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CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2023
BELLFLOWER CITY HALL — COUNCIL CHAMBERS
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
Mayor Santa Ines called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:32 p.m. 2 Roll Call
The following Members of the City Council responded present to roll call:
Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines
Council Member Ray Dunton
Council Member Dan Koops
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez
For the record, it was moved by Councii Member Koops, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection to excuse the absence of Mayor Pro Tem Hamada.
3 Recess to Closed Session
City Manager Stewart read the title of the Closed Session item. 1 of 10
Beliflower City Council Minutes Item No. 3 February 13, 2023 Page 2 of 10
3 Recess to Closed Session — Continued
There being no one in attendance wishing to provide public comments, without objection, Mayor Santa Ines recessed the Meeting at 5:34 p.m. to a Closed Session regarding:
A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — INITIATION OF LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE § 54956.9(d)(4). Number of Cases: Four.
Potential involved properties listed below (not required by applicable law; voluntarily disclosed):
1. 9555 Ramona St., Bellflower, CA 90706;
2. 9920 Flora Vista St., Bellflower, CA 90706;
3. 10117 Rosecrans Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706; and
4. 9335 Oak St., Bellflower, CA 90706.
For the record, Closed Session adjourned at 6:21 p.m.
4 Reconvene for Open Session
Mayor Santa Ines reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. For the record there was no reportable action.
7:00 P.M. - OPEN SESSION
5 Call to Order
Mayor Santa Ines called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. 6 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 Dan Koops
Council Member Victor Sanchez
For the record, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried without objection to excuse the absence of Mayor Pro Tem Hamada.
Bellfiower City Council Minutes Item No. 6
February 13, 2023 Page 3 of 10
6 Roll Cali — Continued
Staff Participants:
Jeffrey L. Stewart, City Manager
Karl H. Berger, City Attorney
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Joel Hockman, Director of Public Safety
Tae Rhee, Finance Director / City Treasurer
Anna Garan, Finance Manager
Travis Sais, Assistant to the City Manager
Jennifer Poole-Eidd, Management Assistant
7 Invocation
Council Member Ray Dunton offered the Invocation.
8 Pledge of Allegiance
Director of Public Safety Joel Hockman led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
9-A City Council Announcements
Mayor Santa Ines provided details relative to an Economic Development survey conducted on February 13, 2023, regarding potential improvements to the Town Center Plaza via the Caltrans Clean California Local Grant Program, which provides funds for local communities to improve and beautify streets, roads, parks, transit centers, and more.
Council Member Koops provided details relative to the Economic Development's E-Citizen newsletter and monthly small business spotlight program.
Council Member Sanchez provided details relative to the City of Bellflower and CR&R Environmental Services' Food Scrap and Landscaping Recycling Program.
Council Member Dunton provided details relative to the Chamber of Commerce's next Monthly Morning Mingle to be held on February 28, 2023. 9-D Student Recognition for the Community Recycling Artwork Contest For the record, this item was considered out of order on the Agenda.
Mayor Santa Ines and his City Council colleagues, along with Kevin Sales of KJServices Environmental Consulting, LLC, presented Certificates of Achievement to the 2022 Community Recycling Artwork Contest Winners selected from among eight elementary schools in the Bellflower Unified School District.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 9-B
February 13, 2023 Page 4 of 10
9-B National Black History Month Proclamation
Mayor Santa Ines announced that the City of Bellflower has declared February 2023 as National Black History Month, read the proclamation into the record, and presented it to Dr. Ben Drati, Bellflower Unified School District Superintendent.
Dr. Ben Drati accepted the proclamation and stated that 1) the sight of the Council Chambers was a beautiful one filled with diversity and is part of what makes America great; and 2) he appreciated that the City of Bellflower understood the importance of recognizing the contributions to this country by various groups of people.
9-C Recognition of Bellflower High School's Successful Football Season Mayor Santa Ines and his City Council colleagues congratulated and recognized Bellflower High School Varsity Football Coach Jason Miller on a successful 2022 football season and presented him with a certificate of achievement.
Coach Miller 1) accepted the certificate, stating that he was from a diverse background and was glad to be home and part of the community; and 2) presented Mayor Santa Ines and the City Council with a football helmet signed by the Bellflower Varsity Football Team.
10 Public Comments
Julia Emerson, SoCalGas Companv, 1) stated that they are aware of recent gas bills being higher than usual and informed customers that market trends forecasted a future decrease; 2) explained that they purchase gas from producers and transport it to customers in southern California without marking up the price, pricing is set by national and regional markets, and the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) monitors SoCalGas' assessment of transportation fees; 3) stated that the CPUC would be issuing a $50 credit to customers in their upcoming February or March bill; 4) provided information relative to available income-qualified programs, such as bill assistance/forgiveness and delaying of collections activities and disconnections until March 1, 2023; and 5) at the request of Council Member Dunton, confirmed that SoCalGas typically buys extra gas when the market price is low and stores it at the Aliso Canyon storage field, which is currently filled at approximately 60 percent capacity.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10 February 13, 2023 Page 5 of 10
10 Public Comments — Continued
Darlene Palacios, resident, 1) on behalf of the residents at Bright Star Assisted Living, thanked the City Council and staff for moving the crosswalk on Rose Street and Clark Avenue and asked for the procedure to request flashing yellow lights or a "light bar" on that corner, expressing the opinion that there are lingering safety concerns on street sweeping day; and 2) referencing comments made by Julia Emerson with regard to the $50 gas bill credit, stated that the Community Care Team she works with felt the credit was not applied fairly as customers' bills varied and it was of particular concern for fixed-income customers.
In response to comments provided by Darlene Palacios, Mayor Santa Ines stated that City staff was looking into the possibility of implementing a light bar or flashing lights in that area.
Christopher Mendoza referencing Mayor Santa Ines' City Council Announcement (Item 9-A), stated that he completed the survey regarding the Town Center Plaza, but also suggested the City use the grant funds for implementation of a bicycle lane on Lakewood Boulevard, noting that he commutes in that area regularly by bicycle and expressed the opinion that it's not very conducive to cycling. 1'i Public Hearings
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to 1) adopt Resolution No. 23-06 — A Resolution adopting the development impact fees for public facilities, park facitities, public safety facilities, and transportation facilities in accordance with Chapter 3.40 of the Bellflower Municipal Code; and 2) read by title only, waive further reading, and introduce �rdinance No. 1424 — An Ordinance repealing Chapter 3.24 and Sections 3.36.020 and
3.36.060 of the �ellflower Municipal Code, and adding a n�w Chapter 3.40, entitled "Development Impact Fees" to Title 3 of the Bellflower Municipal Code for the purpose of imposing fees on applicants seeking to construct development projects.
City Manager Stewart introduced the item and read by title Ordinance No. 1424.
Finance Manager Garan 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) along with Consultant Carlos Villareal of Willd�n Financial Services and Director of Finance Rhee, responded to Council Members' questions.
Following discussion and for the record, City Attorney Berger clarified that Accessory Dwelling Units are exempt from impact fees beginning January 1, 2023, based upon new legislation from the State.
Lengthy discussion ensued relative to the Developmental Impact Fees for Single F�mily Dwelling units.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11-A
February 13, 2023 Page 6 of 10
11 Public Hearings — Continued
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to 1) adopt Resolution No. 23-06 and 2) read by title only, waive further reading, and introduce Ordinance No. 1424 — Continued
For the record, at the request of Mayor Santa Ines, City Attorney Berger clarified that 1) the City Council can set the Developmental Impact Fees below and up to the cap, but not over; and 2) as long as the City follows the same procedure as they are doing at this meeting, the Developmental Impact Fees can be amended at any time.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Council Member Sar�chez, 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 Koops, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) adopt Resolution No. 23-56 adjusting existing and adding new development impact fees; and 2) read by title or:ly, waive further reading, and introduced Ordinance No. 1424 to impose development impact fees for public, park, public safety and transportation facilities:
AYES: Council Members - Dunton, Koops, Sanchez and Mayor Santa Ines
ABSENT: Council Members - Mayor Pro Tem Hamada
12 Ordinances and Resolutions for Consideration
None
13 Consideration Items
A Consideration and possible action to provide staff direction related to the designation of a citizen oversight board for the expenditure of the proceeds from the sale of the Bellflower Municipal Water System through the Public Projects Fund, as outlined in Resolution No. 16-53.
City Manager Stewart 1) introduced the item; 2) provided a brief verbal presentation of the Siaff Report; 3) responded to Council Members' questions.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13-A
February 13, 2023 Page 7 of 10
13 Consideration Items — Continued
A Consideration and possible action to provide staff direction related to the designation of a citizen oversight board for the expenditure of the proceeds from the sale of the Bellflower Municipal Water System through the Public Projects Fund, as outlined in Resolution No. 16-53 — Continued Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried by the following roll call vote, to designate the Parks and Recreation Commission to oversee the expenditure of the proceeds from the sale of the Bellflower Municipal Water System through the Public Projects Fund, as outlined in Resolution No. 16-53:
AYES: Council Members - Dunton, Koops, Sanchez and Mayor Santa Ines
ABSENT: Council Members - Mayor Pro Tem Hamada
14 Consent Calendar
For the record, Council Member Dunton announced that he would recuse himself from Item 14-G (Reconstruct City-Owned Parking Lot Located at 9818 Artesia Boulevard) as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject property.
For the record, Council Member Sanchez requested Items 14-B (Special Olympics programming at the Bellflower Aquatic Center) and 14-C (Digitization project at the Carpent�r House Museum) be pulled for comment orly.
With regard to Item 14-B (Special Olympics programming at the Bellflower Aquatic Center), Council Member Sanchez expressed the opinion that the City cares deeply about the special needs community and he was excited to see the continuation of the partnership with the Special Olympics for the Bellflower Aquatics program.
With regard to Item 14-C (Digitization project at the Carpenter House Museum), Council Member Sanchez thanked the Mayfair High School History Club for its efforts in digitizing the materials at the Carpenter House Museum and stated that he looked forward to seeing the results.
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:
AYES: Council Members - Dunton, Koops, Sanchez and Mayor Santa Ines
ABSENT: Council Members - Mayor Pro Tem Hamada
' Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14 February 13, 2023 Page 8 of 10
14 Consent Calendar— Continued
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file Warrant Register No. 23-081, dated Februarv 13, 2023.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 23-081.
B Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 987, in a form approved by the City Attorney, �nrith Special Olympics Southern California for conducting recreational swimming activities for Special Olympics programming at the Bellflower Aquatic Center.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 987, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
C Consideration and possible action to authorize the Mayfair High School History Club, in collaboration with the Bellflower Heritage Society, to complete a historical digitization project at the Carpenter House Museum, located at 10500 Flora Vista Street, Bellflower, CA 90706.
Action: Authorized the Mayfair High School History Club, in collaboration with the Bellflower Heritage Society, to complete a historical digitization project at the Carpenter House Museum.
D Consideration and possible action to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1423 — An Ordinance approving a Zone Change (ZC 22-02) from R-1 (Low Density Residential Zone) to R-1 PD (Low Density Residential Planned Development Overlay District) on property IocaZed at 10343-10351 Mapledale Street and amendinq the zoninq map CEQA: The actions in adopting the Ordinance are exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., "CEQA") and CEQA Guidelines (14California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15532, Class 32 (In-Fill Development Projects). The proposed Project consists of an in-fill development that is consistent with the applicable general plan designation, general plan policies as well as with the applicable zoning designation and regulations. The Project Site is less than five acres, surrounded by urban uses and has no value as habitat for endangered, rare, or threatened species. The Project would not result in significant effects related to traffic, noise, air quality, or water quality and it can be adequately served by all required utilities and public services.
Furthermore, it can be seen with certainty that no special circumstances exist that would create a reasonable possibility that the proposed Project wilt have a significant adverse effect on the environment.
Action: Waived further reading and adopted Ordinance No. 1423.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14 February 13, 2023 Page 9 of 10
14 Consent Calendar— Continued
E Consideration and possible action to find all bidders to be non-responsive, reject all bids in response to proposals submitted for the City's Request for Proposals (RFP) for document conversion and scanning services, and authorize the City Manager to issue a new RFP No. CC-2023-01 for pocument Conversion and Scanninq Services.
Action: Found all bidders to be non-responsive, rejected all bids, directed staff to notify all bidders, and authorized the City Manager to issue RFP No. CC-2023-01.
F Consideration and possible action to authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee, to install red curb parking restrictions on Somerset Boulevard and Bettv Jean Avenue (C.E. #21-01).
Action: Authorized the Director of Public Works, or designee, to install red curb parking restrictions on Somerset Boulevard and Betty Jean Avenue.
G Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Public Works Contract for Specifications No. 20/21-03, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with LCR Earthwork 8� Engineering Corp., for additional work for the Reconstruct City-Owned Parkinq Lot Located at 9818 Artesia Boulevard Proiect.
Action: Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute Amendment No. 1 to the Public Works Contract with LCR Earthwork for Specifications No. 20/21-03, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
H Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 23-07 — A Resolution approving the Plans and Specifications for the Thompson Park Playground Improvements (Specifications No. 22/23-07), pursuant to Government Code §830.6; establishing a project payment account; and auth_orizing solicitation of bids.
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: Adopted Resolution No. 23-07.
I Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the January 23, 2023, Rec�ular Meetinq of the City Council.
Action: Approved the January 23, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes. i
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 15 February 13, 2023 Page 10 of 10
15 Council Reports
Council Member Sanchez 1) stated that he was recentiy given the opportunity to represent the City in a new capacity and thanked Mayor Santa Ines for his support; 2) announced that he would serve on the board of a new agency being developed by SB 679 known as the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA); and 3) expressed that he was proud Bellflower would be represented on the board and looked forward to working with the agency.
For the record, and without objection, 1) Council Member Koops requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Minerva Rivera; and 2) Mayor Santa Ines requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Barbara Hofineyer. 16 Adjournment
Without objection, Mayor Santa Ines adjourned the meeting at 8:35 p.m., in memory of Minerva Rivera and Barbra Hofineyer, to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 27, 2023. r �
: 1�.� �
Sonny R. Santa Ines, Mayor
City of Bellflower
Attest:
.
May a O iqui, ity C erk
Ap rov d: February 27, 3