CITY OF BELL GARDENS
MINUTES
City Council / Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Joint Meeting
Monday, April 13, 2026, 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 t�
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 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)900-91,28 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 li yin and entering the Zoom Meeting ID: 813 3236 4343 Passcode: 202.1
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 Pai Grtfi o ; nerr:,r I l, r err _ 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 April 13, 2026, in the Council Chambers, 7100 Garfield Avenue, Bell Gardens, CA with Mayor Miguel De La Rosa presiding. Mayor Miguel De La Rosa called the joint meeting to order at 6:38 p.m..
2, INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Minister Daniel Anguiano.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Cameron Vargas, Girls Scout Troop #2543.
ROLL CALL OF CITY COU CIL MEMBERS / SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION MEMBERS
Marco Barcena, Councilmember / Agency Member
Jorgel Chavez, Councilmember/Agency Member
Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez, Councilwoman / Agency Member Isabel Guillen, Mayor Pro Tem / Vice Chair
Miguel De La Rosa, Mayor/ Chair
PRESENTATION
5,1 Certificate of Recognition - EI Buca Restaurante
Mayor Miguel De La Rosa read the certificate of recognition and presented it to Candelaria Morales, owner of El Buca Restaurante.
5.2 3�1 t4 nit n .. grains cgit1 nCente esentation
Esmeralda Garcia, Principal/Equity Studio Co -Director, Director of Pasadena
Operations, provided a presentation.
PUBLIC HEARING
5.1 introduction t>t ::l l e tIce 963
Developahant Salaqn4arclajoaa
5ectkons t .6 ^B
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Reza lotions) tions) 9ell Gar s Municipal Codew
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council:
1. Find the proposed Zone Code Amendment is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), concluding no significant environmental impact would occur; and
Z. Waive full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 965, by title only, amending certain sections of Title 9 (Zoning and Planning Regulations) of the Bell Gardens Municipal Code
ATTACHMENTS:
Mayor Miguel De La Rosa opened the public hearing at 5:57 p.m.
Adrian Andujo, Associate Planner, provided a presentation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
City Clerk Daisy Gomez announced that there were no written or public comments received.
Mayor Miguel De La Rosa closed the public hearing at 7:11 p.m.
A motion was made by Mayor Miguel De La Rosa, seconded by Councilmember Jorge( Chavez to approve staff's recommendation.
The motion carried 5 - 0
pth the following vote:
Moved by: Miguel De La Rosa; seconded by: Jorgel Chavez Yes: Marco Barcena, Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La Rosa, Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel Guillen
Carried 5-0
6.2 07 of r`) p i r1ofInterim U ::lance N e_"µ
roa r rr the Acce ancen ei hd Ao : _ o
Per r t t App Ferri „pc iJ, r rmml (A eiz4 use., j
Thereof for Chorrabir Retell�
noting
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RECOMMENDATION: It is staffs recommendation that the City Council:
1. Determine that proposed Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 966-U is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act ("CEQA") (Pub. Res. Code § 21000 etseq.); and
2. Adopt Interim Urgency Ordinance No. 966-U extending the moratorium 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 twelve (12) months.
ATTACHMENTS:
Notice g
Mayor Miguel De La Rosa opened the public hearing at 7:12 p.m.
Alfonso Hernandez, City Planner, provided a presentation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
City Clerk Daisy Gomez announced that there were no written comments received.
Mario Dominguez spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Miguel De La Rosa closed the public hearing at 7:21 p.m.
A motion was made by Mayor Miguel De La Rosa, seconded by Councilwoman Dr.
Francis De Leon to approve staff's recommendation.
The motion carried 5 - 0 with the following vote:
Moved by: Miguel De La Rosa; 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
6.3 e ax to Cons ceoption of es on Mahn Findings
egui °ed be doverrodent CedeaSections i121„7.12(iii _ C ,i size1 ec ition of are L,nerdy Services Agreement with ABlielianiich �plot ions t.L.
Energy Conservation I prover -dents; trd 2)Adoption of a lteselution rigelliorilagit Pursuant to GovertrrrrCit Cede Section 4217 . .. . o ,!s rove a Attit„ gitr i t. eLtiate-Parr het Agreement and Pa it sent: Schedule with Capital t itp Public Fun ing+
RECOMMENDATION:
It is staff's recommendation that the City Council:
1. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-34 making findings required by Government Code sections 4217.12(a)(1)-(2) to authorize the City Manager to execute a Contract Services Agreement and Annual Energy Cost Avoidance Agreement with ABM Building Solutions, LLC for energy conservation improvements in a form approved by the City Attorney; and
2. Adopt Resolution No. 2026-35 making findings pursuant to Government Code section 4217.13 to authorize the City Manager to execute a related Equiiiipment. Lease -Purchase Agreement and Payment Schedule with Capital One Public Funding, LLC, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
ATTACHMENTS:
Mayor Miguel De La Rosa opened the public hearing at 7:23 p.m.
Bernardo Iniguez, Director of Public Works and Facilities, and ABM Building Solutions, LLC team provided a presentation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
City Clerk Daisy Gomez announced that there were no written comments received. io Dominguez spoke in support of the item.
Mayor Miguel De La Rosa closed the public hearing at 8:00 p.m.
A motion was made by Mayor Miguel De La Rosa, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Isabel Guillen to approve staff's recommendation.
The motion carried 5 - 0 with the following vote:
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
7. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 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 participation 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.
Irma Lopez spoke regarding various topics.
Mario Dominguez spoke regarding Senate Bill 707.
8. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 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 participation are limited to 3 minutes per person.
Mayor Miguel De La Rosa recessed the meeting at 8:07 p.m. and reconvened at 8:35 p.m.
City Clerk Daisy Gomez announced that there were four (4) written comments received and distributed to the full Council.
Mateo Gil spoke in support of Item No.12.3 and requested that Council create a policy for a temporary non-payment threshold to support tenants.
Mary Guzman spoke in support of Item No. 12.2 for local sales of Safe and Sane fireworks.
Jasmine Gonzalez spoke in support of item No. 12.3 and requested that Council create a policy for a temporary non-payment threshold to support tenants.
Lilia Chavez spoke in support of Item No. 12.3 and requested that Council create a policy for a temporary non-payment threshold to support tenants.
Casandra spoke in support of Item No. 12.3 and requested that Council create a policy for a temporary non-payment threshold to support tenants.
Nathan Nunez spoke in support of item No. 12.3 and requested that Council create a policy for a temporary non-payment threshold to support tenants.
Mario Dominguez spoke regarding Item No. 5.2 SELA presentation.
Melodie Cuevas spoke in support of Item No. 12.3 and requested that Council create a policy for a temporary non-payment threshold to support tenants.
Jon spoke in support of Item No. 12.3 and requested that Council create a policy for a temporary non-payment threshold to support tenants.
9. COMMITTEE UPDATES
There were no updates.
10. CITY MANAGER'S REPORT
City Manager Michael B. O'Kelly provided a brief report.
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 Jorgel Chavez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Isabel Guillen to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 11.1 -11.6, with the exception of Item No.
11.5. With no objection, Item No. 11.5 will be heard at the next meeting.
The motion carried 5 - 0 with the following vote:
Moved by: Jorgel Chavez; seconded by: Isabel Guillen
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.
ATTACHMENTS: None.
11.2 RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council approve the minutes of the March 23, 2026, Closed Session and City Council/Successor Agency Joint Meetings.
ATTACHMENTS:
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council receive and file warrant registers, wire transfers, and net payrolls dated 03/02/2026, 03/05/2026, 03/10/2026 and 03/17/2026.
ATTACHMENTS:
aditiortra
11.4 tioosiderat
Services Agreement:
::g t t_ Omont to :Contract
ppp1i , _S t t r t. r raffia S � ..
;rrtienktinsat halci Ce rr Cer ;t
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Second Amendment to the Contract Services Agreement with Econolite Systems, Inc.
ATTACHMENTS:
Amen .f�;r at °i l a et irs
11.5 p rrts oration el Awards Construction Contract tor the Ford Park NAND rt rid r rttt; C CC ; pro enm ents adleitNo. 392 c" RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council:
1. Award a construction contract to Doja, Inc. in the amount of $2,253,231 for the Ford Park Playground and Restroom Improvements Project (CIP No. 3926);
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the Construction Contract and approve change orders that may be necessary during construction to cover any unforeseen condition in an amount not to exceed 5% of the construction contract; and
3. Appropriate an additional $266,275 in General Funds, $230,051 in Measure A Annual Allocation, $100,000 in Measure W, $81,150 of Development Impact Fees, and $33,013 in TDA Article 3 funds to cover all construction and project management costs.
ATTACHMENTS:
11.6 Consideration of e it rnr Approvingr Na ; act_ 'ice emerst SouthPast Aqua tan ,.. trl ( in trYou
Sell Gardens
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 Southeast Aquatics Dolphins, Inc. for a Youth Swim Team Program in the City of Bell Gardens.
:whet Team po nC gtrithetityt
ATTACHMENTS:
12. DISCUSSION
12.1 n(lc l
Fri
n
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.
ATTACHMENTS:
FXhi t i
There was no action.
12.2 i i � �
����.�� ���� ��� ���a��� Safe and Sane avorks
RECOMMENDATION: It is staffs recommendation that the City Council take the following action:
1. Receive and file this report and take no further action; or
2. Direct staff to prepare a Safe and Sane Fireworks ordinance for consideration at a future City Council meeting.
ATTACHMENTS: iM i i i E rn -dawn
..Rc;
Alfonso Hernandez, City Planner, provided a presentation.
A motion was made by Cauncilmember.lorgel Chavez, seconded by Mayor Miguel De La Rosa to direct staff to bring back a Sane and Safe Fireworks Ordinance to include a selection of one (1) from each of the three (3) lottery pools within the City of Bell Gardens from the following groups: public education institutions (including .school sports and clubs), religious/faith based group, and non-profit group; and for staff to bring back an enforcement policy review.
The motion carried 5 - Q with the following vote:
Moved by: Jorge( Chavez; seconded by: Miguel De La Rosa Yes: Marco Barcena, Jorge( Chavez, Miguel De La Rosa, Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel Guillen
Carried 5-0
A motion was made by Councilwoman Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Isabel Guillen to direct staff to bring back options for a fireworks show.
The motion carried 5 - © 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 IsabelGuillen
Carried 5-4
12.3 '._ari k , a dd Tenant Eviction i:t _r
RECOMMENDATION: It is staffs recommendation that the City Council receive and file this report.
ATTACHMENTS:
Mayra Garcia, Housing Manager, provided a presentation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Isabel Guillen, seconded by Councilwoman Dr.
Francis De Leon Sanchez to receive and file this item.
The motion carried 3 -1 1 with the following vote:
Moved by: Isabel Guillen; seconded by: Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez Yes: Miguel De La Rosa, Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel Guillen No: Jorge) Chavez
Abstain: Marco Barcena
Carried 3-1
CITY COUNCIL / SUCCESSOR AGENCY MEMBER COMMENTS
Members of the Council and Successor Agency made community announcements and comments.
14. ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Miguel De La Rosa adjourned the meeting at 10:45 p.m.
Daisy Gomez, City C e