CITY OF BELL GARDENS
MINUTES
City Council / Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Joint Meeting
Monday, March 24, 2025, 6:00 PM
LOCATION: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 7100 GARFIELD AVENUE, BELL GARDENS, CA 90201 The meeting will be held at Bell Gardens City Hall in the Council Chambers. The public may attend the meeting in person or virtually as instructed below. You may view the meeting live on, the City's website at ���f � , e€ r l ll t f r .org i-w nt-tomalr -counclHne tin 7C ACCESSIBILITY: If requested, the agenda and backup materials will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. Any person who requires a disability -related modification or accommodation, in order to observe and/or offer public comment may request such reasonable modification, accommodation, aid, or service by contacting the City Clerk's office by telephone at 562-806-7704 or via email to c: itvCierl<D t i li r derm no later than 72 -hours before the scheduled meeting.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: The members of the public may address the City Council on any item listed on the agenda. Public comments are limited to three (3) minutes. 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 (3) minutes per speaker, unless different time is announced by the presiding chair. Speakers who wish to address the City Council should do so by submitting a "Public Comment Card" by 5:00 pm.
Page1 of17
BY TELEPHONE: Phone Number: (669)900-9128 Webinar ID: 813 3236 4343#1 Passcode: 20211# 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 hrtips:: .mm a and entering the Zoom Meeting ID: 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 I':s ic €€ a .r s, I its ts.o or mailed to: City Clerk's Office, 7100 Garfield Ave., Bell Gardens, CA 90201. To ensure distribution to the members of the City Council 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 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.
CALL TO ORDER
The Council Members of the City of Bell Gardens City Council/Successor Agency held a Joint Regular meeting on March 24, 2025, in the Council Chambers, 7100 Garfield Avenue, Bell Gardens, CA with Mayor Jorge! Chavez presiding. Mayor Jorge! Chavez called the joint meeting to order at 6: 12 p.m.
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Minister Daniel Anguiano.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was fed by Girl Scout Troop #2543, Cameron Vargas.
4. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS / SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEMBERS
Marco Barcena, Councilmember / Agency Member
Isabel Guillen, Councilwoman/Agency Member
Francis De Leon Sanchez, Councilwoman / Agency Member
Miguel De La Rosa, Mayor Pro Tem /Vice Chair
Jorgel Chavez, Mayor/ Chair
PRESENTATION
5.1 Arts, Culture and Creativity Advocacy Month
Councilmember Marco Barcena read the certificate of
recognition and presented it to arts, culture and creativity recipients.
5.2 Certificate of Recognition - Bell Gardens High School Girls Volleyball Team
Mayor Jorgel Chavez read the certificate of recognition and presented it to the Bell Gardens High School Girls Volleyball team.
5.3 Certificate of Recognition - Delicias De Mexico
Mayor Jorgel Chavez read the certificate of recognition and presented it to the owner Jaime Alvarez.
6. PUBLIC HEARING
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Tate 11
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council waive full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 952, by title only, to approve the proposed Development Agreement No. 2024-048 for a cannabis retail storefront at 6638 Eastern Avenue.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: In accordance with the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Pub. Res. Code § 21000 et seq.) and CEQA Guidelines (Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, § 15000 et seq.), Ordinance No. 952 has been determined to be
categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15301 (Existing Facilities) and Section 15061(b)(3) (Common Sense Exemption). The Project would authorize a cannabis retail use within an already existing commercial structure, inclusive of tenant improvements, to support a new
commercial use for up to 10 years. No additional floor area is proposed. Additionally, a cannabis retail use has similar impacts as other typical commercial uses and would be
subject to the same or more restrictive development and operating standards as other commercial uses. This Project would comply with building, energy efficiency, and land use and development standard provisions. Therefore, it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment.
CONCLUSION: The DA is designed to facilitate ongoing
communication and collaboration between the Applicant,
who would be the licensee, and the local community
addressing concerns and ensuring the retail storefront aligns with community values and interests by requiring the
Applicant to submit evidence of compliance with all terms and conditions to the City on an annual basis. Balance would be promoted with the operational flexibility built into the DA addressing unforeseen challenges or changes in
circumstances, allowing for adjustments as needed through City Council approval. Compliance with the DA and its terms and conditions will be subject to an annual review, whereby if the City determines that the Applicant is in noncompliance status with the DA, the City may modify or terminate the DA.
Adoption of Ordinance No. 952 and the execution of the
proposed DA would ensure vested development rights in
exchange for community benefits dedicated to revenue for youth programs, housing and homelessness issues, and other discretionary items. Therefore, staff recommends approval of the proposed Development Agreement, which would permit a cannabis retail use at the Subject Site for an initial five (5) - year term, subject to an option to extend the term for an additional five (5) years, for a total 10 -year term.
FISCAL IMPACT: If Ordinance No. 952 is approved, the
Applicant would be required to make an up -front payment of $100,000 upon the effective date of the DA and renew the contribution annually following the execution of the DA, every January (Annual Community Benefit). The Applicant would also be required to make quarterly contributions equal to seven percent (7%) of gross receipts (Quarterly Community Benefit). Pursuant to the DA terms, 80 percent (80%) of these funds would be dedicated to the City's youth and recreational programming and the City's housing programs. Under the DA, the Applicant would also be responsible for the cost of staff time spent on the negotiation and preparation of a
development agreement and monitoring activities to ensure compliance with the DA, CUP, BGMC, and other applicable laws and regulations.
ATTACHMENTS:
� � ree e: N
February 122
i - rd na Nei 957 g
Mayor Jorge/ Chavez opened the public hearing at 6:47 p.m.
John Ramirez, Interim Director of Community Development, and Mona Mossayeb, Acting City Planner, provided a
presentation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
City Clerk Daisy Gomez announced that no written or comments were received and no public comments were provided.
Mayor Jorge! Chavez closed the public hearing at 7:12 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Isabel Guillen to
renegotiate the terms of the development agreement to include the community benefits
A motion was made by Councilwoman Francis De Leon
Sanchez, seconded by Councilmember Marco Barcena to
approve Ordinance No. 952 and the proposed development
agreement for a cannabis retail storefront at 6638 Eastern Avenue.
The motion carried 3 - 2 with the following vote:
Moved by: Francis De Leon Sanchez
Seconded by: Marco Barcena
Yes
No
Marco Barcena, Miguel De La Rosa, and Francis
De Leon Sanchez
Jorgel Chavez and Isabel Guillen
Carried 3-2
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON -AGENDA ITEMS UNDER THE SUBJECT
MATTER JURISDICTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY During this time, the members of the public may address the City Council/ Successor Agency regarding any items within the subject matter jurisdiction of the City Council / Successor Agency. Public comments are limited to 3 minutes per person subject to an overall 30 -minute period for non -agenda items. Government Code Section 54590 prohibits the City Council / Successor Agency from taking action or engaging in discussion on a specific item unless it appears on the agenda.
City Clerk Daisy Gomez announced that there were no written comments received.
Lee Squire spoke regarding National Vietnam War Veteran's Day.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY
During this time, the members of the public may address the City Council/ Agency Members regarding any items listed on the agenda. Public comments are limited to 3 minutes per person.
City Clerk Daisy Gomez announced that there were no written or public comments received.
Richard Jarman spoke in support of Item No. 12.3.
Mario Beltran spoke in support Item No. 12.3.
Gabriela Gomez spoke in support Item No. 12.3.
9. EXTERNAL COMMITTEES UPDATES
Members of the Council reported out updates on their external committees. 10, CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Michael B. ©'Kelly provided a brief report.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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 Councilwoman Francis De Leon Sanchez, seconded by Mayor Jorge! Chavez to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 11.1 -11.11.
The motion carried 5 - © with the following vote:
Moved by; Francis De Leon Sanchez
Seconded by: Jorgel Chavez
Yes
Marco Barcena, Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, Francis De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel
Guillen
Carried 5-0
es...ID: Title ll`° kdl t,::l C
3693,1 Stionort
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RECOM ENDATION: To approve ordinances by title only.
CONCLUSION: Allowing ordinances to be read by title only, according to California State Law, will expedite the conduct of business at Council Meetings.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
ATTACHMENTS: None.
11.2 1 I/ r � 'i i; tk City t u r /Successor igiett to y 1pti RECOM EN©ATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council approve the minutes of the March 16, 2025, City Council/Successor Agency Joint Meeting.
CONCLUSION: If approved, the minutes of the City
Council/Successor Agency Joint Meeting will be archived in the City Clerk's Office.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ATTACHMENTS: Exhib . .r _
the Community Develop r r r& ,ommission
Mar t
_"t'tir`R ace trlla r� .ili t
rt l) °lithet ll r; r
ICode r adc
traesta ,list r� P is itr- the use
dtgigaisignatures
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council waive full reading and adopt Ordinance No. 956 amending Title 2 (Administration and Personnel) of the Bell Gardens Municipal Code to add a new Chapter 2.74
(Electronic Signatures) to establish a policy for the use of electronic or digital signatures.
CONCLUSION: If approved, Ordinance No. 956 would become effective thirty (30) calendar days after approval. Staff recommends that the City Council waive full reading and adopt Ordinance No. 956.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
ATTACHMENTS: Erat
11.4 War! ant_Re ev Es- ! uccessor , eraoy
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
Successor Agency members receive and file the warrant
registers dated 03/04/2025.
CONCLUSION: If the recommendation to the Successor
Agency Members is approved, then the warrant register dated 03/04/2025 will be received and filed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Warra nt
Register
03/04/2025
12974
$8,083.08
Total Bank
$8,083.08
Grand Total
Vouchers
$8,083.08
ATTACHMENTS:
11.6 ebrp.. }.w.. " Cr es0ms Report
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council receive, approve, and file the February 2025 Treasurer's Report.
CONCLUSION: The February 28, 2025, Treasurer's Report has been presented to the City Council with a recommendation to receive, approve and file.
FISCAL IMPACT: CT: None
ATTACHMENTS: .E...NtMI_t__t .
11.7 fQ t� rrrof ion s( [t en Apo:00Ru Lease
t Between thelfiltdeaf OlenrenataBaheacdBoty
Lou fernises t ore x t " .1rt Garfield,
ABBIllarg
RECOMMENDATION: It is the staff's recommendation that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving a lease agreement between the County of Los Angeles and the City of
Bell Gardens to continue leasing 7110 Garfield Avenue for the purpose of a County of Los Angeles library.
CONCLUSION: The Bell Gardens Library offers serval benefits including access to resources, cost efficiency, educational support, community engagement, digital access, and
technology, among others. It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution, approving a lease agreement between the City of Bell Gardens and the County of Los Angeles, for the collective continued public library services benefits that enhance the quality of life for residents.
FISCAL IMPACT: The presence of a County library branch is a valuable community asset. The City can leverage county
funding and resources to maintain and expand library
services without bearing the full financial burden, allowing high -quality services while keeping costs manageable. The Leasing of the site shall be free of charge. The Bell Gardens Library shall be responsible for all utility services associated with the leased premises, including but not limited to water, sewer, trash collection, pest control, telephone, electricity, and gas, as needed for the operation and use of the premises.
ATTACHMENTS:
Lease
11.8 Co.nsteration Approval. of Seco PAr endmen_
ProfeseSerykles Mgr e men
C K i e:
8 c iV & r l St
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council:
1. Determine the action exempt from the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant
to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c)(3); and
2. Adopt the attached resolution authorizing the City
Manager to execute a Second Amendment to the
Professional Services Agreement ("Agreement")
between the City and WSP USA Inc. (WSP; formerly
Wood Environment & Infrastructure Solutions, Inc.).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Guidelines Section No. 15060(c)(3), this report is categorically exempt as
organizational or administrative activities of governments since no direct or indirect physical changes in the
environment would result and the activity is not defined as a project.
CONCLUSION: WSP has provided valuable consulting services to the City and has a deep understanding of the historical and proposed Site activity. Based on their work to date, and the additional work and testing required to continue helping the City coordinate the physical remediation of the Site, staff recommends the City Council adopt the resolution approving a Second Amendment to the Master Professional Services
Agreement with WSP.
FISCAL IMPACT: Approval of the Second Amendment would
have no fiscal impact to the City since Site hazardous waste cleanup activities are funded in full by the ECRG.
ATTACHMENTS:
to PSA WSP
11.$ � irvi�
RECOMMENDATION: ft is staff's recommendation that the
City Council receive and file the warrant registers, wire transfers, and net payrolls dated 03/04/2025, 03/06/2024, and 03/11/2025.
CONCLUSION: If the recommendation to the City Council is approved, then the warrant registers, wire transfers, and net payrolls dated 03/04/2025, 03/06/2024, and 03/11/2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Warrant
register
e Transfe
03106/20
194357-194430
Page11 of17
arrant
register
Net Pa roll
transfer
7 03/11/20
25 ATTACHMENTS: rii i Warrrat ReFister
Total. Bank
Total Voucher
23,908.9
$2,107,947
.91
527,424.9
4 $2,635,327
.85
Grand Total $3,229,039
Vouchers .96
11.9 Consider, TIOII Of Res° n
2024 Bet[ Gardens neraE Nan Anne
e et Co
RECOMMENDATION: It is staffs recommendation that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving and consenting to the submission of the 2024 Bell Gardens
General Plan Annual Progress Report to the State of
California.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW: Pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Guidelines Section No. 15306 (Class 6, Information Collection), this report is categorically exempt from the application of CEQA. Class 6 consists of basic data collection, research, experimental management, and resource evaluation activities which do not result in a serious or major disturbance to an environmental resource. These may be strictly for information gathering purposes, or as part of a study leading to an action which a public agency has not yet approved, adopted, or funded.
Categorical exemptions are for projects that have been
determined to not have a significant effect on the
environment, and as this report is solely for the purpose of information sharing, the collection of information is exempt from the requirement for the preparation of environmental documentation.
CONCLUSION: Staff recommends that the City Council accept the APR by adopting a resolution to consent to the APR's submission to the California 0PR and HCD.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit 1 - R ctl : r 1[__4 1 ._
it 4 ;j k ,tell ardens
51`
irce
Prey de Acid' 00,3 Despsr
pails( i .Cplsat onto
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Fifth Amendment to the
Professional Services Agreement with RJM Design Group, Inc.
Conclusion: Approving a Fifth Amendment would enable RJM to provide the additional design and services necessary for the Aquatics Center.
FISCAL IMPACT: The $7,418 for additional design and the $25,000 contingency would result in a total contract cost of $1,689,255. CDBG funds are available..
ATTACHMENTS:xh PP,1 Rs i:tie
FilthAmendment ,B
RP
Annuals Pio
,m mevingtdi
;rA a a,i l RSl _4
es tlr l:r
:
:Group to
Floyd
:talons rte r61 � pit t t t r iertr tylt a
Solutions,i c. rr tr rrtit
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council:
1. Adopt the attached Resolution approving an
agreement with ABM Electrical & Lighting Solutions,
Inc. for the purchase and installation of new solar
lighting for a total amount not to exceed $20,608.45;
and
2. Authorize the City Manager 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 agreement
amount.
CONCLUSION: If the attached Resolution is adopted, staff will process the agreement for signatures and issue a Notice to Proceed with the Lighting Improvements to ABM. The Lighting Improvements are expected to be completed by May 39, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT: The agreement amount for the Lighting
Improvements is $20,608.45. A contingency of ten percent (10%) (approximately $2,060.85) will be necessary to cover any unforeseen conditions; therefore, the total project budget for the Lighting Improvements will be $22,669.30. The City's FY 24/25 budget includes sufficient funding for the
improvements.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit Purchase andIr :il ion r en
12. DISCUSSION
12.1 L al CommIssions ,appuIntu7 er₹ € s
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.
CONCLUSION: After an appointment is made, Commission
members will receive their Oath of Office before beginning service with their respective Commission at the next regularly scheduled Commission meeting. The City Clerk's Office will arrange for the proper filing of Conflict of Interest Code forms and schedule trainings for AB 1234 and AB 1661.
FISCAL IMPACT: No fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENTS: LxhIbi1. 1 c :l ar � i i rr Vacar i
Mayor Jorgel Chavez recessed the meeting at 7:49 p.m. and reconvened at 7:59 p.m.
This item was heard after Item No. 12.3.
No action was taken.
12.2 LegislativeUpdate g
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council receive and file this update.
CONCLUSION: The League of California Cities serves as a valuable resource for cities, offering legislative advocacy and educational support. Through its efforts, Cal Cities provides opportunities for deeper involvement in legislation that affects local governments by providing tools to help expand and protect local control. The City of Bell Gardens can benefit from the resources and services offered by Cal Cities to enhance its participation in the legislative process.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
ATTACHMENTS: Exi'eLl i
slmmative Update Presentation
Nicholas Cabeza, Regional Public Affairs Manager Los Angeles County Division, League of California Cities provided a presentation.
This item was received and filed.
12.3 Co siderals di -Adoption of m: Resolution
lest itUti na di aleK Against Youth and ,ALL#iEr� i i the ommitment to Supporting g Praigt W l� at Promote
Youth Safety., N ll- eing and Success ig
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution denouncing
Institutionalized violence against youth and affirming the City's commitment to supporting programs that promote
youth safety, well-being and success.
BACKGROUND/ DISCUSSION: During the March 10, 2025 City
Council meeting, Councilmember Marco Barcena directed
hounding
staff to prepare a resolution denouncing institutionalized violence against youth and affirming the City's commitment to supporting programs that promote youth safety, well- being and success.
The attached Resolution aims to affirm that the City of Bell Gardens stands in solidarity with those advocating for the well-being and rights of youth.
CONCLUSION: Staff recommends the approval of the
attached resolution to address institutionalized violence against youth and the City's mission to invest in youth services and preventative initiatives to provide a safe and supportive environment for youth.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
ATTACHMENTS: Lir ion No.
This item was heard prior to Item No. 12.1.
A motion was made by Councilmember Marco Barcena,
seconded by Councilwoman Isabel Guillen to adopt Resolution No. 2025-30.
The motion carried 5-a with the following vote:
Moved by: Marco Barcena
Seconded by: Isabel Guillen
Yes
Marco Barcena, Jorge' Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, Francis De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel
Guillen
Carried 5-0
13. CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEMBER COMMENTS
Members of the Council and Successor Agency made community announcements and comments.
i4, ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Jorge! Chavez adjourned the meeting at 8:34 p. m.
Daisy Gmz,City C