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 January 14, 2026
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 Belt Community Center. Please complete a Request to Speak Card available in the location and waft 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 BeII City Council meetings at citvclerk_( citvofbell.orq. Your written comment must be submitted by 4prn on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. 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).
Mayor Saleh called the meeting to order at 5:14 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: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh (5) Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine II, 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.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II requested that Real Property Negotiations for 4738 Florence Avenue be added to the closed session agenda.
A motion to add the item to closed session was made by Councilmember Romero, seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 5-0-0-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 14, 2026
Mayor Saleh recessed 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 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. 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 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: 5246/5162 Florence Avenue, Bell CA 90201(Florence Village Mobile Home Park) 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: 4874 Gage Avenue, Bell CA 90201 (Bell Mobile Home Park) 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: 6624 Flora Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
h. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
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
i. Public Employment/Public Employee Appointment (Government Code Section 54957(b)) Title: Public Works Director
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 14, 2026
j. 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
k. Conference with Legal Council - Existing litigation Pursuant to Government Code §54956.9(d)(1) Mussa Saleh v. City of BeII, Miralina Center LLC, Te Amo Pizza Corp Case No:24NWCV03375
Mayor Saleh reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:13 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: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh (4) ABSENT: Councilmember Romero (1)
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine II, City Attorney Dave Aleshire, Chief of Police Damian Velasco, Public Works Director Rita Montalvo, Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui, Finance Director Rickey Manbahal, Deputy Human Resources and Risk Manager Gina Skibar, Assistant City Clerk Marisa Craft and City Clerk Angela Bustamante.
Pledge of Allegiance led by Mayor Saleh.
City Attorney Report
City Attorney Dave Aleshire reported the following from closed session:
Items a) was discussed, and direction was given to continue negotiations. Items b and d) were discussed and a status report was provided; no action was taken. Item c) was not discussed. Items e) and f) were not discussed. Item g) was discussed and a vote was taken to proceed with a Purchase and Sale Agreement (PSA) for Council consideration. The vote was 2-1-2:
Councilmember Flores and Vice -Mayor Arroyo votes yes, Councilmember Quintana voting no on the PSA, and Councilmember Romero and Mayor Saleh were absent. Items h) and i) were discussed; no reportable action was taken. Item j) a status report was provided, and direction was given to continue negotiations. Item k) direction was given to proceed with a settlement agreement; Mayor Saleh was not present during this discussion. Last, Item I) regarding 4738 Florence Avenue, a status report was provided and no action was taken.
Presentations and Recognitions
a. The Mayor presented the Citizen of the Month award to Juan Corea. b. A presentation on the Service Line Program was provided by Regional Director BiII Coffey from HomeServe.
Communications from the Public
The following members of the public addressed the City Council and related Authorities and Minutes of the BeII City Council and Related Agencies
January 14, 2026
Agencies on items that are on the agenda and non -agenda items that are under the subject matter jurisdiction: Rigoberto Banderas, Brianna, Antonio Robles, Genesis, Luz, Marilyn, Brook Irvin, Karla Trejo, Edwin Gonzalez, Antonio Meza, Luz Mesa, Yudith Meza, Hilda Villalobos, Luna, Nancy Mesa, Mateo from Eastyard, Leila Rodriguez, Beatriz Gonzalez, Daniel Vega, Maria Morelina, Leopolo, Carlos, Jasmine Gonzalez, and Rosario Cervantes.
For the Record: 1 email was received.
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 and requested to move Agenda Item 6 as the first item on the agenda.
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, during closed session, the Council ratified the appointment of Public Works Director Rita Montalvo at a top salary of 203,420.
Ms. Montalvo addressed the Council and expressed her appreciation for the opportunity.
Business Session
Item No. 6 was addressed first on the agenda.
Mayor Saleh left the meeting at 8:53 p.m.
6. Bell Mobile Home Park Relocation Plan. (Oral Report by City Manager Michael L. Antwine !I) (Bell Community Housing Authority)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this presentation.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II presented a PowerPoint presentation.
RoII CaII: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero
Motion Passed.
1. Appointment of City Treasurer. (Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2026-01 titled:
Minutes of the BeII City Council and Related Agencies
January 14, 2026
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL THE CITY OF BELL
APPOINTING ANGELA BUSTAMANTE, CITY CLERK, TO
SERVE AS THE CITY TREASURER
Item was continued to the next meeting.
2. Approval of the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule CROPS") and Administrative Budget for FY 2026-27 for DOF Submission. (Successor Agenda to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Members of the Successor Agency approve the Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule ("ROPS") for the 2026-27 Fiscal Period of July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and the Administrative Budget for the 2026-27 Fiscal Period with the attached documents for submission to the Oversight Board for further approval on January 20, 2026 and authorization to transmit to the California Department of Finance under dissolution law by February 1, 2026.
Tierra West Consultants Lauren Yonai presented a report on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve Agenda Item 2, 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, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero and Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
3. Approval of Salary Adjustments for Part -Time Classifications to Comply with the State of California Minimum Wage Increase. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2026-02 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL,
APPROVING ADJUSTMENTS TO CERTAIN PART-TIME HOURLY
WAGE RATES TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE WITH THE STATE OF
CALIFORNIA MINIMUM WAGE EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2026
Finance Director Rickey Manbahal presented a report on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve Agenda Item 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, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 14, 2026
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero and Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
Mayor Saleh returned to the meeting at 9:54 p.m.
4. Professional Services Agreement with ADP, LLC for Payroll Processing, Human Resources Information System (HRIS), Compliance Reporting, and Related Services; and Discontinuation of the Springbrook HR/Payroll Module. (City Council) Recommendation: !t is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve a Professional Services Agreement with ADP, LLC to provide payroll processing, HRIS, compliance reporting, timekeeping, and related services for the City of Bell.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, subject to final review and approval by the City Attorney.
3. Authorize the discontinuation of the Springbrook HR/Payroll module due to system obsolescence and future compliance limitations.
Finance Director Rickey Manbahal presented a report on the item.
Michael O'Harra, Sales Executive for ADP, provided a PowerPoint presentation.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine noted that if Council provides direction to proceed with this vendor, staff will return with a formal contract for council consideration.
A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
Mayor Saleh requested that staff research other companies/vendors to compare services and costs.
Councilmember Quintana requested that the agreement be included with the item when it is brought back to the Council.
Item was continued.
5. Citywide Drone Program Overview. (Oral Report by Police Chief Velasco) (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this presentation.
Chief of Police Velasco presented a PowerPoint presentation on the item.
A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
Councilmember Quintana expressed concerns with privacy and information sharing.
Mayor Saleh asked why two drones were proposed if the Police Department does not have sufficient staffing.
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 14, 2026
The Council and the Chief discussed the staffing needed to operate the drones.
Councilmember Quintana needs the total cost of the program, including materials and staffing, before providing direction.
The item was continued.
7. Resolutions pertaining to the City of Bell's General Municipal Election to be held Tuesday, June 2, 2026. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further and adopt the following Resolutions:
1. RESOLUTION 2026-03 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
CALIFORNIA, CALLING FOR THE HOLDING OF A GENERAL
MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 2,
2026, FOR THE ELECTION OF TWO (2) MEMBERS OF THE
CITY COUNCIL AS REQUIRED BY THE PROVISIONS OF THE
BELL CHARTER
2. RESOLUTION 2026-04 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL
CALIFORNIA, REQUESTING THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
OF THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO CONSOLIDATE THE
CITY'S GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION TO BE HELD ON
JUNE 2, 2026 WITH THE STATEWIDE DIRECT PRIMARY
ELECTION TO BE HELD ON THE DATE PURSUANT TO
SECTION 10403 OF THE ELECTIONS CODE; AND
REQUESTING THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES TO RENDER
SPECIFIED SERVICES TO THE CITY RELATING TO THE
CONDUCT OF THE CITY'S GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION
3. RESOLUTION 2026-05 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL, CALIFORNIA, ADOPTING REGULATIONS FOR
CANDIDATES FOR ELECTIVE OFFICE PERTAINING TO
CANDIDATE'S STATEMENTS SUBMITTED TO THE VOTERS
AT AN ELECTION TO BE HELD ON TUESDAY, JUNE 2, 2026
City Clerk Angela Bustamante presented a report on the item.
It was moved by Councilmember Flores to approve Agenda Item 7, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Vice -Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-1-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 14, 2026
ABSTAIN: None
Motion Passed.
8. Appointment of City Attorney and Approval of Second Amendment to Contract Services Agreement for City Attorney. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Appointment of Danny Aleshire, Partner of Aleshire & Wynder, LLP as City Attorney.
2. Approve Second Amendment to Contract Services Agreement for City Attorney Legal Services.
3. Authorize the Mayor to execute the agreement.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II presented a report on the item. City Attorney Dave Aleshire provided additional information.
Danny Aleshire introduced himself and provided comments.
A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
Councilmember Quintana noted that the votes regarding the First Amendment were not included in the report.
It was moved by Vice -Mayor Arroyo to approve Agenda Item 8, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-1-0
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Quintana, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero
ABSTAIN: None
Motion Passed.
Councilmember Quintana requested that the record reflect that she did not approve recommendations #2 and #3.
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 9 and 1O.
City Clerk Angela Bustamante noted that an additional warrant was provided for approval.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve Agenda Items 9 and 10 with the additional warrant. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following voice Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 14, 2026
vote:
Roll CaII: 4-0-1-0
AYES: Councilmernbers Flores, Romero, Vice -Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Romero
ABSTAIN: None
Motion Passed.
9. Receive and file the Donation Report for the Month of November 2025. (City Council)
10. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants of January 14, 2026. (Council/SuccessorAgency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
Pending Items — None
Next Regular Meeting is Wednesday, January 28, 2026
Meeting was adjourned at 11:00 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 March 11, 2026, Angela Bustamante, Cijy' Cjr
Ali Saieh, Mayor
t
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 14, 2026