CITY OF BELL GARDENS
MINUTES
City Council / Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Joint Meeting
Monday, April 28, 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 ittpsj/wdvw o, ��r 'rry vt nt.to_,tro tch (ty coo 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 toC.t.^ ti 1 �e c 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 5:06 pm.
BY TELEPHONE: Phone Number: (669)900-9128 Webinar ID: 8 3236 4343# Passcode: 2021# To address the City Council press * to raise your hand then *6 to unmute yourself when instructed.
VIRTUALLY Members of the public may participate via Zoom by i ttp :: f � and entering the Zoom Meeting ID: 313 32.36 4.343 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.
WRITTENCOMMENTS: Public comments may be emailed to li b ( or mailed to: City Clerk's Office, 7100 Garfield Ave., Bell Gardens, CA 90201. To ensure distribution to the members of the City Council priorto 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 Clerks office during regular business hours 7:30 a.m. to 6:60 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 April 25, 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 6:07 p.m.
2. INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Minister Daniel Anguiana.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge ofAllegrance was led 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
5. PRESENTATION
5.1 Certificate of Recognition - Older American's Month Mayor Jorgel Chavez read the certificate of recognition and presented it to Ascension "Chon" Lopez.
5.2 Proclamation Recognizing National Small Business Week (May 4 -10, 2025)
Mayor Jorge! Chavez read the certificate of recognition and presented it to Olympic Troys Burgers, Angel Guerrero.
5.3 Proclamation Recognizing California Cities Week (April 20 - 26, 2025)
Mayor Jorgel Chavez proclaimed April 20-26, 2025 and annually thereafter as California Cities Week in the City of Bell Gardens.
5.4 Proclamation Recognizing Professional Municipal Clerks Week (May 4 - 10, 2025)
Mayor Jorgel Chavez proclaimed and recognized the week of May 4-10, 2025 as Professional Municipal Clerks Week in Bell Gardens and presented it to City Clerk Daisy Gomez and staff.
5.5 Proclamation Recognizing Building and Safety Month
Councilmember Marco Barcena read the certificate of
recognition and presented it to Building and Code Enforcement Supervisor George Suarez and staff.
6. PUBLIC HEARING
RECO T : It is staff's recommendation that the City
Council receive and file this report.
C The City of Bell Gardens' workforce remain
stable with continuity of service and institutional knowledge, as a majority of the City's staff members have served the City for 5 years or more.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with this status update.
ATTACHMENTS: i lifi I '� � s ti
Manuel Carrillo, Director of Finance &Administrative Services, provided a presentation.
Mayor Jargel Chavez opened the public hearing at 6:49 p.m.
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 6:58 p.m.
A motion was made by CouncilmemberFrancis De Leon
Sanchez, seconded by Councilmember Isabel Guillen to receive and file this item.
The motion carried 5 .. p with the following vote:
Moved by: Francis De Leon Sanchez
Seconded by: Isabel Guillen
Yes
Marco Barcena, Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, Francis De Leon Sanchez, Isabel Guillen
Carried 5-0
T. 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 ti..� received and no public comments provided.
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 comments received and no public comments provided.
9. EXTERNAL COMMITTEES UPDATES
Mayor Jorgel Chavez provided a report on the annual City Leaders Summit, hosted by the League of California Cities in Sacramento.
10. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Michael B. O'Kelly provided a brief report.
C©NSE 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 C'ouncilmcrnber Francis De Leon Sanchez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Miguel De La Rosa to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos.
11.1 -11.1 .
The motion carried 5 - 0 with the following vote:
Moved by Francis De Leon Sanchez
Seconded by: Miguel De La Rosa
Yes Marco Barcena, Jorge! Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, Francis De Leon Sanchez, Isabel Guillen
Carried 5-0
Or ]i
to \Nal Rea
1 3 a a
To Approve Ordinances by Title Only.
C Allowing ordinances to be read by title only,
according to California State Law, will expedite the conduct of business at Council Meetings.
FISCAL IMPACT: No fiscal impact.
Support
:Alaptpyg
OvErn merit
ao f
11..2
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council approve the minutes of the April 14, 2025, City Council/Successor Agency Joint Meeting.
If approved, the minutes of the City
Council/Successor Agency Joint Meeting will be archived in the City Clerk's Office.
FISCALI PACT None
ATTACH ENTS:
Dev
25 i- Vi 'Ate Transfer
It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council receive and file the warrant registers, wire transfers, and net payrolls dated 64/61/262.5, 04/02/2025, 04/03/2025 and 04/08/2025.
CONCLUSION: If the recommendation to the City Council is approved, there the warrant registers, wire transfers, and net payrolls dated 04/01/2025, 04/02/2025, 04/03/2025 and
04/08/2025.
FISCALI
Warrant 04/01/20
register 25
e Transfer
04/03/20
25 arrant
register 04/08/20
25 194732-194818
Total Bank
2061-2065
4
11.5 11.6
Total ank
Net Payroll
transfer 04/02/20
25 572,483.4
9 Total Voucher 47881332
.08
Grand Tote 1062;974
Vouchers .89
ATTAC TS E
RECO T i ' It is recommended that the City Council
receive, approve, and file the March 2025 Treasurer's Report.
SC SS The Treasurer's Report is a list
of cash and investments held by the City as of March 31, 2025.
Monthly reporting includes cash balances by fund and
reconciled bank balances provided by Finance and
Administrative Services.
CONCLUSION: The March 31, 2025, Treasurer's Report has
been presented to the City Council with a recommendation to receive, approve and file.
FISCAL T None
ATTACHMENTS:
anciflaff
It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council waive full reading and adopt Ordinance No. 954, by title only, amending Bell Gardens Municipal Code ("BGMC") Section 9.26.636 (Accessory Dwelling Units) of Chapter 9.26
(Special Uses and Applicable Standards) of Title 9 (Zoning and Planning) regulating accessory dwelling units.
CONCLUSION: if approved, Ordinance No. 954 would become effective thirty (30) calendar days after approval. 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.
FISCAL I PACT:None.
ATTACH
i i ka � i -ar1 i
11.7 C.QripprAntingnnon f lncn irk'
fIce
RECOM A.-. TI It is the staff's recommendation that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving a Lease Agreement between the City of Bell Gardens and the Southeast Community Development Corporation to continue leasing
space at 6423 Florence Place.
CONCLUSION: Services provided by the SCDC serve a public benefit to the City by growing and enhancing the local
workforce and providing increased economic stability, health,. and welfare to City residents. It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving a Lease Agreement between the City of Dell Gardens and SCDC, to continue providing services to City residents and businesses and to the benefit of the surrounding communities.
FISCAL IMPACT: None. Lease payments would be made to the City on a monthly basis, to be deposited into the City's General Fund.
ATTAC
11.8 11.8
Fx
r a h
RECO TI : staff's recommendation that the
Pat 1K
City Council adopt the attached Resolution granting a utility easement to Golden State Water Company for the John Anson Ford Park Aquatics Center Improvements and authorizing the City Manager to execute the easement agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
CONCLUSION: Granting the utility easement to GSWC will
allow for the placement of a 4 -inch water lire to serve the new Aquatics Center facility.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ATTACHMENTS:
RECO : It is staff's recommendation that the
Successor Agency members receive and file the warrant
registers dated 04/08/2025.
If the recommendation to the Successor
Agency Members is approved, then the warrant register dated 04/08/2025 will be received and filed...
FISCA..._ I T:
VVarrant
Register
04/08/2025
1297542976
$28.214.75
0 11.16'
Total Bank
528,214.7
5 ATTACH MENTS:JEKhtbttett
TotalGrand
Vouchers
OF
th Lee
$281214.7
ce
Met
e
11 ll!v
RECOM T It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving
Amendment No. 1 to Funding Agreement No..
9200000000F9111 between the City of Bell Gardens and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the Florence Avenue Improvements at Ira Avenue and
Jboneria Road.
CONCLUSION: Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Funding
Agreement will allow the City to continue working with
LACMTA and ensure the City remains eligible to receive
reimbursement for past project expenses.
FISCAL I There is no fiscal impact in executing
Amendment No, 1 to the Funding Agreement.
ATTACH
E iebn . .
rd Par
ion
No etc 6)
it is staff's recommendation that the
City Council:
1. Accept the John Anson Ford Park Infiltration Cistern Project (CIP No. 3879) as complete; and
2. Authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion.
CO L S : 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 work performed by Zusser was funded by a combination of local contributions by the Cities of Bell, Bell Gardens, Commerce, Cudahy, Huntington Park, Maywood and Vernon; grant funding from the State of California Prop 1 Stormwater Program; and grant funding from the Measure
Regional Program.
The total final Project costs were as follows:
$882,181.1.7
Environmental
. Program
Management
Engineering
Construction
Management
Construction
TOTAL
ATTAC S
Cost
$1,006,061:49
$1,749,190.00
$15,685,971°45
,223,404.11
1 rid t
RECO T It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving an agreement with the LA84 Foundation, subject to City Attorney approval, as to form.:
CONCLUSION: It is staff's recommendation that the City
Council adopt the attached Resolution, approving a grant
agreement with the LA84 Foundation to provide scholarships for the City's @earn to Swim Program.
FISCAL I. None.
ATTACHMENTS:
of
11.12 C , r1 l tt 1 a i t i ;. n 4:1O33gri
11.13 rperrient
st
RECO 1 NNN. ; it is staff's recommendation that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute an Amendment to the Master Service
Agreement with NextRequest, a subsidary of CivicPlus, for the software product to manage requests for public records for four (4) years, for a cumulative not to exceed total of $45,000, subject to approval by the City Attorney, as to form.
CONCLUSION: An Amendment to the existing Master Service Agreement extending the term and compensation will allow public records requests to continue to be managed with
accountability and transparency,
FISCAL Funds for these services are included in the
City Clerk's Year 2024-2025 adopted budget, and as a regular operating expenditure, will be budgeted in future fiscal year budgets when presented to the Council.
ATTACH M E T:
sed
It is staff's recommendation that the City
Council adopt the attached Resolution approving a Contract Services Agreement with Black & White Emergency Vehicles,
LLC, for the purchase and installation of emergency equipment for an amount not to exceed $328,808.11.
CONCLUSION: Approval of the Contract Services Agreement for the purchase and installation of the emergency vehicle equipment will enable the Bell Gardens Police Department to outfit the new fleet of vehicles that wilt be utilized on a daily basis to provide emergency services to the residents of the City. This equipment is also mandated equipment by the State of California for emergency response vehicles.
FISCAL C. The proposed Contract Services Agreement
for the outfitting of the vehicles listed above will have a Not -to - Exceed Sum of $328,808.11 and was previously approved by the City Council under Resolution No. 2023-94 for fiscal years 2023-24 and 2024-25
ATTAC
Exhibit 1- 4w
Exhibit 2-
12, DISCUSSION
12.1 ion
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.
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:
Mayor Jorge,' Chavez nominated Linda Judith Lopez to fill his vacancy in the Education Commission; ,atelynn Cabrera to fill his vacancy in the Recreation, Cultural and Youth Commission; i ayra Teresa Yaniz to fill his vacancy in the Senior Citizen
Commission; Edgar Juvenal Lopez Bustillos to fill his vacancy in the Traffic and Safety Commission.
A motion was made by Councilmember Isabel Guillen,
seconded by Councilmember Marco Barcena to fill the
vacancies as nominated by Mayor Jorge' Chavez.
Then otion carried 5-0 with the following vote:
Moved by: Isabel Guillen
Seconded by: Marco Barcena
Yes
Marco Barcena, Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, Francis De Leon Sanchez, Isabel Guillen
Carried 5.0
12.2 Ul)da r �;f � c c t °' �1 � � l ' ' t `
RECOM 1 : it is staff's recommendation that the
City Council take one of the following actions:
1. Receive and file this report and take no further action; or
2. Direct staff to coordinate with the City's Economic
Development consultant to identify five to ten (5-1d)
priority properties and identify opportunities for each property and then work to market the properties for the benefit of the community; or
. Direct staff to prepare a vacant property registration ordinance for consideration at a future public hearing; or
4. Direct staff to investigate/initiate ballot tax measure.
CO CLUSI© Proper management, monitoring and
marketing of vacant, underutilized, and abandoned sites are crucial to promoting an economically sustainable
environment that impact the quality of life for all residents and visitors alike.
FISCAL I PACT: None.
ATTACHMENT: . I
John Ramirez, Interim Community Development Director,
provided a presentation.
A motion was mode by Mayor Jorge! Chavez, seconded by
Councilmember Isabel Guill n to direct staff to coordinate with the City's Economic Development consultant to identify five to ten priority properties and identify opportunities for each property and then work to market the properties for the benefit of the community and report hack to the City Council within six months:
The motion carried 5 with the following vote:
Moved by: Jorel Chavez
Seconded by: Isabel Gulden
Yes
Marco Barcena, Jor ..el Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, Francis De Leon Sanchez, Isabel Gallen
Carried
CITY COUNCIL/ SUCCESSOR AGENCY COMMENTS
Members of the Council and Successor Agency made community announcements and comments.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Jorge! Chavez adjourned the meeting at 7:36 p.m.