AGENDA ITEM 8
Meeting of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 28, 2026
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 January 28, 2026
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 5:18 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)
*Councilmember Quintana arrived at 5:18 p.m.
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine II, City Attorney Danny 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 5:19 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
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, January 28, 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).
The meeting will be recorded and live streamed on the City’s website at https://www.cityofbell.gov/City-Hall/CityClerk/Live-Web-Stream
AGENDA ITEM 8
Meeting of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 28, 2026
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: 6339 Atlantic 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: 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
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. Anticipated Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(3) regarding significant exposure to litigation in two cases.
Mayor Saleh reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:09 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 ALL PRESENT: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, Vice-Mayor Arroyo, and Mayor Saleh (5)
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine II, City Attorney Danny 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, Management Analyst Grace Hagan, Economic Development Specialist Martin Rodriguez, Assistant City Clerk Marisa Craft and City Clerk Angela Bustamante.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Saleh.
AGENDA ITEM 8
Meeting of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 28, 2026
City Attorney Report
City Attorney Danny Aleshire reported the following from closed session: Items e) and f) were discussed; no action was taken. The remaining items listed on the closed session agenda were not discussed.
Presentations and Recognitions
a. Recognition and Appreciation of City Attorney Dave Aleshire for his Dedicated Service to the City of Bell – this item was continued to the next meeting.
Mayor Saleh made a statement regarding the recent ICE activity and the impact on the public.
Communications from the Public
The initial period for public comments was limited to 30 minutes. Additional speakers who submitted a speaking card were given the opportunity to speak at the end of the council meeting.
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: Genesis Herrera, Briana, Emma Torres, Marlen, Luis Rodriguez, Luz Virgen, Rigoberto Banderas, Antonio Robles, Gerardo Zuniga, Yasmin Gonzalez, Luz Meza, Yudih Meza, Alfredo Meza, and Beatriz Gonzalez.
For the Record: 10 emails were received.
Public Hearing(s)
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.
1. Conduct the Public Hearing and Approve the appropriation of the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant Program.
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council conduct the Public Hearing and Approve the appropriation of the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Community Development Block Grant Program.
Economic Development Specialist Martin Rodriguez presented a report on the item.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine provided additional information.
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
Mayor Saleh opened the public hearing.
Public Speakers
1. Luz
2. Rigoberto Banderas
3. Antonio Robles
4. Abel Perez
AGENDA ITEM 8
Meeting of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 28, 2026
5. Edwin Gonzalez
6. Alfredo Meza
7. Jorge J.
Mayor Saleh closed the public hearing.
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 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 called for recess at 8:27 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 8:33 p.m.
Councilmember Flores left the meeting at 8:27 p.m.
Business Session
2. Declaration of four (4) City-owned police vehicles as surplus property, and the approval of their sale at auction.
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2026-06 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF BELL DECLARING FOUR CITY-OWNED
VEHICLES AS SURPLUS PROPERTY AND
AUTHORIZING THEIR SALE AT AUCTION
Public Works Director Rita Montalvo presented a report on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero 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 Romero, Quintana, Vice-Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores
Motion Passed.
3. Request for a Public Hearing for approval of a Disposition and Development Agreement between Gentefy Holdings LLC and City of Bell for the property located at 4410 Gage Avenue. (City Council)
AGENDA ITEM 8
Meeting of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 28, 2026
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council Set a Public Hearing Date for February 25, 2025 @ 6:30 pm to approve a Disposition and Development Agreement between Gentefy Holdings LLC and City of Bell for the property located at 4410 Gage Avenue.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine presented a report on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
It was moved by Vice-Mayor Arroyo to approve Agenda Item 3, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Quintana which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Quintana, Vice-Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores
Motion Passed.
4. American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Status Report. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the Mayor and City Council Members receive and file this report.
Management Analyst Grace Hagan presented a PowerPoint on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to receive and file agenda item no. 4. Motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Quintana, Vice-Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores
Motion Passed.
5. Approve the sale of Bell Community Housing Authority property located at 6624 Flora Avenue to Azeroth 28 LP. (Bell Housing Authority)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council approve the sale of Bell Community Housing Authority property located at 6624 Flora Avenue to Azeroth 28 LP.
This item was pulled from the agenda.
6. Consideration of a Resolution Authorizing the Release of Warrants When Council Meetings are Cancelled. (City Council)
AGENDA ITEM 8
Meeting of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 28, 2026
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2026-07 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL THE CITY OF BELL
AUTHORIZING THE RELEASE OF WARRANTS/PAYMENTS
WHEN CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS ARE CANCELLED DURING
CALENDAR YEAR 2026
This item was pulled from the agenda.
7. Creation of Ad hoc Committee for City's 100th Year Anniversary. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council create and appoint two (2) Councilmembers to participate on an Ad-hoc Committee to develop a comprehensive program, activities and budget to celebrate the City's 100th Year Anniversary of incorporation.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine presented a report on the item.
A brief discussion ensued amongst the Council and staff.
Councilmember Quintana and Vice-Mayor Arroyo volunteered to serve on the Ad hoc Committee.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve the appointments of Councilmember Quintana and Vice-Mayor Arroyo. Motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following voice vote:
Voice Vote: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Quintana, Vice-Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores
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 item 8.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve Agenda item no. 8. Motion was seconded by Vice-Mayor Arroyo which carried with the following voice vote:
Voice Vote: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Quintana, Vice-Mayor Arroyo and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Councilmember Flores
AGENDA ITEM 8
Meeting of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
January 28, 2026
Motion Passed.
8. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants of January 28, 2026. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
Pending Items – None
Next Regular Meeting is Wednesday, February 11, 2026
Mayor Saleh returned to the public comment portion of the agenda.
The following members of the public spoke: Mateo Gil, Xiomara Santos, Daniel David, Pablo Sifuentes, Dulcinea Caro-Pedroza, and Karina Gastelum.
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 Romero made a comment.
Councilmember Quintana 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 made a comment.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:19 p.m. by Mayor Saleh.
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 25, 2026. ________________________________
Angela Bustamante, City Clerk
Ali Saleh, Mayor