1 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
38300 SIERRA
HIGHWAY,
SUITE
B
PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA
APRIL 12, 2025
www.cityofpalmdale.org
1)
C
ALL MEETING
TO
ORDER
Mayor Loa called the meeting to order at 10:07 am.
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,
Austin
Bishop,
Eric
Ohlsen,
Andrea
Alarcón.
ABSENT:
Laura Bettencourt.
3)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF
SILENCE
Mayor Loa announced
that
a moment of silence would be held in memory of Rhonda
Camacho and Johnny Zamrzla. Kathy Mac Laren
-
Gomez led the
Pledge of
Allegiance
.
4)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individuals provided public input: Matt Luker discussed the agenda format and transparency. Mayor Loa explained the purpose of the meeting; Jason
Zink discussed the agenda format, streets, super commuter opportunity zone, and government transparency.
Motion: Suspend the rules for public comments and offer the opportunity for the
public to speak after the presentation.
Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Eric Ohlsen.
Vote: Motion carried (4
-
0)
Yes: Richard J. Loa, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
Absent: Laura Bettencourt.
5)
PRESENTATION
5.1)
City Council Strategic Planning
Workshop.
Patrick Ibarra, Consultant
at The Mejorando Group, discussed the agenda for
the day. The council and the consultant discussed
the
session's ground rules
and desired outcomes
.
2 Councilmembers provided their feedback regarding the benefits of good
government,
which
included
quality
of
life,
street
improvements,
delivery
of
essential services, improving mental health in the community, improving public
safety, preventing illegal dumping, creating safe neighborhoods and schools, providing employment opportunities, promoting home ownership, advocating for citizens, fostering direct relationships with constituents, and cleaning up graffiti .
Councilmembers discussed their desired legacies:
Councilmember Alarcón
would like to
o
pen
doors of opportunity to district
residents and
provide
resources
for
the
community.
Councilmember Bishop
stated he would like
to see Palmdale become one of
the
best communities in Southern California,
increase development, and give
residents
a good quality of life
.
Councilmember Ohlsen
w
ants
to do the
work
for the people, redefine
relationships,
and improve transportation
and the quality
of
life for
residents.
Mayor Loa
w
ould like
to improve the quality of life for
residents and
showcase
and make Palmdale
better.
Mr. Ibarra shared strategies for creating a more collaborative, effective Council.
The following individuals provided public input: Matt
Luker,
Transplants Brewery
Company,
spoke about the
City's collaboration with businesses; Jason Zink
discussed the super commuter zone, economic district, and Palmenthol Park; and Kathy Mac Laren
-
Gomez spoke about supporting everyone
and
working
together as a team.
Lunch was held from 11:46 am to 12:30 pm.
There was discussion regarding the roles and expectations of the Elected Officials,
the City Manager, the Department Directors, the city staff, and the community members.
The City
Management Team provided updates on the following:
City Manager Pro Tem Mendez
-
Chimbole Center, Civic Center Conceptual
Plan, Palmdale Blvd Relinquishment, Rancho Vista Grade Separation, Retail Cannabis, Housing & Industrial Update,
56 -
acre
land development, and
Sponsorships.
Deputy City Manager Gallagher
-
South Antelope Valley Emergency Services
(SAVES), Emergency Operation Center (EOC), Rebranding, and Street Sweeping.
Deputy City Manager Lopez
-
McAdam Park, and Mental Health & Wellbeing.
Mr. Ibarra noted several items of Council
interest
from
staff
updates
,
which
included Development, Council meeting protocols, Economic Development, 3 Street Sweeping, prioritizing Capital Improvement Projects, Sponsorships, and Mental Health
.
Councilmembers provided a list for the City Management Team that included Rebranding, Development, Palmdale Blvd
.
Negotiations, Wellbeing Lab,
Animal Control Contract, Waste Management Contract, EPIC, Equestrian Center, Union Training Facility, Civic Center, Transportation Center, Recreation Center at Oasis Park, Domestic Violence Shelter, Cemetery that includes veterans, Veteran Wall, and Pickle Ball Courts.
The following individual provided public comments: Kathy Mac Laren -
Gomez
spoke in support of the Council retreat.
6)
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Loa adjourned the meeting at 3:01 pm.
PASSED, APPROVED, and ADOPTED this 6th day of May 2025.
Richard J. Loa, Mayor
ATTEST:
Rochelle Scott, City
Clerk