MINUTES OF THE REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE
Bell City Council/Bell Community Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the BeII Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Public Finance Authority April 23, 2025
5:00 P.M. Closed Session
7:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
Location: BeII 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 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 [email protected]. Your written comment must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, April 23, 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.org/?NavID=101 Mayor Saleh called the meeting to order at 5:18 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, and Mayor Saleh ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo
*Councilmember Quintana arrived at 5:21 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.
Seeing no speakers, Mayor Saleh closed public comment.
Mayor Saleh recessed the meeting to closed session at 5:20 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
BeII City Council and Related Agencies
April 23, 2025
section 54956.8)
Property: 7030 Atlantic Avenue, Bell CA 01201
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 549568)
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: 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. Anticipated Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(3) regarding significant exposure to litigation in two cases. f. Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Government Code Section 54957 (b)) Title: City Manager
g.
Public Employee Performance Evaluation (Government Code Section 54957 (b)) Title: Chief of Police
h. 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
J•
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: APN 6226-006-900,901$02,903
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 4333 Florence Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
k. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 7037 Atlantic Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 23, 2025
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
Reconvene Regular City Council Meeting
Mayor Saleh reconvened the meeting to open session at 7:14 p.m.
RoII CaII 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: Councilrnember Flores, Quintana, Romero, and Mayor Saleh.
ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine, City Attorney Dave Aleshire, Chief of Police Carlos Islas, 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, and City Clerk Angela Bustamante.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Manuel Acosta
City Attorney Report
City Attorney Dave Aleshire reported out the following: Items A -D) were discussed; there was no reportable action. Item E) was not discussed. Items F -G) were discussed; no reportable action.
Items H -K) were discussed there was no reportable action.
Presentations and Recognitions
a. Mayor 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: Salvador Duran, Edwin Gonzalez (email), Karina Torres (email), Luis Mesa (email), and Julia Sinquimani (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 Counciimembers.
Councilmember Quintana 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 Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 23, 2025
the City Council and/or the community.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine reported that he participated in a round -table discussion on the impact federal policies have on local government at the National Forum of Black Public Administrators. He shared that he would be participating in an ethics panel representing the City of Bell at the City Leaders Summit in Sacramento. He announced the departure of Community Development Director Manuel Acosta and Senior Economic Development Specialist Valentin Flores and thanked them for their contributions.
Business Session
1. Request to Reschedule the May 14, 2025, Regular City Council Meeting. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council reschedule the regular City Council meeting of May 14, 2025 to Monday, May 12, 2025.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine provided a report on the item It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 1, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following voice vote:
RoII Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed.
2. Acceptance of the 2025 Dodgers Dreamteam Foundation Grant Program Funds in the Amount of $34,560.00 and Approve the Grant Program Agreement. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2025-19 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL,
APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE LOS ANGELES DODGERS
FOUNDATION FOR THE 2025 DODGERS DREAM TEAM I BELL
YOUTH BASEBALL & T -BALL PROGRAM AND ACCEPTING GRANT
FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $34,560.00
Community Service Director Janine Andrade provided a report on the item.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution into the record.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda item no. 2, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following voice vote:
Roil CaII: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City council and Related Agencies
April 23, 2025
Motion Passed.
3. Gage Avenue Bridge Improvement Project — Approve Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement with Gannett Fleming, Inc. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve "Amendment No. 1 to the Agreement for Professional Services with Gannett Fleming, Inc.".
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute change orders to the agreement in the amount not to exceed $397,000 or 11% of the Contract Price.
City Engineer Rey Alfonso 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. 3, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following voice vote:
RoII CaII: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed.
4. Gage Avenue Bridge Improvements Project — Approve Amendment No.2 to Metro Funding Agreement. (City Council)
Recommendation: t is recommended that the City Council approve the amendment to the Funding Agreement between the City of Bell and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Authority for the Gage Avenue Bridge Improvements Project entitled, "Amendment No. 2 to Measure R Funding Agreement Between the City of Bell and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority."
City Engineer Rey Alfonso provided a report on the item.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda item no. 4, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following voice vote:
RoII Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed.
5. Adoption of a Resolution Directing Staff to Initiate the Property Owner Notice, Hearing, and Protest Process as Required by Proposition 218 for the Proposed Sewer Rates Effective July Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 23, 2025
1, 2025 through June 30, 2030. (City Council)
Recommendation: it is recommended that the City Council:
1. Accept a report prepared by Willdan Financial (Willdan) regarding the proposed sewer rates
2. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2025-20 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
STATING ITS INTENTION TO ADOPT SEWER RATES AND DIRECTING
STAFF TO GIVE NOTICE OF A PUBLIC HEARING PURSUANT TO
PROPOSITION 218
Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui introduced the item.
Wildan Financial Services Representative, Chris Fisher, provided a PowerPoint presentation on the item.
Councilmember Quintana requested that the public notice include a detailed breakdown of the proposed increases.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine further recommended that the notice clarify the proposed fees represent an annual increase, not a monthly one.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution into the record.
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 roll call vote:
RoII Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed.
6. Approval of a Letter of Intent between the City of Bell and Primestor for the property located at 6400 Atlantic Avenue. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve a Letter of Intent between the City of Bell and Primestor for the property located at 6400 Atlantic Avenue.
This item was continued to the next meeting.
7. Consideration to Reschedule the Annual City Council Reorganization. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council reschedule its annual reorganization to the regular meeting on May 28, 2025.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine provided a report on the item.
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 23, 2025
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda item no. 7, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Counciimember Romero which carried with the following voice vote:
RoII Gall: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo
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.
Recommendation: Approve agenda items 8 through 12.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda items 8-12, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following voice vote:
RoII CaII: 4-O-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Romero, and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed.
8. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the BeII Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants of April 23, 2025. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
9. Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of April 9, 2025. (City Council)
10. It is recommended that the City Council receive and file the Donations Report for the month of March 2025. (City Council)
11. It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2025-21 titled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
ACCEPTING THE ANNUAL SLURRY SEAL PROJECT (CIP NO. 7094)
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.
Minutes of the Meeting of the
BO City Council and Related Agencies
April 23. 2025
Angela Bus amant lerk
12. It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2025-22 titled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
ACCEPTING THE DEMOLITION OF BUILDINGS AND SITE
CLEARANCE PROJECT AT 6400 ATLANTIC AVENUE 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 fling of the Notice of Completion.
Pending Items — None
Next Regular Meeting Wednesday, May 14, 2025
Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 8:16 p.m. on May 12, 2025, in memory of Pope Francis.
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 eeting held on May 12, 2025. /
Ali Saleh, Mayor
Minutes of the Meeting of the
BellCity Council and Related Agencies
April 23, 2025