1 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL/SA/HA
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
38300 SIERRA
HIGHWAY,
SUITE
B
PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA
JUNE 3, 2025
5:00 PM
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, Andrea Alarcón, Christina Fraga
-
Saenz, Dianne Betts.
ABSENT:
None.
3)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF
SILENCE
Councilmember Bishop led the
Pledge of Allegiance
.
4)
PRESENTATIONS
4.1)
Fight Fentanyl Antelope
Valley
Awareness Campaign update
and
announcement of
Youth
Multimedia Challenge Winners; and recognition of
Palmdale High School Students Fentanyl
Awareness
PSA.
Deputy City Manager Lopez provided a PowerPoint presentation and played the public service announcement (PSA) videos. Mayor Loa presented certificates
to
the participants
.
Council thanked those who participated in the campaign and encouraged them
to continue the fight against fentanyl.
4.2)
Department of Public Works Maintenance Division
updates.
Deputy Director of Public Works Livingston gave a PowerPoint presentation on the Maintenance Division.
Council thanked Deputy Director of Public Works Livingston for his leadership and
commended staff for their hard work.
2 5)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individuals provided public input
:
David Harris spoke in support of Item
6.4 ,
and Marsha Furman commented in support of 6.4 and 6.5.
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)
Receive and File the Monthly and Quarterly Investment Reports for April
2025.
6.3)
Approve agreement with eSentire, Inc., for Security Operations Center (SOC)
Services and Incident Response in the amount of $333,000 for a term of
three
(3) years.
6.4)
Review and approve permit issuance for 36 non
-
profit organizations
for
fireworks stands, including their proposed locations.
Director of Economic and Community Development Taggart presented the staff report, accompanied by a map displaying the locations of the permitted firework stands. Council and staff engaged in a discussion regarding several related topics, including the cur
rent and future locations of firework stands, potential changes to designated fire zones, the possible removal of the ordinance provision authorizing the use of
safe and sane
fireworks, alternative funding
sources for non
-
profit organizations, and strate
gies for reporting illegal fireworks
activity.
Battalion Chief
Munoz of the LA County Fire Department
presented fire
safety
tips
for the upcoming 4th of July holiday.
Motion: Review and approve permit issuance for 36 non
-
profit organizations for
fireworks stands, including their proposed locations.
Moved by Austin Bishop, seconded by Laura Bettencourt.
Vote:
Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes: Richard J. Loa, Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
6.5)
Award agreement with WhiteWater West Industries, Ltd., for construction services for PN 924,
DryTown
Water Park Thrill Ride Attraction Project for
a
total
not to exceed amount of $1,544,955 for a completion date no later than April 15, 2026.
Director of Public Works Torres provided a quick overview of the project and showed renderings of the proposed slide.
3 Mayor Loa requested that staff provide competing bids to Council and to reach out to local bidders.
Mayor Pro
Tem
Bettencourt requested that Director of Parks and Recreation Smith provide information to the public regarding options for individuals who do not wish to use the attractions at
DryTown
Water
P
ark. Director Smith responded
by discussing the current non
-
bather rate.
Councilmember Bishop discussed the recent event held in celebration of the
Mayor Loa expressed appreciation to staff for their fantastic work on
the
Memorial Day event held at Pelona Vista Park.
Motion: Award agreement with WhiteWater West Industries, Ltd., for construction services for PN 924, DryTown Water Park Thrill Ride
Attraction Project for a total
not to exceed amount of $1,544,955 for a completion date no later than April 15, 2026.
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.
6.6)
Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
027, a Resolution of the City Council of
the
City
of Palmdale declaring its intention to continue assessments for Fiscal Year
2025
-
providing
notice of Public Hearing for the City of Palmdale Drainage Benefit Assessment Districts No. 1 and No. 2006
-
02. 6.7)
Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
028, a Resolution of the City Council of
the
City
of Palmdale declaring its intention to continue assessments for Fiscal Year
2025
-
and
providing
Notice of Hearing 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)
Approve agreement with EcoFert, Inc., for installation of new fertigation systems and monthly fertigation system service at various park sites for a total not to exceed amount of $528,640 for a term of one year from the Notice to
Proceed,
with two additional one
-
year options to extend.
6.9)
Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
042, 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.
4 6.10)
Approve the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: Approve item listed under the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items
6.4 and 6.5
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.
7)
APPOINTMENTS
7.1) Appoint one (1) member to serve on the Board of Library Trustees.
Mr. David Gee
and Mrs. Elizabeth Enriquez spoke about their willingness to serve and their experience with the
Library
.
Motion: Appoint David Gee to
serve on the Board of Library Trustees.
Moved by Richard J. Loa, seconded by Laura Bettencourt.
Vote:
Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes:
Richard J. Loa, Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea
Alarcón.
8)
JOINT PUBLIC HEARING
CC/HA
8.1)
Public Hearing to Receive Public Comments, Adopt Resolution No. HA 2025 -
001 of the Housing Authority of the City of Palmdale, approving Affordable Housing Agreement No. A
-
9241 with Victory Outreach
-
Palmdale, Housing
Authority Ground Lease, and Housing A
uthority Loan of $580,000 for property
Located at 513 East Avenue Q4 (APN 3008
-
013
-
902); Adopt Resolution No.
CC 2025
-
041 of the City Council of the City of Palmdale, approving Affordable Housing Agreement No. A
-
9241 between the Housing Authority of the Ci
ty of
Palmdale and Victory Outreach
-
Palmdale, approving and authorizing the
Conveyance of property located at 513 East Avenue Q4 (APN 3008 -
013
-
902)
from the Housing Authority of the City of Palmdale to Victory Outreach -
Palmdale, and making certain find
ings; Approve Measure H Loan Agreement
A
-
9242 between the City of Palmdale and Victory Outreach
-
Palmdale for a
Rehabilitation Loan of $361,145 for 513 East Avenue Q4.
Housing Director Reyes presented the staff
report.
Mayor Loa opened the Public Hearing.
Public
Testimony:
Pastor Mike Gonzalez provided details on the project that will help single women and children; David Harris expressed
strong
support for the
ongoing work of Victory Outreach; and Associate Pastor Avalos and the
property
manager spoke about the tremendous success of
the
program.
City Clerk Scott read the titles of Resolution Nos. CC 2025 -
041 and
HA
2025
-
001
5 Mayor Loa closed the Public Hearing
Councilmember
Alarcón
thanked Pastor Mike
Gonzalez
for the great
work
Victory Outreach
is doing
in the community.
Mayor Loa closed the Public Hearing
Motion: Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
041, Approve Agreement A
-
9242
Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Laura Bettencourt.
Vote:
Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes:
Richard J. Loa, Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
Motion: Adopt Resolution No. HA 2025
-
001, and Approve Agreement No. A
-
9241
Moved by Dianne Betts, seconded by Christina Fraga
-
Saenz.
Vote:
Motion carried (7
-
0)
Yes:
Richard J.
Loa, Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón, Christina Fraga
-
Saenz, Dianne
Betts.
Mayor Loa thanked Victory Outreach for what they do in the community.
9)
REPORT
City Manager Pro
Tem
Mendez provided an update on several upcoming events,
-
9pm, Palmdale
Playhouse Performance of Harry Potter reversion June 6
-
8,
AV
Taco
Festival
on
June
6 at Poncitlán Square, a free dog microchip event on June 14 at Poncitlán Square, Family Health & Fitness Day on June 14, 5pm
-
7pm at Domenic Massari and Marie
Kerr Park, a Celebration of Dad's at the Palmdale Playhouse on June 14, and the High Deser
t Beer and Wine Festival on June 21 at Marie
Kerr Park.
10)
NON
-
AGENDA PUBLIC
COMMENTS:
Mayor Loa
clarified
that the discussion topic for Item 11.1 was the
issue regarding the
dir
ectly elected mayor or keeping the current rotational system. Councilmember Alarcón
requested
further
clarification on the item,
which
Mayor Loa provided.
A
discussion followed regarding the opportunity for public comment on Item 11.1 and the overall process for adding items to the agenda.
Acting City Attorney Halfman offered
further clarification on the procedural requirements for placing items on future agendas. Add
itional discussion continued among Councilmembers on these matters.
The following individuals provided public comments:
Neil Weisenberger,
President of
the Antelope Valley Resource Conservation District, provided remarks regarding the Council
;
David Harris
recommended that the Council consider allocating funding within 6 the Measure AV budget to support non
-
profit organizations
;
Yul Gevargis suggested
low income housing for seniors on the project at Avenue N and 50th and spoke in
support of the right of Palmdale residents to elect their own mayor ;
Michael Ross
commented on the recent Field of Honor event, referenced remarks made by the requested
a
process that would allow citizens to request items be added to Council agendas ;
Mark Maldonado
referenced comme
nts made by the Lancaster mayor and
;
Robert Quezada
addressed the current rotational system for
potable water
;
Marsh
a
Furman
provided comments on
the Palmdale magazine,
the
upcoming
National Night Ou
t
even
t, and
the
speaker card
process;
and
Mr. Ventura
announced the
AV Taco Festival
is scheduled to take place on June 7
.
Written
comments were submitted via email by Judy Vaccaro
-
Fry, advocating for the
Jason Zink
,
addressing concerns related to the City Budget
.
11)
COUNCIL REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR
FUTURE
AGENDA
ITEMS
11.1)
Discussion item Mayor Loa (1).
Mayor Loa requested that a presentation be brought before the Council, and, if possible, an accompanying action item for Council
consideration. The proposed
action would place a measure on the ballot allowing voters to decide whether to amend the existing ordinance
which currently provides for the selection of the
mayor by a majority vote of the City Council
to instead reinstate the
direct
election of the mayor by the public. Mayor Loa also presented several related
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt, Councilmembers Ohlsen, Bishop, and Alarcón voted against adding the proposed item to a future agenda.
11.2)
Council Reports.
Councilmember
Alarcón
reported on the following conferences and events:
the
California Contract Cities Annual Municipal Seminar, the International Council
of
Shopping Centers (ICSC) Conference, and a Small Business Month support
event she hosted at Albe's Ice
Cream.
Mayor Pro
Tem
Bettencourt provided updates on recent conferences
and
events, including the Memorial Day Ceremony, a discussion with students in
Mr.
Matt
class
at
Sage
Magnet
Academy
about
pursuing
public
office,
and participation in the Sheriff's Department Council Academy.
Councilmember Ohlsen reported on the following meetings and events:
met
with
Tim
McCormick of
Together
California on May 14, the International Council of
Shopping Centers (ICSC) Conference, and the Honor Field and Memorial
Day
ceremonies.
7 Councilmember Bishop reported on the following meetings and events:
the
SCAG Transportation Meeting, the
Together
California funding event on
May
14, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Conference, the Field
of Honor event, and the 20
th
Anniversary celebration of
DryTown
Water
Park.
Mayor Loa reported attending the following meetings and events: the Annual Fire Service Day, the Interfaith Prayer Breakfast, the 4.0 Recognition Event, the
iServe Graduation, the 2025 AV Press Future Leaders event, the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Conference, the Field of Honor event, the AV Fair Authority meeting, the Memorial Day event, a meeting with Assemblymembe
r Carrillo and the Palmdale School District, the Together California event, and a meeting with local auto dealers.
12)
PRESENTATION
BY CITY
ATTORNEY
Acting City Attorney Halfman confirmed the item would be heard as listed.
12.1)
Conference with Legal Counsel
Existing Litigation
Candie Sue Schermerhorn
v.
City of Palmdale, et al.
This closed session is being
held
pursuant to the authority of California
Government Code Section 54956.9(d) (1).
13)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY CITY
ATTORNEY
Closed Session was held from 8:13 pm
9:10 pm.
Acting City Attorney Halfman announced the following:
12.1 There were no reportable actions.
14)
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Loa adjourned the meeting at 9:11 pm to June 17, 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 17
th
day of June 2025.
Richard J. Loa, Mayor
ATTEST:
_________________________
Rochelle Scott, City Clerk