MINUTES OF THE REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE
Bell City Council/BeII Community Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the BeII Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Public Finance Authority April 10, 2024
7:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
Closed Session will be held at the end of the Open Session Location: Bell Community Center, 5250 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 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 citvclerkacitvofbell_orc Your written comment must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, April 10, 2024. 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.orgi?NaviD=101
Mayor Gallardo called the meeting to order at 7:40 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 and Mayor Gallardo ABSENT: None
Also present were the following staff members: City Manager Michael L. Antwine II, City Attorney Dave Aleshire, Police Captain Art Jiminez, Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso, Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui, Interim Public Works Manager Jerry Hutchinson. Community Development Director Manuel Acosta, Economic Development Specialist Valentin Flores, Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui, Finance Director Ricky Manbahal, Community Service Director Janine Andrade, Executive Assistant Lisa Guzman, Assistant City Clerk Marisa Craft and City Clerk Angela Bustamante.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Councilmember Romero
Presentations and Recognitions
a. Declaring the Month of April as National Arab American Heritage Month Mayor Gallardo read and presented the proclamation.
b. Declaring the Month of April as National Donate Life Month Mayor Gallardo read and presented the proclamation.
c. Quality of Life Presentation — Homeless Encampment Resources Operation (HERO) Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 10, 2024
Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui presented a Powerpoint presentation. There was a brief discussion between staff and council.
d. La Casita Mexicana 25th Anniversary Recognition
Mayor Gallardo presented the owners of La Casita Mexicana, Jaime and Ramino, with a plaque of recognition. Vice -Mayor Quintana presented a certificate of recognition from California Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco's Office. Adolfo Varas and Luis Mesa from Bell Chamber of Commerce presented a plaque of recognition. LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn's Office presented a certificate of recognition.
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.
Kevin Allec-Arreda, Francisco Ponce, Betsy Alcivar, Merli Albizures, Bertha Ruiz, Luis Mesa, Edwin Gonzalez (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 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 had nothing to report.
Business Session
1. Creation of FY24-25 Budget Ad -Hoc Committee and approval of FY 24-25 Budget Schedule. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council appoint two (2) Councilmembers to the FY 2024-2025 Budget Ad -hoc Committee and approve the proposed FY 2024-2025 Budget Calendar.
Finance Director Ricky Manbahal provided a report on the item.
Council appointed Councilmembers Saleh and Arroyo to the FY 2024-2025 Budget Ad -hoc Committee.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 1, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Saleh which carried with the following roll call vote:
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 10, 2024
RoII CaII: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmember Arroyo, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana, and Mayor Gallardo.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
2. Adoption of Resolution declaring 6504 Clarkson Avenue and 4460 Gage Avenue in the City of BeII, exempt surplus land under the Surplus Land Act. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2024-11 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BELL DECLARING CERTAIN
PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6504 CLARKSON AVENUE AND 4460
GAGE AVENUE IN THE CITY OF BELL, ASSESSOR PARCEL
NUMBER'S ("APN'S") 6325-020-900 AND 6325-020-903 (THE
"PROPERTIES") EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND PURSUANT TO
THE SURPLUS LAND ACT (GOVERNMENT CODE SECTIONS
54220 ET SEQ.)
This item was pulled by staff.
3. Adoption of a Resolution declaring 4472 Gage Avenue, 6414 Clarkson Ave, and 6415 Atlantic Ave in the City of BeI1, except surplus land under the Surplus Land Act. (Successor Agency to the Bell Redevelopment Agency)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Successor Agency Board Members read by title only, waive further reading adopt Resolution 2024-12 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY OF THE FORMER
BELL COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY DECLARING
CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT 4472 GAGE AVENUE, 6414
CLARKSON AVENUE, AND 6415 ATLANTIC AVENUE ASSESSOR
PARCEL NUMBERS ("APN'S") 6325-020-902, 6325-020-901, AND 6325-020-904 (THE "PROPERTIES") EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND
PURSUANT TO THE SURPLUS LAND ACT (GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTIONS 54220 ET SEQ.)
This item was pulled by staff.
4. Citywide Battery Backup System- Award of a Procurement Equipment. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Award a procurement of Equipment and authorize the City Manager to issue a purchase order in the amount of $264,422.85 to Econolite Control Products, Inc. for the purchase of Traffic Signal Battery Back -Up System; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute change orders as deemed necessary in an amount not to exceed $26,442.29 (ten percent of the bid amount).
Minutes of the
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
April 10, 2024
Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso provided a report on the item.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided additional information.
Discussion ensued amongst the staff and council.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 4, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll CaII: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmember Arroyo, Romero, Saleh Vice -Mayor Quintana, and Mayor Galiardo.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
5. Adoption of a Resolution Directing Staff to Initiate the Property Owner Notice, Hearing, and Protest Process as Required by Proposition 218 for the Proposed Sewer Rates Effective July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2029. (City Council)
Recommendation: ft is recommended that the City Council:
1. Accept a report prepared by Willdan Financial (Willdan) regarding the proposed sewer rates, and
2. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2024-13 titled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
STATING ITS INTENTION TO ADOPT SEWER RATES AND
DIRECTING STAFF TO GIVE NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING
PURSUANT TO PROPOSITION 218."
Councilmember Saleh left the meeting at 9:29 p.m.
Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui introduced the item.
City Manager Michale L. Antwine II provided additional information.
Wildan Financial Services Vice -President Chris Fisher provided a PowerPoint presentation on the item.
Discussion ensued amongst the staff and council.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
It was moved by Vice -Mayor Quintana to approve agenda item no. 5, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 10, 2024
Roll Cali: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmember Arroyo, Romero, Vice -Mayor Quintana, and Mayor Gallardo.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Saleh
6. Approval of Resolution No. 2024-14 Declaring the Results of the City of BeII General Municipal Election Consolidated with the Presidential Primary Election Held on March 5, 2024. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2024-14 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL, RECITING THE FACT OF THE GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION HELD ON TUESDAY, MARCH 5,
2024, DECLARING THE RESULTS AND SUCH OTHER
MATTERS AS PROVIDED BY LAW
City Clerk Angela Bustamante provided a report on the item.
Vice -Mayor Quintana requested that staff look into moving elections to the November elections to increase voter participation.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire provided information on the item.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 6, 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, Romero, Vice -Mayor Quintana, and Mayor Gallardo.
NOES: None
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.
Recommendation: Approve agenda items 7 and 8.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda items 7 and 8. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmember Arroyo, Romero, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor Gallardo NOES: None
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 10, 2024
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Saleh
Motion Passed.
7. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants of April 10, 2024. (CounciUSuccessor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
8. Minutes for the Regular City Council Meetings of October 12, 2022 and March 13, 2024. (City Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment -Agency) Staff requested to add the following item to the closed session agenda:
i. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Properties: 6400 Atlantic Avenue, BeII CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney)
Negotiating parties: To be Determined
It was moved by Mayor Gallardo to approve agenda items 7 and 8. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 3-1-0-1
AYES: Councilmember Arroyo, Romero, and Mayor Gallardo
NOES: Vice -Mayor Quintana
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Saleh
Motion Failed.
City Council recessed to closed session at 9:43 p.m.
RECESS TO 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: 7030 Atlantic 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 Govemment Code section 54956.8)
Properties: 4472 Gage Avenue ,6614 Clarkson Avenue, 6415 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 REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Govemment Code Minutes of the .
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
April 10, 2024
section 54956.8)
Property: 5107 Filmore Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
d. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 6500 Lucille Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
e. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 6502 Flora Avenue, BeII CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
f. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 6229 Pine Avenue, BeII CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine I I (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
g. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS- Government Code Section 54957.6, Agency designated representatives: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Employee Organization: Bell Police Officers Association (BPOA) h. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS- Government Code Section 54957.6, Agency designated representatives: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Employee Organization: BeII City Employee Association (BCEA)
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council reconvened to open session at 10:33 p.m.
City Attorney Report
City Attorney Dave Aleshire reported that Item A) was discussed; no reportable action was taken.
Items B -F) were not discussed. Items G -H) were discussed; no reportable action was taken.
Mayor Gallardo adjourned the meeting at 10:34 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 May 8, 2024.
Argela Bu tamante'
City Clerk
Ali Saleh, May
Minutes of the
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
April 10, 2024