14-D
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
ATTENTION: Jeffrey L. Stewart, City Manager
FROM: Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the December 12, 2022, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
DATE: January 12, 2023
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
None
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Approve the December 12, 2022, Regular Meeting Minutes; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENT
Minutes of the December 12, 2022, Regular Meeting….............. ………………………… 2
1 MINUTES
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 12, 2022
BELLFLOWER CITY HALL
WILLIAM AND JANE BRISTOL CIVIC AUDITORIUM
5:30 P.M. CLOSED SESSION / 7:00 P.M. OPEN 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 recommended, but not required, to wear a face covering when inside Bellflower City Hall.
5:30 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
1 CALL TO ORDER
None
2 ROLL CALL
None
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
None
4 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
None
7:00 P.M. – OPEN SESSION
5 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Dunton called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 6 December 12, 2022 Page 2 of 9
6 INVOCATION
Pastor Mosheh Chanan of By The Book Ministry offered the Invocation.
7 SALUTE TO THE FLAG
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9148 presented the Colors, Mark A. Santa Ines led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance and Jonathan Burdios of Bellflower High School Vocal Ensemble led the National Anthem.
8 ROLL CALL
The following members of the City Council responded present to roll call:
Mayor Ray Dunton
Mayor Pro Tem 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 Joel Hockman, Director of Public Safety
Jennifer Poole-Eidd, Management Assistant
Dakota Wallace, Management Assistant
9 CERTIFICATION OF ELECTION RESULTS
A Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 22 -71 – A Resolution reciting the facts of the General Municipal Election consolidated with the General Election held on November 8, 2022, declaring the result and such other matters as provided by law.
City Manager Stewart introduced the item.
It was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Resolution No. 22-71:
AYES: Council Members- Hamada, Koops, Sanchez, Santa Ines, and Mayor Dunton
3 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10
December 13, 2021 Page 3 of 9
10 OATH OF OFFICE CEREMONY
Mayor Dunton turned the meeting over to Council Member Koops.
Council Member Koops requested that Council Members-Elect Raymond Y. Hamada, Sonny R. Santa Ines, and Ray Dunton join the Honorable Deborah L. Sanchez Judge of the Superior Court, Pastor A.D. Gartley, and their families in the presentation area for the Oath of Office ceremony.
The Honorable Deborah L. Sanchez, Judge of the Superior Court, individually administered the Oath of Office to Council Members-Elect Raymond Y. Hamada and Sonny R. Santa Ines.
Pastor A.D. Gartley administered the Oath of Office to Council Member-Elect Ray Dunton.
City Clerk Ochiqui presented Council Members Raymond Y. Hamada, Sonny R. Santa Ines, and Ray Dunton each with their Certificate of Election.
11 CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION
City Manager Stewart introduced the item and turned the meeting over to City Clerk Ochiqui to conduct nominations for the Office of Mayor.
City Clerk Ochiqui opened nominations for the Office of Mayor. Council Member Dunton nominated Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines for the Office of Mayor; seconded by Council Member Koops.
There being no further nominations, without objection, nominations for the Office of Mayor were closed. The nomination of Sonny R. Santa Ines as Mayor of the City of Bellflower unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members - Dunton, Hamada, Koops, Sanchez, and Santa Ines
City Clerk Ochiqui congratulated Mayor Santa Ines and turned the meeting over to him to conduct nominations for Office of Mayor Pro Tem.
Mayor Santa Ines opened nominations for the Office of Mayor Pro Tem.
Council Member Sanchez nominated Council Member Hamada for the Office of Mayor Pro Tem; seconded by Council Member Koops.
There being no further nominations, without objection, the nominations for the Office of Mayor Pro Tem were closed. The nomination of Raymond Y. Hamada as Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Bellflower unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members - Dunton, Koops, Sanchez, Hamada, and Mayor Santa Ines
4 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11
December 12, 2022 Page 4 of 9
11 CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION – Continued
For the record, 1) Mayor Santa Ines thanked the voters of Bellflower, congratulated his fellow Council Member-Elects Dunton and Hamada, recognized the presence of his family in the audience and thanked them for their support, thanked his Council colleagues for electing him Mayor for the next year, recognized City Staff for the work they do, and noted that the three areas of focus for the City will continue to be public safety, economic development, and quality of life issues; 2) Mayor Pro Tem Hamada stated that he is a home-grown public servant and has always found a way to serve the community, thanked his Council colleagues for electing him Mayor Pro Tem for the next year, recognized City Staff, thanked his family in attendance, stated that it’s about the future generations and Bellflower has a great future, and stated that he is deeply honored to serve the community; 3) Council Member Dunton stated that was just elected to his fifth term of office, reiterated that there is a lot still to come for Bellflower, thanked his family and friends in attendance and for their support, and noted that it’s a humbling experience to run for office and have people believe in you; 4) Council Member Koops stated that he is enjoying the Oath of Off ice ceremony recounting that in 2020 he and Council Member Sanchez were sworn in virtually from their homes, noted that the City Council is a team that works for what is best for Bellflower, and reiterated that there are many development opportunities to come; and 5) Council Member Sanchez concurred with previous comments, reiterated that the best is yet to come for Bellflower, congratulated Mayor Santa Ines and Mayor Pro Tem Hamada, and thanked immediate past Mayor Dunton.
12 CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCMENTS
None
13 PUBLIC COMMENTS
James Cody Birkey, Cerritos Community College Board Trustee, Area 3 , 1) congratulated newly re-elected Council Member Dunton, Mayor Santa Ines, and Mayor Pro Tem Hamada; 2) stated that Area 3 was redrawn to only include the City of Bellflower; and 3) the college is pulling in the same direction as the City.
Renita Armstrong, Bellflower Unified School District Board President, 1) congratulated Mayor Santa Ines, Mayor Pro Tem Hamada, Counci l Member Dunton and the entire City Council; and 2) stated that she was humbled to have had their support in her own re-election campaign and looks forward to continue to work together and build a stronger relationship.
5 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13
December 12, 2022 Page 5 of 9
13 PUBLIC COMMENTS – Continued
Justin McEwen, Field Representative for Congresswoman Linda Sanchez, 1) thanked the City Council and complimented them for their teamwork; and 2) thanked outgoing Mayor Dunton and stated that he had a certificate of recognition for him.
José Luis Solache, Greater Lakewood Chamber of Commerce , Mayor Pro Tem of the City of Lynwood, 1) noted that he was born in Bellflower; 2) congratulated the newly re-elected Mayor Santa Ines, Mayor Pro Tem Hamada, and Council Member Dunton; and 3) in response to Mayor Santa Ines’ previous comments relative to a cohesive Council, confirmed that Bellflower is the envy of the local area due to how well the City Council works together.
14 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to conduct the annual public hearing to consider whether the 5% Utility Users’ Tax (UUT) should continue in effect or be modified or repealed.
City Manager Stewart introduced the item.
Director of Public Safety Hockman provided a brief verbal presentation.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
There being no one in attendance wishing to present testimony, it was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
It was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Council Member Koops, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the continuance of the UUT and funding of the Community Policing Program with revenues generated from the UUT:
AYES: Council Members - Dunton, Koops, Sanchez, Hamada, and Mayor Santa Ines
6 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
December 12, 2022 Page 6 of 9
14 PUBLIC HEARINGS – Continued
B Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to 1) Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 1422 – An Urgency Ordinance adopting the 2022 Editions of the California Building Code, the California Residential Code, the California Electrical Code, the California Mechanical Code, the California Plumbing Code, the California Energy Code, the California Fire Code, the California Existing Building Code, the California Green Building Standards Code, the California Referenced Standards Code, and the California Building Standards Administrative Code; making certain amendments based upon local conditions, and amending the Bellflower Municipal Code to reflect such changes; and 2) Waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1421 – An Ordinance adopting the 2022 Editions of the California Building Code, the California Residential Code, the California Electrical Code, the California Mechanical Code, the California Plumbing Code, the California Energy Code, the California Fire Code, the California Existing Building Code, the California Green Building Standards Code, the California Referenced Standards Code, and the California Building Standards Administrative Code; making certain amendments based upon local conditions, and amending the Bellflower Municipal Code to reflect such changes.
CEQA: This Ordinance is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., “CEQA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq., the “CEQA Guidelines”) because it consists only of minor revisions and clarifications to an existing code of construction -related regulations and specification of procedures. These will not have the effect of deleting or substantially changing any regulatory standards or findings. Accordingly, the Ordinance (by itself) does not have the potential to cause significant effects on the environment. In addition, this Ordinance is an action being taken for enhanced protection of the environment and is exempt from further review under CEQA Guidelines § 15308.
City Manager Stewart 1) introduced the item; 2) read by title Ordinance Nos. 1421 and 1422; and 3) stated that the Staff recommendation was to open the public hearing, continue it to Thursday, December 15, 2022 , at 10:00 a.m., and adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 1422.
It was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
Peter Enkhorn, stated that his wife wanted to provide public comments earlier in the meeting, but noted that there was not an ADA accessible microphone provided in the auditorium and his wife is in a wheelchair.
7 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
December 12, 2022 Page 7 of 9
14 PUBLIC HEARINGS – Continued
B Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to 1) Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 1422; and 2) Waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1421 – Continued
In response to comments provided by Peter Enkhorn, Mayor Santa Ines stated that there was a wireless microphone that could be provided to his wife to accommodate her needs if she wished to make public comments, to which Mr. Enkhorn declined.
There being no one else in attendance wishing to present testimony, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Hamada, seconded by Mayor Santa Ines, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
It was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Council Member Koops, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 1422 and continue the Public Hearing to an Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting to be held on Thursday, December 15, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1421:
AYES: Council Members - Dunton, Koops, Sanchez, Hamada, and Mayor Santa Ines
15 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
16 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
A Consideration and possible action to authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee, to install red curb parking restrictions at 10145 Walnut Street fronting Woodruff Avenue (C.E. #22-08).
City Manager Stewart introduced the item.
Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki provided a brief verbal presentation and responded to Council Members’ questions.
It was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Hamada, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee, to install red curb parking restrictions at 10145 Walnut Street fronting Woodruff Avenue:
AYES: Council Members - Dunton, Koops, Sanchez, Hamada, and Mayor Santa Ines
8 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 17
December 12, 2022 Page 8 of 9
17 CONSENT CALENDAR
For the record, Council Member Koops announced that he will recuse himself from Item No. 17-F (Simms Park Stormwater Capture Project), as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject property.
It was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar.
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Warrant Register No. 23-061, dated December 12, 2022.
Action: Received and file Warrant Register No. 23-061.
B Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the November 14, 2022, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the November 14, 2022, Regular Meeting Minutes.
C Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 7 to Agreement File No. 548.2, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with O’Neil Ventures, Inc., to extend the term for one year and provide compensation for Business Consulting and Restaurant and Retail Food Establishment Broker Services.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 7 to Agreement File No. 548.2, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
D Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 22-69 – A Resolution repealing Resolution No. 94-48 establishing a Public Safety Review Committee. ___________________________________
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 22-69.
E Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 22-70 – A Resolution approving the 2022 City of Bellflower Transit Services Title VI Program.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 22-70.
F Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement File No. 923, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Craftwater Engineering, Inc., to incorporate the Youth and Senior Center Project into the environmental review and CEQA documents being prepared for the Simms Park Stormwater Capture Project.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement File No. 923, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
9 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 17
December 12, 2022 Page 9 of 9
17 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
G Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 281.33, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Hartzog & Crabill, Inc. (HCI), for retainer City and Traffic Engineer services; grading plan check services; stormwater compliance consultant services; and on-call civil and traffic engineering, design, surveying, and art concept services.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 281.33, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
18 Council Reports
Council Member Dunton, Council Member Koops, Council Member Sanchez, Mayor Pro Tem Hamada, and Mayor Santa Ines made various comments and reports.
19 Adjournment
Without objection, Mayor Santa Ines adjourned the meeting at 8:03 p.m. to an Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 15, 2022, to continue discussion of Public Hearing Item 14 -B.
[Note: The Bellflower City Council will be recessed on the fourth Monday in December pursuant to Bellflower Municipal Code Section 2.04.020.
Pursuant to action taken by the Bellflower City Council on November 28, 2022, a quorum will not be present at the Regular City Council Meeting scheduled for January 9, 2023. An Adjourned Regular City Council Meeting will be held on Thursday, January 12, 2023, 4:00 p.m. Closed Session / 4:30 p.m. Open Session.
There will be no meeting on Monday, January 9, 2023.]
Sonny R. Santa Ines, Mayor
City of Bellflower
Attest:
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Approved: January 12, 2023
10