14-D
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 September 23, 2024, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
DATE: October 14, 2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
None
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Approve the September 23, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENT
Minutes of the September 23, 2024, Regular Meeting…............. ………………………… 2
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MINUTES
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 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 5:31 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 Sonny R. Santa Ines
For the record, it was moved by Council Member Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Morse, and carried without objection to excuse the absence of Council Member Sanchez.
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
For the record, 1) City Manager Smoot stated that Item 3-A would not be considered; 2) Council Member Morse announced that she would recuse herself from Item 3-B as she has property interests within 500 feet of the subject property ; and 3) City Attorney Berger requested to add an item to the Closed Session agenda by at least a four-fifths (4/5) vote, a) stating that an urgency item arose after the posting of the agenda and the matter could not wait for a special meeting notice; and b) read the following item into the record:
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES: Letter Dated September 17, 2024, available in City Clerk’s Office.
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Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 3
September 23, 2024 Page 2 of 11
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION – Continued
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, seconded by Council Member Santa Ines, and carried by the following roll call vote, to add Closed Session Item 3-C to the agenda by determining that there is an immediate need to take action, and the matter arose after the posting of the agenda:
AYES: Council Members – Morse, Santa Ines, Dunton, and Mayor Koops
ABSENT: Council Member – Sanchez
There being no one from the public in attendance, without objection, Mayor Koops recessed the Meeting at 5:33 p.m. to a Closed Session regarding:
A [Item not considered]
CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: 17228-44 Downey Avenue and 8507-31 Artesia Boulevard (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
B CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.8)
Property: 9903 Flower Street (APN 7109-013-303) Agency Negotiator: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Jim McFadden, Cushman & Wakefield
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
C CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(2): FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES: Letter Dated September 17, 2024, available in City Clerk’s Office.
For the record, 1) Council Member Sanchez arrived and attended Closed Session at 5:34 p.m.; and 2) Closed Session adjourned at 6:40 p.m.
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.
3 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 5
September 23, 2024 Page 3 of 11
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 Travis Sais, Deputy City Manager
Jim DellaLonga, Director of Economic Development
P.J. Mellana, Director of Parks and Recreation
Tae Rhee, Director of Finance/City Treasurer
Karla Pineda, Management Analyst II
Dakota Wallace, Management Assistant
7 INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Ray Dunton offered the Invocation.
8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Economic Development Jim DellaLonga led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
4 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 9-A
September 23, 2024 Page 4 of 11
9-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Koops provided details relative to the Parks & Recreation Department’s Leadership Experience and Development Program (“LEAD”) with applications accepted through October 11, 2024.
Mayor Pro Tem Dunton provided details relative to the 26th Annual Bellflower Car Show to be held on October 5, 2024.
Council Member Morse provided details relative to the Lakewood Sheriff Station’s give away of wheel lock devices for Hyundai and Kia vehicles while supplies last.
Council Member Sanchez provided details relative to the Chamber of Commerce’s next Monthly Morning Mingle to be held on September 24, 2024.
Council Member Santa Ines provided details relative to Economic Development’s E-Citizen Newsletter and highlighted potential opportunities for local businesses looking to be featured.
9-B PRESENTATION: Pedestrian Safety Month Proclamation
Mayor Koops and his City Council colleagues 1) declared September as Pedestrian Safety Month; 2) read the proclamation into the record; and 3) presented the proclamation to Alton Smith, Crossing Guard of All City Management Services, Inc.
For the record, Crossing Guard Smith 1) accepted the proclamation on behalf of All City Management Services, Inc.; and 2) noted that it is an honor to serve and save lives in the City of Bellflower.
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Ken Letourneau 1) thanked the City Council for regularly attending the Bellflower Chamber of Commerce monthly meetings, specifically thanking Council Member Santa Ines for recommending his tax sales business to the Chamber; and 2) stated that those interested in learning about his business can contact him for more information.
5 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11-A
September 23, 2024 Page 5 of 11
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (“CAPER”) and adopt Resolution No. 24-55 – A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit the 2023-2024 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (“CAPER”) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”).
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
Management Analyst Pineda 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the item; and 2) along with Director of Economic Development DellaLonga, responded to Council Members’ questions.
At the request of Mayor Koops and Council Member Morse, Director DellaLonga confirmed 1) the City is required to spend the Community Housing Development Organization (“CHDO”) Project funds by September 2025; 2) Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (“CDBG-CV”) funds were used to replace and pay the meal portion of the homeless shelter agreement with Mercy House Living Centers, noting that utilizing the CDBG-CV funds generated some savings; and 3) agencies are required to provide supporting documentation to the City in order to receive funding, further explaining that some public service nonprofit agencies have dropped out of the program due to the extensive supporting documentation requirements.
For the record, Council Member Sanchez noted that from his work experience with a nonprofit organization, the required supporting documentation is difficult to compile and time consuming, confirming that that has caused many nonprofits to remove themselves from the program.
At the request of Mayor Koops, 1) Management Analyst Pineda confirmed that the remaining funds may be reallocated to an approved item; and 2) Director DellaLonga explained that staff is working with a consultant to find a path forward to allocate the remaining funds prior to the deadline, noting that it will be brought to the City Council at a later date for consideration.
At the request of Council Member Santa Ines, 1) Management Analyst Pineda stated that the unspent funds for the business assistance program is currently allocated for businesses in the Belle Fleur Centre, but may need to be reallocated; and 2) Director DellaLonga explained that staff has not yet been informed on which businesses will open in the Belle Fleur Centre, further stating that large retail chains may now occupy the space instead, which may cause the funds to be reallocated.
6 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11-A
September 23, 2024 Page 6 of 11
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (“CAPER”) and adopt Resolution No. 24-55 – Continued
At the request of Council Member Santa Ines relative to the chart on page 17 of the Staff Report, 1) Management Analyst Pineda confirmed that she would provide the City Council with a more detailed explanation of the chart at a later time; and 2) Director DellaLonga confirmed that the explanation would also be included in future presentations of the CAPER.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Morse, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
For the record, the following individual did not state a position in favor or against adopting Resolution No. 24-55, but made comments and asked questions generally related to the public hearing:
• Ken Letourneau
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Morse, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, seconded by Council Member Morse, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Resolution No. 24-55 with the addition of any public comments received during the Public Comment period:
AYES: Council Members – Morse, Sanchez, Santa Ines, Dunton, and Mayor Koops
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
A Consideration and possible action to approve staff’s modification plan to incorporate the Space Force into the City’s Veterans Memorial at Library Garden.
For the record, 1) Council Member Morse announced that she would be recusing herself from the matter as she owns property within 500 feet of the subject property and left the dais and Council Chambers at 7:35 p.m.; and 2) City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
7 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13-A
September 23, 2024 Page 7 of 11
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to approve staff’s modification plan to incorporate the Space Force into the City’s Veterans Memorial at Library Garden – Continued
Director of Parks and Recreation Mellana 1) gave a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) along with City Manager Smoot, responded to Council Members’ questions.
At the request of Mayor Koops, Director Mellana confirmed that the proposed project will not be complete before the annual Veterans Memorial Ceremony, but the intent is to a) announce the project at the State of the City; and b) present the Space Force flag at the Ceremony with the inclusion of temporary graphic designs and signage to demonstrate the appearance and location of the new seal.
At the request of Council Member Santa Ines, 1) City Manager Smoot stated that the proposed budget transfer is simply an account transfer to the Public Arts Fund, noting that any unspent funds will remain in the General Fund; and 2) Director Mellana confirmed that he consulted with a veteran on the proposed modifications, and it was approved as presented.
At the request of Council Member Sanchez and Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, Director Mellana confirmed that he would discuss options for the re-installation of the POW seal on the wall beneath the US flag instead of on the ground including, but not limited to, the addition of a sloped cement block attached to that wall.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Santa Ines, and carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) approve the proposed modification plan to incorporate the Space Force into the City’s Veterans Memorial; and 2) authorize a budget transfer from Account No. 010-42054-5000 to Account No. 020-47022-9000 in the amount of $20,000:
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 7:48 p.m.
B Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 5 to Agreement File No. 853, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Mercy House Living Centers, to extend the term for Temporary Shelter Operator Services at New Hope Shelter.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
8 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13-B
September 23, 2024 Page 8 of 11
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS – Continued
B Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 5 to Agreement File No. 853 – Continued
For the record, Deputy City Manager Sais 1) provided a brief verbal presentation providing an overview of the Staff Report; 2) introduced Timothy Huynh, Chief Program Officer (CPO) of Mercy House Living Centers; and 3) along with City Manager Smoot, responded to Council Members’ questions.
At the request of Mayor Koops relative to the chart on page 3 of the Staff Report, CPO Huynh 1) explained that program supplies and client services include cleaning supplies and “barrier funds” which are funds that are meant to assist clients with moving onto the next step, such as work boots or a working refrigerator; and 2) confirmed that donations are accepted and residents of the shelter are able to “shop” in the donation section.
At the request of Council Member Morse, 1) CPO Huynh a) stated that there are seven male beds currently available, further noting that the female beds are typically occupied; b) explained that when the project was first planned, the results showed a higher proportion of homeless males in the area than females, which resulted in creating more male beds; c) noted a “couples dorm” was previously provided at the shelter, but was since removed to allow for more male beds; and d) confirmed that he would look into the option of creating more female beds; and 2) City Manager Smoot confirmed that a daily report of the capacity of the shelter is provided to the City on a regular basis, noting that they are typically near or at full capacity.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, 1) CPO Huynh clarified that in order for residents of the shelter to get access to additional programs and resources, they must be “document ready” and entered into the Coordinate Entry System (“CES”), as required by Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (“LAHSA”), further noting that the goal is to enter a resident into CES within 24 hours of arrival and be “document ready” within 30 days; and 2) City Manager Smoot explained that the issue is not getting individuals into the shelter, the issue is getting those individuals access to additional resources.
At the request of Council Member Santa Ines, 1) CPO Huynh confirmed that he would provide the City Council with information relative to a) the national benchmark for positive exits; and b) confirmation of the number of “bed nights” listed in the report; 2) City Manager Smoot confirmed that staff would provide the City Council with statistics relative to physical altercations at the shelter; and 3) Deputy City Manager Sais confirmed that the shelter donations link or QR code would be added to the City’s website.
9 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13-B
September 23, 2024 Page 9 of 11
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS – Continued
B Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 5 to Agreement File No. 853 – Continued
In the response to Council Member Sanchez, 1) CPO Huynh expressed the opinion that the average length of stay is high because there is not enough affordable housing for residents after leaving the shelter and a lack of availability of resources for permanent supportive housing ; and 2) City Manager Smoot reiterated that the challenge is providing additional resources to residents after they leave the shelter, noting that there is funding available, but tools are needed to provide the additional resources.
At the request of Council Member Sanchez, CPO Huynh confirmed that he would provide the City Council with information relative to 1) how many shelter clients have full-time jobs, but still cannot afford to live on their own; and 2) how many homeless individuals are turned down every day that could otherwise go into the shelter if there were beds available.
Following lengthy discussion, it was moved by Council Member Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 5 to Agreement File No. 853, in a form approved by the City Attorney:
AYES: Council Members – Morse, Sanchez, Santa Ines, Dunton, and Mayor Koops
14 CONSENT CALENDAR
For the record, 1) Council Member Morse announced that she would recuse herself from Items 14-F (Designated Block Downtown Façade Improvement Program) and 14-G (Agreement File No. 1058) as she owns property within 500 feet of the subject properties; 2) Council Member Sanchez requested that Item 14- H (Resolution amending the Operating Budget) be pulled for discussion only; and 3) City Attorney Berger confirmed that there was no apparent conflict for Mayor Koops on Item 14-I (Bid Protest).
With regard to Item 14-H (Resolution amending the Operating Budget), at the request of Council Member Sanchez, Director of Finance/City Treasurer Rhee, 1) summarized the proposed budget amendments listed on pages 6-7 of the Staff Report (Exhibit A); and 2) explained the City is closing the books on Fiscal Year 2023-2024 and will be adding an additional $11.6 million to the General Fund Reserve.
10 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
September 23, 2024 Page 10 of 11
14 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
Noting the aforementioned recusals, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Santa Ines, and carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar:
AYES: Council Members – Morse, Sanchez, Santa Ines, Dunton, and Mayor Koops
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file Warrant Register No. 25-032, dated September 23, 2024.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 25-032.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Treasurer’s Report for the Month of August 2024.
Action: Received and filed the Treasurer’s Report.
C Consideration and possible action to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1436 – An Ordinance amending Section 2.16.010 of the Bellflower Municipal Code to provide a salary adjustment for Members of the City Council following the next General Municipal Election.
Action: Waived further reading and adopted Ordinance No. 1436.
D Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the August 26, 2024, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the August 26, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes.
E Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the September 18, 2024, Special Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the September 18, 2024, Special Meeting Minutes.
F Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to directly negotiate a Public Works contract for the Designated Block Downtown Façade Improvement Program (Specifications No. 22/23-08).
Action: Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to directly negotiate for the construction of the Designated Block Downtown Façade Improvement Program (Specifications No. 22/23-08).
G Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1058, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Farm and Craft, Inc., to operate the Certified Farmers’ Market at Town Center Plaza.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1058, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
11 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
September 23, 2024 Page 11 of 11
14 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
H Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 24 -56 – A Resolution amending the Operating Budget for fiscal years 2023 2025 for certain activities, projects, and revenues; and authorizing the City Manager to implement this Resolution.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 24-56.
I Consideration and possible action to consider the bid protest filed by New Dynasty Construction Company and declare the responsible bidder for the Bellflower Youth and Senior Center (Specification No. 23/24-07).
Action: Received and filed this report.
15 COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Morse, Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, Council Member Sanchez, Council Member Santa Ines, and Mayor Koops made various comments and reports.
For the record, 1) Council Member Sanchez thanked his colleagues for excusing his absence at the September 18, 2024, Special City Council Meeting, noting that he had a work conflict; and 2) without objection, Mayor Koops requested the meeting be adjourned in honor of the birth of Maude Eloise Santa Ines, the first grandchild of Council Member Santa Ines.
16 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Koops adjourned the meeting at 8:37 p.m., in honor of the birth of Maude Eloise Santa Ines, to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 14, 2024.
Dan Koops, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Approved: October 14, 2024
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