on recyclability; Center for Transportation and Technology Excellence update; and submissions are open for youth artwork for the second round of utility box covers.
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11) NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS:
The following individuals spoke on behalf of the Palmdale Aerospace Academy Teachers Association (PATA) and asked Council to encourage their appointed delegate to support the contract submitted by PATA: Melanie Garren; Cindy Carver; Catherine Hutzol; and Daniel Lagomarsino.
The following individuals commented regarding the misconduct and accountability of Councilmember Alarcón: Abraham Salcedo; Rich Gallego; Nancy; and two Citizens (no name provided).
Marisela spoke regarding Councilmember Alarcón and unity in the community.
Eugene Hernandez commented on establishing a Latino Advisory Committee to advise on film projects proposed for the Antelope Valley and thanked Councilmember Bettencourt for doing an excellent job during her term as mayor.
David Harris thanked Councilmember Bettencourt for her service as mayor and Mayor Bishop for his words at the Chamber luncheon.
Laura Gordon commented regarding Avenue R. and announced the Walk-A-Mile event would be held on October 26.
Ruth Sanchez commented regarding the misconduct of Councilmember Alarcón and invited the Council to the new location for the Dolores Huerta Foundation and a Martin Luther King Jr. celebration on January 20.
Vicky Ventura congratulated Mayor Bishop and complimented him on representing the City at the Chamber luncheon.
Mario Presents spoke regarding being an immigrant, fatality statistics due to drunk driving, and the misconduct of Councilmember Alarcón.
Denise Verduzco thanked Mayor Bishop for his community work and spoke regarding her Latina heritage and the misconduct of Councilmember Alarcón.
Mike V thanked Councilmember Bettencourt for her service as mayor and spoke regarding Councilmember Alarcón's accountability for her actions.
Kelly Darcy spoke regarding her husband being unfairly terminated from Learn4Life.
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ADJOURN
Mayor
Bishop
adjourned
the
meeting
at
8 :
04 pm
to
January
24 ,
2024
,
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
24 th
day
of
January
2024
.
Austin
Bishop
,
Mayor
A
M
Rochelle
Scott
,
Acting
City
Clerk
CC
/
SA
Minutes
-
January
10 ,
2024
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5 pm
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