CITY OF BELL GARDENS
MINUTES
City Council / Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Joint Meeting
Monday, April 14, 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 hula 1lwvvw tellgr i cl w ©rgii_..w_znt.._to_/vvatcl ^coty- :_qorrncil ti-Leetins.
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 CityclerbDe @beligardens o g 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.
BY TELEPHONE: Phone Number: (669)900--9128 Webinar ID: 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 J 1 1;:: !R cc r entering the Zoom Meeting ID: 81.3 3236 4343 Passcode: 2021; and
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 Pt1blis_Gc mmentsfa)beII 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.
2. INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Minister Daniel Anguiano.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge ofAllegiance was led by City Manager Michael B. ©'Kelly.
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 Certificate of Recognition - Bell Gardens High School Wrestling Team
This item was heard after "Vida Sana."
Mayor Jorge! Chavez read the certificate of recognition and presented it to the Bel! Gardens High School Wrestling Team.
5.2 Certificate of Recognition - Vida Sana
This item was heard after "For the 30 Years of Service" and prior to the "Bell Gardens High School Wrestling Team."
Mayor Jorge! Chavez read the certificate of recognition and presented it to Rosario Solorzano, Martha Beltran and Araceli Martinez.
5.3 Certificate of Recognition - For the 30 Years of Service - Lieutenant Aguirre
This item was heard prior to Bel! Gardens High School Wrestling Team.
Mayor Jorgel Chavez read the certificate of recognition and presented it to Lieutenant Aguirre.
6. PUBLIC HEARING
6.1 AcioptIon of ResoIt fi B c . ?025-2.1 to AllocTte Corm � tf 'veicIpment Grant Funds to I-)ograrn Years
-Id c mm tc °rtc t r y t r; k Resttoom
R Li eimtent P oie .t �?
RECOM ENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council conduct a public hearing on the City's
Community Development Block Grant ("CDBG") FY2024-2025
unallocated funds and FY 2025-2026 estimated funds. Upon consideration of the public testimony and discussion of relevant issues, adopt the attached Resolution approving the direction of 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 CDBG funds for the Veterans Park Restroom Replacement Project.
CONCLUSION: It is staff's recommendation that the City
Council adopt the attached Resolution directing the City's unallocated 2024-2025 and estimated allocated 2025-2026 CDBG funds for the proposed project and submitting said Resolution to LACDA to complete the funding process and allow for project implementation..
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
ATTACHMENTS:
9,irM No.2025-3 W oc .
Mayor Jorge/ Chavez opened the public hearing at 6:56 p. m.
John Ramirez, Interim Director of Community Development, 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 7:02 p. m.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Isabel Guillen, seconded by Councilwoman Francis De Leon Sanchez to approve
Resolution 2025-31.
The motion carried 5 - 0 with the following vote:
Moved by: Isabel Guillen
Seconded by Francis De Leon Sanchez
Yes
ig add_
n dew
RECOM TI : It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council waive full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 954, by title only, amending Section 9.20.036 (Accessory Dwelling Units) of Chapter 9.20 (Special Uses and Applicable Standards) of Title 9 (Zoning and Planning) of the Bell Gardens Municipal Code ("BGMC") regulating accessory
dwelling units.
CONCLUSION: The adoption of Ordinance No. 954 is critical to comply with recently adopted state law promoting the construction of ADUs in areas zoned for residential and mixed -uses. ADUs play a crucial role in addressing the state's housing crisis by providing flexible housing options within existing residential areas. Following state guidelines is necessary to ensure that local ADU regulations align with state goals to promote housing development, streamline the approval process, and support more housing options.
Complying with state law and guidelines and policies focused at reducing barriers to housing development helps maintain consistency and facilitates construction of units in areas where they are needed.
it is recommended that the City Council waive full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 954, by title only, approving Ordinance No. 954 amending Title 9 (Zoning and Planning Regulations) BGMC.
Marco Barcena, Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, Francis De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel
Guillen
Carried 5.0
eddtion f Ad_.Q.- it Cho. 054 mL
jne,.. S ui it ' � 2e dr '",
:.ode Amendmee s Nr . 2024- 75
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ATTACHMENTS:
Rtport
L I ik i
ie ci
ar t.
€m l iL i[ rf
Notice g
Exhib 4Prpsentation gr „4
Mayor Jorge" Chavez opened the public hearing at 7:03 p.m..
John Ramirez, Interim Director of Community Development, and Mona Mossayeb, Acting City Planner, provided a
presentation.
PUBLIC CO_ MENT
City Clerk Daisy Gomez announced that no written or comments were received and n
MayorJorgel Chavez closed the public hearing at 7:12 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Francis De Leon
Sanchez, seconded by Councilmember Marco Barcena to
approve Ordinance No. 954.
The motion carried 5 - P with the following vote:
Moved by: Francis De Leon Sanchez
Seconded by: Marco Barcena
Yes
Marco Barcena, Jorge' Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, Francis De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel
Guillen
Carried 5-O
PUBLICCOMMENTS ITEMS C
MATTER I ICTI CITY L / 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.
Chandler Weber spoke regarding loans through the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Victoria Martinez Muela, with Athens Services, introduced herself.
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.
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.
11. 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 Pro Tem Miguel De La Rosa to approve Consent Calendarltem Nos.
11.1 -11.9, with exception of Item No. 11.4.
The motion carried 5 - 0 with the following vote:
Moved by: Francis De Leon Sanchez
Seconded by: Miguel De La Rosa
Yes
Marco Barcena, Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, Francis De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel
Guillen
11.1 �e
OldiaPj
Code fton
RECOMMENDATION: 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.
Carried 5=0
to Califon Government.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ATTACHMENTS: None
11.2 App6O << t i t mm .t rL Oki tam ess -
rvieetnigfl
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council approve the minutes of the March 24, 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: Exhibit 1- Citv uccosspAge,r tea
2.4 2,025m is t
eriti e Trap der a
REC©M ENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council receive and file the warrant registers, wire transfers, and net payrolls dated 03/18/2025, 03/20/2025, and 03/25/2025.
CONCLUSION: If the recommendation t© the City Council is approved, then the warrant registers, wire transfers, and net payrolls dated 03/18/2025, 03/20/2025, and 03/25/2025.
FISCAL I PACT:
Warrant 03/18/20 194
register 25
ire Transfer
arrant
register
Net Payro I
transfer
03/20/20
25 03/25/20
25 03/06/20
25 ATTACHMENTS: . it f l @
Total Bank
2056-2060
Total Bank
Total Voucher
Grand Total
1Vouchers
eE' te"
$1,634,096 1
.41
116341096
.
41 $285,021.3
6 $954,947.0
6 1,239,968
.42
$539,43 .wW
,77.:,
403
.55
$3,413,499
.96
11.4 cintranne N pa9,52)to Autnorizece
Qeve lop to reement jay e c_. r e the f€
s strerr Iry c i it s i, I_ d „lamps v I I I
twat-1ytwat-1y 1. t abedat6638 rn Avontie
p _caty.P1F,3ell i e
RECOM ENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council waive full reading and adopt Ordinance No. 952 to approve the proposed Development Agreement (DA) No.
2024-043 for a cannabis retail storefront at 6638 Eastern Avenue,
ENVIRO MENTAL 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).
CONCLUSION: If approved, Ordinance No. 952 would
become effective 30 calendar days after approval, in addition the operator and property owner must execute the
agreement, and the operator must provide proof of insurance and submit the initial Annual Community Benefits payment of One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) to effectuate the benefits conferred by the development agreement withing 60 calendar days. The development agreement 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 that the City Council conduct a second reading of Ordinance No. 952 and adopt the
ordinance, 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 I PACT: 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, eighty 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.
11.5 ATTACH
xhinit Ordinance No
it 2 D 121:n1 -lent Agree
,225„Cirtyart;
Develippirtlenit i c t r r 9 ;,
As part of the same motion that was made by Councilwoman Francis De Leon Sanchez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Miguel De La Rosa was to approve Consent Calendar Item No. 11.4.
The motion carried 3- 2 with the following vote:
Moved by: Francis De Leon Sanchez
Seconded by: Miguel De La Rosa
Yes Marco Barcena, Miguel De La Rosa, and Francis
De Leon Sanchez
Jorge( Chavez and Isabel Guillen
eti
Carried 3-2
seAgireet AAA beitweitiot CiligrofiRel.j.
tieneetPlagiQ
RECOMMENDATIO It is the staff's recommendation that
the City Council adopt a resolution approving a Lease
agreement between the City of Bell Gardens and the Human Services Association to continue leasing space at 6423
Florence Place.
CONCLUSION: Having a local office that provides social
services and support to families to promote wellness and building of strong communities offers several benefits, including access to resources, connective support for early childhood development, family and senior needs, and
community and civic engagement, among others. It is
recommended that the City Council adopt the attached
Resolution approving a Lease Agreement between the City of Bell Gardens and HSA, to provide space for the administration of public services that enhance the quality of life for residents.
FISCAL IMPACT: None. Lease payments would be made to the City on a monthly basis, to be deposited into the City's General Fund.
ATTACHMENTS:
, o bit - Resolutioni.202.5732
W .. : Louse Agreement '
11..6 consideration of a R sou ion Aut rc ri i g a First Amen Pr ) ti are anis for wu rr t r Repi r t the
Po ice D
or
RECO T1 : It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council:
1. Adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the City
Manager to execute a First Amendment with Kimble &
Company Fire Protection Systems for emergency fire
protection repairs at City Hall and the Police
Department Facility; and
2. Appropriate $19,000 in general funds to complete the emergency repairs.
CONCLUSION: Approving a First Amendment would allow for sufficient compensation for Kimble & Company to complete all the necessary repairs and complete the required
inspections and certifications.
FISCAL IMPACT: The cost for additional fire protection
system services would result in a total not -to -exceed contract cost of $91,600. Due to these unforeseen emergency repairs, staff requests an additional appropriation of $19,000 from the General Fund to complete the necessary emergency
improvements.
ATTACHMENTS:
E hIbq 1 - Res°luot lac 2025- 6)
Exhibit ; dratAmendment to Contractt Services Agreement E likait
1 .7 Constderate rt t ltttr tm r tit n i Gm
Entitled "Mahjong_
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution permitting
Parkwest Bicycle Casino to offer a new game entitled
"Mahjong".
CONCLUSION: Pursuant to Bell Gardens Municipal Code
Chapter 5.25, the Parkwest Bicycle Casino has requested that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving the addition of the listed game. Once approved, this request will be forwarded to the California Division of Gambling Control for their records.
FISCAL IMPACT: No fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENTS:
11.8 Con t r�aki �tt f a t r Ap r own aI fist Amendment to Cur dement wrdi J< ref Sciltdzano for gait
CormmunItr
RECOM ENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a First Amendment to the Contract Services Agreement with Javier Solorzano.
CONCLUSION: Approving a First Amendment would enable
Javier Solorzano to provide the additional services necessary to repaint the utility box at the southeast corner of Florence Avenue and Eastern Avenue.
FISCAL IMPACT: The $3,000 for additional services would result in a total contract cost of $13,000. General funds are available in the FY 24/25 budget.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit1 .. 1 c
Exl it :t 2 urw t A�
mm l i if
10250
0 11.9 Acceptance of Vetera rk Stot r ater i:r : rvempei:t CIE No_ 3880)_as_Compiete
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council:
1. Accept the Veterans Park City Yard Improvements
Project; CIP No. 3880 as complete, and
2. Authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion.
CONCLUSION: The City Council's acceptance of the Project as complete is required to allow the City Clerk to file the Notice of Completion with the LA County Registrar -Recorder.
FISCAL IMPACT: The total Project budget included $877,551 from the Safe, Clean Water (Measure W) Municipal Program.
The Project was completed within budget. The remaining
unexpended balance will be returned to the Measure W Fund for future stormwater-related programs and projects.
The Veterans Park City Yard Improvements project
expenditures were as follows:
Design
Topographic Survey & Geotechnical
Infiltration Report
Construction Management & Inspection
Project Management
Funding Administration
$ 21,
600.00
11,700.00
55,230.00
20,580.00
7,718.04
Construction Costs
Additive Bids
Change Order No. 1- 3
Quantity Changes
Publication & Misc. Costs
Final Project Costs
ATTACHMENTS: . I 1l 1 ._.Notice tion
12. DISCUSSION
$
590,430.00
100,000.00
$
19,322,.00
$
16,549.05
1,225.57
844,354.82
12.1 Lo a lnss o Appounti ent List
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: is t :, � mc� iS LO tdz. ci s,''
Mayor Pro Tem Miguel De La Rosa nominated Gustav© Mendez to fill his vacancy in the Traffic and Safety Commission. A
motion was made by Councilwoman Isabel Guillen, seconded by Councilmember Marco Barcena to fill the vacancies as nominated by Mayor Pro Tem Miguel De La Rosa.
The motion carried 5-0 with the following votes:
Moved by: Isabel Guillen
Seconded by: Marco Barcena
12.2 Yes
Marco Barcena, Jorge( Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, Francis De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel
Guillen
Carried 5-0
I rcrr�t t r. low r rat r tbr Year
2a f
RECOM ENDATI0N: It is staff's recommendation that the
following reports for the year ended June 30, 2024, be
reviewed, discussed and filed by the City Council.
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR);
Single Audit Report of Schedule of Expenditures of
Federal Awards;
Report on Communication with Those Charged with
Governance; and
Independent Accountant's Report on Agreed -Upon
Procedures Applied to Appropriations Limit Worksheet.
CONCLUSION: The auditor reports for the audit preformed for the fiscal year of June 30, 2024, have been presented to the City Council with a recommendation to review, discuss, and file.
FISCAL IMPACT: No fiscal Impact.
ATTACHMENTS:
Sri it 1 FY' nn at Eornpre.
Exhibit fridependettAccountan
1ci l Repprt
t ti p
Ron Lopez, CPA, Managing Partner with Gruber and Lopez Inc., provided a presentation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Marco Barcena,
seconded by Councilwoman Francis De Leon Sanchez to file and receive this item.
The motion carried 5-0 with the following vote:
Moved by: Marco Barcena
Seconded by: Francis De Leon Sanchez
Yes
Marco Barcena, Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, Francis De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel
Guillen
Carried 5-0
CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY ME BER COMMENTS
Members of the Council and Successor Agency made community announcements and comments.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Jorgel Chavez adjourned the meeting at 8:06 p.m.
Daisy Gomel, City Clerk