CITY OF BELL GARDENS
MINUTES
City Council / Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Joint Meeting
Monday, June 23, 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 https1f_ Nvvvy_ eligarciens mor mi � °ant-to/vvatd y council-meeti s..
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 gs c rl<Des ( g, rclens or 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 43434 Passcode: 20214 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 nttbsillzoo ` �r and entering the Zoom Meeting ILA: 813 3236 4.343 Passcode: 2621.
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 f= ubi rCarr_ eats@bell 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 June 23, 2025, in the Council Chambers, 7100 Garfield Avenue, Bell Gardens, CA with Mayor Jorgel Chavez presiding. MayorJorgel Chavez called the joint meeting to order at 6:11 p.m.
Councilmember Marco Barcena was excused for absence.
2. INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Minister Daniel Anguiano.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chief Camacho.
. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS / SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEMBERS
Marco Barcena, Councilmember / Agency Member
Isabel Guillen, Councilwoman/ Agency Member
Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez, Councilwoman / Agency Member Miguel De La Rosa, Mayor Pro Tem / Vice Chair
Jorgel Chavez, Mayor / Chair
With no objection, Councilmember Marco Barcena was excused for absence.
PRESENTATION
5.1 Certificates of Recognition
Mayor Jorgel Chavez read the certificate of recognition and presented it to Bell Gardens Elementary Students.
Mayor Pro Tem Miguel De La Rosa read the certificate of recognition and presented it to the owners of Encanto
Restaurant & Banquet Hall; and Mayor Jorge( Chavez read the certificate of recognition and presented it to Ernesto Flores, Co- owner of Encanto Restaurant & Banquet Hall.
5.2 Proclamation of Parks Make Life Better
Councilwoman Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez read the certificate of recognition and presented it to Bell Gardens Recreation staff.
PUBLIC HEARING
6.1 Copal e ration Adoption of ,ri IJr r y OrdInence No. u Pendingethe I nteri
ro ;r , wrr.lA . „ov�iI ofL� ; t .Perr Permits, i rgaSPIS..Qt nt.5 for I., o including Aay a n
IC r k for hop hr ...R tart I3ta in twos
or the Acceptance,
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council:
1. Determine that proposed Interim Urgency Ordinance
No. 958-U (Extension of Interim Urgency Ordinance No.
956-U) is categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Pub. Res. Code §
21000 et seq. ); and
2. Waive full reading and adopt Interim Urgency
Ordinance No. 958-U extending the temporary
prohibition on the acceptance, processing, and
approval of licenses, permits, approvals, or other
entitlements for use, including any modification
thereof, for cannabis retail businesses for a period of ten (10) months and fifteen (15) days.
CONCLUSION: Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 958-U
(extension of Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 956-U) would cease intake and further processing of new cannabis retail business applications, and modification of existing
applications, citywide to ensure community stability and economic vitality by addressing concerns related to exposure to minors and over -proliferation of cannabis uses. The interim uregnecy ordinance shall become effective immediately if adopted by a four -fifths (4/5) vote of the City Council and shall be imposed for a period of 10 months and 15 days and may be extended an additional one (1) year at the discretion of the City Council at a duly noticed public hearing.
FISCAL I PACT: There is no fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENTS:
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Exbit
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hibii_ 6 -PL rl li Hearin Notice_.
Mayor Jorge! Chavez opened the public hearing at 6:50 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
City Clerk Daisy Gomez announced that no written or comments were received .
Rogelio Rodriguez spoke regarding Item No. 6.1.
Mayor Jorge! Chavez closed the public hearing at 6:58 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Dr. Francis De Leon
Sanchez, seconded by Councilwoman Isabel Guillen to approve staff's recommendation.
The motion carried 4-0-0-1 with the following vote:
Moved by: Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez
Seconded by: Isabel Guillen
Yes Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La Rosa, Dr. Francis
De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel Guillen
Carried 4-0
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 was one (1) written comment received.
Gabriela Gomez spoke in support of Councilmembers engaging the
community; invited the public to a bike ride at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday night and to join SELA Kiwanis Club in their local volunteer efforts.
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 was one (1) written comment received and was distributed to the full Council and recorded as part of the record.
Rogelio Rodriguez spoke regarding Item No. 12.2.
Martha Carrasco spoke regarding Item No. 12.2.
Nora Saenz spoke regarding Item No. 12.2.
Esther Escamilla spoke regarding Item No. 12.2.
Gabriela Gomez spoke regarding Item Nos. 11.6 and 11.7.
Jess spoke regarding Item No. 12.2.
9. EXTERNAL COMMITTEES UPDATES
There were no updates provided.
10. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Michael B. O'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 Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez,
seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Miguel De La Rosa to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 11.1 -11.12.
The motion carried 4-©-0-1 with the following vote:
Moved by: Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez
Seconded by: Miguel De La Rosa
Yes Jorge' Chavez, Miguel De La Rosa, Dr. Francis
De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel Guillen
Carried 4-0
and torovq,
t Cr lst rni . r r
tic) n d p rt I' 7p ; Ir I r f"P ` r
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.
FISCAL IMPACT: No fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENT: None.
11.2 Aprp ova rlrrtw 5 of Closed
Co' no UC t ss aL ncy - Joint . tiw t -
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council approve the minutes of the June 9, 2025, Closed Session and City Council/Successor Agency Joint Meeting.
CONCLUSION: If approved, the minutes of the Closed Session and City Council/Successor Agency Joint Meetings will be archived in the City Clerk's Office.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ATTACHMENTS:
0 r.11_,11.11
..
una uccessor no the.Corm
m t o JO, t _C
JU fi't09
ristor g
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council receive and file the warrant registers, wire transfers, and net payrolls dated 05/15/2025, 05/20/2025, 05/21/2025, 05/27/2025, 05/29/2025 and 06/03/2025.
CONCLUSION: If the recommendation to the City Council is approved, then the warrant registers, wire transfers, and net payrolls dated 05/15/2025, 05/20/2025, 05/21/2025,
05/27/2025, 05/29/2025 and 06/03/2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Wire Transfer
Wire Transfer
Warrant
Register
05/15/2
025
05/21/2
025
05/20/2
025
2079 - 2083
2084 - 2.085
195382 -
195469
Total ank
$339,196.87
$703,159.23
$552,405.32
$1,594,761.42
Net Payroll
Transfer
05/15/2
025
Total Voucher
$624,128.40
$2,218, 9.82
Warrant
Register
5/27/20
25 195470-195565
Total Voucher
$704,744.05
$704,744.05
Wire Transfer
Warrant
05/29/2
025
06/03/2
2086 2088
195566 -
$264,910.49
$790,215.25
Register
Net Payroll
Transfer
025
05/29/2
025
195640
Total Bank
$1,©55,125.74
$566,782.23
Total Voucher
Grand Total.
Vouchers
$4154525.41.84
ATTACHMENTS:
k rrint
$1,621,907.97
11.4 0€ €€r r° F i)c rt
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council receive, approve, and file the April 2025 Treasurer's Report.
CONCLUSION: The April 30, 2025, Treasurer's Report has
been presented to the City Council with a recommendation to receive, approve and file.
FISCAL IMPACT: None,
ATTACHMENTS:
T., :
E hribitt _t r r r€ c I rt
11.5 Cormide ration c i rr A optovin r t o
IHve tme'ii Policy for FY 2025-2026
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council approve the attached Resolution, adopting the Fiscal Year 2025-26 Statement of Investment Policy and
delegating the authority to invest all public funds in
accordance with such policy to the Director of Finance and Administrative Services as the City's Treasurer for a period of one (1) year effective July 1, 2025.
CONCLUSION: If adopted, the City's Statement of Investment Policy will be approved, and the authority to invest City funds will be delegated to the Director of Finance and
Administrative Services as the City's Treasurer for a period of
one (1) year.
FISCAL ACT: No fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENTS:
Ex@ibit iesolutit.r.� ?
11.6 6 P i l 1cai n of a ti r r olution r I
Lower Los Angeles River Para Todes Campti
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution in support of the Lower Los Angeles River Para Todos campaign.
CONCLUSION: The revitalization of the Lower Los Angeles River is a critical step towards enhancing both the
environmental and social fabric of the Southeast Los Angeles area. The Para Todos campaign ensures that as revitalization progresses, efforts will remain inclusive, supporting housing security, workforce development, and small businesses, all while preserving the cultural and social ties of the
communities that rely on the river. The support of the Para Todos campaign wilt allow the City of Bell Gardens to
contribute to the implementation of a revitalization plan that reflects the values of the community.
FISCAL I PACT: No fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit Resolutiof a r
Ex iblt2- Loweri"`'xRN
St tnger ier Comm
11.7 Con Uer ot Avv ac e Construction rv �'w. r or o A EP 1 r r it e~ Crompiete Streets ACP No. 39031
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council:
1. Award a Construction Contract to Vido Samarzich, Inc. in the amount of $4,378,000.00 for the ATP Cycle 5
Citywide Complete Streets Improvements, Phase I (CIP
No. 3903); and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute a Construction Contract and approve change orders that may be
necessary during construction to cover any unforeseen
condition in an amount not to exceed 10% of the
construction contract.
CONCLUSION: If the Construction Contract is awarded, staff will process the contract for signatures and coordinate a pre - construction meeting.
ATTACHMENTS:
`: n _rjc Contract
11.8 Ac.cmer mice oft Eastern n nrs t'r inC _( P'
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council: Accept the Eastern Avenue Improvements
Project (CIP No. 3918) as complete; and 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 City's CIP budget allocated
$1,965,414.00 in STPL, Prop C Local Return, Measure M Local Return, and Measure R Local Return Funds for the Project. The total Project budget was $1,965,414.06, and the final Project cost was $1,560,199.83, including design, construction
management, and construction. The Project was completed within budget. The unused balances will be returned to their respective funds.
ATTACHMENTS:
ftb r::Noince o Cr�a I l ti r
11.9 Consid - ton F so[Litm Approving i t
ement \Anti PCAM, L CC dba Dar
ConripL3ny of AmenAmenca for LL riu lr r nsLL ery races RECOMMENDATION: 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 PCAM, LCC dba Parking Company of America for Public Transit Services.
CONCLUSION: Approving the First Amendment would modify
the existing services and approve a compensation increase to
the Contract Services Agreement with PCA, which will allow the City to increase public transit services for members of the general public.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for these services are available in the FY 2025/26 budget,
ATTACHMENTS:
i :i i : d ent with mml�:iat
11.10 of 'Water Li �e
of Reto[ution i_-Approvin Aveern,
anv for inn. .
ison Fordd rkR e„ion (,
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council:
1. Adopt the attached Resolution approving Agreement
No. 22750429 with Golden State Water Company
("GSWC") for the installation of water lines for the John Anson Ford Park Regional Aquatics Center; and
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement No.
22750429 and approve change orders that may be
necessary during construction for any necessary
changes or unforeseen conditions, in an amount not to
exceed 30% of the agreement amount.
CONCLUSION: If Water Agreement No. 22750429 is approved, staff will process it for signatures and transmit it to GSWC.
GSWC will then enter into a construction agreement with its selected construction contractor and schedule a pre
construction meeting.
FISCAL I PACT: The remaining balance for Water Agreement No. 22750429 is $179,654. A contingency of 30% ($53,896.20) will be necessary to cover any necessary changes or
unforeseen conditions; therefore, the total budget for the installation of the water lines will be $233,550.20. Funds are available in the FY 2024/2025 Capital Improvement Project budget for the Aquatics Center.
ATTACH ENTS:
:
mi : i l i I lam: i 7 n N.
11.11 Cormidornt;on of a Resolution , pp fiir f qtr r t n [or th rlor ence Place Don Park Prop
RECOMMENDATION: It is staffs recommendation that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute and record a Deed Restriction for the Florence Place Dog Park Property.
CONCLUSION: Staff recommends adopting of a Resolution
authorizing the City Manager to execute and record a Deed Restriction for the Dog Park property, which will allow the City to comply with the conditions of the TAP grant funds.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
ATTACHMENTS:
n No: 2025 -
it tP
2 .Consicieriat
sokrtion Approving cinema
•Ei Landscape Sens es Inc. for BE
" d pr ...c n t n
n , ... r�s C nt.�.r L�rr�lsc�� ° � Ivi�rcntEn,��...
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Contract Services Agreement with Brightview Landscape Services, Inc. ("Brightview") for Bell Gardens Sports Center Landscape Maintenance Services.
CONCLUSION: Based on Brightview's proposal rating, staff recommends that the City Council award Brightview a one- year Contract Services Agreement, with two optional one-year extensions, for an amount not -to -exceed of $70,000 to provide Sports Center landscape maintenance services.
FISCAL IMPACT: The City's FY 2025-2026 budget includes
$70,000 in General Funds for the Sports Center landscape maintenance services.
ATTACHMENTS:
il it 1 , lt l�r
12. DISCUSSION
ex.
c rarr � r uE r r t: it }< fl its
12.1 c: AVp0ffer : ti
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: None
ATTACHMENTS:Exhibit ]_
No action was taken.
e of Vacancy .9
Mayor Jorge/ Chavez recessed the meeting at 7:32 p.m. and reconvened at 7:49 p.m.
12.2 DISCUSS1011 01 iOrLet nciUpdate on
Consinunily Resources i9
RECOMMENDATION: It is staffs recommendation that the
City Council:
1. Discuss recent immigration enforcement and available community resources; and
2. Receive and file this report.
CONCLUSION: It is staff's recommendation that the City
Council discuss recent immigration enforcement and receive an update on available community resources.
FISCAL I PACT: Costs associated with City action regarding immigration enforcement and community resources are
utilized through the existing approved budget.
ATTACH ENTS:
None.
Mayor Jorge/ Chavez reopened the public comment period for agenda items at 7:49 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ortencia Miguel spoke regarding Item No. 12.2.
Mayor Jorge! Chavez closed the public comment period for agenda items at 7:51 p.m.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Dr. Francis De Leon
Sanchez, seconded by Mayor Jorgel Chavez to receive and file this item; provided staff direction to cancel current city events, redirecting efforts to collaborate with non-profit organizations, and explore rental assistance to the residents of Bell Gardens..
The motion carried 4-0-©-1 with the following vote:
Moved by: Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez
Seconded by: Jorgel Chavez
Yes Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La Rosa, Dr. Francis
De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel Guillen
Carried 4-0
12.3 lung i " heJohn Anson For
1q provernients Pi j ct
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council receive and file the June 2025 John Anson Ford Park Regional Aquatics Center Improvements update report.
CONCLUSION: Staff will keep Council informed of the
progress we are making during construction and will continue to seek outside funding sources to minimize the impact to the general fund.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Project budget is $31,270,000, consisting of the following funds:
Land and Water Conservation Fund - $6 million
(Federal)
Supervisor Janice Hahn $4 million (County)
Assemblymember Cristina Garcia - $2 million (State)
Congresswoman Roybal-Allard - $L5 million (Federal)
General Fund - $14.6 million (City)
The current estimated total Project costs are as follows:
Design (RJM Design Group)
$1,045,16
0 Labor Compliance (Michael
Baker International)
Construction Management &
Inspection (Ardurra)
$224,200
$2,040,40
0 Construction Cost (Bernards)
$26,334,0
00 Construction Change Orders to
Date (Bernards)
Remaining Construction
Contingency
$921,100
$704,000
Publication & Misc. Costs
TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT
COST
$1,200
,270,Q
00 Annual staffing and operating costs of approximately $2,700,000 will need to be included in future general fund budgets.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit : Begat
Bernardo Iniguez, Director of Public Works, and Elizabeth Nava, Director of Recreation and Community Services, provided a presentation.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Dr. Francis De Leon
Sanchez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Miguel De La Rosa to receive and file.
The motion carried 4-0-0-1 with the following vote:
Moved by: Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez
Seconded by: Miguel De La Rosa
Yes Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La Rosa, Dr. Francis
De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel Guillen
Carried 4-0
13. CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEMBER COMMENTS
Members of the Council and Successor Agency made community announcements and comments.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Jorge! Chavez adjourned the meeting at 9:08 p.m.