MINTUES OF THE REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE
BeII City Council/Bell Community Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the BeII Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Public Finance Authority January 22, 2025
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 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(@cityofbell arq. Your written comment must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, January 22. 2025. 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:fi www.cityofbell.orgi?NavID=101 Mayor Saleh called the meeting to order at 5:15 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 Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh.
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine, City Attorney Dave Aleshire, Finance Director Rickey Manbahal, Community Development Director Manuel Acosta, Human Resources Manager Gina Skibar and Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui.
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 5:17 p.m.
The City Council and the related Authorities and Agencies will recess to closed session to confer with legalcounsel 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
Minutes or the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 22,2025
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
c. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 6415 Atlantic Avenue and 6414 Clarkson 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: 5241 Florence 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: 6824 Atlantic Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
f. Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation, Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1), Fernandez vs City of Bell, (ADJ#17715975) 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 Executive Management Association (BEMA)
Mayor Saleh reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:07 p.m.
RoII CaII of the City Council in their capacities as Councilmembers/Members of all Related Agencies: Councilmembers Flares, Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh PRESENT: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh.
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine, City Attorney Dave Aleshire, Chief of Police Carlos Islas, Captain Jiminez 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, Human Resource Manager Gina Skibar Community Services Director Janine Andrade, and City Clerk Angela Bustamante.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Captain Jiminez.
City Attorney Report
City Attorney Dave Aleshire reported out the following: Items A, B,C and F) were discussed; no reportable action was taken. Item D) was not discussed. Item F) was discussed; no reportable action was taken. Item G) was not discussed.
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 22,2025
Presentations and Recognitions
a. Mayor's Citizens Award
This item was continued to the next meeting
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 non -agenda items that are under the subject matter jurisdiction of City Council and/or its related authorities and agencies. Javier Bervmen, Edwin.
Gonzalez, Jose Magallon, and 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.
Vice -Mayor Arroyo made a comment.
Councilmember Romero made a comment.
Vice -Mayor Arroyo 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 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. Discussion on potential updates to the various User and Regulatory Fee. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Provide feedback on the proposed User and Regulatory fees; and
2. Continue the Public Hearing to February 12, 2025, regular City Council meeting.
Finance Director Rickey Manbahal introduced the item. He then introduced the consultant, Principle of Clearsource, Terry Madsen who then provided a PowerPoint presentation on the item.
Brief discussion ensued amongst the staff and council.
Mayor Saleh opened up the public hearing.
Public Speakers
None
Mayor Saleh continued the public hearing to the February 12, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting.
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 22,2025
Business Session
2. Authorize the Police Chief to accept and administer the FY 2024 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) in the amount of $12,357.00 to purchase License Plate Reader Cameras for the Bell Police Department. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2025-02 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF CITY OF BELL
AUTHORIZING THE POLICE CHIEF TO ACCEPT AND
ADMINISTER THE FY 2024 EDWARD BYRNE MEMORIAL
JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) TO BE USED FOR
PURCHASE OF LICENSE PLATE READER CAMERAS (LPR)
Captain Jimenez provided a report on the item.
Brief 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. 2, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following voice vote:
Roll CaII: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores
Motion Passed.
3. Presentation of the City of Bell's Draft Urban Forest Management Plan. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council receive, file and provide feedback on the draft report of the City's Urban Forest Management Plan.
Councilmember Romero left the meeting at 8:03 p.m.
Councilmember Romero returned to the meeting at 8:07 p.m.
Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui introduced Dudek Consultant, Konami Otani, who then provided a PowerPoint presentation on the item.
Brief discussion ensued amongst the staff and council.
4. Consideration to approve Amendment No.1 with Willdan Engineering for Planning and Staff Augmentation Services. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve Amendment No. 1 to the Willdan Engineering Contract to increase the contract sum to $54, 000.
Community Development Director Manuel Acosta provided a report on the item.
Mayor Saleh recommended that the contract be amended to end June 30, 2025.
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 22.2025
Brief discussion ensued amongst the staff and council.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda item no. 4, with Mayor Saleh recommendations. Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following voice vote:
RoII Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flares
Motion Passed.
5. Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Budget Calendar. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the FY 2025-2026 Budget calendar.
Finance Director Rickey Manbahal provided a report on the item.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda item no. 5, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following voice vote:
RoII CaII: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores
Motion Passed.
6. Consideration and Adoption of Resolution Accepting, Approving and Adopting the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Bell and the Bell Executive Management Association for the period of July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2027. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Resolution No. 2025-03, titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL,
CALIFORNIA, ACCEPTING, APPROVING AND ADOPTING THE
MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF BELL
AND THE BELL EXECUTIVE MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION FOR THE
PERIOD OF JULY 1, 2024 THROUGH JUNE 30, 2027
This item was continued to the February 12, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting.
7. Consideration of approval and adopting Resolution identifying Employee Classifications, Compensation Levels, and Salary Ranges and Rescinding Resolution No. 2024-28. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waiver further reading, and adopt Resolution No. 2025-04 titled:
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City council and Related Agencies
January 22,2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL,
CALIFORNIA, IDENTIFYING EMPLOYEE CLASSIFICATIONS,
COMPENSATION LEVELS, AND SALARY RANGES, AND
RESCINDING RESOLUTION NO. 2024-28
This item was continued to the February 12, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting.
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 through 13.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda items 8-13 (Except for item 10 this item was pulled by Councilmember Quintana). Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following voice vote:
Roll CaII: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores
Motion Passed.
8. It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2025-05 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL ACCEPTING THE
CIVIC CENTER IMPROVEMENTS/FLOORING REPLACEMENT 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 retained construction contract amounts due to the contractor thirty-five (35) days after the filing of the Notice of Completion.
9. It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2025-06 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL ACCEPTING THE STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 AS COMPLETE
AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO PREPARE AND FILE THE NOTICE OF
COMPLETION WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RECORDER
2. Authorize staff to release retained construction contract amounts due to the contractor thirty-five (35) days after the filing of the Notice of Completion.
10. It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2025-07 titled:
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 22,2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BELL CITY COUNCIL APPROVING THE
BLANKET AUTHORITY TO FILE APPLICATIONS FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE
LOS ANGELES COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR
MEASURE A FUNDING FOR PROJECTS AND PROGRAMS
2. Authorize the City Manager and Director of Community Services, or their designees to execute and submit all necessary documents to implement this Resolution.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine provided information on the item.
Community Services Janine Andrade provided information on the item.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda item no. 10, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following voice vote:
RoII CaII: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores
Motion Passed.
11. City of Bell & Bell Successor Agency Investment Reports as of December 2024. (City Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency)
12. Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of December 11, 2024. (City Council)
13. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants of January 22, 2025. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
Pending Items — None
Next Regular Meeting Wednesday, February 12, 2025
Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 8:58 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 February 12, 2025. ngela Bustamante, Qity i lerk
Ali Saleh, Mayo/
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 22.2025