14-F
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
ATTENTION: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
FROM: Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the April 8, 2024, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
DATE: April 22, 2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
None
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Approve the April 8, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENT
Minutes of the April 8, 2024, Regular Meeting… ......................... ………………………… 2
1 MINUTES
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, APRIL 8, 2024
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 Koops 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 Dan Koops
Mayor Pro Tem Ray Dunton
Council Member Wendi Morse
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez
Council Member Sonny R. Santa Ines
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
For the record, 1) City Manager Smoot read the title of the Closed Session item; and 2) Council Member Morse announced that she would recuse herself from Item 3-A as she has property interests within 500 feet of the subject property.
There being no one from the public in attendance, without objection, Mayor Koops recessed the Meeting at 5:34 p.m. to a Closed Session regarding:
A CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: Assessor Parcel Nos. 7109-013-900, 7109-013-036, and 7109-013-037
Agency Negotiator: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Christopher Beck, Newmark
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
For the record, Closed Session adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
2 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 4
April 8, 2024 Page 2 of 15
4 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
Mayor Koops reconvened the Meeting at 7:02 p.m. with all members present and announced that no reportable action was taken during Closed Session.
7:00 P.M. – OPEN SESSION
5 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Koops called the Open Session of the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
6 ROLL CALL
The following members of the City Council responded present to roll call:
Mayor Dan Koops
Mayor Pro Tem Ray Dunton
Council Member Wendi Morse
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez
Council Member Sonny R. Santa Ines
Staff Participants:
Ryan Smoot, City Manager
Karl H. Berger, City Attorney
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Len Gorecki, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Jim DellaLonga, Director of Economic Development
Elizabeth Oba, Director of Planning & Building Services Travis Sais, Deputy City Manager
Jennifer Poole, Management Assistant
7 INVOCATION
Mayor Dan Koops offered the Invocation.
8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Economic Development Jim DellaLonga led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
3 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 9-A
April 8, 2024 Page 3 of 15
9-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Koops provided details relative to the Small Business Kiosk Program with applications for Kiosk B accepted through April 19, 2024.
Mayor Pro Tem Dunton provided details relative to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and Kaiser Permanente Drug Take Back Initiative Event on Saturday, April 27, 2024, to be held at Kaiser Permanente Bellflower Medical Office.
Council Member Sanchez provided details relative to the City’s monthly E-Citizen Newsletter.
Council Member Santa Ines provided details relative to the Chamber of Commerce’s “Business-to-Business Casual Connections” event on Thursday, April 25, 2024, and the next Monthly Morning Mingle to be held on April 30, 2024.
Council Member Morse provided details relative to the Fair Housing Foundation’s 2024 Youth Poster Contest with a submission deadline of April 16, 2024.
9-B PRESENTATION: Fair Housing Month Proclamation
Mayor Koops and his City Council colleagues declared April as Fair Housing Month in the City of Bellflower and presented the proclamation to Christina Prado, Outreach Coordinator for the Fair Housing Foundation.
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Oscar Villagomez, Library Manager, Clifton M. Brakensiek Library, introduced himself as the new Library Manager at the Clifton M. Brakensiek Library, expressed excitement about attending future Council meetings, and noted his previous experience at the South Whittier Library.
In response to comments made by Oscar Villagomez, Mayor Koops stated that he was always welcome to attend the meetings and promote library programs.
Gisella Gonzalez 1) referencing her public comments in February 2024 relative to safety concerns on Rosecrans Avenue, stated that her father was the victim of a hit-and-run incident on March 24, 2024, noting that he had sustained fractures and received treatment at Long Beach Memorial; and 2) noted another recent hit-and- run incident in the City and voiced general concerns about speeding and street racing on Rosecrans Avenue.
At the request of Mayor Koops, City Manager Smoot recommended she speak with Director of Public Safety Hockman.
4 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11
April 8, 2024 Page 4 of 15
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider adopting Resolution No. 24-16 – A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the FY 2023-24 Operating Budget and execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement File No. 422.1 between the City of Bellflower and M Power Communications Corporation for the purchase of real property located at 16730 Bellflower Boulevard (APN 7109-013-800 and 801).
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
Director of Economic Development DellaLonga 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) along with Director of Finance Rhee and City Manager Smoot, responded to Council Members’ questions.
Following discussion, it was moved by Dunton, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
For the record, the following individual spoke in favor of adopting Resolution No. 24-16:
Larry Wehage, Vice President, Bellflower Chamber of Commerce, 1) expressed his wholehearted support for the resolution; 2) highlighted the recent success of the Chamber of Commerce, noting that they had 86 attendees at the last monthly Morning Mingle Event, including individuals from out of town; 3) he emphasized the significance of the Chamber of Commerce and the potential for the property to be developed into something much grander; and 4) confirmed that he spoke on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce, underscoring their endo rsement of the resolution.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
It was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by
Council Member Santa Ines, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Resolution No. 24-16 amending the fiscal year 2023-24 Operating Budget to allocate funds for the property purchase and authorizing the City Manager to execute Purchase and Sale Agreement File No. 422.1, in a form approved by the City Attorney:
AYES: Council Members - Sanchez, Santa Ines, Dunton, Morse, and Mayor Koops
5 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11-B
April 8, 2024 Page 5 of 15
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS – Continued
B Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider adopting a Resolution authorizing the City Manager to amend the FY 2023-24 Operating Budget and execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement , in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Arioto Cali Properties Inc. for the purchase of real property located at 9835 Flower Street (APN 7109 -013- 036 and 037).
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
For the record, Council Member Morse 1) announced that she would recuse herself from this item as she has property interests within 500 feet of the subject property; and 2) left the dais and Council Chambers at 7:29 p.m.
For the record, Director of Economic Development DellaLonga requested a continuance of the public hearing to April 25, 2024.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, seconded by
Council Member Santa Ines, and carried by the following roll call vote, to continue the matter to April 25, 2024:
AYES: Council Members - Sanchez, Santa Ines, Dunton, and Mayor Koops
RECUSE: Council Members - Morse
For the record, Council Member Morse returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 7:31 p.m.
C Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider adopting Resolution No. 24-19 – A Resolution adopting policies and procedures for distributing economic development funds to business and/or property owners participating in the Economic Development Business Assistance Plan, and superseding Resolution No. 22-34.
CEQA: The City reviewed the environmental impacts of this activity under the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq. “CEQA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 Cal. Code of Regs. §§ 15000, et seq., the “CEQA Guidelines”). CEQA Guidelines §§ 15060(c)(2), 15061(b)(3), and 15378 exempt activities that will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, activities where there is possibility that it may have a significant effect on the environment, and activities that do not constitute a “project” as defined, respectively. This Resolution is for general policies and procedure-making. Any subsequent funding request made pursuant to the Plan ordinance will be evaluated separately under the CEQA Guidelines. Accordingly, this Resolution is exempt from further review.
6 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11-C
April 8, 2024 Page 6 of 15
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS – Continued
C Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider adopting Resolution No. 24-19 – Continued
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
For the record, Director of Economic Development DellaLonga 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) along with City Attorney Berger and City Manager Smoot, responded to Council Members’ questions.
Council Member Santa Ines 1) expressed concerns regarding provisions relative to the City’s assistance with sales tax debt, as businesses are aware of their obligation to remit sales tax to Sacramento, expressing the opinion that the City’s current approach may inadvertently encourage businesses to avoid paying sales tax in order to qualify for grants from the City; and 2) suggested removing the sales tax debt assistance component from the program and instead allocat e the funds to help businesses address other challenges, such as new regulatory requirements
In response to comments made by Council Member Santa Ines, 1) City Manager Smoot clarified that a business would need to owe at least $100,000 in arrears to qualify for the grant, and even if a business met this criteria, there is no guarantee that they would receive it as it is granted at the discretion of the City Council; and 2) at the request of Mayor Koops, City Attorney Berger confirmed that he could draft template language for the loan, but stated that it was a policy decision and reminded the City Council of the microloan program which has had less than optimal success, noting that while there may be avenues to recover the money, it may not be feasible if the entity goes bankrupt.
Following brief discussion, Council Member Sanchez 1) stated that he concurred with Council Member Santa Ines’s assessment of the sales tax provision of the program, suggesting that removing the sales tax component could provide greater flexibility in utilizing the funds; and 2) expressed strong support for the program in general, particularly its expansion citywide.
Mayor Pro Tem Dunton 1) referenced his 35 years of experience collecting sales tax for a business and likened it to a general fund where all revenues converge; 2) reflected challenges businesses may face, such as unexpected expenses like employee accidents or storefront replacements due to smash -and-grab incidents; 3) highlighted the importance of assisting new businesses, noting that many entrepreneurs underestimate the financial demands of starting a business ; and 4) recommended leaving the program as it was presented by staff.
Council Member Morse empathized with the challenges of starting a new business, but also emphasized the importance of finding a balance and recognizing the obligation to not default on sales tax.
7 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11-C
April 8, 2024 Page 7 of 15
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS – Continued
C Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider adopting Resolution No. 24-19 – Continued
Mayor Koops 1) expressed concern about the potential impact of sales tax delinquency issues on businesses, noting that sales tax issues would close a business quicker than any other issues; 2) emphasized the importance of implementing measures to support businesses facing such challenges, noting that while there's a risk of abuse, they prefer to give businesses the benefit of the doubt; 3) underscored the City Council’s commitment to supporting local businesses in the City, suggesting that most are members of the Chamber of Commerce and an integral part of the community; and 4) stated that he concurred with Mayor Pro Tem Dunton’s comments and was in favor of leaving the program as it was presented by staff.
For the record, City Manager Smoot 1) provided context regarding the consideration of sales tax in the program, explaining that the State could potentially seize assets, such as a liquor license, from businesses behind on their sales tax, which could jeopardize the viability of the business and its future operations; 2) emphasized that the potential impacts of not assisting with sales tax extends beyond individual businesses and may affect the ability to maintain certain business uses in the area; and 3) underscored the City's interest in preserving business continuity and ensuring the long-term sustainability of business operations in the community, which influenced the decision to include sales tax considerations in the program.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
Larry Wehage, Vice President, Chamber of Commerce, 1) acknowledged the points made by others and discussed the potential benefits of learning from failures; 2) noted that while a failed business venture might result in financial loss for the City, it also presents an opportunity for growth and improvement ; and 3) advocated for a cautious approach to decision -making, emphasizing the importance of the City’s support in keeping local businesses in business for as long as possible.
Giovanni Degidio, Co-Business Owner, Hollywood Sports Park, expressed the opinion that 1) he acknowledged Council Member Santa Ines’s perspective, but concurred with comments made by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton and Mayor Koops, as sales tax issues are the main reason businesses close and has a major domino effect; 2) the City Council’s heart is in the right place and the easiest, non-restrictive way to help a business, is through supplementing sales tax; and 3) keeping a business open longer also keeps the neighboring businesses open longer.
8 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11-C
April 8, 2024 Page 8 of 15
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS – Continued
C Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider adopting Resolution No. 24-19 – Continued
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, seconded by Council Member Morse, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
Without objection, Council Member Santa Ines noted that he is very much in favor of the program as it provides new businesses a free one -year membership to the Chamber of Commerce, and requested Director DellaLonga confirm that staff would make the following clerical adjustments in the Section XI.B of Business Assistance Plan (Assistance Program: Chamber of Commerce New Business Welcoming Program): 1) in Section B.3 regarding a business having an existing lease, requested clarification as to why a “draft” lease would be needed since it references an existing lease; 2) in Section B.4 remove the reference regarding providing proof of payment of “rent”; and 3) adjust Section B.5 regarding “cannot sell or assign the business without approval,” so that it’s enforceable.
Without objection, Council Member Sanchez 1) agreed with Council Member Santa Ines that Section XI.B.5 is not necessary; and 2) requested staff revise the name of Section XI (“Assistance Program: Chamber of Commerce New Business Welcoming Program”) to “City’s New Business Welcoming Program,” or something similar, to better reflect the City’s funding of the program.
Following discussion, for the record, Council Member Santa Ines 1) expressed the opinion that they are all trying to help businesses, but they just disagree on how to go about doing that; and 2) stated that he is in favor of the New Business Welcoming Program, but is not in favor of the sales tax bailouts, so he will be abstaining on the matter.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, seconded by Council Member Morse, and carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Resolution No. 24-19, including corrections as discussed, and with the caveat that the Economic Development Department will revise the name of Section XI (“Assistance Program: Chamber of Commerce New Business Welcoming Program”) to “City’s New Business Welcoming Program” or something similar to better reflect the City’s funding of the program:
AYES: Council Members - Sanchez, Dunton, Morse and Mayor Koops
ABSTAIN: Council Members - Santa Ines
9 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11-D
April 8, 2024 Page 9 of 15
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS – Continued
D Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider providing direction to staff regarding a City Charter ballot measure.
City Manager Smoot 1) introduced the item and provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) along with City Attorney Berger, responded to Council Members’ questions.
At the request of Council Member Sanchez, with regard to SB9 and State mandates, City Attorney Berger clarified that only the California Supreme Court can make the determination of whether or not a matter is of statewide application .
For the record, Council Member Sanchez stated that he is in favor of this concept, but wanted to manage expectations for residents in that a City Charter would provide “more tools in the toolbox,” but would not solve all of the problems that come along with State mandates.
At the request of Council Member Sanchez, City Attorney Berger further clarified that 1) having a City Charter could be the strongest argument to combat the directives from Sacramento, as it grants the City Council the authority to make determinations on issues like affordable housing and land use, which the y were elected to do; and 2) the Charter Committee drafted the City Charter document, the City Council has considered it several times and has the ability to make amendments to the document, and the best time to make changes would be by the second public hearing tentatively scheduled on May 13, 2024.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, 1) City Manager Smoot clarified that in order to amend a City Charter once it’s adopted, it would need to go back to the voters for approval of any changes; and 2) City Attorney Berger further clarified that the reason the City Charter document is so short is to provide the outline of how City government should be structured and empower the City Council to adopt ordinances to implement it.
At the request of Mayor Koops, City Attorney Berger clarified that the transition from general law city to charter city would be seamless as the drafted Charter document is a City Manager form of government as it is now; the difference would be the types of ordinances the City Council would adopt under its authority to implement the Charter after its effective date in December 2024.
Following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, seconded by Council Member Sanchez and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
10 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11-D
April 8, 2024 Page 10 of 15
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS – Continued
D Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider providing direction to staff regarding a City Charter ballot measure – Continued
Cheryl Williams, Former Charter Committee Member, 1) expressed her hope that the charter would make it onto the ballot, noting her involvement on the committee; and 2) stressed the importance of ensuring that residents are educated on what it means to become a charter city, as she believes that a significant portion of the City’s residents may not fully understand what it means.
Elizabeth Alsky, Account Manager, SafeBuilt, inquired whether a charter city designation would give the City Council the ability to regulate land use within the City specifically relative to Assembly Bill 68, which requires the allowance of Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) or “Junior ADUs” on lots.
At the request of Mayor Koops, in response to Elizabeth Alsky’s inquiry, City Attorney Berger noted that although he couldn't recall offhand if this legislation had been challenged by a charter city, there were ongoing challenges in the trail court system, particularly from Huntington Beach, but they have not percolated up to the California Supreme Court.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
With regard to Section IV (Governance; Elections) of the draft Charter document, and without objection, Council Member Sanchez requested staff research and provide sample charter language regarding the rotation of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem for Council consideration at the next public hearing.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) draft the necessary documents needed to add the City Charter ballot measure to the November 5, 2024 Election; 2) research and provide sample language regarding the rotation of Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem positions for Council consideration; and 3) sched ule a second public hearing on May 13, 2024:
AYES: Council Members - Sanchez, Santa Ines, Dunton, Morse, and Mayor Koops
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
11 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13-A
April 8, 2024 Page 11 of 15
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
A Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to release the Notice of Preparation and execute a Task Order with Dudek for preparation of a Program Environmental Impact Report for City owned property located at 15240 Lakewood Boulevard, 9030 -9146 Somerset Boulevard, and 9215 Flora Vista Street (collectively, the “Subject Property”).
City Manager Smoot 1) introduced the item and provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) along with Director of Planning and Building Services Oba and City Attorney Berger, responded to Council Members’ questions.
Dennis Bukowski, Co-Business Owner, Hollywood Sports Park (HSP), 1) expressed his opposition to the proposal, citing his business’ long-standing presence of nearly 24 years at that location, with 31 years remaining on the lease; 2) expressed the opinion that the broader issue of affordable housing is a statewide matter, rather than a City concern; 3) questioned the intent of the proposal and the use of the word “taking”, expressing concern about the potential impact of rezoning on their business; and 4) stated that Metro issued their final EIR (Environmental Impact Report), which also impacts the site, and recommended the City look at that document prior to moving forward.
Giovanni Degidio, Co-Business Owner, HSP, 1) expressed his concerns and opposition to the proposal, noting that he had to leave a family event in order to attend the meeting, as he was not notified that the City Council was considering this matter; 2) noted that Metro issued their final EIR; 3) stressed that he represents a significant amount of influence through the business’ following on social media, noting that actors and influencers frequent his business; and 4) stated that he loves the City of Bellflower, respects the City Council, and hopes that it was an oversight not to notify them, as he feels disrespected and has lost trust over the matter, noting that the previous City Manager tried to rezone the property in the past.
In response to comments made by Giovanni Degidio, 1) Mayor Pro Tem Dunton stated that through discussions with HSP over the last decade, he understood that HSP wanted Metro to buy them out of their current lease with the City; and 2) Mayor Koops a) confirmed that the City’s intent was not to blindside HSP or run the business out of the City, but rather ensure that the City gets the best advantage out of that property; and b) expressed the sentiment that he would like HSP to continue operating in the City regardless of the zoning changes being considered, noting that the City doesn’t know if or when Metro will approach the City.
Larry Wehage expressed the opinion that 1) actors spending time in Hollywood Sports Park spurred development in the City, and he would hate for the City to lose the business that “helped put Bellflower on the map”; 2) the City is becoming a “destination city” with other developments indicating this progress, such as Steelcraft, Kalaveras, The Stand-up Comedy Club, and Rokka; and 3) progress is progress and if something happens to HSP, he believes the City should do its best to find a new location in Bellflower for them so they can continue to provide sales tax revenue for the City.
12 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13-A
April 8, 2024 Page 12 of 15
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
A Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to release the Notice of Preparation and execute a Task Order with Dudek for preparation of a Program Environmental Impact Report for City owned property located at 15240 Lakewood Boulevard, 9030 -9146 Somerset Boulevard, and 9215 Flora Vista Street – Continued
For the record, City Manager Smoot highlighted conditions set by the City Council in 2018, specifically the condition which stated that in order for the City to consent to the sale and conversion of the property for Metro purposes, Metro would be responsible for relocating their tenant if necessary, noting this reflected the City's partnership with Hollywood Sports Park.
Following discussion, for the record, Council Member Sanchez clarified that his use of the word “taken” was used in the context of taking the property and rezoning it, and not in reference to a physical taking of the property.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Santa Ines, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to authorize the City Manager to release the Notice of Preparation and execute a Task Order with Dudek for preparation of a Program Environmental Impact Report :
AYES: Council Members - Sanchez, Santa Ines, Dunton, Morse, and Mayor Koops
14 CONSENT CALENDAR
For the record, 1) Council Member Morse announced that she would recuse herself from Items 14-C (Specifications for the placing of slurry seal) and 14-H (land swap with Bellflower Cedar, LLC) as her employer has property interests within 500 feet of the subject properties; 2) Mayor Pro Tem Dunton announced that he would recuse himself from Item 14-C (Specifications for the placing of slurry seal) as his business is within 500 feet of the subject properties; 3) Mayor Koops announced that he would recuse himself from Item 14-C (Specifications for the placing of slurry seal) as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject properties; 4) Council Member Sanchez requested that Item 14-E (Agreement File No. 857.1 with George Chevrolet) be pulled for discussion only; and 5) Council Member Santa Ines requested that Items 14-D (temporarily close Bellflower Boulevard for a car show) and 14-E (Agreement File No. 857.1 with George Chevrolet) be pulled for discussion only.
For the record, with regard to Item 14-C (Specifications for the placing of slurry seal), since there were three Council Members conflicted on the matter, City Clerk Ochiqui facilitated the drawing of lots between Mayor Koops, Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, and Council Member Morse to determine which Council Member was to participate in the matter and all future discussions regarding this matter. It was determined that Mayor Koops would participate and Mayor Pro Tem Dunton and Council Member Morse would remain recused on the matter. 13 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
April 8, 2024 Page 13 of 15
14 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
With regard to Item 14-D (temporarily close Bellflower Boulevard for a car show), Council Member Santa Ines expressed gratitude to the Bellflower Noon Lions Club for hosting the event, noting that the City becomes a destination during the car show.
With regard to Item 14-E (Agreement File No. 857.1 George Chevrolet), 1) Council Member Sanchez expressed the opinion that this was a creative way that staff found to assist one of the local businesses with storage space, however, he felt it should be made available to all other auto dealerships in the City as well; and 2) Council Member Santa Ines stated he discussed the item with City Manager Smoot after reading the staff report and was pleased to learn that the agreement contained a limitation of storing “new vehicle inventory,” as space available may become problematic if opened up to all dealerships.
Noting the aforementioned recusals, it was moved by Council Member Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the balance of actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar:
AYES: Council Members - Santa Ines, Dunton, Morse, Sanchez, and Mayor Koops
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file Warrant Register No. 24-101, dated April 8, 2024.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 24-101.
B Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the March 25, 2024, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the March 25, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes.
C Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 24 -17 – A Resolution approving the Specifications for the placing of slurry seal on various streets and city-owned alleyways (Specifications No. 23/24-02) 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 § 15301 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities).
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 24-17.
14 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
April 8, 2024 Page 14 of 15
14 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
D Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 24 -18 – A Resolution approving the request by Bellflower Noon Lions Club to temporarily close Bellflower Boulevard on October 5, 2024, for a car show, a third-party special event subject to Resolution No. 09-77, and approving the concurrent request for the City to provide financial support or in-kind services to assist with the event.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 24-18; and incorporate all items outlined in the Staff Report into the Third-Party Special Event permit for a car show in 2024.
E Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 857.1, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with George Chevrolet for use of City’s property identified by separate instrument executed by City’s City Manager and Licensee. ________________________ Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 857.1, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
F Consideration and possible action to authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee, to install an on-street disabled parking space (blue curb) at 9636 Van Ruiten Street (C.E.# 24 02).
Action: Authorized the Director of Public Works, or designee, to install an on-street disabled parking space (blue curb) at 9636 Van Ruiten Street.
G Consideration and possible action to authorize the Director of Public Works, or designee, to install red curb parking restrictions at 9154 Flower Street (C.E. #24-06).
Action: Authorized the Director of Public Works, or designee, to install red curb parking restrictions at 9154 Flower Street.
H Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute a land swap with Bellflower Cedar, LLC for property located at 17634-17648 Bellflower Boulevard and APN 7161-013-901.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute a land swap with Bellflower Cedar, LLC for property located at 17640-17648 Bellflower Boulevard.
15 COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Santa Ines and Mayor Koops made various comments and reports.
15 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 16 April 8, 2024 Page 15 of 15
16 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Koops adjourned the meeting at 9:48 p.m., to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 22, 2024.
Dan Koops, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Approved: April 22, 2024
16