14-F
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 June 26, 2023, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
DATE: July 10, 2023
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
None
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Approve the June 26, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENT
Minutes of the June 26, 2023, Regular Meeting… ...................... ………………………… 2
1 MINUTES
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
JOINT REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY
COUNCIL, CITY COUNCIL ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE
SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE DISSOLVED BELLFLOWER
REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY, AND CITY COUNCIL
ACTING AS THE SUCCESSOR HOUSING AGENCY TO THE
DISSOLVED BELLFLOWER REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY
CITY denotes City Council items; SA denotes Successor Agency items; and SHA denotes Successor Housing Agency Items
MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2023, 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
Mayor Santa Ines called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower.
2 ROLL CALL
The following members of the City Council responded present to roll call:
Mayor Santa Ines
Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Y. Hamada
Council Member Ray Dunton
Council Member Dan Koops
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
For the record, City Manager Stewart read the titles of the Closed Session items.
2 Bellflower Joint Regular Meeting Minutes Item No. 3
June 26, 2023 Page 2 of 8
3 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 LABOR NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6) [CITY]
Agency Negotiator: Jeffrey L. Stewart, City Manager
Employee Organization: • AFSCME Local 1511 – Mid Managers • BCEA – Executive Assistants
• BCEA – Part Time Community Services Officers and
Part Time Maintenance Workers
• AFSCME Local 3745 – Maintenance Workers and
Community Services Officers
B CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8) [CITY]
Property: 9835 Flower Street, Bellflower, CA 90706 Agency Negotiator: Jeffrey L. Stewart, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Christopher Beck
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
C CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – INITIATION OF LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE § 54956.9(d)(4). Number of Cases: One. [CITY]
For the record, Closed Session adjourned at 6:28 p.m.
7:00 P.M. – OPEN SESSION
4 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
Mayor Santa Ines reconvened the Meeting at 7:01 p.m. and announced that no reportable action was taken during Closed Session.
5 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Santa Ines called the Open Session of the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.
3 Bellflower Joint Regular Meeting Minutes Item No. 6
June 26, 2023 Page 3 of 8
6 ROLL CALL
The following members of the City Council responded present to roll call:
Mayor Santa Ines
Council Member Ray Dunton
Council Member Dan Koops
For the record, Mayor Pro Tem Hamada and Council Member Sanchez were absent.
Staff Participants:
Jeffrey L. Stewart, City Manager
Karl H. Berger, City Attorney
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
P.J. Mellana, Director of Parks and Recreation
Elizabeth Oba, Director of Planning and Building Services Joel Hockman, Director of Public Safety
Travis Sais, Assistant to the City Manager
7 INVOCATION
Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines offered the Invocation.
8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Elizabeth Oba, Director of Planning and Building Services, led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
9-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Santa Ines provided details relative to the Bellflower Volunteer Center’s backpack and school supplies drive.
Council Member Dunton provided details relative to the City’s illegal firework enforcement policy, noting the upcoming Fourth of July Season.
Council Member Koops provided details relative to the Chamber of Commerce’s next Monthly Morning Mingle to be held on June 27, 2023.
4 Bellflower Joint Regular Meeting Minutes Item No. 9-B June 26, 2023 Page 4 of 8
9-B PRESENTATION: Vector Control
Vector Control Operations Manager Maritza Olmos 1) gave a PowerPoint presentation relative to “Mosquitos in Bellflower: What you need to know”; and 2) along with Vector Control Acting Public Information Officer (PIO) Caroline Gongora, responded to Council Members’ questions.
For the record, 1) at the request of Mayor Santa Ines, PIO Gongora stated that she would provide the date of the City Streetfest that Vector Control would be attending to disseminate information to the public; and 2) Mayor Santa Ines presented PIO Gongora and Operations Manager Olmos with commemorative City coins.
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Priscilla Brown, resident, addressed the City Council relative to a code enforcement matter at 9335 Oak Street, which neighbors her property, 1) providing copies of photos depicting the condition of the property; 2) stating that there had been some progress since she last spoke to the City Council a few months prior and Code Enforcement staff came out and took photos of the neighboring property with the property owner’s permission; 3) noting that the matter was being treated as a visual nuisance; however, expressed the opinion that it is a fire hazard and the residence is in hoarder conditions; 4) reporting that the property owner had her electricity shut off, but had obtained electricity from the other neighboring property by running an extension cord, expressing the opinion that this was an additional fire hazard as no one knows what she is plugging in; and 5) stating that this issue has been a problem for eight months now and overgrown bushes with large thorns are also encroaching into the sidewalk area.
At the request of Mayor Santa Ines, City Manager Stewart confirmed that Code Enforcement staff would look into the matter and report back to the City Council and Mrs. Brown.
Darlene Palacios, resident, 1) stated that the City removed a tree that fell down near Rose Villa and cracked the sidewalk, but the correction to the sidewalk made a “ ramp”, creating a mobility hazard for the disabled persons that live on the block and the kids are using it as a bike ramp; and 2) requested the status of the City installing flashing lights for the crosswalk located at Rose Street and Clark Avenue.
At the request of Mayor Santa Ines, City Manager Stewart confirmed that staff would respond to the City Council and to Ms. Palacios again on the timing of the installation of the flashing lights.
5 Bellflower Joint Regular Meeting Minutes Item No. 10
June 26, 2023 Page 5 of 8
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS – Continued
Raul Urtez, resident (9206 Rose Street), addressed the City Council relative to a Jacaranda tree near his property that was knocked over by the wind last November, 1) stating that the City was quick to respond to the issue, but the contractor further damaged the sidewalk and driveway approach when they removed the tree; 2) expressing concern that the temporary asphalt repair created a foot-high “ramp” that presents a safety hazard for the residents in the area, especially those using walkers and wheelchairs; 3) stating that he sent several emails to the Public Safety Commission regarding the matter and has not received a response; and 4) requesting a timeframe of when the City will fully repair the sidewalk.
At the request of Mayor Santa Ines, City Manager Stewart stated that staff would look into the matter, report back to the City Council, and correct the issue as quickly as possible.
John Butts, resident, addressed the City Council regarding 1) a Code Enforcement violation notice and a fine of $200 he received for not removing his holiday lights, noting that a) he had the lights up as security, as he was taking care of his wife and had doctors and ambulances there in the middle of the night; b) the last time the City took him to court over a canopy it cost him $15,000; c) he does not intend to pay the fine and the City can take him to court; d) his neighbors across the street who are an Orange County Sheriff and an employee of Bellflower Unified School District are not bothered about their lights ; 2) he supported the City Council with the Utility User Tax, but he would not support it today, expressing the opinion that the Public Safety substation is a glorified answering service; 3) he also supported the homeless shelter because he could not believe women were on the street, but he knows of three women and two men that are responsible for at least a dozen or more crimes in the City, noting that the Sheriff’s Deputies drive by them running around at night and do not pick them up or impound the bikes.
Toni Veltri, resident (near Alondra Boulevard/McNab Avenue), expressed concerns relative to the lack of traffic control in the area from the 605 freeway to Woodruff Boulevard, 1) stating that she has never seen anyone give a ticket there, unless there’s an accident; 2) reporting that there was another traffic accident this evening; 3) suggesting that someone needs to patrol that stretch of street as it’s a dangerous hazard that goes on day and night; 4) noting that she can see all the circles in the street at the intersection of Somerset Boulevard/McNab Avenue; 5) expressing the opinion that more traffic cops and enforcement is needed; and 6) stating that she’s had three cars go through the fence in the last five years and that they’ve had to pay for it, although she believes the fence belongs to the City.
At the request of Mayor Santa Ines, City Manager Stewart confirmed that staff will contact the Sheriff’s Department regarding the matter and the City has budgeted for one more patrol car in the recently-approved budget. 6 Bellflower Joint Regular Meeting Minutes Item No. 10
June 26, 2023 Page 6 of 8
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS – Continued
Brian Espinoza, resident (Bellflower Boulevard/Cedar Street), stated that he has finished school, wants to get involved in local government, is looking for an opportunity to become a Planning Commissioner maybe in the next year, and requested that someone reach out to him to let him know if it’s a possibility.
In response to comments provided by Mr. Espinoza, Mayor Santa Ines suggested that he attend the Planning Commission meetings to see how the proceedings go as a first step.
Mathew Brown, resident, stated that he noticed that the same Council Member has not attended the meetings over the last several months, expressed hope that the Council Member is ok and is not sure if they are fulfilling the rest of the duties, but if not and they continue to miss the meetings, inquired as to the criteria and timeframe to remove and replace the individual with someone who can do the job.
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
None
14 CONSENT CALENDAR
For the record, Mayor Santa Ines requested that Item 14-C (Agreement File No. 781.1 with KTU&A for Parks & Recreation Master Plan Services) be pulled for comment only.
With regard to Item 14-C (Agreement File No. 781.1 with KTU&A for Parks & Recreation Master Plan Services), 1) at the request of Mayor Santa Ines expressed that he had pulled the item for the benefit of the public and requested and confirmed with Director of Parks and Recreation Mellana that this would be the first Parks & Recreation Master Plan; 2) Director Mellana provided a verbal report of the Staff Report and, along with City Manager Stewart and KTU&A Principal/Secretary Joe Punsalan, responded to Mayor Santa Ines’s questions; and 3) at the request of Mayor Santa Ines, KTU&A Principal/Secretary Punsalan confirmed that workshops to gather public input would be held in different areas of the City and the completion timeline is approximately one year. 7 Bellflower Joint Regular Meeting Minutes Item No. 14
June 26, 2023 Page 7 of 8
14 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar:
AYES: Council Members - Dunton, Koops, and Mayor Santa Ines ABSENT: Council Member - Mayor Pro Tem Hamada and Sanchez
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Warrant Register No. 23-122, dated June 26, 2023. [CITY]
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 23-122.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Treasurer’s Report for the Month of May 2023. [CITY]
Action: Received and filed Treasurer’s Report.
C Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 781.1, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with KTU&A for Parks & Recreation Master Plan Services. [CITY] Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 781.1, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
D Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 10 to Agreement File No. 464.1, in a form approved by the City Attorney, between the City of Bellflower, acting as the Success or Housing Agency to the Dissolved Bellflower Redevelopment Agency, and Kingdom Causes Bellflower to renew the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housing Services for Fiscal Year 2023-2024. [CITY/SHA] Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 10 to Agreement File No. 464.1, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
E Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the June 12, 202, Special Meeting of the City Council. [CITY]
Action: Approved the June 12, 2023, Special Meeting Minutes.
F Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the June 12, 2023, Regular Meeting of the City Council. [CITY]
Action: Approved the June 12, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes.
G Consideration and possible action to consider authorizing the City Manager/Executive Director to execute an amendment to the cooperative agreement (AFN 356.4 and SA-6) dated March 13, 2013 between the City and Successor Agency regarding signature authority. [CITY/SA] Action: Authorized the City Manager/Executive Director to execute the First Amendment to AFN 356.4 and SA-6 as set forth in the Exhibit to this staff report.
8 Bellflower Joint Regular Meeting Minutes Item No. 15
June 26, 2023 Page 8 of 8
15 COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Dunton, Council Member Koops, and Mayor Santa Ines made various comments and reports.
For the record, with regard to Public Comments (Item 10) provided by Priscilla Brown relative to 9335 Oak Street, Council Member Koops stated that he would take on the personal responsibility of making sure that the City didn’t forget about the code enforcement matter she spoke about.
16 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Santa Ines adjourned the meeting at 7:51 p.m. to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, July 10, 2023.
Sonny R. Santa Ines, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Approved: July 10, 2023
9