1 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL/SA/HA/IDA/PAA/PCA/PFA
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
38300 SIERRA HIGHWAY, SUITE B
PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA
FEBRUARY 18, 2025
www.cityofpalmdale.org
1)
CALL MEETING
TO
ORDER
Mayor Loa 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
LOA,
MAYOR
PRO TEM
BETTENCOURT,
COUNCILMEMBERS
BISHOP,
OHLSEN, ALARCÓN COMMISSIONERS
FRAGA
-
SAENZ, BETTS
PRESENT: Richard J. Loa, Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Christina Fraga
-
Saenz, Dianne Betts.
ABSENT:
Andrea
Alarcón.
3)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF
SILENCE
Councilmember Ohlsen led the pledge of allegiance.
4)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR, APPOINTMENT(S), NEW BUSINESS, AND CLOSED SESSION:
Marsha Furman commented in support of
I
tem 5.3.
City Manager Perez removed Item 9.1 from the agenda.
5)
CONSENT
CALENDAR
5.1)
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).
5.2)
Receive and file the monthly and quarterly investment activity report for
December 2024.
5.3)
Approve Agreement with Proslide
Technologies
Inc., to refurbish
DryTown
Water
Park’s
Dusty’s
Mindshaft
Racer
Slide
for
the
not
to
exceed
amount
of
$626,000 for a term of 90 days from the Notice to Proceed.
5.4)
Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
018, a Resolution of the City Council of
the
City of Palmdale declaring a Housing Crisis in response to recent fires.
2 5.5)
Approve the Third Amendment to the Legal Services Agreement with Civica
Law
Group,
APC,
to
increase
the
agreement
amount
by
$280,000,
for
Fiscal
Year (FY) 2024
-
25 for a contract term through March 6, 2028.
5.6)
Approve Second Amendment to Agreement with SiFi Networks Palmdale, LLC
for adjustments to construction methods for the installation of fiber optic in the
public right
-
of
-
way and for increase to service costs.
5.7)
Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
009, a Resolution of the City Council of
the
City of Palmdale declaring its intention to conduct a public hearing to consider the vacation of portions of 8th Street East south of Rancho Vista Boulevard and north of East Avenue
P
-
8. 5.8)
Receive and file the Sanitary Sewer Management Plan (SSMP)
Audit.
5.9)
Award and Approve agreement with Golden West Fence for Landscape Maintenance District (LMD) wrought iron fence replacement services in an
amount not to exceed $138,820 for a term of 180 working days from the date
of the Notice to Proceed.
5.10)
Notice of Completion (NOC)
-
Accept public street,
sewer,
and, drainage
improvements for Tract 54058
-
04 located at 20th Street West and Avenue
P
-
8. 5.11)
Notice of Completion (NOC)
-
Accept public sewer and drainage
improvements for Tract 60732 located at 20th Street West and Quick
Street.
5.12)
Approve Requisition No. 250823 with Plumber’s Depot, Inc. for the purchase of one WM350 Compact Steerable Pipe Transporter and one MZ350 OZ3
CCTV Camera for a total not to exceed amount of $236,202.
5.13)
Approve the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: Approve all items listed under the Consent Calendar.
Moved by Austin Bishop, seconded by Laura Bettencourt.
Vote:
Motion carried (4
-
0)
Yes:
Richard J. Loa, Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric
Ohlsen.
Absent:
Andrea
Alarcón.
6)
JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR
CC/SA/HA/IDA/PAA/PCA/PFA
6.1)
Review and Approve the Fiscal
Year
2024
-
25 Mid
-
Year
Budget Adjustments,
and Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
021, a Resolution of the City Council
of
the City of Palmdale amending the City’s Classification and Pay Plan for
general positions.
6.2)
Approve the minutes from the previous Housing Authority
meeting.
3 Motion: Approve all items listed under the Joint Consent Calendar.
Moved by Christina Fraga
-
Saenz, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote:
Motion carried (
4 -
0)
Yes:
Richard J. Loa, Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen,
Absent: Andrea Alarcón.
Vote:
Motion carried (6
-
0)
Yes:
Richard J. Loa, Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Christina Fraga -
Saenz, Dianne Betts.
Absent: Andrea Alarcón.
7)
PUBLIC HEARING
7.1)
Public Hearing to review the Substantial Amendment to the 2024 -
2025 Annual
Action Plan, the proposed Section 108 Application and the Expenditure of
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds; Receive public
comment in compliance with the requirements of the U.S. Department of
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the City’s Citizen Participation
Plan; Approve the Substantial Amendment to the 2024
-
2025 Action Plan;
and
Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
007, a Resolution of the City Council of
the
City of Palmdale Authorizing the City Manager or her designee to submit the
Section 108 Loan Guarantee Application to HUD for a $7,134,000 Loan for
South Antelope
Valley
Emergency Services
(SAVES)
Facility
Improvements
.
Mayor Loa opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Scott read the title of Resolution No. CC 2025 -
007.
Public Testimony
:
David Laird discussed the benefits of the
SAVES food
distribution program.
Director of Housing Reyes provided detailed
information on the 2024
-
2025
Action Plan.
Councilmember Bishop discussed the
SAVES
building expansion and
the
services it offers to the community.
Mayor Loa spoke regarding the requested loan and services provided at SAVES.
Motion: Approve the
Substantial Amendment to the 2024
-
2025 Action Plan and
adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
007.
Moved by Eric Ohlsen, seconded by Austin
Bishop.
Vote:
Motion carried (4
-
0)
Yes:
Richard J. Loa, Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric
Ohlsen.
Absent: Andrea
Alarcón.
4 7.2)
Introduction and Adoption of Ordinance No. 1652, an Ordinance of the City
Council of the City of Palmdale approving General Plan Amendment 23 -
0003,
Zone Change 23
-
0003,
Tentative
Parcel Map 84001, Conditional Use
Permit
22 -
006 and Site Plan Review 22
-
007 to modify the General Plan Land
Use
designation and zone from Mixed Use 2 to Neighborhood Commercial; subdivide 5.69 acres into two lots to facilitate the construction of a ten -
island
fueling station, a 7,258
-
square
-
foot grocery store, and a 2,127
-
square
-
foot
drive
-
through carwash located on the northwest corner of East Avenue R and 25th Street East.
City Clerk Scott read the title of Ordinance No. 1652 and Resolution No. CC
2025
-
011.
Mayor Loa opened the Public Hearing.
The following individuals spoke in opposition to the project location:
Mabel
Flowers, Stephanie Sterba, Carl Flowers, Mickey Martinez, Monica Dopson,
and Marsha Furman.
Mayor Loa closed the Public Hearing.
Planning Manager Magana presented the staff report.
Michael Ramirez from Beyond Food Mart talked about the fuel review and security measures. He also mentioned that there will be no sales of liquor or tobacco at the location.
A
motion was made and passed to introduce Ordinance No. 1652.
Mayor Loa asked about traffic concerns, and Planning Manager Magana explained the traffic study
,
entrances
and
exits.
Mayor Pro Tem
Bettencourt asked about bike lanes, and Planning Manager Magana confirmed there would be bike lanes.
Councilmember Ohlsen asked about the land next to the project and if there would be a buffer, and
Planning Manager
Magana confirmed there would be
one.
Mayor Loa asked about the walls separating the properties, and Planning
Manager
Magana confirmed the walls would separate the properties.
Councilmember Bishop asked about the number of gas pumps, hydrogen pumps, electric car charging stations, and property setbacks.
Planning
Manager
Magana
explained the setbacks.
Councilmember Ohlsen asked about the project location, and Mr. Ramirez discussed the location, traffic study, and CEQA report.
Mayor Loa inquired about emissions, and Planning Manager Magana discussed air quality management thresholds for various gases and particles.
5 Mayor Pro Tem
Bettencourt mentioned concerns about vapors coming
through brick walls.
Councilmember Ohlsen asked to table the item for further discussion.
Motion: Table item to March 4, 2025.
Moved by Eric Ohlsen, seconded by Austin
Bishop.
Vote:
Motion carried (3
-
1)
Yes:
Richard J. Loa, Austin Bishop, Eric
Ohlsen.
No:
Laura Bettencourt.
Absent: Andrea Alarcón.
7.3)
Introduction and Adoption of Ordinance No. 1653, an Ordinance of the City
Council of the City of Palmdale approving Comprehensive Development 23 -
0002, and Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
012 approving Conditional
Use
Permit 23
-
0018, and Vesting
Tentative
Tract Maps 23
-
0003 (VTTM 51508
-
3)
and 23
-
0004 (VTTM 63145) to facilitate the development of approximately 75 acres for the purpose of constructing 627 single
-
family residences
within
Phase 1B of the Ritter Ranch Specific Plan generally located to the east and west of Westland Drive /Ranch Center Drive and south of City Ranch Road.
City Clerk Scott read the title of Ordinance No. 1653 and Resolution No. CC 2025
-
012.
A motion was made and passed to introduce Ordinance No. 1653.
Mayor Loa opened the Public Hearing
Public
Testimony:
Roger Soderstedt
spoke regarding the water supply for Ritter
Ranch; and Karl Pearcy spoke regarding the lack of infrastructure for this
project and
traffic
.
Mayor Loa closed the Public Hearing.
Interim Director of Economic and Community Development Taggart presented the staff report.
Peter Guiterrez, representing the applicant, thanked staff and spoke about Phase 1B of the project including the water supply analysis and traffic study.
Ramiro Albarran, RDR Holdings, spoke about Phase 1B and adding to Palmdale's housing stock.
Mayor Pro Tem
Bettencourt asked about the average size lot for the homes.
Interim Economic and Community Development Director
Taggart
responded
that
the
average lot size is
5,000
-
6,000 sq ft and some larger.
Councilmember Bishop
spoke
about Ritter Ranch being a quality project,
and in
support of
development.
Councilmember Ohlsen spoke regarding the housing crisis, Trader Joe's
jobs,
6 Aerospace Industry jobs,
and
in support of growth and development
. He also
exp
ressed his concern regarding the lack of a fire station.
Ramiro Albarran and Peter Guiterrez discussed their conversation with the fire
department regarding a fire station, building codes
,
fire
-
resistant
materials,
underground utilities, vegetation management, and water infrastructure.
Councilmember Bishop asked if new homes are required to have fire sprinkler systems. Mr. Guiterrez discussed the current requirements for new developments
, including fire sprinkler systems, fire
-
resistant roofs, fire
-
rated
walls, and an evacuation plan. Councilmember Bishop also spoke regarding the benefits of a Homeowner Association
.
Mayor Loa spoke in support of the project and the housing crisis in Palmdale.
Motion: Adopt Ordinance No. 1653 and Resolution No. CC 2025 -
012.
Moved by Austin Bishop, seconded by Eric Ohlsen.
Vote:
Motion carried (4
-
0)
Yes:
Richard J. Loa, Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen.
Absent:
Andrea Alarcón.
8)
APPOINTMENT
8.1)
Appoint a member of the Council to serve as the delegate on the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Regional Council District 43 for
a two
-
year term.
Motion: Appoint Councilmember Bishop to serve as the delegate on the SCAG Regional Council District 43 for a two
-
year term.
Moved by Eric Ohlsen, seconded by Laura Bettencourt.
Vote: Motion carried (4
-
0)
Yes: Richard J. Loa, Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen.
Absent: Andrea Alarcón.
9)
NEW BUSINESS
9.1) Review the
Fair Political Practices Commission ("FPPC") biannual Election Local Contribution Limitation; City Council consideration of removal of campaign contribution limitations for City of Palmdale Elections.
This item was removed from the agenda.
10)
CITY MANAGER’S
REPORT
City Manager Perez announced the Seasons of Service event at Barrel Springs Park and Ride on February 22, Sickle Cell Awareness Family Day on February 22, and the launch
ing of the City’s
Next Generation Business Watch Program.
7 11)
SHERIFF’S
REPORT
Captain Bardon reported on response times for routine calls, calls for service, partnership with Public Safety staff, Partners Against Crime (PAC)
Team
arrests,
Part
1 crimes,
gang
-
related
shootings, graffiti arrests, traffic collisions
,
citations,
and
virtual
deputy application. He announced
that
a
Spanish
-
speaking
Q & A is
scheduled for March 21 regarding Senate Bill 54 (SB 54) state law that limits the use
of
state
and local resources for federal immigration enforcement.
Mayor Loa asked
Captain Bardon about public demonstration protocols. Captain Bardon provided details on public demonstration protocols.
Councilmember Bishop discussed burglaries and
break
-
ins of local businesses.
Captain Bardon provided limited information on recent burglaries and recommended lighting and security technology.
A film that prevents glass from breaking was further
discussed
.
Councilmember Ohlsen discussed the steps that were taken to mirror the City's
municipal violations to match the penal code.
12)
NON
-
AGENDA PUBLIC
COMMENTS:
The following individuals provided public input: Karen Lindsay spoke against illegal immigration and the use of Palmdale resources for it; Mikki Martinez supported legal immigration; Helen Velador invited Council to Palmdale School District's Read Across
America event in March; Rich Gallego asked for a resolution supporting lower fuel
costs in California and spoke in support of quarterly town hall meetings; Steve Hill
requested the removal of Captain Bardon from the Palmdale Sheriff's Station; Michelle H. asked for a resolution declaring Palmdale a non -
sanctuary city; Michelle
Royal requested a fire station for the Anaverde/Ritter Ranch area; Yul
Gevargis
commented in support of legal immigration and asked for a resolution declaring Palmdale a non
-
sanctuary city; Edith and Paul Roman opposed using City resources for illegal immigrants, Jill Mrantz was against Palmdale becoming a sanctuary city; Michael Ross spoke about
I
tem 7.1,
the
tax increase, and Council town hall
meetings; Rodger Soderstedt opposed using City funds for the Auto Mall, suggested using
funds for animal services, and asked for town hall meetings.
13)
COUNCIL REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR
FUTURE
AGENDA
ITEMS
Councilmember Bishop attended the Justice Sunday performance at the Palmdale Playhouse and reported that at the Antelope Valley Air Quality Management District (AVAQMD) meeting,
funds were approved
for a charging station at the park and ride
on Avenue S.
Councilmember Ohlsen talked about the memorial for Dave Gomez and emphasized the importance of jobs with good pay and pensions. He spoke about his meeting with State Treasurer Fiona Ma. He also shared plans to host a town hall in his district in the future.
8 Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt
discussed the town hall that was held in her district and the gas tax response from
the California
Contract Cities
Association
.
Mayor Loa spoke about participating in the
memorial for
Dave Gomez, his trip to
Washington, D.C., and
Congressman Whitesides and Senator Padilla's support for the grade separation project at Rancho Vista and Sierra Highway .
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt thanked Pastor
Ross,
and the churches involved in the
Pray Across the Antelope Valley event.
Councilmember Bishop asked about the timeline for the roundabout on 40th Street East. City Manager Perez said they are waiting for Southern California Edison to complete their part. Director of Public Works Torres added that the project would
be
finished in two weeks.
14)
PRESENTATION
BY CITY
ATTORNEY
City Attorney
Curley
noted that Item 14.2 required updating and the Government Code should be the same as Item 14.1.
14.1)
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
—
EXISTING
LITIGATION
Los
Angeles County Superior Court Case No. 22STCV01269
This closed session is being held pursuant to the authority of California Government
Code Section
54956.9(d)(1).
14.2)
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
—
EXISTING
LITIGATION
The existing facts and
circumstances that constitute a significant exposure to litigation are detailed in the following claim received by the City, which is available for public inspection pursuant to Government Code Section
54956.9(d)(1):
Stoneham v. City of Palmdale et al, Claim Nos. L22
-
075, 076 and 0155
15)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY CITY
ATTORNEY
Closed Session was held from 7:03 pm
-
8:11 pm.
City Attorney
Curley
announced
that the Council was updated on all items, gave
direction to staff, and there were
no further reportable actions.
9 16)
ADJOURN
MENT
Mayor Loa adjourned the meeting at 8:13 pm to March 4, 2025, 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 4th day of
March
2025.
_________________________
Richard J. Loa, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Rochelle Scott, City Clerk