G` pF BELLFLOwRR
MINUTES
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11, 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 Open Session of the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 6 December 11, 2023 Page 2 of 9
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 Wendi Morse
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 Travis Sais, Deputy City Manager
Joel Hockman, Director of Public Safety
Elizabeth Oba, Director of Planning and Building Services Jennifer Poole, Management Assistant
7 INVOCATION
Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines offered the Invocation.
8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Planning and Building Services Elizabeth Oba led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
9 CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION
City Manager Stewart introduced the item and turned the meeting over to City Clerk Ochiqui to conduct nominations for the Office of Mayor.
City Clerk Ochiqui opened nominations for the Office of Mayor. Council Member Dunton nominated Mayor Pro Tern Koops for the Office of Mayor; seconded by Council Member Sanchez.
There being no further nominations, without objection, nominations for the Office of Mayor were closed. The nomination of Dan Koops as Mayor of the City of Bellflower unanimously carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members - Dunton, Koops, Morse, Sanchez, and Santa Ines
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 9 December 11, 2023 Page 3 of 9
9 CITY COUNCIL REORGANIZATION — Continued
Mayor Koops 1) welcomed those in attendance; 2) thanked his City Council colleagues for the opportunity to serve as Mayor again and stated that together they would work on making Bellflower a better place; 3) introduced his family in attendance and thanked them for their support, especially acknowledging his wife of 49 years, Judy; 4) recounted when his family first moved to Bellflower 80 years ago; 5)recounted how dire the City finances were when he was first elected, noting that through the cohesiveness of the City Council and leadership of staff, consistent income streams were created; 6) thanked City Manager Stewart for his service and welcomed City Manager Smoot; and 7) quoted John Nisser, a man who owned over 1,000 apartments in Bellflower, "the only reason we're put on this earth is for one thing —that's to help each other," noting that he has picked that up as his mantra, as by doing that there's a better, more cohesive, and safe community.
City Clerk Ochiqui congratulated Mayor Koops and turned the meeting over to him to conduct nominations for Office of Mayor Pro Tern.
Mayor Koops opened nominations for the Office of Mayor Pro Tern.
Council Member Morse nominated Council Member Dunton for the Office of Mayor Pro Tern; seconded by Council Member Santa Ines.
There being no further nominations, the nominations for the Office of Mayor Pro Tem were closed. The nomination of Ray Dunton as Mayor Pro Tern of the City of Bellflower carried by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Council Members - Dunton, Morse, Santa Ines, and Mayor Koops
NOES: Council Members - Sanchez
For the record, during the roll call vote, Council Member Sanchez stated the following: "I have nothing but respect and admiration for my council colleague Dunton, he has led the city greatly for more than 15 years, but in the spirit of rotation, a long-standing tradition and the hope for representation, my vote is an unwavering no."
Mayor Pro Tern Dunton 1) thanked his City Council colleagues for their trust; 2) stated that this was his fifth term in office and recounted the state of the City when he was elected onto the Council, including a deteriorating downtown, empty storefronts with dirty windows, noting that they were able to turn that around with a good team and an economic development program; 3) noted the current challenges, including the transient population and people with mental health issues, stating that the City is working diligently to overcome these, too; 4) in response to comments provided by Council Member Sanchez, stated that he respects him, too, but they have differences; 5) addressed the animosity between Council Member Sanchez and other Council Members, expressing the opinion that it was "the wrong thing to do" to "try to take Sonny out during the last election"; and 5) stated that the City Council pulls in the same direction to make Bellflower a better place.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10 • December 11, 2023 Page 4 of 9
10 CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
None
11 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Esther, resident, addressed the City Council relative to her concerns regarding "15 minute smart cities," stating that 1) she had personally researched and found that "they're going to be able to survey and constantly track us with the cameras on;" and 2) she sent emails to the City Council with additional information as they may not understand the ramifications of the"15 minute smart city,"which is another way of saying "digital imprisonment."
For the record, Council Member Santa Ines stated that an email regarding the topic addressed by Esther had been distributed as supplemental material for Item 15-C (Minutes of the November 27, 2023, Regular Meeting of the City Council).
Carolyn addressed the City Council relative to her concerns regarding "15-minute city Bellflower Connect," 1) expressing the opinion that the name is misleading because "it is meant to separate one community from other communities;" 2) asking when this matter went before the voters; 3) suggesting that "Bellflower Connect" is"part of'Agenda 2030'to establish a one world government and control every person on this planet;" and 4) requesting that the City Council cancel its plans for a "15-minute city."
Susan addressed the City Council relative to her concerns regarding "15-minute city Bellflower Connect," 1) expressing the opinion that"this closed network grants the city, not the individual, access to information and is filtered by the city to the larger population which is against the First Amendment, which is free speech;"and 2) requesting that the City Council cancel its plans for a "15-minute city." Dennis Acevedo 1) congratulated Mayor Koops and Mayor Pro Tern Dunton and stated that they were doing a great job; 2) stated that it was great working with City Manager Stewart and he was sorry to see him leave and that he hoped the next City Manager would be as good; and 3) in response to Mayor Koops's comments, stated that he can attest that the condition of the City is 1,000% better than it was 20 years ago.
Joette addressed the City Council relative to her concerns regarding "turning Belflower into a 15-minute dumb city," 1) expressing the opinion that "this is CCP [China Communist Party] style housing and it literally clamps down on the rights of people who are living within this so-called smart city" and "you put this city in Belflower and it will be the end of California because it won't stop at Belflower, and it'll be the end of the United States because most definitely people in the Communist parties that are pushing this awful awful situation aren't going to stop with just Bellflower;" and 2) asking when this matter went before the voters.
• Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11 December 11, 2023 Page 5 of 9
11 PUBLIC COMMENTS — Continued
Darlene Palacios, resident, 1) wished the City Council happy holidays and thanked the City for the installation of the flashing lights noting that it had been a huge help; 2) added that she bought neon yellow tape for her neighbors' wheelchairs and walkers for added visibility while crossing the street; 3) mentioned that traffic safety is still a concern; 4) stated that she is an advocate for the homeless and victims of domestic violence abuse; 5) asked why the City does not hold public elections for the Mayor's seat; and 6)thanked the City Council and staff for all they have done for Bellflower, expressed her appreciation, and wished them more success in the coming new year.
In response to comments provided by Ms. Palacios, Mayor Koops stated that the Position of Mayor is for one year in Bellflower and the Mayor is elected from amongst the City Council, noting that in larger cities they may have a directly-elected Mayor.
Priscilla Brown, resident, 1) stated that it has been great working with City Manager Stewart, she wished him all the best in retirement, and thanked him for everything he has done; and 2) expressed her appreciation to Mayor Koops for helping her with a situation regarding a neighboring property, noting that she has seen more progress since he became involved in late-June than in the nine-month period prior to that.
In response to public comments relative to Bellflower Connect, Council Member Santa Ines, 1) stated that the project was started in May of this year and is a citywide Wi-Fi network provided by the City, which will be implemented over the next two years; 2)assured the public that it was purely voluntary and that residents could stay with their current internet service providers; and 3) added that the Wi-Fi would not be used to monitor people, it was simply accessible free Wi-Fi that would be made available to all, individuals had their freedom to choose to use it, and it was not affiliated with the Chinese Communist Party.
In response to public comments relative to Bellflower Connect, Council Member Sanchez added that part of the reason for the decision to implement free Wi-Fi was because during the pandemic there were children and families in the community that did not have adequate internet services to be able to do their classwork and things of that nature.
12 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to conduct the annual public hearing to consider whether the 5% Utility Users' Tax (UUT) should continue in effect or be modified or repealed.
City Manager Stewart introduced the item.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 12 • December 11, 2023 Page 6 of 9
12 PUBLIC HEARING — Continued
A Consideration and possible action to conduct the annual public hearing to consider whether the 5% Utility Users' Tax (UUT) should continue in effect or be modified or repealed — Continued
Director of Public Safety Hockman 1) provided a brief verbal presentation of the item; and 2) responded to Council Members' questions.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, 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 Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
It was moved by Council Member Santa Ines, seconded by Mayo Pro Tern Dunton, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the continuance of the UUT and fund the Community Policing Program with revenues generated from the UUT:
AYES: Council Members - Morse, Sanchez, Santa Ines, Dunton, and Mayor Koops
13 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
14 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
None
15 CONSENT CALENDAR
For the record, 1) Mayor Pro Tern Dunton announced that he would recuse himself from Item 15-G (red curb parking restrictions on Ramona Street east of Bellflower Boulevard) as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject property; 2) Council Member Morse announced that she would recuse herself from Item 15-G (red curb parking restrictions on Ramona Street east of Bellflower Boulevard) as her employer owns property within 500 feet of the subject property; and 3) Mayor Koops announced that he would recuse himself from Item 15-H (parking restrictions at 16302 Clark Avenue) as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject property.
• Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 15 December 11, 2023 Page 7 of 9
15 CONSENT CALENDAR— Continued
It was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Santa Ines, and carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar:
AYES: Council Members - Morse, Sanchez, Santa Ines, Dunton, and Mayor Koops
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Warrant Register No. 24-061, dated December 11, 2023.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 24-061.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file the City's Development Impact Fee Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2022-23 pursuant to Government Code Section 66006.
Action: Received and filed the Development Impact Fee Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2022-2023 pursuant to Government Code § 66006.
C Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the November 27, 2023, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the November 27, 2023, Regular Meeting Minutes.
D Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Easement Agreement File No. 837.8, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with 16411 Bellflower LLC for a portion of private property located at 16411 Bellflower Boulevard for the purpose of constructing an ADA curb ramp at the southwest corner of Bellflower Boulevard and Mayne Street.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Easement Agreement File No. 837.8, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with 16411 Bellflower LLC, property owner at 16411 Bellflower Boulevard.
E Consideration and possible action to authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee, to convert the existing 2-way `Stop' controls to 4-way `Stop' controls on Virginia Avenue at Olive Street, Virginia Avenue at Mayne Street, Virginia Avenue at Oak Street, and Virginia Avenue at Laurel Street (C.E. #23-15).
Action: Authorized the Director of Public Works, or designee, to convert the existing 2-way `Stop' controls to 4-way `Stop' controls on Virginia Avenue at Olive Street, Virginia Avenue at Mayne Street, Virginia Avenue at Oak Street, and Virginia Avenue at Laurel Street.
F Consideration and possible action to authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee, to install red curb parking restrictions at 9349 Rose Street (C.E. #23-14).
Action: Authorized the Director of Public Works, or designee, to install red curb parking restrictions at 9349 Rose Street.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 15
December 11, 2023 Page 8 of 9
15 CONSENT CALENDAR— Continued
G Consideration and possible action to authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee, to install red curb parking restrictions on Ramona Street east of Bellflower Boulevard (C.E. #23-18).
Action: Authorized the Director of Public Works, or designee, to install red curb parking restrictions on Ramona Street east of Bellflower Boulevard.
H Consideration and possible.action to authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee, to convert the existing time-restricted parking (green curb) to red curb parking restrictions at 16302 Clark Avenue (C.E. #23-19).
Action: Authorized the Director of Public Works, or designee, to convert the existing time-based parking (green curb) to red curb parking restrictions at 16302 Clark Avenue.
Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 51.95, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the Los Angeles County Flood Control District for the installation and maintenance of trash excluders on County-owned catch basins in Bellflower.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 51.95, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
J Consideration and possible action to contribute $2,324 in Cannabis Education Funding for the 2023 Christmas with a Cop Event to take place on December 14, 2023.
Action: Approved $2,324 in Cannabis Education Funding for the 2023 Christmas with a Cop event.
16 COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Sanchez, Council Member Santa Ines, and Mayor Koops made various comments and reports.
In response to public comments relative to Bellflower Connect, Mayor Koops 1) stated that everyone had differing opinions on whether wireless was a good or bad thing, but there was no intention from the City to have "big brother" looking over anyone's shoulder; 2) reiterated that they are simply trying to provide good communication for children with little to no cost, as stated by Council Member Sanchez; and 3) reiterated that it was optional, as stated by Council Member Santa Ines.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 17 December 11, 2023 Page 9 of 9
17 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Koops adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m. to an Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 11, 2024.
[Note: The Bellflower City Council will be recessed on the fourth Monday in December pursuant to Bellflower Municipal Code Section 2.04.020.] /94'1
Dan Koops, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
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May • 0, iqui, Ity lerk
Ap• ov-d: January 11, 20