1 MINUTES
CITY COUNCIL/SA
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBER
38300 SIERRA
HIGHWAY,
SUITE
B
PALMDALE, CALIFORNIA
NOVEMBER 4, 2025
www.cityofpalmdale.org
1)
CALL MEETING
TO
ORDER
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt called the meeting to order at 5:02 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 Bishop led the pledge of allegiance.
4)
CONSENT
CALENDAR
The following individuals provided public input: Jason Zink spoke in support of item s
4.6, 4.8, and in objection to the design at Yellen Park (4.10); Ben Gocke expressed concerns regarding the Oasis Wellness project (4.4).
The following items were pulled for discussion 4.3, 4.4, and 4.6.
4.1)
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).
4.2)
Receive and File
the monthly and quarterly Investment Reports for September 2025.
4.3)
Approve Agreement with Willdan Financial Services for
comprehensive
professional services to complete a full cost
-
of
-
service and user fee study
for
the City of Palmdale, for a total not to exceed amount of $150,000 for a term
of
1 year.
Manager McIntosh presented the staff report.
2 Councilmember Alarcón addressed the provisions included in the agreement and asked
questions regarding
the contractor selection process.
Manager
McIntosh
explained
the selection process.
A discussion took place among the Council and staff regarding potential conflicts of interest, the submitted cost proposal, and the criteria used for the competitive bidding process.
City Manager Mendez clarified the differences between the cost proposal and the amount presented to the Council.
Councilmember Bishop discussed the competitive fee structure and compared these costs to those of neighboring municipalities.
Further discussion took place regarding the scope and buffer provisions of the contract between the Council and staff.
A motion was made by Councilmember
Alarcón
to approve the agreement with
Willdan Financial Services for a total not to exceed amount of $50,000 for a term of 1 year.
The motion died for a lack of a second.
Further discussion took place regarding the fee schedule and providing competitive bids to
the
Council and posting for public viewing.
Motion: Table the approval of
the
Agreement with Willdan Financial Services for
comprehensive professional services to complete a full cost -
of
-
service and user
fee study for the City of Palmdale, for a total not to exceed amount of $150,000 for a term of 1 year.
Moved by Richard J. Loa, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote: Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
4.4)
Receive and file the annual activity report for Development Agreement pertaining to the Oasis Wellness Village project located at the southeast corner of Palmdale Boulevard and Tierra Subida
Avenue.
Senior Manager Magana presented the
staff
report and addressed concerns
raised by a resident regarding the activity
in
the project area.
Councilmember
Alarcón
requested a copy of the agreement with amendments.
A discussion took place between the Council and staff regarding the feasibility of constructing the parking structure as outlined in the agreement.
Councilmember Alarcón asked City Attorney Severino to review Section 8.13 concerning the timeline for initiating work, and to assess whether relevant 3 case law requires the commencement of work, as well as to examine Section
13.12, "Time of the Essence," related to the performance of the agreement.
The Palmdale Regional Chief Executive Officer
,
Nana Deeb
,
expressed
concerns about the lack of communication with the developer and conveyed interest in moving forward with
property
development.
Councilmember Bishop requested a meeting with the developer and all relevant parties to facilitate progress on the project.
Motion: Receive and file the annual activity report for Development Agreement pertaining to the Oasis Wellness Village project located at the southeast corner of Palmdale Boulevard and Tierra Subida Avenue.
Moved by Austin Bishop, seconded by Richard J. Loa.
Vote:
Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
4.5)
Approve the Second Amendment to Agreement with Frazier Capital Valuation,
Inc., for property valuation, appraisals, and broker services, increasing the agreement by $100,000 for a total not to exceed amount of $140,000 and
exercise the final one
-
year extension through January 20, 2027; and
adopt
Resolution No. CC 2025
-
090, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Palmdale, authorizing the Interim City Manager to execute the Second
Amendment to the Agreement with Frazier Capital Valuation, Inc., and
granting authorization to pay all fees.
4.6)
Approve Agreement with Dudek to update the City’s Sewer System Master Plan for a total not to exceed amount of $840,598 over a two (2) year term.
Councilmember Loa pulled this item for discussion to determine whether it should be reconsidered at a future meeting and whether bidding information should be shared with the community
.
City Attorney Severino
directed his question to staff
.
Director of Public Works Torres stated that the project could be reconsidered at
a future meeting, so further details could be provided to the council.
Councilmember Bishop requested to hear the bids received for the project.
Director of Public Works Torres read the bids received for the project.
A discussion took place between the Council and staff concerning the project proposals, during which the Council requested
that
, in the future,
they be given
an opportunity to review the competitive bids
.
Motion: Approve Agreement with Dudek to update the City's Sewer System Master Plan for a total not to exceed amount of $840,598 over a two (2) year 4 term.
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.
4.7)
Approve First Amendment to
Takeover
Agreement with Los Angeles
County
Sanitation District No. 20 (45th Street East Extension Trunk
Sewer).
4.8)
Authorize a Resource Adequacy Agreement between Athos Storage, LLC, an SB Energy
Company,
and California Choice Energy Authority on behalf
of
Energy for Palmdale’s Independent Choice (EPIC) for the purchase of long -
term, mid
-
term reliability
capacity.
4.9)
Accept Notice of Completion (NOC) for Public Landscape Improvements for
Tract 60732 located at 20th Street West and Quick
Street.
4.10)
Accept Notice of Completion (NOC) for PN 795, Sam
Yellen
Park Phase
2 Project.
4.11)
Approve the minutes from the previous meeting.
Motion:
Approve the items listed on the Consent Calendar with the exception of items 4.3, 4.4, and 4.6.
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.
5)
PUBLIC HEARING
5.1)
Conduct Public Hearing to obtain resident input on community needs and priorities for inclusion in the 2026
-
2027 Action
Plan.
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt opened the Public Hearing.
Director of Economic and Community Development
Taggart
introduced
consultant Carey Bullock with LDM Consultants.
Councilmember
Alarcón
provided further clarification regarding the action plan allocation.
Public
Testimony:
Jason Zink
discussed the lack of transparency, rental
subsidies for seniors
,
and sidewalk gap projects
. Eugene Hernandez
suggested implementing rent control
.
Michael Ross requested more
information on this item
.
Ben Gocke suggested workforce development
and
5 housing affordability
.
Councilmember
Alarcón
requested
that
another public hearing be conducted
to
receive further input from the public
before the
approval of the action plan
.
Councilmember Bishop
discussed the CDBG funds, requested line items to
show where the money was allocated, and explained where to allocate the funds
.
Carey Bullock
, consultant,
announced
that
the
CAPER and the five
-
year plan
are available online
, and
t
he final report will be approved at the May Council
meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt closed the Public Hearing.
5.2)
Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
086, a Resolution of the City Council of
the
City of Palmdale, approving a form of Density Bonus Agreement to facilitate the construction of a 264
-
unit multi
-
family residential development on one
vacant parcel totaling approximately 9.95 acres located on the west side of
15th Street East and approximately 375 feet north of East Avenue
Q.
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Scott read the title of the Resolution.
Senior Manager Magana presented the staff report. Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt
inquired about the low
-
income threshold and the number of parking
spaces allocated
for the 264
-
unit housing development. The applicant
, Jenny
Rubalcava, responded, stating that
450 parking
spaces
would be created.
Discussion ensued between
the Council and the applicant
regarding the
project.
Councilmember
Alarcón
requested clarification on
the Regional Housing Needs
Allocation (RHNA)
numbers. Senior Manager Magana provided additional
information to
the
Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt inquired about the consequences of not meeting the "RHNA" targets. City Attorney Severino explained the potential penalties that could be imposed by the state.
Discussion continued between Council,
City Attorney
,
and staff regarding the project.
Public
Testimony:
Jason Zink
inquired about
project amenities
,
including the
addition of a
nearby grocery store, the need for 6,600 units by 2029, and the quality of life. Claudia Perez, a realtor, opposed the development of the project.
Marsha Furman spoke about one
-
lane roads on Avenue Q and Avenue
P,
freeway access,
and project
amenities
.
Rich Gallego spoke about the impact
on the traffic
volume and
requested
a study on the
impact on local schools.
Yul
6 Gevargis
spoke in favor of
the project. Michael Ross
discussed the traffic the
project would generate
and the planning of
the area.
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt closed the Public Hearing.
Motion: Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
086, approving a form of Density
Bonus Agreement to facilitate the construction of a 264 -
unit multi
-
family
residential development.
Moved by Austin Bishop, seconded by Andrea Alarcón.
Vote: Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes: Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
5.3)
Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
087, a Resolution of the City Council of
the
City of Palmdale approving a form of Density Bonus Agreement 25 -
0003 to
facilitate the construction of a 272
-
unit multi
-
family residential development
on
two vacant parcels totaling approximately 9.8 acres located at the northwest corner of east Avenue Q and 25th Street East, and authorize the Interim City Manager or his designee to exercise the option to amend the agreement as
necessary, including minimal and/or non substantial
changes.
City Clerk Scott read the title of the resolution.
Senior Manager Magana presented the staff report.
A discussion ensued between the Council and staff regarding the garage, parking spaces, amenities, waivers, and the project's financing . The applicant,
Avi Nolan Ballal, Senior Associate at Lincoln Avenue Communities, provided a
recap of the project, addressing mitigating impacts on the community, dedicating the
right
-
of
-
way on Avenue Q and 25th Street East, and
installing
a
new traffic
signal.
Discussion continued regarding traffic studies for the project and the
designation of
emergency lanes for law enforcement. Councilmember
Alarcón
requested
that the traffic study
be provided to the Council and made
publicly
available
.
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt opened the Public Hearing.
Public Testimony: Jason Zink and Marsha Furman spoke against the project.
Mark Maldonaldo thanked the Council for having an open dialogue with the public.
Councilmember
Alarcón
asked about the impact on
the Los Angeles Sheriff's
Department and the
Los Angeles County Fire Department. Senior Manager
Magana stated
that
they were consulted and
approved of
the project. LA
County
Fire
Department Chief Ghorbani responded. Captain Bardon addressed 7 public
safety.
The applicant provided additional information regarding rights
-
of
-
way
and turn lanes. Discussion continued.
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt closed the public hearing.
Motion: Adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
087, approving a form of Density
Bonus Agreement 25
-
0003, and authorize the Interim City Manager or
his
designee to exercise the option to amend the agreement as
necessary.
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.
A break was held from 7:35 p.m.
-
7:51 p.m.
Councilmember
Alarcón
stepped away from the dais.
5.4)
Adopt Ordinance No. 1663, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of
Palmdale approving Zone change 25
-
0002 and Zoning Ordinance
Amendment 25
-
0003 to address inconsistencies and streamline review
procedures;
and
adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
085, a Resolution of the City
Council of
the
City of Palmdale approving General Plan Amendment 25
-
0002
to amend
the
land use map and finding 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).
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Scott read the title of the Ordinance and the Resolution.
A motion was made and approved to introduce the ordinance.
Senior Manager Magana presented the staff report. Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt
requested clarification regarding the distinction between Residential One and
Residential
Two
. Senior Manager Magana responded.
Discussion ensued between Council and staff.
Public Testimony: Jason Zink asked to postpone
the
vote. Colby Estes spoke
about his time on the General Plan Advisory Committee and the concessions
being made in the general plan
for the projects.
Mayor Pro
Tem
Bettencourt closed the Public Hearing.
Motion: Adopt Ordinance No. 1663, approving Zone change 25 -
0002 and
Zoning Ordinance Amendment 25
-
0003 to address inconsistencies and
streamline review procedures; and adopt Resolution No. CC 2025 -
085
8 approving General Plan Amendment 25
-
0002.
Moved by Richard J. Loa, seconded by Austin Bishop.
Vote: Motion carried (4
-
0)
Yes:
Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric
Ohlsen.
Absent: Andrea
Alarcón.
5.5)
Adopt Ordinance No. 1664, an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of
Palmdale, California, amending Sections 8.04.410 and 8.04.430, and
repealing Sections 8.04.440 through 8.04.510 of the Palmdale Municipal Code
to prohibit fireworks, finding the Ordinance exempt from CEQA; and adopt Resolution No. CC 2025
-
091, a Resolution of the City Council of the City of
Palmdale, California, making its express findings as required by Section 17958.7 of the Health and Safety Code of the State of California relating to
the
adoption of Ordinance No. 1664 prohibiting all fireworks, and finding it is not a project per CEQA.
Mayor Pro Tem Bettencourt opened the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Scott read the title of the Ordinance and Resolution.
A motion was made and approved to introduce the ordinance.
Public Safety Manager Vallarta presented the staff report.
The council discussed the benefits and drawbacks of
safe and sane fireworks
with staff.
The following individuals provided public testimony: David Harris, Rich Gallego, Adorable Babies, Joseph Hipps, Jeff Carlin, Cesia Hipps, Leslie Mendoza, Jody
Carmen, John
Kelly,
David Cowon, Darryl Watkins, Colby Estes, Faith,
Yul
Gevargis, Michael Ross, Bobbie
Vargo,
Marsha Furman, and a gentleman with
no name given spoke in support of safe and sane fireworks, some requested a public
survey,
putting it on the ballot, and stated how the funds raised have helped the community. Jason Zink
requested a citywide cleanup
and
community outreach.
9:00 p.m. Councilmember
Alarcón
returned to the
dais.
Mayor Pro
Tem
Bettencourt closed the Public Hearing.
There was continued discussion
among the Council regarding
the placement of
safe and sane fireworks on the ballot and CalFire maps prohibiting the use of fireworks by an additional 30% within the City of Palmdale, and a request was made for the cost proposal to place
it on the ballot.
Motion: Table the item and report back within 90 days
.
Moved by Austin Bishop, seconded by Andrea Alarcón.
9 Vote:
Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes:
Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea
Alarcón.
6)
NEW BUSINESS
6.1)
Approve Community Grant
Program.
Deputy City Manager Lopez presented the staff report.
The following individuals provided public comments: Jason Zink spoke about
the positive impact of the community organizations. Colby Estes spoke about
the previous
Measure
AV
grant program. David Harris spoke about the grant
program. Michael Ross questioned the documents needed to apply for the
grants. Mark spoke about community members and local non -
profits.
Discussion ensued among
the
Council regarding the proposed budget, grant
writing assistance, and the development of the program.
Motion: Table approving the Community Grant Program.
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.
7)
CITY MANAGER’S
REPORT
Interim City Manager Mendez provided an update on several upcoming events including: iLead
Youth Conference at Legacy Commons on November 7, AV Wall on November 8, Candlelight Ceremony at the Palmdale Amphitheater on November 9, Veterans Day Ceremony at the Palmdale Amphitheater on November 11, Veterans Day of Service Desert Clean
-
up on Avenue Q & Division St. on November 15,
Holiday Craft Boutique at Legacy Commons on November 15, Family Volunteer Day November 22 at SAVES, Vet at the Park Services at Poncitlan Square on November 16, SAVES Senior Thanksgiving baskets on Monday November 24, Tree Lighting Ceremony at Poncitlan Square on December 2 and Jolly Holiday on December 6.
8)
NON
-
AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS
The following individuals provided public comments: Denise spoke regarding Severe Valley
Fever
.
Eugene Hernandez spoke regarding Hispanic Heritage
Month
.
Jason
Zink spoke about
District 1 and District 2 s
eats, leverag
ing
city grants, the
f
ire maps,
and
the Palmdale water ditch along Barrel Springs Trail
.
Michael Ross
requested
more information regarding the Rosenberg
’
s Rules
of
Order,
and
spoke about
the
PFC
.
Rich Gallego thanked Council
for
the honor of doing a painting for
S
ister
C
ity
Poncitlan,
Mexico,
requested the
ability to put an item on the agenda, and thanked
Councilmember Ohlsen for
agreeing to
attend the
upcoming
meeting
for PFC
.
10 Marsha Furman asked for an update on sidewalks, requested clarification on safe and sane and illegal fireworks, spoke about
the upcoming
Veterans
Day
event
at the
Palmdale Amphitheater, the Breast Cancer walk,
and announced that
November 18
is
Mickey Mouse's birthday
.
Patricia Withers discussed the food drive for the
homeless.
Mayor Pro
Tem
Bettencourt
discussed
her
past experience with trying to get items on
the agenda and provided
Michael Ross with
information
on how to access
the
Brown
Act. Councilmember
Alarcón
directed
Mr.
Ross to the website to view the
Rosenberg's Rules of
Order.
Motion: Extend the meeting past 10:30 p.m.
Moved by Laura Bettencourt, seconded by Eric Ohlsen.
Vote:
Motion carried (5
-
0)
Yes:
Laura Bettencourt, Austin Bishop, Richard J. Loa, Eric Ohlsen, Andrea Alarcón.
9)
COUNCIL REPORTS, ANNOUNCEMENTS AND REQUESTS FOR
FUTURE
AGENDA
ITEMS
9.1)
Council Reports
Councilmember Loa attended the Palmdale Sheriff's Booster meeting on October 8,
the NCTC on October 20, and
mentioned
the AV Fair meeting on
October 23, which
was cancelled.
Councilmember Ohlsen attended the Mental
Health Awareness Walk
on
October
4 and
spoke about attending the Palmdale Freedom Coalition meeting.
Councilmember Bishop spoke about
the need for a grocery store in his district,
discussed how the
Council
meeting had gone well, and expressed respect for
the staff and the respectful nature of the discussions. He also attended the Pumpkin Palooza, spoke about Kaleidoscope and the groundbreaking for AS Aerospace, and attended the World Series watch parties. Additionally, he participated in
the Making Strides Breast Cancer walk.
Mayor Pro
Tem
Bettencourt spoke about her experience at the Pumpkin
Palooza.
10)
CLOSED SESSION
PRESENTATION
BY
CITY
ATTORNEY
Public Comments: None.
City Attorney Severino
confirmed
items to be heard at Closed Session and
informed
Councilmember
Alarcón
that she would have to
recuse
herself from
Item 10.2.
11 Councilmember
Alarcón
spoke regarding her case
,
Item 10.2.
10.1 )
CONFERENCE
WITH
LABOR
NEGOTIATORS
Agency
designated
representatives: Salvador Mendez, Interim City Manager, and Linda
Daube,
Special Counsel
Employee organization:
Teamsters
Local 986
This
closed
session is being held pursuant to the authority of California Government Code Section 54957.6.
10.2 )
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL
–
EXISTING
LITIGATION
Andrea
Alarcón v. City of Palmdale
Los Angeles Superior Court 24STCP03201
This closed session is being held pursuant to the authority of California Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1).
11)
ANNOUNCEMENT BY CITY
ATTORNEY
Closed Session was held from 10:35 p.m. to
11:30
p.m.
City Attorney Severino announced the
following:
10.1 -
There was no reportable
action.
10.2 -
There was no reportable
action.
12)
ADJOURN
Mayor Pro
Tem
Bettencourt adjourned the meeting at
11:32
pm to December 2, 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 2nd day of December 2025.
Laura Bettencourt, Mayor Pro Tem
ATTEST:
Rochelle Scott, City Clerk
Laur
a
Be
t
t
enc
ourt
(
Dec
11 ,
2025
12 :
36 :
55
P
S
T
)
Laura
Bettencourt
R
ochelle
Sc
o
t
t
(
Dec
11 ,
2025
14 :
36 :
31
P
S
T
)
Rochelle
Scott