MINUTES OF THE REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE
BeII City Council/Bell Community Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Public Finance Authority February 12, 2025
5:00 P.M. Closed Session
7:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
Location: Bell Community Center, 6250 Pine Avenue, BeII CA 90201
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN -PERSON AT THE BELL COMMUNITY CENTER PUBLIC COMMENT: If you wish to snake 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 Bell City Council meetings at cit clerk cit ofbell.or . Your written comment must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, February 12, 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.11 www.citvofbell.orgf?NavID=101 Mayor Saleh called the meeting to order at CaII to Order 5:11 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 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 Resource Manager Gina Skibar, 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 to closed session at 5:11 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:
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PR©P€RTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 6400 Atlantic Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
February 12.2025
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 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
e. 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 beDetermined
f. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS- Government Code Section 54957.6.
Agency designated representatives Michael L. Antwine It (City Manager). and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Employee Organization: Bell Executive Management Association (BEMA)
Reconvene Regular City Council Meeting
Mayor Saleh reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
Roll Call of the City Council in their capacities as CouncilmembersiMernbers of all Related Agencies: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero. Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh PRESENT: Councilmernber Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh.
ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine, City Attorney Dave Aleshire. Chief of Police Carlos Islas, Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso, Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui, Public Works Manager Kenneth Jones. Community Development Director Manuel Acosta, Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui, Finance Director Rickey Manbahal, Human Resources and Risk Manager Gina Skibar, and Community Services Director Janine Andrade.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Saleh
City Attorney Report
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
February 12,2025
The City Attorney will report out on any action(s) to be taken by the City Council/Agencies on Closed Session matters.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire report out the following Items A -E were discussed: no reportable action was taken. Item F) direction was given to negotiators: no reportable action was taken.
Presentations and Recognitions
a. Proclamation declaring the month of February 2025 as Black. History Month Mayor Saleh read the proclamation.
b. Mayor's Citizen Award
This item was continued to the next meeting.
c. Public Works Department Introduction of newly hired Public Works Manager Kenneth Jones
Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui introduced new Public Works Manager Kenneth Jones. Public Works Manager jones expressed gratitude to the council. d. Holiday Village Sponsor Recognition
Community Services Recreation Supervisor Alvin Tumala awarded Republic Services, the Bell Police Officer Association, Mr. C's Towing and Downey Federal Credit Union with certificates of recognition.
e. Republic Services SB1383 Presentation
Representative from Republic Services provided a power point presentation.
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. Edwin Gonzalez and Kathy Teague.
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 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 reminded the community there would be the upcoming Mayor's Town Meetings held on February 19rh and 22nd where topics like public safety and economic development. He then announced that there would be a groundbreaking ceremony for In -N -Out on Saturday, March 15' at 10:00 a.m.
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
February 12,2025
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 items) listed under this section.
1. Item Continued from the January 22, 2025 meeting - Discussion on potential updates to the various User and Regulatory Fees. (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 26, 2025, regular City Council meeting.
Finance Director Rickey Manbahal introduced the item.
Consultant. Terry Madsen from Clearsource. provided a power point presentation on the item.
Public Speakers
None
Mayor Saleh continued the public hearing to the February 26. 2025 regular City Council meeting It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda item no. 1. as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following voice vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN. None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores
Motion Passed.
2. Consideration of the FY 2025-26 CDBG Program Allocation. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
Conduct the Public Hearing for appropriation of the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Community Development Block Grant Program; and
2. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2025-08 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BELL CITY COUNCIL APPROVING
THE CITY'S COMMUNITY DEVELEOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
PROGRAM FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-2026
Community Development Director Manuel Acosta provided a report on the item.
City Manager Michael L. Artwine provided additional information on the item.
Brief discussion ensued amongst the staff and council.
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
February 12.2025
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 Vice -Mayor Arroyo to approve agenda item no. 2, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana which carried with the following voice vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero. Vice -Mayor Arroyo. and Mayor Saleh NOES None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores
Motion Passed.
3. Consideration of a Resolution Approving Participation in the Los Angeles Urban County Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) Program Year 5. 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:
Read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Resolution No. 2025-09 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 5.
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.
Vice -Mayor Arroyo left the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
Community Development Director Manuel Acosta provided a report on the item.
Mayor Saleh opened the public hearing.
Public Speakers
None
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
February 12.2025
Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 3, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana which carried with the following voice vote:
RoII Call: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana. Romero. Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores and Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed.
Business Session
4. Formation of Ad Hoc Committee for Shared Public Safety Services. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council designate two members to the Ad hoc Committee.
Vice -Mayor Arroyo returned to the meeting at 8:11 p.m.
City Manager Michael L. Antwne II provided a report on the item.
Brief discussion ensued amongst the council.
Council appointed Councilmember Quintana to the ad -hoc committee.
Council appointed Mayor Saleh to the ad -hoc committee.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 4, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following voice vote:
Roll Cali: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores
Motion Passed.
5. 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 2025-03 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL,
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
February 12.2025
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
City Manager Michael L. Antwine provided a report on the item.
City Manager Michael L Antwine stated that there was an error on the staff report on pg. 147 and that the managers (three positions) the will now receive family medical, Assistant to the City Manager. Accounting Manager, and the Public Works Manager position.
Councilmember Quintana asked that three categories be included in the resolution.
Dave stated that the revisions in Subsection 2b included language stating management employees' medical coverage described here should apply to the management positions of Assistant to the City Manager, Public Works Manager, and the Accounting Manager with the above express exception noted.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no.5, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana 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.
8. 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:
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
Finance Director Rickey Manbahal 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. 6, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following voice vote:
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
February 12.2025
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Romero, and Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores
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.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda items 7 through 9. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana 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 Flores
Motion Passed.
Recommendation: Approve agenda items 7 through 9.
7. Approval of Proposed Compromise and Release and Medical Lien/ Henry Fernandez vs City of Bell (WCAB No: ADJ:17715975). (City Council)
8 Minutes for the Regular City Council Meetings of January 8 and 22, 2025. (City Council)
9. General Warrants. Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants of February 12. 2025. (Council/SuccessorAgency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
Pending Items — None
Next Regular Meeting Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 8:31 p.m in memory of Omar Martinez.
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 26, 2025.
Angela Bustamant! City Clerk
Ali Saleh, Mayor
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
February 12,2025