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 August 27, 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 1N -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. Pease 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 r(i.cityofbell.orgg. Your written comment must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, August 27, 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 httn '/ www.cityofbell orgPNavID=1 01 CaII to Order
Mayor Saleh called the meeting to order at 5:39 p.m.
Roll 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 Romero. Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh ABSENT: Councilmembers Flores and Quintana"
*Councilmernber Quintana arrived at 6:46 p.m.
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.
There were no public comments. Mayor Saleh closed the public comment period.
Mayor Saleh recessed the meeting to closed session at 5:41 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
Bell City Council and Rebated Agencies
August 27, 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. 4570 Gage Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine H (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: 6412 Woodward Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
d. Anticipated Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(3) regarding significant exposure to litigation in two cases. e. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 6400 Atlantic Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine H (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 6226-005-900.901,902,903
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
g. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: APN 6226-006-900,901,902,903
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine I li (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: 6335 Pine Avenue. Bell CA 90201
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: 6339 Pine Avenue, Bell CA 90201
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)
Minutes of the
BellCity Council and Related Agencies
August 27. 2025
Property: 6339 Atlantic Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager). and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
Mayor Saleh reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:13 p.m.
Roll Call of the City Council in their capacities as Councilmembers/Members of all Related Agencies: Counclrnembers Flores. Quintana, Romero. Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh PRESENT: Councilmembers Romero, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh (4) ABSENT: Councilmember Flores (1)
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine, City Attorney Dave Aleshire. Chief of Police Damian Velasco, Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso, Interim Community Development Director Guillermo Arreola, Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui, 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.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Saleh.
City Attorney Report
City Attorney Dave Aleshire reported the following from closed session: Items (a) through (c) were discussed. with no reportable action taken. Items (d) through (g) were not discussed. Items (h) through (j) were discussed, with no reportable action taken. Councilmember Quintana only participated in item (j).
Presentations and Recognitions
Mayor Saleh added a presentation to the agenda by Los Angeles Unified School District Board Member Karla Griego, which was presented first under presentations.
a. Recognition of Former Chief of Police Carlos Islas — Presented by Mayor Saleh. b. Presentation: New Website Update — Presented by Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui.
c. Business Assistance Program by LEEAF — Introduced by Interim Community Development Director Guillermo Arreola and presented by LEEAF Executive Director' Elaine Rodriguez.
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: 1) Ana Maria Quintana, 2) Kathy Teague, 3) Nelida Sanchez, 4) Jose Magallon, 5) Crystal Rofloc, 6) Antonio Davila, 7) Nora Saenz, and 8) Alma Rico.
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
August 27. 2025
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 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 expressed his appreciation to all staff involved in the recent special events hosted by the city.
Mayor Saleh permitted Ms. Noelia Gutierrez to address the Council, noting that she had not been aware of the requirement to submit a public comment card but had intended to provide remarks.
Mayor Saleh left the meeting at 8:37 p.m.
Business Session
A Resolution in Support of the Lower LA River Para Todos Campaign. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only. waive further reading. and adopt Resolution No. 2025-52 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
IN SUPPORT OF THE LA LOWER RIVER PARA TODOS
CAMPAIGN
Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui presented 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 Call: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Quintana and Vice -Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores and Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
2. Consideration To Approve a Public Works Agreement between the City of Bell and Bear Electrical Solutions. LLC., for Streetlight Maintenance and Repair Services. (City Council) Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
August 27. 2025
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve a Public Works Agreement between the City of Bell and Bear Electrical Solutions LLC., for Streetlight Maintenance and Repair Services in an amount not to exceed $185,000 annually for a term of three (3) years.
Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui presented a report on the item.
A discussion ensued amongst the Council and Staff. Mr Antwine provided additional information on the item.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 2, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Quintana and Vice -Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores and Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
3. A Resolution of the City of Bell Community Housing Authority to declaring Assessor Parcel Number (`APN") 6325-018-901, exempt surplus land under the Surplus Land Act (Government Code sections 54220 et seq.). (Bell Community Housing Authority) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only. waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2025-48 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF BELL COMMUNITY HOUSING
AUTHORITY DECLARING ASSESSOR'S PARCEL NUMBER
6325-018-901 IN THE CITY OF BELL EXEMPT SURPLUS LAND
PURSUANT TO THE SURPLUS LAND ACT (GOVERNMENT
CODE SECTIONS 54220 ET SEQ.)
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II presented a report on the item.
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 roll call vote:
RoII Call: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Quintana and Vice -Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores and Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
4. Increase City of Bell Purchase Order Limit to $5,010. (City Council) Recommendation: it is recommended that the City Council approve the purchase order limit increase to five thousand dollars ($5.000).
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
August 27 2025
Finance Director Rickey Manbahal presented a report on the item.
A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
Councilmember Quintana requested to bring back the policy reflecting the changes.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 4. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII CaII: 3-4-Q-2
AYES Councilmembers Romero, Quintana and Vice -Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT Councilmember Flores and Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
5. Consideration to approve Amendment No. 2 with Transtech Engineers Inc. for contract building official, building inspector, and plan check related services. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the removal of the yearly cap and increase the contract sum with Transtech Engineers Inc. for contract building official, building inspector, and plan check related services for, and on behalf of, the City.
Interim Community Development Director Guillermo Arreola presented a report on the item.
A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
Councifinernber Quintana expressed concern regarding the proposed removal of the contract cap.
City Attorney Dave Aleshire recommended continuing the item to allow for a detailed review of the original contract.
Item was continued to the next meeting.
6. Approval of Bus Wrap Design Concept 2 for the City of Bell Fixed Route. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve Bus Wrap Design Concept 2 for the City of Bell Fixed Route Vehicle
2. Authorize staff to proceed with final production and selected' design Community Services Director Janine Andrade presented a report on the item and noted that. based on prior conversations with the City Council, Option No. 2 appeared to be the most favorable.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 6, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 3-a-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Romero. Quintana and Vice -Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
August 27 2025
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores and Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
7. Annual Appointments of Council Members to Serve on Various Committees. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the:
1. City Council review and discuss the appointments of council members on the various committees;
2. Mayor appoint members to serve on the various committees, following recommendations from each council member as to where they would like to serve; and
3. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2025-49 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
APPROVING THE COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO REGIONAL
ORGANIZATIONS, VARIOUS BOARDS AND AGENCIES
Item was continued to the next council 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 reading of the full text of ordinances and resolutions will be waived unless a Councilmember requests otherwise.
Recommendation: Approve agenda items 8 through 14.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda items 8 through 14. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 3-O-0-2
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Quintana and Vice -Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores and Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
8. Receive and File Donations Report for the month of July 2025. (City Council)
9. It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2025-50 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL ACCEPTING THE PRITCHARD FIELD IMPROVEMENT PROJECT- PHASE 1, AS
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
August 27. 2025
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.
10. It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Read by title only. waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2025-51 titled:
"A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL ACCEPTING
THE CIVIC CENTER ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM PROJECT AS COMPLETE
AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO PREPARE AND FILE THE NOTICE OF COMPLETION WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RECORDER"; and
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.
11. Receive and File the Bell & Bell Successor Agency Investment Reports as of July 2025. (City Council and Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency)
12. Minutes for the Regular City Council Meetings of June 25, 2025 and July 23, 2025, and for the Special Meeting held on July 23. 2025. (City Council)
13. It is recommended that the City Council approve the revised classification specification for the position of Housing Coordinator to Housing Specialist and authorize staff to incorporate the updated specification into the City's Classification Plan.
14. General Warrants. Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants of August 27, 2025. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority)..
Pending Items — None
Next Regular Meeting Wednesday, September 10, 2025
Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 9:34 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 September 10, 2025. rigela Busta i ante, City
Ali Saleh. Mayor
Minutes of the
Bell City Council and Related Agencies
August 27. 2025