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CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, MAY 28, 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 5:34 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, City Manager Smoot read the title of the Closed Session item.
There being no one from the public in attendance, without objection, Mayor Koops recessed the Meeting at 5:35 p.m. to a Closed Session regarding:
A CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: 16730 Bellflower Boulevard
Agency Negotiator: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
Negotiating Party:Chamber of Commerce
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
For the record, Closed Session adjourned at 6:29 p.m.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 4
May 28, 2024 Page 2 of 12
4 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
Mayor Koops reconvened the Meeting at 7:00 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 7:00 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 Travis Sais, Deputy City Manager
Brian McNerney, Interim Director of Public Safety
Elizabeth Oba, Director of Planning and Building Services Melanie Paz, Management Analyst II
Dakota Wallace, Management Assistant
7 INVOCATION
Council Member Sonny R. Santa Ines offered the Invocation. 8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Interim Director of Public Safety Brian McNerney led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 9-A
May 28, 2024 Page 3 of 12
9-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Koops provided details relative to the video recording of the City's BRAVO Awards ceremony made available to the public for viewing on the City's YouTube channel, website, and Spectrum Cable Channel 36.
Mayor Pro Tem Dunton provided details relative to the Parks and Recreation Department's new Showcase Event to be held on June 14, 2024, at Caruthers Park to show everything the Department has to offer.
Council Member Sanchez provided details relative to the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board's employment resources.
Council Member Santa Ines provided details relative to the Brakensiek Library's free Summer Stars Tutoring Program for students in grades first through sixth.
Council Member Morse provided details relative to the City's monthly E-Citizen Newsletter and how it supports local businesses by highlighting updates, special events, and holiday celebrations.
9-A PRESENTATION: Certificates of Achievement for Student Art Festival Winners
Mayor Koops and his City Council colleagues congratulated and presented Certificates of Achievement to the 2024 Student Art Festival winners. 9-B PRESENTATION: Proclamation Declaring the month of May as Mental Health Awareness Month"
Mayor Koops and his City Council colleagues 1) declared May as Mental Health Awareness Month; 2) read the proclamation into the record; and 3) presented the proclamation to William Sinko, Executive Director of the Community Family Guidance Center.
For the record, Executive Director Sinko 1) accepted the proclamation; and 2) provided information relative to the Community Family Guidance Center and their work in the field of mental health, noting that approximately 25% of their caseload is serving children in the City of Bellflower. 9-C PRESENTATION: Proclamation Declaring the month of May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Month"
Mayor Koops and his City Council colleagues 1) declared May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Month; 2) read the proclamation into the record; and 3) presented the proclamation to Bellflower High School's Filipino Club.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 9-D
May 28, 2024 Page 4 of 12
9-D PRESENTATION: LA County Sanitation District for the Ramona Avenue Sewer Relining Project
Rene Canedo, Resident Engineer of the Los Angeles County Sanitation District, 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation giving an overview of the proposed project; and 2) along with Ryan Helmuth, Vice President of Sancon Technologies, Inc. and Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki, responded to Council Members' questions.
For the record, at the request of Council Member Sanchez, 1) Resident Engineer Canedo stated that he would look into whether the senior centers on Ramona Street would be directly affected by the project; and 2) Vice President Helmuth confirmed that they could reverse the direction of the project, going west to east instead of east to west, to alleviate traffic congestion during the back-to-school period.
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Eden Escobedo, President of Miss Bellflower Pageant, 1) explained that the 2024 Miss Bellflower Pageant was recently held; 2) thanked the dignitaries from the surrounding cities for their involvement and attendance; 3) congratulated and thanked the 2022 Miss Bellflower Court for serving their community; and 4) introduced the 2024 Miss and Miss Teen Bellflower Court.
Ali Morse, 2024 Miss Teen Bellflower Princess, introduced herself to the City Council.
Paradise McGifford, 2024 Miss Teen Bellflower Queen, introduced herself to the City Council.
Jackie Espeio, 2024 Miss Bellflower Queen, 1) introduced herself to the City Council; 2) mentioned that she has served the City of Bellflower as an employee for the last three years; and 3) noted that she is honored to serve as Queen. 11 PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13-A
May 28, 2024 Page 5 of 12
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
A Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 24-24 — A Resolution authorizing additional positions within the Public Works Department, effective July 1, 2024, and funding for other related costs.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki 1) gave a verbal presentation providing an overview of the Staff Report; and 2) responded to Council Members' questions.
In response to Mayor Koops, Assistant City Manager/Director Gorecki 1) clarified that two new full-time positions are being proposed; and 2) confirmed that if the purchase of an additional graffiti truck is approved, he will determine which truck will be used on the weekdays and weekends.
For the record, at the request of Council Member Santa Ines and for the benefit of the public, Assistant City Manager/Director Gorecki clarified that the proposed new positions would work on the weekdays in addition to the weekends, with the part- time positions working up to 29 hours per week.
For the record, Council Member Sanchez stated that this discussion opens up a conversation for a later date about partnering with local businesses that are frequent targets of graffiti to assist with the prevention side of the issue as well.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) adopt Resolution No. 24-24, authorizing additional positions within the Public Works Department, effective July 1, 2024; and 2) incorporate a budget amendment, to reflect the addition of the one Full-Time Crew Leader, one Full- Time Maintenance Worker I/II, two Part-Time Maintenance Work positions, and other related costs (General Fund, Streets Division):
AYES: Council Members - Sanchez, Santa Ines, Dunton, Morse, and Mayor Koops
14 CONSENT CALENDAR
For the record, with regard to Item 14-H (Placing of Slurry Seal on Various Streets Including City-Owned Alleyways), Mayor Koops stated that at the April 8, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, Council Member Morse, and he declared that they had property conflicts, lots were drawn, and it was determined that he would participate in all future discussions regarding the matter.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
May 28, 2024 Page 6 of 12
14 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
For the record, 1) Council Member Morse announced that she would recuse herself from Items 14-E (Use of public parking lots located within the Town Center District and the Civic Center), 14-G (Designated Block Downtown Façade Improvement Program), and 14-H (Placing of Slurry Seal on Various Streets Including City-Owned Alleyways) as her employer owns property within 500 feet of the subject properties; 2) Mayor Pro Tern Dunton announced that he would recuse himself from Items 14-E and 14-H as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject properties; 3) Mayor Koops announced that he would recuse himself from Item 14-E due to a potential conflict of interest related to a source of income and 14-F (Capital Improvement Projects Budget) as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject property; 4) Council Member Santa Ines requested that Item 14- E be pulled for discussion; and 5) Council Member Sanchez requested that Items 14-D (Legislative Platform) and 14-L (Agreement File No. 696.6 with MuniEnvironmental, LLC) be pulled for discussion.
For the record, with regard to Item 14-E (Use of public parking lots located within the Town Center District and the Civic Center), since there were three Council Members conflicted on the matter, City Clerk Ochiqui facilitated the drawing of lots between Mayor Koops, Mayor Pro Tern 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 Council Member Morse would participate, and Mayor Koops and Mayor Pro Tern Dunton would remain recused on the matter.
Noting the aforementioned recusals and removal of Items 14- D (Legislative Platform), 14-E (Use of public parking lots located within the Town Center District and the Civic Center), and 14- L (Agreement File No. 696.6 with MuniEnvironmental, LLC) from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tern Dunton, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the balance of the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar:
AYES: Council Members - Sanchez, Santa Ines, Dunton, Morse, and Mayor Koops
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file Warrant Register No. 24-112, dated May 28, 2024.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 24-112.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file Treasurer's Report for the Month of April 2024.
Action: Received and filed the Treasurer's Report.
C Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the May 13, 2024, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the May 13, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
May 28, 2024 Page 7 of 12
14 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
D Pulled for separate consideration]
E Pulled for separate consideration]
F Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 24-25 — A Resolution establishing the Capital Improvement Projects Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 funded by Senate Bill 1: Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 24-25 for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 in the budget to Account No. 145-47050-9000 for the total project funding of $5,276,780.
G Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 24-26 — A Resolution approving the Plans and Specifications for the Designated Block Downtown Façade Improvement Program (Specifications No. 22/23-08) 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. 24-26.
H Consideration and possible action to award a contract to Doug Martin Contracting Company, Inc., for Placing of Slurry Seal on Various Streets Including City-Owned Alleyways (Specifications No. 23/24-02); 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.
Consideration and possible action to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1431 — An Ordinance amending Bellflower Municipal Code BMC") Chapter 8.16 regulating fireworks in accordance with Government Code §§ 51306, et seq.
Action: Waived further reading and adopted Ordinance No. 1431 .
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
May 28, 2024 Page 8 of 12
14 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
J Consideration and possible action to receive and file Lease Agreement File No. 1047 with KaziRokz LLC for lease of property at 16552 Bellflower Boulevard, also known as Kiosk B.
Action: Received and filed Lease Agreement File No. 1047.
K Consideration and possible action to approve the submission of a sub-application for grant funding with the California Office of Emergency Services (CalOES) for a hazard mitigation plan.
Action: Approved submission of grant to CalOES.
L Pulled for separate consideration]
M Consideration and possible action to consider: (1) approving a $7,500 contribution in Cannabis Education Funding to the 605 All Star Band, which will march in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2025; 2) authorizing the City Manager or designee to coordinate with the 605 All Star Band and the City of Lakewood on a moving street closure for a practice parade march on December 1, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and 3) approving the City to provide in-kind services to assist with the practice parade.
Action: 1) Approved a $7,500 contribution in Cannabis Education Funding to the 605 All-Star Band; 2) authorized the City Manager or designee to coordinate with the 605 All-Star Band and the City of Lakewood on a moving street closure for a practice parade march on December 1 , 2024 from 1 :30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.; and 3) approved the City to provide in-kind services to assist with the practice parade.
N Consideration and possible action to receive and file Official Travel Report— California Contract Cities Association, 65th Annual Municipal Seminar, May 16 - 19, 2024 (Pursuant to AB 1234).
Action: Received and filed Official Travel Report for the California Contract Cities Association, 65th Annual Municipal Seminar.
0 Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 320.8.11, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Bellflower-Somerset Mutual Water Company, for the lease of water pumping allocation rights for Fiscal Year 2023-2024.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 320.8.11 , in a form approved by the City Attorney.
For the record, the items pulled for separate consideration were considered out of sequential order.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14-D
May 28, 2024 Page 9 of 12
14 CONSENT CALENDAR— Continued
14-D Consideration and possible action to adopt a Legislative Platform authorizing the City Manager to issue position letters on State and Federal legislation impacting local government services in Bellflower.
For the record, Council Member Sanchez stated that he pulled the item from the Consent Calendar to commend staff as something like this has not been done before and request a summary of the item to see what the thought-process was on this matter.
Deputy City Manager Sais 1) gave a verbal presentation of the Staff Report; and and 2)along with City Manager Smoot, responded to Council Members' questions.
City Manager Smoot, 1) in response to Council Member Sanchez, noted that with an adopted Legislative Platform, staff is able to submit a legislative letter in a quicker manner and clarified that the intent was to bring the matter back at least annually for City Council consideration following the California Contract Cities Association Legislative Tour; and 2) in response to Council Member Santa Ines, confirmed that the Legislative Platform would be posted on the City's website.
For the record, Items 14-D and 14-L were voted on together following discussion of Item 14-L below.
14-L Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 696.6, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with MuniEnvironmental, LLC, to provide assistance with the SB 1383 Planning and Compliance Assistance Services and approve Resolution No. 24-27 — A Resolution amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to provide additional funding for organic waste recycling program.
For the record, Council Member Sanchez stated that he pulled the item from the Consent Calendar to request a summary of the item and ask what percentage of the scope of work for this agreement was for educating the community on this matter.
At the request of Council Member Sanchez, 1) Management Analyst II Paz a) confirmed that about 40% of the scope of work will be dedicated to educating business owners and residents about the requirements of Senate Bill 1383; b) confirmed that the payment to the consultant is funded through the CalRecycle Grant; and c) clarified that the State of California is already in the enforcement period of Senate Bill 1383; and 2)Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki clarified that in addition to outreach and education, the consultant will assist the City with auditing and reporting to CalRecycle, as required by Senate Bill 1383.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14-D & 14-L
May 28, 2024 Page 10 of 12
14 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
14-D Consideration and possible action to adopt a Legislative Platform authorizing the City Manager to issue position letters on State and Federal legislation impacting local government services in Bellflower; AND 14-L Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 696.6, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with MuniEnvironmental, LLC, to provide assistance with the SB 1383 Planning and Compliance Assistance Services and approve Resolution No. 24-27 — A Resolution amending the Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to provide additional funding for organic waste recycling program — Continued Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Santa Ines, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to take action on the following items:
Relative to 14-D (Legislative Platform), adopt the proposed Legislative Platform; and
Relative to 14-L (Agreement File No. 696.6 with MuniEnvironmental, LLC), 1) authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 696.6, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and 2) approve Resolution No. 24-27 to amend the operating budget for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 to provide additional funding in Account No. 010-42360-3310 to increase the allocation by$157,272, to the overall program budget of$207,272:
AYES: Council Members - Sanchez, Santa Ines, Dunton, Morse, and Mayor Koops
For the record, due to previously stated conflicts and drawing of lots on Item 14-E Use of public parking lots located within the Town Center District and the Civic Center), Mayor Koops and Mayor Pro Tem Dunton left the dais and Council Chambers at 8:53 p.m.
14-E Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute License Agreement File No. 1048, in a form approved by the City Attorney, between James Redding and the City of Bellflower, regarding the use of public parking lots located within the Town Center District and the Civic Center.
For the record, Council Member Santa Ines explained that he pulled this item for separate consideration due to 1) his concern that parking in the Town Center District will be limited in the future if parking requirements continue to be transferred to the City; 2) noted that other areas west of Bellflower Boulevard have been established as a parking district to pay for maintenance and part of their parking requirements, which creates an imbalance in how parking requirements are being addressed; 3) he wanted to highlight this issue for the new City Manager for future consideration; and 4) ask specific questions relative to License Agreement No. 1048.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14-E
May 28, 2024 Page 11 of 12
14 CONSENT CALENDAR— Continued
14-E Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute License Agreement File No. 1048 — Continued
At the request of Council Member Santa Ines, Director of Planning and Building Services Oba 1) confirmed that the parking study in the staff report was provided by the applicant; 2) stated that the parking study was consistent with previous parking studies; 3) explained that the study is conducted by analyzing parking during the peak hours of the business to determine how many parking spaces are available during those hours; 4) clarified that the parking lots were surveyed on multiple days at various times, including peak hours; and 5) noted that it is unknown when the City will reach capacity of parking as it depends on the use of the businesses in the Downtown area.
For the record, Council Member Santa Ines 1) reiterated that he is concerned about businesses transferring the parking requirements to the City at no cost; 2) stated that other businesses are required to pay for their parking, which creates an imbalance; and 3) without objection, requested a comprehensive parking study be completed in the near future to analyze the future parking needs and address some of the imbalances that currently exist.
Council Member Morse 1) stated that she likes the idea of bringing additional businesses onto Bellflower Boulevard; and 2) noted that one of the days included in the parking study was a holiday weekend, further explaining that the study showed there were parking spaces still available during that busy period.
Council Member Sanchez agreed with Council Member Santa Ines's concerns, noting that the issue will need to be addressed with future growth and development.
In response to questions from Council Member Santa Ines and Council Member Sanchez, James Redding, Applicant, 1) explained that he does not have an open arcade at this time, however, does have a warehouse in the City of Cerritos where he stores approximately 130 machines and he opens the warehouse to his friends and family for occasional play to keep the machines functional; 2) stated the proposed location would fit approximately 100 - 110 machines; 3) expressed the opinion that the arcade will bring foot-traffic and customers to the City, noting that the arcade will be one of the largest vintage pinball and videogame arcades in California; 4) explained that a one-time fee will be paid when entering the arcade, noting that there is no limit to how many hours a customer can play, and the customer can come and go as they please; 5) confirmed that he is not looking to sell alcohol at the arcade at this time; 6) noted that he would like to open in early August, if possible; and 7) stated that the proposed entrance fee will be $19.75 per person.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14-E
May 28, 2024 Page 12 of 12
14 CONSENT CALENDAR— Continued
14-E Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute License Agreement File No. 1048 — Continued
Noting the aforementioned recusals from Mayor Koops and Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Morse, and carried by the following roll call vote, to authorize the City Manager to execute License Agreement File No. 1048:
AYES: Council Members - Sanchez, Morse, and Santa Ines RECUSE: Council Members - Koops and Dunton
For the record, Mayor Koops and Mayor Pro Tern Dunton returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 9:20 p.m.
15 COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Koops made various comments and reports.
16 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Koops adjourned the meeting at 9:22 p.m., to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 10, 2024.
9j.012
Dan Koops, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
Ma ra chiqui, City Cle
A ro ed: June 10, 20