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 December 13, 2023
5:30 P.M. Closed Session Meeting
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 citvclerkCc�cityofbell.orq. Your written comment must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, December 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 p,ttp:// www.citvofbell.orq/?NavID=101 Mayor Gallardo called the meeting to order at 5:37 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, and Mayor Gallardo ABSENT: Councilmembers Romero and Saleh*
*Councilmember Saleh arrived at 5:40 p.m.
STAFF PRESENT: City Manager Michael L. Antwine II, Finance Director Ricky Manbahal, Human Resources Manager Sergio Ibarra, Community Development Director Manuel Acosta, Economic Development Specialist Valentin Flores.
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.
Mayor Gallardo recessed to closed session at 5:38 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
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
December 13, 2023
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
Mayor Gallardo reconvened the meeting at 7:13 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, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo (4) ABSENT: Councilmember Romero (1)
Also present were the following staff members: City Manager Michael L. Antwine I I , City Attorney Dave Aleshire, Chief of Police Carlos Islas, City Engineer Bill Pagett, Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso, Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui, Community Development Director Manuel Acosta, Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui, Finance Director Ricky Manbahal, Community Service Director Janine Andrade and City Clerk Angela Bustamante.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice -Mayor Quintana.
City Attorney Report
City Attorney Dave Aleshire reported out the following: Item a) was discussed; no reportable action was taken.
Presentations and Recognitions
a. Pet Health Fair 2023 Presentation and Recognitions
Community Service Director Janine Andrade played a video presentation and presented Assembly Member Blanca Pacheco's Office, City Driving School, Wendys, Fiesta Taxi, Republic Services, Downey Federal Credit Union, and Transtech Engineering with recognition certificates.
b. Quality of Life Presentation
This item was pulled by city staff.
c. Parking Enforcement Plan Presentation
Captain Jose Jiminez presented a power point presentation on the item. Chief Islas provided additional information on parking enforcement. Parking Enforcement Officer Jose Carrillo also provided additional information.
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: Omar Pichardo, Edwin Gonzalez, and Malik Tariq Mohamoud Murabbi (email).
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
December 13, 2023
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.
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 acknowledged and thanked city staff for their work throughout the year. He also thanked the Community Service Department and Police Department for the holiday programming activities they led.
Business Session
1. Amending the Budget of the Street Improvement Project FY24. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2023-88 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL,
CALIFORNIA APPROVING THE BUDGET AMENDMENTS TO REDUCE THE
PROP C FUNDS FROM ATLANTIC AVENUE/BELL PLACE PROJECT (CIP NO. 7121) IN THE AMOUNT OF $100,000 AND FROM STREET ARTERIAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT -EASTERN AVENUE (CIP NO. 7064) IN THE AMOUNT OF $300,000; AND APPROPRIATE PROP C FUNDS TO THE STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FY24 (CIP NO. 7150)
Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso 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 Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII CaII: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmember Arroyo, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero.
Motion Passed.
2. Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacon at Atlantic Avenue and Bell Place. (City Council) Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
December 13, 2023
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Direct staff to retain the Rectangular Rapid Flashing Beacons installed at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue and BeII Place; and
2. Direct staff to evaluate installation of traffic safety improvements at BeII Avenue and Gifford Avenue, Wilcox Avenue and Randolph Street and two other locations to be determined; and authorize installation of GPS equipment along Florence Avenue for coordination and synchronization of all signals at that corridor.
Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso provided a report on the item.
It was moved by Vice -Mayor Quintana to approve agenda item no. 2, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Saleh which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll CaII: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmember Arroyo, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero.
Motion Passed.
3. Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Project. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council authorize the following actions:
1. The Reynolds Group to continue providing services related to the City's Underground Storage Tank (UST) Cleanup Project (Cleanup Project), pursuant to the Los Angeles Regional Water Control Board approved "Project Execution Plan" (Project Plan) for remediation and case closure.
2. Services shall be paid on a contingent payment basis as City receives reimbursements from the California Underground Storage Tank Clean Up Fund.
3. Staff to release reimbursements from the State Water Resources Control Board to the Reynolds Group for the work performed on behalf of the City.
Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso provided a report on the item.
It was moved by Vice -Mayor Quintana to approve agenda item no. 3, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Mayor Gallardo which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmember Arroyo, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero.
Motion Passed.
Minutes of the
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
December 13, 2023
4. Approve a Deposit and Reimbursement Agreement between the City of Bell and OutFront Media, LLC. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve a Deposit and Reimbursement Agreement between the City of Bell and OutFront Media LLC (OFM) regarding OFM's proposal to construct and operate a digital billboard on City -owned property at Gage Avenue near the Interstate 710 Freeway and authorizing the City Manager to execute said Agreement on behalf of the City.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II requested to pull this item and stated it would be brought back at the next meeting.
5. Consideration to approve an Agreement with Southern California Edison and Los Angelas County for the Construction and Acquisition of Electric Vehicle Charging Stations at City Hall, Community Center, and the Bell Library. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council take the following actions:
1. Approve an agreement with Southern California Edison to participate in the "Charge Ready Charging Infrastructure and Rebate" program which includes the construction of necessary electrical infrastructure and equipment necessary for electric vehicle charging stations at City Hall, Community Center, and the Bell Library.
2. Approve participation in the Los Angeles County "Public Power -Up" program for the acquisition of electric vehicle charging stations at City Hall, Community Center, and the BeII Library.
3. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to approve the agreement and any amendments, subject to approval by the City Attorney.
Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui provided a report on the item.
It was moved by Councilmember Saleh to approve agenda item no. 5, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll CaII: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmember Arroyo, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero.
Motion Passed.
6. Consideration to enter into a New Lease Agreement with the County of Los Angeles (County) for the library property located at 4411 E. Gage Ave. BeII, CA 90201 (Bell Library). (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve a new Lease Agreement with the County of Los Angeles (County) for the Bell Library property located at 4411 E. Gage Ave. Bell, CA 90201 (Bell Library), and authorize the City Manager to execute the Lease Agreement.
Minutes of the
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
December 13, 2023
Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui provided a report on the item.
It was moved by Councilmember Saleh to approve agenda item no. 6, as recommended Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmember Arroyo, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero.
Motion Passed.
7. Consideration of approval and adopting Resolution identifying Employee Classifications, Compensation Levels, and Salary Ranges and Rescinding Resolution No. 2023-68. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Resolution No. 2023-89 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL,
CALIFORNIA, IDENTIFYING EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATIONS,
COMPENSATION LEVELS, AND SALARY RANGES, AND RESCINDING
RESOLUTION NO. 2023-68
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 Saleh to approve agenda item no. 7, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Cali: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmember Arroyo, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero.
Motion Passed.
8. Consideration to approve Amendment No. 4, a month -to -month agreement with Global Paratransit, Inc. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve a month -to -month agreement (Amendment No. 4) with Global Paratransit, Inc. This will allow for the fixed route and paratransit services to continue without disruption as the current bridge agreement is scheduled to end on December 31, 2023.
Community Service Director Janine Andrade provided a report on the item.
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
December 13, 2023
A brief discussion ensued amongst staff and council.
It was moved by Vice -Mayor Quintana to approve agenda item no. 8, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmember Arroyo, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero.
Motion Passed.
9. Adoption of the City of Bell Strategic Plan FY 2023-2025. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council adopt the City's Strategic Plan FY 2023-25.
Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui and City Manager Michael L Antwine II provided a power point presentation on the item.
Chief of Police Carlos Islas provided additional information on the item.
Councilmember Saleh left the meeting at 8:38 p.m.
Councilmember Saleh returned to the meeting at 8:54 p.m.
Brief discussion ensued amongst the staff and council.
It was moved by Councilmember Arroyo to approve agenda item no. 9, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Quintana which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmember Arroyo, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero.
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 10 - 16.
It was moved by Councilmember Saleh to approve agenda items 10,15, and 16 (Items Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
December 13, 2023
11,12,13,14 were pulled by Mayor Gallardo). Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero
Motion Passed.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine provided information for items 11, 12, 13 and 14.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the titles of the resolutions.
It was moved by Mayor Gallardo to approve agenda items 11,12, 13 and 14. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Cali: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Arroyo, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero
Motion Passed.
10. Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of November 8, 2023, and for the Special City Council Meeting of November 14, 2023. (City Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency)
11. It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1284 titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL, TO APPROVE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DA 2023-
01), FOR CONVERSION OF AN EXISTING PRINTED
BILLBOARD INTO A DIGITAL BILLBOARD INVOLVING
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6717 ATLANTIC AVENUE
12. It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1285 titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL, TO APPROVE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DA 2023-
02), FOR CONVERSION OF AN EXISTING PRINTED
BILLBOARD INTO A DIGITAL BILLBOARD INVOLVING
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 5143 GAGE AVENUE.
13. It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1286 titled:
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
December 13, 2023
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL, TO APPROVE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DA 2023-
03), FOR CONVERSION OF AN EXISTING PRINTED
BILLBOARD INTO A DIGITAL BILLBOARD INVOLVING
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4825 FLORENCE AVENUE.
14. It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1287 titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL, TO APPROVE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DA 2023-
04), FOR CONVERSION OF AN EXISTING PRINTED
BILLBOARD INTO A DIGITAL BILLBOARD INVOLVING
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4612 GAGE AVENUE
15. Receive and File the City of Bell Successor Agency Investment Reports as of October 2023.
16. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants December 13, 2023. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
Pending Items — None
December 27, 2023, Regular City Council Meeting Cancelled Next Regular Meeting, Wednesday, January 10, 2024
Mayor Gallardo adjourned the meeting at 9:02 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 January 24, 2024.
Angela Bustamante
City Clerk
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
December 13, 2023