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 April 8, 2026
5:00 P.M. Closed Session
7:00 P.M. Regular Meeting
Location: Bell Community Center, 6250 Pine Avenue, BeII CA 90201
MEETING WILL BE HELD IN -PERSON AT THE BELL COMMUNITY CENTER PUBLIC COMMENT: If you wish to make a cornment 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 BeII City Council meetings at citvclerlq&citvofbell.orq. Your written comment must be submitted by 4pm on Wednesday, April 8, 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 354 words).
The meeting will be recorded and live streamed on the City's website at https:i/ www.citvofbell.gov/City-HalIfCity- ClerklLive-Web-Strea m
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, and Mayor Saleh (4) ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo (1)
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine I I , 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 5:16 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. Anticipated Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(3) regarding significant exposure to litigation in two cases. b. CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 8, 2026
section 54956.8)
Property: 7030 Atlantic Avenue, Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Danny 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 Danny 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 Danny Aleshire (City Attorney)
Negotiating parties: To be Determined
e) 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 Danny Aleshire (City Attorney)
Negotiating parties: To be Determined
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 4205-4209 Bell Ave and 6712-6718 Otis Ave, Bell CA 90201 Agency negotiators: Michael! L. Antwine H (City Manager), and Danny Aleshire (City Attorney)
Negotiating parties: To be Determined
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATORS (Pursuant to Government Code section 54956.8)
Property: 6629-6633 Pine Avenue. Bell CA 90201
Agency negotiators: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Danny Aleshire (City Attorney)
Negotiating parties: To be Determined
h. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS- Government Code Section 54957.6, Agency designated representatives: Michael L. Antwine II (City Manager), and Danny Aleshire (City Attorney) Employee Organization: Bell Police Officers Association (BPOA) Mayor Saleh reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:01 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, and Mayor Saleh (4) ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo (1)
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 8, 2026
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine, City Attorney Danny Aleshire, Chief of Police Damian Velasco, Public Works Director Rita Montalvo, Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso, Assistant City Clerk Marisa Craft and City Clerk Angela Bustamante.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Saleh.
City Attorney Report
City Attorney Danny Aleshire reported the following: Item a) one case was discussed, and no reportable action was taken. Items b), through g), a report was provided, discussion was held, and no reportable action was taken. Mayor Saleh did not participate on items e) through g). For Item h). a report was provided and no reportable action was taken Presentations and Recognitions
a. Citizen of the Month was moved to the next meeting.
b. Certificates of Recognition honoring women celebrated during Women's History Month„ March 2026 was removed from the agenda.
c. Citizens Academy Presentation was presented by Interim Community Development Director Javier Ochiqui.
d. Proclamation declaring the month of April 2026 as Sexual Assault Awareness Month and April 29 as Denim Day (a global campaign held during Sexual Assault Awareness Month) was read by Mayor Saleh.
e. Police Department Quarterly Crime Statistics Report was presented by Police Chief Velasco.
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: Luz Virgen, Rigoberto Banderas, Luz Meza, Alfredo Meza, Kimberly Sanchez, Edwin Gonzalez, Yudith Meza. Marlen, and Pillar Mejia (Republic Services).
For the Record: 0 emails 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.
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 on the following:
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 8, 2026
1, The ribbon -cutting ceremony Phase One of Pritchard Park.
2. Jersey Mike's will soon be coming to the City.
3. Community Meeting_ s are scheduled for April 16 and April 23 to provide information regarding the City's Specific Plan.
4. Applications for the Bell Academy Class will be available soon.
5. He addressed comments made by a resident regarding grants funding and offered to meet with the individual to provide clarification and accurate information. 6 He responded to an earlier public comment made by a resident regarding an alleged the $250.©00 offer from the City to purchase mobile homes. He stated that the information was incorrect and clarified that the City has not issued any offers. He also noted that the Relocation Plan is available for public view on the city's website_
7. Lastly, he read a statement provided by Vice -Mayor Arroyo, who was unable to attend the meeting due to a work trip to Washington DC.
Business Session
Acceptance of the 2026 Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation Dreamteam Grant in the Amount of $27.648 and Approval of the Grant Agreement. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution 2026-16 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL,
APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE LOS ANGELES DODGERS
FOUNDATION FOR THE 2026 DODGERS DREAM TEAM 1 BELL
YOUTH BASEBALL & T -BALL PROGRAM AND ACCEPTING GRANT
FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $27,648
Interim Community Services Director Gina Skibar provided a report on the item.
A brief discussion was held between the Council and Staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve Agenda Item No. 1, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Cali: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo
City Attorney Danny Aieshire read the title of the resolution Motion Passed.
2. 2023-2025 Strategic Plan Update. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council receive and file.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided a PowerPoint presentation.
A brief discussion was held between the Council and Staff.
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 8, 2026
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to receive and file Agenda Item No. 2. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following voce vote:
Voice Vote: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmernbers Flores, Romero, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed.
3. Consideration of a Settlement Agreement with Bell Palm Plaza Limited Partnership to Resolve Outstanding Claims. (City Council/Successor Agency)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council and Successor Agency Board each approve the Settlement Agreement ("Settlement Agreement") among the City of Bell ("City) City of Bell as Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency ('Successor Agency") and Bell Palm Plaza Limited Partnership ("Bell Palm °), and authorize the City Manager to execute the Settlement Agreement, and other miscellaneous agreements in order to effectuate the provisions of the Settlement Agreement.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine H provided a report on the item.
A brief discussion was held between the Council and Staff It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve Agenda Item No. 3, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Councilmember Flores which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 4-0-d-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores. Romero, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed.
4. Parking Lot resurfacing at 7109 Walker Avenue — Award of Contract, (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Award a construction contract to Onyx Paving Company, Inc., in the amount of $50,000 for the Parking Lot resurfacing at 7109 Walker Avenue, Bell. CA. 90201.
2. Waive the formal bid process and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute change orders for the project in a total amount not to exceed $5,000 (10 percent of the bid amount) for any necessary additional work.
Public Works Director Rita Montalvo provided a report on the item.
A discussion was held between the Council and Staff,
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 8, 2026
Councilmember Romero made a motion to approve the item. Motion failed due to a lack of a second.
It was moved by Councilmember Romero to approve Agenda Item No. 4, as recommended.
Motion was seconded by Mayor Saleh which carried with the following roll call vote:
Roll Call: 3-1-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Romero, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh
NOES: Councilmember Flores
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed.
5. Consideration to Reschedule the Annual City Council Reorganization. (City Council) Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council select May 13, 2026 as the Council reorganization date.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided a report on the item.
A brief discussion was held between the Council and Staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Flores to approve Agenda Item No. 5, as recommended. Motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo
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 6 and 7.
It was moved by Quintana to approve Agenda Item Nos. 6 and 7. The motion was seconded by Councilmember Romero which carried with the following roll call vote:
RoII Call: 4-0-0-1
AYES: Councilmembers Flores, Romero, Quintana, and Mayor Saleh NOES: None
ABSTAIN: None
ABSENT: Vice -Mayor Arroyo
Motion Passed.
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 8, 2026
Angela Bustamante, Qify clerk.
6. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants of April 8, 2026. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
7. Approve the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meetings of February 11 and 25, 2026. (City Council)
Pending Items — None
Next Regular Meeting is Wednesday, April 22, 2026
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.
No Speakers.
Mayor Saleh adjourned the meeting at 9:17 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 May 27, 2026.
Ali Saleh. Mayor
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
April 8. 2026