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CITY OF BELLFLOWER
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REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2022, 7:00 P.M.
BELLFLOWER CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
OPEN SESSION/CLOSED SESSION
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
The City Council Chambers was open to the public. Per the Los Angeles County Health Officer Order effective March 4, 2022, it was strongly recommended, but not required, to wear a face covering when inside Bellflower City Hall.
OPEN SESSION
1 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Dunton called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. 2 ROLL CALL
The following Members of the City Council responded present to roll call:
Mayor Ray Dunton
Mayor Pro Tern Sonny R. Santa Ines
Council Member Raymond Y. Hamada
Council Member Dan Koops
Council Member Victor Sanchez
Staff Participants:
Jeffrey L. Stewart, City Manager
Karl H. Berger, City Attorney
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Len Gorecki, Assistant City Manager/ Director of Public Works Jim DellaLonga, Director of Economic Development
Elizabeth Corpuz, Director of Planning and Building Services Rowena Genilo-Concepcion, Planning Manager
Travis Sais, Assistant to the City Manager
Jennifer Poole-Eidd, Management Assistant
3 INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tern Sonny R. Santa Ines offered the Invocation. 1 of 11
Bellflower City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Item No. 4 September 26, 2022 Page 2 of 11
4 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Len Gorecki led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
5-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Dunton provided details relative to the 2022 Bellflower State of the City Presentation to be held on October 6, 2022.
Mayor Pro Tern Santa Ines provided details relative to the Bellflower Volunteer Center's holiday food and toy drives with a donation due date of November 1St Council Member Sanchez provided details relative to the Chamber of Commerce's next Monthly Morning Mingle to be held on September 27, 2022, and "Trick or Treat on the Boo-levard" Event to be held on October 28, 2022.
Council Member Koops provided details relative to the Economic Development's E-Citizen newsletter and monthly small business spotlight program.
Council Member Hamada provided details relative to the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board's 500-hour vocational training and work experience program.
5-B PRESENTATION: COMPTON COLLEGE
Compton College President/CEO Dr. Keith Curry and Area 4 Board of Trustee Member Juanita Doplemore, 1) gave a PowerPoint presentation providing an informational overview of enrollment, grant disbursement, and current/upcoming construction projects; and 2) responded to Council Members' questions.
At the request of Council Member Sanchez, Dr. Curry stated that he would follow up with Bellflower Unified School District relative to creating a stronger partnership.
At the request of Council Member Koops, Dr. Curry stated that he would provide enrollment numbers for the last five years of the Compton College students who reside in Bellflower so that it can be used as a baseline marker. 6 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Larry Wehacge, Bellflower Noon Lions, 1) thanked the City Council for their continued support of the Noon Lion's Club's annual car show, noting that this year's event had a great turn out; and 2) stated that next year's car show was scheduled for October 7, 2023.
Bellflower City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Item No. 6 September 26, 2022 Page 3 of 11
6 PUBLIC COMMENTS — Continued
John Butts, resident, 1) expressed dissatisfaction with the three-minute limit for public comments; 2) expressed dissatisfaction with the Bellflower Sheriff Substation because they just referred him to the Lakewood Sheriffs Substation when he reported vandalism; 3) suggested installing cameras on the street sweeping vehicles to document parking violations in lieu of having hired personnel follow the sweeper to issue citations; and 4) stated that it appeared Code Enforcement personnel did not operate on weekends and showed the City Council pictures from his personal cellphone of the installation of an alleged unpermitted roof. For the record, the photos were only shown from the speaker podium and not submitted in hardcopy form.
Tenzin Mutik, property owner, stated that he had purchased a property in the City in July and needed a demolition permit, but was having difficulties obtaining the permits from City staff.
In response to Mr. Mutik's comments, City Manager Stewart advised the speaker to provide his contact information to Assistant to the City Manager Sais in order to further assess the matter and provide assistance.
7 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) and adopt Resolution No. 22-57 - A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
City Manager Stewart introduced the item.
For the record, Council Member Hamada 1) announced that he would recuse himself from this item due to a conflict of interest per the Code of Conduct (Resolution No. 21-55), as he is a board member for Kingdom Causes Bellflower; and 2) left the dais and Council Chambers at 7:43 p.m.
For the record, Council Member Sanchez 1) announced that he would recuse himself from this item due to a conflict of interest per the Code of Conduct (Resolution No. 21-55), as he is employed by Community Family Guidance Center; and 2) left the dais and Council Chambers at 7:43 p.m.
Consultant Ananikyan 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) along with Director of Economic Development DellaLonga, responded to Council Members' questions.
Following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
Bellflower City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Item No. 7-A September 26, 2022 Page 4 of 11
7 PUBLIC HEARINGS — Continued
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the Fiscal Year 2021-2022 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) and adopt Resolution No. 22-57 — Continued There being no one in attendance wishing to present testimony, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Santa Ines, seconded by Mayor Dunton, and carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Resolution No. 22-57:
AYES: Council Members - Koops, Santa Ines, and Mayor Dunton RECUSE: Council Members - Hamada, Sanchez
For the record, Council Member Hamada and Council Member Sanchez returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 7:56 p.m.
B Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider an application from Greg James of McKently Malak Architects, Inc. for Conditional Use Permit and Development Review, and to adopt Resolution No. 22-60 — A Resolution approving Conditional Use Permit Case No. CU 21-03 for three restaurants with drive-through components; a fuel station with accessory off-site alcohol sales; for developing on lots that will measure less than 1.5 acres; and Development Review Case No. DR-6-21- 12018 to allow for the construction of five commercial buildings on properties located at 17617-17639 Bellflower Boulevard within the Design for Development for South Bellflower Commercial Area ("DFD"). Applicant:
Greg James of McKently Malak Architects, Inc.
City Manager Stewart introduced the item.
For the record, Mayor Dunton 1) announced that he would recuse himself from this item due to a conflict of interest within 1,000 feet of the subject property; and 2) left the dais and Council Chambers at 7:58 p.m.
For the record, Council Member Koops 1) announced that he would recuse himself from this item due to a conflict of interest within 500 feet of the subject property; and 2) left the dais and Council Chambers at 7:58 p.m.
Planning Manager Genilo-Concepcion 1) provided a brief PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) along with City Attorney Berger, City Manager Stewart, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki, and Director of Planning and Building Services Corpuz, responded to Council Members' questions.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tern Santa Ines, Planning Manager Genilo-Concepcion confirmed and would ensure that trees lining the commercial property to the west of Pad 1 are included in the Conditions of Approval (COAs), Condition No. 22.
Bellflower City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Item No. 7-B September 26, 2022 Page 5 of 11
7 PUBLIC HEARINGS — Continued
B Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider an application from Greg James of McKently Malak Architects, Inc. for Conditional Use Permit and Development Review, and to adopt Resolution No. 22-60 — Continued
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Hamada, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
Jeff Gold, Property Owner, 1) introduced himself and at the request of Mayor Pro Tern Santa Ines, expressed the opinion that his father would have wanted to maximize the visibility of the businesses; 2) at the request of Mayor Pro Tern Santa Ines, indicated that if they could not come up with an appealing name for the center on their own they would hire individuals that could; 3) stated that the developer team requested modifications to Condition of Approval No. 24 with regard to trash compactors, as their tenants are lower-volume stores and do not typically operate with compactors; and 4) along with Civil Engineer Steven Pollock and Applicant/Architect Greg James, responded to Council Members' questions.
In response to the request by Applicant/Architect James and the developer team to eliminate Condition of Approval No. 24 (installation of trash compactors), 1) Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki stated that the Public Works Manager and he can review the condition with Director Corpuz, but the condition likely came about in trying to address space constraints for the individual trash enclosures, frequency of service, and the ability to handle the various types of trash (i.e., normal trash, organics, recycling); 2) City Manager Stewart stated that the City was not amenable to relinquishing the trash compactor requirements, but at the suggestion of City Attorney Berger confirmed that the Condition of Approval could be amended to have the trash enclosures approved by the Director of Public Works as reasonably necessary.
For the record, the Property Owner agreed to the following amendment to Condition of Approval No. 24, as read into the record by the City Attorney: "If reasonably required by the Public Works Director, the Applicant Permittee must install trash compactors for each of the proposed trash enclosures." Darlene Reeves, 7-Eleven Real Estate Manager, 1) at the request of Council Member Sanchez, stated that she was amenable to the elimination of single serve items, such as beer and cigarettes; 2) stated the 7-Eleven proposed was larger than most standard design models with a broader variety of items available for retail; 3) at the request of Council Member Hamada, confirmed that outdoor displays such as newspaper racks or propane stands have been eliminated from their stores; and 4) at the request of Council Member Sanchez, stated that she would provide current 7-Eleven locations comparable to what the new location will look like.
Bellflower City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Item No. 7-B September 26, 2022 Page 6 of 11
7 PUBLIC HEARINGS — Continued
B Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider an application from Greg James of McKently Malak Architects, Inc. for Conditional Use Permit and Development Review, and to adopt Resolution No. 22-60 — Continued
For the record, Darlene Reeves (7-Eleven) agreed to the following amendment to Condition of Approval No. 33, as read into the record by City Attorney Berger:
"Signs must be posted at all entrances and exits of the convenience store premises stating that the sale of alcoholic beverages for on-site consumption is prohibited.
Permittee understands and agrees that single serving malt liquor, ale and beer is prohibited."
John Butts, resident, 1) stated that he was glad to see that something was being done with the property; 2) suggested the Sizzler restaurant currently located at the northwest corner of Artesia Boulevard and Woodruff Avenue be relocated to this location, so that the current location is freed up for a possible Northgate Market, who has expressed interest in the lot, noting that he knew people with Northgate Market that he could connect with the City; and 3) with regard to the amendment of Condition of Approval No. 33 regarding the sale of single serving items of liquor, ale and beer, expressed the opinion that the City should not involve itself in the business owner's operations.
Brian Espinoza, resident, 1) expressed the opinion that this is an auto-centric project rather than a community-based project because three drive-thru restaurants on one lot does not help create a sense of community; 2) requested and received clarification from Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines that the 7-Eleven will move from its current location across the street to this new location; 3) expressed concern that another liquor store will tenant the vacated 7-Eleven location and continue to present the same problems in the area; 4) expressed the opinion that a gas station in this area would be redundant, as there are four other gas stations within a half-mile or less of this location; 5) expressed his concern that the area between Pads 4 and 5 would attract homeless individuals due to the obstructed views in the layout; and 6) expressed the opinion that it is a health concern and irresponsible to allow more fast-food/drive-thru restaurants, while neglecting a grocery store component when it's really needed in the City.
For the record, in response to comments provided by Mr. Espinoza, Mayor Pro Tern Santa Ines stated that we're operating in a free market economy, so it's up to the businesses to come to Bellflower, noting that the City cannot force developers to build a grocery store.
There being no one else in attendance wishing to provide further testimony, it was moved by Council Member Hamada, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
Bellflower City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Item No. 7-B September 26, 2022 Page 7 of 11
7 PUBLIC HEARINGS — Continued
B Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider an application from Greg James of McKently Malak Architects, Inc. for Conditional Use Permit and Development Review, and to adopt Resolution No. 22-60 — Continued
It was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Hamada, and carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Resolution No. 22-60, as amended to include the revisions to Conditions of Approval Nos. 24 and 33:
AYES: Council Members - Hamada, Sanchez, Santa Ines RECUSE: Council Members - Dunton, Koops
For the record, Mayor Dunton and Council Member Koops returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 9:30 p.m.
8 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
9 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
None
10 CONSENT CALENDAR
For the record, Mayor Dunton recused on Items 10-E (Modify and reconfigure the mixed-use development project located at 16411 Bellflower Boulevard) and 10-F (Reconstruct City-Owned Parking Lot Located at 9818 Artesia Boulevard) due to conflicts of interest within 500 feet of the subject properties.
For the record, 1) Mayor Dunton requested Item 10-H (Mayor's Prayer Breakfast Contribution) be pulled for discussion only.
With regard to Item 10-H (Mayor's Prayer Breakfast Contribution), 1) Mayor Dunton stated that he would like to amend the recommendation to include ongoing funding in the budget for an annual contribution of $1,000 to the Ministerial Association for the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast Event; 2) Mayor Pro Tem stated that the event has not been sufficiently promoted in the last few years and would like discuss with staff how the City can best help with this event; and 3) it was the consensus of the City Council to amend the recommendation to approve ongoing funding in the budget for an annual contribution of $1,000 to the Ministerial Association for the Mayor's Prayer Breakfast Event.
Bellflower City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Item No. 10 September 26, 2022 Page 8 of 11
10 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
It was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar, with the amendment to Item 10-H (Mayor's Prayer Breakfast Contribution), and noting the recusals by Mayor Dunton on Items 10-E and 10-F:
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Warrant Register No. 23-032, dated September 26, 2022.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 23-032.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file Treasurer's Report for the Month of August 2022.
Action: Received and filed Treasurer's Report.
C Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the September 12, 2022, Special Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the September 12, 2022, Special Meeting Minutes.
D Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the September 12, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the September 12, Regular Meeting Minutes.
E Consideration and possible action to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1418 — An Ordinance approving the first amendment to Development Agreement File No. 837.1, in a form approved by the City Attorney, by and between the City of Bellflower and 16411 Bellflower, LLC, to modify and reconfigure the mixed-use development project within the Downtown Bellflower TOD Specific Plan on property located at 16411 Bellflower Boulevard; Applicant and Developer: 16411 Bellflower, LLC.
CEQA: The City Council previously approved a mitigated negative declaration ("MND") for the originally approved project on June 22, 2020 via Resolution No. 20-29 (Case No. MND 20-01). For the revised project, the City reviewed the project's environmental impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., "CEQA") and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 Cal. Code of Regulations §§15000, et seq., the "CEQA Guidelines"). An Addendum to MND was prepared pursuant to the requirements of CEQA Guidelines § 15164. Pursuant to CEQA, the Addendum need not be circulated for public review (CEQA § 15164(c)). It must, however, be considered by the City Council before it makes a decision regarding the project (CEQA § 15164(d)). Based upon the Addendum, no new significant impacts would occur with the revised project.
Action: Waived further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1418.
Bellflower City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Item No. 10 September 26, 2022 Page 9 of 11
10 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
F Consideration and possible action to award a contract to LCR Earthwork & Engineering Corp. to Reconstruct City-Owned Parking Lot Located at 9818 Artesia Boulevard (Specifications No. 20/21-03); and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with LCR Earthwork& Engineering Corp., in a form approved by the City Attorney.
CEQA: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq.) and CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, §§ 15000, et seq.), the City conducted an environmental assessment. Based on the environmental assessment, the project was determined to be categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15303 (Class 1 — Existing Facilities).
Action: Awarded a contract to LCR Earthwork for the Project and authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with LCR Earthwork, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
G Consideration and possible action to adopt 1) Resolution No. 22-58 — A Resolution fixing the employer contribution at an equal amount for employees and annuitants under the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act (Government Code § 22892); and 2) Resolution No. 22-59 — A Resolution fixing the Employer Contribution under the Public Employees' Medical and Hospital Care Act (Government Code § 22893).
Action: Adopted Resolutions Nos. 22-58 and 22-59.
H Consideration and possible action to consider a $1,000 contribution in Cannabis Education Funding to the Bellflower Ministerial Association for the 2022 Mayor's Prayer Breakfast, which is scheduled for October 11, 2022.
Action: Approved a $1,000 contribution in Cannabis Education Funding to the Bellflower Ministerial Association, as amended to be continued annually and allocated in the budget.
Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute a Master Cooperative Agreement (MCA) File No. 328.6 with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority(Metro), in a form approved by the City Attorney, establishing the procedures and processes associated with the construction of the West Santa Ana Branch (WSAB) light rail line within the City.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 328.6, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Bellflower City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Item No. 10 September 26, 2022 Page 10 of 11
10 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
J Consideration and possible action to execute Agreement File No. 952 with The Addressers, Agreement File No. 953 with Intergraphics Company, and Agreement File No. 954 with OnGraphics, in forms approved by the City Attorney, for on-call commercial printing services.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File Nos. 952, 953, and 954, in forms approved by the City Attorney.
11 COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, Council Member Hamada, Council Member Koops, Council Member Sanchez and Mayor Dunton made various comments and reports.
For the record, Council Member Hamada requested that staff review a video presented by Southern California Association of Government to determine if it can possibly be shared with the public or the City Council.
For the record, without objection Council Member Koops requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Helen Thompson.
For the record, Mayor Pro Tern Santa Ines reminded staff that a request for a presentation regarding new developments was made at the last meeting and was still desired.
12 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Manager Stewart read the title of the Closed Session item.
There being no one in attendance wishing to provide public comments, without objection, Mayor Dunton recessed the Meeting at 9:43 p.m. to a Closed Session regarding:
A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — THREAT OF LITIGATION — GOVERNMENT CODE § 54956.9(d)(2). Number of Cases: One.
Facts and Circumstances: Claim submitted on September 21, 2022, by Luster Electric, Inc.; on file with the City Clerk's Office.
For the record, Closed Session adjourned at 10:13 p.m.
Bellflower City Council Regular Meeting Minutes Item No. 13 September 26, 2022 Page 11 of 11
13 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
Mayor Dunton reconvened the meeting at 10:13 p.m. with all Council Members present. For the record there was no reportable action. 14 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Dunton adjourned the meeting at 10:14 p.m., in memory of Helen Thompson, to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 10, 2022.
Ray Dunt , Mayor
City of Bellflower
Attest:
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Mayra Ochi ui, City lerk
Appro ed: bctober 10, 2022