Bell City Council
February 9, 2022

Appendix H: Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
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Access to Opportunity
Access to opportunity is a concept to approximate place-based characteristics linked to critical life outcomes. Access to opportunity oftentimes means both improving the quality of life for residents of low- income communities, as well as supporting mobility and access to ‘high resource’ neighborhoods. This encompasses education, employment, economic development, safe and decent housing, low rates of violent crime, transportation, and other opportunities including recreation, and food and healthy environment.

There are 16 schools within the City of Bell. This includes preschools, elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools. The majority of the schools within Bell are public, with two being private. The public schools within the City of Bell are Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) schools. According to Great Schools, the schools located within Bell’s borders have an average rating of 4/10, which is below average. The lowest rated schools are located throughout the City with no discernable pattern. In comparison to other schools within the region, the majority of which are also LAUSD schools, the schools in Bell are rated a bit lower than other schools in Southeast Los Angeles.

Access to more proficient schools does not appear to relate to protected characteristics within the City.

Outside of the Southeast Los Angeles region, to the west of Bell there are more areas of segregation and racial ly and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty that correspond to lower quality LAUSD schools, the majority of which are rated either 2/10 or 3/10.

Many of the jobs available in Southeast Los Angeles are blue-collar jobs, as shown in Figure A-6. The blue collar jobs offered in the region are a great match for the skill set of the region’s population as well as the population of Bell. Since Bell is located in an area with high traffic congestion and job centers are not immediate to the Bell community, SCAG forecasts show that the share of regional jobs within a 30-minute commute (18%) is less than the regional average (27%). Few high- income jobs are located in the Southeast Los Angeles region; the closest major professional job center is Downtown Los Angeles.

Most protected groups do not live anywhere specific within the City of Bell, as almost all residents fall under a protected class and live throughout the City. Due to this, most of the City’s protected groups experience the same difficulties in access to jobs within the region. One protected group that is differentiated is the unhoused population that

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resides on Bell Salvation Army’s campus in the Cheli area of the City.

The Cheli area is not highly resourced, however the Salvation Army does provide services for unhoused residents in order to connect them to jobs in Bell as well as outside of Bell. While the Cheli area’s existing connectivity is low, the Salvation Army bridges this gap by going above and beyond to connect their residents to jobs. The City is also seeking to address this issue through the Cheli Specific Plan (Program 22).

While jobs in Bell are easy for Bell residents to access, jobs within the larger region are not as easy to access, especially by residents who do not have access to a car. Bell does have public transit in the form of buses. In 2018, 73 percent of Bell residents drove alone to work, 11 percent used carpools, 8 percent took public transit, and 8 percent walked or used other means to commute to work. Between 2000 and 2018, there was a 14.1 percent increase in the number of Bell residents who drove to work. Fifty-five percent of commuters spent more than 30 minutes traveling to work.

Bell is well serviced by bus lines, which run along various thoroughfares throughout the city. The bulk of Bell residents are within ½ mile of public transit. Transit service exhibits a moderate frequency. For example, Metro route 260 provides north-south service along Atlantic Avenue at roughly 15-20 minute frequency. Metro provides east-west service on Florence Avenue with Route 111 with 20-30 minute frequencies. Gage Avenue is served by Metro route 110, which provides east-west service every 20-30 minutes. The greatest transit accessibility is therefore located near the intersections of Atlantic and Florence Avenues and Atlantic and Gage Avenues, where the Atlantic Avenue Specific Plan will be focused. The Cheli area is served by Metro route 108 which provides north-south service on Eastern Avenue and Slauson every 20 minutes. Meanwhile, Bell is considered “Very Walkable”, scoring 77 of 100 by WalkScore.com. It is also considered “Bikeable”, scoring 61 of 100.

The future Metro West Santa Ana Branch Line will improve Bell residents’ access to regional transit with a station at Florence and Salt Lake Avenues. Residents in the western portion of the City will have access to north-south fixed rail service that will provide access to Artesia to the south and Downtown Los Angeles to the north, with connectivity to east-west rail service like the C Line in Paramount to the south and the L, B, D, and A Lines near Downtown Los Angeles.

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Most protected groups who reside in the City have sufficient access to transportation options. One exception is disabled residents. While some disabled residents in Bell are employed, many disabled residents are not employed. In some cases, these disabled residents are unable to work, but in others these residents may experience difficulty in accessing jobs. Generally, disabled residents have disproportionate transportation needs within the City of Bell; however, the majority of disabled residents live with their families who are able to assist them in their transportation needs. Walking in Bell can be challenging and generally not an enjoyable means of transportation due to traffic congestion. The Atlantic Avenue Specific Plan will address the accessibility of walking alon g the Atlantic Avenue corridor within the City.

A full explanation of the needs of disabled residents in Bell is included in Appendix A of this Housing Element. However, a short summary is provided here. The most prevalent disabilities in Bell are ambulatory, cognitive, and independent living respectively. These top disabilities are similar to those found in other cities throughout the Southeast Los Angeles region. Am bulatory disabilities are of particular concern in regard to access to opportunity, specifically to transportation, as previously noted.

Disability by age groups is as follows: 404 disabled residents 18 years old and under, 1,399 disabled residents aged 19-64, and 954 disabled residents aged 65 and up. This reveals that a large portion of disabled residents exist within each age group in Bell, meaning that the needs of disabled residents must be addressed for young people, adults, and seniors. There is no spatial concentration of disabled residents in any particular Census tract in Bell.

Approximately 5.4% of Bell’s housing stock was built after 1990, which is the year when many regulations went in to place mandating the building and inclusion of accessible housing units. Therefore, there are a limited number of accessible units in Bell for disabled residents.

Appendix A includes an assessment of supportive housing stock and other housing stock, including group homes for people with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities, and mental health disabilities.

Additionally, Appendix A does include an assessment of accessibility of homelessness programs and the coordinated entry system. In each of these cases, the City of Bell does have resources available. However, these resources could be improved and access to these resources could

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be improved. Within the City there is a need for facilities to serve disabled residents, accessible permanent supportive housing, accessible housing, disabled access to transportation, and accessible ADUs. Program 9 (Accessory Dwelling Unit Program) of this Housing Element will monitor the development of accessible ADUs in the City.

The City of Bell is located in a region of significant environmental issues.

These issues cause difficulties in accessing environmentally healthy neighborhoods for all, not only protected classes.

According to the CalEnviroScreen 3.0 map, the City of Bell experiences a pollution burden in the 80-100th percentile, which means the area has an overall pollution burden higher than up 80 percent of other communities within California. This high pollution burden percentile is similar to burdens throughout the Southeast Los Angeles region. The pollution burden lessens the further south one moves from Bell; however, the burdens still remain high.

The Cheli area has a pollution burden in the 100
th percentile, which is
the highest in the City, followed closed by the Census tra ct on the Eastern border of the City, which ranks in the 99th percentile. Given that these two tracts are home to a shelter for unhoused people and a High Segregation and Poverty tract, respectively, it does demonstrate that there are disparities in access to health. Action s are proposed in this Housing Element which address environmental health in these areas. In addition, the rest of the City of Bell ranges from percentiles in the high 80s to percentiles in the 90s, indicating that there are no environmentally ideal locations for housing in the City.

The City of Bell’s Environmental Justice Element is being updated along with this Housing Element Update, so the consistency of these two elements has been evaluated and confirmed. In addition, Housing Element Program 27: Environmental Enhancements ensures that Bell will continue work with stakeholders to advance environmental programs that can help reduce exposure of residents to health-related factors. Program 27 will ensure the City is continually improving the City’s access to environmentally healthy neighborhoods.

Overall, the City of Bell’s Census tracts in the Northwe st corner of the City, Southwest corner of the City, east along the 710 freeway, and the eastern Cheli tract all experience higher poverty and vulnerability in addition to worse environmental conditions. The tracts along the western border of the City are close to Vernon and other industrial

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corridors. The eastern tracts along the 710 as well as the Cheli tract are also exposed to significant amounts of industrial uses along with heavy truck traffic.

The western side of the City will have improved access to transportation when the West Santa Ana Branch Transit Corridor (WSAB) opens at the intersection of Salt Lake Avenue and Florence Avenue. The equitable TOD Plans (for the Florence/Salt Lake Station Area by the neighboring City of Huntington Park) promotes equitable development around the WSAB stations in an effort to prevent transit and investment driven displacement. The eastern side of the City will experience environmental improvements over the 6 th cycle, through Program 27 (Environmental Enhancements). The Pritchard Field development is also planned for the eastern side of the City, near the I-710. This development will bring higher income residents and housing into the eastside of the City in addition to providing commercial and open space to this area of the City.

This Housing Element’s Site Inventory focuses growth in the best and more accessible area in regard to opportunity within the City, which is the center of the City. Additionally, the City is pursuing the Atlantic Avenue Specific Plan (Program 23), located within the center of the City. The Atlantic Avenue corridor is the one remaining commercial corridor in the City where residential uses are mainly not permitted. The City will develop an Atlantic Avenue Specific Plan which will define appropriate areas, standards, and densities for new housing along the corridor which will be permitted by-right, at the same time balancing against the need for the City to preserve important commercial uses.

The Atlantic Avenue Corridor is highly resourced and remains the best place to develop housing within the City of Bell. The majority of this Housing Element’s sites are located within this center portion fo the City.

Disproportionate Housing Needs and Displacement Risk
Disproportionate housing needs refers to a condition in which there are significant disparities in the proportion of members of a protected class experiencing a category of housing need when compared to the proportion of members of any other relevant groups, or the total population experiencing the category of housing need in the applicable geographic area. For purposes of this definition, categories of housing need are based on such factors as cost burden and severe cost burden, overcrowding, homelessness, and substandard housing conditions.

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Cost burden refers to the number of households for which housing cost burden is greater than 30% of their income. Severe cost burden refers to the number of households for which housing cost burden is greater than 50% of their income. According to overpayment data from the 2015-2019 ACS 5-Year Survey, as included in HCD’s AFFH Data Viewer, the majority of homeowners in the City of Bell are cost burdened. According to SCAG Pre-Certified Data, homeowners in Bell are significantly less cost burdened than renters, as 45.6% of homeowners in Bell are cost burdened. Census tracts with the highest percentage of cost burdened homeowner households were in the northwest corner of the city, the southwest corner of the City, and along Wilcox Avenue in the middle of the City.

Within the Southeast Los Angeles region, the majority of Census tracts feature high percentages of cost burned homeowner households, just like in Bell. The percentage of cost burdened homeowner households decreases further South into Downey.

The HCD AFFH Data Viewer also finds that all Bell Census tracts feature a high percentage of renter households that are cost burdened. Based on SCAG Pre-Certified Data, 60% of renters in Bell spend more than 30% of their income on housing and 29.8% of renters spend more than 50% of their income on housing. The tracts with the largest percentages of cost burdened renter households are located along Wilcox Avenue in the middle of the City and along the eastern edge of the City close to the 710 freeway.

Within the Southeast Los Angeles region, the majority of Census tracts feature high percentages of cost burned renter households, just like in Bell. The percentage of cost burdened renter households decreases further South into Downey.

Overcrowding is defined as households having more than 1.01 to 1.5 persons per room. Severe overcrowding is defined as households having more than 1.51 persons per room. Overcrowding is an issue in the City of Bell, according to CHHS data from HCD’s AFFH Data Viewer. All but one Census tract in Bell features over 20% of households that are overcrowded. Five of Bell’s eight Census tracts feature severely overcrowded households. Most significantly, the Census tracts in the northwest corner of the City and the two tracts to the far east of the City, along the 710, feature the highest percentages of severely overcrowded households, between 5 and 20%.

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Overcrowding is also an issue within the larger Southeast Los Angeles region. Outside of Bell within the Southeast Los Angeles region, the majority of Census tracts feature over 20% of households that are overcrowded. Severe overcrowding ranges from less than 5% to over 65% in different tracts. The percentage of overcrowding decreases as one moves further Southeast within the region, towards Downey and Santa Fe Springs.

Substandard housing problems include: 1) Lacking a complete kitchen, 2) lacking complete plumbing, 3) severe overcrowding, and 4) severe cost-burden. According to ACS and CHAS data included in HCD’s AFFH Data Viewer, the majority of cities within the Southeast Los Angeles region feature 40 to 60% of households that have any of the four severe housing problems. Forty-four percent of households in the City of Bell feature any of the four severe housing problems. Severe housing problems are also less prominent to the southeast, below Lynwood, in the cities of Downey, Paramount, and Bellflower. In these cities, the percentage of households facing severe housing problems are 29.9%,

38.9%, and 35% respectively.

Homelessness is an issue in Southeast Los Angeles; however, it is less acute than in communities to the North and East of Southeast Los Angeles. The City of Bell has an unhoused population of 493 people, 24 of which are unsheltered. The City of Bell has one of the largest homeless shelters in the region, the Bell Salvation Army Shelter which houses a large portion of unhoused people from through the South Los Angeles region. Most of the 469 sheltered unhoused residents live on the Bell Salvation Army campus where shelter and transitional services are provided.

Within the greater Southeast Los Angeles region, the City of Bell has the largest unhoused population, due to the presence of the Bell Salvation Army campus. Within Service Planning Area (SPA) 7, the total unhoused count in 2020 was 4,586.

UC Berkeley’s Urban Displacement Project classifies Census tracts in terms of their “displacement typology.” According to data from U.C.

Berkeley’s Urban Displacement Project, Bell ranks in the middle of its severity classification. Bell’s neighborhoods are classified as “low- income/susceptible to displacement,” “ongoing displacement,” and “early/ongoing gentrification”. The key factors driving this classification are that home prices and rents are lower than the average for the County

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and region, but rising faster in many cases. New development is not a significant contributor to gentrification in Bell as development has been mostly small in nature, except for affordable housing.

In this context, displacement is defined as any involuntary household move caused by landlord action or market changes. East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice (EYCEJ) and Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) both addressed displacement in their Housing Element Review letters. EYCEJ in particular identified instances of residents experiencing displacement pressure in Bell. One such incident involved landlord harassment of a tenant which was made easier due to the unpermitted status of the occupied unit. A second instance of displacement pressure in the City was a landlord harassment of tenants due to their immigration status. While it is unknown whether the tenants in these two instances were displaced, it is clear these tenants experienced severe displacement pressure at the very least.

Program 1 (Bell Code Enforcement Program) in this Housing Element prioritizes working in partnership with property owners and tenants, in order to avoid displacement. In the case of unpermitted units, the City will work with property owners and tenants to identify repairs on unsafe and unsightly units, prioritizing repairs that can be done without displacing tenants. In the event that tenants must be removed and a unit declared uninhabitable, the City will refer said tenants to Stay Housed LA which will conn ect them to a caseworker who will connect them to affordable housing or transitional housing.

Program 24 (Tenants’ Rights Program) in this Housing Element prioritizes its services to renters to ensure that access to legal counsel and eviction protection services (through Stay Housed LA) help mitigate the threat of eviction. By connecting tenants to legal services tenants in Bell will be better equipped to defend themselves against landlord harassment and unfair evictions.

Displacement in Bell is driven by rising regional housing prices. Prices for housing are rising throughout the Los Angeles region and the City of Bell is no exception. While Bell might not be experiencing disinvestment-driven displacement, investment-driven displacement, or disaster-driven displacement, the City is still experiencing significant levels of displacement pressure due to high housing costs.

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The greater Southeast Los Angeles region does feature displacement risk, ranging from early/ongoing gentrification, low-income/susceptible to displacement, ongoing displacement, advanced gentrification, and at risk or becoming exclusive. Those cities actively experiencing some level of gentrification are located closest to Bell within the region and they include cities such as South Gate, Maywood, and Huntington Park.

Communities such as Lynwood, Bellflower, Downey, and Paramount, on the other hand have a lower gentrification risk, as these communities are more stable moderate/mixed income and at risk of becoming exclusive. However, gentrification is much less pronounced in these communities than in other parts of the Los Angeles region such as Mid- City, South Los Angeles (Crenshaw area), or Boyle Heights.

The Urban Displacement Project classifies Bell’s renter vulnerability as very high at 7-9 on a 10-point scale due to the population’s high rent burden, overcrowding, and concentration of employment in low-wage sectors. According to this Housing Needs Assessment, rents have been rising over 4% per year since 2017 in the City of Bell.

The Urban Displacement Project classifies the Southeast Los Angeles region’s renter vulnerability as 3-10 on a 10-point scale. However, most Census tracts within the region rank from 7-10, due to the population’s high rent burden, overcrowding, and concentration of employment in low-wage sectors.

During community outreach, representatives of community groups expressed some concern that the forthcoming completion of the Metro West Santa Ana Branch line could exacerbate displacement pressures as the Metro line increases access to job centers in Downtown Los Angeles. Anti-displacement measures in the southwestern portion of the City closest to the Metro stop were suggested, along with development of new affordable housing on Florence Avenue.

However, it should be noted that with current shifts in office working patterns, and the current funding plan of the line, which anticipates completion only to Slauson Station (requiring a transfer to the Metro A Line). It is unclear how much of a driver of displacement risk the light rail will be. Gentrification has not yet been seen along the Metro A Line to the extent observed in other portions of Los Angeles.

CBE’s Housing Element Review letter included the following four anti- displacement measure recommendations:

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1. Facilitating construction of affordable housing units through the Metro Joint Development Portfolio;

2. Working with Me tro to identify areas that are particularly vulnerable to transit-induced gentrification;

3. Working with Metro to deploy the Metro Affordable Transit Connected Housing (MATCH) Program;

4. Supporting and retaining City-owned housing and lots for use as affordable housing near the proposed Florence Ave./Salt Lake Station.

Furthermore, while the City is sympathetic to these recommendations, publicly owned land resources in this area of the City of Bell are very limited, giving the City and Metro limited discretion in building affordable developments.

Site Inventory
Overall, the City of Bell’s Census tracts along the West and East of the City all experience higher poverty and vulnerability in addition to worse environmental conditions. This Housing Element’s Site Inventory includes 7 sites, four of which are located in the highly resourced center of the City, along Atlantic Avenue and Gage Avenue. Three of these four sites in the center of Bell are fully or partially publicly owned land, meaning they are subject to the Surplus Land Act. Therefore, these sites must be offered to affordable housing developers first, prior to any offers of the land to market rate developers. Because of the Surplus Land Act, it stands to reason that additional affordable housing may be developed in central Bell, the most highly resourced area in the City. Furthermore, the City intends to pursue development of low- and very-low income housing in Central City, as evidenced by the programs which seek to leverage public land, which is concentrated in this area, for affordable and mixed-income housing (e.g., Program 16, 25).

The remaining three sites outside of central Bell are located in the Cheli area and along the eastern border of the City, along the I-710. The two sites in Cheli are targeted for very low-income and low-income formerly unhoused residents on the Bell Salvation Army campus. The campus is well suited to support formerly unhoused residents, due to the supportive services offered on the campus. Bell Salvation Army provides employment and job training services to residents of their permanent supportive housing and emergency shelter.

As noted in the Housing Needs Appendix, it is important to note that the Cheli area is a decommissioned United States Air Force (USAF) air base. The Base Closure Community Redevelopment and Homeless

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Assistance Act of 1994 established a procedure for unhoused service providers to receive base property at no cost; land at the former Cheli Air Base was deeded to the Salvation Army with the stipulation that all activities on the site relate to treating unhoused individuals. Therefore, future housing development in the Cheli area must be restricted to transitional and permanent supportive housing for the formerly unhoused. The Housing Element does recommend that populations in this area focus on working-age adults, as those populations would be less impacted by negative environmental factors than children or seniors.

The Prichard Field site (Site #1) is located on the eastern side of the City, along the I -710. This site will accommodate higher income units and residents, which is not common for this area of the City. Along with higher income units, the project on this site would bring new amenities into this area, including open space and commercial storefronts.

Low income residents are located throughout the City of Bell in large numbers; however, the largest concentration of low income residents exists within the Cheli Census tract. This makes sense as the Cheli area houses the Bell Salvation Army campus, upon which hundreds of low income, formerly unhoused residents reside. Additionally, the Cheli area houses a h ighest proportion of disabled residents, which makes sense as many unhoused residents are also disabled and live on the Bell Salvation Army campus. The tracts with the highest r ates of poverty exist on the borders of the City, in the Southwest corner and east, along the I-710.

One racially and ethnically concentrated area of poverty is located in the Northwest corner of the City. Additionally, the one TCAC high segregation and poverty tract is located on the eastern b order of the City, along the I-710.

Transit access is of the highest quality in the center of the City, along Atlantic and Gage Avenues. While transit access along the western and eastern edges of the City is lower quality, this will change after the West Santa Ana Branch Transit Corridor is completed. This new Metro station at Salt Lake and Florence Avenues will provide access for Bell residents to Downtown Los Angeles and the entirety of the Metro Rail network.

The entirety of Bell is in environmentally poor condition, however, the Cheli tract and easternmost tract are the most severely impacted.

Cost burdening for homeowners in Bell occurs most frequently within Census tracts in the Northwest and Southwest corners of the City.

Renter cost burdening occurs most frequently in the center of the City

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as well as in the easternmost tract. Overcrowding in Bell occurs most frequently in the Northwest corner of the City and in the easter nmost tract.

Contributing Factors and Meaningful Actions
Figure H-2 describes the key fair housing issues and contributing factors identified in this Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing analysis, and relates the City’s meaningful actions and commitments described in the Goals and Policies, Sites Inventory (Appendix C) and Housing Programs Detail (Appendix E) of this Housing Element.

Contributing Factors and Meaningful Actions
Identified Fair Housing
Issue
Key Contributing Factors Priority Meaningful Action
High cost burdens,
overcrowding and
displacement vulnerability
for renters
Supply constraints and general
lack of affordable housing in
the Southern California region
Lack of affordable housing in
Bell

High
The Housing Element prioritizes housing
affordability to an extent never before seen in the
City of Bell. Housing Element Goal #2 reads
“Diverse housing solutions that provide
affordable options for all income groups while
avoiding displacement of low-income
households.”

The Housing Element includes numerous
programs to protect existing renters in the
community, such as:
• Program 15 (Preservation of At-Risk
Housing)
• Program 19 (First-Time Homebuyers
Initiative)
• Program 21 (Support for Unsubsidized
Housing)
• Program 24 (Tenants’ Rights Program)

The Element also includes numerous programs to
stimulate the creation of new affordable housing
and increase Bell residents’ access to that
housing:
• Program 9 (Accessory Dwelling Unit
Program)
• Program 10 (Density Bonus Program)
• Program 13 (Single Room Occupancy
Housing Program)
• Program 16 (Extremely-Low Income, Very
Low-Income and Low-Income Program)
• Program 18 (Housing Development on Public
Land)
• Program 20 (Local Preference Program)
• Program 22 (Cheli Specific Plan)
• Program 23 (Atlantic Avenue Specific Plan)
• Program 25 (BCHA Strategic Plan)

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Contributing Factors and Meaningful Actions
Identified Fair Housing
Issue
Key Contributing Factors Priority Meaningful Action
Low level of fair housing
complaints among all
communities in the
Southeast Los Angeles
region
Lack of knowledge of fair
housing laws
Limited local government
capacity
Linguistic isolation
Fear among undocumented
residents
Medium
Program 4 (Equal Housing Program) commits the
City to adopting an equal housing ordinance,
strengthening partnerships with community
organizations and service providers through a
biennial meeting and providing dedicated staff
for the referral of fair housing complaints.

Program 24 (Tenants’ Rights Program) commits
the City to prioritizing services to renters to
ensure that access to legal counsel and eviction
protection services help mitigate the threat of
eviction. The City will actively inform and connect
tenants to Stay Housed L.A.

High degree of racial
uniformity among all
communities in the
Southeast Los Angeles
region
Historic discrimination
Restrictive zoning and lack of
affordable housing in more
affluent communities
Low

Displacement may result
from code enforcement
actions or poor quality
housing.

Substandard housing which
does not meet building code
requirements
Code enforcement actions
Medium
Program 1 (Code Enforcement Program) commits
the City to continue proactive enforcement of the
Municipal Code related to use, development and
habitability. It also describes actions to minimize
displacement resulting from such actions.

The Cheli area is the
location of current
Salvation Army shelters,
supportive services and
potential supportive
housing expansions, yet
has very high pollution
burdens and lacks access
to opportunity.

Industrial contamination
Freeways Medium
Program 22 (Cheli Specific Plan) commits the
City to developing a Specific Plan and Program
Environmental Impact Report which will establish
zoning regulations, mitigation measures, and
transportation strategies to address the lack of
access.

The western portion of the
community contains a
Racially/Ethnically
Concentrated Area of
Poverty, and some
community members
anticipate increased
displacement risk due to
new Metro station.

Proximity to industrial uses
Increase in transit access Medium
Program 27 (Environmental Quality
Improvements) commits the City to developing a
clean trucks strategy and pursue grant funding to
replace diesel-fueled trucks with clean trucks.

The City is currently collaborating with Eco-Rapid
Transit, Smart Growth America and the City of
Huntington Park to develop an equitable transit-
oriented development plan for Florence/Salt Lake
station.

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Contributing Factors and Meaningful Actions
Identified Fair Housing
Issue
Key Contributing Factors Priority Meaningful Action
The eastern portion of the
community, near I-710, is
considered a TCAC area of
high segregation and
poverty.

Proximity to I-710 and Los
Angeles River Medium
The development of Housing Element Site #1
(Pritchard Field) will result in a new community
park and approximately 152 units of new
housing, either market-rate or affordable. Both
types of housing would stimulate investment and
address issues of income segregation and/or
housing unaffordability.

Program 27 (Environmental Quality
Improvements) commits the City to requiring
HVAC equipment use higher efficiency air filters
for residences near the I-710 freeway. It also
suggests reviewing the City’s truck route network
to determine whether some streets could be
removed.

The City of Bell participated in the development
of the Lower LA River Revitalization Master Plan
which envisions a habitat corridor which can
buffer the neighborhood from the I-710 freeway.

Lack of access to job
opportunities for residents
who do not possess a
vehicle, including disabled
residents, and lack of
access to jobs in the larger
region for those employed
in non-industrial sectors
Lack of professional and
service job centers in
Southeast Los Angeles region
High traffic congestion
Modest transit connectivity
Medium
The City of Bell is working with Eco-Rapid Transit
and Metro to accelerate the construction of the
West Santa Ana Branch line, which will provide
light rail service to the southwest corner of the
City.

Program 23 (Atlantic Avenue Specific Plan)
commits the City to modifying zoning standards
to encourage mixed-use development in the
center of the City, where transit connectivity and
walkability are greatest.

Figure H-2

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Minutes of the Special Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 15, 2021
Philips; City Engineer Bill Pagett; Community Development Director Manuel Acosta; Contract and Facilities Manager Javier Ochiqui; Public Works Manager Gabino Luna; Human Resources and Risk Manager Sergio Ibarra; Community Services Director Allan Perdomo; R ecreation Supervisor Alejandra Garcia; Recreation Supervisor Connie Hurtado; Accounting Manager Elisa Gratil and City Clerk Angela Bustamante.

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Gallardo.

Communications from the Public

The public was given the opportunity to provide public comment by submitting an email or by telephone. The following members of the public addressed the City Council, Bell Community Housing Authority and the Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agenda on agenda and non-agenda items: Edwin Gonzalez (via email)

Business Session

1. Fiscal Year 2021-22 Proposed Budget. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority)

Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council provide direction to the City Manager on the proposed FY 2021-2022 budget.

Interim City Manager Paul Philips presented a PowerPoint presentation on the item.

During the presentation the Council asked questions.

A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.

Council had a discussion regarding the proposed Senior Management Analyst position. They requested that the position not be filled until a conversation is held with Republic Services.

Councilmember Saleh requested not to add additional positions to the budget if not necessary.

He expressed concerned with the budget deficit and requested for staff to analyze the budget without the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds. He recommended for two councilmembers to meet with staff to review the budget.

Interim City Manager Paul Philips spoke of the proposed positions and gave a brief summary of why the positions are being requested.

Councilmember Gallardo requested to separate the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds from the proposed FY 21/22 budget.

Council agreed.

Vice-Mayor Quintana questioned the proposed six vehicles listed in the AQMD budget.

Mayor Romero joined the meeting and spoke on the proposed budget and also on evaluating the City’s needs.

Minutes of the Special Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 15, 2021
Interim City Manager Paul Philips asked for clarification on the use of ARPA funds. He stated that his understanding from the Council is not to use any ARPA funds to augment the suppressed revenue.

A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff on the City’s revenues and ARPA funds.

They also discussed the ongoing deficit and the need to generate additional revenue for long term sustainability.

Council agreed for the ad hoc committee, Councilmembers Saleh and Quintana, to meet with staff to review the FY 21/22 budget, without the use of any ARPA funds.

Mr. Philips continued with his presentation on the ARPA funds. He presented some of the items/projects that staff is proposing with the use of the ARPA funds.

Councilmember Saleh recommended to add to the ARPA project list: software to streamline permitting process and software to give the public accessibility to city records.

Councilmember Gallardo requested to appropriate funding for direct relief to residents , Christmas decorations and programs for the youth.

Vice-Mayor Quintana recommended to allocate funding to improve infrastructure such as property/business facades.

Interim City Manager Paul Philips acknowledged to meet with the ad hoc committee to review and finalize the budget to be presented to the Council by June 30 th and have separate
discussions on the ARPA funds.

Pending Items – None

Next Regular Meeting, Wednesday, June 23, 2021

Mayor Romero adjourned the meeting at 6:32 p.m.

I, Angela Bustamante, City Clerk of the City of Bell, certify that the foregoing minutes were approved by the City Council of the City of Bell at a regular meeting held on February 9, 2022.

________________________________
Angela Bustamante
City Clerk

Alicia Romero, Mayor

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 23, 2021

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE

Bell City Council/Bell Community Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Public Finance Authority

June 23, 2021

6:00 P.M. Closed Session
7:00 P.M. Regular Meeting

Mayor Romero called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

Roll Call of the City Council in their capacities as Councilmembers/Members of all Related Agencies: Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, Quintana and Romero

The following Councilmembers were present via teleconference (Zoom): Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, and Mayor Romero (4)

Absent: Vice-Mayor Quintana (1)

Also present via teleconference were the following staff members: Interim City Manager Paul Philips; City Attorney Dave Aleshire; Consultant Alex Rodriguez; and Community Development Director Manuel Acosta.

****DUE TO GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER’S N-25-20 AND N-29-20**** **RE CORONAVIRUS COVID-19**

THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF THE GOVERNOR’S EXECUTIVE ORDER’S WHICH ALLOWS FOR THE CITY COUNCIL AND/OR CITY STAFF TO PARTICIPATE VIA TELECONFERENCE

Please be advised that pursuant to the Executive Orders, and to ensure the health and safety of the public by limiting human contact that could spread the COVID -19, the Bell Community Center will not be open to the public. The City Council will participate in the meeting by using a teleconference/virtual platform and will not be physically present at the Community Center. The public is encouraged to view the meeting through the City's website at http://www.cityofbell.org/?NavID=101

PUBLIC COMMENT: If you wish to make a comment you may provide input electronically through a temporary public comment email established for City of Bell City Council meetings [email protected]. Please indicate in the Subject Line “For Public Comment Agenda Item _____” and submit your written comment by 4pm on Wednesday, June 23, 2021 . Any emails received after the time indicated will not be included in the record. Written Comments will be subject to the three minute time limitation (approximately 350 words).

Public Comment could also be submitted by telephone by calling 1- 669-900-9128. To provide a comment on items listed on closed session call no later than 6PM, for the regular session of the agenda, please call no later than 7PM. City staff will be using the Zoom audio communication platform for this meeting. Each speaker is limited to 3 minutes and will be given the opportunity to speak in the order your phone call is received. After you submit your comment, you will be disconnected but will still have access to view the meeting live on the City’s website at http://www.cityofbell.org/?NavID=101

Join Zoom Meeting (ONLY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT)
Phone Number: 1-669-900-9128
Meeting ID: 928 0443 5876
Password: 621202

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 23, 2021
Communications from the Public on Closed Session Items

This is the time for members of the public to address the City Council and related Authorities and Agencies only on items that are listed under Closed Session.

Seeing no speakers, Mayor Romero closed the public comment period.

City Council recessed to closed session at 6:04 p.m.

The City Council and the related Authorities and Agencies will recess to closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding the following matters:

a) Conference with Legal Counsel – Existing Litigation, Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1), Mark Sanchez Vs City of Bell, (WCAB # ADJ12198678, ADJ10608926, ADJ14248214, ADJ9782932, ADJ10115262)

b) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS - Government Code Section 54957.6, Agency designated representatives: Paul Philips (Interim City Manager), Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Employee Organization: Bell Police Officers Association (BPOA)

c) CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Properties: 7020-7030 Atlantic Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Paul Philips (Interim City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
Under negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment

d) CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Properties: 5241 Florence Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Paul Philips (Interim City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
Under negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment

e) CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Properties: 6303, 6317 and 6331 Pine Avenue, Bell CA 90201 Agency negotiators: Paul Philips (Interim City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
Under negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment

Mayor Romero reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:05 p.m.

Roll Call of the City Council in their capacities as Councilmembers/Members of all Related Agencies: Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, Quintana and Romero

The following Councilmembers were present via teleconference (Zoom): Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, and Mayor Romero (4)

Absent: *Vice-Mayor Quintana (1)

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 23, 2021
*Vice-Mayor Quintana arrived at 7:20 p.m.

Also present via teleconference were the following staff members: Interim City Manager Paul Philips; Chief of Police Carlos Islas; City Engineer Bill Pagett; Community Development Director Manuel Acosta; Contract and Facilities Manager Javier Ochiqui; Public Works Manager Gabino Luna; Finance Director Tineke Norrdin; Human Resources and Risk Manager Sergio Ibarra; Community Services Director Allan Perdomo; Management Analyst Francesca S ciamanna; Recreation Supervisor Connie Hurtado; Recreation Supervisor Alejandra Garcia and City Clerk Angela Bustamante.

Pledge of Allegiance was led y Councilmember Gallardo.

City Attorney Report

City Attorney Dave Aleshire reported out the following from closed session: Item a) Council discuss the item, direction was given to advance settlement negotiations. Item b) was discussed, Council provided direction on the BPOA MOU . Council did not have sufficient time to discuss items c) through e) and recommended to recess to closed session after the consent calendar.

Presentations and Recognitions

Proclamation declaring July 2021 as Parks and Recreation Month was presented by Community Services Director Allan Perdomo.

Communications from the Public

The public was given the opportunity to provide public comment by submitting an email or by telephone. The following members of the public addressed the City Council, Bell Community Housing Authority and the Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agenda on agenda and non- agenda items: Edwin Gonzalez (via email) and German Hernandez, Republic Services General Manager (via Zoom).

Mayor and City Council Communications

Pursuant to Assembly Bill 1234, this is the time and place to provide a brief report on meetings, seminars and conferences attended by the Mayor and City Councilmembers.

Councilmember Arroyo made a comment.

Councilmember Gallardo made a comment.

Councilmember Saleh made a comment.

Vice-Mayor Romero made a comment.

Mayor Romero made a comment.

City Manager Report

In this portion of the agenda, the City Manager will provide a brief report on items of interest to the City Council and/or the community.

Interim City Manager Paul Philips made a comment.

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 23, 2021
Public Hearing(s)

The following item has been posted as a Public Hearing as required by law. The Mayor will open the Public Hearing(s) to receive public testimony only on the item(s) listed under this section.

1. Resolution No. 2021- 30 Approving the Engineer’s Report, Confirming the Assessments and Ordering the Levying of Assessments at No Increase for the Landscape and Lighting District for Fiscal Year 2021/22. (City Council)

Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:

1. Conduct a Public Hearing regarding the FY 2021/22 Landscape and Lighting Engineer’s Report; and

2. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2021-30 titled:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

BELL, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES APPROVING THE
ENGINEER’S REPORT, CONFIRMING THE DIAGRAM AND

ASSESSMENT, AND ORDERING THE LEVYING OF

ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE CITY OF BELL LANDSCAPE

AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR 2021-2022

City Engineer Bill Pagett provided a report on the item.

Mayor Romero opened the public hearing and asked if anyone from the public wanted to speak on item no. 1.

Seeing no speakers, Mayor Romero closed the public hearing.

City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.

It was moved by Councilmember Saleh to approve agenda item no. 1, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:

Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, Vice-Mayor Quintana, and Mayor Romero NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None

Motion Passed.

PUBLIC TESTIMONY can be provided electronically through a temporary public comment email established for City of Bell City Council meetings [email protected]. Please indicate in the Subject Line “Public Hearing” and submit your written comment by 4pm on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. Any emails received after the time indicated will not be included in the record. Written Comments will be subject to the three minute time limitation (approximately 350 words).

Public Testimony could also be submitted by telephone by calling 1- 669-900-9128 and entering the following Meeting ID: 928 0443 5876 Password: 621202

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 23, 2021

2. Resolution No. 2021-31 Approving the Engineer’s Report, Confirming the Assessments and Ordering the Levying of Assessments at No Increase for the Sanitary Sewer District for Fiscal Year 2021/22. (City Council)

Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:

1. Conduct a Public Hearing regarding the FY 2021/22 Sanitary Sewer Engineer’s Report; and

2. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2021-31 titled:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

BELL, COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES APPROVING THE
ENGINEER’S REPORT, CONFIRMING THE DIAGRAM AND

ASSESSMENT AND ORDERING THE LEVYING OF

ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE CITY OF BELL SANITARY
SEWER DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL YEAR 2021-2022

City Engineer Bill Pagett provided a report on the item.

Mayor Romero opened the public hearing and asked if anyone from the public wanted to speak on item no. 2.

Seeing no speakers, Mayor Romero closed the public hearing.

City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.

It was moved by Councilmember Gallardo to approve agenda item no. 2, as recommended.

Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:

Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, Vice-Mayor Quintana, and Mayor Romero NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None

Motion Passed.

Business Session

3. Appointment of a Permanent City Manager. (City Council)

Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:

1. Approve the appointment of Paul Philips as City Manager with a start date of July 1, 2021; and

2. Approve the employment contract with Paul Philips at annual salary of $197,000 plus benefits and incentive pay.

City Attorney Dave Aleshire provided a report on the item.

A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 23, 2021

It was moved by Vice-Mayor Quintana to approve agenda item no. 3, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:

Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, Vice-Mayor Quintana, and Mayor Romero NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None

Motion Passed.

4. Fiscal Year 2021-22 Proposed Budget. (City Council)

Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2021- 29 titled:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

BELL ADOPTING THE CITY BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
COMMENCING JULY 1, 2021 AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2022

City Manager Paul Philips provided a PowerPoint presentation on the item. He noted that the ad hoc committee, Councilmember Saleh and Vice- Mayor Quintana, met with staff to review and discuss the proposed budget.

A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.

Councilmember Saleh spoke and stated that the ad hoc committee met with staff but another meeting is needed to further review the budget and figure out where cuts can be made to balance the budget.

Vice-Mayor Quintana also spoke and recommended to schedule a meeting with the entire Council to decide how to balance the budget.

Mayor Romero agreed to schedule a special meeting to discuss and finalize the budget and voiced the importance to adopt the budget before the June 30 th deadline.

Councilmember Gallardo spoke and asked for clarification on whether the Council wanted to balance the budget or proceed with the deficit.

A discussion ensued amongst the Council regarding the use of American Rescue Plan Act funds to balance the FY 21-22 budget or to move forward with a budget deficit.

City Manager Paul Philips spoke on the City’s suppressed revenue due to the pandemic.

A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff on the proposed budget.

Mayor Romero recommended to give staff a target amount on what is acceptable for the Council to adopt a budget with a deficit.

Vice-Mayor Quintana agreed and stated that the Council will review the budget again at the mid-

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 23, 2021
year review and at that time additional changes can be made.

City Attorney Dave Aleshire recommended for staff to present to the Council options on how to reduce the budget deficit.

A discussion ensued amongst the Council on whether to have the ad hoc committee meet again to determine where reductions can be made in the proposed budget and present those reductions to the Council at a future meeting.

Finance Director Tineke Norrdin spoke on the negatives of approving a budget after the June 30th deadline.

Council provided direction to the City Manager to present at the June 30 th special meeting several options to the Council on how to balance the budget.

Note: Vice-Mayor Quintana experience technical difficulties at the end of item no. 4, however she was present during the decision to hold a special meeting to further discuss the budget.

5. Consideration of Amendment No. 3 with California Consulting, LLC for Grant Administration Services. (City Council)

Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve Amendment No. 3 with California Consulting, LLC for a one-year term from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

Contracts and Facilities Manager Javier Ochiqui provided a report on the item.

It was moved by Vice-Mayor Quintana to approve agenda item no. 5, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Gallardo which carried with the following roll call vote:

Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, Vice-Mayor Quintana, and Mayor Romero NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None

Motion Passed.

6. Approve Amendment No. 2 with American Guard Services, Inc., for Crossing Guard Services. (City Council)

Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council discuss and choose one of the following options regarding the crossing guard services:

1. Cancel the contract; or

2. Approve Amendment No. 2 with American Guard Services, Inc., for Crossing Guard Services and direct staff to proceed with an RFP in FY 21/22; or

3. Cancel the contract and direct staff to proceed with an RFP. However, this option will most likely result in a delay of services for a few months.

Contracts and Facilities Manager Javier Ochiqui provided a report on the item.

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 23, 2021
A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.

Chief of Police Carlos Islas spoke on the item.

Councilmember Gallardo spoke and recommended to approve the increase and direct staff to proceed with an RFP in the next fiscal year.

Representative from American Guard Services, Joe Rodriguez, commented on the item and agreed to move forward with a 7% increase as long as the Council agrees to a two-year agreement.

Chief Islas recommended to approve this item and go out to RFP to see what other companies are charging for this type of service.

A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.

It was moved by Vice- Mayor Quintana to approve recommendation no. 2 and to only increase the contract amount for the purpose of the shift differential and not by 10% as recommended by staff. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Gallardo which carried with the following roll call vote:

Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, Vice-Mayor Quintana, and Mayor Romero NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None

Motion Passed.

7. Approve a new 3- year Agreement with LogMeIn USA, Inc. (formerly Jive Communications) for Telecommunication Services. (Council)

Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve a new Agreement with LogMeIn USA, Inc. for Telecommunication Services.

Contracts and Facilities Manager Javier Ochiqui provided a report on the item.

A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.

It was moved by Councilmember Saleh to approve agenda item no. 7, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Quintana which carried with the following roll call vote:

Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, Vice-Mayor Quintana, and Mayor Romero NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None

Motion Passed.

8. Approve Willdan Engineering Contract Amendment No. 3 for Professional City Engineering

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 23, 2021
Services. (City Council)

Recommendation: approve Amendment No. 3 to the Willdan Engineering Contract:

a) Extend the term of the Agreement for one year, to June 30, 2022; b) Increase the compensation maximum for FY 19/20 and FY 20/21 by $583,000; c) Set the FY 21/22 annual compensation maximum at $1,405,000; and d) Increase the maximum compensation under the extended five-year contract by an additional $1,988,000, from $4,322,806 to $6,311,000.

Community Services Director Allan Perdomo presented a PowerPoint presentation.

Vice-Mayor Quintana asked for clarification on the proposed maximum compensation of $1,988.00 and asked where that was included in the amendment.

A discussion ensued amongst Vice-Mayor Quintana and Mr. Perdomo.

City Attorney Dave Aleshire spoke and recommended to eliminate recommendation no. b from the staff report since it is not reflected in the proposed amendment.

Mr. Perdomo spoke on the proposed amendment and noted that recital I included a breakdown on the contract amounts.

It was moved by Vice-Mayor Quintana to approve agenda item no. 8, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Gallardo which carried with the following roll call vote:

Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, Vice-Mayor Quintana, and Mayor Romero NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None

Motion Passed.

9. Consideration to Approve a Cooperative Purchasing Agreement with GameTime® – PlayCore Wisconsin, Inc.- for the Purchase and Installation of a New Outdoor Fitness Gym for Ernest Debs Park. (City Council)

Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:

1. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2021-32 titled:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

BELL APPROVING THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION FOR

GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS ANGELES REGIONAL PARK

AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR MEASURE A FUNDING

FOR THE ERNEST DEBS PARK FITNESS GYM

REHABILITATION PROJECT

2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement with GameTime® for the purchase and installation of a Fitness Gym at Ernest Debs Park subject to approval

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 23, 2021
of the City Attorney’s office.

Community Services Director Allan Perdomo presented a PowerPoint presentation.

Vice-Mayor Quintana stated that the item is missing the contract and recommended to continue the item to the June 30
th Special City Council meeting.

Mr. Perdomo stated that he will work with the City Attorney’s Office to draft a contract and bring back the item to the Council at the June 30
th meeting.

A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff in regard to the timeline of the project.

With Council consensus, the item was continued to the June 30 th Special City Council meeting.

Consent Calendar

The following Consent Calendar items are expected to be routine and non- controversial. They are acted upon by the City Council and related authorities at one time without discussion. The reading of the full text of ordinances and resolutions will be waived unless a Councilmember requests otherwise.

Recommendation: Approve agenda items 10 through 17.

Councilmember Gallardo requested to pull item no.14 for discussion.

Vice-Mayor Quintana requested to pull item no. 15 for discussion.

It was moved by Councilmember Gallardo to approve agenda items 10,11,12,13,16 and 17.

Motion was seconded by Councilmember Saleh which carried with the following roll call vote:

Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, Vice-Mayor Quintana, and Mayor Romero NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None

Motion Passed.

10. It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2021-34, titled:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

BELL, ACCEPTING, AND APPROVING MEMORANDUM OF

UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF BELL AND THE

BELL POLICE OFFICE RS ASSOCIATION FOR THE PERIOD
OF JULY 1, 2020 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2021

11. It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2021-35, titled:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 23, 2021

BELL, CALIFORNIA, ACCEPTING, AND APPROVING

MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY

OF BELL AND THE BELL CITY EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION
FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2020 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2022

12. Receive and File the City of Bell and Bell Successor Agency Investment Reports as of May 2021. (City Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency)

13. Receive and File the Donation Report for the month of May 2021. (City Council)

14. It is recommended that the City Council:

1. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2021-33 titled:

“A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL ACCEPTING THE

PAVEMENT MARKINGS/STRIPING/CURB PAINTING PROJECT AS COMPLETE

AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO PREPARE AND FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RECORDER”; and

2. Authorize staff to release retention thirty -five (35) days after the filing of the Notice of Completion.

Councilmember Gallardo questioned the quality of paint used for the project and noted that the curbs are stained with tire marks and asked if the marks can be washed off.

City Engineer Bill Pagett stated that the NPDS storm water requirements is to use water-based paint which stains and fades faster.

A brief discussion ensued amongst staff and Council.

It was moved by Councilmember Gallardo to approve agenda item no. 14. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:

Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, Vice-Mayor Quintana, and Mayor Romero NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None

Motion Passed.

15. It is recommended that the City Council approve Amendment No. 1 to the Commercial Building Management (CBM) contract to add deep cleaning of the Police Department Jail and increase the total compensation from $259,990.80 to $275,994.48. (City Council)

Community Services Director Allan Perdomo provided a brief report on the item.

A discussion ensued amongst the Vice-Mayor Quintana and Mr. Perdomo on the total compensation of the contract.

It was moved by Vice-Mayor Quintana to approve agenda item no. 15. Motion was seconded by

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 23, 2021
Councilmember Gallardo which carried with the following roll call vote:

Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, Vice-Mayor Quintana, and Mayor Romero NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None

Motion Passed.

16. It is recommended that the City Council approve Amendment No. 1 to revise the existing contract with Interwest Inc. to reflect the elimination of Information Technology (IT) services and leave Geographic Information System (GIS) Services as the sole work under the contract. (City Council)

17. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants dated June 23, 2021. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).

Pending Items – None

City Council recessed to closed session at 10:32 p.m. to discuss the following items:

f) CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Properties: 7020-7030 Atlantic Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Paul Philips (Interim City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
Under negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment

g) CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Properties: 5241 Florence Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Paul Philips (Interim City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
Under negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment

h) CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Properties: 6303, 6317 and 6331 Pine Avenue, Bell CA 90201 Agency negotiators: Paul Philips (Interim City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
Under negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment

Mayor Romero reconvened the regular meeting at 10:32 p.m.

The following Councilmembers were present via teleconference (Zoom): Gallardo, Vice-Mayor Quintana and Mayor Romero (3)

Absent: Councilmembers Arroyo, and Saleh (2)

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 23, 2021
City Attorney Dave Aleshire reported out the following from closed session: Items c) through e) were discussed, direction was given to the negotiators.

July 14, 2021, Regular Meeting Cancelled
Next Regular Meeting, Wednesday, July 28, 2021

Mayor Romero adjourned the meeting to June 30, 2021 at 6:00 p.m.

I, Angela Bustamante, City Clerk of the City of Bell, certify that the foregoing minutes were approved by the City Council of the City of Bell at a regular meeting held on February 9, 2022.

________________________________
Angela Bustamante
City Clerk

Alicia Romero, Mayor

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 26, 2022

MINUTES OF THE REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE

Bell City Council/Bell Community Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Public Finance Authority

January 26, 2022

5:00 P.M. Closed Session
7:00 P.M. Regular Meeting

Councilmember Saleh called the meeting to order at 5:12 p.m.

Roll Call of the City Council in their capacities as Councilmembers/Members of all Related Agencies: Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, Quintana and Romero

The following Councilmembers were present via teleconference (Zoom): Arroyo, Gallardo, and Saleh (3)

Absent: Vice-Mayor Quintana* and Mayor Romero** (2)

* Vice Mayor Quintana arrived at the meeting at 5:16 p.m.

THIS MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF AB 361 WHICH ALLOWS FOR THE CITY

COUNCIL AND/OR CITY STAFF TO PARTICIPATE VIA TELECONFERENCE

On September 16, 2021, Governor Newsom signed AB 361, which modified the Brown Act to allow for teleconferencing participation at local legislative body public meetings during a proclaimed state of emergency. As urgency legislation, this law took effect immediately. Pursuant to Government Code section 54953(e)(1)(B), the City Council is holding its January 26, 2022 meeting via teleconferenc e. To ensure the health and safety of the public by limiting human contact that could spread COVID-19, the Bell Community Center will not be open to the public.

The public is encouraged to view the meeting through the City's website at http://www.cityofbell.org/?NavID=101

PUBLIC COMMENT: If you wish to make a comment you may provide input electronically through a temporary public comment email established for City of Bell City Council meetings [email protected]. Please indicate in the Subject Line “For Public Comment” and submit your written comment by 4pm on Wednesday, January 26, 2022. Any emails received after the time indicated will not be included in the record. Written Comments will be subject to the three minute time limitation (approximately 350 words).

Public Comment could also be submitted by telephone by calling 1- 669-900-9128. To provide a comment on items listed on closed session call no later than 5 PM, for the regular session of the agenda, please call no later than 7PM . City staff will be using the Zoom audio communication platform for this meeting. Each speaker is limited to 3 minutes and will be given the opportunity to speak in the order your phone call is received. After you submit your comment, you will be disconnected but will still have access to view the meeting live on the City’s website at http://www.cityofbell.org/?NavID=101

If participating via Zo om or phone, during the Public Comment Period, use the "raise hand" function on your computer or *9 by phone and wait for the Mayor to announce your name/phone number. When you are prompted, please unmute your line.

Join Zoom Meeting (ONLY FOR PUBLIC COMMENT)
Phone Number: 1-669-900-9128
Meeting ID: 876 7299 0278
Password: 047575

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 26, 2022
**Mayor Romero arrived at the meeting at 5:13 p.m.

Also present via teleconference were the following staff members: Acting City Manager Carlos Islas; City Attorney Dave Aleshire; Human Resources and Risk Manager Sergio Ibarra and Community Development Director Manuel Acosta.

Communications from the Public on Closed Session Items

This is the time for members of the public to address the City Council and related Authorities and Agencies only on items that are listed under Closed Session.

Seeing no speakers, Mayor Romero closed the public comment period.

City Attorney Dave Aleshire requested to add a potential litigation item concerning the Salvation Army to the closed session agenda.

It was moved by Councilmember Gallardo to add the item to closed session. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:

Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, and Mayor Romero NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Vice-Mayor Quintana

Motion Passed.

Councilmember Saleh made a correction to the title of item b) and noted that it should read Bell City Employees Association.

City Council recessed to closed session at 5:16 p.m.

The City Council and the related Authorities and Agencies will recess to closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding the following matters:

a) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS- Government Code Section 54957.6, Agency designated representatives: Acting City Manager Carlos Islas, City Attorney Dave Aleshire, Human Resources & Risk Manager Sergio Ibarra and Contract Deputy City Attorney Colin Tanner.

Employee Organization: Bell Police Officers Association (BPOA)

b) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS- Government Code Section 54957.6, Agency designated representatives: Acting City Manager Carlos Islas, City Attorney Dave Aleshire, Human Resources & Risk Manager Sergio Ibarra and Contract Deputy City Attorney Colin Tanner.

Employee Organization: Bell Police Officers Association (BCEA)

c) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS- Government Code Section 54957.6, Agency designated representatives: Acting City Manager Carlos Islas, City Attorney Dave Aleshire, Human Resources & Risk Manager Sergio Ibarra and Contract Deputy City Attorney Colin Tanner.

Employee Organization: All Unpresented Employees and At-will Management Group

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 26, 2022

d) Public Employment/Public Employee Appointment (Government Code Section 54957(b)) Title: City Manager

Mayor Romero reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:05 p.m.

Roll Call of the City Council in their capacities as Councilmembers/Members of all Related Agencies: Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, Quintana and Romero

The following Councilmembers were present via teleconference (Zoom): Arroyo, Gallardo, and Saleh, and Mayor Romero (4)

Absent: Vice-Mayor Quintana* (1)

* Vice-Mayor Quintana arrived at 7:15 p.m.

Also present via teleconference were the following staff members: Acting City Manager Carlos Islas; City Engineer Bill Pagett; Community Development Director Manuel Acosta; Contract and Facilities Manager Javier Ochiqui; Public Works Manager Gabino Luna; Human Resources and Risk Manager Sergio Ibarra; Community Services Director Allan Perdomo; Interim Finance Director Elisa Gratil and City Clerk Angela Bustamante.

Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Gallardo.

City Attorney Report

City Attorney Dave Aleshire reported out the following from closed session: Items a) through c) a status report was given, and direction was given to further negations. Item d) a status report was given, no action was taken. ADDED ITEM – a status report was given, no action taken.

Presentations and Recognitions

None.

Communications from the Public

The public was given the opportunity to provide public comment by submitting an email or by telephone. The following members of the public addressed the City Council, Bell Community Housing Authority and the Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agenda on agenda and non-agenda items: Edwin Gonzalez (via email)

Mayor and City Council Communications

Pursuant to Assembly Bill 1234, this is the time and place to provide a brief report on meetings, seminars and conferences attended by the Mayor and City Councilmembers.

Councilmember Arroyo made a comment.

Councilmember Gallardo made a comment.

Councilmember Saleh made a comment.

Vice-Mayor Romero made a comment.

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 26, 2022
City Manager Report

In this portion of the agenda, the City Manager will provide a brief report on items of interest to the City Council and/or the community.

Acting City Manager Carlos Islas made a brief comment.

Business Session

1. Atlantic Avenue Specific Plan – Retention of The Arroyo Group. (City Council)

Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council award a contract to The Arroyo Group in an amount not to exceed $269,730 to prepare a Specific Plan for the Atlantic Avenue area and prepare the associated environmental documentation.

Community Development Director Manuel Acosta presented a PowerPoint presentation on the item.

Vice-Mayor Quintana noted that the Council has requested in the past to not consider using ARPA funds until there is a complete discussion and plan on what the funds should be used for.

A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff in regard to the use of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds.

It was moved by Councilmember Gallardo to approve agenda item no. 1, as recommended.

Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:

Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, and Vice-Mayor Quintana NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Romero

Motion Passed.

Note: Mayor Romero left the meeting at 7:28 p.m.

2. Cheli Specific Plan – Retention of The Arroyo Group. (City Council)

Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council award a contract to The Arroyo Group in an amount not to exceed $330,270 to prepare a Specific Plan for the Cheli area and prepare the associated environmental documentation.

Community Development Director Manuel Acosta presented a PowerPoint presentation on the item.

It was moved by Councilmember Gallardo to approve agenda item no. 2, as recommended.

Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:

Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, and Vice-Mayor Quintana NOES: None

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 26, 2022
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Romero

Motion Passed.

3. Consideration to Approve Amendment No. 1 with Infinity Technology to include Geographic Information System (GIS) Services. (City Council)

Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve Amendment No. 1 with Infinity Technologies to add GIS services and increase the total contract compensation to $214,120.00.

Community Services Director Allan Perdomo gave a report on the item.

A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.

It was moved by Councilmember Gallardo to approve agenda item no. 3, as recommended.

Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:

Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, Vice-Mayor Quintana and Mayor Romero NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None

Motion Passed.

Note: Mayor Romero returned to the meeting at 7:48 p.m.

4. Discussion on the City’s 95
th Birthday Celebration Options. (City Council)

Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council defer the city’s 95 th incorporated birthday, but rather focus on a 5 -year strategic plan to celebrate the centennial which will take place on November 7, 2027.

Community Services Director Allan Perdomo presented a PowerPoint presentation on the item.

A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.

The Council agreed to defer the city’s 95
th anniversary and for staff to work on a 5 -year plan for the city’s 100th anniversary.

5. Resolutions pertaining to the City of Bell’s General Municipal Election to be held Tuesday, June 7, 2022. (City Council)

Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council initiate the process of the June 7, 2022 General Municipal Election by adopting Resolution Nos. 2022-06 through 2022-08.

City Clerk Angela Bustamante gave a report on the item.

City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the tiles of the resolutions.

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 26, 2022
It was moved by Councilmember Gallardo to approve agenda item no. 5, as recommended.

Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:

Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, Vice-Mayor Quintana and Mayor Romero NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None

Motion Passed.

Consent Calendar

The following Consent Calendar items are expected to be routine and non- controversial. They are acted upon by the City Council and related authorities at one time without discussion. The reading of the full text of ordinances and resolutions will be waived unless a Councilmember requests otherwise.

Recommendation: Approve agenda items 6 through 9.

It was moved by Councilmember Saleh to approve all items listed under the consent calendar.

Motion was seconded by Councilmember Gallardo which carried with the following roll call vote:

Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Gallardo, Saleh, Vice-Mayor Quintana and Mayor Romero NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None

Motion Passed.

6. Receive and File the City of Bell and Successor Agency Investment Reports as of December 2021. (City Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency)

7. It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2022-05 titled:

A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF

BELL, CALIFORNIA ADOPTING THE PUBLIC WORKS
STANDARDS, INC. 2021 EDITION OF THE STANDARD

SPECIFICATIONS AND PLANS FOR PUBLIC WORKS

CONSTRUCTION

8. Receive and File the Donation Reports for the months of November and December 2021.

9. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants dated January 26 , 2022 . (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).

Pending Items – None

Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 26, 2022
Next Regular Meeting, Wednesday, February 9, 2022

Mayor Romero adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m.

I, Angela Bustamante, City Clerk of the City of Bell, certify that the foregoing minutes were approved by the City Council of the City of Bell at a regular meeting held on February 9, 2022.

________________________________
Angela Bustamante
City Clerk

Alicia Romero, Mayor