CITY OF BELL GARDENS
MINUTES
City Council / Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Joint Meeting
Monday, October 13, 2025, 6:00 PM
LOCATION: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 7100 GARFIELD AVENUE, BELL GARDENS, CA90201 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 htfi :www. it e r e'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 participation 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 ., r 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 participation are limited to three (3) minutes. Public participation for non -agenda items will be limited to a total of 30 minutes. Public participation can be made by any of the following ways:
IN -PERSON: Members of the public can provide in -person participation 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 participation 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 htti:s:. L )-JmLsr,join and entering the Zoom Meeting ID: 813 3236 4343 Passcode: 2021 Public participation 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. Participation will not be accepted in the QandA Chat function of the zoom app.
WRITTEN COMMENTS: Public participation may be emailed to zits ,a i s . )1.-g, 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.
1. CALL TO ORDER
The Council Members of the City of Bell Gardens City Council/Successor Agency held a Joint Regular meeting on October 13, 2025, in the Council Chambers, 7100 Garfield Avenue, Bell Gardens, CA with Mayor Marco Barcena presiding. Mayor Marco Barcena called the joint meeting to order at 6:12 p.m.
2. INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Minister Daniel Anguiano.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Cameron Vargas, Girl Scout Troop # 2543.
4. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS / SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEMBERS
Jorgel Chavez, 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
Marco Barcena, Mayor/ Chair
5. PRESENTATION
5.1 Certificate of Recognition - Active SELA
This item was heard at the same time as Item No. 5.6.
Mayor Marco Barcena read the certificate of recognition and presented it to Gabi Gomez.
5.2 Certificate of Recognition - Pico Women Bicycle Club This item was heard at the same time as Item No. 5.1 and after hearing Item No. 5.6.
Mayor Marco Barcena read the certificate of recognition and presented it to Yvette Zea and Gabi Gomez.
5.3 Certificate of Recognition - Shadow Realm Collectibles This item was heard after to Item Nos. 5.1 and 5.2.
Mayor Marco Barcena read the certificate of recognition and presented it to Flavio Sanchez, Eric Wandike and Eddy
Alvarado.
5.4 Certificate of Recognition - Leonides Morales
This item was heard at the same time as Item Nos. 5.5 and 5.7 and after Item No. 5.3.
Mayor Marco Barcena read the certificate of recognition and
presented it to Leonides Morales.
5.5 Certificate of Recognition - Zenaida Perez
This item was heard at the same time as Item Nos. 5.4 and 5.7 and after Item No. 5.3.
Mayor Marco Barcena read the certificate of recognition and presented it to Zenaida Perez.
5.6 National Code Enforcement Appreciation Week Proclamation This item was heard prior to Item No. 5.1.
Councilwoman Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez read the certificate of recognition and presented it to Code Enforcement staff.
5.7 Indigenous People's Day Proclamation
This item was heard at the same time as Item Nos. 5.4 and 5.5 and after Item No. 5.3.
Mayor Marco Barcena read the certificate of recognition and presented it to Zenaida Perez and Leonides Morales; and a video presentation was shown.
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 no written comment received.
7. 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 comment received.
Margie Lopez spoke regarding Item No. 6 and various topics.
Eric Franklin and Manager Tony Gomez, with United Pacific Services, spoke regarding Item No. 11.2.
8. EXTERNAL COMMITTEES UPDATES
Councilmember Jorge! Chavez and Mayor Pro Tem Miguel De La Rosa provided a brief report on the 2025 Annual Conference and Expo, League of California Cities.
9. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Michael B. O'Kelly provided a brief report.
10. CONSENT CALENDAR
AU 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 Mayor Pro Tem Miguel De La Rosa, second by Councilwoman Isabel Guillen to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 10.1 -
10.11. The motion carried 5 - 0 with the following:
Moved by: Miguel De La Rosa
Seconded by: Isabel Guillen
Yes
Marco Barcena, Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel
Guillen
Carried 5-0
10.1 (,eneraI ion t t ;Ave.._Full a ding_ r� Ap_vrave
rdinances Title nty ursuant to California
overnrnent Code Section 36934 w r thSuupnrt_fro
±
ajurityof the L,e.is(ative _n y 8
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.
10.2 Aa, royal Minutes of City(,ounc l Successor Ax enc mn Joint Meetn nTti
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council approve the minutes of the September 22, 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... City Co .ir�� , ., S c ssor ncy to the rnmun DeveloRrnent Co t ivieet1r 5e .2 2C).2 -
inutes-.
I t9
10.3 arrant Register Wire it nsffer f)
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council receive and file the warrant registers, wire transfers, and net payrolls dated 09/04/2025, 09/09/2025, 09/16/2025, 09/18/2025 and 09/23/2025.
CONCLUSION: If the recommendation to the City Council is approved, then the warrant registers, wire transfers, and net payrolls dated 09/04/2025, 09/09/2025, 09/16/2025,
09/18/2025 and 09/23/2025.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Wire Transfer 09/04/2
025
Warrant 09/09/2
Register 025
Net Payroll
Transfer
09/04/2
025
Warrant 09/09/2
Register 025
09/16/2
025
$299,532.91
Warrant
Register
Wire Transfer 109/18/2
025
Warrant 09/23/2
Register 025
Net Payroll
Transfer
09/18/2
025
3026 - 3029 $301,078.66
197101-
197240
Total Bank
Total Voucher
$422,735.21
$723,813.87
$563,779.79
1,287,593.66
197241 $29,433.59
Total Voucher $29,433.59
197242 -
197308
Total Voucher $299,532.91
3033 - 3035 $1,782,675.70
197309 -
197386
$327,016.82
Total Bank $2,109,692.52
$551,373.32
Total Voucher $2,661,065.84
Page7of16
Grand Total
Vouchers
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit ,... Warrant
$4,277,626.00
10.4 C ns eratiian of a esolutorr proving an n ent t
e City_ i eCIassification,..an _._Co ensati n lanHto
u rize t e Creation f nc ana �te nalyst
e Co u tty evelop en ent
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving an amendment to the Citywide Classification and Compensation Plan to
authorize the creation of one (1) Management Analyst
position in the Community Development Department.
CONCLUSION: Approving the Management Analyst position
in the Community Development Department will enable the City to achieve and maintain excellent customer service, and remain in compliance with various federal, state, and local regulations affecting different program areas of the
Community Development Department.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Community Development Department is
currently authorized for a Senior Secretary position in the adopted classification plan. It is recommended that the City Council update the classification plan by defunding the position of Senior Secretary and authorize and reallocate funding for the Management Analyst position.
The proposed amendment will be cost neutral by utilizing a combination of the proposed reallocation of the funding of the vacant Senior Secretary position, as well as utilizing funding currently allocated for a part-time Planning Intern position.
ATTACHMENTS:
L xhibit 1- Resolution No. 2025-98
10.5 Consideration of Resolution Approving inal Parcek...E a }No_ 84125 for the Subdivision of One Parcel into Three Residential Condominium Parcels at 5822 Gotham Street TFite No. 2023- °17'
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving Final Parcel Map No. 84125 to record the Final Map for the
subdivision of one parcel into three (3) residential
condominium parcels on a 11,420 Square Feet (SF) lot
located at 5822 Gotham Street, Bell Gardens, CA, and thereby authorize the City Clerk and the City Engineer to prepare the certificate on the map showing the City's approval and
authorization to record said map.
CONCLUSION: It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving the recording of Final Parcel Map No. 84125 involving the subdivision of the subject property for proposed residential condominiums at 5822
Gotham Street 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 impacts.
ATTACHMENTS:
otrupipsior
10.6 Appr s d Spec! nr A *.h;thorization
Bids for the HISP Cycle 1 r jest I ter sects
'two s t FI rprice A e/Garfield Avenue
/ 1U4' Lge Aven ? Kira' loom 3 ) .'
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the HSIP Cycle 11 Intersection Improvements at Florence
Avenue/Garfield Avenue and Eastern Avenue/Gage
Avenue (CIP No. 3936);
2. Authorize staff to solicit competitive bids and publish the Notice Inviting Sealed Bids (NISB); and
3. Find that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant
to Guidelines Section 15301(c).
CONCLUSION: Upon authorization by the City Council, staff will proceed with the bid phase of the Project.
FISCAL IMPACT: The FY25/26 Capital Improvement Budget
includes a total of $417,500 for the construction of the Project, which includes $375,750 in HSIP funds and $41,750 in general funds, as a local match. The engineer's estimate for construction is $379,500.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit 1- Notice Inviting Sealed Bids
10.7 pp L val of PI 4 san Speciifiic t ont and Ault or zation_ fir t..,we Eastern Avenue arf d ue
Intersection 1 prove s nt rojectICI + 3881) 6)
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for the Garfield Avenue and Eastern Avenue Intersection Improvements
Project (CIP No. 3881);
2. Authorize staff to solicit competitive bids and publish the Notice Inviting Sealed Bids (NISB); and
3. Find that the Project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant
to Guidelines Section 15301(c).
CONCLUSION: Upon authorization by the City Council, staff will proceed with the bid phase of the Project.
FISCAL IMPACT: The FY25/26 Capital Improvement Budget
includes a total of $4,010,536 of Metro I-710 Early Action Item Funds. The engineer's estimate for construction is $2,000,000.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit i - Notice Inviting Sealed Bids t�
10.8 i s derat on a Res lot :w . p ara vi tig a...First a -Tient to tract Services es A enent th AB.
s, 1,1C for Heat ng, Ventilati on and Air
Con itro ;, � M..aintenanceServices
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 ABM Building Solutions, LLC for heating, ventilation and air conditioning maintenance
Bail
Exhibits
services.
CONCLUSION: Approving the First Amendment of the
Agreement would modify the existing scope of services to include the Aquatics Center HVAC systems, and increase the compensation amount.
FISCAL IMPACT: Funding for HVAC services is available in the FY 2025/2026 Operating Budget.
ATTACHMENTS:
soiu € " Q, 61)
rnent. with ABM Buiidini
10.9 A ceptanc he P e andlust' 1 So
tiredLi 1 ; g t I plete f>
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council:
1. Accept the Purchase and Installation of Solar -Powered Lighting at Darwell Park 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. Upon approval of the City Council, staff will file the Notice of Completion.
FISCAL IMPACT: The total Project cost of $20,608.45 was funded with general funds.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit1 Notice of Compietion
10.10 C ^ leratior of a Res tutionApPr vingaContract
S vicesAgreement',with H rizo 1s C ns r ction._d Y
Intl, Inc, for the rviarlow rk improve en s g
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council:
1. Approve the plans and specifications for construction of the Marlow Park Improvements; and
2. Adopt the attached Resolution approving an
agreement with Horizons Construction Company Int'l,
Inc. for Marlow Park Improvements; and
3. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement
and approve change orders that may be necessary
during construction to cover any unforeseen condition
in an amount not to exceed 10% of the agreement
amount; and
4. Appropriate an additional $100,000 in General Funds to cover all construction and project management costs,
including contingency.
CONCLUSION: If the attached Resolution is adopted, staff will process the agreement for signatures and issue a Notice to Proceed with the Marlow Park Improvements to Horizons.
FISCAL IMPACT: The contract services agreement amount is $910,903.09.
The City's FY25-26 Capital Improvement budget includes
$868,000 in Measure A funds. An additional appropriation of $100,000 will be necessary to cover the budget shortfall and any unforeseen conditions. Therefore, the total project budget for the construction phase of the Marlow Park
Improvements is $968,000, consisting of Measure A funds and general funds.
ATTACHMENTS:
Exhibit 1 Resolution KIL) 2025_101
Exhibit rocwrernent Areement Horizons a
10.11 C sderatAon of a Resolution Approving Contract
Servl ,fie Agreement ith LS Product ons for Stage and:
Lind Prod ction S rviccs for CRtywide Events
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council, by motion, adopt the attached Resolution
authorizing the City Manager to execute a Contract Services Agreement with PLS Productions for stage and sound
production services for citywide events.
CONCLUSION: Recreation and Community Services staff
released an RFP for Stage and Sound Production Services for citywide special events. PLS Productions responded to the RFP and demonstrated their ability to successfully provide the City with these services at a reasonable cost. Staff recommends awarding a Contract Services Agreement to PLS Productions.
FISCAL IMPACT: The Contract Services Agreement with PLS
Production will be paid for out of the City's general fund budget. The annual not to exceed amount will be $65,000 for a potential aggregate not -to -exceed amount of $325,000, which would account for the 3 year term and the optional 2, 1 - year extensions.
ATTACHMENTS:
11. DISCUSSION
Local Co x i s r: p ntC tList
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:
No action was taken.
11.2 Cons! er tton ofa Resold n Approving a o t act
Services Agree ent wit l est C as Arbor's , is c. for
Citywide Tree Maintenance Sery c $ #
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 West Coast Arborists, Inc. ("WCA") for Citywide Tree
Maintenance Services, in a form approved by the City
Attorney.
CONCLUSION: Based on West Coast Arborists, Inc.'s proposal rating, staff is recommending that the City Council award West Coast Arborists, Inc. a three-year Contract Services
Agreement, effective as of October 13, 2025, with two optional one-year extensions, for an annual amount not -to -exceed $337,719 to provide citywide tree maintenance services.
Fl CL I CT: The annual Contract Services Agreement
cost is $337,719, which will be split between two fiscal years.
The current FY 25/26 budget includes $235,000 from the
General Fund for tree maintenance services. An additional $102,719 from the General Fund will be programmed in the FY 26/27 budget.
Bernardo lniguez, Director of Public Works, provided a
presentation.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Isabel Guillen, seconded by Councilwoman Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez to approve
staff's recommendation.
The motion carried 5 - 0 with the following vote:
Moved by: Isabel Guillen
Seconded by: Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez
Yes
Marco Barcena, Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel
Guillen
Carrie
11.3 cto{._er 2O25 L!pdatef h
gional Aquatics Center P i prove .....ent
Pregr_
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the
City Council:
1. Receive and file the October 2025 John Anson Ford
Park Regional Aquatics Center Improvements and
Programs update report; and/or
2. Provide staff with further direction.
tin Ans n Ford P
CONCLUSION: The John Anson Ford Park Regional Aquatics
Center will formally open on Saturday October 18, 2025. The programs that will be offered to the community will be Swim Lessons, Senior Aerobics, Aqua Aerobics, Lap Swim,
Recreational Swim, Fitness Room, and Semi -Private Pool Rentals.
REVISED FISCAL IMPACT: Annual operating costs for the Ford Park Regional Aquatics Center are approximately $2.7 Million.
The costs for updating the Ford Park Regional Aquatics Center monument signs and name change are approximately
$17,000 to $34,000 in labor and materials, depending on the magnitude of the change.
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 Councilwoman Isabel Guillen, seconded by Councilwoman Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez to update the Ford Park Regional Aquatics Center name changed to
Dreamers Aquatic Center.
The motion carried 5 - 0 with the following vote:
Moved by: Isabel Guillen
Seconded by: Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez
Yes
Marco Barcena, Jorge( Chavez, Miguel De La
Rosa, Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel
Guillen
Carried 5-0
12. CITY COUNCIL I SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEMBER COMMENTS
Members of the Council and Successor Agency made community announcements and comments.
13. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Marco Barcena adjourned the meeting at 7:56 pm.
Daisy Gomez, City Cle