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CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, JANUARY 22, 2024
BELLFLOWER CITY HALL
5:00 P.M. OUTGOING MAYOR'S CEREMONY - GREEN ROOM
7:00 OPEN & CLOSED SESSIONS - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:00 P.M. - OUTGOING MAYOR'S CEREMONY
1 Call to Order
Mayor Koops called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:06 p.m. in the Green Room. 2 Roll Call
For the record, the following Members of the City Council were present:
Mayor Dan Koops
Mayor Pro Tern Ray Dunton
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez
Council Member Sonny R. Santa Ines
For the record, Council Member Wendi Morse was absent.
3 Invocation
Pastor A.D. Gartley offered the Invocation.
4 Pledge of Allegiance
Mark A. Santa Ines led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. 5 Presentations to Outgoing Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines
Mayor Koops detailed the many accomplishments during Sonny R. Santa Ines's term as Mayor and introduced a video in tribute to him from the City Council, professional colleagues, friends, and family.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 5
January 22, 2024 Page 2 of 11
5 Presentations to Outgoing Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines — Continued In recognition of Sonny R. Santa Ines's commitment and contributions to the City of Bellflower during his term as the 66th Mayor, 1) Mayor Koops presented him with a personalized Gavel Plaque that includes the gavel with which he presided over meetings as well as a framed collage of winning photos from the 2023 Photo Contest; 2) Mayor Pro Tem Dunton presented him with a Commemorative City Coin; and 3) Council Member Sanchez presented him with a scrapbook congratulating him on his year as Mayor.
Janice Hahn, County Supervisor, Fourth District, 1) congratulated Sonny R.
Santa Ines on a successful third term as Mayor; 2) recognized him for his leadership and extended her appreciation for all that he has done for the youth and residents of Belflower; 3) expressed the opinion that collaboration with the local level of government is needed, noting that the Bellflower City Council has shown much support; 4) expressed the opinion that Sonny R. Santa Ines's attention to detail is remarkable in that he ensures he "dots the is and crosses the t's," noting that he would not accept a check in the amount of$876,000.00 for Interim Housing Services from the County Supervisors until a contract was drafted that directly benefited Bellflower residents; and 5) presented a check in the amount of $876,000.00 to the City Council for Interim Housing Services.
Anthony Rendon, Speaker Emeritus, Assembly Member, 62nd District, 1) stated that Sonny R. Santa Ines's friendliness and hospitality made him feel like a part of the Bellflower family; 2) noted that his daughter loves Pirate Park, and he regularly frequents Fantasy Cakes and Steelcraft Brewery; and 3) provided a certificate of recognition from the State of California.
Brad Crihfield, Board President, Bellflower Unified School District (BUSD), accompanied by BUSD Superintendent Dr. Ben Drati, Board Member Dr. Sue ElHessen, and Board Member Renita Armstrong, 1) stated that BUSD appreciates all Sonny R. Santa Ines has done with his continued partnership; and 2) presented multiple books for donation to the Clifton M. Brakensiek Library in his name.
Patricia Camacho, District Director for Congresswoman Nanette Barragan, 44th District, 1) stated that Sonny R. Santa Ines has been very welcoming to the Congresswoman and their office looks forward to future partnership; and 2) presented a certificate of recognition.
Daniel Andalon, District Representative for Senator Bob Archuleta, 30th District, 1) thanked Sonny R. Santa Ines for his welcoming demeanor; and 2) presented a certificate of recognition.
Margarita Rios, Mayor, City of Norwalk, 1) congratulated Sonny R. Santa Ines on a successful year as Mayor; and 2) presented multiple books for donation to the Clifton M. Brakensiek Library in his name.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 5
January 22, 2024 Page 3 of 11
5 Presentations to Outgoing Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines — Continued Jessica Post, Acting Assistant Fire Chief, Los Angeles County Fire Department, accompanied by Battalion Chief Brenda Simonian and Community Services Liaison LaFonda Riggins, 1) thanked and congratulated Sonny R. Santa Ines for his year as Mayor; and 2) presented multiple books for donation to the Clifton M. Brakensiek Library in his name.
Captain Dan Holguin, Lakewood Sheriff's Substation, on behalf of Sheriff Robert Luna, 1) stated that Sonny R. Santa Ines's distinguished service to the citizens of Bellflower and the Lakewood Sheriffs Substation personnel was greatly appreciated; and 2) expressed that his commitment to public safety assisted with reducing crime in the City by 12%.
Jeff Smith, President, Bellflower Chamber of Commerce, 1) thanked Sonny R. Santa Ines for his leadership and for working closely with the Chamber of Commerce; and 2) presented multiple books for donation to the Clifton M. Brakensiek Library in his name.
Naresh Solanki, Mayor Pro Tem, City of Cerritos, accompanied by Frank Yokoyama, Cerritos Council Member, 1) extended his appreciation for Sonny R. Santa Ines, stating that his work with the SELACO Workforce Development Board greatly assisted with the success of the program; and 2) stated that his leadership not only assisted the City of Bellflower, but the surrounding cities as well.
Robin Snow, Representing Hollywood Sports Park, 1) recognized Sonny R. Santa Ines for the wonderful work he has done for the City of Bellflower; and 2) presented multiple books for donation to the Clifton M. Brakensiek Library in his name.
Julia Arce, Field Representative for Congressman Robert Garcia, 42nd District, 1) thanked Sonny R. Santa Ines for his dedicated leadership and service to the City of Bellflower; and 2) presented a certificate of recognition.
Connie Hui, President, Bellflower Rotary Club, 1) presented Sonny R. Santa Ines with a certificate of recognition for his leadership; and 2) presented multiple books for donation to the Clifton M. Brakensiek Library in his name.
Randy McConnell, Bellflower Family Lions, 1) thanked Sonny R. Santa Ines for his service to the City of Bellflower; and 2) presented multiple books for donation to the Clifton M. Brakensiek Library in his name.
Rocio Jimenez-Sanchez, Public Safety Commissioner, 1) thanked Sonny R. Santa Ines for his dedication to the residents of the City; and 2) presented multiple books for donation to the Clifton M. Brakensiek Library in his name.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 5
January 22, 2024 Page 4 of 11
5 Presentations to Outgoing Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines — Continued Beatrice Proo, Former Mayor, City of Pico Rivera, 1) congratulated Sonny R.
Santa Ines and noted that his attention to detail is beneficial to the residents; and 2) presented multiple books for donation to the Clifton M. Brakensiek Library in his name.
Steve Croft, Council Member, City of Lakewood, 1) extended his appreciation for Sonny R. Santa Ines; and 2) presented multiple books for donation to the Clifton M. Brakensiek Library in his name.
Jenna Enkhorn, President, The Woman's Club, accompanied by Shirley Meyers of the Friends of the Library, 1) recognized Sonny R. Santa Ines for the wonderful work he has done for the City of Bellflower; and 2) presented multiple books for donation to the Clifton M. Brakensiek Library in his name.
Dorothy Pemberton, Council Member, City of Downey, 1) remarked on Sonny R. Santa Ines's innovative and creative leadership; and 2) congratulated him on a job well done.
Sophia Tse, Board President, ABC Unified School District, 1) expressed her appreciation for Sonny R. Santa Ines; and 2) congratulated him for his distinguished service to the citizens of Bellflower.
Victor Sanchez, Kiwanis Club of Bellflower, accompanied by Club Members Ray Dunton and Jason Barnette, 1) congratulated Sonny R. Santa Ines on his year as Mayor; and 2) presented multiple books for donation to the Clifton M.
Brakensiek Library in his name.
Former Mayor Santa Ines 1) expressed gratitude towards his wife, Irma, and stressed how important it is to have family and colleagues to rely on; 2) thanked his Council Member colleagues for their collaboration and vision to help improve the City; 3) expressed gratitude towards City staff for their hard work and dedication; 4) noted that the residents are the key to the success of the City and he would not be in this position without them; 5) thanked County Supervisor Hahn for her deliverance and dedication to the New Hope Shelter; and 6) stated that the "best is yet to come" for the City of Bellflower.
Recess: Without objection, Mayor Koops recessed the meeting at 6:22 p.m., noting that the meeting would reconvene at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers to conduct the business portion of the meeting.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 6
January 22, 2024 Page 5 of 11
7:00 P.M. - OPEN SESSION & CLOSED SESSION
6 Reconvene to Open Session
Mayor Koops reconvened the meeting at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
The following Members of the City Council responded present to roll call:
Mayor Dan Koops
Mayor Pro Tem Ray Dunton
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez
Council Member Sonny R. Santa Ines
For the record, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Dunton, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection to excuse the absence of Council Member Morse.
Staff Participants:
Ryan Smoot, 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
Travis Sais, Deputy City Manager
Dakota Wallace, Management Assistant
7 City Council Announcements & Presentations
A City Council Announcements
Mayor Koops provided details relative to the City's next Parks and Recreation Master Plan Workshop to be held on January 24, 2024, at WoodSpring Suites.
Mayor Pro Tem Dunton provided details relative to the Los Angeles County Fire Department's FEMA-approved Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) training to be held on February 10, 2024, and February 17, 2024, at Pico Park in Pico Rivera.
Council Member Santa Ines provided details relative to the 37 Oaks ten course certified program for local product-based merchants to begin on March 6, 2024.
Council Member Sanchez provided details relative to the Chamber of Commerce's next monthly morning mingle to be held on January 30, 2024.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 8
January 22, 2024 Page 6 of 11
8 Public Comments
Robert Garcia, Congressman, 42nd District, 1) expressed that it is a privilege to represent the City of Bellflower and he is grateful to be in attendance; 2) presented to the City Council an encased flag that was flown over the United States Capital to recognize the "growth"of the City of Bellflower; and 3)explained that the request submitted by the City for $870,000.00 to be used for surveillance cameras at City facilities will be voted on in early March.
John Butts, resident, 1) stated that the City did not allow his neighbor to teach golf in City parks using whiffle balls due to safety concerns, requested the City Council look into allowing it and offering it as a class through regular programming, and left a few sample whiffle balls for the City Council; and 2) expressed the opinion that the City's homeless situation is out of hand, stated that he spoke to business owners who are unwilling to come into the City because of this issue, and stated that he submitted six incident reports to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, but has yet to receive a resolution.
Esther expressed her concerns regarding "15-minute smart cities" and submitted written materials for the record.
Louise Solomon 1) expressed her concerns regarding "15-minute smart cities;" and 2) in response to comments made by Congressman Garcia, asked if the surveillance cameras have broken constitutional laws.
Frankie Miranda, resident, expressed public safety concerns in the vicinity of Vans Mobile Home Park, including excessive amounts of trash, transients, homeless, drug use, illicit behavior, and fights, expressing the opinion that the area is neglected by the City and requesting improvements in the area, not only in Downtown Bellflower.
Don Beck expressed his concerns regarding "15-minute smart cities," potential health effects of"5G," and cities being bribed with grants and subsidies.
Jason H., resident, expressed public safety concerns in the vicinity of Virginia Avenue and Artesia Boulevard, including 1) cars speeding in excess of 40 mph to get to Artesia Boulevard, noting that the street is narrow creating concern for children's safety; and 2) the nearby Bottoms Up Bar creating nuisances such as noise during and after business hours, trash in the parking lot and surrounding areas that he and his neighbors regularly pick up.
In response to comments provided by Jason H., and at the request of Mayor Koops, Director of Public Safety Hockman confirmed that he would look into the issues in the area.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 8
January 22, 2024 Page 7 of 11
8 Public Comments — Continued
Michelle 1) expressed her concerns regarding "15-minute smart cities," 2) expressed the opinion that the City will be held liable for the radiation from the "5G towers;" and 3) in response to comments provided by John Butts, requested the City consider the golf class, expressing the opinion that small businesses are needed.
Berenice Cristerna, resident, expressed the opinion that the vicinity of Ives Street and Alondra Boulevard is susceptible to "street takeovers" and the Sheriffs Department response times are delayed, stating that the individuals burned sofas which were then left there for several days and noting that similar incidents are also occurring near the dog park.
In response to comments provided by Berenice Cristerna, Mayor Koops suggested she speak with Director Hockman and the Police Sergeant in attendance to look into the issues.
9 Public Hearings
None
10 Ordinances and Resolutions for Consideration
None
11 Consideration Items
A Consideration and possible action to issue an encroachment permit to Jacobs Engineering for purposes of soil and groundwater sampling at Caruthers Park on behalf of Kinder Morgan and the development of a licensing agreement with Kinder Morgan for the installation and long-term access to monitoring wells at Caruthers Park.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item
For the record, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki 1) provided a brief verbal report of the Staff Report; and 2) along with City Manager Smoot and City Attorney Berger, responded to Council Members' questions.
At the request of Council Member Santa Ines, Malcom Thomas of Jacobs Engineering, representing Kinder Morgan, confirmed 1) neighbors adjacent to the park will be notified of the well installations; and 2) Kinder Morgan will be responsible for maintaining the access road from Caruthers Park to the Caltrans property.
At the request of Council Member Sanchez, Assistant City Manager/Director Gorecki confirmed that the monitoring wells will not impact the activities of the park.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11-A
January 22, 2024 Page 8 of 11
11 Consideration Items — Continued
A Consideration and possible action to issue an encroachment permit to Jacobs Engineering for purposes of soil and groundwater sampling at Caruthers Park on behalf of Kinder Morgan and the development of a licensing agreement with Kinder Morgan for the installation and long-term access to monitoring wells at Caruthers Park — Continued Following lengthy discussion, at the request of Mayor Pro Tern Dunton, 1) Representative Thomas confirmed a) if a sample comes back that requires further testing, they will develop a plan to assess "lateral spreading;" b) the primary reason for the monitoring wells is to determine the direction of the groundwater flow; c) a technician will visit the monitoring wells on a quarterly basis to collect samples for testing and will use protective equipment to preserve the grass, similar to what they currently do in the City of Cerritos; and d) they have an encroachment permit for soil borings on the Caltrans property, but are working with Caltrans to receive an encroachment permit for the well; and 2) Assistant City Manager/Director Gorecki confirmed that remediation of the ball field where testing will take place will be included in the future agreement.
Esther stated that water is important and she appreciates this work.
Guy Bremmer, resident, asked if 1) contamination was found from the 16-inch pipe that leaked in 2022; and 2) the testing being proposed by Kinder Morgan is remediation from the leak.
In response to public comments and at the request of Mayor Pro Tern Dunton, Representative Thomas stated 1) they are currently in the assessment stage to determine if there is a need for remediation; 2) the leak was repaired, but the environmental investigation conducted found "petroleum hydrocarbons," further noting that the report from the investigation is available to the public for review; 3) approximately 17 barrels were recovered thus far based on the mass removal and product recovery; 4) the same tests are being conducted in the City of Cerritos, but they are having a difficult time accessing the needed sites because most fall within the Army Corps jurisdiction; and 5) they are unable to determine where the leak occurred at this point in the investigation.
At the request of Mayor Koops, Assistant City Manager/Director Gorecki confirmed that 1) he is able to issue the encroachment permit under his department head authority; and 2) the history of the matter will be incorporated as part of the license agreement.
For the record, Mayor Pro Tern Dunton requested that 1) the license agreement drafted by staff include some compensation for the access to the property along with any damage that may occur; 2) once drafted, the license agreement be brought back to the City Council for further consideration; and 3) if the City decides to hire an independent engineering firm for checks and balances that it be at Kinder Morgan's cost.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11-A
January 22, 2024 Page 9 of 11
11 Consideration Items — Continued
A Consideration and possible action to issue an encroachment permit to Jacobs Engineering for purposes of soil and groundwater sampling at Caruthers Park on behalf of Kinder Morgan and the development of a licensing agreement with Kinder Morgan for the installation and long-term access to monitoring wells at Caruthers Park — Continued At the request of Council Member Santa Ines, City Manager Smoot confirmed that if contamination is found, Kinder Morgan is responsible for cleaning it up.
Following lengthy discussion, and at the request of Mayor Koops, City Attorney Berger confirmed that staff received plenty of direction and no formal action was needed at this time.
B Consideration and possible action to consider extending Dynasty Alliance Grow Inc.'s Cannabis Business Permits ("CBPs") to continue operating cultivation and distribution facilities at 8832 Ramona Street through December 31, 2024.
For the record, 1) City Manager Smoot introduced the item; 2) Deputy City Manager Sais provided a brief verbal report of the Staff Report; and 3) supplemental material was distributed to the City Council and made available to the public prior to the start of the meeting.
At the request of Council Member Santa Ines, City Manager Smoot confirmed that Code Enforcement staff can routinely check the location to ensure the requirement for an onsite, 24-hour security guard is being met by the permittee.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Santa Ines, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, and carried by the following roll call vote to extend Dynasty Alliance Grow, Inc.'s CBPS for cultivation and distribution uses at 8832 Ramona Street through December 31, 2024:
AYES: Council Members - Santa Ines, Dunton, Sanchez and Mayor Koops
ABSENT: Council Member - Morse
12 Consent Calendar
For the record, 1) Mayor Koops announced that he would recuse himself from Item 12-E (The Oak Center) as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject property; and 2) supplemental materials for Items 12-C (December 14, 2023, Special Meeting Minutes) and 12-E (The Oak Center) were distributed to the City Council and made available to the public prior to the start of the meeting.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 12 January 22, 2024 Page 10 of 11
12 Consent Calendar— Continued
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Dunton, 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 - Santa Ines, Dunton, Morse, Sanchez and Mayor Koops
ABSENT: Council Member - Morse
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Warrant Register No. 24-072, dated January 22, 2024.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 24-072.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file Treasurer's Report for the Month of December 2023.
Action: Received and filed Treasurer's Report.
C Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the December 14, 2023, Special Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the December 14, 2023, Special Meeting Minutes, as amended.
D Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the January 11, 2024, Adjourned Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved January 11, 2024, Adjourned Regular Meeting Minutes.
E Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 24-02 — A Resolution approving application(s) for specified grant funds from Budget Act 2022/23, 19.561(b)(34) for$2,700,000 to the City of Bellflower, for the City of Bellflower capital outlay related to The Oak Center.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 24-02.
F Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 5 to Agreement File No. 714.1, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Advanced Avant-Garde Corporation, for Housing Consultant Services.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 5 to Agreement File No. 714.1, in a form approved by the City Attorney. 13 Council Reports
Council Member Santa Ines, Council Member Sanchez, Mayor Pro Tem Dunton and Mayor Koops made various comments and reports.
Without objection, Mayor Koops requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Bradley Bryn Binder.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14 January 22, 2024 Page 11 of 11
14 Recess to Closed Session
None
15 Reconvene to Open Session
None
16 Adjournment
Without objection, Mayor Koops adjourned the meeting at 8:22 p.m., in memory of Bradley Bryn Binder, the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 12, 2024.
P61--
Dan Koops, May r
City of Bellflower
Attest:
M ra chiqu , City Cler
A ,pr ed: February 2 24