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REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, AUGUST 14, 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 Meetingto order at 5:32 p.m. in the Council Y 9
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
Council Member Ray Dunton
Council Member Dan Koops
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
For the record, 1) City Manager Stewart read the titles of the Closed Session items; and 2) Council Member Koops announced that he would recuse himself from Item 3-A (8833 Cedar Street) as he owns property within 1,000 feet of the subject property.
There being no one in attendance wishing to provide public comments, without objection, Mayor Santa Ines recessed the Meeting at 5:33 p.m. to a Closed Session regarding:
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 3 August 14, 2023 Page 2 of 13
3 CLOSED SESSION — Continued
A CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: 8833 Cedar Street, Bellflower, CA 90706 Agency Negotiator: Jeffrey L. Stewart, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Vickie Dewey, Senior Property Manager, Meltdown Management, LLC
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
B CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — ANTICIPATION OF LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE § 54956.9(d)(4). Number of Cases: One.
C CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: 16429 Bellflower Boulevard, Bellflower, CA 90706 Agency Negotiator: Jeffrey L. Stewart, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Carol Wait
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
D CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: 2,000 acre feet of groundwater
Agency Negotiator: Jeffrey L. Stewart, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Steve Lenton, Bellflower Somerset Mutual Water Company
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
For the record, Closed Session adjourned at 6:24 p.m.
4 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
Mayor Santa Ines reconvened the Meeting at 7:01 p.m. with all members present and announced that no reportable action was taken during Closed Session.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 5 August 14, 2023 Page 3 of 13
7:00 P.M. - OPEN 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.
6 ROLL CALL
For the record, Mayor Santa Ines announced that Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Y.
Hamada submitted a letter to the City resigning from his position on the Bellflower City Council.
The following members of the City Council responded present to roll call:
Mayor Santa Ines
Council Member Ray Dunton
Council Member Dan Koops
Council Member Victor A. 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
Elizabeth Oba, Director of Planning and Building Services Rowena Genilo-Concepcion, Planning Manager
Travis Sais, Assistant to the City Manager
Jennifer Poole, 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.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 9-A
August 14, 2023 Page 4 of 13
9-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Santa Ines provided details relative to Care Solace which provides streamlined mental health support and communication to Bellflower residents.
Council Member Sanchez provided details relative to the Parks & Recreation Department's "Summer Streetfest," noting that the final event would be held on August 17, 2023.
Council Member Dunton provided details relative to the Chamber of Commerce's next "Monthly Morning Mingle" to be held on August 29, 2023.
Council Member Koops provided details relative to Bellflower Connect which will provide free internet connectivity for Bellflower residents, businesses, and visitors.
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Darlene Palacios, resident, 1) reminded the City Council that she was advocating for the installation of flashing crosswalk lights at the intersection of Rose Street and Clark Avenue, claiming that she had yet to receive an installation date from the City; and 2) stated that she confirmed that her neighbor spoke with Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki regarding correcting the damaged sidewalk near his home, noting that children continue to use the sidewalk as a bicycle ramp.
In response to comments provided by Darlene Palacios, Mayor Santa Ines stated that he personally called her last month to provide her with an update regarding the flashing lights and noted that at the July 10, 2023 City Council meeting he also publicly shared that the lights were approved, ordered, and pending installation within a four-month period, so her questions were responded to.
Mark Tiqchelaar, resident (Near Clark Avenue and 91 fwv), 1) expressed the opinion that parks in Bellflower lack shade, which has led to him to take his children to visit the parks in Lakewood and Cerritos where they have implemented shade structures; 2) expressed the opinion that speeding is out of control and requested the City Council research what neighboring cities have done to curb the issue; and 3) requested that public comments be accessible remotely via Zoom for residents who may not be able to attend in person.
In response to comments provided by Mark Tigchelaa relative to the City's parks, Mayor Santa Ines stated that there is a study session scheduled in October to discuss the Parks Master Plan.
Kari Friedland, resident, expressed concern with coyote sightings on City streets and bike trails and requested that signage be placed in those areas to warn the public.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10 August 14, 2023 Page 5 of 13
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS — Continued
In response to comments provided by Kari Friedland, and at the request of Mayor Santa Ines, Director of Public Safety Hockman 1) stated that the City conducts a few trapping sessions per year in high frequency areas; 2) indicated that the best thing that can be done in Southern California relative to coyote sightings is to eliminate food sources, such as fallen fruit, dog food, and unattended pets; and 3) confirmed that currently there is not much signage regarding coyotes, but he can look into some key places to add signage if that's something that is needed, noting that staff does actively educate the public relative to being mindful of the wildlife in this area.
Cheryl Williams, resident, 1) expressed the opinion that the Streetfest series were spectacular this year and the pool Thompson Park was enjoyable; and 2) expressed concern over the increased use of electric bicycles in the City, noting that the drivers do not adhere to traffic laws.
In response to comments provided by Cheryl Williams, and at the request of Mayor Santa Ines, City Manager Stewart confirmed that staff would look into the electric bicycle issue.
Linda Fry, resident, with regard to comments provided by Cheryl Williams, added that what she described was known as the "teenage takeover." Ken Letourneau, resident, 1) complimented the City Council with regard to the success of the StreetFest events, expressing the opinion that it's a positive impact on the community; and 2) stated that he works exclusively in tax sales and tax deed investing, expressed the opinion that the stock market will be fluctuating in the near future, and recommended the City look into investing in government-secured investments, noting that he received a 16-18% interest on his investments with the County.
Peter Enkhorn, resident, expressed gratitude for the City's efforts in combating the homelessness crisis, stating that he has noticed an improvement on the west side of the City.
Shirley Myers, resident, with regard to the State of the City luncheon hosted by the City each year, 1) expressed disappointment that it will not be hosted at Simms Park this year, expressing the opinion the cost and food was better than the Mayne Events Center and more people were able to attend; 2) stated that she did not enjoy the Bravo Awards hosted at the Mayne Events Center because she sat in the back of the room, couldn't see the program, and did not enjoy the lunch; 3) expressed the opinion that $50 to attend the event at the Mayne Events Center was out of budget for the average Bellflower resident; and 4) requested that these things be taken into consideration when the City plans events and suggested that non-resident attendees pay a higher fee than Bellflower residents to encourage residents to attend.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11 August 14, 2023 Page 6 of 13
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider a Mitigated Negative Declaration, a General Plan Amendment, an exemption from certain zoning regulations for public projects, and a Zone Change;
Adopt Resolution No. 23-29 — A Resolution (1) adopting Mitigated Negative Declaration No. MND 23-01 prepared for the Stormwater Capture and Teen & Senior Center projects, a General Plan Amendment, and a Zone Change; (2) approving General Plan Amendment Case No. GPA 23-02 to change the land use designation from "Commercial" to "Open Space" on properties located at 9402 Oak Street (APN 7106-003-001) and 16614 Clark Avenue (7106-003-909 / formerly 9410 Oak Street); and (3) finding that the Stormwater Capture and Teen & Senior Center projects are public projects that are exempt from certain zoning regulations pursuant to Bellflower Municipal Code ("BMC") §17.04.120; and
Read by title only, waive further reading, and introduce Ordinance No. 1425 — An Ordinance approving Zone Change Case No. ZC 23 02 to change the zoning designation from "General Commercial (C-G)" to "Open Space (O- S)" on properties located at 9402 Oak Street (APN 7106-003-001) and 16614 Clark Avenue (7106-003-909 / formerly 9410 Oak Street). Applicant: City of Bellflower.
CEQA: This project was reviewed for compliance with the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., "CEQA") and CEQA regulations (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.; "CEQA Guidelines"). An Initial Study ("IS") and MND 23-01 were prepared.
These found that the proposed Ordinance will not have a significant adverse effect on the environment with implementation of proposed mitigation measures.
The 30-day public review period for the MND began on June 23, 2023 and closed on July 24, 2023.
City Manager Stewart introduced the item and read by title Ordinance No. 1425.
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 7:27 p.m.
Planning Manager Genilo-Concepcion 1) gave a PowerPoint presentation providing an overview of the Staff Report; and 2) along with Director of Planning and Building Services Oba, City Manager Stewart, City Attorney Berger, and Environmental Consultant Emily Seklecki of Dudek Environmental Services, responded to Council Members' questions.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11 August 14, 2023 Page 7 of 13
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider a Mitigated Negative Declaration, a General Plan Amendment, an exemption from certain zoning regulations for public projects, and a Zone Change — Continued
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Mayor Santa Ines, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
Kari Friedland, resident, expressed concern regarding the removal of trees and the effects on the hawks that nest in those trees.
In response to comments provided by Kari Friedland and referencing the agenda materials, Mayor Santa Ines assured her that although a certain number of trees will be removed, more trees will be planted and bird nesting between April and September would be accounted for and not disturbed during their nesting periods.
Janna Enkhorn, President of Woman's Club of Bellflower, requested and received confirmation 1) from Mayor Santa Ines that 9402 Oak Street would be re-zoned as Open Space (OS), but the Woman's Club may continue to operate on the property as they are now; 2) from Director of Planning and Building Services Oba that the address and Assessor's Parcel Number would remain the same for 9402 Oak Street and the Teen Center would have a separate address; 3) from Planning Manager Genilo-Concepcion, at the request of Mayor Santa Ines, that the property is already conditionally permitted to operate as a clubhouse and they would not need to do anything further to maintain this status; however, the property cannot be abandoned for more than 180 days or expanded; and 4) from Mayor Santa Ines that the driveway currently owned by the Woman's Club will remain part of their property.
Pam Gray, Member of Woman's Club of Bellflower, with regard to the City's authority to re-zone the property and the process being completed, requested and received clarification from Director Oba, who included that 1) negotiations as to whether the City would acquire the Woman's Club property for use as a teen center were still underway during the mitigated and negative declaration process and staff needed to proceed with an environmental review, proposed zone change, and general plan amendment; 2) if the property was not acquired, the City could still design around it and incorporating these last two Commercial General zoned properties on that corner made the most sense; 3) proper public noticing was completed and the Woman's Club was noticed through that process; and 4) ultimately it was the City Council's decision to include the Woman's Club property in the general plan amendment and zone change.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11 August 14, 2023 Page 8 of 13
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS — Continued
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider a Mitigated Negative Declaration, a General Plan Amendment, an exemption from certain zoning regulations for public projects, and a Zone Change — Continued
Additionally, in response to comments provided by Pam Gray, City Attorney Berger clarified that 1) the City has police powers under the California Constitution and makes determinations with regard to zoning throughout the City; 2) the particular piece of property in question would remain legal non-conforming, but if the use ever goes away, then that zone will become Open Space (OS), which is for a recreational purpose and what the City intends to be incorporated into the overall property; and 3) the City goes through a periodic rezoning of various parts of the City and explained that there are little pockets of places where the old zoning allowed a particular use, those are legal non-conforming uses, but over time they will conform with the overall zone within that area.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Dunton, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Dunton, and carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) adopt Resolution No. 23-29; and 2) read by title only, waive further reading, and introduce Ordinance No. 1425:
AYES: Council Members - Dunton, Sanchez, and Mayor Santa Ines RECUSE: Council Member - Koops
For the record, Council Member Koops returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 8:03 p.m.
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
• Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13 August 14, 2023 Page 9 of 13
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
A Consideration and possible action to approve salary and benefit adjustments for City Manager and City Clerk positions. For the City Manager, the proposed adjustment for FY 2023-24 would increase salary by $8,132 for a total salary of $262,269. The proposed adjustment will increase taxes and benefits by approximately $2,000. For the City Clerk, the proposed adjustment for FY 2023-24 would increase salary by $4,344 for a total salary of $140,084. The proposed adjustment will increase taxes and benefits by approximately $1,100.
City Attorney Berger introduced the item and gave a brief verbal presentation of the Staff Report.
Following brief discussion, it was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) authorize the Mayor to execute an amendment to the City Manager Employment Agreement (AFN 557), in a form approved by the City Attorney; and 2) Authorize the Mayor to execute an amendment to the City Clerk's Employment Agreement (AFN 686), in a form approved by the City Attorney:
AYES: Council Members - Dunton, Koops, Sanchez and Mayor Santa Ines
14 CONSENT CALENDAR
For the record, 1) Council Member Koops a) announced that he would recuse himself from Item 14-F (Amendment No. 2 to Agreement File No. 923 — Craftwater Engineering; southwest corner of Simms Park) as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject property; and b) requested that Item 14-D (Bellflower Photo Contest) be pulled for discussion only; and 2) supplemental material for Item 14-L (Resolution No. 23-31) was provided to the City Council and made available to theublicprior to the start of the meeting.
P
With regard to Item 14-D (Bellflower Photo Contest), at the request of Council Member Koops, Mayor Santa Ines provided more information relative to the contest, stating that 1) the primary objective was to engage the residents and their creativity, while also promoting different places within the city; 2) the contest would only be open to residents and photos would need to be captured in the month of October, with entries divided by adult and youth divisions; 3) contestants would be limited to one entry per participant, each division would be judged based on specificpredetermined criteria, and prizes would be in the 1 9 P
form of gift cards funded from the Cannabis Education Fund; 4) a sponsorship was negotiated with On-Graphics to print the submissions for the reception to be held in the City Hall lobby; and 5) the four potential judges include art professors and instructors from Cerritos College, Mayfair High School, and Bellflower High School.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14 August 14, 2023 Page 10 of 13
14 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
Noting the aforementioned recusal by Council Member Koops on Item 14-F (Amendment No. 2 to Agreement File No. 923 — Craftwater Engineering; southwest corner of Simms Park), it was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar:
AYES: Council Members - Dunton, Koops, Sanchez, and Mayor Santa Ines
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file Warrant Register No. 24-021, dated August 10, 2023.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 24-021.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file the Treasurer's Report for the Month of June 2023.
Action: Received and filed Treasurer's Report.
C Consideration and possible action to approve Mayor Santa Ines's reappointment of Robert Wilson to the Bellflower Unified School District's Citizens' Task Force for the 2023-2024 School Year.
Action: Approved Mayor Santa Ines's reappointment of Robert Wilson to the Bellflower Unified School District's Citizens' Task Force for the 2023-2024 School Year.
D Consideration and possible action to contribute $2,000 in Cannabis Education Funding for the 2023 Bellflower Photo Contest to take place in the fall of 2023.
Action: Approved $2,000 in Cannabis Education Funding for the Bellflower Photo Contest.
E Consideration and possible action to authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 21 to Agreement File No. 200, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) for animal control services.
Action: Authorized the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 21 to Agreement File No. 200, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14 August 14, 2023 Page 11 of 13
14 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
F Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to Agreement File No. 923, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Craftwater Engineering, Inc., to incorporate additional survey information for the southwest corner of Simms Park.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to Agreement File No. 923, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
G Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 23-27 — A Resolution approving the Plans and Specifications for the traffic signal modification on Bellflower Boulevard at Park Street (Specifications No. 21/22-02), pursuant to Government Code §830.6, and establishing a project payment account; and authorizing 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 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 23-27.
H Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to Agreement File No. 541, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the cities of Cerritos and Lakewood for Traffic Signal Maintenance Services at the intersection of Palo Verde Avenue and Allington/183rd Street.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to Agreement File No. 541, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 23-28 — A Resolution approving the Plans and Specifications for the new traffic signal installation on Bellflower Boulevard at Cedar Street (Specifications No. 22/23-04), pursuant to Government Code §830.6, establishing a project payment account; and authorizing the 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 3 - New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 23-28.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
August 14, 2023 Page 12 of 13
14 CONSENT CALENDAR— Continued
J Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 23-30 — A Resolution approving the Plans and Specifications for the construction of the City-owned parking lot at 9817 Arkansas Street (Specifications No. 22/23-03), pursuant to Government Code §830.6, establishing a project payment account; and authorizing 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: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 23-30; and 2) Authorized a budget amendment to increase the project funding by $150,000, to a total project allocation of$478,000 in the Account No. 011-47028-9000.
K Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to AFN 967 for the Bellflower Gateway Sign (Specifications No. 22/23-06), in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Select Electric, Inc., to substitute subcontractor Angels Landscape with Diversified Landscape Co.
Action: Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute Amendment No. 1 to AFN 967, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
L Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 23-31 — A Resolution establishing the salary ranges and benefits for employees and authorizing the City Manager to implement such changes.
Action: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 23-31, with the Basic Salary Plan and additional benefits; and 2) Authorized the City Manager to implement that plan as soon as appropriate.
M Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 23-32 — A Resolution fixing the salary rates and benefits for unrepresented employees; and authorizing the City Manager to implement that Plan as appropriate.
Action: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 23-32, with the benefits for the Unrepresented Employees; and 2) Authorized the City Manager to implement that plan as soon as appropriate.
N Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the July 10, 2023, Special Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the July 10, 2023, Special Meeting Minutes. 0 Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the July 10, 2023, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the July 10, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 15 August 14, 2023 Page 13 of 13
15 COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Sanchez and Mayor Santa Ines made various comments and reports.
16 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Santa Ines adjourned the meeting at 8:13 p.m., to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 28, 2023.
Sonny R. Santa Ines, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
A
Mayr O hiqui, Ci y Clerk
App/ov d: August 28, 202