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 April 12, 2023
6:00 P.M. Closed Session
7:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
Location: BeII Community Center, 6250 Pine Avenue, BeII CA 90201
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN -PERSON AT THE BELL COMMUNITY CENTER PUBLIC COMMENT: If you wish to make a comment on items listed on the agenda, you may attend the meeting in -person at BeII Community Center. Please complete a Request to Speak Card available in the location and wait until the mayor calls you to approach the podium. Please clearly state your name and address and proceed to make your comments.
You may also submit input electronically through a temporary public comment email established for City of Bell City Council meetings at cityclerk@citvofbelLorq. Your written comment must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, April 26, 2023. 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).
The meeting will be recorded and live streamed on the City's website at ht_tp:// www.citvofbell.orqnNavID=101 Mayor Arroyo called the closed session meeting to order at 6:10 p.m.
Roll CaII of the City Council in their capacities as Councilmembers/Members of all Related Agencies: Quintana, Romero, Saleh, Gallardo and Arroyo
PRESENT: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo ABSENT: Councilmember Saleh*
* Councilmember Saleh arrived at
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine II, 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 Arroyo closed the public comment.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire requested to add the following two items to closed session:
1. Anticipated Litigation — One Case
2. Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation, Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1), Mark Sanchez Vs City of BeII, (WCAB-# ADJ14248214) It was moved by Vice -Mayor Gallardo to add the above items to closed session. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
Minutes of the
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
April 12, 2023
Roll CaII: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Saleh
Motion Passed.
City Council recessed to closed session at 6:10 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) Public Employee Appointment (Government Code Section 54957 (b)) Title: Interim Public Works Director
b) CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 5320 Gage Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael Antwine (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
Under negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
Mayor Arroyo reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:13 p.m.
CaII to Order
Roll Call of the City Council in their capacities as Councilmembers/Members of all Related Agencies: Quintana, Romero, Saleh, Gallardo and Arroyo
PRESENT: Councilmembers Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo (4) ABSENT: Councilmember Quintana* (1)
*Councilmember Quintana arrived at 7:18 p.m.
Also present were the following staff members: City Manager Michael L. Antwine II, Chief of Police Carlos Islas; City Attorney Dave Aleshire; City Engineer Bill Pagett; Deputy City Attorney Rey Alfonso; Community Development Director Manuel Acosta; Economic Specialist Valentin Flores; Management Aide Martin Rodriguez; Interim Finance Director Rickey Manbahal; Community Services Director Janine Andrade; Public Works Manager Gabino Luna; and Human Resources and Risk Manager Sergio Ibarra.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Miah Briseis Rodriguez.
City Attorney Report
City Attorney Dave Aleshire reported out the following from closed session: Item a) Interview was held, no reportable action taken. Item b) a status report was given; no action was taken. Item c) regarding the Mark Sanchez case, direction was given to the city's negotiator. Item d) regarding the one anticipated litigation case was not discussed.
Presentations and Recognitions
Minutes of the
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
April 12, 2023
a. Chief Islas introduced Sergeant Jonathan Walker who then presented the "10851" Stolen Vehicle Award from the California Highway Patrol to Bell Police Officers Carlos Serna, and Christopher Zamora, and Detective Avila. b. Proclamation declaring April 2023 as National Arab American Heritage Month was read by Councilmember Saleh.
c. Proclamation declaring April 2023 as DMV/Donate Life Month was introduced by Mayor Arroyo. Ms. Eva Perez accepted the proclamation on behalf of her son who was an organ donor.
d. Mayor Arroyo presented the certificates of recognition to the Southeast Community Development Corporation Robotics Team. Ms. Emma Hernandez gave a speech and thanked the Council for the recognition.
e. Proclamation Recognizing April 21, 2023 as National Day of Silence was read by Councilmember Quintana
f. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) Presentation was given by the City's Audit Firm, The Pun Group Accountants & Advisors — Kenneth Pun, Partner Communications from the Public
The following members of the public addressed the City Council and related Authorities and Agencies on items that are on the agenda and on non -agenda items that are under the subject matter jurisdiction of City Council and/or its related authorities and agencies: Luis Mesa (in - person), Pablo Sifuentes (via email), Planet Bids President Arpie Zavian (via email), Roger Ramirez (via email), Edwin Gonzalez (via email), and SELA Art Center (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 Quintana made a comment.
Councilmember Romero made a comment.
Vice -Mayor Gallardo made a comment.
Mayor Arroyo 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. No report given.
Business Session
1. Approve Amendment No. 3 with The Pun Group Accountants & Advisors, for Auditing Services. (Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve Amendment No. 3 with The Pun Group Accountants & Advisors for Auditing Services for one additional year from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 12, 2023
Interim Finance Director Ricky Manbahal provided a report on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve agenda item no. 1, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Gallardo which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
2. Authorization to enter negotiations with OpenGov, Inc. for the Purchase of Online Permitting and Plan Check, Procurement, and other related city services. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council direct staff to come back with a three-year Agreement with OpenGov, Inc. for $293,127 to purchase online permitting and plan check, eProcurement, and Business License.
Economic Development Specialist Valentin Flores provided a report on the item and introduced OpenGov representative Andrew Kercado who then provided a PowerPoint presentation.
A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
Councilmember Saleh made a motion to proceed with the agreement and bring back the item at the next council meeting. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
3. Consideration to Rescind Resolution 2020-14 Which Declared the Existence of a Local Emergency Due to Covid-19. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2023-20 titled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL RESCINDING RESOLUTION 2020-14 WHICH RATIFIED
THE CITY ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER AND DIRECTOR OF
CIVIL DEFENSE AND DISASTER'S PROCLAMATION OF THE
EXISTENCE OF A LOCAL EMERGENCY IN THE CITY OF BELL"
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 12, 2023
Vice -Mayor Gallardo asked if staff contacted neighboring cities to recruit for fees incurred by the SELA Vaccination center.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine indicated that he was going to look into it and get back to Council.
Councilmember Saleh made a motion to approve agenda item 3, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Cali: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
4. Approve a New Agreement with PM AM Corporation for False Alarm Management Services. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve a New Agreement with PM AM Corporation for False Alarm Management Services for three (3) years, with two (2) one-year extensions.
Chief of Police Carlos Islas provided a report on the item, Councilmember Saleh made a motion to approve agenda item 4, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll CaII: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed_
5. Project #PW2022-08 — Project Management, Construction Management & Inspection Services. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the following:
1. Award the Pritchard Field Project — Project Management, Construction Management & Inspection Agreement in the amount of $299,089 to Transtech Engineers, Inc.; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee, to execute change orders in a total amount not to exceed $25,000 (ten percent of the contract amount) for any necessary additional work.
Public Works Manager Gabino Luna provided a report on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 12, 2023
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve agenda item 5, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII CaII: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
6. A Resolution declaring 5107 Filmore Ave, 6500 Lucille Ave, 6229 Flora Ave, 6419 Prospect Ave and 6304 King Ave in the City of BeII, Assessor Parcel Number's ("APN's") 6315-019- 900, 6324-011-900, 6317-024-900, 6326-005-900 and 6316-024-900, surplus land under the Surplus Land Act as amended by AB 1486. (Bell Community Housing Authority) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Bell Community Housing Authority read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2023-21 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BELL COMMUNITY HOUSING
AUTHORITY DECLARING 5107 FILMORE AVE, 6500 LUCILLE
AVE, 6229 FLORA AVE, 6419 PROSPECT AVE AND 6304 KING
AVE IN THE CITY OF BELL, ASSESSOR PARCEL NUMBER'S
("APN'S") 6315-019-900, 6324-011-900, 6317-024-900, 6326- 005-900 AND 6316-024-900, SURPLUS LAND UNDER THE
SURPLUS LAND ACT AS AMENDED BY AB 1486
Community Development Director Manuel Acosta provided a report on the item.
A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to approve agenda item 6, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Gallardo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
7. Selection of Budget Ad -Hoc Committee Members. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council appoint two (2) Councilmembers to the Budget Ad -hoc Committee to review the proposed fiscal year 2023/2024.
Councilmember Quintana made a motion to appoint Councilmember Saleh and Mayor Arroyo to the Budget Ad -Hoc committee. Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Gallardo.
Both Councilmember Saleh and Mayor Arroyo accepted the appointments.
Minutes of the
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
April 12, 2023
City Manager Antwine called the roll:
RoII Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
Councilmember Saleh stepped away from the meeting at 9:38 p.m.
8. Various Streets Improvement Project FY 22/23 - Construction Award. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Award a construction contract in the amount of $785,246 to All American Asphalt for the Various Streets Improvement Project FY 22/23, and
2. Authorize the Public Works Manager to execute change orders to the project in a total amount not to exceed $78,524 (ten percent of the bid amount) for any necessary additional work.
3. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2023-24 titled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL,
CALIFORNIA TRANSFERRING AND APPROPRIATING $200,000 OF
SB-1 FUNDS FROM THE EASTERN AVENUE IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT TO THE VARIOUS STREETS IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FY
22/23, AND APPROPRIATING AN ADDITIONAL $105,000 FROM THE SB-1 FUND BALANCE TO THE VARIOUS STREETS IMPROVEMENT
PROJECT FY 22/23."
Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso provided a report on the item.
A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
Vice -Mayor Gallardo made a motion to approve agenda item 8, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Saleh
Motion Passed.
Mayor Arroyo stepped away from the meeting at 9:46 p.m.
Councilmember Saleh returned to the meeting at 9:47 p.m.
9. Mural Policy and Program. (City Council)
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 12, 2023
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2023-22 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BELL CITY COUNCIL APPROVING
THE CITY'S MURAL POLICY AND PROGRAM
Community Development Director Manuel Acosta introduced Management Aide Martin Rodriguez who provided a PowerPoint presentation.
Vice -Mayor Gallardo led the meeting during Mayor Arroyo's absence.
Mayor Arroyo returned to the meeting at 10:00 p.m.
A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff in regard to the review and approval process.
Councilmembers Quintana, Romero and Saleh disagreed with the process of having the Planning Commission approve the murals and requested for the Council to issue the final approval. Vice - Mayor Gallardo expressed concern with changing the planning commission's authority and duties.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire recommended for the Mural Application to go to the planning commission first and for them to recommend approval to the council. Councilmembers Quintana, Romero and Saleh agreed.
Direction was given to bring back a revised policy to incorporate the planning commission as an advisory body following approval from the city council.
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 20.
Vice -Mayor Gallardo requested to pull items 14 and 16.
Councilmember Quintana requested to pull item 17.
It was moved by Councilmember Saleh to approve agenda items 10, 11, 12, 13, 15, 18, 19, and
20. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo 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 Ordinance No. 1280 titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 12, 2023
BELL, AMENDING SECTION 17.16.040 (C)(4) (R-1
DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS) AND SECTION 17.20.040 (B)(4)
(R-2 DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS) OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF
THE BELL MUNICIPAL CODE (BMC), RELATING TO REDUCED
SIDE SETBACKS FOR ADDITIONS TO OR NEW
CONSTRUCTION OF SINGLE-FAMILY DWELLINGS ON LOTS
IN THE R-1 AND R-2 ZONES THAT ARE LESS THAN 50 FEET
WIDE
11. Received and File the Donation Report for the month of February 2023. (City Council)
12. Received and File the Donation Report for the month of March 2023. (City Council)
13. It is recommended that the City Council authorize the City Manager to make payments for month -to -month jail services by Allied Universal Security Services, currently due from October 2022 through the remainder of the 2022/2023 Fiscal Year. (City Council)
14. It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2023-23 titled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL ACCEPTING
THE LED STREET NAME SIGN 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.
Public Works Manager Gabino Luna provided a brief report.
A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda item 14. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
15. It is recommended that the City Council (1) Approve Settlement Agreements and Participation Forms for the City's participation in the National Opioid Settlement Agreements with Teva, Allergan, Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS; (2) Approve the California State -Subdivision Agreements Regarding Distribution and Use of Settlement Funds relating to the National Opioid Settlement Agreements with Teva, Allergan, Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS; and (3) Adopt a Resolution approving and authorizing the City Manager to carry out all necessary acts such that the City can participate in the National Opioid Settlements with Teva, Allergan, Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS, including signing necessary documents and transmittal thereof as necessary. (City Council)
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 12, 2023
16. It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2023-25 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL, CALIFORNIA, RESCINDING RESOLUTION 2017-30 AND
RESOLUTION 2017-31 AND APPROVING NEW BRAND
IDENTITY REPORT & GRAPHIC STANDARDS AND BRAND
IDENTITY SHEET
Economic Development Specialist Valentin Flores provided a report on the item, A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
Councilmember Saleh left the meeting at 10:36 p.m.
Council recommended to move the letters further apart.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda item 16. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Saleh
Motion Passed,
17. It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve additional authority to satisfy Findings and Award (F&A) dated 05/03/22 for retroactive LC 4850 benefits for Claim No. 17-131122, DOI: 05/01/17 in the amount of $17,500.00 ($14,500 in unpaid benefits and penalties and $3000 in attorney fees); and
2. Authorize the City Manager and/or defense counsel to execute the Findings and Award.
Item was continued to the April 26, 2023 Council Meeting.
18. It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to act as the delegated representative to administer Bell's SB129 allocation funds in the amount of $800,000; and
2. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2023-26 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
AMENDING THE APPLICATION FOR THE SPECIFIED GRANT
FUNDS BY CHANGING THE AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE
ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF BELL TO THE CITY MANAGER
OR HIS DESIGNEE
19. City of Bell & Bell Successor Agency Investment Reports as of February 2023. (City Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 12, 2023
Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency)
20. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants dated April 12, 2023. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
Pending Items — None
Next Regular Meeting, Wednesday, April 26, 2023
Councilmember Quintana adjourned the meeting in memory of her father.
Mayor Arroyo adjourned the meeting at 10:51 p.m.
I, Angela Bustamante, City Clerk of the City of Bell, certify that the foregoing minutes were apRroved by the City Council of the City of Bell at a regular meeting held on April 26, 2023.
Angela Bustamant
City Clerk
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 12, 2023