CITY OF BELL GARDENS
MINUTES
City Council / Successor Agency to the Community Development Commission Joint Meeting
Monday, April 27, 2026, 6:©© 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 -cc « yil r e 017i11gS
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 City rl Q i a [l 9rdens 7r,, 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: 2.021# 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 hr t __•- " ' t ! is z and entering the Zoom Meeting ID: 813 3236 4343 Passcode: 202
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 s FN t i7 I t p tt £t 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 Apri127, 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 6:31 p.m.
INVOCATION
The invocation was given by Minister Daniel Anguiano.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by ChiefCarrmacho.
4. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL 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
5. PRESENTATION
5.1 Certificate of Recognition Bell Gardens High School. Wrestling Team City Manager Michael B. ©'Kelly announced that this item will be heard at a future meeting.
5.2 Ceremonial Check Presentation - Congressman Robert Garcia's Office Kayla Terrazas, Field Representative from Congressman Robert's Garcia Office, provided a presentation.
5.3 CalFresh Awareness Month of May
Gabriela Gomez, Public Information Specialist with Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services, provided a presentation.
5.4 Certificate of Recognition - Bike Brewery
Mayor Miguel De La Rosa read the certificate of recognition and presented it to Franco Perez.
5.5 Proclamation National Small Business Week (May 3-9, 2026) Mayor Miguel De La Rosa read the certificate of recognition.
5.6 Proclamation Recognizing Older American Month - Guadalupe Rivera Mayor Miguel De La Rosa read the certificate of recognition and presented it to Guadalupe Rivera.
PUBLIC HEARING
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RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council take the following action;
1. Find the proposed Ordinance No. 967 categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to California Code of Regulations, Title 14, § 15061(b)(3) (CEQA Guidelines), concluding no significant environmental impact would occur; and
2 Waive full reading and introduce Ordinance No. 967, by title only, amending Chapter 16.40 (Fireworks) of Title 16 (Health and Safety) of the Bell Gardens Municipal Code to permit the sale, use, and discharge of Safe and Sane Fireworks.
ATTACHMENTS:
Mayor Miguel De La Rosa opened the public hearing at 7:04 p.m.
Alfonso Hernandez, City Planner, provided a presentation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
City Clerk Daisy Gomez announced that there were no written comments received.
Edwin Gonzalez spoke in support of Item No. 6.1.
Mario Dominguez, Jr. spoke in opposition to Item No. 6.1.
Mayor Miguel De La Rosa closed the public hearing at 7:16 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 3 - 2 with the following vote:
Moved by: Miguel De La Rosa; seconded by: Jorgel Chavez Yes: Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La Rosa, and Isabel Guillen No: Marco Barcena and Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez
Carried 3-2
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.
Xochilt Henriquez spoke in support of Substance Use Prevention Campaign for Youth.
Mario Dominguez, Jr. spoke in support of Zoom and in opposition ofMicrosoff Teams for public participation.
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.
City Clerk Daisy Gomez announced that there was no written comment received.
Mario Dominguez, Jr. spoke in support of Item No. 11.8.
9. COMMITTEE UPDATES
Councilmember Marco Barcena provided a brief report regarding HUB Cities Consortium.
Councilmember Jorge! Chavez provided a brief report regarding Economic Development.
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 catl 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
CouncilmemberMarco Barcena to approve 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, Jorge' 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 r,
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RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council approve the minutes of the April 13, 2026, Closed Session and City Council/Successor Agency Joint Meetings.
ATTACHMENTS:
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r r rant _R gr Transfer '
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council receive and file warrant registers, wire transfers, and net payrolls dated 03/19/2026, 03/24/2026, 03/30/2026, 03/31/2026 and 04/07/2026.
ATTACHMENTS:
11.4 li i it Rg tt:i in sr cy
RECOMMENDATION: It is staffs recommendation that the Successor Agency members receive and file the warrant register dated 03/31/2026.
ATTACHMENTS:
F ir a ₹t . raD
11.5 Treasurer's RePort_ tlarcis
RECOMMENDATION: It is recommended that the City Council receive, approve, and file the March 2026 Treasurer's Report.
ATTACHMENTS:
11.6 Consider a n of Ado (n of
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11.7 Ap roving.:2n Extension
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RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving extensions to Memorandum of Understanding 2023-2026 Agreements between the City of Bell Gardens and the Bell Gardens Police Officers Association and the Bell Gardens Police Management Association from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027; and the Bell Gardens Public Works Supervisors Association from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
ATTACHMENTS:
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RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council waive full reading and adopt Ordinance No. 965 amending certain sections of Title 9 (Zoning and Planning Regulations) of the Bell Gardens Municipal Code.
ATTACHMENTS:
- Ordinance No.
11.H ; i)g f ce:ve for the Ford Park ygr ound ar d Restoom P No, 3926) and Approval fPla s and o r s i ns
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council:.
1. Approve the rejection of all bids received on March 19, 2026;
2. Approve the plans and specifications for the Ford Park. Playground and Restroom Improvements Project (CIP No. 3926);
3 Authorize staff to re -advertise and publish the Notice Inviting Sealed Bids (NISB); and
4. Find that the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Guidelines Section 15301 (c).
ATTACHMENTS:
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11.9 onsicl r tion of
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Grant A rearm raz or tlrr : i ar°k and Trawl Project g
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council adopt a Resolution approving a Grant Agreement with the Los Angeles County Regional.
Park and Open Space District (RPOSD) for the planning and design of the Clara Park and Trail.
ATTACHMENTS:
11,16 Consideration t mil tCraiit ing Arneridrriendiedy t Etna gerne rr i attpr Agreement with Colanthenot_i ig rsrp t i t l i PCrider Spe Lego edited to the Propose Pete tat
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RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council:
1. Adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a First Amendment to the Engagement Letter Agreement with Colantuono, Highsmith & Whatley, PC for Special Legal Services related to the proposed sale of the water system; and
2. Appropriate $40,000 from the General Fund into the FY 2025/2026 Budget to cover the City Water System -related costs.
ATTACHMENTS:
12. DISCUSSION
12.1 l.or.ri Corr r fission g
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:
No
Mayor Miguel De La Rosa recessed at 7:39 p.m. and reconvened at 7:52 p.m.
There was no action for ltem No. 12.1.
12,2 onsideration of p Resol t riipproaingIT wro r:ofessional Sor ritgy gri e ... Ci between the City of Ezell Gardens and LAN AN Enterprise, inc. fp: ill andVeil' Serviced g
RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Professional Services Agreement between the City of Bell Gardens and LAN WAN Enterprise, Inc. for IT and Voice Over Internet Protocol System Services.
ATTACHMENTS:
Hades Soto, Assistant to the City Manager, provided a presentation.
A motion was made by Councilmember Marco Barcena, seconded by Councilwoman Dr:
Francis De Leon Sanchez to adopt Resolution No. 2026-41.
The motion carried 5 © 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
12.3 Coo 'era Resolution Es ltli Adopting and
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RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution establishing and adopting a City Council Policy to incorporate recent Brown Act amendments regarding meeting disruption procedures for two-way rewrote attendance, as required by Senate Bill 707.
ATTACHMENTS:
City Clerk Daisy Gomez provided a presentation.
A motion was made by Mayor Pro Tem Isabel Guillen, seconded by Councilmember Marco Barcena to adopt Resolution No. 2026-42.
The motion carried 5 - © with the following vote:
Moved by: Isabel Guillen; seconded by: Marco Barcena
Yes: Marco Barcena, Jorgel Chavez, Miguel De La Rosa, Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel Guillen
Carried 5-4
12.4 ;mralC ; prµ irr is Report fo,alI cat
RECOMMENDATION: It is staffs recommendation that the following reports for the year ended June 30, 2025, be reviewed, discussed, and filed by the City Council:
Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR), including Independent Auditor's Report.
Single Audit Report of Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards; Report on Communication with Those Charged with Governance; and
• GANN Report
ATTACHMENTS:
Manuel Carrillo, Director of Finance and Administrative Services, and Ron Lopez, CPA, Managing Partner provided a presentation.
A motion was made by Councilwoman Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez, seconded by Councilmember Marco Barcena to receive and file the reports discussed..
The motion carried 5 - Q with the following vote:
Moved by: Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez; seconded by: Marco Barcena Yes: Marco Barcena, Jorge' Chavez, Miguel De La Rosa, Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez, and Isabel Guillen
Carried 5-Q
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 8:55 p.m.
Daisy Gomel; City Cle