AGENDA ITEM 7
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 27, 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 May 27, 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 5:19 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)
*Councilmember Flores arrived at 5:24 p.m.
Staff Present: City Manager Michael L. Antwine II, City Attorney Danny Aleshire, Finance Director Rickey Manbahal 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 5:20 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 Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1) Martha Perez, et al. v. City of Bell, Case No. 23NWCV01759
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, May 27, 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 7
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 27, 2026
b. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(1 Hazzel Sarabia V. City of Bell Case No. 25NWCV04468 c. 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 Danny Aleshire (City Attorney)
Negotiating parties: To be Determined
d. 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
e. 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
f. Anticipated Initiation of Litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9 (d)(3) regarding significant exposure to litigation in one case.
Mayor Saleh reconvened the Regular City Council Meeting at 7:03 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 MEMBERS 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, Deputy City Engineer Rey Alfonso, Finance Director Rickey Manbahal, Assistant to the City Manager Javier Ochiqui, Deputy Human Resources and Risk Manager Gina Skibar, Assistant City Clerk Marisa Craft and City Clerk Angela Bustamante.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Mayor Saleh.
City Attorney Report
The City Attorney Danny Aleshire reported the following from closed session: Items a) and b) Council received briefing from the City Attorney’ Office, and no action was taken. Items c) through e) a briefing was provided by city staff, and no action was taken. Item f) was not discussed.
AGENDA ITEM 7
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 27, 2026
Presentations and Recognitions
None.
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: Pablo Sifuentes, Najla Naber, Kathy Teague, Alfredo Meza, Ulises Bella, Luz Meza, Clarissa, Sra. Gonzalez, Antonio Robles, Beatriz Gonzalez, and Abhinaya Narayanan.
At 7:36 p.m. the Mayor and City Council proceeded to Agenda Item no. 1, with the remaining speakers heard at the conclusion of the agenda.
For the Record: 11 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.
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:
1. Acknowledged the Community Services Department for its efforts in expanding senior programs
2. Acknowledged and thanked the Los Angeles County for its partnership with the Free Laptop program
3. Announced that the Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) Open Streets event will be held in June
4. Announced that the City of Bell has been designated as an official FIFA fan zone, which will allow the City to broadcast soccer games for the community.
5. Announced that registration for the upcoming Citizen Academy will open soon.
6. Announced that the City will host a Farmers Market on May 31, 2026
7. Responded to comments made by members of the public regarding the business license and permit process
8. Provided information regarding polling locations for the June 2,2026 election
9. Last, he provided a brief presentation regarding electric vehicle related issues Business Session
1. Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for the Fiscal Year Ended June 30, 2025. (City Council)
AGENDA ITEM 7
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 27, 2026
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council receive and file this report.
Finance Director Rickey Manbahal introduced a representative from The Pun Group, who provided a PowerPoint presentation regarding the ACFR.
A brief discussion was held between the Council and Staff.
It was moved by Vice-Mayor Arroyo to approve Agenda Item No. 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.
2. Approve the Engineer’s Report and Set the Public Hearing to Consider Annual Assessments within the Citywide Landscaping and Lighting Maintenance District with No Increase in Assessments. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council read by title only, waive further reading and adopt the following resolutions:
a) Resolution No. 2026-23 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL, INITIATING
PROCEEDINGS FOR THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENT LEVY WITHIN THE CITY OF BELL LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF DIVISION 15, PART 2, OF THE
STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA
b) Resolution No. 2026-24 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL, APPROVING THE ENGINEER’S REPORT REGARDING THE LEVY AND COLLECTION OF
ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE CITY OF BELL LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR AND DIRECTING THAT THE CITY CLERK MAKE THE ENGINEER’S REPORT A PERMANENT
RECORD AVAILABLE FOR PUBLIC INSPECTION
c) Resolution No. 2026-25 titled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL, DECLARING THE
INTENTION TO LEVY AND COLLECT THE ANNUAL ASSESSMENTS WITHIN THE
CITY OF BELL LANDSCAPE AND LIGHTING MAINTENANCE DISTRICT FOR THE 2026-2027 FISCAL YEAR PURSUANT TO THE PROVISIONS OF DIVISION 15, PART 2, OF THE STREETS AND HIGHWAYS CODE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, AND
SETTING A TIME AND PLACE FOR PUBLIC HEARING OF OBJECTIONS HEREON Public Works Director Rita Montalvo provided a report on the item.
AGENDA ITEM 7
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 27, 2026
A brief discussion was held between the Council and Staff.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve Agenda Item No. 2, 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 left the meeting at 8:12 p.m.
3. Consideration to approve Amendment No. 4 to the Agreement with Duke Studio, Inc. to increase the budget by an additional $185,000 for FY 25/26, $460,000 for FY 26/27, and extend the term of the agreement until June 30, 2027, 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. 4, and read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Resolution No. 2026-26 titled:
“A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL AUTHORIZING FY 2025-26 BUDGET AMENDMENT TO TRANSFER $185,000 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”
Interim Community Development Director Javier Ochiqui provided a report on the item.
A discussion ensued between the City Council and staff.
City Attorney Danny Aleshire recommended several revisions to the resolution to accurately reflect the agency taking action.
Councilmember Quintana recommended continuing the item to the next meeting to allow staff to make the necessary revisions to the documents.
Item was continued to the June 10, 2026 council meeting.
Mayor Saleh left the meeting at 8:12 p.m. and returned at 8:32 p.m.
4. Discussion on Translation and Interpretation Services for City Meetings and Events. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council provide comments and/or direction to staff regarding future translation and interpretation services for City meetings and
AGENDA ITEM 7
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 27, 2026
events, including City Council, Planning Commission, Community Services Commission and community events.
City Manager Michael L. Antwine II provided a report on the item.
Vice-Mayor Arroyo recommended continuing with in-person translation services.
Councilmembers Flores and Quintana recommended conducting additional research regarding AI translation services and continuing with in-person translation services at this time.
Direction was provided to staff; no motion was required.
5. Report on Brown Act Teleconferencing and Public Access Requirements and Implementation Required by SB 707. (City Council)
Recommendation: It is recommended that the City Council provide comments and/or direction to staff.
City Clerk Angela Bustamante provided a report on the item.
A discussion ensued between staff and the council. The City Council expressed support for applying SB 707 requirements to City Council meetings only and not to commissions.
Direction was provided to staff; no motion was required.
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 9.
It was moved by Councilmember Quintana to approve items 6 through 9. 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
Motion Passed.
6. It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2026-27 titled:
“A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL ACCEPTING THE PARKING LOT RESURFACING AT 7109 WALKER AVENUE AS
COMPLETE AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO PREPARE AND FILE THE NOTICE
AGENDA ITEM 7
Minutes of the Bell City Council and Related Agencies
May 27, 2026
OF COMPLETION WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RECORDER”; and
2. Authorize staff to release retained construction contract amounts due to the contractor thirty-five (35) days after the filling of the Notice of Completion (NOC)
7. It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Read by title only, waive further reading and adopt Resolution No. 2026-28 titled:
“A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL ACCEPTING THE STREET IMPROVEMENT PROJECT FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025 AS
COMPLETE AND AUTHORIZING STAFF TO PREPARE AND FILE THE
NOTICE OF COMPLETION WITH THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY RECORDER”; and
2. Authorize staff to release retained construction contract amounts due to the contractor thirty-five (35) days after the filing of the Notice of Completion.
8. General Warrants, Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency and Community Housing Authority Warrants of May 27, 2026. (Council/Successor Agency to the Bell Community Redevelopment Agency/Bell Community Housing Authority).
9. Approve the Minutes for the Regular City Council Meetings of March 25, 2026 and April 8, 2026, and for the Special Meeting held on April 18, 2026. (City Council) 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: Jaideep Chakladar, Rigoberto Banderas, Maria Felix Flores, Marlen Garcia, Briana Banderas, Tony Vong, Luz Virgen, Karla Trejo, Yudith Meza, Carlos, Nora Saenz, and Michael Leyva.
Pending Items – None
Next Regular Meeting is Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Meeting was adjourned at 9:40 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 September 22, 2026. ________________________________
Angela Bustamante, City Clerk
Ana Maria Quintana, Mayor