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 November 13, 2024
5:00 P.M. Closed Session
7:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
Location: BeII 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 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�cityofbell.orq. Your written comment must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, November 13, 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.citvofbell.org/?NavID=101 Vice -Mayor Arroyo called the meeting to order at 5:17 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
*Councilmember Flores arrived at 6:05 p.m.
*Mayor Saleh arrived at 5:30 p.m.
Staff City Manager Michael L. Antwine I I , City Attorney Dave Aleshire, Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui, 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
Vice -Mayor Arroyo recessed the meeting to closed session at 5:22 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
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
November 13, 2024
a. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 6307,6311,6315,6335,6339 Pine 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 II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
d. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1) Montebello Unified School District v. Successor Agency to Community Redevelopment Agency of the City of Bell, et al., Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 20STCV36816 e. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Government Code Section 54957 (b)) Title: Chief of Police
f. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Government Code Section 54957 (b)) Title: City Manager
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: Bell City Employee Association (BCEA) 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 Executive Management Association (BEMA)
Reconvene Regular City Council Meeting
Mayor Saleh called the meeting to order at 7:14 p.m.
RoII 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
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
November 13, 2024
*Councilmember Quintana arrived at 7:21 p.m.
*Councilmember Romero arrived at 7:23 p.m.
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine, City Attorney Dave Aleshire, Chief of Police Carlos Islas, Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso, Public Works Director John Oskoui, Community Development Director Manuel Acosta, Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui, Community Services Director Janine Andrade, Deputy Community Service Director Rebecca Silva Barron, City Clerk Angela Bustamante, Assistant City Clerk Marisa Craft, and Executive Assistant Lisa Guzman.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Saleh.
City Attorney Report
City Attorney Dave Aleshire reported out the following: Items A -C) A status report was given; no reportable action was taken. Item D) A status report was given; no reportable action was taken.
Item E) a performance evaluation of the Chief of Police was discussed; no reportable action was taken; Item F) Performance Evaluation of the City Manager was not discussed. Items G -H) a status report was given; direction was given to negotiators for further negotiations. Item I) Labor negotiations for Bell Executive Management Association was not discussed.
Presentations and Recognitions
a. Mayor's Citizens Award to Hilda Rodriguez
Mayor Saleh presented recognition to community member Hilda Rodriguez b. Veterans Day Presentation
Community Service Director Janine Andrade presented a video honoring Veterans Day.
c. Pet Health Fair Presentation
Community Service Director Janine Andrade introduced Administrative Specialist Genesis Puente, who presented a power point presentation. Certificates were presented to Cemex, TransTech Engineers, Republic Services, Downey Federal Credit Union, and Downey Driving School.
d. Republic Services Presentation
Republic Services introduced new Municipal Relations Manager Pilar Mejia e. Proclamation declaring the month of October 2024 as Domestic Violence Awareness Month
Mayor Saleh read the proclamation.
f. Proclamations declaring the month of November 2024 as:
1. National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month
Mayor Saleh read the proclamation.
2. November 22, 2024 as Lebanese Independence Day
Mayor Saleh read the proclamation.
3. Native American History Month
Mayor Saleh read the proclamation.
4. National Family Literacy Month
Mayor Saleh read the proclamation.
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 non -agenda items that are under the subject matter jurisdiction of City Council and/or its related authorities and agencies: Antonio Robles and Edwin Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
November 13. 2024
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.
Mayor Saleh made 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 thanked the Community Service and Public Works Department for their hard work for the Pritchard Field ground breaking.
Public Hearings
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. Lease and Relocation Agreement regarding constructing a new digital billboard near 5400 Gage Avenue in the Manufacturing (M) zone. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Determine that the proposed project is exempt from further review under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), as it qualifies for a categorical exemption under CEQA Guidelines Section 15303, (Class 3) "New Construction or Conversion of a Small Structure"; and
2. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2024-48 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BELL CITY COUNCIL
APPROVING A LEASE AND RELOCATION AGREEMENT WITH
OUTFRONT MEDIA, LLC TO CONSTRUCT AND OPERATE A
DIGITAL BILLBOARD ON CITY -OWNED PROPERTY NEAR
5400 GAGE AVENUE
Community Development Director Manuel Acosta provided a powerpoint presentation of 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.
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
November 13, 2024
It was moved by Vice -Mayor Arroyo to approve agenda item no. 1, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following vote:
RoII CaII: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
2. Consideration to adopt the Development Impact Fee Study. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only. waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2024-49 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
ADOPTING THE DEVELOPMENT IMPACT FEES
City Manager Michael L. Antwine provided a report on the item.
Discussion ensued amongst the staff and council.
Mayor Saleh opened the public hearing.
Public Speakers
None
Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 2, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana which carried with the following vote:
RoII CaII: 2-3-0-0
AYES: Councilmember Romero and Quintana
NOES: Councilmember Flores, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT- None
Motion Failed.
Council directed staff to revise the fee for single family residential to be incremental at $3.00 a year until it stopped at $ 14.15 over a 4 year period.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution with the modification noted in the resolution.
It was moved by Vice -Mayor Arroyo to approve agenda item no. 2, with revisions. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following vote:
RoII CaII: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh.
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
November 13, 2024
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
Business Session
3. HDL Business License Tax Presentation. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the presentation.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine introduced Ian Davis, Compliance Officer from HDL, who provided a powerpoint presentation on the item.
4. Request to Set a Public Hearing on January 22, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. to Consider updating and establishing user and regulatory fees for various City services. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council schedule a Public Hearing on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at 6:30 p.m. to consider updating and establishing user and regulatory fees for various City services.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine provided a report on the item.
Brief discussion ensued between the staff and council.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 4, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana which carried with the following voice vote:
RoII CaII: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
5. Consideration of Approving Amendment No.1 to the Agreement between the City of Bell and HQE Systems, Inc. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement between the City of Bell and HQE Systems, Inc. by increasing the contract sum from $41,304.46 to $88,121.55: and
2. Approve appropriation of $20,184.96 from the American Rescue Plan Act 2021 (ARPA) fund, and $26,632.13 of Homeland Security Grant fund to cover the increase in contract sum of the Agreement between the City of Bell and HQE Systems, Inc.
Public Works Director John Oskoui provided a report on the item.
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
November 13, 2024
Discussion ensued amongst the staff and council.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 5, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII CaII: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores. Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
6. Traffic Signal Equipment Upgrade Project (CIP NO. 7180) — Award of Contract. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Award a construction contract in the amount of $897,115.76 to Econolite Systems, Inc. for the Traffic Signal Improvements Project (CIP No. 7180).
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute change orders for the project in a total amount not to exceed $89,711.58 (ten percent of the bid amount) for any necessary additional work.
3. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2024-50 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL, CALIFORNIA APPROVING A FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
BUDGET AMENDMENT TO APPROPRIATE $14,739 FROM
PROPOSITION C FUNDS (FUND 680) AND $352,080 FROM
OTHER GRANTS (FUND 332) TO THE TRAFFIC SIGNAL
EQUIPMENT UPGRADE PROJECT (CIP NO. 7180)
Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso provided a report on the item.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
Mayor Saleh left the meeting at 8:50 p.m.
It 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: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, and Vice -Mayor Arroyo.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
7. Approval for the Installation of a New Playground Project at Camp Little Bear and to Enter Into an Agreement with Great Western Installations, Inc. (City Council) Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
November 13. 2024
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve an agreement with Great Western Inc. for the removal and replacement of the three Playground Areas at Camp Little Bear.
Community Service Director Janine Andrade provided a report on the item.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda item no. 7, with revisions.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII CaII: 4-0-0-1
AYES Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, and Vice -Mayor Arroyo.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed
8. Limited License to Enter Agreement Between Miguel Rodriguez and the City of Bell. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the Limited License to Enter Agreement between Miguel Rodriguez and the City of Bell.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Limited License to Enter Agreement.
Community Services Director Janine Andrade provided a report on the item.
It was moved by Councilmember Flores to approve agenda item no. 8, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, and Vice -Mayor Arroyo.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed
9. Amendment to City Manager Employment Agreement- Removal of Section 3.2: Cost of Living Increase. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the amendment to the City Manager's Contract to remove Section 3.2 which pertains to the Cost -of -Living Adjustments (COLA). This measure is proposed to address potential conflicts of interest arising from the city manager negotiating on behalf of Department Heads of the city while benefiting from similar adjustments.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine provided a report on the item.
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
November 13. 2024
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 9, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores. Quintana, Romero, and Vice -Mayor Arroyo.
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed
10. Approval of a Purchase and Sale Agreement with City Ventures Homebuilding, LLC for certain property located at 5241 Florence Avenue. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2024-52 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE OF THE CITY OF
BELL APPROVING A PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT WITH CITY
VENTURES HOMEBUILDING, LLC FOR CERTAIN PROPERTY
LOCATED AT 5241 FLORENCE AVENUE IN THE CITY OF BELL
Mayor Saleh returned to the meeting at 9:54 p.m.
This item was removed from the agenda.
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 11 through 14.
It was moved by Councilmember Flores to approve agenda items 11 through 14, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following voice vote:
Roll CaII: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
11. It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2024-51 titled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL ACCEPTING THE CIVIC CENTER IMPROVEMENTS/
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
November 13, 2024
INTERIOR PAINTING PROJECT 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.
12. It is recommended that the City Council conduct the second reading of Ordinance 1292 by title only, waiving further reading and adopting Ordinance No. 1292 titled:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL TO APPROVE THE DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT (DA
2024-01) FOR THE CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF A
NEW DIGITAL BILLBOARD AT 5390 RICKENBACKER ROAD
13. Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of October 9 and 23, 2024. (City Council)
14. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants of November 13, 2024. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
Pending Items — None
Wednesday, November 27, 2024 Regular Meeting Cancelled
Next Regular Meeting Wednesday, December 11, 2024
Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 8:59 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 11. 2024. ngela Bustamante,
Ali Saleh, Mayor
Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
November 13. 2024