1 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL/SA/HA/IDA/PAA/PCA/PFA
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
38300 SIERRA HIGHWAY, SUITE B
PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA
JUNE 17, 2025
5:00 PM
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
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt led the pledge of allegiance. Mayor Loa announced the meeting would be adjourned in memory of Ryan Tortolano.
4) PRESENTATIONS
4.1) iSERVE Youth Leadership Academy 2025.
Supervising Coordinator Morales provided a PowerPoint presentation to the Council.
The Council thanked the participants for their leadership and for serving in the program.
5) PUBLIC COMMENTS
Bo Okoroji and Jason Jaffe of Steerpoint Capital spoke regarding the Antelope Valley Mall Operating Covenant Agreement (Item 7.6).
Councilmember Alarcón pulled items 7.6 and 7.7 for discussion.
2 6) JOINT CONSENT CALENDAR CC/HA
6.1) Approve the minutes from the previous meetings.
Motion: Approve all items listed on the Consent Calendar. Moved by Andrea Alarcón, 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.
7) CONSENT CALENDAR
7.1) 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).
7.2) Receive and file the Annual Report on Development Impact Fees for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2024, and adopt findings to commit funds held in the Littlerock Drainage Fee Fund, Fire Facilities Fund, and Sewer Upgrade Fee Fund.
7.3) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025-044, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale establishing an appropriations limit for Fiscal Year 2025-26 pursuant to Article XIII B of the California Constitution and repeal Resolution No. CC 2024-053.
7.4) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025-045, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale designating by title and name those officials who are authorized to sign checks and warrants, and repeal Resolution No. CC 2025- 003, and Adopt Resolution No. SA 2025 -002, a Resolution of the Successor Agency to the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Palmdale designating by title and name those officials who are authorized to sign checks and warrants, and repeal Resolution No. SA 2025-001.
7.5) Approve Purchase Order 20260000 with Amazon Capital Services, Inc., DBA Amazon Business, in an amount not to exceed $268,000 for FY 2025-26.
7.6) Approve Operating Covenant Agreement with Antelope Valley Shop, LLC., to create a partnership for revitalization, security, and operational costs associated with the Antelope Valley Mall.
Director of Economic and Community Development Taggart provided a brief overview of this item.
Councilmember Alarcón inquired about the substance of the operating covenant agreement, payments, and the term of the contract. Ken Hira, President of Kosmont Companies, provided clarification and discussed the details of the agreement. Jeff Jaffe and Bo Okoroji, representing Steerpoint Capital, discussed 3 the costs associated with securing an entertainment tenant within the proposed development. Discussion ensued regarding local hire, payments before the issuance of the certificate of occupancy, security upgrades, a substation for local law enforcement, renovations, and verified tenant operations.
Motion: Approve Operating Covenant Agreement with Antelope Valley Shop, LLC., to create a partnership for revitalization, security, and operational costs associated with the Antelope Valley Mall, with proposed amendments stated below.
Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Eric Ohlsen.
2.1 Security Upgrades. Owner agrees that it shall take the following actions to enhance security at the Property: (i) upgrade the existing security camera systems (the extent of such upgrade shall be determined by Owner in its commercially reasonable judgement), (ii) provide, in a location to be determined by Owner, space within the Mall for a local law enforcement substation at no cost; Owner shall perform any improvements or alterations in connection therewith; and (iii) increased security hours which Landlord may change from time to time as reasonably determined by Owner. Nothing herein shall be interpreted to require the City’s approval of or restrict Owner’s discretion to make future decisions regarding security staffing, hours, systems, or any other operations at the Property which shall be made at Owner’s sole discretion and in accordance with Owner’s commercially reasonable judgment.
3.2.4 Operating Covenant Payment 1: $2,000,000. Ninety (90) days after the issuance of the Tenant Certificate of Occupancy.
4.113 Jurisdiction and Venue. Any legal action or proceeding concerning this Covenant Agreement shall be filed and prosecuted in the appropriate California state court in the County of Los Angeles, California.
Vote: Motion carried (5-0)
Yes: Richard J. Loa, Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
7.7) Approve Down-Payment Assistance Program.
Director of Housing Reyes presented the staff report.
Councilmember Alarcón requested more information on the application process, funding, and marketing. Director of Housing Reyes provided information on the application and selection process, funding guidelines, and additional funding from Housing and Community Development (HCD). The Council and staff further discussed the program guidelines.
4 Motion: Approve Down-Payment Assistance Program.
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.
7.8) Accept Notice of Completion (NOC) for Public Drainage Improvements for Sierra Highway Storage located at 37550 Sierra Highway.
7.9) Approve agreement with Psomas for design services for PN 906, Avenue T Street Improvement Project, for a total not to exceed amount of $801,141 for a term of 18 months from the date of the Notice to Proceed.
7.10) Accept Notice of Completion (NOC) for PN 741, East Avenue S -8 and 40th Street East Roundabout Project.
7.11) Accept Notice of Completion (NOC) for PN 780, Avenue Q-12 Sidewalk Gap Closure Project.
Motion: Approve all items listed on the Consent Calendar with the exception of Items
7.6 and 7.7.
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) JOINT PUBLIC HEARING CC/SA/HA/IDA/PAA/PCA/PFA
8.1) Adopt Joint Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale No. CC 2025- 046, Successor Agency to the Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Palmdale No. SA 2025 -003, Palmdale Civic Authority No. PCA 2025- 001, Housing Authority of the City of Palmdale No. HA 2025 -002, Industrial Development Authority No. IDA 2025-001, Palmdale Airport Authority No. PAA 2025-001, Palmdale Financing Authority No. PFA 2025-001, collectively the approving Legislative Bodies (ALB) adopting the City of Palmdale’s Annual Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-26, and approving revenue and expenditure adjustments to Fiscal Year 2024-25; Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025 -047, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale amending the City’s Classification and Pay Plan for general positions; Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025-048, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale amending the City’s Classification and Pay Plan for bargaining unit positions; Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025-049, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale amending the City’s Classification and Pay Plan for Parks and Recreation Unbenefited positions; and Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025 -050, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale amending the City’s Classification and Pay Plan for Y-Rated positions.
5 Mayor Loa opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Scott read the titles of the Joint Resolution CC 2025-046, SA 2025- 003, PCA 2025-001, HA 2025-001, IDA 2025-001, PAA 2025-001, PFA 2025- 001, CC 2025-047, CC 2025-048, CC 2025-049, CC 2025-050, and CC 2025- 050.
Director of Operations Samson presented a PowerPoint on the budget.
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt inquired about the items being adopted jointly and sought clarification on their relationship. Director of Operations Samson explained how the joint items are connected and the rationale for their coordinated adoption. Acting City Attorney Halfman provided further clarification as to why the items were combined.
Jason Zink provided public input.
Mayor Loa closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmember Alarcón inquired about the projected allocations for Measure s AV and PD. Director of Operations Samson gave an oral presentation detailing the projected allocation for Measure PD. There was further discussion among Council and staff regarding future budget adjustments , a public survey, and a Capital Improvement Plan.
Motion: Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025-046, SA 2025-003, PCA 2025-001, IDA 2025-001, PAA 2025-001, PFA 2025-001, CC 2025-047, CC 2025-048, CC 2025-049, CC 2025-050
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: Adopt Resolution No. HA 2025-002
Moved by Christina Fraga-Saenz, seconded by Dianne Betts.
Vote: Motion carried (6-1)
Yes: Richard J. Loa, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón, Christina Fraga-Saenz, Dianne Betts.
No: Laura Bettencourt.
The Housing Authority adjourned at 6:59 pm.
9) PUBLIC HEARING
9.1) Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025-043, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale restating in its entirety the City of Palmdale Master Schedule 6 of Fees and Penalties and repealing all prior enactments inconsistent with this Resolution.
City Clerk Scott read the title of Resolution No. CC 2025-043.
Mayor Loa opened the Public Hearing.
Director of Operations Samson presented the staff report.
The following individuals provided public input: Jason Zink spoke about the increase in fees, funding projects, and historical preservation, and Rich Gallego commented on the increase in City fees and the State gas tax.
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt mentioned that she sent a letter of protest regarding the State gas tax.
Mayor Loa closed the Public Hearing.
Councilmember Alarcón requested that staff provide information regarding the fees associated with Parks and Recreation programs. In response, Deputy Director Dombrowski presented the proposed fee adjustments, noting that the increases are aligned with the current Consumer Price Index (CPI) as well as comparable rates charged by similar operators and venues. Deputy Director Dombrowski also highlighted the availability of scholarship programs and discounts.
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt inquired if the scholarship applied to non -profits desiring to rent a Parks and Recreation facility. Deputy Director Dombrowski stated that there is a discount that can be applied to non-profit organizations, and it is part of the fee schedule
Councilmember Ohlsen discussed the City fees and requested an analysis of the fee schedule. City Manager Pro Tem Mendez stated that a Request for Proposal (RFP) would be released to do an analysis of the fee schedule.
Staff and Council further discussed the increase in the cost of services, regional fee evaluation, supplementing fees with Measure PD and AV, assessment of fees charged to residents vs. non-residents, and implementing discounts for veterans.
Mayor Loa closed the Public Hearing.
Motion: Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025-043, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Palmdale restating in its entirety the City of Palmdale Master Schedule of Fees and Penalties and repealing all prior enactments inconsistent with this Resolution.
Moved by Austin Bishop, seconded by Laura Bettencourt.
Vote: Motion carried (5-0)
7 Yes: Richard J. Loa, Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
10) CITY MANAGER’S REPORT
City Manager Pro Tem Mendez provided an update on several upcoming events, including: Juneteenth Event in Poncitlan Square on June 19, Season of Service event on Avenue S and 70th Street East on June 21, High Desert Beer & Wine Festival on June 21 at the Palmdale Amphitheater, Book and Barks at the Library on June 24, District 5 Neighborhood Watch event at McAdam Park on June 25, Movie Night at the Palmdale Amphitheater on June 27, and July 4 events at Domenic Massari and Marie Kerr Park.
11) SHERIFF’S REPORT
Captain Bardon provided an update on response times for routine calls, service calls, update on the use of the virtual deputy application, the Public Safety partnership, Part 1 crimes, arrests, graffiti -related arrests, collisions, traffic citations, fatal collisions, speed enforcement, and July 4th illegal fireworks enforcement.
The Council commended the Sheriff’s Department for its exemplary performance during the recent protests and encouraged Captain Bardon to maintain efforts in traffic speed enforcement.
12) NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS:
The following individuals provided public input: Monica Dopson spoke about the mayoral rotational system, in support of an elected mayor, and advocated for offering City discounts to teachers, veterans, and police officers; Rich Gallego commended Councilmember Alarcón for showing her fiduciary duty and discussed and an elected mayor for Palmdale; Jason Zink provided comments on an at-large mayor, City budget, and supporting small business owners; Andrew Dumas raised concerns about the enforcement of illegal firework activity at the aqueduct and 60th Street West; Roger Soderstedt spoke in favor of maintaining a rotational mayor process and expressed support the approval of Item 7.6; and Marsha Furman mentioned she was excited about receiving a sidewalk in her area and announced the Breast Cancer Walk would be held on October 25.
13) COUNCIL REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR FUTURE
AGENDA ITEMS
Councilmember Ohlsen discussed an opinion piece he wrote on the importance of high-speed rail in association with the City of Palmdale. He asked the Council to agree to submit a letter of support to the California High -Speed Rail Authority to let them know the City of Palmdale stands with them. There was Council consensus. He reminded the Council that a subcommittee was formed to deal with the issues of the Auto Mall zoning.
Mayor
Pro
Tern
Bettencourt
shared
remarks
about
her
recent
vacation
to
the
Grand
Canyon
.
Councilmember
Alarcon
announced
the
upcoming
District
5 Neighborhood
Watch
event
,
scheduled
to
be
held
at
McAdam
Park
on
June
25 .
She
also
highlighted
budget
allocations
designated
for
improvements
to
McAdam
Park
.
Councilmember
Bishop
commented
on
the
projects
included
in
the
current
budget
and
spoke
about
fostering
community
pride
and
continued
investment
in
the
city
.
14 )
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor
Loa
adjourned
the
meeting
at
7 :
55 pm
,
in
honor
of
Ryan
Tortolano
,
to
July
1 ,
2025
,
at
5 :
00 p
.
m
.
in
the
City
Hall
Council
Chamber
located
at
38300
Sierra
Highway
,
Suite
B
,
Palmdale
,
California
.
PASSED
,
APPROV
/
ED
,
and
ADOPTED
this
1 st
day
of
July
2025
A
Richard
J
ATTEST
:
Rochelle
Scott
,
City
Clerk
8