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 May 24, 2023
6:00 P.M. Closed Session
7:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
Location: Bell Community Center, 6250 Pine Avenue, Bell 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 Bell 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 [email protected]. Your written comment must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, May 24, 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 http://www.cityofbell.orq/MavID=101 Mayor Arroyo called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.
Roll Call of the City Council in their capacities as Councilmembers/Members of all Related Agencies: Quintana, Romero, Saleh, Gallardo and Arroyo PRESENT: Councilmember Romero, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo ABSENT: Councilmember Quintana and Saleh*
* Councilmember Saleh arrived at 6:32 p.m.
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine II, City Attorney Dave Aleshire, Human Resources and Risk Manager Sergio Ibarra, Community Development Director Manuel Acosta, and Public Works Manager Gabino Luna.
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 Council recessed to Closed Session at 6:08 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)) Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 24, 2023
Title: Finance Director
b) CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS- Government Code Section 54957.6, Agency designated representatives: City Manager Michael L. Antwine II, and City Attorney Dave Aleshire
Employee Organization: All Unpresented Employees and At -will Management Group c) CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 4410 Gage Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney)
Negotiating parties: To be Determined
Under negotiation: Price and Terms of Payment
d) Conference with Legal Counsel — Anticipated Litigation Potential Initiation of litigation pursuant Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(4): Two Cases
Mayor Arroyo reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:15 p.m.
Roll Call of the City Council in their capacities as Councilmembers/Members of all Related Agencies: Quintana, Romero, Saleh, Gallardo and Arroyo PRESENT: Councilmember Romero, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo ABSENT: Councilmember Quintana and Saleh*
* Councilmember Saleh arrived at 7:16 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; Contracts and Facilities Manager Javier Ochiqui; Community Services Director Janine Andrade; Public Works Manager Gabino Luna; Human Resources and Risk Manager Sergio Ibarra and City Clerk Angela Bustamante.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice -Mayor Gallardo.
City Attorney Report:
City Attorney Dave Aleshire reported out the following from closed session: Item a) was discussed, no action was taken. Item b) was not discussed. Item c) a status report was given, no action was taken. Item d) one case was discussed, no action was taken.
Presentations and Recognitions
a. Presentation by ABACUS Cambridge Partners was introduced by Contracts and Facilities Manager Javier Ochiqui. The presentation was given through Zoom by rep Ali Taj.
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 24, 2023
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: Bell Police Officer Association rep Kai Joseph; Jeff Aquino submitted a petition requesting restricted parking on Gage & Pine; Antonio Robles; Gina Diaz (via email); and 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 Romero made a comment.
Councilmember Saleh made a comment.
Vice -Mayor Gallardo made a comment.
Mayor Arroyo made a comment.
Community Services Director Janine Andrade gave a presentation observing Memorial Day. Mr.
Daniel Zuniga, a US Veteran, and a Bell resident read a poem honoring and mourning the U.S. military personnel.
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.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine notified the Council and Community that a special city council meeting was scheduled for May 31st to discuss the budget.
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. Fiscal Year 2023-24 Proposed Budget. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council receive the FY 2023-24 proposed budget, receive comments from the public, and provide feedback to staff.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided a PowerPoint presentation on the item.
Mayor Arroyo opened the public hearing and asked if anyone from the public wanted to speak.
1. Martha lniguez spoke on the number of part time workers.
2. Jeffrey Aquino asked if anyone was reviewing contracts to ensure that the city is receiving the best service and cost? He asked about CIP, and RFP process.
Hearing no further speakers, Mayor Arroyo closed the public hearing at 8:41 p.m.
A discussion ensued amongst the Council and the City Manager in regards to contracts, trash services, number of part-time employees, and special funds.
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 24, 2023
Questions ensued about sustainability, and no service interruptions to the public.
Councilmember Romero made a motion to receive and file. Motion was seconded by Vice - Mayor Gallardo which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII CaII: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Quintana
Motion Passed.
Business Session
2. Consideration and approval of a resolution approving the adoption of the New BeII Police Department Concealed Carry Weapon (CCW) permits Policy No. 218 and fee schedule associated with processing CCW permit applications for BeII Residents. (Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2032-32 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF CITY OF BELL
AUTHORIZING THE POLICE CHIEF TO ADOPT THE NEW BELL
POLICE DEPARTMENT CONCEALED CARRY WEAPON (CCW)
PERMIT POLICY NO. 218, AND ASSOCIATED FEE SCHEDULE AS
OUTLINED BY THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA FOR PROCESSING CCW
PERMIT APPLICATIONS
Chief of Police provided a report on the item.
Vice -Mayor Gallardo asked what would be an indicator for an extensive background check? A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and the Chief.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
Councilmember Romero made a motion to approve Resolution 2023-32. Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Gallardo which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII CaII: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Quintana
Motion Passed.
3. Eastern Avenue Improvement Project - Construction Award. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Award a construction contract in the amount of $1,020,000 to Hardy & Harper, Inc for Minutes of the
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
May 24, 2023
the Eastern Avenue Improvement Project;
2. Authorize the City Manager and Public Works Manager to execute change orders to the project in a total amount not to exceed $102,000 (ten percent of the bid amount) for any necessary additional work; and
3. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2023-33 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL, CALIFORNIA DECREASING THE EASTERN AVENUE
IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FUNDING FROM SB-1 FUNDS BY
$200,000, FROM MEASURE R BY $100,000, AND FROM
MEASURE M BY $30,000 FOR A TOTAL DECREASE OF
$330,000
Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso provided a report on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
Vice -Mayor Gallardo made a motion to approve agenda item 3, as recommended Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Quintana
Motion Passed.
4. Amendment No. 2 with Mariposa Landscapes, Inc. for City Landscape Maintenance Services. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve Amendment No. 2 with Mariposa Landscapes Inc. for City Landscape Services.
Public Works Manager Gabino Luna provided a report on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
Vice -Mayor Gallardo made a motion to approve agenda item 4, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Quintana
Motion Passed.
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 24, 2023
5. Mural Policy and Program. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2023-34 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BELL CITY COUNCIL APPROVING
THE CITY'S MURAL POLICY AND PROGRAM
Community Development Director Manuel Acosta provided a report on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
Councilmember Romero made a motion to approve agenda item no. 5, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Saleh which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Quintana
Motion Passed.
6. Consideration of Retired Annuitant Interim Public Works Director Appointment and Employment Agreement with John Oskoui, P.E. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waiver further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2023-35 titled: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Bell Approving the Appointment of an Interim Public Works Director for a Limited Duration Under Government Code Sections 7522.56(C) and 21221(H).
Human Resources and Risk Manager Sergio Ibarra provided a report on the item. City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided additional information.
Councilmember Saleh made a motion to approve agenda item no. 6, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Quintana
Motion Passed.
7. Approve an Agreement with Spire Consulting Group for On -Call Construction Consulting Services. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the following:
1. Award an On -Call Professional Services Agreement with Spire Consulting Group in Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 24, 2023
the amount of $31,250 for construction estimation and analysis support; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute change orders in a total amount not to exceed $3,125 (ten percent of the contract amount) for any necessary additional work.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine requested to pull agenda item no. 7.
8. Approval of the Education Compact Between the City and The Los Angeles Unified School District. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council adopt the proposed Education Compact between the City and the Los Angeles Unified School District and authorize the City Manager to sign and agree to the Education Compact.
Community Services Director Janine Andrade provided a report on the item.
Councilmember Romero and Vice -Mayor Gallardo requested to recuse themselves from the item since they are LAUSD employees and there might be a conflict.
Since at least one of the members was needed to complete quorum, City Attorney Dave Aleshire recommended a coin toss to decide which member should participate and vote.
Vice -Mayor Gallardo lost the coin toss and participated in the item.
Councilmember Saleh made a motion to approve agenda item no. 8, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Quintana and Romero (Recused)
Motion Passed.
9. Project #PW2022-09 — Urban Forest Management Plan Award. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the following:
1. Award a Professional Services agreement to Dudek in the amount of $109,385 for the development and implementation of an Urban Forest Management Plan; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or his designee to execute change orders in a total amount not to exceed $10,938 (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.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire recommended revisions to Exhibit B — Indemnification language should be changed to template requirement.
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 24, 2023
Vice -Mayor Gallardo made a motion to approve agenda item no. 9 subject to the revisions made by City Attorney Dave Aleshire. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Saleh which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Quintana and Romero
Motion Passed.
10. Approve Amendment No. 1 with Nationwide Environmental Services (NES) for Street Sweeping, Sidewalk Cleaning, and Bus Shelter Cleaning Services. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the following:
1. Amendment No. 1 with Nationwide Environmental Services for Street Sweeping, Sidewalk Cleaning, and Bus Shelter Cleaning Services
2. Approve one of the two options for sweeping frequency on City streets:
a. Approve Option A, Three (3) times per week on Arterial streets; One (1) time per week on Industrial streets; One (1) time per week on Residential streets. b. Approve Option A, Three (3) times per week on Arterial streets; One (1) time per week on Industrial streets; Two (2) time per week on Residential streets.
Public Works Manager Gabino Lunda provided a report on the item.
A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
Councilmember Saleh made a motion to approve recommendations 1 & 2(b). Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Gallardo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Quintana
Motion Passed.
11. Approve Willdan Engineering Amendment No. 5 for Fiscal Year FY 23/24 Professional City Engineering Services. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the Willdan Amendment No. 5 pursuant to City Council June 22, 2022, advance acceptance of the FY23/24 Willdan renewal.
Public Works Manager Gabino Luna provided a report on the item.
Councilmember Saleh asked for comparable rates to other cities.
Vice -Mayor Gallardo made a motion to approve agenda item no. 11, as recommended. Motion Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 24, 2023
was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll CaII: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Quintana
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 12 and 13.
It was moved by Councilmember Saleh to approve agenda items 12 and 13. Motion was seconded by Vice Mayor Gallardo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Gallardo and Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Quintana
Motion Passed.
12. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants dated May 24, 2023. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
13. Receive and File the Donation Report for the month of April 2023. (City Council) Pending Items — None
Next Regular Meeting, Wednesday, June 14, 2023
Mayor Arroyo adjourned the meeting at 10:06 p.m.
I, Angela Bustarante, 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 October 11, 2023. ngela Bustsrnante
City Clerk
(Ii740 OR0k
encio Gall Mayor
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 24, 2023