CITY OF BELL GARDENS
MINUTES
City Council / Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Joint Meeting
Monday, September 8, 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 webs ite at baps ` v whhe garciens or i yyantW_towatcC, ci 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 iC i -,rkDe = lw ll a cnsoig 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)900-9123 Webinar ID: 313 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 i # 6 6(oom Is2 363and entering the Zoom Meeting ID: 31.3 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 Pt on : $' 1 : ns.,,o r 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 September 8, 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 6:05 p.m.
2. INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Pastor Reynaldo Leal.
PLEDGE ...FALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Cameron Vargas, Girl Scout Troop #
2543.
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
PRESENTATION
5.1 Certificate of Recognition Golosa Bakery
Mayor Jorge! Chavez read the certificate of recognition and presented it to the owner Sylvia.
5.2 Proclamation for National Hispanic Heritage Month
Mayor Jorge! Chavez read the certificate of recognition.
5.3 Proclamation for National Suicide Prevention Month
Councilwoman Isabel Guillen read the certificate of recognition and presented it to Officer Peek.
PUBLIC HEARING
6.1 Co siderallon of Or n 5 No, 959 Ado Inge
iPesersaUse Policy as i.t° d by A e nialY011481
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council waive the full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 959 by title only, adopting a Military Equipment Use Policy in accordance with state law.
tai
CONCLUSION: As required by AB 481, Staff recommends
adopting the attached Ordinance No. 959, adopting a Military Equipment Use Policy.
FISCAL I v PACT: No fiscal impact.
ATTACH E TS
iii - -dinance No. 959 e2
x bit 2 9AB 481 Annual Report
9:3 i Caffomia Assembtyt ill
Mayor Jorgel Chavez opened the public hearing at 6:22 p. m.
Lieutenant Frank Garcia provided a presentation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
City Clerk Daisy Gomez announced that no written comments were received.
Mayor Jorgel Chavez closed the public hearing at 6:32 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 5 - Q with the following vote:
Moved by: Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez
Seconded by: Isabel Guillen
Yes
Marco Barcena, Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel
Guillen
Carried 5-0
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS N NON -AGENDA ITEMS UNDER THE SUBJECT
MATTER JURISDICTI N OF THE CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY During this time, the members of the public may address the City Council / Successor Agncy 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.
Jose Vargas spoke regarding The American Legion and invited the community to visit the local site.
regard
prograni
nt of i.. s Fite.
rgen tyiRestpons'Et Team
Enrique Vega spoke regarding Viva Las Vegas events and encouraged the community to participate.
Joshua Barron, Charter President of the Kiwans Club of Southeast Los Angeles, spoke regarding future car shows.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITE S 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 public or written comments received.
EXTERNAL COMMITTEES UPDATES
Councilwoman Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez provided an update regarding COG and California Cities for Self -Reliance Joint Powers Authority Councilmember Marco Barcena provided an update regarding HUB Cities Consortium.
Mayor Jorge' Chavez provided an update regarding League of California Cities Los Angeles County Division.
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 Councilmember Marco Barcena approved Consent Calendar Item Nos. 11.1 - 11.10.
The motion carried 5 - 0 with the following vote:
Moved by: Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez
Seconded by: Marco Barcena
Yes
Marco Barcena, Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel
Guillen
Carried 5-0
General Motion to Waive Full Reading and Approve
Ordinances by Title Only Pursuant to California Government Code Section 36934 with Support from the Majority of the Legislative Body.
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.
11.2 Approval Minutes of City Council/Successor Agency - Joint Meeting
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council approve the minutes of the August 25, 2025, Closed Session and 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:
Successor ricy to
Pgvigigpm,eriloccrj1 Hssion Johlt Meotina- Aug
NHnutes
arra ster andm die Transfer
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council receive and file the warrant registers, wire transfers, and net payrolls dated 08/07/2025, 08/12/2025, 08/13/2025 and 08/19/2025.
CONCLUSION: If the recommendation to the City Council is approved, then the warrant registers, wire transfers, and net payrolls dated 08/07/2025, 08/12/2025, 08/13/2025 and
08/19/2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Wire 08/07 3014•
Transfer /2025 3017
9 620.2
Warrant 08/12 196618 -- $696,759.7
Register /2025 196759
Net
Payroll
Transfer
08/07
/2025
Total, ,028,38
Bank 4.00
$621,294A
4
Voucher 4.44
arrant 08/12 196760- $43,85317
Register /2025 196776
Total 43,853.1
Voucher 7
e
Transfer
Warrant
Register
Warrant
Register
08/13 3019 - $354,108.2
/2025 3020 5
08/19 196777 $167,806.0
/2025 196785 0
Total
Voucher
08/19 196786 -
/2025 196878
$522,914.
25 Total 52641263.
Voucher 33
Grand 2,476,70
Total 5.19
Vouchers
ATTACH E T:.
11.4 rant e, Successor Agency
RECOM ENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
Successor Agency members receive and file the warrant
register dated 08/19/2025.
CONCLUSION: If the recommendation to the Successor
Agency Members is approved, then the warrant register dated 08/19/2025 will be received and filed.
FISCAL IMPACT:
11.5 Warrant
Register
08/19/
2025
12988
$12,485.00
Total Bank
$12,485.00
ATTACHMENTS:
Grand Total
Vouchers
$12,485.00
pross :el
(-nut Avenue 'Ff Le No
l 7 8 6)
RECD MENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving Final Parcel Map No. 83969 to record the Final Map for the
subdivision of one parcel into four (4) residential
condominium parcels on a 9,600 Square Feet (SF) lot located at 7945 Scout Avenue, Bell Gardens, CA, and thereby
authorize the City Clerk and the City Engineer to prepare said map for recordation.
CONCLUSION: It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving the recording of Final Parcel Map No. 83969 involving the subdivision of the subject property for proposed residential condominiums purposes at 7945 Scout Avenue and authorize the City Clerk and the City Engineer to prepare the certificate on the map showing the City's approval of said map and cause for recordation.
FISCAL IMPACT: No fiscal impact.
ATTACHMENTS:
Resol No :84 g)
Tor
Fixhibi Se
Rehort
Thitgaitomnur ion solution Nr
11.6 r� i r� Vic cri i r Apidv ovmgwhy Ford Shies_ hut for RECOM ENDATION: It is staffs recommendation that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving a
Purchase Order Agreement with Fairway Ford Sales, Inc, for the purchase of a 2026 Ford Police Interceptor Utility Vehicle for a not -to -exceed amount of $54,151.54.
CONCLUSION:
The purchase of a new vehicle will aid the Police Department with traffic enforcement operations in hopes of reducing traffic collisions related to impaired driving and improving overall safety of our community.
As such, staff is recommending that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving a Purchase Order Agreement with Fairway Ford Sales, Inc. for the purchase of a new vehicle.
FISCAL I PACT:
The total cost for this requested expenditure is $54,151.54.
The City will be reimbursed the entire amount from the
California Highway Patrol FY2025-26 Cannabis Tax Fund
Grant. Reimbursement will take place once the Police vehicle is delivered and during the grant's reimbursement period.
ATTACH4. ENTS:
11.7 n ':ti n a2R o o
e et et t
tf:e Pur tse oto la ALL -5 _
Vgbicles
"Pt vig Egli inert
t ti lt m
°file Raalt or
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council approve the attached Resolution approving an Equipment Procurement Agreement for the purchase of eight (8) Motorola mobile radios for Police patrol vehicles.
CLUSI' _: Ifthe attached Resolution is adopted, staff will process the agreement with Motorola for the procurement and delivery of the mobile radios.
FISCAL I ACT: The total cost for the purchase of eight (8) mobile radios is $79,742.40. Funding is available within the Police Department's Operating Budget for FY 2023-2024 and FY 2024-2025, as previously authorized under Resolution No. 2023-94.
F E i .
tAgregment
11. P er (oof Accept e ftl Den llt: f t m r..
PareEastRestroo /Sunshine Bi as CalliPleae
RECO T : It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council.
1. Accept the demolition of the Ford Park. East
Restroom/Sunshine Building as Complete; and
2. Authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion.
CONCLUSION: The City Council's acceptance of the
Demolition 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 budget for the Project is
$1,695,394. The total cost for the Demolition was $81,233.05.
ATTACHMENTS:
T. :
Elea Notice eiliciptiep toe
11.9 m iderat aitesi ) uRevisingsthe Fiscal Ye
RD litprinfaidatidge Fined a Senior rte
al t o :ti ... : r:f : d the Exact ; As is o t to fie,
it a g r Position O
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution revising the Fiscal Year 2025 -
2026 Annual Budget to fund a Senior Management Analyst
Position and unfund the Executive Assistant to the City Manager position.
CONCLUSION: Approving funding of the Senior Management
Analyst position will enable the City to achieve and maintain a high level of analytical review and process that is necessary for successful implementation and maintenance of the
Strategic Plan, Legislative Platform and other special projects requiring advanced analytical functions.
FISCAL I PACT: The proposed revision to the positions
within the City Manager's Office will result in an additional annual cost of approximately $17,500 with a corresponding reduction in budgeted Contractual Services in the City
Manager Budget, thereby resulting in zero cost increase to the General Fund Budget.
ATTACH ENTS
i bi t .
11.18 r:s:� : tL : of a Resol ion Au h rizin the C dr's uaC N t o f i.xe a e Lettrs of Agreement with Labor
Gropps for He Ithca: e Plan Year 2025 g
RECOMM NATION: It is recommended that the City Council
adopt the attached resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Letters of Agreement with the Bell Gardens City Employees Association ("BGCEA"), the Bell Gardens Public Works Employees Association ("BGPWEA"), the Bell Gardens Public Works Supervisors Association ("BGPWSA"), the Bell Gardens Police Officers Association ("BGPOA"), and the Bell Gardens Police Management Association ("BGPMA").
CONCLUSION: Adoption of the attached Resolution will allow the City Manager, as the City's labor negotiating
representative, to execute Letters of Agreement with the Labor Groups to correct the City's adverse selection issue, preserve Anthem plan options for employees and retirees, and position the City to negotiate stronger terms and pricing in future plan years.
FISCAL I PACT: The estimated cost of mitigation is $300,000.
This cost is expected to be offset through retiree plan
restructuring and related long-term savings.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit Reschen
hatter o reorient
r of Agreement
re p
12. DISCUSSION
shAtiVir
BG Pee SA
Dec PUMP\ 6)
;Rim i9
12.1 focal Cornmissiry
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
ATTACHENT I � .
No action was taken.
Ca Staini
12.2 0 , t Iber 2025.UsbEate orb the Jahn And For
Rego fat Aquatics Center p y eats Pr e
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council receive and file the September 2025 John Anson Ford Park Regional Aquatics Center Improvements update
report.
CONCLUSION: After approximately 18 months of
construction, the completion of the John Anson Ford Park Regional Aquatics Center is quickly approaching with final project completion projected to be October 10, 2025. Staff are finalizing programming details and operating hours in
preparation of the opening of the new facility.
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 - $1.5 million (Federal)
• General Fund - $14.6 million (City)
The current estimated total Project costs are as follows:
Design (RJM Design Group)
$1,045,10
0 Labor Compliance (Michael
Baker International)
$224,200
Construction Management &
$2,040,40
Inspection (Ardurra)
0 Construction Cost (Bernards)
$26,334,0
00 Construction Change Orders to
$1,104,60
Date (Bernards)
0 Remaining Construction
Contingency
$458,400
Publication & Misc. Costs
$1,200
TOTAL ESTIMATED PROJECT
$31,270,0
COST
00 Annual staffing and operating costs of approximately $2,700,000 are included in the Fiscal Year 2025-26 annual budget.
ATTACHMENTS: None
Bernardo Iniguez, Director of Public Works, and Elizabeth Nava, Director of Recreation and Community Services, provided a presentation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Marco Barcena,
seconded by Councilwoman Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez to receive and file.
The motion carried 5 - Q with the following vote:
Moved by: Marco Barcena
Seconded by: Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez
Yes
Marco Barcena, Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel
Guillen
Carried 5-0
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 7:24 p.m.
Daisy Gomez, ``i' Clerk