1 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
38300 SIERRA
HIGHWAY,
SUITE
B
PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA
MARCH 18, 2025
www.cityofpalmdaleca.gov
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
PRESENT: Richard J. Loa, Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
ABSENT:
None.
Mayor Pro
Tem
Bettencourt participated via Zoom from Springmaid Mountain, Pond
Side Cabin, 2171 Henredon Rd., Spruce Pine, NC 28777.
3)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF
SILENCE
Councilmember
Alarcón
led the pledge of
allegiance.
4)
PRESENTATIONS
4.1)
Presentation update from Parks and Recreation
-
Spring Program Highlights
Director of Parks and Recreation Smith
provided highlights and updates on the
events and programs for Parks and Recreation.
The Council thanked Ms. Smith for her leadership.
5)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
CONSENT CALENDAR, APPOINTMENT(S), NEW BUSINESS, AND CLOSED SESSION:
Assistant
City
Manager Mendez
requested that item 6.9 be removed from the agenda.
City Attorney Curley recommended that an Item be added as 6.12 and stated the following findings: 1) The need arose after the agenda was posted and 2) The need
to take action is immediate. There was Council and staff discussion regarding the item. A motion was made and passed to add the item as follows: 6.12 Award
Construction Agreement with Ultimate Pool Remodeling for PN 915, DryTown
Water
Park Pool Leak Detection, Repair, Replaster, and
Tile
Repair Project for a total not to
exceed amount of $373,615 for a term of 30 working days from the date of the Notice to Proceed
2 City Clerk Scott announced two emails were received in favor of item 6.3 by Mr.
Quan and
Mr.
Little.
The following
individuals provided public input: Marsha Furman spoke in support of item
s
6.4 and 6.12, and Jason Zink spoke on Item 6.2 and various topics.
Councilmember Ohlsen pulled Items 6.2 and 6.12 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)
Receive the summary of the 2024 Annual Housing Element Progress
Report.
Planning Manager
Magana presented the staff report.
There was Council and staff discussion regarding the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) numbers
and
ways to achieve RHNA goals
.
Some
suggestions were made to help achieve RHNA goals, including Zone Change
amendments, General Plan amendments, removing restraints against housing ,
and setting conditions that are conducive for developers
Motion: Receive the summary of the 2024 Annual Housing Element Progress Report.
Moved by Eric Ohlsen, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote: Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes: Richard J. Loa, Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
6.3)
Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
019, a Resolution of the City Council of
the
City of Palmdale, recommending City Council approval modifying the Planning Commission meeting time from 7:00
P.M.
to 5:00
P.M.
beginning April
2025.
6.4)
Award and Approve agreement with Mendoza Engineering
Company,
Inc.,
for
construction services for PN 862, Marie Kerr Park Swim Deck Expansion Project for a total not to
exceed amount of $340,736 for a term of 50 working
days from the date of the Notice to Proceed.
6.5)
Approve the amended and restated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) of
the Antelope
Valley
Regional Water Management Group (RWMG) Integrated
Regional Water Management Group (IRWMG) cost
-
sharing agreement for
a
not to exceed amount of $16,923 and extend the term of the Agreement through January 2027.
3 6.6)
Approve the first amendment to agreement with MNS Engineers, Inc. for
project management services for PN 669, 10th Street West Widening Project, increasing
the
agreement
by
$227,000
for
a
total
not
to
exceed
amount
of
$418,800 with an extension of 22 months for a total term of 45 months.
6.7)
Approve second amendment to the agreement with MNS Engineers, Inc. for
construction management and inspection services for PN 795, Sam Yellen
Park
Phase
2 Project,
increasing
the
agreement
by
$133,640
for
the
total
not
to exceed amount of $720,208 with an extension of six months for a total of 22 months.
6.8)
Approve expansion of the Power Choice Solar and Battery Program and
approve the first amendment to the Power Choice Program Management Agreement.
6.9)
Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
024, a Resolution of the City Council of
the
City
of Palmdale granting authority to the City Manager to enter into certain and
rescinding and replacing Section 5 of Resolution No. CC 2019 -
042.
This item was removed from the agenda.
6.10)
Approve first amendment to the agreement with Knorr Systems, Inc., for
maintenance and repair services of aquatic facilities equipment, increasing the amount by $596,000 for a
total not to exceed amount of $996,000 for a
four (4) year and nine (9) month term through July 5, 2027.
6.11)
Approve the minutes from the previous meeting.
6.12)
Award Construction Agreement with Ultimate Pool Remodeling for PN 915, DryTown
Water Park Pool Leak Detection, Repair, Replaster, and
Tile
Repair
Project for a total not to exceed amount of $373,615 for a term of 30 working days from the date of the Notice to Proceed.
There was Council and staff discussion regarding the bidding process and the selection of the proposed contractor.
Motion: Award Construction Agreement with Ultimate Pool Remodeling for PN 915, DryTown Water Park Pool Leak Detection, Repair, Replaster, and Tile Repair Project for a total not to exceed amount of $373,615 for a term of 30 working days from the date of the Notice to Proceed.
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.
Motion: Approve all items listed under the
Consent Calendar
, with the exception of
items 6.2 and 6.12, which were pulled for discussion, and item 6.9, which was
removed from the agenda
.
Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Eric Ohlsen.
4 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. 1654, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of
Palmdale approving General Plan Amendment 23
-
0002, Zone Change
24 -
0003, Conditional Use Permit 24
-
0001, and Site Plan Review 24
-
0005; and
Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
020 approving General Plan Amendment
23 -
0002, Zone Change 24
-
0003, Conditional Use Permit 24
-
0001, and Site
Plan
Review 24
-
0005; a request to modify Policy PSFI
-
3 to allow the use of private
sewage disposal systems on nonresidential Land Uses with domestic discharge only on property within the Neighborhood Commercial/Regional Commercial
General
Plan
Land
Use
Designation
on
property
located
along
Avenue S, Between State Route 14 and Tierra Subida Avenue; modify the
Land Use Designation and Zone from Neighborhood Commercial to Regional Commercial; a Conditional Use Permit for the convenience store use; and a
Site Plan Review to facilitate the construction of a fueling station that includes 24 Fuel Pumps and an approximately 5,600 square foot convenience store with on
-
site alternative wastewater treatment system located on the northwest corner of State Route14 and Avenue S and adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring Report prepared in conjunction of this
project.
Mayor Loa opened the Public Hearing
City Clerk Scott read the title of Ordinance No. 1654 and Resolution No. CC 2025
-
020
Planning Manager Magana
presented the staff
report
A motion was made and passed to introduce Ordinance No. 1654
Public Testimony: Jason Zink talked about public signage and the possibility of including the project area in an infrastructure district. Tom Miller from Antelope
Express raised concerns about drainage issues.
Council and staff discussed business engagement and outreach, the noticing process, and ways to address drainage issues. The Civil Engineer for Maverick spoke about how they plan to mitigate the drainage issue on their project.
There was additional discussion on how many general plan amendments are allowed and how the City can manage drainage issues.
Motion: Adopt Ordinance No. 1654 and Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025 -
020.
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.
5 7.2)
Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
023, a Resolution of the City Council of
the
City of Palmdale ordering the vacation of portions of 8th Street East south of Rancho Vista Boulevard, north of East Avenue P
-
8 and the reservation
of
utility easements therein.
Mayor Loa opened the Public Hearing
City Clerk Scott read the title of Resolution No. CC 2025 -
023
Director of Public Works Torres presented the staff report.
Public Testimony: None.
Motion: Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
023, a Resolution of the City Council
of
the City of Palmdale ordering the vacation of portions of 8th Street East south of Rancho Vista Boulevard, north of East Avenue
P
-
8. Moved by Eric Ohlsen, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote:
Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes:
Richard J. Loa, Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea
Alarcón.
8)
REPORT
Assistant City Manager Mendez shared information about upcoming events: the Women's Symposium at Legacy Commons on March 22, Books and Barks at the Library on March 25,
Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
at the Palmdale Playhouse
from March 29
-
30, the
AV
BOGA Welcome Home Veteran ceremony at Poncitlan
Square on March 29, Season of Service on March 29, and the Cesar Chavez Day event at Domenic Massari Park on March 30. He also announced that applications
are being accepted to install murals at Pelona Vista Park and for the Youth
Multimedia Fentanyl Awareness
Challenge.
9)
REPORT
Captain Cartmill gave an update on response times for routine calls, service calls, working with Public Safety staff, Part 1 crimes, arrests, graffiti -
related arrests, traffic
enforcement, collision prevention, and traffic tickets. He also shared that the Sheriff's Department will host an Interfaith Prayer Breakfast with the City on April 4.
Councilmember
Alarcón
asked for information on recent trends in domestic violence cases, and Captain Cartmill said the information would be provided.
Councilmember Ohlsen thanked Captain Cartmill for adding extra motor units for traffic enforcement. He also asked for an update on the mini bike incident, and Captain Cartmill provided the information.
Mayor Loa asked about the response time for emergency calls, and Captain Cartmill responded.
6 10)
NON
-
AGENDA PUBLIC
COMMENTS:
The following individuals provided public input: Rich Gallego spoke about the city's
increase in sales taxes, requested a resolution be sent to Governor Newsom regarding the State gas tax, and suggested town hall meetings; Eugene Hernandez
discussed the history of Cesar Chavez and the 1968 Chicano High School walkouts; Silvia
from
Missions Accomplished Inc. talked about collaborating with the City on Nigeria Medical Missions;
J
ason Zink discussed general plan amendments, the
Maverick project, and the creation of a super commuter opportunity zone; Bruce Flores spoke about protecting kids at school; Michael Ross talked about the city's tax increase and
doing business with
Lancaster
; Carol Ross discussed Parks and
Recreation
events
and town hall meetings; Victoria Ventura
, District Director for
Assemblyman Ca
rrillo,
discussed AB10
89 , which involves relocating Joshua trees
and building more homes; Cynthia Garcia thanked the graffiti removal team and code enforcement, and suggested using social media for more information; and Marsha Furman discussed the
AV
BOGA
event and
spo
ke about Council
informing
the public by holding meetings in the
ir
districts.
11)
COUNCIL REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR
FUTURE
AGENDA
ITEMS
Councilmember Bishop discussed the Covington Development. He also mentioned the importance of holding additional meetings to have open dialogue with residents
and constituents.
Councilmember
Alarcón
shared details of the trip to Washington, D.C., where
they
advocated for more funding for city projects. She voiced her support for town hall meetings and requested that the Council provide the public with more time to speak on agenda items and offer the option for remote participation. Additionally, she shared that serving as a Councilmember has been incredibly rewarding. She also discussed the city's tax increase.
Councilmember Ohlsen addressed two topics: 1) the sales tax increase, and 2) the super commute. He mentioned writing a letter to the State representatives advocating for the federal government to pull back four billion dollars already committed to this State. He also expressed support for town hall meetings .
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt expressed support for town hall meetings and suggested ways to better share information with the public.
Mayor Loa reported on the Executive Committee on Homelessness meeting he attended. He also discussed the enforcement of graffiti violators .
Additionally, Mayor Loa and Councilmember
Alarcón
spoke about several projects
discussed in the meetings in Washington, D.C., including the Rancho Vista grade
separation, Little Rock Dam, investment in
the
Flock system, the Center for
Transportation and
Technology
Excellence, and the Barrel Springs Equestrian
Center.
7 12)
PRESENTATION
BY CITY
ATTORNEY
City Attorney Curley requested that a second Closed Session item be added to the agenda under Government Code 54957 for a Public Employee Performance Evaluation of the City Manager. This was based on identified operational issues that
required prompt review by everyone, including the Council, as they affect day -
to
-
day
operations and
implement
best practices. Councilmember
Alarcón
asked for Council
support to properly agendize the item for the next City Council meeting. A motion was
made and passed unanimously to add item 12.2 as follows: 12.2 This closed session is being held pursuant to the authority of California Government Code Section 54977, Performance Evaluation, Title: City Manager.
Motion: 12.2 This closed session is being held pursuant to the authority of California Government Code Section 54977,
Public Employee
Performance Evaluation, Title:
City Manager.
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.
12.1)
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).
12.2)
This closed session is being held pursuant to the authority of
California
Government Code Section 54957.
Public Employee
Performance Evaluation
Title: City
Manager
13)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY CITY
ATTORNEY
Closed Session was held from 6:49 pm
-
8:25 pm.
City Attorney Curley announced that Council was updated and there were no reportable actions.
8 14)
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Loa adjourned the meeting at 8:33 pm to April 1, 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 1st day of April 2025.
Richard J. Loa, Mayor
ATTEST:
Rochelle Scott, City Clerk