CITY OF BELL GARDENS
CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JOINT MEETING
MONDAY, MARCH 11, 2024, 6:00 PM
MINUTES
LOCATION: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 7100 GARFIELD AVENUE, BELL GARDENS, CA90201 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: The members of the public may address the City Council / Agency Members on any item listed on the agenda or on matters which are not listed on the agenda but are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council / Successor Agency. Public comments are limited to three (3) minutes per person for each designated public comment period(s). Public comments for non - agenda items will be limited to a total of 30 minutes. Public comments can be made by any of the following ways:
IN -PERSON: Members of the public can provide in -person comments at the podium in the Council Chamber. The Council Chambers will have seating available for members of the public to attend the meeting in person, subject to capacity limits. Public comments are limited to three (3) minutes for each designated public comment period(s) per speaker, unless a different time is announced by the presiding chair. Speakers who wish to address the City Council / Agency Members should do so by submitting a "Public Comment Card" card by 5:00 p.m. for Closed Session items and by 6:00 p.m. for all other designated public comment periods as listed.
BY TELEPHONE: Phone Number: (669)900-9128 Webinar I D: 813 3236 4343# Passcode: 2021# To address the City Council press *9 to raise your hand then *6 to unmute yourself when instructed.
VIRTUALLY LIVE: Members of the public may participate via Zoom by https://zoom.us/join and entering the Zoom Meeting I D: 813 3236 4343 Passcode: 2021
Comments may also be made via the Zoom app by using the "Raise Hand" feature when it is your turn to speak the host will unmute you. Comments will not be accepted in the QandA Chat function of the zoom app.
WRITTEN COMMENTS: Public comments may be emailed to [email protected] or mailed to: City Clerk's Office, 7100 Garfield Ave., Bell Gardens, CA 90201. To ensure distribution to the members of the City Council / Agency Members prior to consideration of the agenda, please submit comments no later than one (1) hour prior to the meeting. Those comments, as well as any comments received after, will be distributed to the members of the City Council / Successor Agency and will be part of the official public record of this meeting.
For more information, you may contact the City Clerk's office during regular business hours 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday at (562) 806-7704.
PUBLIC HEARING: Public participation will be separately called for the public to provide comments at the time of each public hearing item. Speakers who wish to provide a comment should do so by submitting a "Public Comment Card" to the staff liaison, clerk, prior to the designated public comment period.
CALL TO ORDER
The Council Members of the City of Bell Gardens City Council/Successor Agency held a Joint Regular meeting on March 11, 2024, in the Council Chambers, 7100 Garfield Avenue, Bell Gardens, CA with Mayor Jorgel Chavez presiding. Mayor Jorgel Chavez called the joint meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Minister Daniel Anguiano.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Cameron Vargas with Girl Scout Troop 2543.
ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS / SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEMBERS
Present:
Gabriela Gomez, Agency Member/Council Member
Maria Pulido, Agency Member/Council Member (joined at 8:03 p.m.) Francis De Leon Sanchez, Agency Member/Council Member
Marco Barcena, Vice Chair/Mayor Pro Tern
Jorgel Chavez, Chair/Mayor
Absent:
None
PRESENTATIONS
• CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION - ROSARIO "EL CHAYITO" QUINTERO Mayor Jorgel Chavez read the certificate of recognition and presented it to Rosario Quintero. • CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION - TAQUERIA LOS ALTOS
Mayor Jorgel Chavez read the certificate of recognition and presented it to the owner.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS UNDER THE SUBJECT MATTER
JURISDICTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY
City Clerk Daisy Gomez announced that there were no written comments provided.
Margarita Revuelta spoke in opposition to rent control.
Irma Lopez spoke in opposition to rent control.
Juan Martinez spoke in support of rent control.
Rodolfo Cortes spoke in support of rent control.
Joaquin Beltran spoke in support of the ceasefire resolution.
Andy O'Breen spoke in support of a white resolution.
Brenton Tarrant spoke in support of a white resolution and opposition of ceasefire resolution.
Rex Yuden spoke in support of a white resolution.
Hector Nosweula spoke on various topics.
Jim Conley spoke regarding various topics.
Kai Carter spoke in support of a white resolution.
Mittzy Bephe in support of women's rights.
Lilly Perez spoke regarding various topics.
Wyatt Prower spoke regarding various topics.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
City Clerk Daisy Gomez announced that there were 20 written comments provided.
Martha spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Cassandra spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Brittany de la Torre spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Fabiola Barcena spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Eliazar Barcena, on behalf of son Santiago Martinez, spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Rocio Barcena spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Maria de Jesus Barcena spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Francisco Barcena spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Jorge Badel spoke in opposition to Item No. 12.
Marleen Valdez spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Maria Vazquez spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Mario Beltran spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Alex Rocha spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Robert Gurrola spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Richard Jarman spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Rogelio Rodriguez spoke in support of Item No. 10 and opposition to Item No. 11.
Zain Hasan spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Fernando Islas spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Aaron K.R. spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Ryda Hamida spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Oscar Trejo spoke in support of Item No. 12.
Gabe spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Rodolfo spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Daniela Martinez spoke in support of Item No. 10 and in opposition to Item No. 12.
Councilmember Maria Pulido joined the meeting at 8:03 p.m.
Elizabeth Alcantar spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Juan Martinez (Delegate of the 64) spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Jojo Del Real spoke in support of Item No. 10 and in opposition to Item No. 12.
Mateo Gil spoke in support of Item No. 10 and in opposition to item No. 12.
Nate 9 spoke in support of Item No. 10 and in opposition to Item No. 12.
Lesly Velez spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Joaquin Beltran spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Jose Aleman spoke in support of Item No. 12.
Alfred spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Melodie spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Armando spoke in support of Item No. 12.
Mayor Jorgel Chavez recessed the meeting at 8:34 p.m. and reconvened at 8:50 p.m.
Johnny Rebel spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Mirvette Judeh spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Xochitl Morales spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Mario Garcia spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Huda spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Jasmine Gonzalez spoke in support of Item Nos. 10 and 12.
Natalia Rodriguez spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Jim Conley spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Annalise Frankfort spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Rex Yuden spoke in opposition to Item No. 10.
Gabe Stutman spoke regarding Item No. 10
Jose Lopez spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Ramiro Juarez spoke in opposition of Item No. 10.
Ale Fernandez spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Omar spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Fred Leuchter spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Judy Stoyer spoke regarding Item No. 10.
Manda Garcia spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Rabbi Zyke Lawnby spoke in opposition to Item No. 10.
Katheja spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Ursula Haverbeck spoke regarding Item No. 10
Martin King spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Chad Bastewell spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Amal spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Maria Padilla spoke in support of Item No. 10.
June O'Tessor spoke in support of Item No. 10.
Charlan Ash spoke in support of Item No. 10.
LaShayne Jackson spoke in opposition to Item No. 10.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Michael O'Kelly provided a brief report.
CONSENT CALENDAR (Item Nos. 1 - 8)
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and can be acted on by one roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members of the City Council / Successor Agency request specific items to be removed from the Consent Calendar for separate action.
Items called for separate discussion will be heard as the next order of business.
A motion was made by Councilmember Francis de Leon Sanchez, seconded by Councilmember Gabriela Gomez to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1 - 8.
The motion carried 5-0 with the following vote for Item Nos. 1 - 8:
AYES:
Gomez, Pulido, Sanchez, Barcena, Chavez
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
ABSTAI N:
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 a majority of the legislative body supports the motion to waive the full reading.
Recommendation:
It is staff's 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. APPROVAL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 26, 2024 CITY COUNCIL CLOSED SESSION AND
CITY/SUCCESSOR AGENCY JOINT MEETINGS
Approve the minutes of the February 26,2024 City Council Closed Session and City/Successor Agency Joint Meetings.
Recommendation:
It is staff's recommendation that the City Council approve the minutes of the February 26, 2024 Closed Session and City/Successor Agency Joint Meetings.
3. 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 staff's recommendation that the City Council receive and file the warrant registers, wire transfers, and net payrolls dated 02/08/2024, 02/13/2024 and 02/20/2024.
4. WARRANT REGISTER SUCCESSORAGENCY
In approving the action of receiving and filing the warrant registers, the official minutes of the Successor Agency should state that each individual member of the Successor Agency 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 Successor Agency Member, or pays for any costs or expenses, or otherwise benefits the same named Successor Agency Member. Each Successor Agency Member will not be participating, influencing or voting on any such warrant bearing their name or which benefits the same named Successor Agency 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 staff's recommendation that the Successor Agency Members receive and file the warrant register dated 02/13/24.
5. SIXTH AMENDMENT TO THE PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT BETWEEN
CITY AND MICHAEL BAKER INTERNATIONAL FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR
ADMINISTRATION OF ADDED CDBG-CV AND PLHA PROGRAMS
A sixth amendment to the existing professional services agreement with Michael Baker International for additional funding for added administrative services for the City's new Community Development Block Grant -Corona Virus (CDBG-CV) and Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) programs.
Recommendation:
It is staff's recommendation that the City Council adopt the attached resolution approving a Sixth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement between the City and Michael Baker International (Michael Baker) to provide additional funding for added administrative services for the City's new CDBG-CV Care Kits program and PLHA program.
Resolution No. 2024-12 was adopted.
6. FINAL TRACT MAP NO.78222 FOR THE SUBDIVISION OF THREE PARCELS INTO ONE COMMON -OWNERSHIP PARCEL AND 48 RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM PARCELS AT 8000 BELL GARDENS AVENUE (FILE NO.2018-080)
Approval of Final Tract Map No. 78222 and recordation of the Final Map for the subdivision of three parcels into one common -ownership parcel and 48 residential condominium parcels located at 8000 Bell Gardens Avenue.
Recommendation:
It is staff's recommendation that the City Council adopt a Resolution approving Final Tract Map No. 78222 to record the Final Map for the subdivision of three parcels into one common -ownership parcel and 48 residential condominium parcels on 2.47 acres located at 8000 Bell Gardens Avenue, Bell Gardens, CA.
Resolution No. 2024-13 was adopted.
7. APPROVAL OF PROPOSITION 1 GRANT SUBRECIPIENT AGREEMENT FOR
REGIONAL RECYCLED WATER EXPANSION PROJECT
Consideration of a Resolution approving a Proposition 1 Grant Subrecipient Agreement with the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority for the Regional Recycled Water Expansion Project.
Recommendation:
It is staff's recommendation that the City Council:
1. Adopt the attached Resolution approving the Proposition 1 Grant Subrecipient Agreement for the Regional Recycled Water Expansion Project with the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority;
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Proposition 1 Grant Subrecipient Agreement; and
3. Appropriate $50,000 from the General Fund as the City's local cost share.
Resolution No. 2024-14 was adopted.
8. APPROVAL OF PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND AUTHORIZATION TO SOLICIT BIDS FOR THE FY 2022-2023 VARIOUS RESIDENTIAL STREET IMPROVEMENTS (CIP NO.3919)
The plans and specifications for the FY 2022-2023 Various Residential Street Improvements have been prepared. Approval of this item will allow the City to advertise the project for bids.
Recommendation:
It is staff's recommendation that the City Council:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the FY 2022-2023 Various Residential Street Improvements; and
2. Authorize staff to solicit competitive bids and publish the Notice Inviting Sealed Bids.
DISCUSSION (Item Nos. 9 -14)
9. 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 working days after the posting of the vacancy notice.
Recommendation:
It is staff's recommendation that the City Council review the Commissions Appointments List and by motion, remove commissioners and/or make appointments to the posted vacancies.
A motion was made by Mayor Jorgel Chavez, seconded by Councilmember Francis de Leon Sanchez to appoint Erika Cabrera to fill the Mayor Jorgel Chavez vacancy in the Recreation, Cultural and Youth
Commission.
The motion carried 5-0 with the following vote:
AYES:
Gomez, Pulido, Sanchez, Barcena, Chavez
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
ABSTAI N:
None
10. RESOLUTION AFFIRMING SUPPORT FOR THE CONGRESSIONAL AND WORLDWIDE
CALLS FORAN IMMEDIATE CEASEFIRE IN GAZA
Since October 8th, 2023, following the Hamas attack on Israel, elected officials have publicly acknowledged the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis impacting Israel and Gaza.
Recommendation:
It is staff's recommendation that the City Council adopt the attached resolution supporting the congressional and worldwide calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Michael O'Kelly, City Manager, introduced the item.
A motion was made by Mayor Jorgel Chavez, seconded by Councilmember Gabriela Gomez to approve Resolution No. 2024-15.
The motion carried 5-0 with the following vote:
AYES:
Gomez, Pulido, Sanchez, Barcena, Chavez
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
ABSTAI N:
None
11. COMMERCIAL CANNABIS PERMIT APPLICATIONS UPDATE
Request for direction on cannabis retail ordinance.
Recommendation:
It is staff's recommendation that the City Council consider the following actions:
1. Receive and file this report, with no further action; or
2. Direct staff to bring back an ordinance amending Title 9 (Zoning and Planning Regulations) of the Bell Gardens Municipal Code ("BGMC") to permit staff to regulate the ability to accept applications for processing; or
3. Direct staff to bring back an ordinance amending Title 9 (Zoning and Planning Regulations) of the BGMC to establish a maximum number of conditional use permits ("CUP") to be issued based on a per capita ratio; or
4. Direct staff to bring back an ordinance amending Title 5 (Business Licenses, Regulations and Taxes) of the BGMC to establish a maximum number of permissible business regulatory permits for a cannabis retail use.
Gustavo Romo, Director of Community Development, provided a presentation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gabriela Gomez, seconded by Councilmember Francis De
Leon Sanchez to amend Ordinance No. 942 establishing a maximum number of seven (7) permissible business regulatory permits.
The motion carried 5-0 with the following vote:
AYES:
Gomez, Pulido, Sanchez, Barcena, Chavez
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
ABSTAI N:
None
12. KOUNKUEY DESIGN INITIATIVE (KDI) -OUR RESILIENT RIO BELL GARDENS GOLF
COURSE VISION PLAN FINAL PROJECT UPDATE
Kounkuey Design Initiative (KDI) final report on Our Resilient Rio Bell Gardens Golf Course Vision Plan.
Recommendation:
It is staff's recommendation that the City Council by motion receive and file the KDI Initiative - Our Resilient Rio Bell Gardens Golf Course Vision Plan final update.
Elizabeth Nava, Director of Recreation Community Services, provided a presentation.
Lauren Elachi, Senior Design Principal, and Daniel Dominguez, Design Coordinator, provided a presentation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Gabriela Gomez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Marco Barcena to receive and file this item.
The motion carried 5-0 with the following vote:
AYES:
Gomez, Pulido,Sanchez, Barcena, Chavez
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
ABSTAI N:
None
13. BELL GARDENS COMMUNITY STAKEHOLDER PRIORITIES SURVEY As part of the City's upcoming budget preparation and adoption process for Fiscal Year 2024-25, staff is recommending an enhanced community stakeholder participation tool in the form of a community stakeholder priorities survey. The main purpose of the survey will be to determine stakeholder priorities that may be considered during the FY 2024-25 budget process.
Recommendation:
It is staff's recommendation that the City Council receive and file the report.
Hailes Soto, Assistant to the City Manager, provided a presentation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Francis De Leon Sanchez, seconded by Councilmember Gabriela Gomez to receive and file this item.
The motion carried 5-0 with the following vote:
AYES:
Gomez, Pulido, Sanchez, Barcena, Chavez
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
ABSTAI N:
None
14. FY 2023-2024 MID -YEAR BUDGET REVIEW
Mid -Year review of the City's FY 2023-24 Operating Budget.
Recommendation:
It is staff recommendation that the City Council:
1. Receive, discuss, and file the fiscal year 2023-2024 mid -year budget report.
2. Approve the following additional appropriations for fiscal year 2023-2024. Gen Fund C/P (115) $567,193, OTS (116) $100,000; ABC Grant (154) $35,000; Homeland Security Grant (155) $377, 734, COPS Hiring Grant (172) $375, 000, Gas Tax Fund (210) $50,133, Gas Tax Fund (210) $11,000; Community Development Block Grant (260) $4,000,000, Measure M (286) $27,000; Golf Course Fund (520) $14,000; PD-Reimburse Grant Funding (831) $72,000; PD-Reimburse Grant Funding (831) $10,000, Measure W (TBD) $60, 000.
Manual Carrillo, Director of Finance and Administrative Services, provided a presentation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tern Barcena, seconded by Mayor Chavez to receive and file this item and to approve the additional appropriations for fiscal year 2023-2024.
The motion carried 5-0 with the following vote:
AYES:
Gomez, Pulido, Sanchez, Barcena, Chavez
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
ABSTAIN: None
CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY M EMBER COMMENTS
Members of the Council and Successor Agency made community announcements and comments.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Jorgel Chavez adjourned the meeting at 11:48 p.m.
Daisy Gomez, City Clerk
Agenda posted on March 7, 2024.