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 April 9, 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 fisted 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 citycterk(o7cityofbell.orq. Your written comment rnust be subrnitted by 4pm on Wednesday, April 9. 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.cityofbell.orqONavID=101 Vice -Mayor Arroyo called the meeting to order at 5:14 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 Romero arrived at 5:15 p.m.
*Mayor Saleh arrived at 5:55 p.m.
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine, City Attorney Dave Aleshire, Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui, Community Development Director Manuel Acosta, and Deputy Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Gina Skibar.
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 5:15 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 Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 9, 2025
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
b. 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: 6400 Atlantic 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: 4738 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: 5241 Florence Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
Anticipated Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(3) regarding significant exposure to litigation in two cases. g.
Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Government Code Section 54957 (b)) Title: City Manager
Reconvene Regular City Council Meeting
Mayor Saleh reconvened the meeting to open session at 7:08 p.m.
Roll Call of the City Council in their capacities as CouncilmemberslMembers 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
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine, City Attorney Dave Aleshire, Captain Jose Jimenez, 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 Rickey Manbahal, Deputy Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Gina Skibar, Community Services Director Janine Andrade, Community Services Deputy Director Rebbeca Silva -Barron, Assistant City Clerk Marisa Craft, and City Clerk Angela Bustamante.
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 9, 2025
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Saleh
City Attorney Report
City Attorney Dave Aleshire reported out the following: Item A) was not discussed. Items B -D) a status report was given; no reportable action was taken. Items E F) was not discussed. Item G) there was preliminary discussion with no reportable action. Mayor Saleh was only present for Items Band G.
Presentations and Recognitions
a Mayor Citizens Award
Nancy Cervantes de Medrano was recognized for receiving Blanca Pacheco's Woman of the Year Award and for her contributions to the community. She gave a brief speech.
b. Proclamation declaring April as National Arab -American Heritage Month Mayor Saleh read the proclamation.
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: Antonio Robles Mayor and City Council Communications
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 1234, this is the time and place to provide a brief report an meetings, seminars and conferences attended by the Mayor and City Counclmembers.
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 reported that the City's Family Night Market would begin on Saturday, April 19th on Gage and Atlantic. He thanked City Manager Executive Assistant Lisa Guzman and Community Services Director Janine Andrade for their efforts in planning the State of the City.
Business Session
1. Authorize the Police Chief to accept and administer the FY 2023 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) in the amount of S14,702.00 to purchase and install License Plate Readers (LPRs) 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 2025-18 titled:
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 9, 2025
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
AUTHORIZING THE POLICE CHIEF TO ACCEPT AND
ADMINISTER THE FISCAL YEAR 2023 EDWARD BYRNE
MEMORIAL JUSTICE ASSISTANCE GRANT (JAG) TO BE USED
FOR PURCHASE AND INSTALLATION OF LICENSE PLATE
READER CAMERAS (LPR)
Mayor Saleh left the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
Captain Jimenez 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. 1, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana 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.
2. City of Bell and Bell Successor Agency Investment Reports as of February 2025. (City Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council receive and file.
Mayor Saleh returned to the meeting at 7:40 p.m.
Finance Director Rickey Manbahal provided a report on the item 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:
Ron Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, and Vice -Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
3. Approve the Agreement with The Pun Group Accountants & Advisors, for Auditing Services for three (3) years, with two (2) one-year extensions.
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the Agreement with The Pun Group Accountants & Advisors, for Professional Auditing Services for three (3) years, with two (2) one-year extensions.
Finance Director Rickey Manbahal provided a report on the item Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 9, 2025
It was moved by Vice -Mayor Arroyo to approve agenda item no. 3, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 5-D-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
4. Consideration to Approve Amendment No. 1 with Kosmont Realty for Pre -Disposition Real Estate Advisory, Due Diligence Services, Brokerage, and Economic Development Advisory Services. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with Kosmont Companies for Economic Development Advisory Services, increasing the total contract amount not to exceed $93, 500 and extending the agreement term by one (1) year.
Mayor Saleh left the meeting at 7:47 p.m.
Community Development Director Manuel Acosta provided a report on the item.
Brief discussion ensued amongst the staff and council.
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: 4-O-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, and Vice -Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
5. Consideration to approve the Amended and Restated Agreement with Terra Realty Advisors - Real Estate Services on Outdoor Advertising/Billboard. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve Amended and Restate Agreement with Terra Realty Advisors for real estate services for outdoor advertising/digital billboards with a total contract amount not to exceed $77.500 and including a one-year extension and a two (1) year options at the City's discretion.
Community Development Director Manuel Acosta provided a report on the item.
Discussion ensued amongst the staff and council_
Councilmember Quintana requested that the item be brought back as a presentation to the council'.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine confirmed staff could bring the item back as a presentation.
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 9, 2025
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 5, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 40-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, and Vice -Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
6. Consideration to Approve Amendment No. 2 with Community Service Group (CSC). (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve Contract Amendment No. 2 with the Community Service Group (CSG) for on -call planning and special project management services for both city -owned and privately owned projects, in an amount not exceeding $130,000.
Mayor Saleh returned to the meeting at 8:11 p.m.
Counciimember Romero left the meeting at 8:12 p.m.
Community Development Director Manuel Acosta provided a report on the item.
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:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero
Motion Passed.
7. First Amendment to City of Bell City Manager Employment Agreement. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the First Amendment to the City of Bell City Manager Employment Agreement.
Deputy Director of Human Resources and Risk. Management provided a report on the item.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda item no. 7, 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, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero
Motion Passed.
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 9. 2025
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 Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following voice vote:
Roll Can: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Quintana, Flores, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh 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 April 9, 2025. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Belt Community Housing Authority).
9. Minutes for the Regular City Council Meetings of March 12 and March 26, 2025. (City Council)
Pending Items — None
Next Regular Meeting Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 8:21 in memory of former Councilmember Danny Herber.
I, Angela Bustamante, City Clerk of the City of Bell, certi that the foregoing minutes were approved by the City Council of the City of Bell at a regular neeting held on April 23, 2025.
Angela Buamant
erk
Ali Saleh, Mayor
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 9, 2025