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CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, JULY 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
Council Member Wendi Morse
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez
Council Member Sonny R. Santa Ines
For the record, it was moved by Council Member Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection to excuse the absence of Mayor Pro Tem Dunton.
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
For the record, 1) City Manager Smoot read the title of the Closed Session item; 2) Council Member Morse announced that she would recuse from Item 3-A due to conflicts of interest with her employer (source of income); and 3) with regard to Item 3-A, Mayor Koops announced that at the October 23, 2023, Regular City Council Meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, Council Member Morse, and he declared that they had property conflicts regarding this matter, lots were drawn, and it was determined that he would participate in all future discussions regarding the matter.
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 LEGAL COUNSEL — INITIATION OF LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE § 54956.9(d)(4). Number of Cases: One. Potential defendant and property listed below is not required by applicable law; voluntarily disclosed:
1. DGSG Investment Properties, LLC; 17617-17639 Bellflower Boulevard
Bellflower City Council Minutes
July 8, 2024
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION — Continued
Item No. 3
For the record, Closed Session adjourned at 6:42 p.m.
4 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
Mayor Koops reconvened the Meeting at 7:04 p.m. with Mayor Pro Tem Dunton absent 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 7:04 p.m.
6 ROLL CALL
The following members of the City Council responded present to roll call:
Mayor Dan Koops
Council Member Wendi Morse
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez
Council Member Sonny R. Santa Ines
For the record, it was moved by Council Member Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection to excuse the absence of Mayor Pro Tem Dunton.
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
Melanie Paz, Management Analyst II
7 INVOCATION
Council Member Wendi Morse offered the Invocation.
8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Len Gorecki led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
July 8, 2024
9-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Item No. 9-A
Mayor Koops provided details relative to the Parks & Recreation Department's "Summer Streetfest," noting that the next event will be held on July 11, 2024, in Downtown Bellflower.
Council Member Sanchez provided details relative to National Night Out and the final Summer Movie Night to be held at Thompson Park on August 6, 2024.
Council Member Santa Ines provided details relative to the City's "Community Walk" to be held on July 13, 2024, on the Bellflower Bike Trail and Pedestrian Path.
Council Member Morse provided details relative to the recent increase in mail theft, noting that if anyone suspected they have been victims of mail fraud or theft, they should report it to the United States Postal Inspection Service. 10 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ken Letourneau 1) thanked the City Council for hosting the recent Summer Streetfest, noting it has been a positive event for the community and he had a booth there; and 2) expressed concern that the Planning & Building Department's Business Licensing Division is not currently verifying business licenses when reviewing plans, noting that this may have resulted in a significant loss of revenue for the City and requested clarification as to who will be responsible for implementing a business license verification process.
Charles Leone, SEIU Local 721 Representative, 1) noted that he submitted a written letter to the City Council earlier in the day; 2) thanked the City Council for their attention to community issues, noting the importance of their role in overseeing local services; 3) expressed concern about SEAACA (Southeast Area Animal Control Authority) operating without a contract for over a year, heavy staff turnover, a 40% vacancy rate, disparity in pay and benefits between management and its workers, and the impact on animal care services; and 4) requested the City Council's intervention by reaching out to SEAACA and advocating for changes.
For the record, Charles Leone submitted written public comments (supplemental materials), which was distributed to the City Council and made available to the public prior to the start of the meeting.
Priscilla Brown, resident, 1) expressed concern about large, unpermitted gatherings at City parks, including drinking and smoking in the parking lot, blocking entrances, and creating disturbances, and noted a recent shooting at Simms Park; 2) requested increased oversight and enforcement to address the issues, suggesting increased patrols by Southwest Patrol and emphasizing the need for action to ensure parks are safe and enjoyable for families; and 3) noting the Brown Act, stated that she was attending the meeting to address her concerns with the City Council collectively versus contacting individual Council Members, but requested clarification on how to properly address these concerns with the City Council.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
July 8, 2024
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS — Continued
Item No. 10
Oscar Villaqomez, Library Manager, Brakensiek Library, shared various summer programs being offered by the Library, including the "Summer Discovery" reading program, "Lunch at the Library" free lunch program for children 18 and younger, and a "Paint Night" for adults.
In response to questions from Mayor Koops, Library Manager Villagomez reported that 1) the "Reading with Dogs" program has not yet resumed; 2) the next event, the "Super Science Super Show," will be held on July 31, 2024; and 3) the Summer Stars tutoring program is transitioning from reading to math, noted that there is still space available, and provided the contact information for those interested. 11 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider delinquent refuse service charges; and adopt Resolution No. 24-38 — A Resolution ordering delinquent refuse service charges be assessed against the property owners and properties and such charges be transferred to the County tax rolls.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
Management Analyst Paz 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the item; and 2) along with Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki, responded to Council Members' questions.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Morse, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
Chrystal Denning, Regional Vice President for CR&R, Inc., 1) responded to Council Members' questions; 2) in response to Council Member Santa Ines's and Council Member Morse's questions relative to recent mail theft at the Bellflower Post Office, confirmed that she has not received any feedback from other customers regarding issues with mail fraud or similar concerns; 3) at the request of Council Member Sanchez, addressed the timeline and process for handling delinquent accounts, noting that additional notices are sent out monthly if an account remains delinquent, with follow-up calls from the team as well; 4) suggested contacting CR&R if a property tax notice is received, emphasized that CR&R staff is available to assist with any questions, and mentioned that assistance with payment plans are an option and have been provided in the past when needed; and 5) at the request of Council Member Santa Ines, confirmed that submitting delinquent accounts to the City and County is not a punitive action by CR&R, rather the company may lose money in this process, as the City takes a 10% cut along with an administration fee.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
July 8, 2024
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS — Continued
Item No. 11-A
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider delinquent refuse service charges; and adopt Resolution No. 24-38 — Continued
James Marrow, resident, reported receiving a delinquent refuse account notice from CR&R for a previous property owner's account, noted that he already addressed this issue with CR&R in June 2023 and believed it to be resolved, and requested assistance from the City Council to prevent further issues.
In response to comments provided by James Marrow, Mayor Koops suggested addressing the issue with Chrystal Denning, Regional Vice President for CR&R, Inc., to discuss and resolve the matter.
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 Council Member Sanchez, and carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Resolution No. 24-38:
AYES: Council Members - Santa Ines, Morse, Sanchez and Mayor Koops
ABSENT: Council Members - Dunton
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
A Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 24-39 — A Resolution adopted pursuant to Bellflower Municipal Code ("BMC") Chapter
2.20 and Public Contracts Code § 20168 finding that a local emergency exists within the City and authorizing contracting without the need for bidding pursuant to § 22050 and Bellflower Municipal Code § 3.28.070(d) and finding that the nuisance abatement project at 17617-17629 Bellflower Boulevard is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act as an emergency project.
CEQA: The Resolution itself and the projects anticipated by the Resolution were reviewed pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., "CEQA") and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 Cal. Code of Regulations §§15000, et seq., the "CEQA Guidelines"). Based upon that review, the Projects are exempt from further review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15269(a) because the protection of public and private property is necessary to maintain service essential to the public, health and welfare.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
For the record, supplemental materials for this item were distributed to the City Council and made available to the public prior to start of the meeting.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
July 8, 2024
Item No. 12-A
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION — Continued A Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 24-39 — Continued For the record, 1) Council Member Morse announced that she would recuse on this item due to a conflict of interest as her employer is located within 1,000 feet of the subject property and left the dais and Council Chambers at 7:53 p.m; and 2) Mayor Koops announced that at the October 23, 2023, Regular City Council Meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, Council Member Morse, and he declared that they had property conflicts regarding this matter, lots were drawn, and it was determined that he would participate in all future discussions regarding the matter.
City Manager Smoot 1) provided a brief verbal presentation of the Staff Report and presented photos on a PowerPoint slide for reference; and 2) along with City Attorney Berger, responded to Council Members' questions.
For the record, 1) Council Member Santa Ines stated that he had been very excited about the development project, taking this action is sad but necessary, and he is still hoping the property owner will reapply for a Conditional Use Permit, as the door for development remains open; 2) Council Member Sanchez echoed Council Member Santa Ines's comments and, without objection, requested the City Council increase the amount to $500,000 to give staff the ability to fully clean the property; and 3) Mayor Koops echoed the sentiments of his City Council colleagues relative to the necessary action needed to remedy the property on an emergency basis.
Guy Bremer, resident, expressed that he was glad to see this nuisance abatement moving forward and the property cleaned up, as the property owner was given plenty of time and opportunity to do what he was supposed to and has chosen not to.
Sophia Partida, resident, 1) requested and received clarification from Mayor Koops relative to the property being cleaned up using the property owners' funds, not the City's, and eminent domain would not be used in this circumstance as the City cannot take the property unless it is needed for a public use; and 2) at the request of Mayor Koops, received clarification from City Attorney Berger relative to voluntary compliance being sought first, prior to initiation of litigation which is frequently used as a tool for achieving compliance, but only as a last resort.
Following brief discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Santa Ines, and carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) adopt Resolution No. 24-39, as amended; and 2) authorize funding up to $500,000 for the nuisance abatement project at 17617-17629 Bellflower Boulevard:
AYES: Council Members - Santa Ines, Sanchez and Mayor Koops ABSENT: Council Members - Dunton
RECUSED: Council Members - Morse
For the record, Council Member Morse returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 8:12 p.m.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
July 8, 2024
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
Item No. 13-A
A Consideration and possible action to consider placing a ballot measure for consideration by the voters on the November 5, 2024, General Election ballot by adopting the following Resolutions:
Resolution No. 24-40 — A Resolution adding a proposition to the ballot for the previously called November 5, 2024, Special and General Municipal Election pursuant to Elections Code § 9222; and
Consideration and possible action to consider placing a ballot measure for consideration by the voters on the November 5, 2024, General Election ballot by adopting the following Resolutions — Continued
Resolution No. 24-41 — A Resolution requesting the Board of Supervisors of the County of Los Angeles to add a proposition to the previously consolidated Special and General Municipal Election to be held on November 5, 2024, with the General Election to be held on that date pursuant to Elections Code § 10403; and
Resolution No. 24-42 — A Resolution directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis of the proposition seeking voter approval for a City Charter; and
Resolution No. 24-43 — A Resolution establishing requirements for ballot arguments filed with the City Clerk to be included with voter information for the Special and General Municipal Election on November 5, 2024.
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"). This activity is exempt from review under CEQA because it will not result in a direct or reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, there is possibility that it may have a significant effect on the environment, and does not constitute a "project" as defined in CEQA Guidelines. These Resolutions are for general policies and procedure - making. They do not involve any commitment to a specific project which could result in a potentially significant physical impact on the environment. Accordingly, Accordingly, this activity is exempt from further review.
City Manager Smoot 1) introduced the item; 2) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 3) along with City Attorney Berger, responded to Council Members' questions.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
July 8, 2024
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS — Continued
Item No. 13-A
A Consideration and possible action to consider placing a ballot measure for consideration by the voters on the November 5, 2024, General Election ballot by adopting Resolution Nos. 24-40 through 24-43 — Continued For the record, Council Member Santa Ines 1) stated that this project was ongoing for a number of years, thanked the members of the former Charter Subcommittee for their efforts including Former Council Members Ray Hamada and Juan Garza, noting that he really wants to honor the work that they put into this by carrying this to the finish line; and 2) provided a real -life example as one of his motivations for wanting the City to adopt a charter, in which the City tried to help Fantasy Cakes improve their signage, but the hurdles of prevailing wage for a $20,000 project made it very difficult to find a contractor willing to meet all of the State's requirements for such a small project, noting that a charter city would have the flexibility needed to be able to assist more small businesses.
For the record, Council Member Sanchez 1) stated that he was not on the Charter Subcommittee, however he attended every meeting and expressed the opinion that they did a thorough job; 2) expressed the opinion that the City Council is the most accessible to the community and a charter empowers the community more, noting Section 8.G of the charter that states if approved the charter can only be changed by a vote of the people, giving the residents more leverage; and 3) concurred with Council Member Santa Ines that this will give the City more ability to help small businesses, noting that the City's niche is "mom-and-pop" and unique businesses, and a charter will help the City pursue that initiative.
For the record, Mayor Koops explained for the benefit of the public that if the City Council decides to move forward with placing the ballot measure on the ballot, it will go before the voters of the City of Bellflower at the November 5, 2024, Election for them to decide If they want to remain a general law city or become a charter city.
Cheryl Williams, resident and Former Charter Subcommittee Member, 1) requested and received clarification from Mayor Koops relative to the City's efforts to educate the residents of the City regarding the benefits of a charter city, including a recent informational mailer; and 2) expressed that she will do her part in educating voters relative to charter cities.
Following brief discussion, it was moved by Council Member Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Morse, and carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Resolution Nos. 24-40 through 24-43:
AYES: Council Members - Santa Ines, Morse, Sanchez and Mayor Koops
ABSENT: Council Members - Dunton
Bellflower City Council Minutes
July 8, 2024
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS — Continued
Item No. 13-A
A Consideration and possible action to consider placing a ballot measure for consideration by the voters on the November 5, 2024, General Election ballot by adopting Resolution Nos. 24-40 through 24-43 — Continued Discussion ensued relative to a City Council Subcommittee to draft an argument in favor of the ballot proposition.
Following brief discussion, Council Member Sanchez and Council Member Santa Ines nominated Mayor Pro Tem Dunton and Council Member Santa Ines to draft an argument in favor of the ballot proposition.
At the request of Mayor Koops, City Attorney Berger clarified that 1) the City Council can designate one author and the rest of the City Council can sign on to what is drafted, or the author can bring the argument back for approval by the entire Council; 2) the Council can designate one or two authors, but not more, so that there is not a violation of the Brown Act; 3) pointed out that the argument would be due within 14 days, so a special meeting would need to be called if the full Council wanted to review and approve the draft; and 4) based upon the timing, his recommendation would be to designate one or two authors to draft it and have all Council Members sign it prior to submitting it to the City Clerk.
Following brief discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Morse, and carried by the following roll call vote, to designate Council Member Santa Ines and Mayor Pro Tem Dunton to draft an argument in favor of the ballot proposition, with the full City Council authorized to sign it:
AYES: Council Members - Santa Ines, Morse, Sanchez and Mayor Koops
ABSENT: Council Members - Dunton
For the record, Council Member Santa Ines expressed the opinion that although Mayor Pro Tem Dunton was absent, he believed that if he were there, that he would have voted in the affirmative based on positive prior comments during previous Council Meetings when the matter had been discussed. 14 CONSENT CALENDAR
For the record, 1) For the record, supplemental materials for Item 14-B (Amendment No. 11 to Agreement File No. 464.1 with Kingdom Causes Bellflower) were distributed to the City Council and made available to the public prior to start of the meeting; 2) with regard to Item 14-B, Council Member Morse announced that although her employer is Kingdom Causes Bellflower's landlord, there is no conflict for her to participate in the matter; 3) without objection, Council Member Santa Ines pulled Item 14-B for discussion only; and 4) without objection, Council Member Sanchez pulled Item 14-E (Agreement File No. 1053 with GreenLatinos) for discussion only.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
July 8, 2024
14 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
Item No. 14
With regard to Item 14-B (Amendment No. 11 to Agreement File No. 464.1 with Kingdom Causes Bellflower), 1) without objection, Council Member Santa Ines requested that Kingdom Causes Bellflower come back and present a report to the City Council to highlight the efforts and good work they do for the City when the 2023/24 fiscal year is complete; 2) Council Member Sanchez highlighted that $162,000 going back into the community to help families in need and that is something that the City does very well; and 3) Mayor Koops echoed that Kingdom Causes helps administer this funding to families identified as being in danger of becoming homeless and that is something that the City has consistently included in the budget to help support the community.
With regard to Item 14-E (Agreement File No. 1053 with GreenLatinos), Council Member Sanchez highlighted that the City received $1 million in grant funding to plant 500 trees in the City, noting that City Council has been a strong supporter of this effort.
For the record, it was moved by Council Member Morse, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar:
AYES: Council Members - Santa Ines, Morse, Sanchez and Mayor Koops
ABSENT: Council Members - Dunton
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file Warrant Register No. 25-011, dated July 8, 2024.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 25-011.
B Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 11 to Agreement File No. 464.1, in a form approved by the City Attorney, between the City of Bellflower, acting as the Successor Housing Agency to the Dissolved Bellflower Redevelopment Agency, and Kingdom Causes Bellflower to renew the Homeless Prevention and Rapid Re-Housinq Services for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 11 to Agreement File No. 464.1, as amended, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
C Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 4 to Agreement File No. 777, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Thermal Concepts, Inc.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 4 to Agreement File No. 777, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
July 8, 2024
14 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
Item No. 14
D Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the June 24, 2024, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the June 24, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes.
E Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute Agreement File No. 1053 with GreenLatinos, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to commence work under the United States Department of Agriculture ("USDA") Forest Service's Urban & Community Forestry grant.
Action: Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute Agreement File No. 1053 with GreenLatinos, in a form approved by the City Attorney. 15 COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Morse, Council Member Sanchez, Council Member Santa Ines, and Mayor Koops made various comments and reports.
Without objection, Mayor Koops requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Roy Herron, noting that Mr. Herron's daughter, Cindy, was in attendance. 16 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Koops adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m., in memory of Roy Herron, to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 12, 2024.
Dan Koops, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
Ma a O iqui, it "C erk
Ap rov d: August 12, 2024