AGENDA ITEM 11
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
December 10, 2025
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR JOINT MEETING OF THE
Bell City Council/Bell Community Housing Authority/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Public Finance Authority December 10, 2025
5:00 P.M. Closed Session
7:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
Location: Bell Community Center, 6250 Pine Avenue, Bell CA 90201 Mayor Saleh called the meeting to order at 5:14 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: Councilmembers Flores*, Romero**, Quintana, Vice-Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh (5)
ABSENT: None
*Councilmember Flores arrived at 5:33 p.m.
**Councilmember Romero arrived at 5:16 p.m.
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.
Mayor Saleh recessed to closed session at 5:15 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:
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, December 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.org/?NavID=101
AGENDA ITEM 11
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
December 10, 2025
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. Employee Evaluation Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957(b)(1). Title: City Attorney
h. 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
i. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 6502-6506 Flora Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Dave Aleshire (City Attorney) Negotiating parties: To be Determined
AGENDA ITEM 11
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
December 10, 2025
Mayor Saleh reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:11 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: Councilmembers Flores, Romero*, Quintana*, Vice-Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh (5)
ABSENT: None
*Councilmembers Romero and Quintana arrived at 7:15 p.m.
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine II, City Attorney Dave Aleshire, Chief of Police Damian Velasco, Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui, Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui, Finance Director Rickey Manbahal, Deputy Human Resources and Risk Manager Gina Skibar, Deputy Community Services Director Rebecca Barron, Community Services Director Janine Andrade, 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) and b), a status report was provided and no action was taken. Item c) was discussed, and no action was taken.
Items d) through f), as well as h) and i), a status report was given and no action was taken. Item g) was discussed, no action was taken.
Mayor Saleh did not participate in items b), f) and i).
Presentations and Recognitions
a. Citizen of the Month was continued to the next meeting. b. Swearing-In Ceremony for Newly Hired Police Officers Braulio Ortiz and Felipe Reyes was presented by Chief of Police Velasco.
c. Recycling All Star Awards Presented by Republic Services was presented by Pilar Mejia and Stephen Herring (Republic Services Representatives).
Mayor Saleh recessed the meeting at 7:22 p.m. and reconvened at 7:29 p.m.
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: Rigoberto Banderas, Alfred Meza, Clarissa, Mercedes Ramos, Briana, Marlene Garcia, Antonio Robles, Lorena, Miguel Ponciano, Mateo, Karla Trejo, Yudith Meza, Beatriz Gonzalez, Elsa Martinez, Marce B, Luz Virgen, Luz Meza, Adam M., Escobar, Lidia Hernandez, Daniela Martinez, Jasmine Gonzalez, Alberto Estrella, Maria Flores, Gerardo Zuniga, Jorge Amador, Maria Montalvo, Adriana Escobar, Carlos, Nancy Meza, Laura Rodriguez, Nathan Nunez, Kimberly Castro, Antonio Davila, and Nora Saenz.
AGENDA ITEM 11
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
December 10, 2025
For the Record: 8 emails were 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.
None.
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 provided the following updates:
1. An Immigration “Know Your Rights” event scheduled on December 16th from 6pm to 8pm.
2. Staff have distributed Know Your Rights Red Cards with immigration information to residents throughout the city.
3. The City has launched a Immigration “Know Your Rights” webpage, available in Spanish, English and Arabic.
4. Home meals deliveries have been provided weekly to residents in need for the past three months.
5. A ribbon cutting for Camp Little Bear is scheduled for Saturday, December 13, from 9am to 11am.
6. On Sunday, December 14th the City will host a Winter Wonderland Snow Day for the community at the corner of Atlantic and Gage.
Lastly, he addressed the misinformation regarding the mobile home relocation plan. He announced that the City is in the process of developing 100 low-income senior housing units within the next two years. In addition, 60 multifamily housing units are being developed on Florence, some of which will also be designated as low income. Regarding the City website, he noted it is translated in three primary languages: English, Spanish, and Arabic. He also discussed challenges in the process of updating the relocation plan, noting that one major obstacle has been individuals discouraging residents from participating. He encouraged all residents to take part so they can access available housing opportunities.
Note: Due to the increase noise of the crowd, the Mayor proceeded to the business session of the agenda.
Councilmember Quintan left the meeting at 9:43 p.m.
Business Session
1. Update on Holiday Village Grant Application Efforts - Port of Long Beach Community Grants Program. (Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this report.
Community Services Director Janine Andrade presented a report on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
AGENDA ITEM 11
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
December 10, 2025
It was moved by Vice-Mayor Arroyo to approve Agenda Item 1, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following voice vote:
Voice Vote: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Vice-Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Quintana
Motion Passed.
2. Acceptance of a Metro Open Street Grant Cycle 6 & 7. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Resolution 2025-67 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL ACCEPTING THE OPEN STREETS METRO GRANT
FOR THE 2026 OPEN STREETS EVENT IN COLLABORATION
WITH THE CITY OF MAYWOOD
Economic Development Specialist Martin Rodriguez presented a report on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Flores to approve Agenda Item 2, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Vice-Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Quintana
Motion Passed.
Councilmember Quintana returned to the meeting at 9:50 p.m.
3. Appointment of Retired Annuitant Neal Thomas Mongan as Police Captain pursuant to Government Code Section 21221(h) and adoption of a resolution approving said appointment. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Resolution 2025-68 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL, CALIFORNIA, APPROVING THE APPOINTMENT OF
RETIRED ANNUITANT NEAL THOMAS MONGAN AS
POLICE CAPTAIN PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 21221(h).
AGENDA ITEM 11
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
December 10, 2025
Chief of Police Velasco presented a report on the item.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve Agenda Item 3, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which 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.
4. Approval of a 15% Salary Increase for the Community Development Director Based on Comparable Agencies. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Resolution 2025-69 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
BELL, APPROVING A 15% SALARY ADJUSTMENT TO THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR CLASSIFICATION
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II presented a report on the item.
A discussion followed among the Council and staff, during which the Council expressed concern with the 15 percent increase. Councilmember Quintana requested that the item be brought back with alternative options reflecting 5 percent or 10 percent adjustments.
City Manager Antwine stated that if the council is concerned about the increase, the city could advertise the position at the current salary and return to the Council with the results.
Mayor Saleh recommended 7.5 percent adjustment.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve the item with a 7.5 percent salary adjustment. Motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 3-0-0-2
AYES: Councilmember Romero, Vice-Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: Councilmembers Flores and Quintana
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: None
Motion Passed.
5. Consideration To Approve a Public Works Agreement between the City of Bell and Crosstown Electrical and Data, Incorporated, for Traffic Signal Maintenance and Repair Services. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve a Public Works Agreement between the City of Bell and Crosstown Electrical and Data, Inc. for Traffic Signal
AGENDA ITEM 11
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
December 10, 2025
Maintenance and Repair Services in an amount not to exceed $36,482.00 annually for a term of three (3) years with the option to extend it by 2 additional one-year terms.
Interim Public Works Director John Oskoui presented a report on the item.
A discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve Agenda Item 5, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which 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.
Mayor Saleh left the meeting at 10:38 p.m.
6. Consideration to Approve Amendment No. 3 with Community Service Group (CSG). (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve contract amendment No. 3 with the Community Service Group (CSG) for on-call planning and special project management services for city-owned and privately owned projects, increasing the contract amount by $90,000 and extending the contract by one year.
Interim Community Development Director Guillermo Arreola presented a report on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Flores to approve Agenda Item 6, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, and Vice-Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
7. Consideration to Approve a New Agreement with MGR Property Management for two (2) years, with one (1) optional one-year extension to provide Property Management Services for all Bell Community Housing Authority (BCHA) properties. (Bell Community Housing Authority) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Chair and Members of the Board approve a New Agreement with MGR Property Management, Inc. for Property Management Services for two (2) years, with one (1) optional one-year extension.
Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui presented a report on the item.
AGENDA ITEM 11
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
December 10, 2025
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve Agenda Item 7, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, and Vice-Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
8. Consideration to approve Amendment No. 3 with Duke Studio, Inc. to increase the budget by an additional $150,000 for Mobile Home Parks and Housing Unit Maintenance Services. (Bell Community Housing Authority)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Chair and Members of the Board approve Amendment No. 3 with Duke Studio, Inc. and read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Resolution No. 2025-70 titled:
“A RESOLUTION OF THE BELL COMMUNITY HOUSING
AUTHORITY AUTHORIZING FY 2025-26 BUDGET
AMENDMENT TO TRANSFER $150,000 FROM THE BELL
COMMUNITY HOUSING AUTHORITY (BCHA) FUND BALANCE
RESERVE TO THE BCHA ACCOUNT FOR MISC REPAIRS AND
EMERGENCY REPAIRS FOR ADDITIONAL MOBILE HOME
PARKS AND HOUSING UNIT MAINTENANCE SERVICES”
Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui 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 8, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, and Vice-Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Saleh
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.
AGENDA ITEM 11
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
December 10, 2025
Recommendation: Approve agenda items 9 through 13.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve agenda items 9 through 13, including the addition of warrants. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following voice vote:
Voice Vote: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, and Vice-Mayor Arroyo NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Mayor Saleh
Motion Passed.
9. It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1296:
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL,
AMENDING BELL MUNICIPAL CODE CHAPTER 6.04 (COUNTY
ANIMAL CONTROL ORDINANCE)
10. Receive and file the Donation Report for the Month of October 2025. (City Council)
11. Approve the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meeting of October 22, 2025, and the Special City Council meeting held on November 12, 2025. (City Council)
12. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants of December 10, 2025. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
13. It is recommended that the City Council set a Public Hearing Date for January 28, 2026 at 7:00 pm to consider the appropriation of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant Program.(City Council)
Pending Items – None
Next Regular Meeting Cancelled Wednesday, January 14, 2026 Vice-Mayor Arroyo adjourned the meeting at 10:56 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 February 25, 2026. ________________________________
Angela Bustamante, City Clerk
Ali Saleh, Mayor