14-E
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 August 12, 2024, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
DATE: September 9, 2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
None
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Approve the August 12, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENT
Minutes of the August 12, 2024, Regular Meeting… ................... ………………………… 2
01: 135141.110“?
4? {:4 # Staft'eport o $— ROMNG 1-c)<3‘éi‘""g
MINUTES
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 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 5:30 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 titles of the Closed Session items.
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: 17228-44 Downey Avenue and 8507-31 Artesia Blvd. (APNs 7162-001-085, 7162-001-086, 7162-001-087,
and 7162-001-900)
Agency Negotiator: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Geo Kim, GAIA
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
0X“; 0
F B ELLF L O W 8 Q
‘\ "0 R0 WIN 113?» G ToGE g.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 3
August 12, 2024 Page 2 of 16
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION – Continued
B CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – INITIATION OF LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE § 54956.9(d)(4). Number of Cases: Four. Potential defendant and property listed below is not required by applicable law; voluntarily disclosed:
1. 9103-9121 Artesia Blvd., Bellflower, CA 90706;
2. 9070 Artesia Blvd., 9080 Artesia Blvd. and 17427 Virginia Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706 (single parcel);
3. 13825 Charlemagne Ave., Bellflower, CA 90706; and
4. 16728 Bellflower Blvd, Bellflower, CA 90706.
For the record, Closed Session adjourned at 7:01 p.m.
4 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
Mayor Koops reconvened the Meeting at 7:05 p.m. with all members present.
For the record, City Attorney Berger announced that with regard to Item 3-B, the City Council unanimously voted to authorize the City Attorney’s Office to initiate litigation relative to Closed Session Item Nos. 3.B.1 through 3.B.3.
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 7:05 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
Timothy E. Campen, Assistant City Attorney
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Len Gorecki, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Travis Sais, Deputy City Manager
Elizabeth Oba, Director of Planning and Building Services Jim DellaLonga, Director of Economic Development
Brian McNerney, Interim Director of Public Safety
Jennifer Russell, Management Assistant
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 7
August 12, 2024 Page 3 of 16
7 INVOCATION
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez offered the Invocation.
8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Planning and Building Services Elizbeth Oba led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
9-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Koops provided details relative to the State of City presentation to be held on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the Mayne Events Center.
Mayor Pro Tem Dunton provided details relative to the street slurry program.
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.
Council Member Sanchez provided details in English and Spanish relative to Asociación de Emprendedor@s free 8-week program to be held every Tuesday from September 3, 2024, through November 5, 2024, in the Green Room at Bellflower City Hall.
Council Member Santa Ines provided details relative to the Bellflower Symphony Orchestra which will be hosting its concert in the park at Caruthers Park on August 24, 2024.
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS
David Giese 1) expressed his concerns about the condition of Caruthers Park, specifically graffiti and trash in the skate park, noting that he used to frequent the park ten years ago; 2) pointed out a disturbing graffitied image of who he described as “Hitler” that he noticed near the park, though not directly on the park grounds; and 3) requested that the City address these problems.
In response to comments provided by David Giese, Mayor Koops confirmed that Public Works staff would take a look at the issues.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10
August 12, 2024 Page 4 of 16
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS – Continued
Paul Jones 1) stated that in 2012, ten California cities had been designated as Purple Heart Cities by proclamation; 2) explained that then-Governor Jerry Brown, moved by the display of patriotism, issued a proclamation making California the first state in the nation to be designated a Purple Heart State, noting that the proclamation acknowledged the sacrifices of those wounded or killed in the line of duty; 3) requested that the City declare August as “Purple Heart Month” and issue a proclamation designating Bellflower as a “Purple Heart City”; and 4) gave a Purple Heart frame to the City.
Robert Franklin, resident (9825 Rose Street), 1) stated that he emailed the Mayor and City Council Members several times regarding alleged police corruption in Bellflower, but had not received a response and expressed frustration over not being acknowledged; 2) described an incident where his Mercedes-Benz SUV was towed by the Sheriff's Department on July 19, 2014, when he was also falsely arrested, noting that they took his key and kept it for 90 days; 3) stated that he obtained a court order to retrieve his property (just the key) and received it back destroyed; and 4) reported ongoing harassment by the Lakewood Sheriff’s Department and Bellflower detectives for the last year-and-a-half, including three false arrests, damage to his vehicle, and claimed his reports for when his house was broken into and car vandalized were not investigated.
In response to comments provided by Robert Franklin, 1) Mayor Koops and Mayor Pro Tem Dunton confirmed that they had not received any correspondence from Mr. Franklin prior to the meeting; and 2) Mayor Koops suggested Mr. Franklin speak with Interim Director of Public Safety McNerney and Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Captain Holguin, who were in attendance.
Lee Squire, Veteran, U.S. Army, requested the City Council proclaim August as Purple Heart Month and the City of Bellflower a Purple Heart City to honor and recognize the sacrifices of those who have received the Purple Heart.
Sofia Partida, resident, 1) requested and received confirmation from Mayor Koops relative to the City removing graffiti within 24-hours of when it is reported through the “graffiti hotline” and spending $150,000 – $200,000 annually on graffiti removal; 2) requested and received confirmation from Mayor Koops that the City does not test the water in the San Gabriel River, as it is outside of the City’s jurisdiction; and 3) requested the City Council consider installing lights at the skate park which she felt enhanced visibility and safety, noting that she recently saw a group of women roller skating there using their cellphone lights.
In response to comments provided by Sofia Partida relative to the skate park, 1) Council Member Santa Ines stated that the skate park was closed at night; 2) Mayor Koops confirmed that it is only open during the day for safety reasons; 3) Mayor Pro Tem Dunton stated that there may not be utilities to draw from in that area, since it is County property, not City property; and 4) Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki confirmed that the City was leasing the property and therefore there was no access to utilities.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10
August 12, 2024 Page 5 of 16
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS – Continued
Monica Mendez, resident, expressed concern for local drivers due to the brightness of lights coming from several businesses at the southwest corner of the intersection of Clark Avenue and Artesia Boulevard, and requested that the City Council consider regulating the brightness of lights at night to address this issue.
In response to comments provided by Monica Mendez, Mayor Koops confirmed that staff would look into the issue.
Priscilla Brown, resident, expressed concerns about several issues in her neighborhood, including 1) a man who appears to be operating a used car lot business of twelve to fifteen vehicles from the streets on Clark Avenue between Mayne Street and Olive Street, noting that most cars have temporary license plates, some have expired tags and are in poor condition, the man rotates them to the side streets on street sweeping days to avoid parking citations, and submitted photos for the record; 2) the owner of the furniture store on Clark Avenue and Mayne Street dumps furniture outside onto the street which stays there for weeks at a time; and 3) requested the City look into the legitimacy of the business at 16108-16116 Clark Avenue which has dark tinted windows and half-hung curtains, and is dilapidated and “shady” looking.
In response to comments provided by Priscilla Brown, Mayor Koops confirmed that staff would look into the issues she raised.
Oscar Villagomez, Library Manager, Brakensiek Library, shared various programs being offered by the library, including 1) two free COVID tests per person provided by L.A. County Public Health and available at the customer service desk; 2) a free vaccine clinic hosted in partnership with L.A. County Public Health offering both COVID and school readiness vaccines on September 17; and 3) the L.A. County Library’s 45th Annual Bookmark Contest for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to adopt Resolution No. 24-48 – A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1055, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Craiger’z Entertainment LLC for the granting of funds for sales tax debt under the Bellflower Economic Development Business Assistance Plan Chapter 2.3 Downtown Restaurant Assistance Program for Regulatory Requirements.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
For the record, Council Member Morse 1) announced that she would recuse on this item due to a conflict of interest, as her employer owns property within 500 feet of the subject property; and 2) left the dais and Council Chambers at 7:33 p.m.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11
August 12, 2024 Page 6 of 16
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to adopt Resolution No. 24-48 – Continued
Director of Economic Development DellaLonga 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the item; and 2) along with City Manager Smoot, responded to Council Members’ questions.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
John Paul Drayer, resident, 1) did not state whether he was in favor or against the adoption of Resolution No. 24-48; 2) stated that his family used to own the former Jay's Pizza and were unaware of the program, which may have helped with roofing problems; 2) inquired as to whether there is support available for landlords dealing with property issues, could Fronk’s renegotiate their lease or get an agreement with the State to pay the taxes quicker, and how other local businesses can be informed about such opportunities; and 3) shared that he has enjoyed Fronk’s for many years, but expressed concern regarding their business plan, noting that this is a large amount of money.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, seconded by Council Member Santa Ines, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
For the record, Council Member Santa Ines stated that 1) Resolution No. 24-19 (Business Assistance Program) was discussed at length in April when it was brought before the City Council and he was fully supportive of the Program; however, he objected to the sales tax relief portion of it, which was reflected in his vote on that item; 2) he appreciated the intention of the Program, which aimed to help restaurants that experienced rapid expansion and faced challenges with federal, state, or local government requirements; 3) he emphasized, based on his experience owning a small business and managing larger companies, that the priority in handling finances should be to pay withheld amounts, such as sales and payroll taxes, as these do not belong to the business and are only collected on behalf of the government; and 4) expressed the opinion that the best use of the Business Assistance Program would not involve sales tax relief because it is not the businesses' money, noting that he wanted to go on record as supportive of the Program, but in opposition to the sales tax relief aspect.
For the record, Council Member Sanchez 1) pointed out that he was focusing on the following factors: this was an inherited debt, the closing of this transaction happened right around the beginning of the pandemic, and the business owner has attempted to pay back the debt, paying about a third of the amount thus far; and 2) requested and received confirmation from Director DellaLonga that the applicant is current with taxes since the two quarters that were missed, is on a payment schedule for the missed quarters, and has made multiple attempts to negotiate and work with the appropriate body to find a more amicable solution or debt negotiation.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11
August 12, 2024 Page 7 of 16
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to adopt Resolution No. 24-48 – Continued
For the record, Mayor Pro Tem Dunton 1) expressed empathy as a fellow-business owner, noting the size of the debt that the business took over, that generally businesses are still working to recover from the pandemic, inflation, and the difficulties in negotiating with government agencies when a business is in these circumstances; and 2) highlighted that this program was established to save businesses and this business has shown good faith in the progress its made.
For the record, Mayor Koops 1) highlighted that the City Council still has the discretion to approve or not approve any agreements that come through the Business Assistance Program; and 2) emphasized that the bottom line is that they want to preserve these businesses and this business is a focal point in the downtown area.
Following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Resolution No. 28-48:
AYES: Council Members - Sanchez, Dunton and Mayor Koops ABSTAINED: Council Members - Santa Ines
RECUSED: Council Members - Morse
For the record, Council Member Morse returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 8:03 p.m.
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
A Consideration and possible action to adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 1433 – An Urgency Ordinance temporarily prohibiting entertainment permits being issued to consider adopting revised entertainment permit regulations.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
Director of Planning and Building Services Oba 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; 2) along with City Attorney Berger, responded to Council Members’ questions; and 3) noted that at the direction of the City Council, an ordinance for the adoption of regulations may be brought back at the next meeting.
At the request of Mayor Koops, Director Oba confirmed that she will look up the cost of the permit fee and provide that information to the City Council.
John Paul Drayer, resident, 1) requested and received clarification from Mayor Koops as to the types of businesses that may fall under entertainment permits; and 2) suggested the revised regulations be more inclusive of various types of entertainment and consider best practices in other cities.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 12
August 12, 2024 Page 8 of 16
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
A Consideration and possible action to adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 1433 – Continued
Following brief discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, seconded by Council Member Morse, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 1433 by at least a four-fifths (4/5) vote to take effect immediately:
AYES: Council Members - Sanchez, Santa Ines, Dunton, Morse, and Mayor Koops
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
A Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 24-44 – A Resolution to record a Notice of Special Assessment for Nuisance Abatement against the owner of 17046 Bellflower Boulevard (APN 7109-025- 002).
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
Assistant City Attorney Tim Campen provided a verbal presentation of the Staff Report, noting that 1) the property has had intermittent compliance with maintenance over the last several years and the property owner had been responsive when contacted by Code Enforcement rather than proactive; however, the responsiveness also failed at the end of last year; 2) overgrown vegetation, trash, debris, bulky items dumped in the parking lot, graffiti, and boards over the windows were promised to be addressed, but were not; 3) just prior to posting of the agenda, the property owner requested 60 days to pay the amount in full; however, given the lack of responsiveness and having already had an opportunity to pay in full, the City Attorney’s Office would like to move forward with the lien and incorporate a provisional 60 days to receive full payment before the recording of the lien to incentivize the payment, as well as allowing the City Attorney the discretion to evaluate whether the property owner is acting in good faith; and 5) along with City Manager Smoot, responded to Council Members’ questions.
For the benefit of the public, Council Member Santa Ines described the location of the property as located at the northeast corner of Bellflower Boulevard and Park Street (“the old bank building”) and explained what “abatement” means.
For the record, lengthy discussion ensued. Following discussion, 1) Assistant City Attorney Campen assured the City Council that they would ensure the property owner fully complies with Bellflower Municipal Code (BMC) Chapter 8.40; and 2) City Manager Smoot confirmed that there is an open and ongoing Code Enforcement case on this property.
John Paul Drayer, resident, requested and received confirmation from Mayor Koops that although contacted by various City representatives over the last 15 years the property has been vacant, the property owner has ignored the City.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13
August 12, 2024 Page 9 of 16
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 24-44 – Continued
Following brief 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. 24-44; and 2) provisionally provide the property owner 60 days to pay the total costs in full before staff submits the lien to the County, and allowing the City Attorney’s Office the discretion to decide if the property owner is acting in good faith:
AYES: Council Members - Santa Ines, Morse, Sanchez and Mayor Koops
14 CONSENT CALENDAR
For the record, Mayor Koops announced that he would recuse himself from Item 14-I (Bellflower Youth & Senior Center Project Simms Park) as he owns property within 500 feet; 2) Council Member Sanchez requested Items 14-D (SEAACA Agreement 200.9) and 14-J (Thompson Park Improvements – Installation of Outdoor Fitness Center) be pulled for discussion; and 3) Council Member Santa Ines requested Item 14-K (Artesia Cemetery District, Downey Cemetery District, Little Lake Cemetery District, and detachment from Little Lake Cemetery District) be pulled for discussion.
With regard to Item 14-D (SEAACA Agreement 200.9), Council Member Sanchez 1) requested an update on SEAACA and an honest assessment of its current status; and 2) expressed uncertainty about whether he is ready to approve the agreement, citing ongoing complaints about SEAACA.
Interim Director of Public Safety McNerney 1) stated that SEAACA's capabilities have been severely diminished; 2) noted that after exploring other providers in the area, it was found that alternatives were very limited and significantly more expensive compared to SEAACA; 3) stated that while L.A. County was not accepting new clients, he suggested it might be worth inquiring again; and 4) along with City Attorney Berger and City Manager Smoot, responded to Council Members’ questions.
For the record, without objection, 1) Mayor Pro Tem Dunton suggested staff research the cost of purchasing a truck, hiring an employee, and contracting for another agency to simply accept the animals; and 2) Council Member Santa Ines requested staff look into how the City can be represented on the SEAACA Board.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
August 12, 2024 Page 10 of 16
14 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
Following lengthy discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to remove Item 14-D from the Consent Calendar to allow staff time to research other alternatives for animal control services, including but not limited to, the City obtaining its own vehicle and employee with a contract with an outside agency to receive the animals.
With regard to Item 14-J (Thompson Park Improvements – Installation of Outdoor Fitness Center), 1) Council Member Sanchez highlighted the ongoing progress to bring the outdoor fitness center to life; and 2) at the request of Council Member Santa Ines, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki provided an update on the project, presented picture slides of the improvements, and responded to Council Members’ questions.
With regard to Item 14-K (Artesia Cemetery District, Downey Cemetery District, Little Lake Cemetery District, and detachment from Little Lake Cemetery District), at the request of Council Member Santa Ines, City Manager Smoot 1) provided an overview of the item and indicated that representatives from the Artesia Cemetery District and the Local Agency Formation Commission LAFCO were present to answer any specific questions; 2) mentioned that a representative of the Downey Cemetery District was unable to attend, as they are run by the City of Downey and they also had a Council Meeting this evening; and 3) along with City Attorney Berger, responded to Council Members’ questions.
Antonio Mendoza, Artesia Cemetery General Manager, 1) explained the current efforts to realign cemetery districts, noting that Downey Cemetery District wishes to incorporate Area Nos. 9 and 10 in the Staff Report into their jurisdiction, which are currently the only portions of the cemetery in Bellflower; 2) outlined the benefits of this realignment, including reducing non-resident fees for families and providing more local service; 3) provided informative materials for the Artesia Cemetery District, including a pricing sheet; 4) emphasized that while there might be a small loss in property tax revenue, the long-term benefit of lower fees and better service for local families could be significant; and 5) responded to Council Members’ questions.
For the record, Council Member Morse requested and received clarification from General Manager Mendoza as to why the entire City of Bellflower is not being incorporated into the Artesia Cemetery District, including 1) the boundary adjustments were the result of extensive negotiations among the various cemetery districts over the past few years; and 2) currently only a small portion of Bellflower is served by the Downey Cemetery District, the Downey Cemetery itself is a small facility located in and operated by the City of Downey, and it is nearly at capacity.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
August 12, 2024 Page 11 of 16
14 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
In response to Council Members’ questions, Adriana Romo, Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) Deputy Executive Officer, discussed several points, including: 1) the “Niche Wall” at the Downey Cemetery having some availability; 2) the role of LAFCO’s role is to review municipal services as assigned by the State legislature, including cemetery districts; 3) discussions regarding this reorganization began in 2017 to improve service efficiency by adjusting the boundaries; 4) LAFCO waived the fees for filing reorganization applications to facilitate the process in the public’s interest, Supervisor Hahn and the Board of Supervisors supported the reorganization, and the Department of Public Works prepared the necessary maps and geographic descriptions; 5) the reorganization would likely reduce costs for residents compared to private cemetery services; 6) the tax transfer resolution, a requirement for reorganizations, would not increase the 1% property tax rate but rather redistribute the portion of it to the relevant cemetery districts; 7) this process has involved the County Executive Office, County Auditor, and County Assessor, and most cemetery districts have approved their tax transfer resolutions; and 8) the timeline for finalizing the reorganization and presenting it to the LAFCO commission is still being determined, with an estimated completion by mid-year.
For the record, Mayor Koops 1) stated that he observed that the reorganization splits Bellflower in half, between the Artesia Cemetery District and the Downey Cemetery District; 2) expressed concern that the reorganization will create an unequal situation for Bellflower residents where not all will have the same access to cemetery services and may face higher costs; and 3) questioned whether it is possible to include the entire City in the Artesia Cemetery District to ensure equal access for all Bellflower residents.
In response to Council Members’ comments, Deputy Executive Officer Romo, 1) acknowledged the concerns and clarified that any changes to the boundaries would need to be revisited and renegotiated among the agencies involved; 2) LAFCO could not unilaterally alter the boundaries, as it requires the agencies to agree on new arrangements, including updating maps and potentially revising tax transfer agreements; and 3) the Downey Cemetery District could object to the removal of the portion of Bellflower.
In response to Council Members’ comments, General Manager Mendoza explained that 1) Bellflower previously had no cemetery district coverage except for a small portion managed by the Downey Cemetery District; 2) the Downey Cemetery District was reluctant to give up this area because it would affect their current and future tax revenue; 3) the negotiation aimed to balance the distribution of boundaries and efforts were made to include areas that made more sense; 4) he acknowledged the challenges for residents who were outside the district despite living nearby; and 5) if the City Council chose not to approve the proposal or if it was approved with the condition to keep Bellflower whole, it would likely necessitate starting the entire process from scratch, which although not impossible, would be a considerable setback.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
August 12, 2024 Page 12 of 16
14 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
Deputy Executive Officer Romo 1) stated that the Artesia Cemetery District is the current applicant and holds the authority to modify its boundaries; 2) noted that any proposed changes would require agreement from all involved cemetery districts, negotiations on these boundaries have been ongoing since 2017, and the tax transfer resolution currently under consideration reflects the tentative agreements reached by all parties; 3) explained that if the City wishes to propose modifications, it would need to submit a competing proposal to LAFCO, noting that this process involves providing new applications, updated maps, and geographic descriptions, as well as paying application fees; and 4) advised that working together to find a reasonable solution is preferable to submitting a competing proposal, as this could involve significant work and potentially delay the process.
General Manager Mendoza 1) further explained that while the Artesia Cemetery District was the primary applicant for the process, the application involved collaboration with three agencies; 2) noted that the decision to file jointly, rather than individually, was made to streamline the process and reduce costs, as combining the applications meant only one set of fees and map changes instead of three; 3) highlighted that significant financial support had already been provided by the County, including waived fees and covered staff time, which had helped advance the project and expressed uncertainty about whether the County would be willing to fund these expenses again if the process needed to restart; and 4) noted that additional financial support may be necessary, as the districts involved may not have the funds to cover such costs.
For the record, City Manager Smoot clarified that 1) the City has limited discretion regarding the cemetery boundaries; 2) the resolutions before the City Council pertain specifically to authorizing taxes, not to approving or altering the boundaries themselves; and 3) while the City could negotiate the revenue aspect of the tax increment, the boundaries are largely fixed.
Deputy Executive Officer Romo advised that once the tax transfer resolution is approved, the City would have another opportunity to present their position before LAFCO and encouraged the City to voice their opinions at that stage.
At the request of Council Member Sanchez, City Attorney Berger explained that if the City Council were to vote "no," it would effectively reject the tax reallocation, thereby halting the annexation and reorganization of the cemetery districts.
Following lengthy discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to remove Item 14-K from the Consent Calendar to give staff time to explore the best course of action for the City in this annexation process, to ensure the residents receive the most equitable opportunities.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
August 12, 2024 Page 13 of 16
14 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
For the record, noting Mayor Koops’ recusal on Item 14-I (Bellflower Youth & Senior Center Project Simms Park) and the removal of Items 14-D (SEAACA Agreement 200.9) and 14-K (Artesia Cemetery District, Downey Cemetery District, Little Lake Cemetery District, and detachment from Little Lake Cemetery District), 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 - Sanchez, Santa Ines, Dunton, Morse, and Mayor Koops
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Warrant Register No. 25-021, dated August 12, 2024.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 25-021.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file the Treasurer’s Report for the Month of June 2024.
Action: Received and filed the Treasurer’s Report.
C Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 24-45 – A Resolution to record a Notice of Special Assessment for Nuisance Abatement against the owner of 15751 Blaine Avenue (APN 6271-031-015).
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 24-45, approving nuisance abatement charges and to record a lien recoverable by special assessment for supplemental nuisance abatement charges on real property located at 15751 Blaine Avenue.
D [Removed from Consent Calendar]
Consideration and possible action to authorize the Mayor to execute Agreement File No. 200.9, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA) for animal control services.
Recommendation to City Council: 1) Authorize the Mayor to execute Agreement File No. 200.9, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and 2) Approve a budget amendment to increase the appropriation in Account No. 010 42100-2230 by $10,880, to $641,880; or 3) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
E Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 230.4, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with West Coast Arborists, Inc. (“WCA”) for the development of the Urban Forestry Management Plan (“UFMP”).
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 230.4, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
August 12, 2024 Page 14 of 16
14 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
F Consideration and possible action to approve Mayor Koops’s reappointment of Robert Wilson to the Bellflower Unified School District’s Citizens’ Task Force for the 2024-2025 School Year.
Action: Approved Mayor Koops’s reappointment of Robert Wilson to the Bellflower Unified School District’s Citizens’ Task Force for the 2024 2025 School Year.
G Consideration and possible action to receive and file Lease Agreement File No. 1054 with Isabella Juarez dba Thrift N Things for lease of property at 16552 Bellflower Boulevard, identified as Kiosk C.
Action: Received and filed Lease Agreement File No. 1054.
H Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement File No. 281.33, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Hartzog & Crabill, Inc. (HCI), to amend the fee schedule and increase compensation for City and Traffic Engineer services.
Action: 1) Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement File No. 281.33, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and 2) Approved the budget amendment as specified in the Fiscal Impact Section.
I Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute the following amendments to agreements in forms approved by the City Attorney: 1) Amendment No. 1 to Agreement File No. 690.4 with Pretty Smart for design architect services for the development of the Bellflower Youth & Senior Center Project; and 2) Amendment No. 3 to Agreement File No. 937 with NCA Studio, Inc. for architect of record services for the development of the Bellflower Youth & Senior Center Project.__________________________ Action: 1) Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement File No. 690.4, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and 2) Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to Agreement File No. 937, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
J Consideration and possible action to award a contract to R.E. Schultz Construction, Inc. for the Thompson Park Improvements – Installation of Outdoor Fitness Center (Specifications No. 23/24-04); and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with R.E. Schultz Construction, 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 for the project consisting of an Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration. The Initial Study determined that the project would not result in any significant effect on the environment with incorporation of mitigation measures contained in the Mitigated Negative Declaration.
Action: 1) Awarded a contract to R.E. Schultz Construction, Inc. for the Project and authorize the City Manager to execute said contract in a form approved by the City Attorney; and 2) Authorized a budget amendment to carryover the budget of $300,000 in Account No. 070-47230-9000 from fiscal year 2023-24 to 2024-25 and establish a budget of $150,000 in Account No. 024-47230-9000 in fiscal year 2024-25.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
August 12, 2024 Page 15 of 16
14 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
K [Removed from Consent Calendar]
Consideration and possible action to consider adopting Resolution No. 24-46 – A Resolution approving and accepting the negotiated exchange of property tax revenue resulting from the annexation of territory known as reorganization 2021-03 to the Artesia Cemetery District, the Downey Cemetery District, the Little Lake Cemetery District, and detachment from the Little Lake Cemetery District.
Recommendation to City Council: 1) Consider adopting Resolution No. 24-46; or 2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
L Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 24-47 – A Resolution approving the Plans and Specifications for the Aquatic Center Outdoor Pool Improvements (Specifications No. 23/24-06), pursuant to Government Code § 830.6, and 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 § 15303 (Class 1 – Existing Facilities).
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 24-47.
M Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the July 8, 2024, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the July 8, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes.
N Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Lease Agreement File No. 6.8, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the Bellflower Chamber of Commerce for office space at 16730 Bellflower Boulevard and authorize the City Manager to execute Memorandum of Understanding No. 26 with the Bellflower Chamber of Commerce for Funding Support under the Bellflower Economic Development Business Assistance Plan Chapter 6 – Bellflower New Business Welcoming Program.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to Execute Lease Agreement File No. 6.8 for office space at 16730 Bellflower Boulevard and Memorandum of Understanding No. 26 for funding support under Chapter 6 of the Bellflower Economic Development Business Assistance Plan – New Business Welcoming Program, in forms approved by the City Attorney.
15 COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Sanchez made various comments and reports.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 16
August 12, 2024 Page 16 of 16
16 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Koops adjourned the meeting at 9:47 p.m., to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, August 26, 2024.
Dan Koops, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Approved: September 9, 2024