CITY OF BELL GARDENS
MINUTES
City Council/ Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Joint Meeting
Monday, July 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 HaII in the Council Chambers. The public may attend the meeting in person or virtually as instructed below. You may view the meeting live on i 1, € t� t � ;, fir? � a r� t �� e ._n 1 •c: t n c i
the City's website at I S 0 r s C �� C c. , .__
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 (.i )esk mma l de o 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 5:09 Pm.
BY TELEPHONE: Phone Number: (669)966-9128 .ebinar ID: 813 3236 4343# Passcode: 2621# 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 f l µµ' r} 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 f':_ oik c onin V, ,n 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 July 28, 2025, in the Council Chambers, 7100 Garfield Avenue, Bell Gardens, CA with Mayor Jorgel Chavez presiding. Mayor Jorge( Chavez called the joint meeting to order at 6:11 p.m.
Councilwoman Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez was excused for absence.
2. INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Pastor Reynaldo Leal.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by City Manager Michael B. O'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
Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez, Councilwoman / Agency Member Miguel De La Rosa, Mayor Pro Tem / Vice Chair
Jorge' Chavez, Mayor / Chair
With no objection, Councilwoman Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez was excused for absence.
5. PRESENTATION
5.1 Certificate of Recognition - Premier Fiesta Mexicana Mayor Jorge! Chavez read the certificate of recognition and presented it to the owners.
5.2 Certificate of Recognition - George Suarez
Mayor Jorgel Chavez read the certificate of recognition and presented it to George Suarez.
6. 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 seven (7) written comments received.
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Mateo Gil spoke regarding additional tenant protections and small businesses due to the impact from ICE raids; and in support of declaring a State of Emergency..
Wendy Avila Rodriguez spoke regarding additional tenant protections and small businesses due to the impact from ICE raids; and in support of declaring a State of Emergency..
Jasmine Gonzalez spoke regarding additional tenant protections and small businesses due to the impact from ICE raids; and in support of declaring a State of Emergency.
Veronica Lopez spoke regarding additional tenant protections and small businesses due to the impact from ICE raids; and in support of declaring a State of Emergency.
Marcos Chan spoke in support of declaring a State of Emergency.
Maria Padilla spoke regarding additional tenant protections and small businesses due to the impact from ICE raids; and in support of declaring a State of Emergency.
Maya Herrera spoke regarding additional tenant protections and small businesses due to the impact from ICE raids; and in support of declaring a State of Emergency.
Jas spoke regarding additional tenant protections and small businesses due to the impact from ICE raids; and in support of declaring a State of Emergency.
Melodie Cuevas spoke regarding additional tenant protections and small businesses due to the impact from ICE raids; and in support of declaring a State of Emergency.
With no objection, Mayor Jorge( Chavez reopened non -agenda public comment period.
Grace Estrella Saucedo spoke regarding additional tenant protections and
small businesses due to the impact from ICE raids; and in support of declaring a State of Emergency.
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 six (6) inn received.
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Mateo Gil spoke regarding Item No. 11.2.
Francisco Barcena spoke regarding Item No. 11.2.
Jasmine Gonzalez spoke regarding Item No. 11.2.
Maria Padilla spoke regarding Item No. 11.2.
Grace Estrella Sauced© spoke regarding Item No. 11.2.
Wendy Avila spoke regarding Item No. 11.2.
Jas spoke regarding Item No. 11.2.
Lucia Veloz spoke regarding Item No. 11.2.
Melodie Cuevas spoke regarding Item No. 11.2.
S. EXTERNAL COMMITTEES UPDATES
There were no updates provided.
CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Michael B. ©'Kelly provided a brief report. en comments
10. 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 Councilmember Marco Barcena, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Miguel De La Rosa to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 10.1-
10.15. The motion carried 4-0-0-1 with the following vote:
Moved by: Marco Barcena
Seconded by: Miguel De La Rosa
Yes Marco Barcena, Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, and Isabel Guillen
Carried 4-0
10.1 10.2
{ Titll On1 I t
01 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 I PACT: No fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council approve the minutes of the June 23, 2025, City Council/Successor Agency Joint Meeting; June 26, 2025,
Special Closed Session; and July 16, 2025, Special City Council Meeting and Closed Session.
CONCLUSION: if approved, the minutes of the City
Council/Successor Agency Joint and Special Meetings will be archived in the City Clerk's Office.
FISCAL IMPACT: None
ATTACHMENTS:
'ssion Joint,
10.3 1\r�� rrianl rd O
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council receive and file the warrant registers, wire transfers, and net payrolls dated 06/10/2025, 06/12/2025, 06/17/2025,06/24/2025,06/26/2025,07/01/2025,07/08/2025, 07/10/2025 and 07/15/2025.
CONCLUSION: If the recommendation to the City Council is approved, then the warrant registers, wire transfers, and net payrolls dated 06/10/2025, 06/12/2025, 06/17/2025,
06/24/2025, 06/26/2025, 07/01/2025, 07/08/2025, 07/10/2025 and 07/15/2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Warrant
Register
Wire Transfer
Warrant
Register
06/10/2
025
06/12/2
025
06/17/2
025
195641
195784
Total Voucher
2089 - 2092
195785 -
195871
$622,846.45
$622,846.45
$288,880.62
$637,606.57
Total Bank
$926,487.19
Net Payroll
Transfer
06/12/2
025
$552,101.86
Total Voucher
$1,478,589.05
Wire
06/10/2
025
2093
$1,656,477.95
Warrant
Register
06/24/2
025
195872-195960
$580,007.06
Total Voucher
$2,236,485.01
Wire Transfer
06/26/2
025
2094 - 2099
$507,160.63
Warrant
Register
07/01/2
025
195961-
196051
$424,040.93
Total Bank
$931,201.56
Net Payroll
Transfer
06/26/2
025
$606,434.02
$1,537,635.58
Total Voucher
$1,622,605.23
Warrant
Register
07/01/2
025
.._.... . ..
196052 -
196057
$146,462.90
Total Voucher
$146,462.90
Warrant
Register
07/08/2
025
196058 -
196135
$566,008.35
Total Voucer $566,': 8.35
Warrant
Register
07/08/2
025
196136
196147
Total Voucher
$228,487.44
$228,487.44
Grand Total
Vouchers
$6,816,514.78
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit 1 - kAbirr7int
10.4 � � �i� ,��� ._� .�o
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
Successor Agency members receive and file the warrant
registers dated 06/17/2025 and 07/15/2025
CONCLUSION: If the recommendation to the Successor
Agency Members is approved, then the warrant register dated 06/17/2025 and 07/15/2025 will be received and filed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Warrant
Register
Warrant
Register
06/17/2025
07/15/2025
12980 -12982
Total Bank
12983 12984
Total Bank
$27,491.2
5 $2714,91.2
5 $1,289,13
3.20 $1,289,13
3.20
10.5 10.6
Warrant
Register
ATTACHMENTS:
- Warrant
07/15/2025
12985
Total Bank
Grand Total
Vouchers
cc
$2,777.28
$2,777.28
$1,319,40
1.73 )[ )5
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 1'' " CT: None.
ATTACH E S:
s w. ! . r r rt
Destgatee
Public _..R I nor° IUon, ST
13.9E1
nierr or .
c xns
RECOM ENDATION It is recommended that the City Council
approve the attached resolution, authorizing the City
Manager or their designee to act on behalf of the City of Bell Gardens with the Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management "PRISM" Authority.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION: During the City Council meeting
of December 9, 2024, the City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with Alliant Insurance Services for
Employee Benefits Broker Services effective January 1, 2025.
As a client of Alliant Insurance Services, the City is accessing ancillary benefits such as dental and vision insurance via "PRISM" (Public Risk Innovation, Solutions, and Management)
Health Pool.
PRISM has requested that its member cities' governing bodies adopt a resolution delegating a person or position to act on the entity's behalf.
CONCLUSION: The adoption of the resolution as requested by PRISM would maintain the City as a member in good
standing.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact to adopt the
resolution.
ATTACHMENTS:
10.7 cppside.ration
airi „ r µiCc.
Plan to.Et
irprimcan'
ace
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached resolution updating the Citywide
Classification and Compensation Plan to eliminate the
Management Analyst Classification and instead replace it with the Senior Management Analyst - Environmental Services
Classification.
CONCLUSION: Approving the Senior Management Analyst -
Environmental Services will enable the City to achieve and maintain compliance with environmental regulations.
FISCAL IMPACT: The City's Public Works Department is
authorized for a Management Analyst and a Senior
Management Analyst position in the adopted classification plan. It is recommended that the City Council update the classification plan by eliminating the position of Management Analyst and instead replace it with the position of Senior Management Analyst - Environmental Services.
The proposed amendment will result in a cost saving to the General Fund. The proposed Senior Management Analyst -
Environmental Services position will be funded with
approximately $50,000 in Measure W Funds, and the transfer of $15,000 in Waste Hauler Management Franchise Funds to
the Public Works Personnel Services account. The use of the Measure W and Waste Hauler Management Franchise Funds
would reduce the expenditure of the General Fund to only $24,000 to fund this critically needed position.
ATTACHMENTS:
10.8 aw d 3 e r c.
to the. • u rowith `,1
ra Not 2025-6(j,•••
RECOM ENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving a First Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with
Global Urban Strategies, Inc. to revise the scope of work and increase the Year 1 Not -to -Exceed compensation.
CONCLUSION: The proposed First Amendment to the
Professional Services Agreement expands the Consultant's scope of work to support critical historic preservation efforts and pursue additional grant opportunities. These
enhancements will enable the City to better preserve its heritage and secure vital funding to improve the quality of life for the Bell Gardens community. The revised compensation reflects the added value and importance of these initiatives.
FISCAL IMPACT: Sufficient funding is included in the FY 2025- 2026 General Fund Budget.
ATTACHMENTS:
p_s lpi
wst Amend
10..9 Consideration ofAdo.ptiormpfeReset ti adr pi r era nh r -R
rat No. - + eon tr c pf•Betjecitflrde
sruifl
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff recommendation that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving Grant
Agreement No. 23369 with the State of California Department
of California Highway Patrol, thereby accepting grant funds.
CONCLUSION: This would be the second year that the Police Department has been awarded the FY25/26 CTFGP Law
Enforcement - Bell Gardens Police Department Grant. This grant funding will allow the Police Department to continue its proactive education and enforcement efforts in hopes of further reducing traffic collisions involving drivers who are driving while under the influence of alcohol and other drugs, including cannabis and cannabis products.
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
ATTACHMENTS:
nth
10.10 RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council:
1. Adopt the attached Resolution approving a Right -of - Way Use Agreement with the Gateway Cities Council of
Governments (GCCOG) for the installation,
maintenance, and operation of the Gateway Cities
Regional Fiber Optic Network on certain City rights -of - way; and
2. Authorize the City Manager or designee to administer the Agreement, including approving finalized plans and
any other actions in connection with the Agreement.
CONCLUSION: If the Agreement is approved, staff will process it for signatures and transmit it to GCCOG.
FISCAL IMPACT: None: The GCCOG will be responsible for the construction costs, and, upon Project completion, the City Strands will provide free broadband to City facilities.
ATTACHMENTS:
t i vrsrt Pur .) ng lo von Pa i r FY 2024..'
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving a Water Right License and Agreement with Liberty Utilities (Park Water) Corp. granting a license to extract 994 acre-feet of the City's unused groundwater pumping allocation rights for fiscal year 2024-2025, for a total fee of $49,700.
CONCLUSION: If approved, staff will process the Water Right License and Agreement for signatures and will file a copy of the executed agreement with the Central Basin Watermaster.
FISCAL I PACT: The lease of the City's 994 acre-feet of water rights to Liberty for fiscal year 2024-2025 will generate $49,700 in revenue for the City's Water Fund.
ATTACH ENTS:
irracirraestrirporProqpQrsx
10.12 ar is e:_ i;r
Egts rr i t
two:
Ceo
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council:
1. Adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the
installation of 15 feet of blue curb "disabled person
parking" fronting 6035 Live Oak Street; 3 feet of red
curb "no parking" restrictions southerly of the 7554
Kress Avenue driveway and 5 feet of red curb "no
parking" restrictions northerly of the 7558 Kress
Avenue driveway; and 3 feet of red curb "no parking"
restrictions on each side of the driveway fronting 5930 Cecilia Street; and
2. Rescind Resolution No. 2025-52
CONCLUSION: If the City Council adopts the attached
resolution, Public Works will proceed with the installation of a disabled person blue curb parking space with appropriate signage fronting 6035 Live Oak Street and the installation of red curb "no parking" restrictions at 7554 and 7558 Kress Avenue, and at 5930 Cecilia Street.
FISCAL IMPACT: The estimated cost for the installation of all parking restrictions, including signage, is $1,250 and is available in the current Street Maintenance Budget.
ATTACHMENTS:
Ex
10,13
ED9,"0,QQQ9ENTRE30€ for
tt." ,ed idrr
RECOMMENDATION: It is staffs recommendation that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving
Amendment No. 2 to the Measure R Funding Agreement
#920000000MR306.52 ("Funding Agreement") between City of Bell Gardens and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan
Transportation Authority for the Garfield Avenue and Eastern Avenue Intersection Improvement Project.
CONCLUSION: An extension of the Funding Agreement will
allow for the completion of the planned realignment of the Garfield Avenue and Eastern Avenue intersection from a "Y" configuration to a "T" configuration.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact in executing
Amendment No. 2 to the Funding Agreement. The Project is estimated to cost $4,635,000 and is being funded by Metro's l- 710 Early Action Funding Program.
ATTACHMENTS:
lutloy
1015 Corsi I c l sr A r aid Recert
RECOMMENDATION: It is staffs recommendation that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving and recertifying the Sewer System Management Plan (SSMP).
CONCLUSION: Approving and recertifying the SSMP will
enable the City to remain in compliance with the
requirements of Order No. 2022-0103-DWQ.
FISCAL IMPACT:None
ATTACHMENTS:
10.14 std
cipiaj
RECOM ENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Second Amendment to the
Professional Services Agreement with Bowman Infrastructure Engineers Ltd for Municipal Engineering Services.
CONCLUSION: Approving the Second Amendment would
approve Bowman's rate adjustment request, effective July 1, 2025, and annual rate adjustments for the duration of the contract term equal to the percentage change in the CPI for the region or five percent (5%), whichever is greater.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for municipal engineering services is available in the City's FY2025/2026 operating and capital improvement budget.
ATTACHMENTS:
DISCUSSION
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:ExHbit 1 No r of° a rw
No action was taken.
11.2 UsgbotR° t � i � M _.. n � i ti f � ? echr logyttry i t Pohce Pepar r r i X a s Ft Lii
s is t Dita Sh at
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council receive and file the attached informational report regarding the implementation of Flock Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology by the Bell Gardens Police Department.
CONCLUSION: The City of Bell Gardens Police Department
considers ALPR technology a valuable tool for protecting our community, recovering stolen property, and solving serious crimes. The system is utilized with caution, under strict oversight, and in compliance with state law. BGPD is
dedicated to transparency, community engagement, and
ensuring that this technology is not used for immigration enforcement or in ways that infringe on civil liberties.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact associated with receiving this report.
ATTACHMENTS:
None.
Police Chief Camacho provided a presentation.
With no objection, Mayor Jorge! Chavez received, filed, and requested to bring back at the next meeting.
Mayor Jorge! Chavez recessed the meeting at 8:22 p.m. and
reconvened at 8:39 p.m.
Yes Marco Barcena, Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, and Isabel Guillen
Carried 4-0
=arm
vet',a L c
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council discuss, receive and file the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Cardroom Revenue update report.
CONCLUSION: It is staff's recommendation that the City
Council discuss, receive and file the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Year End Cardroom revenue update report. Staff recommends that the City consider the following to address and monitor City Revenue:
1. Continue to closely monitor card room revenue.
2. Continue to work through the Cardroom _IPA.
3. Develop contingencies to address any long-term
reductions in card room revenues.
4. Continue to develop additional revenue opportunities:
• Consider .25% Sales Tax Ballot Measure (Estimated
$1.3 Million per year).
• Retain Cannabis (5 Development Agreements
processed; 2 pending).
• Potential sale of City Water System (RFP Scheduled
August 2025).
• General Fee Study (Aquatic Center Fee Study
August/September 2025).
FISCAL IMPACT: None.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit
R) Revenue ieli2cIate
Manuel Carrillo, Director of Finance and Administrative Services, provided a presentation.
With no objection, Mayor Jorgel Chavez received and filed this item.
12. CITY COUNCIL I SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEMBER COMMENTS
Members of the Council and Successor Agency made community announcements and comments.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Jorge! Chavez adjourned the meeting at 9:18p.m.
Daisy Gomez,