MINUTES 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 June 25, 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 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 citvclerkacityofbell orq Your written comment must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, June 25, 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 f/www_cityofbell.orq!?NavID=1ioi CaII to Order
Mayor Saleh called the meeting to order at 5:15 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: Counciimember Flores, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Councilmennber Romero
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine U. City Attorney Dave Aleshire, Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui, 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.
There were no public comments. Mayor Saleh closed the public comment period.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine requested that 4570 Gage Avenue be added to closed session agenda.
It was moved by Councilrnember Flores and seconded by Councilmember Quintana to add 4570 Gage Avenue to the Closed Session. The motion carried with the following roll call vote:
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 25 2025
Roll Call Vote: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh
NOES: None
ABSTAIN None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero and Vice -Mayor Arroyo.
Motion Passed.
Mayor Saleh recessed the meeting to closed session at 5:17 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 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
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: 6502 Flora 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: 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
f. 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 II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
g.
Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation, Government Code Section Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 25, 2025
54956.9(d)(1), Quintero vs City of Bell, (ADJ#17522498, ADJ17822363 Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation, Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1), Esquivel vs City of Bell. (ADJ#1842280
i. Conference with Legal Counsel — Existing Litigation, Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1), Perez, et. al vs City of Bell, (Case no. 3038839) Reconvene Regular City Council Meeting
Mayor Saleh called the meeting at 7:05 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 Flores, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Councilmember Romero
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Saleh
City Attorney Report
The City Attorney will report on any action(s) to be taken by the City Council/Agencies on Closed Session matters.
City Attorney Dave Aieshire reported out the following: Items A, B, D, E, F) related to real property were discussed; no reportable action taken. Item C) was not discussed. Items G -H) were discussed; no reportable action was taken. Item I) was not discussed. The added real property item 4570 Gage was discussed; no reportable action was taken.
Presentations and Recognitions
a. Mayor Citizens Award
This item was continued to the next meeting.
Proclamation declaring July as Parks and. Recreation Month Mayor Saleh read the proclamation.
c. Proclamation declaring June as LGBTQ Pride Month
Mayor Saleh read the proclamation.
d. Retirement of Bell Police Captain Jose Jiminez
The council presented a plaque of recognition to Captain Jiminez. Police Chief Carlos Islas and City Manager Michael L. Antwine II spoke and thanked Captain Jiminez.
Communications from the Public
During this time 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. Luis Mesa, Jesse Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell Clty Council and Related Agencies
June 25, 2025
Salazar, Terell Jones, George Magallanes, Mandy, Rigorberto Banderas, Nora Saenz, Antonio Robles, and Anthony Centeno. Ofelia Medina (e-mail), Merli Abizures (e-mail), and Michael Leyva (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.
Councilmember Quintana made a comment.
Councilmember Flores made a comment.
Mayor Saleh made a comment.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine read a comment on behalf of Vice -Mayor Arroyo.
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
1. Proposition 218 Public Hearing Adopting Changes to Sewer Rates. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Conduct a public hearing pursuant to Section 6(a)(2) of Article D of the California Constitution regarding the proposed changes to the sewer rates;
2. During the Public Hearing, consider all protests of the proposed changes to the sewer rates:.
3. Close the Public Hearing; and
4. if written protests of the proposed sewer rates are presented by less than a majority owners of the affected parcels of real property, take the following actions:
Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2025-31 titled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
ADOPTING SEWER RATES FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS,
COMMENCING JULY 1, 2025, AND MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS IN CONECTION THEREWITH."
AND
Read by title only, waive further reading and Introduce Ordinance No. 1294 titled:
"AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF BELL ADOPTING SEWER RATES
FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS, COMMENCING JULY 1, 2025, AND
MAKING CERTAIN FINDINGS IN CONNECTION THEREWITH"
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 25, 2025
Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui provided an introduction on the item.
Consultant Chris Fisher from Wildan Financial Services provided a PowerPoint presentation.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided additional information.
Mayor Saleh opened the Public Hearing.
Public Speakers in Favor
None
Public Speakers Opposed
Nora Saenz
Gerardo Zuniga
Mayor Saleh closed the Public Hearing.
City Clerk Angela Bustamante announced that there were 9 oppositions.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda item no. 1, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll CaII: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero and Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the ordinance.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda item no. 1.2, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll CaII: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero and Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed.
2. Public Hearing: City Vacancies Report Pursuant to Assembly Bill 2561. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council conduct a public hearing to receive the City Vacancies Report pursuant to Assembly Bill 2561 and allow for any presentations from the City's represented bargaining units. This item is informational only; no Council action or resolution is required.
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 25, 2025
Human Resources and Risk Manager Gina Skibar provided a report on the item.
Mayor Saleh opened the public hearing.
Public Speakers
None
Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing.
It was moved by Councilmember Flores to approve agenda item no. 2. as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 3 -fl -0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero and Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed.
3. Adoption of the Recommended Budget for Fiscal Year 2025-2026. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2025-27 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
ADOPTING THE CITY BUDGET FOR THE FISCAL YEAR
COMMENCING JULY 1, 2025, AND ENDING JUNE 30, 2026
Finance Director Rickey Manbahal provided a PowerPoint presentation on the item.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided a additional information on the item.
Discussion ensued amongst the staff and council.
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 Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda item no. 3, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Flores. Quintana, and Mayor Saleh
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero and Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 25, 2025
Motion Passed.
Business Session
4. Adopting a List of Projects for Fiscal Year 2025-2026 for the use of funds from the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB-1). (City Council) Recommendation: it is recommended that Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2025-32 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
ADOPTING A LIST OF PROJECTS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2025-
2026 TOTALLY OR PARTIALLY FUNDED BY SB-1: THE ROAD
REPAIR AND ACCOUNTABILITY ACT OF 2017 (SB 1')
City Engineer Rey Alfonso provided a report on the item.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
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 roll call vote:
RoII CaII: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT Councilmember Romero and Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed.
5 Street Improvement Project Fiscal Year 2024-2025 — Award of Contract. (City Council) Recommendation: it is recommended that Council:
1. Award a construction contract in the amount of $970,144.10 to Sequel Contractors, Inc. for the Street Improvement Project Fiscal Year 2024.2025; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute contract change orders in a total amount not to exceed $97,014.41 (ten percent of the bid amount) for any necessary additional work.
This item was continued to the next meeting.
6. Consideration to Approve an Agreement between the City of Bell and Salazar Landscaping dba SLA, Inc. (SLA) for Citywide Landscape Maintenance Services. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve a Public Works Agreement between the City of Bell and SLA Inc, for Citywide Landscape Maintenance Services in an amount not -to -exceed $131,040 annually fora term of 3 years with the option to extend it by 2 additional one-year terms.
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 25, 2025
Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui provided a report on the item.
Councilmember Quintana inquired about the terms of the agreement.
Discussion ensued amongst the staff and council.
Representative from Salazar Landscaping dba SLA, Inc. provided additional information.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire revised Exhibit B, Section 3.4, to read "In the event the terra is extended at the City's option, the rates shall be increased by the increase in CPI occurring over the prior twelve months."
Councilmember Quintana requested that the contract be brought back in final form to the consent calendar.
It was moved by Councilmember Flores to approve agenda item no. 6, with City Attorney's recommendation. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Cali: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero and Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed.
7. Amended and Restated Joint Exercise of Powers Authority Agreement with Gateway Water Management Authority. (City Council)
Recommendation: it is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2025-33 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
APPROVING THE AMENDED AND RESTATED JOINT
EXERCISE OF POWERS AUTHORITY AGREEMENT, AS
PRESENTED
Interim Public Works Director Joh Oskoui provided a report on the item.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
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 voice vote:
RoII Call: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero and Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 25, 2025
Motion Passed.
8. Appointments to the Governing Board of the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Authority. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2025-34:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
APPOINTING A MEMBER AND ALTERNATE TO THE LOS
ANGELES GATEWAY REGION INTEGRATED REGIONAL
WATER MANAGEMENT JOINT POWERS AUTHORITY
GOVERNING BOARD
Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui provided a report on the item.
The City Council appointed Associate Civil Engineer German Alvarez as member and Public Works Manager Kenneth Jones as an alternate.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda item no. 8, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll CaII: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero and Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed.
9. Approval of Amendment No. 7 to the Agreement with Willdan Engineering for Professional Engineering Services. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve Amendment No. 7 to the Agreement for Contract Services between the City of Bell and Willdan Engineering with the following key terms:
1. Extend the term of the Agreement to June 30, 2026, with an option to renew for an additional one-year to June 30, 2027: and
2. Maintain current hourly rates at the July 1, 2020 pricing.
This item was continued to the next meeting.
10. Approval of a Purchase and Sale Agreement between the City of Bell and Mr. Mohamad and Mrs. Cecilia Khalil for certain real property located at 6502 Flora Avenue. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2025-35 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE OF THE CITY
OF BELL APPROVING A PURCHASE AND SALE AGREEMENT
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 25, 2025
WITH MUHAMMAD KHALI AND CECILIA KHALIL FOR
CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6502 FLORA AVENUE IN
THE CITY OF BELL
This item was continued to the next meeting.
11. Authorization for the Purchase of Microsoft Office 365. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the city council authorize the purchase of Microsoft Office 365, through Intelli-Tech for the period of June 2025 to June 2026. This acquisition will continue to enhance our productivity, improve collaboration, and ensure we have access to the latest tools and security features.
Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui provided a report on the item.
It was moved by Councilmember Flores to approve agenda item no. 11, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero and Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed.
12. Consideration to Approve Amendment No. 1 with Municipal Translation Inc. for Translation and Interpretation Services at Council and Commission meetings. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve Amendment No. 1 to the agreement with Municipal Translation Inc. for translation and interpretation services, extending the term of the agreement from July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026.
Item was continued to the next city council meeting.
13. Second Amendment to City of Bell 2022 City Manager Employment Agreement. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the Second Amendment to the City of Bell 2022 employment agreement for Michael L Antwine II as the City Manager.
Deputy Director of Human Resources and Risk Management Gina Skibar provided a report on the item.
It was moved by Councilmember Flores to approve agenda item no. 13, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII CaII: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 25, 2025
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero and Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed
14. Consider Contingent Approval of Appointment of Damian A. Velasco as Chief of Police and Approval of Chief of Police Employment Agreement. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the appointment of Damian A. Velasco as Chief of Police, contingent upon his successful completion of the standard POST pre -employment screening/background investigation and authorize the City Manager to execute the Chief of Police Employment Agreement.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided a report on the item.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the terms of the employment agreement and the title of Resolution 2025-37:
"A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Bell Contingently Approving the Appointment of Daman A. Velasco to the Position of Chief of Police and Authorizing the City Manager to Execute Employment Agreement"
Police Chief Damien Velasco spoke.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda item no. 14, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 3-0-0-2
YES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero and Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed
15. Approval of a Fiscal Year 2024/25 Budget Amendment to Transfer $250,000 from General Fund Reserves to the Community Development Department's Professional Services Fund Recommendation: It is recommended that City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2025-36 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
APPROVING A FISCAL YEAR 2024-25 BUDGET AMENDMENT
TO TRANSFER $250,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND
RESERVES TO THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENTS PROFESSIONAL SERVICES ACCOUNT
This item was continued to the next 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 Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 25. 2025
Angela Busta -nte, ity Ierk
reading of the full text of ordinances and resolutions will be waived unless a Councilmember requests otherwise.
Recommendation: Approve agenda items 16 through 18.
it was moved by Councilmember Flores to approve agenda items 16 through 18. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana which carried with the following voice vote:
Roll Call: 3-0-0-2
YES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero and Vice -Mayor Arroyo
16. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants of June 25, 2025. (Council/SuccessorAgency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
17. Receive and File Donations Report for the month of May 2025. (City Council)
18. Receive and File City of Bell's and the Bell Successor Agency Investment Report as of May 2025. (City Council)
Pending Items — None
Annual Reorganization of the City Council
The Reorganization of the Bell City Council for the year of 2025 in accordance with Bell Municipal Code Section 2.04.030(b).
a) Election of Mayor
b) Election of Vice Mayor
This item was continued to the next meeting.
July 9, 2025 Regular City Council Meeting Cancelled
Next Regular Meeting Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 9:57 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 August 27, 2025.
Ali Saleh, Mayor
Minutes of the Meeting of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
June 25. 2025