CC SA HA – April 03, 2024 – 5pm 1
MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL/SA/HA
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
38300 SIERRA HIGHWAY, SUITE B
PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA
APRIL 3, 2024
1) CALL MEETING TO ORDER
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, Christina Fraga-Saenz, Dianne Betts.
ABSENT: None.
3) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mayor Pro Tem Loa led the pledge of allegiance.
4) PUBLIC COMMENTS:
CONSENT CALENDAR(S), APPOINTMENT(S), NEW BUSINESS, AND CLOSED SESSION:
The following individuals provided public input: Johnathan Duran, Crispin Carrasco, and Johny E scobedo commented in favor of Items 6.6 and 6.8; Eugene Hernandez, Juan Medina, and Xavier Flores spoke in favor of a motion to have interpretation services.
5) HOUSING AUTHORITY CONSENT CALENDAR
5.1) 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.
Commissioners Fraga-Saenz and Betts recused themselves from this item and stepped away from the dais.
A motion was made and carried unanimously to re-open the Public Comments.
Public Comments: Christina Fraga -Saenz, a resident of Boulders at the Lake, stated that her concerns are being addressed, and she is in support of the rent increase.
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Director of Neighborhood Services Reyes updated the Council on the meetings held with the residents at the Boulders Mobile Home Parks.
There was Council and staff discussion on additional funding sources for repairs at the mobile home parks, inspections, and residents reporting concerns and providing feedback to staff and management.
Motion: 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.
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.
5.2) Adopt Resolution No. HA 2024 -003, a Resolution of the Housing Authority of the City of Palmdale approving an amendment of agreement 07 -IIG-4212 with the State of California Department of Housing and Community Development for the Proposition 1-C Infill Infrastructure Grant Program Neighborhood Services
5.3) Approve the minutes from the March 20, 2024 meeting.
Motion: Approve all items listed on the Housing Authority Consent Calendar except 5.1 Moved by Christina Fraga-Saenz, seconded by Richard J. Loa.
Vote: Motion carried (7-0)
Yes: Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón, Christina Fraga-Saenz, Dianne Betts.
Mayor Bishop adjourned the Housing Authority meeting at 5:31 pm.
Items 6.5, 6.6, and 6.8 were pulled by Councilmember Alarcón for discussion.
6) CONSENT CALENDAR
6.1) 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).
6.2) Receive and file the Monthly Investment Activity Report for February 2024.
6.3) Approve the Third Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Lance, Soll, Lunghard, LLP for an additional amount of $110,000, for a total not to exceed the amount of $347,400 for the remainder of the term through March 30, 2026.
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6.4) Approve FY 2023-24 budget adjustments.
6.5) 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.
Director of Parks and Recreation Smith presented the staff report.
Councilmember Alarcón asked for clarification on Exhibit A regarding the naming of City assets after elected officials. City Attorney Curley provided clarification.
Motion: 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.
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.
6.6) Award Construction Agreement with Griffith Company for a not to exceed amount of $39,935,500 and award Consultant Agreement with MNS Engineers, Inc. for Project Management Services for a not to exceed amount of $485,030 for PN 672, Palmdale Boulevard (SR -138) and SR-14 Interchange Improvements Project, for a term of 435 working days from the date of Notice to Proceed.
Director of Public Works Glidden presented the staff report.
There was Council and staff discussion regarding safety at the project intersection, additional work that will be performed, the eastbound merging lane, and the Community Workforce agreement. Director of Public Works Glidden provided detailed information on the work that will be performed.
Discussion ensued regarding the use of Measure R grant funds and the project timeline.
Motion: Award Construction Agreement with Griffith Company for a not to exceed amount of $39,935,500 and award Consultant Agreement with MNS Engineers, Inc. for Project Management Services for a not to exceed amount of $485,030 for PN 672, Palmdale Boulevard (SR -138) and SR-14 Interchange Improvements Project, for a term of 435 working days from the date of Notice to Proceed.
Moved by Richard J. Loa, seconded by Andrea Alarcón.
Vote: Motion carried (5-0)
Yes: Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón.
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6.7) Notice of Completion - Accept Public Sewer and Drainage Improvements for Tract 74927 located on the west side of Pevero Court and Range Drive.
6.8) Award Construction Agreement with Sully -Miller Contracting Company for a not to exceed amount of $21,394,466 and award Consultant Agreement with MNS Engineers, Inc. for Construction Management Services for a not to exceed amount of $824,915 for PN 869, Arterial Road Rehabilitation Project, for a term of 110 working days from the date of Notice to Proceed.
Director of Public Works Glidden presented the staff report.
Council spoke in support of the project.
Motion: Award Construction Agreement with Sully-Miller Contracting Company for a not to exceed amount of $21,394,466 and award Consultant Agreement with MNS Engineers, Inc. for Construction Management Services for a not to exceed amount of $824,915 for PN 869, Arterial Road Rehabilitation Project, for a term of 110 working days from the date of Notice to Proceed.
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.
Motion: Approve all items listed on the Consent Calendar except 6.5, 6.6 and 6.8.
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) PUBLIC HEARING
7.1) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024 -039, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale, approving Major Modification 24 -0003, a request to amend the Conditions of Approval for Tentative Tract Map 61894 to change the required design and timing for a new roadway bridge over the California Aqueduct within the Anaverde Nuevo Specific Plan.
Acting City Clerk Scott read the title of Resolution No. CC 2024-039.
Eric Norris, Interwest, provided a brief overview of the Anaverde Nuevo project.
Mayor Bishop opened the Public Hearing.
Testimony: Chris Yelich, applicant, spoke in favor of the project.
Mayor Bishop closed the Public Hearing.
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Councilmember Bettencourt asked if the point of ingress and egress to the Avenue S corridor was for all residents of Anaverde or only service vehicles for fire and emergency. Mr. Norris, Interwest, stated it will be a public roadway for use.
Mayor Bishop spoke in support of the project.
Motion: Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024 -039, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale, approving Major Modification 24 -0003, a request to amend the Conditions of Approval for Tentative Tract Map 61894 to change the required design and timing for a new roadway bridge over the California Aqueduct within the Anaverde Nuevo Specific Plan.
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.
7.2) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024 -017, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale; Denying Appeal 24-0002 and upholding Planning Commission Resolution No. PC -2024-001 to deny General Plan Amendment 23-0001, Zone Change 23-0002, and Specific Plan Amendment 22-001.
Mayor Bishop read the title of Resolution No. CC 2024 -017 and spoke about the continuance of this item.
There was Council and staff discussion on the process and timeline for completion.
Motion: Continue Item 7.2
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) NEW BUSINESS
8.1) Discussion on providing language interpretation services at regular City Council Meetings.
Acting City Clerk Scott presented the staff report.
There was Council and staff discussion on options for providing interpretation services. Council discussed using bilingual staff, outside providers, incorporating technology, and/or a blended approach.
Council directed staff to research the options and provide an interpreter for the next meeting.
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Motion: Provide an interpreter for the April 17, 2024 meeting and agendize an action item to come back to the next meeting.
Moved by Eric Ohlsen, seconded by Richard J. Loa.
Vote: Motion carried (5-0)
Yes: Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón.
9) AGENDA ITEMS
9.1) Council reports, announcements, and requests for future agenda items.
Councilmember Bettencourt reported on the following: The Palmdale Aerospace Academy Read Across America event; Spanish Talk Radio; AV Edge luncheon; National League of Cities Congressional City Conference in Washington, D.C.; Military Communities Council meeting; Desert Mountain Regional meeting; AV Boots on the Ground Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran ceremony; Seasons of Service spring basket assembly; Seussical at the Palmdale Playhouse; Sanitation District Board meeting; Cesar Chavez Day event; Books and Barks; Waste Management briefing; You Are Loved event; and AV Veterans Coalition dinner.
Mayor Pro Tem Loa reported on the following: met with Palmdale Regional Medical Center staff on mental health; attended Sheriff's Booster Board meeting and luncheon; SCAG meeting; Mi Ranchito grand opening; Washington D.C. Conference; AV Boots on the Ground Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran ceremony; Seussical; AVTA Board of Directors meeting; and AV Veterans Community Actions Coalition.
Councilmember Ohlsen reported on the following: Season of Service graffiti abatement event; AV Boots on the Ground Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran ceremony; and discussed his visit to Pueblo, Colorado to see the Center for Transportation Excellence.
Councilmember Alarcón reported on the following: Jobs projected for the Center for Transportation and Technology Excellence; developing a Domestic Violence Shelter; meeting with Chief Executive Officer of Habitat for Humanity regarding a home building project in District 5; discussed and requested a future agenda item on establishing a Youth Council; and announced the District 5 Town Hall.
Mayor Bishop reported on the following: Read Across America event; Chick -fil- A grand opening; Spanish Talk Radio; AV Edge luncheon; Hispanic Chamber Installation Gala; Mi Ranchito grand opening; Washington D.C. Conference; Trader Joe's Distribution Center project; graffiti abatement; AV Boots on the Ground Welcome Home Vietnam Veteran Ceremony ; Seussical; Sanitation District Meeting; Mock Trial event; Egg Hunt event; Cesar Chavez event; Ghetto Film lab; Fentanyl Awareness; recognized Mr. Joe Ellis; and discussed the rail testing center visited in Pueblo, Colorado.
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Councilmember Ohlsen discussed a future transportation revolution in Palmdale.
10) CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
Assistant City Manager Mendez reported on the following: Art Exhibit titled Princess in Mosaic Dreams; Classical Rock at the Palmdale Playhouse; SB 1383 Organics Workshop at Marie Kerr Park; Disco Dog Day at Yellen Park; Public Safety Forum at Legacy Commons; Fentanyl Awareness Symposium at the Palmdale Playhouse; Narcan training and certification update; Cesar Chavez event; Fentanyl Youth Multi- media challenge; Walk on Words Poetry contest, and the City was awarded over $1.3M through Congressman Garcia's Office for an Emergency Operation Center.
11) NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS:
The following individuals provided public input: Jorge Ventura thanked Council for supporting the Cesar Chavez event, announced a car show on April 27 at Drytown Water Park and the Taco Festival on June 8; Eugene Hernandez spoke regarding the Auto Mall Program and the Library reflecting Hispanic history; and Jimmy Guevara (JVS-VPAN) spoke regarding educational resources for veterans. Councilmember Bettencourt spoke regarding her teaching experience at AV College, educational resources offered through the college, and her desire to see a four -year university in Palmdale. Councilmember Ohlsen mentioned that Senator Wilk, co -sponsored by Assemblyman Carrillo, and Assemblyman Lackey are introducing legislation to do a feasibility study and the exploration of a four -year university in the Antelope Valley and spoke in support of the AV College path.
Public input continued: Vicky Ventura thanked Mayor Pro Tem Loa for his excellent presentation at the AV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce luncheon and spoke about the Trader Joe's project, and funding the small business community; Xavier Flores discussed the Human Rights Advisory Committee, its purpose, and staff support; Marsha Furman spoke regarding the 4th of July event and mentioned BJ's Corner being up for sale; Marcos Alvarez discussed the purpose of the Human Rights Advisory Committee and addressing issues in the community.
Councilmember Alarcón spoke regarding the Human Rights Advisory Committee and the Measure AV Committee receiving Council support. She asked that the City Manager work with the Commissions to bring back the items specifically directed to be reviewed by the City Council and reinstate the Human Rights Committee meetings.
12) PRESENTATION BY CITY ATTORNEY
City Attorney Curley confirmed items were properly agendized.
12.1) CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION Leona Valley Town Council vs. City of Palmdale, et al.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 22STCP01932
This closed session is being held pursuant to the authority of California
CC SA HA
April
03 , 2024
5pm
8 Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1)
12.2)
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
-
EXISTING
LITIGATION
Land Developers & Associates Corporation
v.
Successor Agency to
the
Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Palmdale, et al.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 22AVCV01093
The closed session is being held pursuant to the
authority of California
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
12.3)
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
EXISTING
LITIGATION
CV Communities v. AVEK, et al.
Los Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 20STCV10953
This closed session is being held pursuant to the
authority of
California
Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
13)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY CITY
ATTORNEY
Closed Session was held from 7:12 pm
-
8:30 pm.
City Attorney Curley announced the following:
12.1 -
The City Council unanimously gave authority to accept the terms of the
settlement with the Leona
Valley
Town
Council.
12.2 -
The City Council unanimously directed further negotiations and the offer was
not accepted. There will be further negotiations between outside Counsel and
LDA.
12.3 -
The City Council unanimously directed that the settlement be put into place on
the terms described which will be memorialized and made available.
14)
A
DJOURN
Mayor Bishop adjourned the meeting at 8:32 pm to April 17, 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 17th day of April 2024.
_______________________________
Austin Bishop, Mayor
ATTEST:
_______________________________
Rochelle
Scott, City Clerk