MINUTES OF 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 November 8, 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 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 BeII City Council meetings at cityclerk(cityofbeil.orq. Your written comment must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, November 8, 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.cityofbeil.ora/?NavID=101 Mayor Gallardo called the meeting to order at 5:34 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, Vice -Mayor Quintana, Mayor Gallardo.
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero and Councilmember Saleh.
*Councilmember Romero arrived at 5:38 p.m.
*Councilmember Saleh arrived at 5:43 p.m.
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine II, City Attorney Dave Aleshire and 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 Attorney Dave Aleshire requested to add the following closed session item to the agenda:
c) Conference with real property negotiators (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8) Property: 4777 Gage, BeII CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
November 8, 2023
Negotiating parties: To be Determined
It was moved by Councilmember Arroyo to add the requested closed session items. Motion was seconded by Mayor Gallardo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Vice -Mayor Quintana, Mayor Gallardo.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero, and Councilmember Saleh
Motion Passed.
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: 4410 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: 4612 Gage Ave., 4825 Florence Ave., 5143 Gage Ave., 6717 Atlantic Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
Reconvene Regular City Council Meeting
Mayor Gallardo reconvened the meeting to order at 7:10 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, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana, Mayor Gallardo.
ABSENT: None
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Saleh.
City Attorney Report
The City Attorney will report out on any action(s) to be taken by the City Council/Agencies on Closed Session matters: Item a) A status report was given; direction was given for further negotiations to negotiators. Item b) was not discussed. Item c) A status report was given; direction was given to negotiators.
Presentations and Recognitions
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
November 8, 2023
a. Retirement Recognitions for the following City employees:
1. Captain Art Jimenez
Chief Islas recognized Captain Jimenez for his many years of service. Captain Jimenez spoke.
2. Accounting Manager Elisa Gratil
Ricky Manbahal recognized and thanked Elisa Gratil. Elisa Gratil spoke.
3. Accounting Assistant II Office Maria Torres
Ricky Manbahal recognized and thanked Maria Torres. Maria Torres spoke. b. Proclamation declaring November 2023 as Family Court Awareness Month Mayor Gallardo presented the proclamation to Sandy Ross. c. Proclamation declaring November 6th through November 10, 2023, as National Key Club Week.
Mayor Gallardo invited Armondo Vasquez from South Gate Kiwanis club to speak. Bell High School student Rohan also spoke. Mayor Gallardo presented the proclamation to Bell High School's Key Club.
d. Introduction of new Bell Librarian
Mayor Gallardo introduced Kathy Tieg. Kathy Tieg shared about the library's programming.
e. Proclamation declaring November 2023 as National Family Literacy Month Mayor Gallardo presented the proclamation to the new Bell Library Manager Kathy Tieg. f. Proclamation Declaring National Small Business Saturday — Shop Small on Saturday, November 25, 2023
Mayor Gallardo presented the proclamation to Bell Chamber of Commerce Director of Communications Maria Gonzalez.
g. Veterans Day Presentation
Community Service Director Janine Andrade introduced Veteran and City of BeII Detective Walker who read a poem. California State Assembly Member Blanca Pacheco's District Representative Katalina Valera presented Detective Walker with a certificate of recognition for honorable service.
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. Ricardo Leon. Edgar Preciado. Edwin Gonzalez. Luis Mesa (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.
Vice -Mayor Quintana made a comment.
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.
Meeting of the
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
November 8, 2023
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II reported that the city created a community survey and invited the public to participate in it. He noted that there would be a Special Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 14th. He also spoke about his attendance at the Municipal City Manager's Association Conference.
Business Session
1. Consideration and Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing the Dissolution of Membership with Eco-Rapid Transit (ERT). (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
Authorize the ERT representative to vote to terminate ERT pursuant to section 3.2(i) of the ERT Joint Powers Agreement;
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute any relevant documents on behalf of the City of BeII; and
3. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2023-76 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BELL AUTHORIZING THE
TERMINATION OF ECO-RAPID TRANSIT
Councilmember Romero left the meeting at 8:37.
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 Vice -Mayor Quintana to approve agenda item no. 1, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Saleh which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero
Motion Passed.
2. Appointment of City Treasurer. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2023-77 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
APPOINTING ANGELA BUSTAMANTE, CITY CLERK, TO
SERVE AS THE CITY TREASURER
Rick Manbahal provided a report on the item.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
Meeting of the
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
November 8, 2023
It was moved by Vice -Mayor Quintana to approve agenda item no. 2, 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, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero
Motion Passed.
3. Approve an Agreement with Willdan Engineering for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Implementation and Administration Assistance Services for one (1) year, with two (2) one-year extensions. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve an Agreement with Willdan Engineering for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Implementation and Administration Services. These services will also include Staff Training and Labor Compliance services for the Commercial Facade Improvement Rehabilitation Program.
Councilmember Saleh left the meeting at 8:50.
Councilmember Romero returned to the meeting at 8:51.
Councilmember Saleh returned to the meeting at 8:57
Community Development Director Manuel Acosta provided a report on the item.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided additional information on the item.
Discussion ensued amongst the council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Arroyo to approve agenda item no. 3, as recommended. 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.
4. Consideration to approve Amendment No. 1 with MWS Consulting, Inc. for a Waste Composition Study and SB 1383 Program and Rate Increase Review Services. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve Amendment No. 1 with MWS Consulting, Inc. for SB 1383 Rate Increase and Associated Fees Consulting Services.
This item was pulled by City Manager Michael L. Antwine II.
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
November 8, 2023
5. Consideration to approve a New Agreement with Granicus, LLC. for Website Redesign and Hosting Services in an amount not to exceed $150,238.07. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the following for the City's Website Redesign and Hosting Services:
1. Approve a New Agreement with Granicus, LLC. for Website Redesign and Hosting Services; and
2. Direct staff to bring back an Agreement with a consulting services firm to help manage and spearhead the Website Development Process
Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui provided a report on the item.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided additional information on the item.
Discussion ensued amongst the council and staff.
Vice — Mayor Quintana made a motion to approve the item and to create an ad hoc committee composed of Councilmembers Saleh and Romero.
It was moved by Councilmember Arroyo to approve agenda item no. 5, and to create an ad hoc committee composed of Councilmembers Saleh and Romero. 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.
6. Consideration of CPI adjustment to the Master Fee Schedule to update existing fees. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Resolution No. 2023-78 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL, AMENDING THE MASTER FEE SCHEDULE TO INCLUDE
AN ANNUAL CPI ADJUSTMENT EVERY JANUARY
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided additional information on the item.
Discussion ensued amongst the council and staff.
It was moved by Vice -Mayor Quintana to approve agenda item no. 6, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo Meeting of the
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
November 8, 2023
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
7. Consideration to Adopt a Resolution Establishing a Section 115 Trust for OPEB and Pension Liabilities and Authorize Shuster Advisory Group, LLC as the Administrator of the Section 115 Trust. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Resolution No. 2023-79 titled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL, ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2023-79, ESTABLISHING A SECTION 115 TRUST FOR OTHER
POST -EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS (OPEB) AND PENSION LIABILITIES AND
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER/FINANCE DIRECTOR TO EXECUTE WITH THE TRUST ADMINISTRATOR, CUSTODIAN, AND TRUSTEE TO CREATE A 115 TRUST ACCOUNT FOR THE FUNDING OF FUTURE OPEB AND PENSION LIABILITIES" Finance Director Rickey Manbahal provided a report on the item.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided additional information on the item.
Discussion ensued amongst the council and staff.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
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:
Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
8. Consideration of Adoption of Election Resolutions to Place before City Voters, at a March 5, 2024, General Municipal Election Consolidated with the Presidential Primary Election, a Three -Quarter Cent per Dollar (0.75%) General Sales Tax Ballot Measure; Cali of Election; Direction for Impartial Analysis, Ballot Arguments, and Rebuttals for the above -mentioned Measure; Approve the first reading, by title only, of an Ordinance relating to the above - mentioned Measure. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve Resolution 2023-80 (Calling the Election), Resolution 2023-81 (Arguments and Impartial Analyses for the proposed Measure), and Resolution 2023-82 (Rebuttal Arguments).
Councilmember Saleh left the meeting at 9:56 p.m.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided a report on the item.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolutions.
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
November 8, 2023
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 8, aS recommended.
Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Quintana which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII CaII: 3-1-0-1
AYES: Councilmember Romero, Vice -Mayor Quintana, and Mayor Gallardo NOES: Councilmember Arroyo
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Saleh
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.
It was moved by Vice -Mayor Quintana to approve agenda items 9 through 14. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll CaII: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Romero, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Saleh
Motion Passed.
Recommendation: Approve agenda items 9 -14.
9. Minutes for the Regular City Council Meetings of January 25, 2023, February 22, 2023, March 8, 2023, May 10, 2023, and October 25, 2023, and for the Special City Council Meeting of May 10, 2023. (City Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency)
10. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the BeII Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants November 8, 2023. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
11. It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1283 titled:
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
12. It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2023-83 titled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
November 8, 2023
ACCEPTING THE SPEED HUMP IMPROVEMENTS ON VARIOUS
STREETS 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.
13. Approval of Proposed Stipulations and Awards for Police Sgt. Kai Joseph; Claim No. 20- 148577; WCAB No. ADJ13684916. (City Council)
14. It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2023-83 titled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
ACCEPTING THE STREET IMPROVEMENTS ON VARIOUS STREETS
FY 2022-23 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.
Pending Items — None
November 22, 2023, Regular City Council Meeting Cancelled Next Regular Meeting, Wednesday, December 13, 2023
Mayor Gallardo adjourned the meeting at 9:30 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 December 13, 2023. nngela Bustamante
City Clerk
encio Gal pardO, Mayor
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
November 8, 2023