MINUTES OF THE REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE
Bell City Council/Bell Community Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the BeII Community Redevelopment AgencylBell Public Finance Authority September 10, 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(a cltyofbell.orq. Your written comment must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, September 10, 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.orgl7NavID=1o1 Call to Order
Mayor Saleh called the meeting to order at 5:26 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: Councilmember Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh ABSENT: Councilmembers Flores* and Quintana*
*Councilmember Quintana arrived at 5:45 p.m.
* Councilmember Flores arrived at 6:21 p.m.
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine, City Attorney Dave Aleshire, and Assistant to the City Manager Javier 0chiqui.
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 Attorney Dave Aleshire read the titles of the closed session items. He also requested that real property negotiation for 6327-002-900-901 be added to closed session agenda.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero and seconded by Vice -mayor Arroyo to add 6327 - Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
September 10, 2025
002-900-901 to the Closed Session. The motion carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilrnember Romero. Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmembers Flores and Quintana
Motion Passed.
Mayor Saleh recessed the meeting to closed session at 5:29 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:
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
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 4410 Gage Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine Il (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
c. Anticipated Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(3) regarding significant exposure to litigation in two cases. d. 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
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
Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1) Griseida Cornejo v. City of Bell, et al. Case No: 24NWCV00508 Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
September 10. 2025
Mayor Saleh reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting 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: Councilmernbers Flores, Romero*, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh (5)
ABSENT: None
*Councilmember Romero arrived at 7:20 p.m.
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 Deputy Director Rebbeca Silva -Barron, and City Clerk Angela Bustamante.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by the Chief of Police Velasco and the BeII Explorers.
City Attorney Report
City Attorney Dave Aleshire reported the following from closed session: Item a) and b) a status report was given, no action was taken. Item c) was not discussed. Item d) a status report was given, no action was taken. Items e) and f) were discussed, no action was taken. Item g) a status report was given, no action was taken. The added closed session item for real property negotiation for 6327-002-900-901 was discussed, no action was taken.
Presentations and Recognitions
a. The September 11, 2001 Commemoration was presented by Chief of Police Velasco and Battalion Chief Michael Nardone.
b. The BeII Police Officers Swearing In Ceremony for Samuel Marmolejo and Henry Palacios was conducted by Chief Velasco, who administered the oath of office. Each officer had a family member pin their badge.
c. The Mayors Citizen Award was presented by Chief of Police Velasco to Crystal Ann Rofloc, who received a certificate and expressed gratitude to the staff and council for the recognition.
d. A proclamation declaring September 2025 as Child Welfare and Attendance Month was presented by the Mayor.
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: Ruben Loya, Susana Lopez, Antonio Davila, Fidencio Gallardo, Carlos Santana, Herlinda Chico, Alma Rico, Violeta Alvarez. and Edwin Gonzalez.
Mayor and City Council Communications
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 1234, this is the time and place to provide a brief report on meetings, Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
September 10, 2025
seminars and conferences attended by the Mayor and City Councilmembers.
Councilmember Romero made a comment.
Councilmember Flores made a comment.
Councilmember Quintana 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 II reported that he attended a Gateway Cities Annual Retreat Board Meeting with Mayor Saleh and Councilmember Romero, where the City of Bell was recognized as a regional leader in three categories: Transportation, Housing, and Energy. He expressed appreciation to the Community Development Department staff who participated in a panel discussion with Metro regarding the Open Streets event, noting that Bell was the first city in Southern California to host such an event. The City will continue working with Metro to apply for an additional grant next year and will partner with neighboring cities to expand the event.
He also announced that the City will host a Community Meeting for Mobilehome Park residents on September 22n° at the Community Center. He then invited Chief Velasco to provide an update on public safety.
Public Hearings
The following item has been posted as a Public Hearing as required by law. The Mayor will open the Public Hearing(s) to receive public testimony only on the item(s) listed under this section.
Consideration of a Resolution Directing the Recorded Judgment as an Assessment. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading; and adopt Resolution No. 2025-53 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
HAVING ESTABLISHED A NUISANCE TO EXIST AT CERTAIN
PROPERTY PURSUANT TO BMC 8.36.150 AND ORDERED ITS
ABATEMENT AND THE RECORDED JUDGMENT IN SUPPORT
OF A LIEN AND A SPECIAL ASSESSMENT, HEREBY DIRECTS
SUCH JUDGMENT TO BE RECORDED IN THE RECORDS OF
THE COUNTY TREASURER/TAX COLLECTOR
Code Enforcement Supervisor Richard Arriola presented a report on the item.
Mayor Saleh opened the public hearing.
Hearing no public comments. the Mayor closed the public hearing and asked if the Council had any questions.
Hearing none, the Mayor requested a motion.
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
September 10, 2025
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda item no. 1. as recommended. Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Cali: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
Motion Passed.
Business Session
2. Update of the Pavement Management Program. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council receive and file a report on the Update of the Pavement Management Program.
Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui presented a report on the item and introduced Peter Bucknam, Owner and operator of Bucknam Infrastructure Group, who presented a PowerPoint on the city's Pavement Condition Assessment and five-year Pavement Management Program.
A discussion ensued amongst the Council and Mr. Bucknam.
It was moved by Vice -Mayor Arroyo to receive and file Agenda Item 2. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following voice vote:
Voice Vote: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores; Romero, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
3. Consideration to approve Amendment No. 1 with HDL to provide Sales and Use Tax auditing and reporting. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve Amendment No. 1 with HDL to conduct sales and use tax auditing and reporting for two (2) additional years from December 2025 to December 2027.
Finance Director Rickey Manbahal presented a report on the item.
Mayor Saleh left the meeting at 8:49 p.m. and returned at 8:55 p.m.
A discussion ensued amongst the Council and Mr. Manbahal.
Vice -Mayor Arroyo left the meeting at 8:56 p.m. and returned at 9:01 p.m.
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
September 10, 2025
Councilmember Quintana expressed dissatisfaction with staff for allowing the contract to expire without timely renewal. She requested that staff provide a list of all contracts, including their respective term dates.
It was moved by Councilmember Flores to approve Agenda Item 3, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call:
RoII Call: 4-1-0-0
AYES. Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: Councilmember Quintana
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
4. Accept and Authorize the City Manager and Police Chief to administer the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) Grant to reduce the number of traffic fatalities and injuries. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the acceptance of the OTS STEP grant: and
2. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2025-54 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
AUTHORIZING AN INTER -FUND ADVANCEMENT, INTHE AMOUNT
OF $95,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND UNRESTRICTED FUND
BALANCE TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT'S OFFICE OF TRAFFIC
SAFETY FUND ACCOUNT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING
OVERTIME TO REDUCE TRAFFIC COLLISIONS
Chief of Police Velasco presented a report on the item.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve Agenda Item 4. as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll CaII: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
Motion Passed
5. Accept and Authorize the City Manager and Police Chief to administer the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Traffic Records Improvement Project Grant to enable better data analysis of crash trends and improve traffic safety for all road users and reduce traffic -related injuries and fatalities. (City Council)
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
September 10, 2025
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the acceptance of the Traffic Records Improvement Project grant; and
2. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2025-55 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL AUTHORIZING AN INTER -FUND ADVANCEMENT, IN
THE AMOUNT OF $110,000 FROM THE GENERAL FUND
UNRESTRICTED FUND BALANCE TO THE POLICE
DEPARTMENT'S OFFICE OF TRAFFIC SAFETY FUND
ACCOUNT FOR THE PURPOSE OF PURCHASING A
COMPLETE CRASH DATA SYSTEM AND ELECTRONIC
CITATION SYSTEM
Chief of Police Velasco presented a report on the item.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve Agenda Item 5, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
Motion Passed.
6. 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; and
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
City Clerk Angela Bustamante provided a report on the item.
Mayor Saleh appointed the following members to regional organizations, various boards, and Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
September 10, 2025
agencies.
Committee/Agency
Delegate
Alternate
Los Angeles County Sanitation District No. 1 & 2
Mayor
Francis Flores
California Contract Cities Association (COCA)
Alicia Romero
Monica Arroyo
Gateway Cities Council of Governments (Board of
Directors)
Ali Saleh
Alicia Romero
Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control
Ali Saleh
No Alternate Needed
League of California Cities
Alicia Romero
Ana Maria Quintana
Southeast Gateway Line Corridor Cities Committee
Ali Saleh
Franck Flores
Southern California Association of Governments
(SCAG) Regional Council (RC)
Ali Saleh
Alicia Romero
Independent Cities Risk Management Authority
(ICRMA)
Michael L.
Antwine II
Rickey Manbahal (Alternate)
Gina Skibar (Substitute
Alternate)
Exide Advisory Committee
Alicia Romero
No Alternate Needed
Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional
Water Management Joint Powers Authority
Alicia Romero
Mayor Saleh
The City Council requested additional information regarding the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority, including the meeting date, time and location.
It was moved by Vice -Mayor Arroyo to approve Agenda Item 6, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following voice vote:
Voice Vote: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
City Attorney Dave Aleshire read the title of the resolution.
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 7 and 8.
Minutes 0 the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
September 10, 2025
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve agenda items 7 and 8. Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Voice Vote: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero. Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES None
ABSTAIN None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
7. Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of August 27, 2025. (City Council)
8. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants of September 10, 2025. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
Pending Items — None
Next Regular Meeting Wednesday, September 24, 2025
Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 9:22 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 meeti eld on September 24, 2025.
CA;kzi/Ingela Bustamante r► Clerk
Ali Saleh. Mayor
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
September 10, 2025