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MINUTES
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 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
The following members of the City Council responded present to roll call:
Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines
Mayor Pro Tem Dan Koops
Council Member Ray Dunton
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
None
4 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
None
5 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Santa Ines called the Open Session of the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 6
September 25, 2023 Page 2 of 10
6 ROLL CALL
The following members of the City Council responded present to roll call:
Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines
Mayor Pro Tem Dan Koops
Council Member Ray Dunton
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez
Staff Participants:
Jeffrey L. Stewart, City Manager
Karl H. Berger, City Attorney
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Elizabeth Oba, Director of Planning & Building Services Jim DellaLonga, Director of Economic Development
Karla Pineda, Management Analyst
Travis Sais, Deputy City Manager
Jennifer Poole, Management Assistant
7 INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tern Dan Koops offered the Invocation.
8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Planning & Building Services Elizabeth Oba led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
9-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Santa Ines provided details regarding the City's annual "State of the City" to be held on October 5, 2023, at the Mayne Events Center, noting that the video presentation will be posted on the City's website within a few weeks of the event for those who cannot attend.
Mayor Pro Tern Koops provided details relative to the Fall and Winter Parks and Recreation Brochure.
Council Member Dunton provided information relative to the Chamber of Commerce's next "Monthly Morning Mingle" to be held on September 26, 2023.
Council Member Sanchez provided information relative to the City's Parks and Recreation Master Plan and how the public can participate in the process, noting that the next pop-up event would be at the Bellflower Car Show on October 7, 2023.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10 September 25, 2023 Page 3 of 10
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Larry Wehaqe, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, 1) announced that the Bellflower Car Show would be ending at 6:00 p.m., noting that it was a sold out event with 27 vendors and 311 vehicles; and 2) invited the public to attend the Bellflower Car Show on October 7, 2023, from 2:00 — 6:00 p.m. on Bellflower Boulevard.
Steve Tamer, resident, 1) stated that he lives by Caruthers Park and reported another shooting on Thursday night right in front of his house; 2) suggested the City create their own police department noting that he would be willing to pay more property taxes for that purpose; 3) stated that he spoke to Public Safety Manager McNerney and suggested implementing license plate readers that can be placed at the park as well as cameras or closing the gates to the bike path at night.
In response to comments provided by Steve Tamer, Mayor Santa Ines confirmed that 1) the City is aware of the two recent incidents involving firearms in the area and they are under investigation; 2) Southwest Patrol and the Sheriffs Department had been directed to patrol the area more often; and 3)the City is working to curtail the early morning and late evening activities in the area and are urgently addressing the issue.
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 CAPER and adopt Resolution No. 23-44 — A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
City Manager Stewart introduced the item.
For the record, Council Member Sanchez 1) announced that he would recuse on this matter due to a conflict of interest with his employer (Community Family Guidance Center) being a recipient of funding; and 2) left the dais and Council Chambers at 7:10 p.m.
Management Analyst Pineda 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the item; and 2) along with Director of Economic Development DellaLonga and City Manager Stewart, responded to Council Members' questions.
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Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11 September 25, 2023 Page 4 of 10
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS — Continued
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 CAPER and adopt Resolution No. 23-44— Continued
For the record, without objection and at the request of Mayor Santa Ines, 1) Director of Economic Development DellaLonga confirmed that the programs could be advertised in the Parks and Recreation brochure, targeted mailers, or direct communication with mobile home park managers; and 2) City Manager Stewart confirmed that the chart shown on page 11 of the staff report would be placed on the website to show the City's accomplishments in how well the program has been managed.
Following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Koops, seconded by Council Member Dunton, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
Esther Beck, resident, mobile home owner, 1) stated that in her experience, the mobile home park manager does not communicate effectively with the owner; 2) stated that her mobile home park is privately owned; and 3) expressed the opinion that funds to loan money should go to those who are United States citizens.
In response to comments provided by Esther Beck relative to the citizens requirement, Mayor Santa Ines confirmed that the City follows the Federal requirements.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Koops, seconded by Council Member Dunton, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Koops, and carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Resolution No. 23-44:
AYES: Council Members - Koops, Dunton, and Mayor Santa Ines RECUSE: Council Members - Sanchez
For the record, Council Member Sanchez returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 7:26 p.m.
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13 September 25, 2023 Page 5 of 10
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
A Consideration and possible action to consider a request from Greg James (MMA Architecture) for a time extension and adopt Resolution No. 23-43 —A Resolution approving an initial 90-day time extension with an option to grant an additional 90-day extension provided certain conditions are met for Conditional Use Permit Case No. CU 21-03 and Development Review Case No. DR-6-21-12018 on properties located at 17617-17639 Bellflower Boulevard.
CEQA: The time extension is exempt from further environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., "CEQA") and CEQA Guidelines (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.) because the project is an administrative action that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment. A Categorical Exemption (§ 15332 — In-Fill Development Projects) was adopted by the City Council when CU 21-03 was approved on September 26, 2022.
City Manager Stewart 1) introduced the item; 2) stated that a letter was received from the Applicant requesting a continuance of the item due to the Yom Kipper holiday; 3) as a result, staff is recommending a continuance of the matter until the next regular City Council meeting on October 9, 2023; and 4) with City Attorney Berger and Director of Planning and Building Services Oba, responded to Council Members' questions.
For the record, 1) Mayor Santa Ines announced that there was a lack of a quorum on the matter due to conflicts for Mayor Pro Tern Koops and Council Member Dunton as they own property within 500 and 1,000 feet of the subject area and explained that lots would be drawn to determine which one of them would participate in the matter; and 2) City Clerk Ochiqui conducted the random drawing and announced that Council Member Dunton would participate in the matter.
For the record, Mayor Pro Tern Koops left the dais and Council Chambers at 7:28 p.m.
For the record, Council Member Dunton requested and received clarification from City Attorney Berger that the City Council should first make the determination on whether to continue the item prior to discussing anything further.
It was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection, to continue the item until the October 9, 2023, Regular City Council Meeting.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13 September 25, 2023 Page 6 of 10
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS — Continued
A Consideration and possible action to consider a request from Greg James (MMA Architecture) for a time extension and adopt Resolution No. 23-43 — Continued
For the record, without objection and at the request of Council Member Dunton, staff was directed to research and include in the next Staff Report whether the City can obligate the Applicant to submit a bond so that either he cleans up the property to the City's Vacant Property Ordinance standards, or if he does not, then the City will commence Code Enforcement actions and clean up the property with the bonded funds.
For the record, Mayor Pro Tern Koops returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 7:39 p.m.
14 CONSENT CALENDAR
For the record, 1) Council Member Dunton announced that he would recuse himself from Item 14-E (Reconstruct City-Owned Parking Lot Located at 9818 Artesia Boulevard Project) as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject property; 2) Mayor Santa Ines stated that at the August 28, 2023 Regular City Council meeting, all Council Members were conflicted on Item 14-D (Placing of Slurry Seal on Various Streets Specifications No. 21/22-06) and lots were drawn and Mayor Pro Tern Koops was selected to not participate in the matter; and 3) Mayor Santa Ines requested that Item 14-C (Amendment No. 4 to Agreement File No. 853 with Mercy House) be pulled for discussion only.
With regard to Item 14-C (Amendment No. 4 to Agreement File No. 853 with Mercy House), 1) City Manager Stewart stated that Timothy Huynh, representative from Mercy House, was in attendance to address any questions from the City Council; 2) for the record and benefit of the public, Mayor Santa Ines stated that there was an RFP for services, there were two bidders evaluated by staff, and staff is recommending the extension of the contract with Mercy House; 3) at the request of Mayor Santa Ines, Timothy Huynh confirmed that the City is spending $150,000 per year to support the Housing Solutions Supervisor, Housing Navigator, and Leasing Agent positions (3.5 FTE) to find housing for the clients in the homeless shelter and clarified the job duties of the positions; and 4) staff confirmed that only one placement was made in the last year.
For the record, without objection and at the request of Mayor Santa Ines, the City Manager was directed to extend the agreement, but negotiate the appropriate staffing levels at the homeless shelter relative to the navigator/case manager positions, report back to the City Council, and reduce staffing as necessary.
t Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14 September 25, 2023 Page 7 of 10
14 CONSENT CALENDAR— Continued
Noting the aforementioned recusals from Council Member Dunton on Item 14-E (Reconstruct City-Owned Parking Lot Located at 9818 Artesia Boulevard Project) and Mayor Pro Tern Koops on Item 14-D (Local Streets Grind and Cap Specifications No. 22/23-01), it was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern Koops, and carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar, with the amended action on Item 14-C (Amendment No. 4 to Agreement File No. 853 with Mercy House):
AYES: Council Members - Koops, Dunton, Sanchez and Mayor Santa Ines
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Warrant Register No. 24-032, dated September 25, 2023.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 24-032.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file Treasurer's Report for the Month of August 2023.
Action: Received and filed Treasurer's Report.
C Consideration and possible action to award a contract extension to Mercy House Living Centers (Mercy House) by authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 4 to Agreement File No. 853 with Mercy House, in a form approved by the City Attorney, for Temporary Homeless Shelter Operator Services.
Action: 1) Awarded a contract extension to Mercy House Living Centers by authorizing the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 4 to Agreement File No. 853, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and 2) directed the City Manager to negotiate the appropriate staffing levels at the homeless shelter relative to the navigator/case manager positions, report back to the City Council, and reduce staffing as necessary.
D Consideration and possible action to award a contract to Doug Martin Contracting Company, Inc. for the Placing of Slurry Seal on Various Streets (Specifications No. 21/22-06); and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Doug Martin Contracting Company, Inc., in a form approved by the City Attorney.
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: Awarded a contract to Doug Martin for the Project and authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with Doug Martin, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14 1 September 25, 2023 Page 8 of 10
14 CONSENT CALENDAR— Continued
E Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Public Works Contract for Specifications No. 20/21-03, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with LCR Earthwork & Engineering Corp., for additional work for the Reconstruct City-Owned Parking Lot Located at 9818 Artesia Boulevard Project.
Action: Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute Amendment No. 3 to the Public Works Contract with LCR Earthwork for Specifications No. 20/21-03, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
F Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Memorandum of Understanding File No. 21.10, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) to receive payment of the City's portion of transit fund allocations for collecting and reporting data for the National Transit Database for Report Year 2021.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute MOU File No. 21.10, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
G Consideration and possible action to award a contract to FS Contractors, Inc. for the Construction of the City-Owned Parking Lot at 9817 Arkansas Street (Specifications No. 22/23-03); and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with FS Contractors, Inc., in a form approved by the City Attorney.
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: Awarded a contract to FS Contractors for the Project and authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with FS Contractors, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
H Consideration and possible action to award a contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. for the Traffic Signal Modification on Bellflower Boulevard at Park Street (Specifications No. 21/22-02); and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc., in a form approved by the City Attorney.
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 of Conversion of Existing Small Structures).
Action: Awarded a contract to Belco for the Project and authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with Belco, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
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Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 15 September 25, 2023 Page 10 of 10
15 COUNCIL REPORTS — Continued
For the record, pursuant to AB 1234, Council Member Sanchez reported on his recent official travel to the following: 1) California Contract Cities Association Fall Education Summit on September 7-9, 2023, in San Diego, California; and 2) League of California Cities Annual Conference and Expo on September 20-22, 2023, in Sacramento, California. State law requires that local government officials report on their official travel activities when public funds are expended. Therefore, Council Member Sanchez's report was made pursuant to California Government Code Sections 53232.2 and 53232.3 and Bellflower Resolution No. 06-02. 16 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Santa Ines adjourned the meeting at 8:02 p.m., to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 9, 2023.
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Sonny R. Santa Ines, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
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ay a • iqui, City Cler
Ap.rove.: October 9, 2023
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
September 25, 2023 Page 9 of 10
14 CONSENT CALENDAR— Continued
Consideration and possible action to award a contract to Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc. for the New Traffic Signal Installation on Bellflower Boulevard at Cedar Street(Specifications No. 22/23-04); and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc., in a form approved by the City Attorney.
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 of Conversion of Existing Small Structures).
Action: Awarded a contract to Belco for the Project and authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with Belco, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
J Consideration and possible action to award a contract to BP Ford of Long Beach for the purchase of two (2) 2023 F-150 pickup trucks for the Public Works Department, and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with BP Ford of Long Beach, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Action: Awarded a contract to BP Ford for the purchase of two (2) 2023 F-150 pickup trucks; and authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with BP Ford, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
K Consideration and possible action to award a contract to BP Ford of Long Beach for the purchase of one (1) 2024 F-450 stake bed dump truck for the Public Works Department, and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with BP Ford of Long Beach, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Action: Awarded a contract to BP Ford for the purchase of one (1) 2024 F-450 stake bed dump truck; and authorized the City Manager to execute a contract with BP Ford, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
L Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the September 11, 2023, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the September 11, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes. 15 COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Sanchez and Mayor Santa Ines made various comments and reports.