14-C
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 March 13, 2023, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
DATE: March 27, 2023
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
None
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Approve the March 13, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENT
Minutes of the March 13, 2023, Regular Meeting… .................... ………………………… 2
1 MINUTES
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, MARCH 13, 2023
BELLFLOWER CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:30 P.M. CLOSED SESSION / 7:00 P.M. OPEN SESSION
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 Santa Ines called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 6 March 13, 2023 Page 2 of 8
6 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 Council Member Koops, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection to excuse the absence of Mayor Pro Tem Hamada.
Staff Participants:
Jeffrey L. Stewart, City Manager
Karl H. Berger, City Attorney
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
P.J. Mellana, Director of Parks & Recreation
Joel Hockman, Director of Public Safety
Len Gorecki, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Travis Sais, Assistant to the City Manager
Jennifer Poole-Eidd, Management Assistant
7 INVOCATION
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez offered the Invocation.
8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Parks & Recreation P.J. Mellana led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
9-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Santa Ines provided details relative to the 37 Oaks ten-course, certified program to assist local product-based merchants, which has a program application deadline of March 17, 2023.
Council Member Dunton provided details relative to the business support opportunities available through the Economic Development Department, including the monthly E-Citizen Newsletter and free ribbon cutting ceremonies.
Council Member Koops provided details relative to the Asociación Emprendedoras, which is a free eight-week program beginning on April 13, 2023.
Council Member Sanchez provided details relative to the Fair Housing Foundation’s poster contest, which has a submission deadline of April 20, 2023. 3 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 9-B March 13, 2023 Page 3 of 8
9-B PRESENTATION
2023 Resident Satisfactory Survey presented by Richard Bernard of Fairbanks, Metz & Associates (FM3)
City Manager Stewart introduced Consultant Richard Bernard, Partner & Senior Vice President of Fairbanks, Metz & Associates (FM3), who 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation giving an overview of the 2023 Resident Satisfactory Survey conducted by FM3; and 2) along with City Manager Stewart, responded to Council Members’ questions.
At the request of Council Member Sanchez, Consultant Bernard confirmed that he would provide the City with a copy of the statistics requested relative to the survey participants’ age, family size, household type, number of years living in Bellflower, and other similar information.
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Trey Smith, Artesia Senior Center, introduced himself to the City Council as Carol Wait’s grandson who has started employment at the Artesia Senior Center, noting that he plans to attend future City Council meetings.
Cheryl Williams, resident, in response to the 2023 Resident Satisfactory Survey presentation, complimented the City’s road conditions, stating that she is acutely aware of road conditions having undergone a serious back surgery in the past, and stated that the streets were smooth in comparison to surrounding areas.
Darlene Palacios, resident, addressed the City Council with regard to 1) the 2023 Resident Satisfactory Survey presentation, stating that she would give the City a B+ rating; 2) the status of the potential installation of flashing crosswalk lights at the intersection of Rose Street and Clark Avenue; 3) parking and littering issues resulting from a cannabis dispensary in her area; 4) human trafficking, sharing that she has undergone human trafficking awareness training at her local church and believes she may have witnessed instances occurring in her area of the City; and 5) the New Hope Homeless Shelter, noting that she was not aware of the location in spite of her work matching people with resources.
In response to comments provided by Darlene Palacios, Mayor Santa Ines stated that 1) the Public Safety Department would look into the littering issue near the cannabis dispensary on Rose Street; and 2) the Los Angeles County Sherriff’s Department would be put on alert for human trafficking in that area.
4 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10 March 13, 2023 Page 4 of 8
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS – Continued
Guy Bremer, resident, addressed the City Council regarding 1) illegal bulky item dumping, predominantly at the apartment complexes on Artesia Boulevard and Woodruff Avenue, noting that Code Enforcement may be able to implement enforcement measures, such as revoking business licenses; 2) graffiti, stating that even though it is abated quickly it could be improved, noting that the City could be proactive instead of reactive, as it appears taxpayer resources are going towards painting the same walls instead of prevention; and 3) the New Hope Homeless Shelter, requesting a comprehensive report of the shelter’s operations, including success stories, data on current and past resident population, and lengths of stay.
In response to comments provided by Guy Bremer relative to a comprehensive report of the New Hope Homeless Shelter, Mayor Santa Ines requested and received confirmation from City Manager Stewart that a presentation relative to the homeless shelter would be scheduled for April 2023.
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
A Consideration and possible action to seek direction on current Code Enforcement procedures, current Southwest Patrol deployment, and potentially hiring a part- time Sheriff’s Liaison position.
Director of Public Safety Hockman 1) provided a verbal presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) along with Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki, responded to Council Members’ questions.
Lengthy discussion ensued among the City Council regarding the matter.
Council Member Dunton and Mayor Santa Ines suggested that a study session be scheduled regarding the issues surrounding illegal dumping and bulky items in the parkway.
Darlene Palacios, resident, stated that 1) CR&R told her that bulky items had to be under a certain size and weight in order to be picked up and she was given the general guideline that items had to be able to be carried by one person; and 2) the City’s graffiti removal services were superb, but inquired whether the City coordinates with law enforcement, noting that she heard there were certain gangs whose graffiti seems to have proliferated the area.
5 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13-A March 13, 2023 Page 5 of 8
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to seek direction on current Code Enforcement procedures – Continued
In response to comments provided by Darlene Palacios, Assistant City Manager/ Director of Public Works Gorecki confirmed that 1) graffiti documentation is taken and shared with Public Safety on a regular and ongoing basis; and 2) he would contact CR&R (waste hauler) the following day to ask about whether there were any restrictions as to the size or weight of the bulky items that wi ll be picked-up.
Steve Martinez, resident, echoed the concerns of the previous speaker, adding that he had also encountered restrictions with large item pick-up and was told that there was a twice-per-year limitation as well.
Guy Bremer, resident, requested and received confirmation from Director Hockman that Southwest Patrol personnel were fully-armed when serving in a capacity to detain individuals, while fixed-post personnel were generally unarmed.
Mitch Haack, resident, stated that CR&R had also advised him of the twice-per- year limitation on bulky item pick-up.
In response to comments provided by Stephen Martinez and Mitch Haack, Mayor Santa Ines stated that staff would clarify if CR&R has a limit to the number of bulky item pick-ups allowed per calendar year, per account.
Priscilla Brown, resident, 1) expressed appreciation for Code Enforcement’s yellow and red tagging mechanisms; and 2) expressed concern with an elderly next-door neighbor due to a hoarding tendency that resulted in a fire approximately four months ago which caught her fence on fire, noted that the neighbor is just moving items to the backyard instead of removing them from the premises , and requested that Code Enforcement apply more assertive actions or make the violators more aware of the potential progression of an open Code Enforcement case earlier on in the matter to encourage them to remedy the situation.
In response to statements provided by Priscilla Brown, Mayor Santa Ines confirmed that Director Hockman would contact her and if she gives Code Enforcement permission onto her property, they could look over the fence into the neighbor’s yard to assess the matter.
Following lengthy discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council (Hamada absent) to direct staff to 1) maintain the current merging process for the Code Enforcement Division into the Public Safety Department; 2) maintain the current deployment level of Southwest Patrol; and 3) initiate the hiring of the part -time Sheriff’s liaison position.
6 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13-A March 13, 2023 Page 6 of 8
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to seek direction on current Code Enforcement procedures – Continued
For the record, City Manager Stewart stated that based on the discussion, staff has sufficient direction to build Southwest Patrol into the budget and he has the ability to execute the agreement with Tim Milliman for the Sheriff Liaison position .
B Consideration and possible action to provide direction for the design and use of solar-powered pedestrian and safety lights on the MTA Bike Trail and at Palm Street Park.
For the record, Council Member Koops 1) announced that he would recuse on this matter, as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject area; and 2) left the dais and Council Chambers at 9:05 p.m.
Assistant City Manager/ Director of Public Works Gorecki 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) responded to Council Members’ questions.
Lengthy discussion ensued among the City Council regarding the matter .
At the request of Council Member Sanchez, and without objection, Assistant City Manager/Director Gorecki confirmed that more light fixtures could be added to Palm Street Park or more lumens could be added to existing lighting to ensure sufficient lighting in the park.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council (Hamada absent and Koops recused) to direct staff to move forward with researching pricing and options for new solar-powered lights in the “shepherd hook” style, as well as potentially adding powder coating, custom coloring, cladding/decorative bases, and/or skirting to the preliminary estimate, and bring the matter back to the City Council for further consideration.
For the record, Council Member Koops returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 9:34 p.m.
14 CONSENT CALENDAR
For the record, Council Member Sanchez requested Item 14 -D (Resolution opposing Ballot Initiative No. 21-0042A1) be pulled for comment only.
7 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14 March 13, 2023 Page 7 of 8
14 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
With regard to Item 14-D (Resolution opposing Ballot Initiative No. 21-0042A1), Council Member Sanchez 1) stated that the League of California Cities presented information regarding the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act, which would amend the California Constitution and could put local government tax and fee revenues at risk for local entities if passed; 2) stated that the proposed initiative qualified for the November 2024 ballot; and 3) requested the City hold the League of California Cities’ “feet to the fire” on this issue and staff monitor the item, as it could be detrimental to the City’s success and the entire State of California.
It was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar:
AYES: Council Members - Sanchez, Dunton, Koops and Mayor Santa Ines
ABSENT: Council Members - Mayor Pro Tem Hamada
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Warrant Register No. 23-091, dated March 13, 2023.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 23-091.
B Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 23 -08 – A Resolution designating a citizen oversight board to oversee the expenditure of the proceeds from the sale of the Bellflower Municipal Water System through the Public Projects Fund; and establishing policies and procedures for the board.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 23-08.
C Consideration and possible action to approve the Proposed Fiscal Year 2023-25 Budget Calendar.
Action: Approved the Proposed Fiscal Year 2023-2025 Budget Calendar.
D Consideration and possible action to consider adopting Resolution No. 23-09 – A Resolution opposing Ballot Initiative No. 21-0042A1, the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 23-09.
E Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the February 27, 2023, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the February 27, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes.
8 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 15 March 13, 2023 Page 8 of 8
15 COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Sanchez, Council Member Koops, and Mayor Santa Ines made various comments and reports.
For the record and without objection, Mayor Santa Ines requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Lindalee Mary Iverson.
16 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Santa Ines adjourned the meeting at 9:43 p.m., in memory of Lindalee Mary Iverson, to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, March 27, 2023.
Sonny R. Santa Ines, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Approved: March 27, 2023
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