MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE
Bell City Council/Bell Community Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the BeII Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Public Finance Authority September 13, 2023
6:00 P.M. Closed Session Meeting
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 BeII City Council meetings at [email protected]. Your written comment must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, September 13, 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.citvofbell.orc/?NavID=101 Mayor Gallardo called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m.
RoII Call of the City Council in their capacities as Councilmembers/Members of all Related Agencies: Arroyo, Romero, Saleh, Quintana, and Gallardo PRESENT: Councilmember Arroyo, Romero, and Mayor Gallardo ABSENT: Councilmember Saleh, and Vice -Mayor Quintana
*Vice -Mayor Quintana arrived at 6:16 p.m.
*Councilmember Saleh arrived at 6:24 p.m.
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine II, City Attorney Dave Aleshire, 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 Gallardo closed the public comment.
City Council recessed to Closed Session at 6:16 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:
Minutes of the
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
September 13, 2023
a) CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 5390 Rickenbacker Road, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney)
Negotiating parties: To be Determined
Mayor Gallardo reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:07 p.m.
Roll Call of the City Council in their capacities as Councilmembers/Members of all Related Agencies: Arroyo, Romero, Saleh, Quintana and Gallardo
PRESENT: Councilmembers Arroyo, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana, and Mayor Gallardo ABSENT: None.
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; Assistant Planner Rodrigo Pelayo; Contracts and Facilities Manager Javier Ochiqui; Community Services Director Janine Adrade; and City Clerk Angela Bustamante.
Pledge of Allegiance led by Vanessa Bautista, representative from State Senator Lena Gonzalez Office.
City Attorney Report
City Attorney Dave Aleshire reported out the following from closed session: Item a) was discussed, no reportable action was taken.
Presentations and Recognitions
a. Certificates of Recognition to BeII Backpack Giveaway Sponsors was presented by Mayor Gallardo.
Communications from the Public
This is the time members of the public may address 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, Alex Paredes and Juan Perez.
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 Saleh made a comment.
Vice -Mayor Quintana made a comment.
Minutes of the
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
September 13, 2023
Mayor Gallardo 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.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II introduced new employees in code enforcement, public works, community services and the city clerk's office.
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. Zone Text Amendment (ZTA 2023-03) - Consideration of an Ordinance of the City of Bell, amending Title 17 (Zoning), Chapter 17.84.070 (Authority) of the Bell Municipal Code (BMC), relating to allowing additional flexibility in sign regulations pertaining to master sign programs. (Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Determine that the proposed text amendment is exempt from further review under the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., "CEQA") and the regulations promulgated there under (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq., the "CEQA Guidelines"), because it consists of only minor text revisions and clarifications to existing zoning regulations and procedures related thereto, and will not have the effect of substantially changing regulatory standards or findings required. Therefore, in accordance with CEQA, the proposed text amendment is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) because the activity is governed by the general rule that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential to cause a significant effect on the environment. In this case, the proposed text amendment will not have a significant effect on the environment; and
2. Read by title only, waive further reading and Introduce Ordinance No. 1282 titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BELL, AMENDING SECTION
17.84.070 (AUTHORITY) OF TITLE 17 (ZONING) OF THE BELL
MUNICIPAL CODE (BMC), RELATING TO ALLOWING
ADDITIONAL FLEXIBILITY IN SIGN REGULATIONS
PERTAINING TO MASTER SIGN PROGRAMS.
Assistant Planner Rodrigo Pelayo provided a report on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
Mayor Gallardo Opened the Public Hearing.
Public Speakers Opposed
None
Public Speakers in Favor
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
September 13, 2023
Luis Mesa
Public Speakers Neutral
None
Mayor Gallardo Closed the Public Hearing.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the ordinance.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 1, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll CaII: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo
NOES: None
ABSTAION: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
Business Session
2. Consideration of a Resolution Accepting, Approving and Adopting the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Bell and the Bell City Employees Association for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2024. (Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Resolution No. 2023-65 titled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL, ACCEPTING, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY
OF BELL AND THE BELL CITY EMPLOYEES' ASSOCIATION
FOR THE PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2022 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2024"
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided a report on the item.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
It was moved by Councilmember Arroyo to approve agenda item no. 2, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Quintana which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII CaII: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
September 13, 2023
3. Consideration of approving the creation of the Deputy Director of Community Services and reclassifying the Contracts and Facilities Manager to Assistant to the City Manager and approving a Resolution declaring certain employee classifications as excluded from the Civil Service System and identifying employee classifications and compensation levels. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Resolution 2023-66 titled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL,
CALIFORNIA APPROVING AND AUTHORIZING THE CREATION
OF THE CLASSIFICATION OF DEPUTY DIRECTOR OF
COMMUNITY SERVICES AND RECLASSIFICATION OF THE
CONTRACTS AND FACILITIES MANAGER TO ASSISTANT TO
THE CITY MANAGER"
2. Read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Resolution 2023-67 titled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL,
CALIFORNIA, DECLARING CERTAIN EMPLOYEE
CLASSIFICATIONS AS EXCLUDED FROM THE CIVIL SERVICE
SYSTEM, DESIGNATING SUCH CLASSIFICATIONS TO BE
UNREPRESENTED AND AT -WILL, PURSUANT TO MUNICIPAL
CODE SECTION 2.84.030 (B) AND RESCINDING RESOLUTION
NO. 2022-75."
3. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2023-68 titled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL,
IDENTIFYING EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATIONS, COMPENSATION
LEVELS, AND PAY RANGES, AND RESCINDING AND
REPLACING RESOLUTION NO. 2023-48"
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided a report on the item.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolutions.
It was moved by Councilmember Saleh to approve agenda item no. 3, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll CaII: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
September 13, 2023
4. Gage Avenue Bridge Improvement Project — Approve Amendment No. 1 to Metro Funding Agreement. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the amendment to the Funding Agreement between the City of Bell and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority for the Gage Avenue Bridge Improvements Project entitled, "Amendment No. 1 to Measure R Funding Agreement Between the City of Bell and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority."
Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso provided a report on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst staff and council.
It was moved by Councilmember Arroyo to approve agenda item no. 4, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Quintana which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
5. Citywide Flashing Stop Sign Material Procurement - Award. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Award a procurement contract in the amount of $52,643.58 to Wisecom Technologies Inc. for the Citywide Flashing Stop Sign Material Procurement Project; and
2. Authorize the City Manager and Interim Public Works Director to execute change orders to the project in a total amount not to exceed $5,264.36 (ten percent of the bid amount) for any additional quantity.
Councilmember Saleh left the meeting at 8:14 p.m.
Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso provided a report on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst staff and council.
It was moved by Councilmember Arroyo to approve agenda item no. 5, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII CaII: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Romero, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Saleh
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
September 13, 2023
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 & 7.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item nos. 6 & 7. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Gallardo, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Romero NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Saleh
Motion Passed.
6. It is recommended that the City Council reject all bids for the CDBG Consultant and Program Implementation and Administration Assistance Services submitted on August 23, 2023.
7. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants dated September 13, 2023. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
Pending Items — None
Next Regular Meeting, Wednesday, September 27, 2023
Mayor Gallardo adjourned the meeting at 8:24 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 September 27, 2023. lAnAl
An$ela Bustarrlante
City Clerk
CFA
idencio Gallardo, Mayor
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
September 13, 2023