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 November 12, 2024, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
DATE: November 25, 2024
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
None
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Approve the November 12, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENT
Minutes of the November 12, 2024, Regular Meeting….............. ………………………… 2
1 MINUTES
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 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
None
2 ROLL CALL
None
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
None
4 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
None
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
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Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 6
November 12, 2024 Page 2 of 10
6 ROLL CALL – Continued
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
P.J. Mellana, Director of Parks and Recreation
Brian McNerney, Interim Director of Public Safety
Kristen Smith, Parks and Recreation Manager
Sergiu Todorov, IT Manager
Jennifer Russell, 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.
9-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Koops provided details relative to the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony to be held on December 6, 2024, in Downtown Bellflower near Friendship Square.
Mayor Pro Tem Dunton provided details relative to the Volunteer Center’s Christmas food drive for families in need.
Council Member Sanchez provided details relative to the Bellflower Entrepreneurial Academy to begin on February 13, 2025, and congratulated the 30 recent graduates of the Emprendedoras Small Business Program.
Council Member Santa Ines provided details relative to City’s current survey regarding establishing an Arts District along Clark Avenue.
Council Member Morse provided details relative to the Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming events, “Business-to-Business Casual Connections” on November 21, 2024, and the next “Monthly Morning Mingle” on November 26, 2024.
3 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 9-B
November 12, 2024 Page 3 of 10
9-B PRESENTATION: United States Postal Service (USPS) Presentation
Marjan Barrigan Husted and Lucas Watanabe, Postal Inspectors of the United States Postal Service (USPS), 1) provided a presentation regarding “Project Safe Delivery” relative to combating mail theft and violent crimes; and 2) along with City Manager Smoot and Deputy City Manager Sais, responded to Council Members’ questions.
For the record, Mayor Koops stated that 1) there have been thousands of dollars stolen from people’s accounts and the severity of theft is appalling; 2) the banks are suggesting that customers not utilize the post office to send a payment; 3) Council Members have witnessed blatant theft of mail from the post office and all have been victims of mail theft; and 4) it’s affected the community as a whole.
In response to Mayor Koops’s comments, Postal Inspector Barrigan Husted stated that 1) “Project Safe Delivery” was created to combat mail theft crimes; 2) the hotline to file a complaint is 1-877-876-2455; 3) the inspection service does read and review every complaint and there are four inspectors covering all of Orange County and Southeastern L.A. County; and 4) cases are presented to the Assistant US Attorney, who will either accept the cases to prosecute or not.
For the record, in response to comments provided by Postal Inspector Watanabe relative to no arrests being made for mail theft in Bellflower, 1) Mayor Pro Tem Dunton provided a detailed recounting of mail theft observed by way of a tracker being placed in an envelope in the mail, stolen, and reported by City staff that resulted in an arrest; and 2) Postal Inspector Barrigan Husted stated that there was a difference between Federal arrests and State arrests, she spoke to the inspector reviewing the case earlier in the day, and the investigation is ongoing.
Council Member Morse, 1) recounted her concerns with mail theft involving her employer’s mail since May 2024 to the point that she’s had to change eleven bank accounts that all had theft against them; 2) stopped using the post office located in Bellflower altogether as the Post Master refused to address the issues; 3) expressed the opinion that the theft issue has to be internal; and 4) made formal complaints through USPS, but nothing has come of it.
For the record, Mayor Pro Tem Dunton recounted his concerns with the post office located in Bellflower, including 1) theft of personal and business mail; 2) his witnessing of mail theft from the back dock of the post office; 3) he now only uses the post office located on Carmenita Ave nue in the neighboring City of Cerritos; 4) residents and businesses shouldn’t have to float the cost of the mail theft, as it can take up to 90 days to resolve the issue with the bank and retrieve your money; 5) residents and businesses should not have to close bank accounts over and over, or use specialized technology to confirm a written check; 6) noted that there is big problem with the Post Master who does not want to be bothered with these concerns and emphasized that there is a problem with organized crime within the post office; 7) stated that as the City Council, the community relies on them to address these concerns; and 8) requested that the Postal Inspectors attend a public forum on this issue, if hosted by the City.
4 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 9-B
November 12, 2024 Page 4 of 10
9-B PRESENTATION: United States Postal Service (USPS) Presentation – Continued
In response to comments provided by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, Postal Inspector Barrigan Husted confirmed that 1) a Congressional inquiry receives a higher level of attention; 2) they will speak with the “OIG” (Office of Inspector General) regarding the City Council’s concerns that the crime may be coming from an internal source within the post office, as they oversee internal crime ; and 3) they would attend a public forum meeting with USPS and Congressman Robert Garcia or his representative to address the public’s safety concerns regarding mail theft issues with the post office located in the City of Bellflower.
For the record, Council Member Santa Ines 1) recounted a personal story of mail theft in which his wife wrote a check for a birthday gift, it was cashed for an amount 10-times greater than what it was written for, and all details of the check had been changed except the check number and micro-number; 2) expressed the opinion that the mail theft is happening internally, as he hand -carried the mail to the post office himself and placed it in the box at the post office; 3) suggested that someone analyze the flow of mail and lack of will by the Post Master; 4) if the issue remains unaddressed, then people will find other ways to use the post office less; and 5) some people in the community have found out about their mail being stolen when their utilities companies notified them that their utilities were being shut off due to lack of payment.
At the request of Council Member Santa Ines, Post Inspectors Watanabe and Barrigan Husted explained what “Project Safe Delivery”, which is a partnership between the post office and law enforcement to have a better level of communication.
For the record, Council Member Sanchez 1) thanked the Postal Inspectors for being in attendance; 2) stated that from a customer service standpoint, there is a lack of empathy and willingness to share the proper reporting contact information by the Post Master; 3) the community began to reach out to the City for information because there was a lack of attention and customer service at the post office, so the City had to step in and provide contact information and reach out to Congressman Garcia’s office; 4) requested and received clarification from Postal Inspector Barrigan Husted that the Congressman’s office need to engage the office of the Assistant US Attorney on behalf of the City so that the issues are tak en seriously; and 5) emphasized that how the post office staff interacts and communicates with the public is manageable by the post office and requested that it be managed more appropriately.
For the record, Postal Inspector Barrigan Husted stated that 1) they would go back to their leadership to communicate the concerns and issues raised to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) relative to the Post Master; and 2) will go to the post office to speak to staff and the Post Master, weekly if needed, to get the message across.
5 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 9-B
November 12, 2024 Page 5 of 10
9-B PRESENTATION: United States Postal Service (USPS) Presentation – Continued
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, City Manager Smoot confirmed that the City has also had checks stolen from the post office, including some very significant ones.
Mayor Koops stated that the City now owns the property where the post office is located, and the City would be willing to install additional security improvements if needed.
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS
James Cody Birkey, resident, thanked the City Council and Public Safety staff for addressing safety concerns he brought forward relative to his neighborhood.
Julia Arce, Field Representative for Congressman Robert Garcia , 1) mentioned that residents can submit Congressional inquiries for issues with federal agencies, including the USPS and USPSI, such as mail theft or complaints about the Postmaster General; 2) encouraged residents to reach out for assistance; 3) confirmed that Congressman Garcia or his team wou ld attend a future public townhall meeting regarding the issues at the USPS; and 4) shared the following contact information: office phone number 562 -512-8489; website RobertGarcia.house.gov.
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
A Consideration and possible action to receive, file, and adopt the City of Bellflower Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item
Director of Parks and Recreation Mellana 1) introduced Jacob Leon, Consultant with KTU&A, who provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Parks Master Plan; and 2) along with Consultant Leon, City Manager Smoot, and Parks and Recreation Manager Smith, responded to Council Members’ questions. 6 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13-A
November 12, 2024 Page 6 of 10
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to receive, file, and adopt the City of Bellflower Parks and Recreation Master Plan – Continued
In response to Council Member Sanchez’s concerns relative to the Parks Master Plan getting “shelved”, City Manager Smoot stated that the City Council will begin strategic planning soon and this plan can be something that they can point back to during that process.
Without objection, Mayor Koops 1) requested an assessment on usage of the existing park spaces in order to make decisions on future park projects; and 2) suggested holding City Council meetings in local parks to engage with residents in their neighborhoods and provide an opportunity for direct interaction.
For the record, Council Member Sanchez requested that staff perhaps bundle some of the projects in order to request higher amounts when making specific funding requests to the granting agencies.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Morse, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to receive, file, and adopt the City of Bellflower Parks and Recreation Plan prepared by KTU&A:
AYES: Council Members – Santa Ines, Dunton, Morse, Sanchez, and Mayor Koops
B Consideration and possible action to approve staff’s Information Technology plan for Internet Infrastructure Upgrades and City Phone System Migration, and approve the necessary budget amendments to implement the plan.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
Director of Parks and Recreation Mellana 1) introduced IT Manger Todorov who provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) along with Manager Todorov and City Manager Smoot, responded to Council Members’ questions.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Santa Ines, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) approve the proposed information technology plan to improve internet service speeds, internet infrastructure redundancy and failover capabilities, and to replace the City phone system and the needed equipment; and 2) authorize a budget amendment in the amount of $98,500 in various telecommunications, contract services, information technology, and equipment budget accounts, as needed, for Fiscal Year 2024-25:
AYES: Council Members – Santa Ines, Dunton, Morse, Sanchez, and Mayor Koops
7 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13-C
November 12, 2024 Page 7 of 10
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS – Continued
C Consideration and possible action to review the Citywide fence installation program utilized for vacant lots and right-of-way areas for community aesthetics, beautification and security purposes.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
For the record, Mayor Pro Tem Dunton 1) announced that he would recuse himself from Item 13-C as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject properties; and 2) left the dais and Council Chambers at 9:21 p.m.
Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki 1) provided a verbal report of the Staff Report and showed photos on screen to facilitate discussion; and 2) along with City Manager Smoot, City Attorney Berger, and Director of Parks and Recreation Mellana, responded to Council Members’ questions.
Without objection, Council Member Sanchez requested that staff begin with the installation of additional fencing at the two City -owned properties (Beach Street and Palo Verde Avenue), followed by the Palm Street property and explore alternative solutions for the Palm Street property in the meantime.
At the request of Council Member Sanchez and Council Member Morse, City Attorney Berger confirmed that, legally, the City could sue Caltrans due to non-compliance with the vacant property ordinance, but the matter would need to be agendized for a future Closed-Session to discuss further.
Giovanni D'Egidio, Hollywood Sports Park, stated that 1) the same problem with homeless encampments was happening near Hollywood Sports Park, but once they removed all the flowers, there’s been no more camping there; 2) suggested the City clear out the hill, install solar lights, adopt an ordinance prohibiting overnight camping to show that the City is not going to tolerate it anymore, and implement a community garden at the Palm Street property location as a deterrent; and 3) expressed the opinion that if nothing is done, the problem will become bigger.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Morse, and carried by the following roll call vote, to approve an amendment to the existing CIP budget to allocate $336,000 for the installation of additional fencing at Beach Street from 10414 Beach Street to the cul -de-sac end, Palo Verde Avenue at N cul-de-sac end, and Palm Street from Passage Avenue to cul-de-sac end, with the intent to move forward with the two City owned properties first (Beach Street; Palo Verde Avenue), followed by the property on Palm Street; and also work on alternative solutions for the Palm Street property in the meantime:
AYES: Council Members – Santa Ines, Morse, Sanchez, and Mayor Koops
RECUSE: Council Member – Dunton
For the record, Mayor Pro Tem Dunton returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 10:04 p.m.
8 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
November 12, 2024 Page 8 of 10
14 CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Morse, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Dunton, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar:
AYES: Council Members – Santa Ines, Dunton, Morse, Sanchez, and Mayor Koops
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file Warrant Register No. 25-051, dated November 12, 2024.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 25-051.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file the Treasurer’s Report for the Month of September 2024.
Action: Received and filed the Treasurer’s Report.
C Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 24-59 – A Resolution updating the City’s Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution (Form 130) with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal-OES) for the purposes of obtaining financial assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Authority (FEMA).
CEQA: This Resolution is exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq.; “CEQA”) and CEQA Guidelines (California Code Regulations Title 14, §§ 15000, et seq.) because it does not constitute a "Project" under CEQA § 15378. Projects that may be funded by FEMA and Cal OES financial assistance may require project-specific environmental review.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 24-59 and authorize its submittal to Cal-OES.
D Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to AFN 966.1 for Specifications No. 21/22-02, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc., for additional work for the Traffic Signal Modification on Bellflower Boulevard at Park Street Project.
Action: Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to execute Amendment No. 1 to AFN 966.1 with Elecnor Belco Electric, Inc., for Specifications No. 21/22-02, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
9 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
November 12, 2024 Page 9 of 10
14 CONSENT CALENDAR- Continued
E Consideration and possible action to: 1) Authorize the City Manager to execute an Amendment to the Agency Sublease, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Hollywood Sports Park, LLC (HSP), to extend the lease term with HSP for the first 10-year option, until October 23, 2035, for use of real property at 9030 Somerset Boulevard and 9108 Somerset Boulevard and; 2) Consider written requests from the Managing Partners of HSP to assign their respective beneficial shares in HSP to their designated Trusts.
Action: 1) Authorized the City Manager to execute an Amendment to the Agency Sublease, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Hollywood Sports Park, LLC (HSP), to extend the lease term with HSP for the first 10 -year option, until October 23, 2035, for use of real property at 9030 Somerset Boulevard and 9108 Somerset Boulevard; and 2) Considered written requests from the Managing Partners of Hollywood Sports Park, LLC to assign their respective beneficial shares in HSP to their designated Trusts.
F Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Roadway Construction Service for street closures and traffic control service for the 605 All Star Band practice parade march event, scheduled for December 1, 2024; and approve the use of Cannabis Education Funding for City costs incurred in support of the 605 All Star Band’s practice parade march.
Action: 1) Authorized the City Manager to execute an agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Roadway Construction Service for street closures and traffic control service for the 605 All Star Band practice parade march event, scheduled for December 1, 2024; and 2) Approved the use of Cannabis Education Funding for City costs incurred in support of the 605 All Star Band’s practice parade march.
G Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Memorandum of Understanding File No. 21.11, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (LACMTA) to receive payment of the City’s portion of transit fund allocations for collecting and reporting data for the National Transit Database for Report Year 2022.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Memorandum of Understanding File No. 21.11, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
15 COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Sanchez and Mayor Koops made various comments and reports.
For the record, 1) without objection, Council Member Sanchez requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Humberto Salazar; and 2) without objection, Mayor Koops requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Jennie VanderMaarl.
10 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 16
November 12, 2024 Page 10 of 10
16 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Koops adjourned the meeting at 10:11 p.m., in memory of Humberto Salazar and Jennie VanderMaarl, to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, November 25, 2024.
Dan Koops, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Approved: November 25, 2024
11