1 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER 38300
SIERRA
HIGHWAY,
SUITE
B
PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA
JULY 15, 2025
www.cityofpalmdale.org
1)
CALL MEETING
TO
ORDER
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt 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
PRO TEM
BETTENCOURT,
COUNCILMEMBERS
BISHOP,
LOA,
OHLSEN,
ALARCÓN
PRESENT: Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
ABSENT:
None.
3)
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE AND MOMENT OF
SILENCE
Councilmember Ohlsen led the pledge of allegiance.
4)
PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individuals provided public input: Rich Gallego and Jason Zink requested additional information on the Closed Session Item, 5.1; Becky Loa spoke on behalf of her family in support of Councilmember Loa; Yul Gevargis asked for more details on the Closed Session Item, 5.1, and on cooperating with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); Ms. Dominguez expressed support for Councilmember Loa and requested further information; Chuck Murphy commented on a statement made on Facebook by Councilmember Ohlsen; and Michael Ross discussed trusting city government.
5)
PRESENTATION
BY CITY
ATTORNEY
5.1)
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
—
ANTICIPATED
LITIGATION
Initiation of litigation pursuant to paragraph (4) of subdivision (d) of Section 54956.9:
(1 case)
City Attorney Halfman recommended that Councilmember Loa recuse himself from Item 5.1.
Councilmember Loa objected to the recusal.
2 6)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY CITY
ATTORNEY
Closed Session was held from 5:20 pm
-
7:03 pm.
City Attorney reported on Item 5.1:
5.1 -
City council voted 4
-
0 to waive its privilege and disclose allegations
and
incidents
related to the investigation of Councilmember Loa.
7)
RESCISSION AND RE
-
ADOPTION OF MOTION
TO
REMOVE
MAYOR
7.1)
Rescission and re
-
adoption of motion to remove
mayor.
Councilmember Loa made a full denial of the alleged allegations.
City Attorney Halfman presented the staff report.
The following individuals provided public comment: Rich Gallego spoke regarding transparency and returning the vote for Mayor to the people; Yul Gevargis spoke regarding the allegations; Jason Zink thanked the PFC and spoke regarding the allegations, the election
,
and CalFire; and Michael Ross spoke regarding hypocrisy, Measure AV, and governing with integrity.
City Attorney Halfman suggested that Councilmember Loa recuse himself from
the
vote.
Councilmember Loa
recused himself from the vote.
Motion: Rescind and re
-
adopt the City Council's three
-
prong motion of July 1, 2025
to: 1) Initiate and continue the investigation of
Mr.
Loa's
actions; 2
)
remove
Mr.
Loa
from the ceremonial title of mayor; and 3) remove
Mr.
Loa
from
all seats and city
assignments where he represents the
City.
Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote: Motion carried (3
-
1)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Andrea Alarcón.
No:
Eric Ohlsen.
8)
CONSENT
CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt pulled item 8.3 for discussion.
Jason Zink spoke on Item 8.4, Avenue R complete street projects.
8.1)
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).
3 8.2)
Approve Requisition with Hasa, Inc., for pool chemical supplies in an amount
not to
exceed $193,500 for FY
2025
-
26. 8.3)
Approve Requisition with Morgan Ingland LLC for commercial streetlight poles
in an
amount not to exceed $241,080 for FY
2025
-
26. Mayor Pro
Tem
Bettencourt addressed the purchase of backup streetlight poles, which are frequently damaged due to vehicular accidents.
Councilmember
Alarcón
discussed the issue of damaged and knocked
-
down
streetlight poles and explained how the City pursues restitution to recover the costs.
Motion: Approve Requisition with Morgan Ingland LLC for commercial streetlight poles in an amount not to exceed $241,080 for FY
2025
-
26. Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote: Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
8.4)
Accept Notice of Completion (NOC) for PN 698, Active Transportation Program (ATP)
Avenue R Complete Streets Project, Avenue R from Sierra Highway to 25th Street East.
8.5)
Approve the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion: Approve all items listed under the Consent Calendar except Item 8.3. Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote:
Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes:
Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
9)
NEW BUSINESS
9 . 1)
Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
052, a Resolution of the City Council of
the
City of
Palmdale approving the final City logo and brand identity developed by Hub Collective.
Communications Manager Devine
-
Knight gave a brief overview of the item and
introduced representatives Jen Guibord
and
Bryan Buenacosa
-
Brooks of HUB
Collective to walk
the
Council through the logo selection process.
The following individuals provided public input: Jason Zink expressed opposition to the approval of the proposed logo, Ms. Dobson raised concerns regarding the outsourcing of the project and emphasized the importance of
community
-
branding,
and Michael Ross spoke about
his
experience in
the
marketing field, including the
Joshua tree in the artwork, and recommended forming a committee.
Councilmember Bishop commented on the new logo, addressed the current logo, and proposed alternative design options for consideration.
4 Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt discussed branding and suggested continuing to work on the proposed logo.
Councilmember
Alarcón
suggested tapping into local talent in the community
for
ideas to create the proposed logo.
Councilmember Loa asked how much was spent on creating the proposed logo, and Analyst Navarrette shared the details.
Councilmember Ohlsen discussed city priorities and the costs associated with rebranding, and he expressed opposition to approving the proposed logo.
Councilmember
Alarcón
asked City Manager Pro
Tem
Mendez for an update
on
the
proposed logo process, including the contract options, and City Manager Pro Tem
Mendez provided detailed
information.
Councilmember Bishop made a motion that was seconded by Councilmember Ohlsen; however, the motion was interrupted and did not proceed to a vote.
Councilmember
Alarcón
requested additional clarification. City Manager
Pro
Tem
Mendez recommended expanding on the contract, reaching out to schools, revisiting the tagline
, and including
other people in the final
decision
-
making
process. There
was further discussion among staff and Council.
Motion: Request a report back from the City Manager on the assessment of the contract scope, time, and money.
Moved by Austin Bishop, seconded by Eric Ohlsen.
Vote: Motion carried (4
-
1)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
No:
Richard J. Loa.
9 . 2)
Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
053, a Resolution of the City Council of
the
City of
Palmdale, updating the guidelines and bylaws for the Citizens Advisory Committee; Ordinance 1549; Section 3.21.160.
City Attorney Halfman provided a brief overview of the staff report, discussing the implementation of staggered terms and the recommendation to add a third
alternate.
Councilmember Ohlsen motioned to approve the addition of a third
alternate.
Councilmember
Alarcón
proposed codifying in the bylaws that
each
City Council
district be afforded equal representation on the
MAV
Committee. Councilmember
Ohlsen concurred that representation for each district
is
important. City Attorney
Halfman recommended proceeding with the addition of the third alternate to the MAV
Committee and suggested amending
the
appointment procedures within the
Palmdale Municipal Code (PMC) for
all
boards, commissions, and committees at a
later date.
Motion: Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
053, a Resolution of the City Council of the
City of Palmdale, updating the guidelines and bylaws for the Citizens Advisory Committee; Ordinance 1549; Section 3.21.160 with amendments to remove the addition of staggered terms, and adding three (3) alternates,
Moved by Eric Ohlsen, seconded by Austin Bishop.
5 Vote: Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
10)
APPOINTMENTS
10.1 )
Appoint seven (7) members and two (2) alternates to the Measure AV
Oversight
Committee.
The Council invited the applicants to the podium to briefly share their background and how they will contribute to the Committee. Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt also read an email from Committee Member Garcia expressing her interest in continuing her service.
Motion: Appoint (7) members Raymiro Gomez
-
Galiano, Barbara Smart, Steven
Angebrandt, Elvia Salazar, Celia Reyes Ayala, Rick Carr, and James Boldens and (3) alternates Cyndi Garcia, Lourdes Everett, and Breela Bellum.
Moved by Austin Bishop, seconded by Eric Ohlsen.
Vote: Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
10.2 )
Approve appointments to The Palmdale Aerospace Academy
(TPAA) Board
of
Directors.
Several applicants shared their backgrounds and interest in community service.
Motion: Appoint David Lujan to a
3 -
year
term to
T
he Palmdale Aerospace Academy
(TPAA) Board of Directors.
Moved by Laura Bettencourt, seconded by Andrea Alarcón.
Vote:
Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
Motion: Appoint Firat
Taxpulat
for a
1 -
year
term to The Palmdale Aerospace
Academy
(TPAA)
Board of Directors.
Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Eric Ohlsen.
Vote:
Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
11)
PUBLIC HEARING
11.1) Adopt Ordinance No. 1658, an Ordinance of the City Council of City of Palmdale approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25
-
0001 to modify residential
development standards within the zoning ordinance and find that the project is consistent with Program Environmental Impact Report 22
-
002 prepared and
certified in conjunction with the City’s General Plan (Palmdale 2045).
Planning Manager Magana presented the staff report.
6 Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Scott read the title of the Ordinance No. 1658.
A motion was made and carried unanimously to introduce Ordinance No. 1658.
Public Testimony: Jason Zink commented regarding the foam, ADU's, and requested that Council do a study on green waste and oppose the State.
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt closed the Public Hearing.
Motion: Adopt Ordinance No. 1658, an Ordinance of the City Council of City of Palmdale approving Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25
-
0001 to modify
residential
development standards within the zoning ordinance and find that the project is consistent with Program Environmental Impact Report 22
-
002 prepared and
certified in conjunction with the City's General Plan (Palmdale 2045).
Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote: Motion carried (4
-
1)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
No:
Richard J. Loa.
12)
CITY MANAGER’S
REPORT
City Manager Pro
Tem
Mendez provided an update on several upcoming events,
including: District 1 Neighborhood Watch in Poncitlan Square on July 16, Farmer's Market at Oasis Park on Fridays through October 31, Concert Series at the
Amphitheater starting
July 19, Water balloon fight at Domenic Massari and Marie Kerr
Park on July 19, Books
and Barks at the Library on July 29, and Movie Night featuring Kung Fu Panda 4 at the Amphitheater on August
1. 13)
SHERIFF’S
REPORT
Lieutenant Arnold provided an update on response times for routine calls for service, the Public Safety partnership, Part 1 crimes, arrests, graffiti -
related arrests,
traffic
collisions
and speed enforcement, and July 4th illegal fireworks enforcement.
He
also announced
the following
:
National Night Out on August 5, Palmdale station will have an event on September 16 in memory of Deputy Clinkunbroomer, and there will
be a two
-
day open
house event at the Palmdale Sheriff's station on October 11 and 12.
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt thanked the Palmdale Sheriff's Department
for enforcing the
speed limit.
Councilmember Olsen spoke about the 2024 Palmdale
Sheriff's
station event and thanked
the deputies for their service.
7 14)
NON
-
AGENDA PUBLIC
COMMENTS:
The following individuals provided public input: David Halver, Film Liaison, discussed the recent passage of Senate Bills 132 and 630, highlighting the increase to the State’s film and television tax incentives. He commended Management Analyst Glen
and Director of
Economic and Community Development
Taggart
for their hard
work
on the Film Palmdale
Incentive Program; Iman Merachli spoke about her "Palmdale Civic Voices" project, which aims to educate individuals about government processes. Mayor Pro Tem
Bettencourt and
Councilmember
Alarcón
encouraged Ms. Merachli to continue her positive efforts; David Brown followed up with City Attorney Halfman regarding the implementation of a resolution requesting that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents identify themselves.
City Attorney Halfman provided a brief response; Jason Zink commented on a range of topics, including homelessness, streets, super commuters, workforce development, economic district, the City logo, at
-
large elections, the Palmdale Ditch project, and
historical preservation and conservation; and Marsha Furman shared remarks regarding the
City Council's current structure and rotational process.
A motion was made and carried to extend the meeting beyond 10:00 pm.
Public input continued: Kathryn MacLaren
-
Gomez suggested involving local high schools
in developing the future Palmdale logo; Adam expressed concerns about the lack of transparency in local government; and Monica Dobson spoke about being fiscally responsible to the citizens of Palmdale.
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt addressed City Attorney Halfman and requested that she refresh the citizens on the allegations against Councilmember Loa. City Attorney Halfman suggested that the written statement be released to the public. There was further discussion regarding the written statement. City Manager Pro Tem Mendez stated that public comments were closed and recommended that
the
Council move forward with the
agenda.
15)
COUNCIL REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR
FUTURE
AGENDA
ITEMS
Councilmember Ohlsen extended an apology to Ms. Dobson for the earlier confusion.
Councilmember
Alarcón
proposed placing an item on a future agenda to address the vacancies resulting from the removal of Councilmember Loa from City Council committee assignments, and whether to appoint individuals to the ceremonial positions of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem during the pendency of the investigation.
City Attorney Halfman advised Councilmember Loa that he is permitted to vote on
this
matter.
Motion: Councilmember
Alarcón
requested the following future agenda items: 1)
Consideration of filling the City Council committee vacancies that were created by the removal Council of Councilmember Richard Loa and appointment of the ceremonial title of mayor and mayor pro tem.
Moved by Andrea Alarcón, seconded by Laura Bettencourt.
8 Vote: Motion carried (4
-
0)
Yes:
Laura
Bettencourt,
Austin
Bishop,
Eric
Ohlsen,
Andrea
Alarcón.
Abstain: Richard J. Loa.
Mayor Pro
Tem
Bettencourt requested an update on the Chimbole Cultural Center
project.
City Manager Pro
Tem
Mendez stated it is scheduled to be discussed in
the
second
meeting in August.
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt requested input on how the City can go back to a directly elected mayor. City Attorney Halfman responded.
Councilmember Ohlsen requested the legal analysis of the city's move toward a directly elected mayor.
Motion: City Attorney Halfman to provide legal analysis path for the City to go back to a directly elected mayor.
Moved by Eric Ohlsen, seconded by Richard J.
Loa.
Vote:
Motion carried (0
-
0)
16)
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt adjourned the meeting at 10:21 pm to August 5, 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 5th day of August 2025.
__________________________________
Laura Bettencourt, Mayor Pro Tem
ATTEST:
__________________________________
Rochelle Scott, City Clerk
Laur
a
Be
t
t
enc
ourt
(
A
ug
7 ,
2025
16 :
04 :
08
PD
T
)
Laura
Bettencourt
R
ochelle
Sc
o
t
t
(
A
ug
7 ,
2025
16 :
33 :
14
PD
T
)
Rochelle
Scott