1 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
38300 SIERRA
HIGHWAY,
SUITE
B
PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA
JANUARY 22, 2025
www.cityofpalmdale.org
1)
CALL MEETING
TO
ORDER
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt called the meeting to order at 5:00 pm.
City Manager Perez provided an update on the Hughes fire.
Note: All City Council memberships are reflected in their City Council titles.
2)
ROLL
CALL
MAYOR
LOA,
MAYOR
PRO
TEM
BETTENCOURT,
COUNCILMEMBERS
BISHOP,
OHLSEN,
ALARCÓN
PRESENT: Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Laura Bettencourt, Andrea Alarcón.
ABSENT:
None.
Mayor Loa participated via Zoom from Holiday Inn National Airport, 2650 Jefferson Davis Highway, Arlington, Virginia 22202
3)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF
SILENCE
Councilmember Ohlsen led the pledge of allegiance.
4)
PRESENTATIONS
4.1)
Presentation update from Economic and Community
Development
-
Planning and Building and Safety Divisions.
Planning Manager Magana provided an overview of the Planning Division and highlighted project accomplishments.
Building Official George provided an overview of the Building and Safety Division, highlighted the development projects completed, and spoke about upcoming projects.
Councilmember
Alarcón
commended staff on the sizeable projects and
asked how many jobs were created. Building Official George responded.
Councilmember Bishop spoke about the Trader Joe's project.
Councilmember Ohlsen stated everything is coming up Palmdale.
2 Mayor Loa commended staff.
5)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR, APPOINTMENT(S), NEW BUSINESS, AND CLOSED SESSION:
There were no public comments.
Councilmember
Alarcón
pulled items 6.4 and 6.5 for discussion.
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)
Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
004, a Resolution of the City Council of
the
Resolution No. CC 2024
-
009, and Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
005, a
Resolution
of
the City Council of the City of Palmdale stating the Investment Policy for City contributions to the Retiree Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA)
Plan
and the Retiree Health Premium Supplement
(HPS) Plan and repealing Resolution No. CC 2024
-
010.
6.3)
Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
008, a Resolution of the City Council of
the
City of Palmdale, adopting an amended Conflict of Interest Code containing revised designated positions and disclosure categories, and repealing all prior
resolutions.
6.4)
Approve Requisition No. 250807 with National Auto Fleet Group in an amount not to exceed $339,030 for the purchase of six (6) public safety vehicles.
Councilmember
Alarcón
noted that this item included six (6) public safety
vehicles that
will
help support and enforce our entire law enforcement/public safety team.
Public Safety Director Rubio presented the staff report.
Councilmember Bishop commended staff on a great job.
Councilmember Ohlsen commended staff on a great job and spoke about the joint efforts and progress being made.
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt discussed the importance of having a reliable fleet, and stated other cities are inquiring about
our
City/Sheriff's
Department model. She also introduced and welcomed Public Safety Director Rubio.
3 Mayor Loa welcomed Mr. Rubio and spoke regarding his leadership.
Motion:
Approve Requisition No. 250807 with National Auto Fleet Group in an amount not to exceed $339,030 for the purchase of six (6) public safety vehicles.
Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Eric Ohlsen.
Vote:
Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes:
Richard J. Loa
,
Laura Bettencourt
,
Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen,
Andrea Alarcón.
6.5)
Approve Agreement with Nash Construction Services Inc., for tenant improvements for PN 907, Aero Building Project, for a total not to exceed amount of $280,921 for a term of 80 working days from the date of the Notice to Proceed.
Public Works Director Torres presented the staff report.
Councilmember
Alarcón
asked about the bidding process, local preference,
and
ARPA
funding
language
. Public
W
orks Director
Torres
addressed the
bidding process and local preference.
There was
further
discussion
on l
ocal
preference.
City Manager Perez addressed the
ARPA
funding
language
.
City Attorney Curley discussed the
local
preference requirements.
Motion:
Approve Agreement with Nash Construction Services Inc., for tenant improvements for PN 907, Aero Building Project, for a total not to exceed amount of $280,921 for a term of 80 working days from the date of the Notice to Proceed.
Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote: Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes:
Richard J. Loa
,
Laura Bettencourt
,
Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen,
Andrea
Alarcón.
6.6)
Approve the minutes from the previous meetings.
Motion: Approve all item
s
listed on the Consent Calendar except 6.4 and 6.5.
Moved by Austin Bishop, seconded by Eric Ohlsen.
Vote:
Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes:
Richard J. Loa
,
Laura Bettencourt
,
Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen,
Andrea Alarcón.
7)
PUBLIC HEARING
7.1)
Adopt Ordinance No. 1651, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of
Palmdale approving
Time
Extension 24
-
0006 and Major Modification 24
-
0008, and finding that the proposed project is consistent with the previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration.
4 Planning Manager Magana presented the staff report.
Councilmember
Alarcón
inquired about the price range of the homes. The
applicant suggested looking at the market rate.
Councilmember Bishop inquired about the project timeline. The applicant discussed the issue
of removing and relocating
Joshua trees.
City Clerk Scott read the title of Ordinance No. 1651.
A motion
to introduce Ordinance No. 1651 was made and carried
unanimously
.
Mayor Pro
Tem
Bettencourt opened the Public Hearing.
Testimony: None.
Motion:
Adopt Ordinance No. 1651, an Ordinance of the City Council of the
City of Palmdale approving
Time
Extension 24
-
0006 and Major Modification
24 -
0008,
and finding that the proposed project is consistent with the previously adopted Mitigated Negative Declaration.
Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote: Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes:
Richard J. Loa
,
Laura Bettencourt
,
Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen,
Andrea
Alarcón.
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt closed the Public Hearing.
7.2)
Adopt Ordinance No. 1648, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of
Palmdale approving Antelope
Valley
Commerce Center Specific Plan
22 -
001
and Zone Change 22
-
001 and Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
002,
approving General Plan Amendment 22
-
001,
Tentative
Parcel Map 83738,
Site
Plan
Review 22
-
008, and a form of Development Agreement 22
-
001,
Certification
of
the Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse No. 2022090009),
and
adoption of the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program and Statement
of
Overriding Considerations.
City Clerk Scott read the titles of Ordinance No. 1648 and Resolution No.
CC 2025
-
002.
A motion was made and carried unanimously to introduce Ordinance No. 1648.
Interim Director of Economic and Community Development Taggart presented the staff report.
The
following
individuals
spoke
in
support
of
the
project:
Amy Smith,
Greg
Lewis, Jayson Beiz, Crispin Carrasco, Chuck Powell, Norris
Carter.
5 Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt closed the Public Hearing.
Council spoke in support of the project.
Motion: Adopt Ordinance No. 1648, an Ordinance of the City Council of the
City of Palmdale approving Antelope
Valley
Commerce Center Specific Plan
22 -
001 and Zone Change 22
-
001 and Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
002,
approving General Plan Amendment 22
-
001,
Tentative
Parcel Map 83738,
Site
Plan Review 22
-
008, and a form of Development Agreement 22
-
001,
Certification of the Environmental Impact Report (State Clearinghouse No. 2022090009), and adoption of the Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting Program
and Statement of Overriding Considerations.
Moved by Austin Bishop, seconded by Andrea Alarcón.
Vote: Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes:
Richard J. Loa
,
Laura
Bettencourt
,
Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen,
Andrea Alarcón.
8)
REPORT
City Manager Perez reported on the Martin Luther King
Jr.
Day of Service event
at
SAVES,
the backpack drive event in coordination with Assemblyman Carrillo's office, and the upcoming Season of Service event on February 15. She also announced
the
City received a $1M grant for Avenue Q, the
low
-
cost spay and
neuter program is being relaunched, staff is working on an emergency readiness evaluation that would be brought before the
Council in February, and spoke
about the
s
ocial
m
edia campaign on emergency preparedness.
Lastly,
she
introduced Public Safety Director
Rubio,
Deputy Director of Public Works
Livingston, and Housing Manager Anderson.
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt welcomed the new employees.
9)
REPORT
Captain Bardon reported on response times for routine calls, calls for service, citations, partnership with Public Safety staff, P
artners
A
gainst
C
rime (P
AC)
Team
arrests, Part 1 crimes, property crimes, Operation Secret Shopper for crime prevention, graffiti, traffic enforcement
,
and collision prevention, traffic citations,
virtual deputy application update, and
stated
the Palmdale Sheriff's station
coordinated and participated in 130 community events. He spoke about launching the 2025 events that will include an interfaith prayer breakfast.
Councilmember Bishop asked if the fire
was
impacting the deputies. Captain
Bardon responded.
10)
NON
-
AGENDA PUBLIC
COMMENTS:
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt announced that Non
-
Public Comments should pertain
to things that are within the jurisdiction of the Council.
6 The following individuals provided public input: Michelle Royal discussed the recent
fires and the approval of the Ritter Ranch Development. She requested the
Council's help with getting a fire station in the Anaverde/Ritter Ranch area. Mayor Pro
Tem
Bettencourt stated she would look into it for the community ; Eugene
Hernandez discussed the history of Martin Luther King,
Jr.;
Victoria Ventura
thanked Council
and
City Manager Perez for supporting the backpack event
hosted by Assemblyman Carrillo, spoke about the recent fires, and requested that
the city provide
comprehensive immigration rights education and resources for the residents of Palmdale; Edith and Paul
Roman
spoke in opposition to the rotating
mayor system and requested a resolution to change the practice; Lisa Craft requested a time extension to appeal a zone change decision which would allow a food mart/gas station next to Palmdale High
School;
Roger Soderstedt discussed
sufficient water supply for Ritter Ranch; and
James
Royal, on behalf of
AVTA,
thanked the City for participating in the holiday giveaway and provided the stats for the event.
11)
COUNCIL REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR
FUTURE
AGENDA
ITEMS
Councilmember Bishop spoke about participating in the Martin Luther King Jr.
Day of Service event at SAVES and
creating an Emergency Services Assessment
for the city.
Councilmember Ohlsen thanked Emergency Services Administrator Shadkamyan for her hard work at the
city
and announced his appointment to Metrolink's Board
of Directors
.
Councilmember
Alarcón
encouraged the
city
to call or send a support letter to
the
cities experiencing the fires
. She discussed having an emergency readiness plan
and on
-
call contract list and
spoke about accessing City Attorney billing records.
Councilmember Ohlsen
stated that this issue has been addressed
.
Mayor Pro
Tem
Bettencourt spoke about participating in the Martin Luther King Jr.
Day of Service event at
SAVES
and
the
Gifts for Seniors
event.
Mayor Loa discussed attending the Presidential Inauguration.
He also
mentioned
meeting with Congressman Whiteside
s
about the grade separation at Rancho
Vista and Sierra
Highway
and spoke about his meeting with Senator Padilla on
the grade separation and
high
-
speed
rail projects.
7 12)
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro
Tem
Bettencourt adjourned the meeting at 6:51 pm to February 18, 2025, at
5:00 pm
in the City Hall Council Chamber located at 38300 Sierra Highway, Suite
B, Palmdale, California.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 18th day of February 2025.
________________________
Richard J. Loa, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________
Rochelle Scott, City Clerk