MINUTES OF THE REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE
BeII City Council/Bell Community Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Public Finance Authority October 25, 2023
5:30 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 citvclerk(a citvofbell.orq. Your written comment must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, October 25, 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.orq/?NavID=101 Mayor Gallardo called the meeting to order at 5:32 p.m.
Roll Call of the City Council in their capacities as Councilmembers/Members of all Related Agencies: Arroyo, Romero, Saleh, Quintana, Gallardo
PRESENT: Councilmember Arroyo, Romero and Vice -Mayor Gallardo.
ABSENT: Councilmember Saleh* and Vice -Mayor Quintana
*Councilmember Saleh arrived at 5:15 p.m.
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.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire requested to add the following item to the closed session agenda:
d) Personnel — Position of Finance Director
It was moved by Councilmember Saleh to add the item to the closed session agenda. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Romero, and Mayor Gallardo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Saleh and Vice -Mayor Quintana
Motion Passed.
Minutes of the
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
October 25, 2023
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.
None.
Closed Session
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 REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 4411 East Gage Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
b) CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 4410 Gage Avenue, BeII CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
c) Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation, Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1), Ed Dadisho Vs City of BeII, (WCAB # ADJ10678866) Mayor Gallardo reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:09 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: Councilmember Arroyo, Saleh, and Mayor Gallardo
Absent: Councilmember Romero and Vice -Mayor Quintana
*Councilmember Romero arrived at 7:12 p.m.
*Vice -Mayor Quintana arrived at 7:14 p.m.
Also present were the following staff members: City Manager Michael L. Antwine II, Chief of Police Carlos Islas; City Attorney Dave Aleshire; Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui; City Engineer Bill Pagett; Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso; Community Development Director Manuel Acosta; Community Services Director Janine Adrade; Human Resources and Risk Manager Sergio Ibarra; City Clerk Angela Bustamante; and Assistant City Clerk Marisa Craft Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Arroyo.
City Attorney Report
City Attorney Dave Aleshire reported out the following from closed session: Item a) A status report Minutes of the
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
October 25, 2023
was given; no reportable action was taken. Item b) A status report was given; no reportable action was taken. Item c) Direction was given to the city's litigator; no reportable action was taken.
An additional item was added to the closed session agenda involving the appointment of the Finance Director. Interim Finance Director Ricky Manbahal was appointed to the Finance Director position with the salary of $185,760 with unanimous approval from the city council.
Presentations and Recognitions
a. Introducing newly appointed Community Services Commissioners Bryanna Campos and Haifa Hamdan
Community Service Director Janine Adrade introduced Bryanna Campos and Haifa Hamdan. Haifa Hamdan and Bryanna Campos both spoke and thanked the council. b. Swearing In Ceremony for New Police Officer William Aguilar Chief of Police Carlos Islas introduced William Aguilar and his family. City Clerk Angela Bustamante swore in New Police Officer William Aguilar. c. Chandler Asset Management Presentation
Ricky Manbahal introduced Carl from Chandler Management who provided a power point presentation.
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. Edwin Gonzales, Mac Files (email). Yari Valenzuela (email). Evangeline Ortiz (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 Romero made a comment.
Councilmember Saleh made a comment.
Vice -Mayor Quintana made a comment.
Mayo 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 had nothing to report.
Public Hearing(s)
The following item has been posted as a Public Hearing as required by law. The the Public Hearing(s) to receive public testimony only on the item(s) listed under
1. Zone Text Amendment (ZTA 2023-04) — Consideration of an Ordinance of California, amending Chapter 17.08 (Definitions), Chapter 17.84.064 (Digital Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
October 25, 2023
Mayor will open
this section.
the City of BeII,
billboards), and
Chapter 17.96.030 (Conditional use permits required when) of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Bell Municipal Code (BMC), relating to digital billboards. (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. Introduce Ordinance No. 1283 waive further reading and read by title only:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL, AMENDING CHAPTER 17.08 (DEFINITIONS), CHAPTER
17.84.064 (DIGITAL BILLBOARDS), AND CHAPTER 17.96.030
(CONDITIONAL USE PERMITS REQUIRED WHEN) OF TITLE 17
(ZONING) OF THE BELL MUNICIPAL CODE (BMC), RELATING
TO DIGITAL BILLBOARDS
The item was introduced by Community Development Director Manuel Acosta.
Associate Planner Rodrigo Pelayo presented a PowerPoint presentation on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst staff and council.
Mayor Gallardo opened the public hearing.
Public Comments in Favor
Joey Montez
Public Comments Opposed
None.
Public Comments Neutral
None.
Mayor Gallardo Closed the Public Hearing.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the ordinance.
It was moved by Vice -Mayor Quintana to approve agenda item no. 1, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero 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 Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
October 25, 2023
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
Business Session
2. Consideration to Approve a Letter of Support for the Expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the Letter of Support for the Expansion of the San Gabriel Mountains National Monument.
City Manager Michael Antwine 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. 2, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Cali: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
3. Appointment/Re-appointment of Bell's Representative to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District (GLACVCD) Board of Trustees. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that council appoint a representative to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District Board of Trustees for a 2 -year or 4 -year term commencing January 1, 2024.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided a report on the item.
Mayor Gallardo appointed Councilmember Saleh for a four-year term.
It was moved by Councilmember Arroyo to approve agenda item no. 3, to appoint Councilmember Saleh to the Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District Board of Trustees for a 4 -year term. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero 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.
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
October 25, 2023
4. Consideration to approve the use of BeII Police Department COPS Grant funds to be used for Police Explorer Program youth field trip to Knott's Scary Farm holiday event. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council authorize the Bell Police Department to utilize COPS grant funds to pay $1,800.00 for the Police Explorer Program youth field trip to Knott's Scary Farm holiday event as part of a youth social development team building excursion.
Chief of Police Carlos Islas provided a report on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst staff and council.
It was moved by Councilmember Saleh to approve agenda item no. 4, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero 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.
5. Consideration to approve an Agreement with Stageline Mobile Stage Inc. for the purchase of 24' x 20' Mobile Stage in an amount not to exceed $212,063. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve an Agreement with Stageline Mobile Stage Inc. (Stageline) for the purchase of a Mobile Stage in an amount not to exceed $212,063.
Councilmember Saleh left the meeting at 8:17 p.m.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine provided a report on the item.
A discussion ensued amongst staff and council.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 5, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo 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
Motion Passed.
6. Consideration to approve a new Non -Exclusive Franchise Agreement for Tow Truck Services with Mr. C's Towing. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve a new Non -Exclusive Franchise Agreement for Tow Truck Services with Mr. C's Towing for five (5) years.
Minutes of the
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
October 25, 2023
Chief of Police Carlos Islas provided a report on the item.
Adan Loya from Mr. C.s Towing provided additional information on the item.
A discussion ensued amongst staff and council.
It was moved by Councilmember Arroyo to approve agenda item no. 6, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Gallardo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 3-1-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Romero and Mayor Gallardo
NOES: Vice -Mayor Quintana
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Saleh
Motion Passed.
7. Consideration to Cancel the November 22, 2023, and December 27, 2023, Regular City Council Meetings. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council cancel the November 22, 2023, and December 27, 2023, Regular City Council Meetings.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided a report on the item.
A discussion ensued amongst staff and council.
It was moved by Vice -Mayor Quintana to approve agenda item no. 7, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Romero, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Saleh
Motion Passed
Consent Calendar
The fotiowing 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 8 - 11.
It was moved by Vice Mayor Quintana to approve agenda items 8 through 11. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
October 25, 2023
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Romero, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Saleh
Motion Passed.
8. Receive and File the City of Bell & Bell Successor Agency Investment Reports as of September 2023. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency)
9. It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2023-75 titled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL ACCEPTING THE
STREET ARTERIAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT -EASTERN AVENUE AS COMPLETE
AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO PREPARE AND FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RECORDER"
2. Authorize staff to release retention thirty-five (35) days after the filing of the Notice of Completion.
10. Minutes for the Regular City Council Meetings of March 22, 2023, April 26, 2023, September 27, 2023, and October 11, 2023. (City Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency)
11. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants dated October 25, 2023. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
Pending Items — None
Next Regular Meeting, Wednesday, November 8, 2023
Mayor Gallardo adjourned the meeting at 8:37 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 November 8, 2023.
Angela Bustama
City Clerk
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
October 25, 2023