CC HA – March 20, 2024 – 5pm 1
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL/HA
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
38300 SIERRA HIGHWAY, SUITE B
PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA
MARCH 20, 2024
www.cityofpalmdale.org
1) CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Bishop called the meeting to order at 5:00 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 COMMISSIONERS FRAGA-SAENZ, BETTS
PRESENT: Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Dianne Betts, Christina Fraga-Saenz.
ABSENT: None.
3) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mayor Pro Tem Loa led the pledge of allegiance.
City Manager Perez pulled Item 7.5 from the agenda to be heard at a later date.
4) PUBLIC COMMENT RULES:
5) PUBLIC COMMENTS:
CONSENT CALENDAR(S), APPOINTMENT(S), NEW BUSINESS, AND CLOSED SESSION:
The following individual s provided public input: Linda London discussed maintaining the Boulders Mobile Home Parks ; Michele Cuillerier spoke regarding unsupervised kids at the Boulders at the Lake; Gus Camacho commented in favor of Item 7.2 and the drop in sales at the auto mall; Eugene Hernandez made comments regarding Camacho Sales and Item 7.2 ; Roger Soderstedt commented regarding rent control at the Boulders Mobile Home Parks , Item 7.2 , and townhall meetings in Council Districts; and Cei Cei discussed lighting at the Boulders Mobile Home Park, and Advancing Communities Together.
Mayor Pro Tem Loa refuted the comment that was made by Mr. Hernandez regarding the auto sales program.
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Mayor Bishop closed the Public Comments.
Commissioner Fraga-Saenz and Betts recused themselves from Item 6.2.
6) HOUSING AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR
6.1) Adopt Resolution No. HA 2024-002, a Resolution of the Housing Authority of the City of Palmdale declaring APNs 3006-008-921 and 3006-008-922 Exempt Surplus Land under the Surplus Land Act as amended.
6.2) Approve revision to the Housing Authority’s self -imposed maximum space rent for income qualifying spaces for the Boulders Mobile Home Parks and authorize the Authority Executive Director or her designee to review and determine future increases to the maximum space rent for qualifying spaces and establish a subsidy program.
Councilmember Alarcón asked for clarification on allowing the Commissioners to speak as public members. City Attorney Curley provided clarification.
Commissioners Fraga-Saenz and Betts stepped away from the dais.
A motion was made and carried unanimously, with Commissioners Fraga-Saenz and Betts recused, to re-open the public comments.
Ms. Betts spoke regarding the removal of the space rent cap.
Mayor Bishop closed the public comments.
Neighborhood Services Director Reyes presented the staff report.
There was discussion among Council and staff regarding the increase in space rents, operational costs vs revenue, removal of the space rent cap, average costs of mobile home space rents in the Antelope Valley, implementation of a subsidy program, rental assistance, population of parks residents, sewer maintenance, lighting, repairing of playground, security, and park inspections, deferred maintenance of properties, financial uncertainty of residents, and implementation of annual feedback for tenants.
Motion: Continue item for two weeks.
Moved by Eric Ohlsen, seconded by Richard J. Loa.
Vote: Motion carried (4-1)
Yes: Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
No: Laura Bettencourt.
6.3) Approve the minutes from the previous meetings.
HA - January 24, 2024
HA - February 21, 2024
Motion: Approve all items as listed on the Consent Calendar except 6.2.
Moved by Christina Fraga-Saenz, seconded by Andrea Alarcón.
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Vote: Motion carried (7-0)
Yes: Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Dianne Betts, Christina Fraga-Saenz.
Mayor Bishop adjourned the Housing Authority meeting at 6:16 pm.
7) CONSENT CALENDAR
7.1) Waive full reading of the Resolution(s) to be considered and voted on at this meeting. (This allows for reading the title only in lieu of reciting the entire text).
7.2) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024 -029, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale approving the 2024 Palmdale Auto Mall Marketing Program.
Economic Development Manager Ramirez provided a detailed overview of the program.
There was Council and staff discussion regarding the allocation of funds, incentives to residents, revenue generated by the auto mall, sales tax breakdown, projected return on the investment of $500K, small business support, use of Measure AV funds, and food distribution programs.
Motion: Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024-029, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale approving the 2024 Palmdale Auto Mall Marketing Program.
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.
7.3) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024 -025, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale to accept the Los Angeles County Council of Governments Regional Homeless Coordination and Local Solutions Fund.
7.4) Approve Single Family Residential Rehabilitation Program for Minor Home Repair and Home Accessibility.
7.5) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024 -027, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale approving the City Asset Naming and Renaming Policy.
7.6) Award Construction Agreement with Baker Electric & Renewables LLC for PN 753, North County ITS Expansion Project, Phase V, in the amount not -to exceed $7,095,123 for a term of 220 working days from the date of Notice to Proceed.
7.7) Award Construction Agreement with California Commercial Pools for PN 886, Dry Town Water Park Lazy River Deck Replacement Project, in the amount of $135,000 for a term of 20 working days from the date of Notice to Proceed.
CC HA – March 20, 2024 – 5pm 4
7.8) Approve the minutes from the previous meetings.
CC/SA - March 6, 2024
Motion: Approve all items as listed on the Consent Calendar except 7.2 and removed
7.5 to be heard at a later date.
Moved by Richard J. Loa, seconded by Eric Ohlsen.
Vote: Motion carried (5-0)
Yes: Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón.
8) PUBLIC HEARING
8.1) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024 -022, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale calling special election regarding alteration of the Rate and Method of Apportionment of Special Taxes for the City of Palmdale Community Facilities District No. 2022 -3 (Ritter Ranch Phase 1 Public Facilities); Resolution No. CC 2024 -023, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale declaring results of special election in the City of Palmdale Community Facilities District No. 2022 -3 (Ritter Ranch Phase 1 Public Facilities), determining that alteration of the Rate and Method of Apportionment of Special Taxes for the District is lawfully authorized, and directing recording of Amended and Restated Notice of Special Tax Lien; and Resolution No. CC 2024 -028, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale authorizing execution of agreements relating to the issuance of Special Tax Bonds for the City of Palmdale Community Facilities District No. 2022-3 (Ritter Ranch Phase 1 Public Facilities).
Acting City Clerk Scott read the title of Resolution Nos. CC 2024 -022, CC 2024- 023, and CC 2024-028.
Mayor Bishop asked if there were any written email protests from any owners of property in the District or registered voters who reside in the District, and Acting City Clerk Scott responded there were not.
Mayor Bishop opened the Public Hearing.
Public Testimony: None.
Mayor Bishop closed the Public Hearing.
Director of Operations Samson presented the staff report.
There was Council and staff discussion regarding the project.
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Motion: Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024 -022, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale calling special election regarding alteration of the Rate and Method of Apportionment of Special Taxes for the City of Palmdale Community Facilities District No. 2022-3 (Ritter Ranch Phase 1 Public Facilities) Moved by Richard J. Loa, seconded by Eric Ohlsen.
Vote: Motion carried (5-0)
Yes: Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón.
Mayor Bishop requested that the ballot be opened, and Acting City Clerk Scott announced the ballot was voted "Yes."
Motion: Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024 -023, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale declaring results of special election in the City of Palmdale Community Facilities District No. 2022 -3 (Ritter Ranch Phase 1 Public Facilities), determining that alteration of the Rate and Method of Apportionment of Special Taxes for the District is lawfully authorized, and directing recording of Amended and Restated Notice of Special Tax Lien; and Resolution No. CC 2024 -028, A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale authorizing execution of agreements relating to the issuance of Special Tax Bonds for the City of Palmdale Community Facilities District No. 2022-3 (Ritter Ranch Phase 1 Public Facilities)
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.
9) NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS:
The following individuals provided public input: Eugene Hernandez spoke regarding Camacho Auto Sales and the Library Board meeting; Vivie nne Daniels asked about the reopening of 10th Street West, Avenue R, and the bus stop. Director of Public Works Glidden reported that Avenue R would be complete in November and provided an update on 10th Street East. Mayor Pro Tem Loa, as a Director of the Antelope Valley Transit Authority , assured Ms. Daniels the bus stop would be reinstalled.
The following individuals requested assistance for the Palmdale Knights, Youth Football Team (contact information: [email protected] and avyouthathletics.org): Raycine Ector, Tameisha Warner, D elorse Woods, Kristen Woods, Amin Uqdah, Sarah Sanders, Malikai Sanders, Coach Rommel, Gregory Grimes, and Rodney Woods.
The Council made comments in support of the Palmdale Knights Youth Football Team.
Marsha Furman commented on World War II, Memorial Day events, and supporting veterans.
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10) COUNCIL REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR FUTURE
AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Bettencourt requested an update on road construction and reported on a meeting she attended on the Washington, D.C. trip that discussed the Military and Defense Family grant opportunities.
Mayor Pro Tem Loa reported on the Washington, D.C. trip and discussed meetings attended on sources of money for road improvements, followed by a meeting with the staff of Senator Padilla and Senator Butler. Also, he attended a meeting by the California League of Cities on mental health and fentanyl.
Mayor Bishop spoke about the benefits of attending the meetings during the Washington, D.C. trip and shared information about the federal grants related to roads and transportation.
Councilmember Ohlsen spoke about the improvements coming to Palmdale and the transportation revolution and provided an update o n AB 2082 related to Palmdale Boulevard.
Councilmember Alarcón asked about the status of her request to add an agenda item for oral interpretation services.
Mayor Bishop announced he is honored and privileged to serve the City of Palmdale.
Mayor Pro Tem Loa commented regarding the Boots on the Ground event.
Marsha Furman spoke about the Honor Flights program located in Bakersfield.
11) CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Perez reported on the following: Children's SpringFest and Egg Hunt at Marie Kerr Park March 23; Cesar Chavez Day event at Domenic Massari Park March 23; Fight Fentanyl Awareness Campaign and Spring Program March 26-28; SAVES Spring Basket Distribution; Veteran of the Year Award Nomination closes March 31; Local Artist call to participate in the Antelopes on Parade Contest; open application period for Certificate in Applied Positive Psychology (CAPP) Program; consideration of $60M in road and infrastructure improvements at the next Council meeting.
12) PRESENTATION BY CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Curley confirmed the Closed Session items would be heard as listed.
12.1) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION U-Haul v. City of Palmdale
Case No. 22AVCV00439
This closed session is being held pursuant to the authority of California Government Code Section 54956.9.
12.2) PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
Title: City Attorney
Name: William P. Curley, III City