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MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL/SA/HA
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
38300 SIERRA HIGHWAY,
SUITE B PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA
MAY 1, 2024
www.cityofpalmdale.org
1) CALL MEETING TO ORDER
Mayor Bishop called the meeting to order at 5:01 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, Christina Fraga-Saenz, Dianne Betts.
ABSENT: None.
3) PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF SILENCE
Mayor Pro Tem Loa led the pledge of allegiance.
The following observances were acknowledged: Mental Health Awareness Month, Military Appreciation Month, Municipal Clerk’s Week, Public Service Recognition Week, and Peace Officers Memorial Day.
4) PUBLIC COMMENTS:
CONSENT CALENDAR(S), APPOINTMENT(S), NEW BUSINESS, AND CLOSED SESSION:
Public Comments: None.
5) JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR CC/HA
5.1) Approve Project Authorizations under two Master Services Agreements with Absolute International Security, Inc. for unarmed security guard services; one for the Housing Authority of the City of Palmdale in the combined amount not to exceed $2,879,620; and one for the City of Palmdale in the combined amount not to exceed $9,174,920, each for a term of three years with option for two additional one-year terms.
Motion: Approve Project Authorizations under two Master Services Agreements with Absolute International Security, Inc. for unarmed security guard services; one for the Housing Authority of the City of Palmdale in the combined amount not to exceed $2,879,620; and one for the City of Palmdale
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in the combined amount not to exceed $9,174,920, each for a term of three years with option for two additional one-year terms.
Moved by Laura Bettencourt, seconded by Eric Ohlsen.
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 at 5:15 pm.
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 and Quarterly Investment Activity Reports for March 2024.
6.3) Receive and File the Annual Report on Development Impact Fees for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2023, and adopt findings to commit funds held in the Littlerock Drainage Fee Fund, Fire Facilities Fee Fund, and Sewer Upgrade Fee fund.
6.4) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024 -047, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale approving the application for Local Streets and Roads Funds authorized under Article 8 of the Transportation Development Act.
6.5) Award Construction Agreement with Comet Electric, Inc. for PN 867/868, Traffic Signal Modification at Avenue M and 20th Street East and 30th Street East, for a not to exceed amount of $1,309,129 for a term of 75 working days from the date of Notice to Proceed.
6.6) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024 -032, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale directing the preparation of the annual Engineer’s Report for the continuation of the annual levy of assessments and designating the Engineer of Work for fiscal year 2024 -2025 for the City of Palmdale Drainage Benefit Assessment Districts No. 1 and No. 2006-02.
6.7) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024 -035, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale directing the preparation of the annual Engineer’s Report for the continuation of the annual levy of assessments and designating the Engineer of Work for fiscal year 2024 -2025 for the City of Palmdale Landscape Maintenance Assessment Districts and Annexations, Park Maintenance and Recreation Improvement District, and Streetlight Maintenance Assessment Districts and Annexations.
6.8) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2024 -046, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale adopting a list of projects for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 funded by Senate Bill 1: The Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
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6.9) Approve the Second Amendment to Agreement with Sully Miller Contracting Co., for PN 698, Avenue R Complete Streets and Safe Routes Project for a not to exceed amount of $14,245,965, including an additional $1,152,731 contract value and $1,000,000 contingency per the original term of four hundred (400) calendar days.
6.10) Approve the minutes from the April 17, 2024 meeting.
Motion: Approve the items listed on the Consent Calendar. 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) Public Hearing to receive public comments on the 2024 -2025 Draft Action Plan programming estimated $4,454,266 in Consolidated Plan Funds; review, approve and submit the 2024 -2025 Action Plan; and execute documents related to the submission of the Action Plan and subrecipient agreements.
Mayor Bishop opened the Public Hearing. Management Analyst Bartlett presented the staff report. Testimony: None.
Mayor Bishop closed the Public Hearing.
Motion: Approve the recommendations and findings as listed in the staff report. Moved by Andrea Alarcón, 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 -048, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale, approving a form of Density Bonus Agreement with Maison’s Palmdale Blvd 150, LLC, to facilitate the construction of Tentative Tract Map 83359 located on the south side of Palmdale Boulevard between 50th Street East and 55th Street East (APN: 3023-002-084).
Mayor Bishop opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Scott read the title of Resolution No. CC 2024-048. City Attorney
Curley presented the staff report.
Councilmember Alarcón asked for an overview of Senate Bill 9. City Attorney Curley provided an overview.
Hunt Braly of Poole and Shaffery and Kevin Harbison of Ravello Holdings were there to answer questions regarding the project.
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The following individuals provided public input in opposition of the project:
Mike Parker, Janet Parker, Carli Galasso, and Corrine Stephenson,
Tina Hughes spoke regarding endangered species and notification of the project.
Tori spoke regarding the approval of the project at the Planning Commission meeting.
Mayor Bishop closed the Public Hearing.
The Council and staff discussed public outreach, the appeal process, notification, application, and signage.
Councilmember Alarcón requested a report back on some recommendations for future development and the public engagement process.
Further discussion followed regarding land use and the general plan, the housing element, public notice, litigation related to density bonus law, and a review of the Planning Commission meeting.
Motion: Continue to June 5, 2024, with specific instruction that the City Attorney's Office review the Planning Commission hearing for any misdirection. 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) APPOINTMENT
8.1) Discussion, nomination, and appointment of one (1) Council Member to the Antelope Valley Fair Authority.
City Manager Perez provided an oral report on this item.
Mayor Pro Tem Loa spoke regarding his involvement with the fair, and the Multi-Agency Regional Resiliency Center (MARRC). Discussion ensued regarding the benefits of being appointed to the Antelope Valley Fair Authority.
Motion: Appoint Mayor Pro Tem Loa to the Antelope Valley Fair Authority.
Moved by Laura Bettencourt, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote: Motion carried (5-0)
Yes: Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón.
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9) CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Perez reported on the following: Farmer's Market at Oasis Park; Cinco De Mayo Festival; Inkwell Book and Art Festival; Organics Waste Workshop; an award of merit received for our sustainable transportation plan through the American Planning Association; swearing-in of City Prosecutor’s who will enforce the municipal code; and the summer concert lineup.
10) COUNCIL REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR FUTURE
AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Alarcón reported on the District 5 town hall meeting and requested the following: 1) reinvigorate the grant program for Measure AV; 2) add a future agenda item amending the Municipal Code to require that each Councilmember from each respective district gets mandatory one appointment to the Measure AV Committee; and 3) encouraged City Manager Perez to bring back a letter to the next meeting written to Caltrans to initiate the conversation on how to cooperatively implement some traffic and speed mitigation measures and public safety measures to protect residents and those who visit our community along Pearblossom Highway.
Councilmember Ohlsen contacted Captain Zagorski of the California Highway Patrol and requested stats and data to incorporate into the Caltrans letter; held a meeting with the Association of Los Angeles Deputy Sheriff's (ALADS) president regarding relieving pressure from the deputies who are understaffed and overworked; suggested joining Lancaster's lawsuit on the Sheriff's Department and the County; attended Sheriff's Boosters car show; reported on stakeholders tour held in Pueblo, Colorado for the Transportation Technology Center; AV Edge Summit; met with Vicky Ventura regarding opportunities for City and Chamber to work together to support small businesses; participated on the iServe Youth Leadership panel; and the Brightline.
Mayor Pro Tem Loa reported on the AV Hispanic Chamber of Commerce lunch and learn event; AV Edge Summit; West Antelope Valley Education Foundation Dinner; announced the 26th Anniversary of the Palmdale Station celebration on June 26th; attended the Poppy Festival; and suggested a meeting with Assemblyman Carrillo, Assemblyman Lackey, and the Senator regarding Pearblossom Highway and fatalities.
Councilmember Bettencourt spoke regarding Highway 138 speed and safety; AV Chambers Waste Management landfill tour; Palmdale Sheriff's Booster car and bike show; Vet at the Park event; SIFI Network event; encouraged citizens to enjoy City parks; and requested an update on Visit Palmdale.
Mayor Bishop reported on his visit to the Transportation Technology Center in Pueblo, Colorado; met with Joe Ennis of Positive Lifestyle regarding organizing clean ups; attended AV Edge Summit; Vets 4 Veterans event; attended NCTC meeting and discussed the 14 freeway completion; participated on the iServe Youth Leadership panel; attended Poppy Festival; Oasis Park car show; Brightline West ground breaking ribbon cutting; Farmer's Market at Oasis Park; Vet at the Park; and