CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 361, The Council Members of the City of Bell Gardens City Council held a Closed Session meeting on February i 2022, via teleconference GarfieldCouncil Chambers, 7100 Avenue, Bell Gardens,
presiding.ameeting
Present- Marco Barcena, Council Member a
Cortez,
,
Lisseth Flores, Council Member (Council Chambe
MayorJorgel Chavez,
MariaPulido, Mayor (Council Chamber) 1
s
No comments.
Jesse Jauregui from the City Attorney's office announced the SuccessorAgency City Council Closed Session items. The City Council recessed into closed session at t, discuss the ,
announcedem listed on the agenda.
The City Council reconvene to open session at 6:07 p.m. City Attorney Jesse Jauregui the Closedreport during the February 14, 2022, Regular City Council Meeting (see page 2 for the report on Closed Session).
1. CONFERI�INCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL PURSUANT TO GOVERNMEN EODE SECTION ..
9(D)(1) - EXISTING LITIGATION
City of Bell Gardens, a California
ADJOURNMENT -Closed Sessiontip j rn d at 6.08
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Ja4 Halstead
City Clerk
CITY OF BELL GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 20227 6:00 P.M.
MINUTES
LOCATION: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 7100 GARFIELD AVENUE, BELL GARDENS, CA I TELLECONFRENCE
CALL TO ORDER
Pursuant to Assembly Bill 361, The Council Members of the City of Bell Gardens City Council held a regular meeting on February 14, 2022, via teleconference in the Council Chambers, 7100 Garfield Avenue, Bell Gardens, CA with Mayor Marco Barcena presiding. Mayor Marco Barcena called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m. and made an announcement of Conflict of Interest. City Council Members were asked to recuse themselves by turning off their video where a conflict does exist.
ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Present: Marco Barcena, Council Member (Remotely)
Alejandra Cortez, Council Member (Left at 7:02 p.m.)
Lisseth Flores, Council Member (Council Chamber)
Jorgel Chavez, Mayor Pro Tern (Council Chamber)
Maria Pulido, Mayor (Council Chamber)
Absent: None
CLOSED SESSION REPORT
Jesse Jauregui from the City Attorney's office reported that the City Council met in closed session to discuss the item listed on the agenda. City Council received a briefing in the matter entitled City of Bell Gardens vs Jennifer Rodriguez, Case No. 20STCV38848. City Council received a briefing from outside legal counsel Gary Bacio, direction was given on a 4-0-1 vote with one abstention, but no final action was taken.
PRESENTATIONS
* GLOBAL LOVE DAY PROCLAMATION
This presentation was moved to the month of May.
a RECOGNITION OF EL CORALOENSE PAELLA
Mayor Maria Pulido presented a certificate of recognition on behalf of the City Council to El Coraloense for receiving first place in the International Paella competition held in Spain in 2021 for the best International Paella. Director of Community Development Gustavo Romo and Councilwoman Lisseth Flores express the City's pride to have Chef Natalie Curie and Chef Maria Curie in Bell Gardens. A video was shown of the World Paella Day event. City Council congratulated Chef Natalie Curie and Chef Maria Curie for serving amazing seafood and authentic Paella.
Closed Session & Regular City Council Meeting
Minutes of February 14, 2022
Chef Natalie thanked Council and stated the were also fortunate to make it in the 101 best restaurant in the LA Times for the past few years and to be part of the community.
RECOGNIZING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Mayor Maria Pulido recognized February as Black History on behalf of the City.
PUBLIC HEARING (Items No. 1-2)
1. FINAL "DRAFT" 2021-2029 GENERAL PLAN HOUSING ELEMENT UPDATE AND PROPOSED INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE DECLARATION IFILE NO. 2021-062
Adoption of the Draft 2021-2029 General Plan Housing Element pursuant to the requirements of the State of California Housing and Community Development Department.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council:
1. Open the public hearing on the Final "Draft" 2021-2029 General Plan Housing Element Update (Exhibit 1) and Initial Study/Negative Declaration (Exhibit 2), receive public input, close the public hearing, and deliberate on the acceptance of the Final "Draft" of the 2021-2029 General Plan Housing Element Update as proposed; and
2. Adopt the attached Resolution (Exhibit 3), adopting the Final "Draft" 2021- 2029 General Plan Housing Element Update and approving the CEQA Initial Study/Negative Declaration.
Mayor Maria Pulido opened the public hearing at 6:31 p.m.
City Manager Michael O'Kelly and Director of Community Development Gustavo Roma introduced this item.
Director of Community Development Gustavo Romo stated there was no controversy with this element and the public comments that were submitted during the public workshop and the Planning Commission meeting were considered.
Consultant Veronica Tam gave an overview of the Housing Element. She gave a PowerPoint presentation on what the Housing Element is, the Housing Element Requirements, Housing Element Update Process, 2021-2029 Housing Element Update, Housing Site Strategy-RHNA, Housing Program, HCD Comments, Environmental Review and the next steps to finish the Housing Element.
Councilwoman Lisseth Flores asked if an amendment can be made after it is approved.
Llloyd Pilchen with the City Attorney's office stated amendments to the Housing Element, or any element of the general plan can be made after it has been approved.
An amendment needs to be reviewed by the planning commission and ultimately adopted by the City Council. He stated amendment to the City's General Plan is limited to a certain number of times during the year but could be made. He also clarified the 3of15
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difference between slowing down this process which is on scheduled and amending the Housing Element once it has been approved.
Staff reiterated the recommendation that was being presented to City Council.
Mayor Maria Pulido opened the public hearing at 6:56 p.m..
City Clerk Jane Halsted announced the public participation instructions.
There were no speakers or written comments.
Mayor Maria Pulido closed the public hearing at 6:57 p.m..
A motion was made by Councilwoman Alejandra Cortez, seconded by Council Member Marco Barcena to approve staff's recommendation.
The motion carried 5-0 with the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Chavez, Councilwoman Cortez, Councilwoman Flores; Mayor Pro Tern Pulido, Mayor Barcena
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
2. FINAL'DRAFT' GENERAL PLAN CIRCULATION AND TRANSPORTATION
ELEMENT UPDATE AND PROPOSED INITIAL STUDY/NEGATIVE
DECLARATION FILE NO. 2021-068
In 2019, the City of Bell Gardens received funding from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) Sustainable Transportation Planning Grant program to develop an update to the City's General Plan Circulation and Transportation Element which was last updated in 1995. The Plan provides a blueprint for establishing a convenient, safe, and sustainable transportation network in Bell Gardens, which serves users of all modes including walking, biking, rolling, riding transit, and driving. The City conducted outreach efforts and workshops for residents to provide their input. Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), an Initial Study/Negative Declaration (IS/ND) has been prepared for the project. On January 19, 2022, the Planning Commission approved the "Draft" General Plan Circulation and Transportation Element Update and IS/ND, recommending to the City Council the approval of the "Draft" General Plan Circulation and Transportation Element Update and the Initial Study/Negative Declaration. Adopting the attached Resolution is necessary to approve the Final "Draft" Circulation & Transportation Element Update, and the Initial Study/Negative Declaration prepared in accordance to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) requirements.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council by motion:
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1. Open the public hearing on the Final "Draft" General Plan Circulation & Transportation Element Update (Exhibit 1) and Initial Study/Negative Declaration (Exhibit 2), receive public input, close the public hearing, and deliberate on the acceptance of the Final "Draft" General Plan Circulation and Transportation Element as proposed; and
2. Adopt the attached Resolution (Exhibit 3), adopting the Final "Draft" General Plan Circulation & Transportation Element Update and approving the CEQA Initial Study/Negative Declaration.
Mayor Maria Pulido opened the public hearing at 6:58 p.m..
City Manager Michael O'Kelly and Director of Public Works Grissel Chavez introduced this item.
Director of Public Works Grissel Chavez stated what was being presented for consideration is the final draft of the General Plan Circulation & Transportation Element Update which essentially serves as a blueprint for establishing an enhanced transportation network in our city for more convenient, safe and sustainable transportation for all users. She state the last time the General Plan Circulation & Transportation Element was last updated was in 1995. The City secured a Caltrans grant for $188,500 to complete the update. The total project cost was almost $244,000 with the balance from the Transit Development Act and General Funding.
Three consultants were hired to develop the update for the City. KOA gave a prepared the actual update, Avant Garde prepared the community outreach activities, grant funding administration and project management and De Novo Planning Group completed the environmental compliance sequel review process.
Carlos Velasquez, Managing Director and Senior Planner of KOA Corporation and Grissel Chavez gave PowerPoint presentation on the General Plan Circulation & Transportation Element in which he provided a brief overview of the purpose of the circulation element, recent community engagement workshops, the community outreach surveys, proposed recommendations, and the environmental review.
Councilwoman Alejandra Cortez left the meeting at 7:02 p.m.
Councilwoman Lisseth Flores asked what when the Circulation Element should be updated.
Carlos Velasquez stated it is typically updated between 7 to 15 years and is a long-term vision for the City's transportation infrastructure.
Mayor Maria Pulido opened public participation for this item.
City Clerk Jane Halsted announced the public participation instructions.
There were no speakers or written comments.
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Mayor Maria Pulido closed the public hearing at 7:21 p.m..
A motion was made by Councilwoman Lisseth Flores, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Jorgel Chavez to approve staff's recommendation.
The motion carried 4-0 with the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Barcena, Councilwoman Flores; Mayor Pro Tem Chavez, Mayor Pulido
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Alejandra Cortez
ABSTAIN: None
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
Item No. 8
Joy Harn, General Counsel for the Bicycle Hotel and Casino commented on thanked the City of Bell Gardens for over 40 years of collaboration with the Bicycle hotel and Casino resulting in increased opportunities for both the cards room and the residents of the City. She expressed her opposition of the California Legalized Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative and expressed her the Casinos support for item no. 8.
She stated Agenda Item No. 8 on tonight's Consent Calendar addresses a substantial threat to the card room and to the city's revenue. The California Legalized Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative is one of several proposed gaming related initiatives for the November 2022 statewide ballot. She stated while the constitutional changes would allow sports wagering and expanded gambling in tribal casinos it also includes a private attorneys general act or PAGA provision that is unrelated to the main subject of the overall initiative, and sets a very dangerous precedent that will undoubtedly lead to never ending meritless lawsuits against all card rooms, including the Bicycle Casino. Specifically, the PAGA provision would allow for anyone to be able to sue card rooms and their customers for anything they believe is legally questionable, or which they assert to be illegal gambling. She stated it is a power that is currently limited to and within the sole jurisdiction of the Attorney General of the State of California. Now they are attempting to exploit the private attorneys general Act to allow a non stop and in fact encourage a nonstop barrage of lawsuits against these legal gambling businesses that would drive cardrooms out of business by endless, meritless litigations.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Michael O'Kelly recognized Director of Recreation and Community Services Rozanne Adanto for all her efforts since she was hired with the City on November 2019. He briefly commented on her efforts and achievements during her employment with the City. He thanked her for her efforts with the distribution of meals, opening and staffing of the Family Service Center, COVID vaccines and testing, rental assistance, processing and marketing, ground work for the Aquatic Center completion, $4 million in Prop 68 Improvements that are forthcoming at Bell Gardens Veterans Park,
Closed Session & Regular City Council Meeting
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Replacement of artificial turf at the soccer fields and assistance with almost a million dollars of grant money for Marlow Park improvements. He once again thanked Rozanne Adanto and announced her retirement. He also welcomed the new Recreation and Community Services Director Elizabeth Nava who is joining the City from the City of Norwalk. He also commented on the availability of K95 masks and provided an update on COVID-19 cases.
CONSENT CALENDAR (Items No. 3-15)
A motion was made by Councilwoman Lisseth Flores, seconded by Council Member Marco Barcena to approve Items No. 3-15 on the Consent Calendar.
The motion carried 4-0 with the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Barcena, Councilwoman Flores; Mayor Pro Tern Chavez, Mayor Pulido
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Cortez
ABSTAIN: None
3. GENERAL MOTION TO WAIVE FULL READING AND APPROVE
ORDINANCES BY TITLE ONLY PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 36934
In order to expedite the conduct of business at City Council meetings, California State Law (California Government Code Section 36934) allows Ordinances to be read by title if the majority of the legislative body supports the motion to waive the full reading.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council approve a general motion to waive full reading and approve Ordinances by title only pursuant to California Government Code Section 36934.
4. WARRANT REGISTERS AND WIRE TRANSFERS
In approving the action of receiving and filing the warrant registers, the official minutes of the Bell Gardens City Council should state that each individual member of the City Council is not voting on, influencing the outcome of, or participating in approving, accepting, receiving, or filing any warrant which bears the name of the same council member, or pays for any costs or expenses, or otherwise benefits the same named council member. Each council member will not be participating, influencing, or voting on any such warrant bearing their name or which benefits the same named council member, but with that exception is voting in favor of receiving and filing all other warrants contained in this report, unless otherwise noted on the record at the time of the approval of the action required by this report.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council receive and file the warrant registers, wire transfers, and net payrolls dated 01/11/22, 01/12/22, 01/13/22, 7of15
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01 /18/22 and 01 /25/22.
5. APPROVE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 25 2021 CITY COUNCIL CLOSED
SESSION AND REGULAR MEETING
October 25, 2021 - Closed Session and Regular City Council Meeting Minutes Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council approve the attached minutes.
6. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING RESOLUTION NO. 2020-21 WHICH DECLARED A LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO THE PUBLIC THREAT CAUSED BY CORONAVIRUS 9OVID-19
On March 17, 2020, the City of Bell Gardens City Council adopted Resolution No. 2020-21 declaring a local emergency due to COVID-19 as authorized by Government Code Section 8630 and Title 2 (Administration and Personnel), Chapter 2.34 (Disaster Council), Section 2.34.030 (Created — Membership) of the Bell Gardens Municipal Code ("Code"). Government Code Section 8630(c) states that a City Council "shall review the need for continuing the local emergency at least once every 60 days until the governing body terminates the local emergency." The conditions of extreme peril to the safety of persons and property continue due to COVID-19 in the City of Bell Gardens.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council approve the attached Resolution reaffirming the declared local emergency due to the public threat caused by coronavirus (COVID-19).
7. CONSIDERATION AND APPROVAL OF A 30-DAY RESOLUTION
REGARDING THE CONDUCT OF TELECONFERENCED MEETINGS OF
THE CITY COUNCIL AND OTHER CITY BODIES UNDER THE MODIFIED RULES SET FORTH UNDER GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54953 E
AB 361 was signed in to law on September 16, 2021, and immediately went into effect, authorizing local government bodies continue to meet remotely contingent on their compliance of the newly amended Government Code Section 54953. In compliance with the modified rules set forth under Government Code Section 54953(e), the City Council is requested to reconsider the circumstances regarding the previously approved 30-day resolution authorizing teleconferenced meetings of the City Council and all other city bodies and either extend the authorization or terminate.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council adopt or approve the attached Resolution permitting the City to conduct public meetings virtually for all public bodies subject to the Brown Act in accordance with the requirements of AB 361, which will require reauthorization every (thirty) 30 days.
8. RESOLUTION OPPOSING TO LEGALIZE SPORTS BETTING ON AMERICAN
INDIAN LANDS INITIATIVE RELATED TO SPORTS BETTING AT AMERICAN
INDIAN GAMING CASINOS AND LICENSED RACETRACKS IN CALIFORNIA 8 of 15
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A new initiative, the California Legalize Sports Betting and American Indian Lands Initiative, seeks to change the Constitution to allow tribal casinos to offer sports wagering and legalize other casino games thereby expanding their gaming exclusivity for craps and roulette with no specified taxes being paid to state or local governments. This initiative would allow tribal casinos and others to hire private trial lawyers and replace the role of the Attorney General to sue their non tribal competitors and allow frivolous lawsuits that will negatively affect cardrooms such as The Bicycle Hotel & Casino and cities that rely on the tax revenues from cardrooms.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council consider adopting the attached Resolution affirming the City's opposition to "California Legalize Sports Betting on American Indian Lands Initiative" related to sports betting at American Indian gaming casinos and licensed racetracks in California.
9. RESOLUTION TO OPPOSE STATE BALLOT MEASURE RESTRICTING
VOTERS' INPUT AND LOCAL TAXING AUTHORITY
The Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act - Initiative No. 21- 0042A1 limits the voters' input, adopts new and stricter rules for raising taxes and fees, and makes it more difficult to hold state and local law violators accountable.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council consider adopting the attached Resolution affirming the City's opposition to Initiative 21-0026A1, a State ballot measure restricting voters' input and local taxing authority.
10. AWARD OF CONTRACT FOR THE WATERSEWER AND
ELECTRICAL UTILITY INSTALLATION FOR A PRE -FABRICATED
RESTROOM AT ABC FIELD (CIP# 3906)
On March 22, 2021, City Council authorized the purchase of a Pre - Fabricated Restroorn for the ABC sports field adjacent to John Anson Ford Park (Ford Park). The Public Works Department has completed the bid process for the utility installations and site preparation needed prior to the installation of the new pre -fabricated restroom structure. The project scope of work consists of furnishing all materials, equipment, tools, labor and incidental as required by the plans, specifications, and contract documents to install the water service, electrical service and sewer service to create a functioning restroom. The project also includes site improvements that provide access from the ABC field and ADA compliant access around the restroom, from the field and parking lot. On November 10, 2021 City Council authorized approved plans and specs and authorized staff to solicit bids. After cancelling the first bid process, a second notice inviting bids was issued and on January 31, 2022 three bids were received. Staff conducted a review of the apparent lowest bidder, Zusser Company, and determined that Zusser Company Inc. is the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. Therefore, staff is recommending the award of contract 9 of 15
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to Zusser Company Inc. and an appropriation of $268,385 from the general fund to cover the additional project costs.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council by motion:
1) Award a construction contract to Zusser Company, Incorporated, in the amount of $205,292.10 for the Water, Sewer and Electrical Utility Installation for a Pre -Fabricated Restroom at ABC Field — C.I.P. No. 3906; and
2) Authorize staff to execute the agreement and approve change orders that may be necessary during construction to cover any unforeseen condition in an amount not to exceed 10% of the construction contract; and
3) Appropriate the amount of $268,385 from the General Fund to cover the additional project costs.
11. SECOND READING AND APPROVAL OF ORDINANCE 921 - ZONING CODE AMENDMENT NO. 2021-058
Conduct second reading and approve Ordinance No. 921 amending the Electronic Billboard standards pursuant to Zoning Code Amendment No. 2021- 058.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council conduct the second reading and approve Ordinance No. 921 regarding Electronic Billboard Regulations and
Standards pursuant to Zoning Code Amendment No. 2021-058.
12. CLAIM REJECTION
A claim was filed with the City by Aiden Lopez. Staff directed the claims to the City's general liability claims administrator Carl Warren & Company for processing, review, and investigation. Following the investigation, Carl Warren & Company and City staff determined that the City is not liable for the claims.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council reject the following claims and the claimants and/or their representatives be notified:
Aiden Lopez v. City of Bell Gardens (DOE 11/2/2021; DOR 1/26/2022) The City's general liability claims administrator, Carl Warren & Company, recommends that these claims be rejected. The claimants, subject to certain exceptions, shall have up to six (6) months to file a court action subsequent to the City Council's rejection.
13. CLAIM REJECTION
A claim was filed with the City by Yessica Ramirez. Staff directed the claims to the City's general liability claims administrator Carl Warren & Company for 10 of 15
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processing, review, and investigation. Following the investigation, Carl Warren & Company and City staff determined that the City is not liable for the claims.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council reject the following claims and the claimants and/or their representatives be notified:
Yessica Ramirez v. City of Bell Gardens (DOE 12/14/2021;DOR 12/20/2021)
The City's general liability claims administrator, Carl Warren & Company, recommends that these claims be rejected. The claimants, subject to certain exceptions, shall have up to six (6) months to file a court action subsequent to the City Council's rejection.
14. CLAIM REJECTION
A claim was filed with the City by Maria Cruz. Staff directed the claims to the City's general liability claims administrator Carl Warren & Company for processing, review, and investigation. Following the investigation, Carl Warren & Company and City staff determined that the City is not liable for the claims.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council reject the following claims and the claimants and/or their representatives be notified:
Maria Cruz v. City of Bell Gardens (DOE 12/26/2021; DOR 1/5/2022) The City's general liability claims administrator, Carl Warren & Company, recommends that these claims be rejected. The claimants, subject to certain exceptions, shall have up to six (6) months to file a court action subsequent to the City Council's rejection.
15. CLAIM REJECTION
A claim was filed with the City by Juan & Rina Paniagua. Staff directed the claims to the City's general liability claims administrator Carl Warren & Company for processing, review, and investigation. Following the investigation, Carl Warren & Company and City staff determined that the City is not liable for the claims.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council reject the following claims and the claimants and/or their representatives be notified:
Juan & Rina Paniagua v. City of Bell Gardens (DOE 1/21/2022; DOR 1 /31 /2022)
The City's general liability claims administrator, Carl Warren & Company, 11 of 15
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recommends that these claims be rejected. The claimants, subject to certain exceptions, shall have up to six (6) months to file a court action subsequent to the City Council's rejection.
DISCUSSION (Items No. 16-17)
16. CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO ALTERNATES TO THE LOS
ANGELES COUNTY CITY SELECTION COMMITTEE AND THE SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF GOVERNMENTS COMMITTEES
City Council Members serve on various external boards and committees, representing the City of Bell Gardens. This report provides a listing of all the boards and committees and the names of the Council Members that serve on the boards/committees. Currently there are two vacant positions for alternates to the Los Angeles County City Selection Committee and the Southeast California Association of Governments.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council appoint alternates for the Los Angeles County City Selection Committee and the Southeast California Association of Governments and update the attached matrix of Council Appointments to External Regulatory and Advisory Boards, Commissions, and Committees.
City Manager Michael O'Kelly introduced this item and clarified the correct name of the Southern California Association of Governments.
A motion was made by Mayor Maria Pulido, seconded by Councilwoman Lisseth Flores to appoint Councilwoman Alejandra Cortez as the alternate for the Los Angeles County City Selection Committee.
The motion carried 4-0 with the following vote.
AYES: Council Member Barcena, Councilwoman Flores; Mayor Pro Tern Chavez, Mayor Pulido
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Cortez
ABSTAIN: None
A second motion was made by Mayor Maria Pulido, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Jorgel Chavez to appoint Councilwoman Lisseth Flores as the alternate for the Southern California Association of Governments.
The motion carried 4-0 with the following vote.
AYES: Council Member Barcena, Councilwoman Flores; Mayor Pro Tern Chavez, Mayor Pulido
NOES: None
ABSENT: Councilwoman Cortez
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"
On February 24, 2021, the City entered into an agreement with RJM Desi Group (RJM) for design, architecture and engineering services for the Aquati Center at John Anson Ford Park (Ford Park). The architectural and gineeri
plans .,, %, complete.
,, ," �„ Prior demolition 17. AQ11ATIC CENTER PROJECT UPDATE presentationsn, sever
key activities must be fulfilled. This update will be followed by month _ Aquatics
of the construction.
It is stafFs recommendation " the City Council,
Receive and file the John Anson Ford Park Aquatics Center update presentatiol 0,11,0771111riff- "a
Council expressed their interest in completing the Aquatics project as soon as possible.
Mayor Pulido commented
anticipated! ; p . "o date.
Director Rozanne Adanto confirmed that completion of the project should be by July " and no later than the end of 2023.
ill III I
+ w" "ti I III RIERIMF
Director of Recreation and Community Services Director Rozanne Adanto and steps,Director of Public Works Grissel Chavez provided a PowerPoint presentation on th'-D aquatic center update. The presentation included the completed progress to date, the next +', project timeline and cost.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Lisseth Flores, seconded by Council Member Marco Barcena to received and file this report.
The motion carried I
Councilr Barcena, Councilwoman Flores; Mayor Pro Tom Chavez, Mayor Pulido
NOES: None
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At 7:56 p.m. Mayor Maria Pulido recessed the meeting to allow a break for the translator. At 8:06 p.m. the City Council reconvened the meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS UNDER THE SUBJECT MATTER
JURISDICTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL
(Three minutes per person, subject to a total period of 30 minutes) Union de Vecinas de Bell Gardens a group representing residents and tenants of Bell Gardens thanked Councilwoman Alejandra Cortez and Mayor Maria Pulido for everything they do for the Bell Gardens community and requested a meeting with the City Council to discuss the recommendations for an ordinance that was shared with the Rent Control Ad Hoc Committee. (Written comments submitted via email)
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
Council Member Marco Barcena asked if comments made verbally or in writing in Spanish can be translated in English simultaneously. He thanked the Recreation and Community Services Director Rozanne for her service to the City of Bell Gardens and expressed his appreciation for the services she brought to the City during a much needed time. Council Member Marco Barcena also expressed his excitement for the new Recreation and Community Services Director Elizabeth Nava.
Councilwoman Lisseth Flores commented on the safety of the high school students walking home from school on Jabonaria Rd. Bell Gardens Elementary and expressed concerns for the limited lighting and speeding. She asked staff to looking to the area for possible improvements. She thanked Recreation and Community Services Director Rozanne Adanto for the work she has done and for the assistance she has provided to help house homeless women and families. She also thanked her for the making a difference in the lives of the Bell Gardens residence and wished her the best in her future endeavors. She also welcomed the new Director of Recreation and Community Services Elizabeth Nava.
Mayor Pro Tern Jorgel Chavez recognized the high school students that are in CIF as well as the basketball team, soccer team, female basketball team and the athletes for putting Bell Gardens on the map and for making a statement.
Mayor Maria Pulido thanked the Recreation and Community Services Director Rozanne Adanto for the changes that were made in the department and expressed her appreciation for coordinating huge events in collaboration with multiple departments to ensure resources were available to the residents.
Council Member Marco Barcena expressed his appreciation to staff and the community for their support and compassion for him during a difficult time he faced when his dad was ill. He requested a moment of silence for his dad that was a former commissioner and resident of Bell Gardens that loved the community.
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Recreation and Community Services Director Rozanne Adanto stated it was an honor and a privilege to have served the City of Bell Gardens and thanked the City Council for giving her the opportunity to be part of the Bell Gardens family.
Chief Scoff Fairfield expressed appreciation on behalf of the Police Department for all Rozanne Adanto, has done for the community and for allowing them to participate in many of the events and for her support for the department.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Maria Pulido called for a moment of silence for Council Member Marco Barcena's father Celso Barcena who passed away last month. Mayor Maria Pulido adjourned the City Council meeting at 8:28 p.m.
RJR
'I,J4�ne IH'IMIstead
City Clerk
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