REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE
Bell City Council/Bell Community Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Public Finance Authority May 22, 2024
5:30 P.M. Closed Session
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 citvclerk(a?citvofbell.orq. Your written comment must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, May 22. 2024. Any ernails 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.org/?NavID=101
Mayor Saleh 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: Councilmembers Flores. Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh PRESENT: Councilmember Flores, Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh.
ABSENT: None
*Councilmemebr Flores arrived at 5:39
*Councilmember Quintana arrived at 6:24 p.m.
Also present were the following staff members: 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.
None
Mayor Saleh recessed the meeting into closed session at 5:40 p.m.
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:
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 22, 2024
a. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Properties: 6400 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 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
c. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 4400-4410 Gage Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine H (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: 5107 Filmore Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine H (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: 6502 Flora Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
g.
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 6629 Pine Avenue. Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
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: Bell Police Officers Association (BPOA) 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 City Employee Association (BCEA) Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 22, 2024
Reconvene Regular City Council Meeting
Mayor Saleh called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m.
Roll CaII of the City Council in their capacities as Councilmembers/Members of all Related Agencies: Arroyo, Flores, Romero, Saleh, and Quintana
PRESENT: Councilmember Flores, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh ABSENT: Councilmember Quintana and Romero
*Councilmember Quintana arrived at 7:16 p.m.
*Councilmember Romero arrived at 7:14 p.m.
Also present were the following staff members: City Manager Michael L. Antwine II, City Attorney Dave Aleshire. Community Development Director Manuel Acosta, Chief of Police Carlos Islas, Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso, Public Works Manager Jerry Hutchinson, Homeless Service Liaison Neiva Orozco, Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui, Finance Director Ricky Manbahal, Community Service Director Janine Andrade, Executive Assistant Lisa Guzman. and City Clerk Angela Bustmante.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Saleh.
City Attorney Report
City Attorney Dave Aleshire reported out the following: Items A -G) related to real property were discussed; no reportable action was taken. Items H -J) related to labor negotiations, a status report was given; no reportable action was taken.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine H reported that Mayor Saleh recused himself from the closed session meeting during the discussion of the following Items) D, E, F, G due to conflict of interest.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine stated Items) A, B, C were not discussed.
Presentations and Recognitions
a. Proclamation declaring May 2024, Older Americans Appreciation Month Mayor Saleh read the proclamation. Community Service Director Janine Andrade introduced Leslia Gonzalez Community Member and Alvin Tamala Recreation Supervisor who accepted the proclamation.
b. Bell 5K Sponsors Recognition
Community Service Director Janine Andrade presented recognition certificates for the following sponsors: Northgate Markets, Televiso. CMEX, Transtech Engineers, Republic Services, Wendys, The Bell Chamber of Commerce, Downey Federal Credit Union, Golden State Water, Aleshire and Wynder, Wesley Health Centers, Wildan Engineering, Office of Assembly Member Blanca Pacheco, Infinity Technology, West Coast Arborist, Phone Mechanics, and City Driving School.
c. Metro Active Transportation (MAT) Randolph Corridor Grant Public Works Director John Oskoui provided background on the MAT Randolph Corridor Grant. He introduced Yvette Kirrin, Consultant from South Star Engineering, who provided a Powerpoint presentation. Consultant from GHD Engineering firm provided additional Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 22, 2024
information.
d. Recognition for Retired Teacher Gloria Hernandez
Mayor Saleh presented Gloria Hernandez with a Certificate of Recognition. Gloria Hernandez spoke and thanked the council.
Mayor Saleh recessed the meeting at
Mayor Saleh reconvened the meeting at
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.
Stephanie Boyd, Nora Gutierrez, Eloisa Vega, Carmen Merendez, Petra Correa, Evangelina Flores, Marco Soto, Kathy Teague, Luis Mesa, Fidencio Gallardo, Pablo Sifuentes, Arturo Flores, Victor Caballer. and 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 Quintana made a comment.
Vice -Mayor Arroyo made a comment.
Councilmember Flores made a comment.
Councilmember Romero made a comment.
Mayor Saleh 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 Mayor will open the Public Hearing(s) to receive public testimony only on the item(s) listed under this section.
1. Approving the Engineer's Report, Confirming the Assessments and Ordering the Levying of Assessments with No Increase for the Landscape and Lighting District for Fiscal Year 2024/2025. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Conduct a Public Hearing regarding the City of Bell Landscape and Lighting District Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Engineer's Report
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 22. 2024
2. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2024-21 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL, APPROVING THE ENGINEER'S REPORT, CONFIRMING
THE DIAGRAM AND ASSESSMENT, AND ORDERING THE
LEVYING OF ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE CITY OF BELL
LANDSCAPING AND LIGHTING DISTRICT FOR THE FISCAL
YEAR 2024/2025
City Engineer Rey Alfonso provided a report on the item.
Mayor Saleh opened the public hearing.
Public Speakers
None
Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda item no. 1, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoI1 CaII: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
Business Session
2. Consideration of a Resolution Approving Participation in the Los Angeles Urban County Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program Year 4, Authorizing Reimbursable Contract with the County of Los Angeles and Approve the Recommended Programs to be Funded. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Resolution No. 2024-22 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE BELL CITY COUNCIL APPROVING
PARTICIPATION IN THE LOS ANGELES URBAN COUNTY
PERMANENT LOCAL HOUSING ALLOCATION PROGRAM BY
AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR, OR HIS DESIGNEE, TO SIGN A
REIMBURSABLE CONTRACT WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (LACDA) ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
2. Approve Staff -recommended programs that will be funded with the Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program Funds Year 4.
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 22, 2024
3. Authorize Staff to develop the program policies and guidelines for the programs.
4. Authorize Staff to incorporate PLHA budget programs and staffing to implement the programs in City Budgets.
Community Development Director Manuel Acosta provided a report on the item.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
It was moved by Vice -Mayor Arroyo to approve agenda item no. 2, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII CaII: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
3. Shelter Bed Pilot Project Renewal Agreements. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve in form the draft Reimbursement Agreement between the LCA1 cities (Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Maywood, South Gate, and Vernon) and the City of Bell, with the understanding that the final agreement will return for City Council execution in June 2024 after the LCA1 cities have each approved the Agreement and the Measure H funding has been approved.
2. Approve in form the draft Social Services Collaborator Agreement between the Salvation Army and the City of Bell, with the understanding that the final agreement will return for City Council execution in June 2024 after the LCA1 cities have each approved the Agreement and the Measure H funding has been approved.
3. Authorize the City Manager to engage the LCA1 cities and the Salvation Army to achieve Agreement renewals to continue the Shelter Bed Pilot Program in its present form through June 30, 2025, under modified terms and conditions the Bell City Council approved on June 8, 2022.
Community Development Director Manuel Acosta provided a report on the item.
Homeless Services Liaison Neiva Orozco provided additional information on the item.
Mayor Saleh requested data regarding the use of the beds be sent to the council.
Discussion ensued amongst the staff and council.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintnana to approve agenda item no. 3, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 22. 2024
Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
4. Authorize the City Manager or His Designee to Execute Funding Agreements and Any Amendments with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). (City Council) Recommendation: !t is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2024-23 titled'
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER OR HIS DESIGNEE TO EXECUTE
FUNDING AGREEMENTS AND ANY AMENDMENTS WITH THE STATE
OF CALIFORNIA ACTING BY AND THROUGH ITS DEPARTMENT OF
TRANSPORTATION (CALTRANS)"
Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso provided a report on the item.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine I'I provided additional information.
Discussion ensued amongst the staff and council.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana 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 Flores, Romero, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
5. Update to the Salary Range for the position of Human Resources and Risk Manager. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve a new salary range for the position of Human Resources and Risk Manager effective the new payroll period after the City Council approval; and
2. Direct staff to prepare an update to the City's Employee Salary Schedule Resolution and incorporate the new Salary range for the position of Human Resources and Risk Manager
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided a report on the item.
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 22, 2024
Discussion ensued amongst the staff and council.
It was moved by Quintana to approve agenda item no. 5, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
6. Consideration To Approve a Three -Year (3) Agreement with Express Transportation Services, LLC. For Public Transportation Service in the amount of $1,574,882.64. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve a three-year (3) Agreement with Express Transportation Services, LLC for professional Public Transportation Service of $1,574,882,64.
Community Service Director Janine Andrade provided a report on the item.
Discussion ensued amongst the staff and council.
!t was moved by Vice -Mayor Arroyo to approve agenda item no. 6, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII CaII: 4-1-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh.
NOES: Councitmember Romero
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
7. Fiscal Year 2024-25 Proposed Budget. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council, receive comments from the public, conduct two budget workshops (1) June 4"' and (2) June 17th provide feedback to staff, and set a Public Hearing date of June 12, 2024.
Mayor Saleh left the meeting at 9:54 p.m.
Mayor Saleh returned to the meeting at 10:06 p.m.
Councilmember Romero left the meeting at 9:55 p.m.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine provided a Powerpoint presentation on the item.
Chief of Police Carlos Islas provided additional information.
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 22, 2024
Discussion ensued amongst the staff and council.
Councilmember Quintana requested that outsourcing jail services be considered.
Councilmember Quintana stated she was not necessarily in favor of limiting the soccer program to only Bell residents but did want the city to consider not subsidizing nonresidents.
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 8 and 9.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda items 8 through 9. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following voice vote:
RoII CaII: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Saleh, Vice -Mayor Quintana and Mayor NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero
Motion Passed.
8. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants of May 22, 2024. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
9. Minutes for the Regular City Council Meetings of July 27, 2022 and May 8, 2024. (City Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency) Pending Items — None
Next Regular Meeting, Wednesday, June 12, 2024
Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 10:30 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 June 12, 2024.
Angela Busdamante, City)'Clerk
CF
Ali Saleh, Mayor
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 22, 2024