CITY OF BELL GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
U
CLOSED SESSION MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 11, 2022, 6:00 P.M.
MINUTES
LOCATION: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER, 7100 GARFIELD AVENUE,BELL GARDENS, CA/TELLECONFRENCE
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 April 11, 2022, via teleconference in the Council Chambers, 7100 Garfield Avenue, Bell Gardens, CA with Mayor Maria Pulido presiding. Mayor Maria Pulido called the meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.
DOLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Present: Marco Barcena,Council Member (Council Chamber) Alejandra Cortez,Council Member(Council Chamber)
Lisseth Flores,Council Member(Council Chamber)
Jorgel Chavez, Mayor Pro Tern (Council Chamber)
Maria Pulido, Mayor(Council Chamber)
Absent: None
COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
(Three minutes per person)
No comments.
CLOSED SESSION (Items No. 1.4)
City Attorney Rick Olivarez announced the City Council Closed Session items. The City Council recessed into closed session at 5:14 p.m. to discuss the items listed on the agenda.
The City Council reconvene to open session at 6:08 p.m. City Attorney Rick Olivarez provided the Closed Session report during the April 11, 2022 regular City Council meeting.
1. CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54956.9(D) 1) - EXISTING LITIGATION
City of Bell Gardens, a California Municipality, v. Jennifer Rodriguez, Case No. 20STCV38848.
2. CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATORS PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6
City-Designated Representatives: Michael B. O'Kelly
Manuel Carrillo
Employee Organizations: Police Officers Association (POA)
Closed Session & Regular City Council Meeting
Minutes of April 11, 2022
3. CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957 —
ANNUAL PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION PURSUANT
TO TERMS OF AGREEMENT
Title: City Manager
4. CLOSED SESSION PURSUANT TO GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 54957.6 —Conference with Labor Negotiator
City Designated Representative: Rick Olivarez, City Attorney Unrepresented Employee: City Manager
ADJOURNMENT -Closed Session meeting adjourned at 6:08 p.m. wmu�-----------
e Halst d
City Clerk
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CITY OF BELL GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL
REGULAR MEETING
ONDAY, APRIL 11, 20229 6:00 P.M.
MINUTES
LOCATION:CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER,7100 GARFIELD AVENUE,BELL GARDENS, CA 1 TELLECONFR NCE PursuantCALL TO ORDER
to Assemblyill 361, The Councilr the City of Bell Gardensi Council held a regular i on April 11, 2022, via teleconference in the cil 7100 GarfieldAvenue, Bell Gardens, CA withMayor,Maria Pulidor i i Mayor Maria PulidoI the meetingr t 6:21 p.m. and made an announcement of Conflict of Interest. CityCouncil Members were asked to recuse themselvesturning off their video r n lic xis .
ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
Present: Marco Barcena,Council Member (CouncilChamber) Alejandra Cortez,Council Member (Council Chamber)
Lisseth Flores,Council Member (Council )
Jorgel Chavez, Mayor Pro Tom ( nil )
MariaIli c, Mayor (Council )
Absent: None
membersCLOSED SESSION REPORT
The f the CityCouncil/Successor Agency met in closed sessionto discuss all of items on the agenda. Withrespects to item no. 1 on the iCouncil , the City Council received ri fi from outside counsel Gary Basilio on the case, feedback was given but no final action was taken. With respect to item no. 2 on the City Council agenda, the CityCouncil received te from the Cityr Michael O'Kelly on the statusof ti tin the PoliceOfficers scci i n, no final action was taken. With respect to item no. 3 andf the regular City Council meeting agenda, the CityCouncil conducted i evaluation is sion of the City Managers performance compensation t did not take any final action. He statedi s to the soleitem under the SuccessorAgency , the Successor Agencyreceived a report from the ci designated representatives, provided, but no final action s taken.
PRESENTATION
* SMALL BUSINESS GRANT— MARDEZ INC. DBA EL ZUNZAL PUPUSERIA Director f Community DevelopmentGustavo c to owner of the El Zunzal Pupuseria, Troy Hernandez as the recipient of the $10,000 small business grant. rn Hernandez thank the Cityit and expressedi r i Council Member
Closed Session & Regular City Council Meeting
Minutes of April 11, 2022
Marco Barcena, Councilwoman Lisseth Flores and Councilwoman Alejandra also expressed their condolences for the recent passing of his father and encouraged everyone to support their local business.
• AUTISM AWARENESS AND ACCEPTANCE MONTH
Mayor Maria Pulido on behalf of the City Council proclaimed the month of April as Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month and encourage residents to become aware of autism indicators, seek early intervention and support those living with autism. Councilwoman Lisseth Flores encouraged everyone to educate themselves and to continue to bring awareness to autism.
RECOGNITION OF NATIONAL DONATE LIFE
Councilwoman Alejandra Cortez on behalf of the City Council proclaimed the month of April as National Donate Life Month and encourage all Californians to check yes online orwhen applying for renewing their driver's license ID card at the DMV to donate life. The proclamation was dedicated to Olivia Cortez who was a donor that helped five families through her donations.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS
Speakers were allowed two minutes due to the number of speakers requesting to speak.
Item No. 13
Don Jervis, member of the ad hoc committee commented on the lack of outreach to the owners in the community regarding this item. He stated they provided outreach to them, thus causing the surge of callers. He thanked Council for listening to tenants and owners' sides.
Estela Mata commented on the recent rent increase at the property that she resides at and commented on the lack of maintenance of the property and poor living conditions.
IN OPPOSITION OF RENT CONTROL
Sylvestre Niyola Unidentified
1. 5. Lincoln Frar� w 9. �562418-9753 13 Leticia Adams Claudia Castaneda Barron
2. Megan Edner 6 (323) 326-3596 10. McLemore 14. Gerry (562) 645-6827 Alfonso Campos Call-In
3.m Maurice Zepeda 7. Aldo Paz ry 11. �56.2) 417-0690 15. User 1 Matthew William 4. m
Guerra 8. Mill Adams 12. Omar Saenz 16. Bernice Perez
IN SUPPORT OF RENT CONTROL
.... ........
1 Laura Cortez 3. X 5. Ramona Curiel 2 MCV 4. Estela Mata _._. 6. Michelle California Latinas California Latinas
for Reproductive for Reproductive
Justice Justice
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Minutes of April 11, 2022
Written comments were also submitted in su ort of rent control from the individuals listed below:
Esmeralda
1 Elaine Hutchison 36 Raul Garcia 71 � Ana Luisa 106 Juarez Rancho
Southeast Jose Guillermo Yolanda
2 -Realtors 37 Milian 72 Valentin Lopez 107 Gomez Gabriela
3 Jessica Pinckney 38 Irma 73 JE 108 Sifuentes:
Rosa Nandez
4 Raul Leon 39 Rocio Garcia 74 Bernie Apolonio 109 Carrillo 5119 Angela
5--Romelia Garcia 1 40 Irene Castellanos 75 Diana Alvarado 110 Hernandez Kosepesio Paulo Veronica
6 Megan Edner 41 Miguel Martinez 76 Sala 111 Razo 7 -Russell Apolonio 42 Andrea 77 Whitney Arnaya _ 112 Maria 8 Bernie Apolonio 43 1 Oralia Alamillo 78 Maria Patino 113 Angela Francisca
9 Diana Alvarado 44 Javier Ayala 79 Joseph Bartolo 114 Alejo ............. ---Ya............ ...........— Cosme del Ana
10 Carmen 45 Denise 80 Lilia Chavez 115 Contreras Maria Martha Helen
11 Villanueva 46 Pedro Hernandez 81 Karla Gonzalez 116 Apol)nio I Jasmine
12 Oig.a..Carmona 47 Maria A. Martinez 82 Maria Estrada 117 Gonzalez 13] Guadalupe Monica
Espinoza 48 Ana Paredes 83 Maria Sanches 118 Wooters California
Latinas for
Gregoria Reproductive
14 Espinoza 49 Rosario Santqyq 84 Ramona Delgado 119 Justice Julianna
15 Jorge Espinoza 50 Nancy Ramos 85 Ascencio 120 Olivia Ca o Leticia Silvia
16 Rodriguez — 51 Enrique Garcia 86 Maria Rodriguez 121 Marroquin 1�Teresa Galicia Jocelyn Del
7 de los Santos 52 Franklin Marro quin 87 Jesus Laureano 122 Real 18 Nallely 53 Andres MagaMa 88 Ana Laureano: 123 Veronica R.
Evangeline
19 Arceo 54 JG 89 Teresa Laureano 124 Isabel N. 20 Karla 55 Lilia Chavez 90 1 Irene Flores 21 Sandra Marchely 56 Karla Gonzalez 91 Marina R 22 Perla 57 Maria Estrada 92 Ruth Ramirez 237 Maria Uribe 58 Maria Sanches 93 Alma Morena I Margarita
24 Eric Gonzalez 59 Ramona Delgado 94 Rodriguez 25 Alejandro Ponce 60 Julianna Ascencio 95 Rosa Gusman 26 AT 61 Maria Rodriauez 96 Ana Luisa 27 Maria Avalos 62 Jesus Laureano 97 Valentin Lopez 5 of 16
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.............
28 Raquel Carrillo 63 Ana Laureano 98 JE _[29 Maria Barrera 64 Teresa Laureano 99 Analuisa ............. 30 Ofelia Flores 65 Irene Flores 100 Diana Rivera 0 ..................
311 Martfn Garcfa 66 Marina R 101 Lucia Villalobos 32 Noemi Chacon 67 --Ruth Ramirez 102 -Rosalva Azola 33 Vir inia Soloriorr_ 68 Alma Morena 103 Maria Martinez ..........
Margarita
34 Damaris Valle 69 liuez 104 Rafael Sanchez L r!"__
Alma Delia
I 'u��_r
q5 Re 70 Rosa Gusman 105 Inocencio Cortez
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Michael O'Kelly commented on the recent spring event and announced that staff at the Bell Gardens Community Family Service Center is assisting the community with applications for the County's Guaranteed Income program. He also commented on the upcoming Blood Drive, Earth Day event and yard sale weekend. He requested for the Chief to provide a brief overview of several serious incident that occurred in Bell Gardens.
Chief Fairfield provided a brief update to a few recent incident that occurred in the community such as two traffic stop occurred that resulted from several guns being recovered and removed from the community; one of the traffic stops included the recovery of narcotics; an attempted robbery of a mobile phone repair shop illegally operating as a dispensary resulting in a homicide; a carjacking at the casino that resulted in assaulte; a sexual assault of a 14 year old minor, a home invasion, an assault with a deadly weapon/domestic violence scenario and a hit and run resulting in the injuries of a pedestrian. He stated the officers, detectives and personnel are working very hard to maintain a safe community these crimes very serious.
He also stated that the police department has removed 41 guns from the community compared to 34 that were taken last year for the same period.
Chief commended the men and women of the Bell Gardens Police Department for their efforts and the job they our doing out there.
At this time 7:55 p.m., Mayor Maria Pulido recessed the meeting. The meeting reconvened at 8:14 p.m.
CONSENT CALENDAR (items No. 1-12)
Staff recommended item No. 7 on be removed from the consent calendar for administrative reasons and to bring this item back at the April 25, 2022 City Council Meeting.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Lisseth Flores, seconded by Council Member Marco Barcena to approve Items No. 1-12 on the Consent Calendar with the exception of Item No. 7.
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The motion carried 5-0 with the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Barcena, Councilwoman Cortez, Councilwoman Flores; Mayor Pro Tern Chavez, Mayor Pulido
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
1 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.
2. 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 02/24/22, 03/01/22, 03/03/22, 03/08/22, 03/10/21, 03/15/21 and 03/22/22.
3. APPROVE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 29 2022 CITY COUNCIL SPECIAL
MEETING
March 29, 2022 - Special City Council Meeting Minutes
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council approve the attached minutes.
4. 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 51953(EJ,
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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 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.
5. CONSIDERATION OF A RESOLUTION REAFFIRMING RESOLUTION NO. 2020-21 WHICH DECLARED A LOCAL EMERGENCY DUE TO THE PUBLIC THREAT CAUSED BY CORONAVIRUS COVID-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).
S. INSTALLATION OF SPEED HUMPS ON SUVA STREET FROM SCOUT AVENUE TO FOSTER BRIDGE BLVD.
The Public Works Department initially received concerns about speeding vehicles traveling on northbound Suva Street through the stop sign at Loveland Street and also traveling northbound to Foster Bridge Boulevard. The Traffic Engineer completed a site investigation of Suva Street to confirm existing conditions and other geometric conditions along this residential street.The speed profiles for Suva Street confirm that motorists are speeding, and additional police enforcement is necessary. The measured street width and recorded speeding activity on Suva Street meet the City's speed hump policy. Although the traffic volumes are slightly higher than the stated City policy,they still fall within the parameters of LA County's speed hump policy. Therefore, the Traffic Engineer recommends the installation of four(4) speed humps on Suva Street, from Scout Avenue to Foster Bridge Blvd; and the installation of one radar feedback sign for installation at midblock in northbound direction, when funding becomes available.
Recommendation:
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It is stafrs recommendation that the City Council by motion approve the construction of four (4) speed humps on Suva Street, between Scout Avenue and Foster Bridge Boulevard, with the appropriate signage.
7. AUTHORIZATION TO ISSUANCE OF ONE OR MORE SERIES OF PENSION
OBLIGATION BONDS AND JUDICIAL VALIDATION ACTION
This it is to approve the issuance of Pension Obligation Bonds for the Purpose of Addressing the City's Unfunded Accrued Liability and Approving the Financing Documents Related thereto and Filing a Judicial Validation Action.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council approve the following two Items:
1. Approval of the Issuance of Pension Obligation Bonds for the Purpose of Addressing the City's Unfunded Accrued Liability and Approving the Financing Documents Related thereto and Filing a Judicial Validation Action.
2. Resolution No. 2022-29 of the City Council of the City of Bell*Gardens Authorizing the issuance of one or more series of Pension Obligation Bonds to Refinance the Outstanding Obligations of the City to the California Public Employees' Retirement System, Authorizing a Judicial Validation Action and Approving the Directing Related Matters
8. ACCEPTANCE OF THE 2020 SHSP GRANT FUNDING
The Police Department will be utilizing the 2020 State Homeland Security Program (SHSP) grant funding to conduct Active Shooter training for the sworn personnel of the Bell Gardens Police Department.
Recommendation:
It is staff recommendation that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution thereby accepting grant funds and authorizing the Police Department to begin expending these funds.
9. CLAIM REJECTION
� claim was filed with the City by Everardo Grajeda. 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:
0 Everardo Grajeda v. City of Bell Gardens (DOE 3/9/2022; DOR 3/10/2022) 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 it a court action subsequent to the City Council's rejection.
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10. CLAIM REJECTION
A claim was filed with the City by Gilbert Gutierrez. 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:
• Gilbert Gutierrez v. City of Bell Gardens (DOE 9/24/2021; DOR 1/10/2022) • Gilbert Gutierrez v. City of Bell Gardens (DOE 2/26/2022; DOR 3/23/2022) 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.
11. ACCEPTANCE OF ENERGY SERVICE CONTRACT FOR HVAC
REPLACEMENTS LED LIGHTING AND LANDSCAPE IRRIGATION CONTROLLERS PROJECT CIP# 3904
On April 26, 2021, City Council approved an Energy Service contract with ABM Building Solutions LLC and a Master Equipment Lease-Purchase Agreement with Holman Capital Corporation. No out of pocket capital was required by the City.
The scope of work consisted in the replacement of 34 HVAC units, new interior and exterior LED lighting and Smart Irrigation Controllers for water conservation at various City facilities. ABM has identified an annual cost saving of$157,489 with these improvements. The Project Inspector conducted their final inspection, reviewed the project documents, and determined that the project was completed satisfactorily and in conformance with the project scope. Therefore, it is staffs recommendation that the project be accepted as complete and that staff is authorized to file the Notice of Completion.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council by motion:
1. Accept the energy service contract for HVAC replacements, LED lighting, and landscape irrigation controllers, as complete; and
2. Authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion.
12. APPROVAL OF SIDE LETTER AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE CITY AND THE
BELL GARDENS POLICE OFFICERS ASSOCIATION
The City and the Bell Gardens Police Officers Association have reached a tentative agreement on a Side Letter Agreement that amends the POA MOU in a limited manner by allowing for an opt out of holiday in-lieu pay and earning of holiday leave, subject to City Council Approval.
Recommendation:
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It is staffs recommendation that the City Council, by motion, approve the attached resolution adopting a Side Letter Agreement between the City of Bell Gardens and the Bell Gardens Police Officers Association (BGPOA).
DISCUSSION (item No. 13-18)
13. RENT CONTROL UPDATE/REQUEST FOR DIRECTION
Rent Control/Stabilization Ordinance Update - Request for Direction.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council direct staff to:
1. Prepare a rent stabilization and just cause eviction ordinance as identified in the body of this report; or
2. Take no further action and receive and file this report.
City Manager Michael O'Kelly introduced the item.
Director of Community Development gave a PowerPoint presentation.
City Attorney Norma Tabares provided additional information on the property owners rights to a fair return and stated an appeal process would need to be created at the administrative level and included in the ordinance.
Mayor Maria Pulido inquired on the percentage of properties that are owned by small owners with 4 or less units in Bell Gardens.
Director of Community Development Gustavo Romo said he would gather that information.
Council expressed their desire in assisting the community.
Mayor Pro Tern Jorgel Chavez made a motion to move forward with a rent control ordinance.
Council Member Lisseth Flores asked forthe motion to include a rent freeze. City Attorney stated that the rent freeze would need to be done through an ordinance and would be unable to do that at this time.
After clarification was made, a motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Jorgel Chavez, seconded by Council Member Marco Barcena to move forward with a rent control ordinance; have Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles assist in drafting the ordinance, receive input from the Rent Control Ad Hoc Committee's on the different components and include in the discussion prior to presenting an ordinance to Council for consideration of the following:
1. A rent control ordinance with no cap at the base and instead only take into account the CPI with 100% CPI cap at 5% max
2. Establish a rent control board
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The motion carried 3-2 with the following vote:
AYES: Council Member Barcena, Councilwoman Flores; Mayor Pro Tern Chavez NOES: Councilwoman Cortez, Mayor Pulido
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
14. CITY COUNCIL CHAMBER IN-PERSON PUBLIC PARTICIPATION On March 14, 2022, the City Council discussed what protocols/measures might be required if the City Council Chamber meetings were opened for in-person public participation. Staff was directed to bring this item back to City Council.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council review the four options discussed and give direction regarding in-person public participation for City Council Chamber meetings.
City Manager Michael O'Kelly Introduced this item. Staff presented four options to the City Council for consideration.
Council Member Marco Barcena inquired about a previous motion made to involve and engage the general public in the Council Meetings.
City Manager Michael O'Kelly and Management Analyst Hailes Soto confirmed that a flyer were created to increase public participation and shared on all of the social media platforms. City Manager Michael O'Kelly also stated staff will continue to develop new ways electronically to get public involvement.
A motion was made by Council Member Jorgel Chavez, seconded by Council Member Marco Barcena to move forward with Option 3.
Option 3.
Limited in-person public participation for City Council Chamber meetings. The City Council Chamber pews can accommodate approximately 31 participants by excluding the first and every other row of pews and allowing 30 inches of seating. Eighteen inches (18") is a typical seating measurement, but 30 inches (30") allows a 6-inch (6") buffer on each side, per seated participant. Masks will be highly encouraged.
The motion failed 2-2-1 with the following vote.
AYES: Council Member Barcena; Mayor Pro Tern Chavez
NOES: Councilwoman Flores; Mayor Pulido
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Councilwoman Cortez
After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Councilwoman Lisseth Flores, seconded by Council Member Marco Barcena to move forward with Option 2. 12 of 16
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Option 2
The City Council Chamber meetings will follow the same allowance for in-person public participation as the LA County Board of Supervisors meetings. Currently,the LA County Board of Supervisors does not allow in-person public participation.Any future revisions would be automatically applied to City Council Chamber meetings.
The motion carried 4-0-1 with the following vote.
AYES: Council Member Barcena, Councilwoman Cortez, Councilwoman Flores; Mayor Pulido
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Mayor Pro Tem Chavez
15. APPROVAL OF EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT AND AUTHORIZING THE
APPOINTMENT OF A RETIREE TO ASSIST IN FILLING A CRITICAL
POSITION ON AN INTERIM BASIS, IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT.
This item is to approve an employment agreement and the authorization to appoint a retiree to assist in filling a critical position on an interim basis in the Community Development Department pursuant to Government Code Sections 7522.56 and 21224, which falls under the 180-Day wait period exemption.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council approve the attached Resolution and an Agreement with retiree, Carmen Morales, who retired on April 4, 2022, to fill the role of Interim City Planner on an interim basis, pursuant to Government Code Sections 7522 & 21221(h) while the City of Bell Gardens actively recruits a full-time permanent City Planner and once said position is filled, assist in the role of Temporary City Planner pursuant to Government Code Sections 7522.56(f)(1) & 21224 as an extra help retired annuitant. Per City of Bell Gardens, Director of Community Development, the appointment is not to exceed three (3) Months.
City Manager Michael O'Kelly introduced this item.
After a brief discussion, a motion was made by Council Member Jorgel Chavez, seconded by Councilwoman Lisseth Flores to approve staffs recommendation.
The motion is carried 5-0 with the following vote.
AYES: Council Member Barcena, Councilwoman Cortez, Councilwoman Flores; Mayor Pro Tern Chavez; Mayor Pulido
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
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16. CONSIDERATION AND POSSIBLE APPROVAL OF EXTENSION AND OTHER
CONTRACTUAL AMENDMENTS TO CITY MANAGER EMPLOYMENT
AGREEMENT WITH CITY
Pending Closed Session Discussion and Deliberation City Council will consider and possibly approve an extension or other amendments to the City Manager Employment Agreement with the City.
Recommendation:
Pending Closed Session Discussion and Deliberation, it is recommended that the City Council consider and possibly approve an extension or other amendments to the City Manager Employment Agreement with the City.
City Manager Michael O'Kelly introduced this item. He stated this item is for approval of the extension of contractual amendments with the City Manager for a 4% pay increase, which is the same increase received by the City's bargaining units. He also stated it is for a two(2) year term with a third year option and includes additional evaluation.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Alejandra Cortez, seconded by Councilwoman Lisseth Flores to approve the recommendation.
The motion carried 5-0 with the following vote.
AYES: Council Member Barcena, Councilwoman Cortez, Councilwoman Flores; Mayor Pro Tem Chavez; Mayor Pulido
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
17. LOCAL COMMISSIONS APPOINTMENT LIST
The Local Commissions Appointments List outlines the City of Bell Gardens Commissions and Commissioners. Per the Bell Gardens Municipal Code, City Commissions consist of Bell Gardens residents appointed by each member of the City Council. Council Members may remove commissioners during any regular City Council meeting and may appoint commissioners following 10 days after the posting of the vacancy notice.
Recommendation:
It is staffs recommendation that the City Council review the Commissions Appointments List and by motion, remove commissioners and/or make appointments to the posted vacancies.
City Manager Michael O'Kelly introduced this item.
Councilwoman Lisseth Flores nominated Amy Sanchez as a commissioner for the Traffic and Safety Commission. A motion was made by Councilwoman Lisseth Flores, seconded by Council Member Jorgel Chavez to appoint Amy Sanchez to the Traffic and Safety Commission.
The motion carried 5-0 with the following vote.
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Council r Barcena, i g Councilwoman Flores; Mayor i
NOES.- None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
18. REVIEW OF CITY COUNCIL APPOINTMENTS TO EXTERNAL COMMITTEES City Councili it ,
representingity of Bell Gardens.Thisprovides isiboards and committees the names of the Councilthat serve on the boards/committees.boards/committees. The Councilappointment vi ions to this list. t is staffs recommendation ity Council make changes, reappointments, r appointments as necessaryto the attachedrig of CouncilAppointments AdvisoryExternal Regulatory and ii Committees.
City Manager Michael ' 1 introduced i item.
motion Councilwoman i t r appoint Mayor Maria Pulido Citiesthe Hub icommittee.
Council e co Barcena statedcurrent board member and stated how important the committeei i reconsider ii After a brief discussion, a motioni iFlores, seconded by Councilwoman r to appoint Mayor Maria Pulido Cities i committee.
The motion carried ® m ifollowing
Councilwomanit 9 Mayor Pulido
Council r Barcena
ABSTAIN: Mayor ABSENT.- None
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) Fran Barrera submitted ri comments on the ongoingis sed by live music at 7558 Jaboneria St. and parkingissues.
COUNCIL MEMBER COMMENTS
Council Member Marco Barcena expressi it to staff for their work and Council r their decision making/ exercising stated ii committee has a lot of potential in helpingcommunity r Maria Pulido promoteii s Consortium. He expressed hisexcitement the next Aquatics c committee updatethe next Council Meeting and commented on the recent 15cf1
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complications they encountered concerning la'nd ownership at Ford Park. He emphasized on how important the pool is to him and for it to be built as soon as possible.
Councilwoman Lisseth Flores thanked Public Works Director Grissel Chavez for the installation of a disabled parking space at Bell Gardens Elementary. She also requested an ordinance to be brought to Council to issue citation to individuals who don't discard their animal feces. She recommended posting signage and providing pet waste bags. She commented on a request that was made from the Cesar Chavez Elementary School for additional trash cans to be placed near the surrounding schools.
She asked staff to investigate changing the zoning code for Clara St. from Ira Ave. to Gephart Ave. to allow for parking permits. She commented on the pedestrian safety walking down Clara St. due to cars blocking the sidewalk. She a gave a brief overview of the National League of Cities conference she went to in Washington DC. She thanked the speakers and the Council for a great meeting. She also thanked staff for their work.
Director of Community Development stated in response to Councilwoman Lisseth Flores comments that the department is going through a zoning consistency change right now that will be presented to the Planning Commission and the City Council.
Mayor Pro Tem Jorgel Chavez thanked the Police Department for coordinating the Candlelight vigil on March 30, 2022 and expressed his interest in collaborating with the faith based community. He also commented on a recent event he attended at Cesar Chavez elementary and the importance of guiding the youth in the right direction. He commented on his involvement on the 1-710 Ad Hoc Committee for Gateways Council of Government and stated some of the projects include improvements in Bell Gardens.
He also commented on his recent senior birthday social, spring festival and senior Karaoke luncheon that he attended. He thanked the all of the residents who participate in the meeting and those that submitted comments.
Mayor Maria Pulido thanked City Manager Michael O'Kelly for all the work he does for the city and expressed how fortunate they are to have him for the next two years.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Maria Pulido, adjourned the City Council meeting at 10:07 p.m. i n d
Clerk
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