MINUTES OF THE REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE
Bell City Council/Bell Community Housing AuthoritylSuccessor Agency to the BeII Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Public Finance Authority March 26, 2025
5:00 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 cityclerk(@citvofbell.oro. Your written comment must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday. March 26, 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://www.citvofbell.orq!?NavID=101 Mayor Saleh called the meeting to order at 6:09 p.m.
Roll CaII of the City Council in their capacities as Councilmembers/Members of all Related Agencies: Counciimembers Flores. Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh PRESENT: Councilmember Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh.
ABSENT: Counciimembers Flores and Quintana
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine, City Attorney Dave Aleshire, 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 to closed session at 6:10 p.m.
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
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
March 26, 2025
b. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 5495.6.8)
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)
Properly: APN 6327-002-900,901
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: APN 6226-005-900.901,902,903
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: APN 6226-006-900,901,902,903
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine I I (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
f. Anticipated Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(3) regarding significant exposure to litigation in one case. g. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Government Code Section 54957 (b)) Title: City Manager
Reconvene Regular City Council Meeting
Mayor Saleh called the meeting to order at 7:08 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 Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh.
ABSENT: Councilmembers Flores and Quintana'
*Councilmember Quintana arrived at 8:20 p.m.
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine, City Attorney Dave Aleshire, Chief of Police Carlos Islas, Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui, Community Development Director Manuel Acosta, Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui, Finance Director Rickey Manbahal, Deputy Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Gina Skibar, Community Services Director Janine Andrade, Community Services Deputy Director Rebbeca Silva -Barron.
Mayor Saleh led the pledge of allegiance.
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
March 26, 2025
City Attorney Report
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 reported out the following: Item F) was discussed; there was no reportable action. Item G) was discussed with the absence of City Manager Michael L. Antwine; there was no reportable action. Items A -E were not discussed.
Presentations and Recognitions
a. Mayor Citizens Award
This item was continued to the next meeting.
b. LAUSD Presentation on School Facility Improvements
Senior Facilities Development Manager and Regional Planning Manager Jennifer Iceland provided a presentation. LAUSD Director Lorena Padilla-Melendez provided additional information.
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: Amin Nash, Edwin Gonzalez, and Luis Mesa.
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.
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 had nothing to report.
Business Session
1. Consideration to Approve a Letter of Support for the Middle Eastern and North African Inclusion Act. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the Letter of Support for the Middle Eastern and North African Inclusion Act (AB -91).
Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui provided a report on the item.
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 roll call vote:
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
March 26, 2025
Roll Call: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmember Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN. None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores and Quintana
Motion Passed.
2. Authorize the Police Chief to accept and administer the State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) Grant in the amount of $51,©00.00 to assist the police department in obtaining security cameras and media storage upgrades to monitor critical infrastructures and crowded places within the City of Bell. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2025-13 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF CITY OF BELL
AUTHORIZING THE POLICE CHIEF TO ACCEPT AND ADMINISTER
THE FY 2022 HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT PROGRAM (HSGP)
STATE HOMELAND SECURITY PROGRAM (SHSP) SUBRECIPIENT
AWARD OF $5'1,000.00 TO BE USED FOR THE PURCHASE OF VIDEO
SECURITY SYSTEMS AND INSTALLATION
Chief of Police Carlos Islas provided a report on the item.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 2, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmember Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Flores and Quintana
Motion Passed.
Mayor Saleh recessed the meeting at 7:45 p.m.
Mayor Saleh reconvened the meeting at 8:08 p.m.
3. Approval of Agreement with Kaizen Software Services for a Recreation and Reservations Management Solution. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve an agreement with Kaizen Software Services for the implementation of a comprehensive recreation and reservations management solution for Bell Community Services Department programs, services and facilities; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute any necessary documents to Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
March 26, 2025
facilitate the agreement and system implementation.
Community Service Director Janine Andrade provided a report on the item.
Kaizen Software Services Representative WiII Harrison provided additional information.
Brief discussion ensued amongst the council.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 3, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII CaII: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmember Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Flores and Quintana
Motion Passed.
4. Resolution Adopting the City of Bell's Urban Forest Management Plan (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council adopt the City of Bell's Urban Forest Management Plan and read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2025-14 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL,
CALIFORNIA ADOPTING THE CITY'S URBAN FOREST
MANAGEMENT PLAN
Councilmember Quintana arrived at 8:20 p.m.
Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui provided a report on the item.
Brief discussion ensued amongst the council and staff.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
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 roll call 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.
5. Pavement Management Program Update - Award of Contract (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
March 26, 2025
Award a contract to Bucknam Infrastructure Group, Inc. in the amount of $31,300 for the Pavement Management Program Update.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute contract amendments to the project in a total amount not to exceed $3,131 (ten percent of the proposed amount) for any necessary additional work.
Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui provided a report on the item.
Brief discussion ensued amongst the council and staff.
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 roll call 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.
6. Consideration of an Agreement with Witt O'Brian's, LLC, for Local Hazardous Mitigation Plan (LHMP) Services. (City Council)
Recommendation: it is recommended that the City Council approve a New Agreement with Witt O'Brian's, LLC. for Local Hazardous Mitigation Plan (LHMP) Services in the amount not -to -exceed S86,520 50
Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui provided a report on the item.
Brief discussion ensued amongst the council and staff.
It was moved by Vice -Mayor Arroyo to approve agenda item no. 6, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll calf vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilrnembers Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores
Motion Passed.
7. Recommendation to Enter into A Professional Services Agreement with Elevate Public Affairs for Public Relations Services (City Council/Bel! Community Housing Authority) Recommendation: it is recommended that the Chair and Members of the Board read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2025-16 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
AUTHORIZING FY 2024-2025 BUDGET AMENDMENT TO TRANSFER
$180,000 FROM THE BELL COMMUNITY HOUSING AUTHORUTY
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
March 26, 2025
(BCHA) FUND BALANCE RESERVE TO THE BCHA ACCOUNT AND
APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH ELEVATE PUBLIC AFFAIRS FOR
PUBLIC RELATIONS SERVICES
Community Development Director Manuel Acosta provided a report on the item.
Brief discussion ensued amongst the council and staff.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 7, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following roll call 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. Approve a Resolution of the City Council of the City of Bell Authorizing a FY 2024-2025 Budget Amendment to transfer S116,800 from the Bell Community Housing Authority (BCHA) Fund Balance Reserve to the BCHA Account and Approve a Professional Services Agreement with TRANSYSTEMS Company for a Closure Impact Report. (City Council/Belt Community Housing Authority)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Chair and Members of the Board:
Approve the proposals from Overland, Pacific & Cutler, LLC (OPC), a TranSystems company, to provide consulting services for the preparation of Closure Impact Reports (CIR) for the following APN's:
2. APNs: 6226-005-900-903, 6226-006-900, 6226-006-901, 6226- 006-902, and 6226-006-903
3. APN: 6327-002-900, 901
2. Read by title only,, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2025-17 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
AUTHORIZING FY 2024-2025 BUDGET AMENDMENT TO TRANSFER
$116,800 FROM THE BELL COMMUNITY HOUSING AUTHORITY
(BCHA) FUND BALANCE RESERVE TO THE BCHA ACCOUNT AND
APPROVE A PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH
TRANSYSTEMS COMPANY FOR A CLOSURE IMPACT REPORT
Community Development Director Manuel Acosta provided a report on the item.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
March 26. 2025
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 8, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following roll call 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.
9. Approval of a Professional Services Agreement for Appraisal Services for the following APNs: 6327-002-900, 901, 6226-005-900-903, 6226-006-900, 6226-006-901, 6226-006- 902, and 6226-006-903. (City Council/Bell Community Housing Authority) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Chair and Members of the Board read by title only. waive further reading, and adopt Resolution No. 2025-15 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
AUTHORIZING FY 2024-25 BUDGET AMENDMENT TO
TRANSFER $199,500 FROM THE BELL COMMUNITY HOUSING
AUTHORUTY (BCHA) FUND BALANCE RESERVE TO THE
BCHA ACCOUNT AND APPROVE AN AGREEMENT WITH
NETZER & ASSOCIATES FOR APPRAISAL SERVICES FOR
APNS: 6327-002-900, 901, 6226-005-900-903, 6226-006-900, 6226-006-901, 6226-006-902, and 6226-006-903
Community Development Director Manuel Acosta provided a report on the item.
Brief discussion ensued amongst the council and staff.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 9, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following roll call 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.
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 Vice -Mayor Arroyo to approve agenda items 10 through 12 (except for item 11.
This item was pulled by Councilmember Quintana). Motion was seconded by Councilmember Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
March 26, 2025
Romero 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.
Recommendation: Approve agenda items 10 through 12.
10. Donation Report for the months of December 2024 - February 2025 (City Council)
11. Minutes for the Regular City Council Meetings of March 12, 2025. (City Council) Councilmember Quintana requested that the missing times on pg. 1 and 5 be provided and brought back to the next council meeting.
City Clerk Angela Bustamante stated the minutes would be brought back to the next council meeting with the corrections.
12. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants of March 26, 2025. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
Pending Items — None
Next Regular Meeting Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 9:08 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 April 9, 2025. cyr
Angela Bustama
Ali Saleh, Mayo
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
March 26, 2025