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MINUTES
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2025
BELLFLOWER CITY HALL
5:00 P.M. OUTGOING MAYOR'S CEREMONY - GREEN ROOM
7:00 P.M. OPEN & CLOSED SESSIONS - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:00 P.M. - OUTGOING MAYOR'S CEREMONY
1 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Dunton called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:10 p.m. in the Green Room at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower. 2 ROLL CALL
For the record, the following Members of the City Council were present:
Mayor Ray Dunton
Mayor Pro Tem Sonny R. Santa Ines
Council Member Dan Koops
Council Member Wendi Morse
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez
3 INVOCATION
Pastor Mosheh Chanan offered the Invocation.
4 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Larry Wehage led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. 5 PRESENTATIONS TO OUTGOING MAYOR DAN KOOPS
Mayor Dunton detailed the many accomplishments during Dan Koops's term as Mayor and introduced a video in tribute to him from the City Council Members, professional colleagues, friends, and family.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
January 27, 2025
Item No. 5
5 PRESENTATIONS TO OUTGOING MAYOR DAN KOOPS — Continued In recognition of Dan Koops's commitment and contributions to the City of Bellflower during his term as the 67th Mayor, 1) Mayor Dunton presented him with a personalized Gavel Plaque that includes the gavel with which he presided over meetings during his year as Mayor; 2) Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines presented him with a framed jersey of baseball hall of famer Dave Winfield, who was the 2024 BRAVO awards Keynote Speaker; 3) Council Member Morse presented him with a scrapbook of photos highlighting the City's progress and developments during his year as Mayor; and 4) Council Member Sanchez presented him with a Challenge Coin display which included the coin designed to commemorate his year as Mayor.
Daniel Andalon, District Representative for Senator Bob Archuleta, 30th District, thanked Dan Koops for his exemplary leadership and presented him with a certificate of recognition.
Jeff Smith, President, Bellflower Chamber of Commerce, thanked Dan Koops for his support of the Chamber of Commerce and presented him with multiple books for donation to the Ramona Elementary School Library in his name.
Captain Dan Holguin, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, thanked Dan Koops for his great leadership over the last year.
Julia Arce, Field Representative for Congressman Robert Garcia, 42' District, 1) congratulated Dan Koops for his partnership and leadership; and 2) presented him with a certificate of recognition.
Hector Sosa, Mayor of Downey, and Dorothy Pemberton, Council Member, City of Downey, thanked Dan Koops for his service and presented him with a certificate of recognition.
Lauren Yokomizo, Field Representative for Janice Hahn, County Supervisor, Fourth District, congratulated Dan Koops on all of the hard work accomplished under term as Mayor and presented him with multiple books for donation to the Ramona Elementary School Library in his name.
Connie Hui, President, Bellflower Rotary Club, 1) thanked Dan Koops for his dedication and hard work which has impacted the lives of many people; and 2) presented him with multiple books for donation to the Ramona Elementary School Library in his name.
Gabriela Ballesteros, District Director for Assembly Member Jose Solache, 62nd District, 1) thanked Dan Koops for his dedication and impact over the past year; and 2) presented him with multiple books for donation to the Ramona Elementary School Library in his name.
Randy McConnell, Bellflower Family Lions, thanked Dan Koops for his service to the City of Bellflower and presented him with multiple books for donation to the Ramona Elementary School Library in his name.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
January 27, 2025
Item No. 5
5 PRESENTATIONS TO OUTGOING MAYOR DAN KOOPS — Continued Jason Barnette, Kiwanis Club of Bellflower, accompanied by club members, 1) congratulated and thanked Dan Koops for giving back to the community; and 2) presented him with multiple books for donation to the Ramona Elementary School Library in his name.
Khoi Dao, Acting Assistant Fire Chief, Los Angeles County Fire Department, 1) thanked and congratulated Dan Koops for his service and support to public safety; and 2) presented him with a certificate of recognition.
Bruce Barrows and Lynda Johnson, Council Members, City of Cerritos, 1) thanked Dan Koops for his service on behalf of Mayor Solanki and the Cerritos City Council; and 2) presented him with a book for donation to the Ramona Elementary School Library in his name.
David Arellano, Council Member, City of Lakewood, expressed his appreciation for Dan Koops as an example of what to strive for as a leader and presented him with multiple books for donation to the Ramona Elementary School Library in his name.
Sue Held, President, Bellflower Soroptimist Club, accompanied by club members, 1) acknowledged Dan Koops's many years of support for the club and his service to the City; and 2) presented him with multiple books for donation to the Ramona Elementary School Library in his name.
Brad Crihfield, Board President, Bellflower Unified School District (BUSD), accompanied by Board Member Renita Armstrong, 1) stated that BUSD appreciates Dan Koops's partnership and visibility; 2) highlighted that the 605 All -Star Band parade exemplified the collaborative efforts of the City; and 3) presented him with multiple books for donation to the Ramona Elementary School Library in his name.
Mariana Rios, Cerritos College Board of Trustees, Area 4, congratulated Dan Koops on his year as Mayor and presented him with multiple books for donation to the Ramona Elementary School Library in his name.
Sophia Tse, Board Member, ABC Unified School District, 1) thanked and congratulated Dan Koops on his year as Mayor; and 2) remarked upon the success of the 605 All -Star Band parade.
Jenna Enkhorn, President, The Woman's Club, accompanied by Shirley Meyers of the Friends of the Library, and Eden Escobedo of the Miss Bellflower Program, recognized Dan Koops for his commitment to the City of Bellflower and presented him with multiple books for donation to the Ramona Elementary School Library in his name.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
January 27, 2025
Item No. 5
5 PRESENTATIONS TO OUTGOING MAYOR DAN KOOPS — Continued Larry Wehaqe, Public Safety Commissioner, Bellflower Noon Lions, Bellflower Chamber of Commerce, and Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board, on behalf of all the entities he represents, acknowledged Dan Koops's many accomplishments and dedication to the City over the years.
Former Mayor Koops 1) expressed gratitude for the honor of being recognized as the outgoing mayor, reflecting on the privilege of serving in this role and recognizing the importance of having such a strong community backing, thanking the community for their continued support; 2) acknowledged the collaboration of the City Council and emphasized how their collective efforts have made a significant difference in the City's progress; 3) praised City Manager Ryan Smoot for his leadership and the positive changes he has brought to Bellflower, and also recognized Deputy City Manager Travis Sais for his hard work and invaluable role during the transition of the new administration; 4) expressed deep appreciation for the residents of Bellflower, noting that their trust in the City Council has been vital to the City's success, such as the overwhelming support for the charter city initiative which will allow Bellflower to govern itself more independently to benefit the City for years to come; 5) acknowledged the efforts of the Chamber of Commerce and local businesses, celebrating the openings of new businesses, such as Best Buy Outlet and Cold Stone Creamery; and 6) expressed his heartfelt gratitude to his wife of 50 years, Judy, for her unwavering support and encouragement throughout his tenure as Mayor, expressing that her belief in him and constant support has been crucial to his ability to serve the City.
Recess: Without objection, Mayor Dunton recessed the meeting at 6:18 p.m., noting that the meeting would reconvene at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers to conduct the business portion of the meeting.
7:00 P.M. - OPEN SESSION & CLOSED SESSION
6 RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Mayor Dunton reconvened the meeting at 7:06 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower.
The following Members of the City Council responded present to roll call:
Mayor Ray Dunton
Mayor Pro Tem Sonny R. Santa Ines
Council Member Dan Koops
Council Member Wendi Morse
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez
Bellflower City Council Minutes
January 27, 2025
6 RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION — Continued
Item No. 6
Staff Participants:
Ryan Smoot, City Manager
Karl H. Berger, City Attorney
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Assistant City Attorney Timothy E. Campen
Len Gorecki, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Jim DellaLonga, Director of Economic Development
Tae Rhee, Director of Finance
Travis Sais, Deputy City Manager
Jennifer Russell, Management Assistant
7-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Dunton provided details relative to the Bellflower Symphony Orchestra's upcoming winter concert to be held on February 1, 2025, at the William and Jane Bristol Auditorium.
Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines provided details relative to the CR&R's free compost giveaway to be held on February 22, 2025, at the Public Works Yard while supplies last.
Council Member Koops provided details relative to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Block Grant Program survey which is available until February 7, 2025.
Council Member Morse provided details relative to the "Maker to Market" six -week course for local product -based merchants to be held on February 24, 2025, through March 31, 2025.
Council Member Sanchez provided details relative to the Chamber of Commerce's next monthly morning mingle to be held on January 28, 2025. 7-B PRESENTATION: CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION TO FORMER CITY
ENGINEER JERRY STOCK
For the record, Former City Engineer Jerry Stock was unable to attend the meeting and the presentation was deferred to the next City Council Meeting. 8 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Cheryl Williams, resident. inquired about the status of the internet service in the City and requested any available information from the City to share with her neighbors regarding this issue.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
January 27, 2025
8 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Item No. 8
At the request of City Manager Smoot, Director of Economic Development DellaLonga provided an update on the "Bellflower Connect" Program, stating that phase one of distributing modems is currently underway, with the goal of expanding to all four phases by summer as more towers are implemented in the City.
9 PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
10 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
A Consideration and possible action to 1) read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 1438; and 2) read by title only, waive further reading, and introduce Ordinance No. 1439 — An Ordinance amending Bellflower Municipal Code Chapter 15.40 and reaffirming the City Council's determination that the City comply with regulations promulgated by the State of California to protect public health, safety and from the devastation of uncontrolled fire incidents.
B Consideration and possible action to authorize Legislative Subpoenas be served on the Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles; and adopt Resolution No. 25-03 — A Resolution authorizing the City Clerk to issue legislative subpoenas for the purpose of determining the City Council's legal authority to adopt the California Fire Code (Code of California Regulations, Title 24, Part 9) and authorizing the Building Official to review building plans in accordance with California Building Standards § 105.4 (Code of California Regulations, Title 24, Parts 1 and 2).
City Manager Smoot introduced the matter and asked if the City Council would like to consider Items 10-A and 10-B together as they are related. It was the consensus of the City Council to consider Items 10-A and 10-B be together.
City Attorney Berger 1) provided a verbal presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) along with City Manager Smoot, responded to Council Members' questions.
Following brief discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Koops, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 1438 upon 4/5ths vote; read by title only, waive further reading, and introduce Ordinance No. 1439; and adopt Resolution No. 25-03:
AYES: Council Members - Morse, Sanchez, Santa Ines, Koops and Mayor Dunton
Bellflower City Council Minutes
January 27, 2025
Item No. 10-C
10 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION — Continued C Consideration and possible action to 1) read by title only, waive further reading, and adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 1440; and 2) read by title only, waive further reading, and introduce Ordinance No. 1441 — An Ordinance amending Chapter 3.30 to Title 3 of the Bellflower Municipal Code entitled "Public Works Contracts" in its entirety.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki 1) provided a verbal presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) along with City Attorney Berger and City Manager Smoot, responded to Council Members' questions.
At the request of Council Member Sanchez, City Attorney Berger 1) explained that the charter, upon adoption, identified "classic" Public Works projects (such as streets, sidewalks, gutters, and buildings) as requiring prevailing wage; 2) clarified that the Department of Industrial Relations in California has classified other projects, such as economic development opportunities, as public projects subject to prevailing wage; and 3) noted that these regulations would specifically exclude economic development and business opportunities from prevailing wage requirements, and similarly, nuisance abatement projects, which involve fronting costs that are later reimbursed by property owners.
Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines 1) stated that during the charter discussion in the last election, a common question he received was about the benefits to the City, to which he used the example of grant funding through the Business Assistance Program; 2) provided the example of one grantee who took six months to find a contractor to accept the $10,000 contract due to the fact that contractors typically bid on larger projects and need to register with the state and Department of Industrial Relations (DIR), noting that prevailing wage requirements increase the costs by approximately 35%; and 3) thanked staff for bringing the ordinance forward, emphasizing that it aligns with the federal or state level in terms of implementing the city charter, and expressed anticipation for more ordinances to follow as the City continues to implement the charter.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 1440 upon 4/5ths vote; and 2) read by title only, waive further reading, and introduce Ordinance No. 1441:
AYES: Council Members - Morse, Sanchez, Santa Ines, Koops and Mayor Dunton
Bellflower City Council Minutes
January 27, 2025
11 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
Item No. 11-A
A Consideration and possible action to approve salary and benefit adjustments for City Manager and City Clerk positions.
For the City Manager, the proposed adjustment for calendar year 2025 would increase salary by $10,569 for a total salary of $281,569 annually. The proposed adjustment will increase taxes and benefits by approximately $2,690.
For the City Clerk, the proposed adjustment for calendar year 2025 would increase salary by $5,463 for a total salary of $145,547 annually. The proposed adjustment will increase taxes and benefits by approximately $3,392.
City Attorney Berger 1) introduced the item and provided a brief verbal report of the Staff Report; and 2) along with Director of Finance Rhee, responded to Council Members' questions.
For the record, City Attorney Berger, 1) clarified that the City Council had previously been provided with calculations based on a 3.4% increase, which was an error, and that it should have been a 3.9% increase; and 2) confirmed that the numbers in the current staff report reflect the corrected 3.9% increase.
Council Member Sanchez expressed his gratitude to City Manager Smoot and City Clerk Ochiqui, stating that the City Council is glad to have them, and he is pleased that the contracts would be renewed and extended.
For the record, Mayor Dunton 1) explained that the City Council reviewed and interviewed both the City Manager and City Clerk in closed session to evaluate their progress over the past year; 2) emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly, considering the workload, expectations for the future, and the salary survey results from other cities; 3) noted that the goal is to keep Bellflower competitive with other cities by adjusting salaries as needed, ensuring that the City retains a strong team and does not lose employees over salary or benefits.
Following brief discussion, it was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, and carried by the following roll call vote to 1) authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 1 to the City Manager Employment Agreement (AFN 1020), in a form approved by the City Attorney; and 2) authorize the Mayor to execute Amendment No. 6 to the City Clerk's Employment Agreement (AFN 686), in a form approved by the City Attorney:
AYES: Council Members - Morse, Sanchez, Santa Ines, Koops and Mayor Dunton
Bellflower City Council Minutes
January 27, 2025
11 CONSIDERATION ITEMS — Continued
Item No. 11-B
B Consideration and possible action to provide direction to the City Manager regarding the Designated Block Downtown Fagade Improvement project for the storefronts located at northwest corner of Bellflower Boulevard and Oak Street, adjacent to the Edgeway Downtown Bellflower mixed -use project, and adopt Resolution No. 25-05 - A Resolution adopted pursuant to Sections II and VII(C) of the Bellflower City Charter finding that the use of and distribution of economic development funds to business and/or property owners pursuant to the Business Assistance Plan does not constitute a public subsidy requiring payment of prevailing wage in accordance with Labor Code § 1720.
For the record, Council Member Morse 1) announced that she would recuse herself from 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 7:44 p.m.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
Director of Economic Development DellaLonga 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) responded to Council Members' questions along with Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki, City Attorney Berger, and City Manager Smoot.
At the request of Mayor Dunton and Council Member Sanchez, Director DellaLonga and Assistant City Manager/Director Gorecki 1) explained that there were no bids received when the solicitation for bids was initially released, so they reached out to two contractors who had experience with similar work and received two bids for $600,000 and $680,000; 2) stated that they decided to follow up with the lower bidder to request updated pricing based on non -prevailing wage conditions; 3) clarified that this pricing only covers construction costs and does not include construction management, which is typically about 20% of the total project cost and is handled by a third -party management team contracted by the City; and 4) mentioned that this approach helped re-establish the budget for the project.
For the record, in response to project management costs, 1) Council Member Sanchez suggested the City hire a project manager position; 2) Mayor Dunton agreed with Council Member Sanchez's suggestion, but noted that perhaps that was a separate discussion for future consideration; 3) Assistant City Manager/Director Gorecki stated that for a project of this scale, a project manager dedicated solely to that particular project would be in the City's best interest, versus an employee with additional duties; and 4) City Manager Smoot confirmed that staff would explore hiring a project manager position to oversee City projects on an ongoing basis versus by -contract and as -needed.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
January 27, 2025
11 CONSIDERATION ITEMS — Continued
Item No. 11-B
B Consideration and possible action to provide direction to the City Manager regarding the Designated Block Downtown Facade Improvement project for the storefronts located at northwest corner of Bellflower Boulevard and Oak Street, adjacent to the Edgeway Downtown Bellflower mixed -use project, and adopt Resolution No. 25-05 — Continued
Council Member Koops, 1) expressed that he was initially enthusiastic about the project when it was $175,000, but his enthusiasm has waned significantly as he no longer remembers what the project entails; 2) clarified with staff that the proposed renovations involve glass fronts, new stucco, and some form of facade across the front of the building; 3) expressed the opinion that spending $850,000 on buildings the City does not own is excessive, especially for aesthetic changes; and 4) requested and received clarification from staff relative to the source of the funding for the project.
At the request of Council Member Koops, City Manager Smoot explained that 1) there is a provision in the development agreement for liquidated damages if the developer does not secure an entertainment use within a specific time frame; and 2) this provision would apply once the developer received the certificate of occupancy with a deadline for securing the entertainment use one year after the permit issuance, noting that they are currently in the middle of that time period.
For the record, 1) at the request of Mayor Dunton, Director DellaLonga provided an artist rendering of the proposed changes to the properties; and 2) Council Member Koops reiterated that he didn't believe the cosmetic enhancements warranted the City spending $850,000, suggesting painting the buildings and replacement of the awnings could be done at much lesser cost.
Council Member Sanchez 1) pointed out that the difference between the prevailing wage bids and the others without is minimal at only about 0.9% difference and, for such a small difference, he would choose to go with prevailing wage; 2) agreed with Council Member Koops, expressing the opinion that $850,000 for the project is excessive; 3) compared the cost to building ADUs, which can be done for half that price; and 4) stated that while he was initially open to the project at $175,000, he no longer feels comfortable with the $850,000 price, regardless of it being a not -to -exceed amount.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, Director DellaLonga 1) explained that it took a long time to secure the necessary easements before the work could begin on the front of the buildings, which was required prior to the adoption of the charter; and 2) emphasized that the easement acquisition was the biggest time-consuming factor and resulted in the overall delay of the project.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
January 27, 2025
11 CONSIDERATION ITEMS — Continued
Item No. 11-B
B Consideration and possible action to provide direction to the City Manager regarding the Designated Block Downtown Facade Improvement project for the storefronts located at northwest corner of Bellflower Boulevard and Oak Street, adjacent to the Edgeway Downtown Bellflower mixed -use project, and adopt Resolution No. 25-05 — Continued
Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, 1) requested and received confirmation from City Attorney Berger that the City has no obligation to continue with the project and if the City abandons the easements, they would simply revert back to the private property owners; and 2) expressed disbelief at the significant increase in cost from $175,000 to $850,000.
For the record, Mayor Dunton suggested the City Council table the project and recommended staff explore "value engineering", "value planning", more cost-effective options, and other funding sources such as Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.
For the record, Council Member Sanchez recommended staff explore the "Compton Initiative" as an option to engage the community for this project through the use of the City's Volunteer Center.
Following lengthy discussion, and without objection, it was the consensus of the City Council to refer the matter back to staff to 1) reconsider this project looking at "value planning"; 2) explore the "Compton Initiative" and utilizing the Volunteer Center to coordinate a community effort; 3) obtain a bid for painting of the facades and replacing the awnings only (no structural changes); and 4) explore other funding sources such as CDBG funds.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines's questions relative to the easements that were processed for this property, City Attorney Berger advised that it may be legally wiser to abandon the easements which had to be done because the City was a general law city, noting that this will require staff to re-evaluate the matter based upon the charter.
Following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Dunton, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried by the following roll call vote to adopt Resolution No. 25-05:
AYES: Council Members - Sanchez, Santa Ines, Koops and Mayor Dunton
RECUSE: Council Members - Morse
For the record, Council Member Morse returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 8:19 p.m.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
January 27, 2025
11 CONSIDERATION ITEMS — Continued
Item No. 11-C
C Consideration and possible action to award contracts to Integrated Demolition and Remediation Inc. and California Landscape and Design Inc., for the remediation of the nuisance abatement that exists at 17046 Bellflower Boulevard; and authorize the City Manager to execute individual contracts with Integrated Demolition and Remediation Inc. and California Landscape and Design Inc., in forms approved by the City Attorney.
For the record, 1) City Manager Smoot introduced the item; 2) Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report, and along with City Manager Smoot and Assistant City Attorney Campen, responded to Council Members' questions; and 3) supplemental material was distributed to the City Council and made available to the public prior to the start of the meeting.
At the request of Council Member Morse, Assistant City Attorney Campen clarified that ironically, properties that are easily accessible attract less trespassers than properties where people can hide behind structures, noting that a letter of agency can also be used.
For the record, Council Member Sanchez 1) emphasized that there is a cost recovery process for all abatement costs, including staff time and all necessary work to address the public nuisance; 2) stated that he disagreed with the language suggesting that prevailing wage is not needed for the project and believes it should be required when performing this type of work, especially related to public nuisance issues; and 3) stated that he would be comfortable supporting the project given that the bids meet the prevailing wage requirement.
In response to comments from Council Member Sanchez relative to prevailing wage, 1) Assistant City Manager/Director Gorecki referenced the staff report, pointing out that the last section indicates that if work is being done under an emergency order for abatement, it could be deemed as non -prevailing wage; and 2) Mayor Dunton disagreed that this project should be completed with prevailing wage, as it is no longer required.
Following lengthy discussion, it was moved by Mayor Dunton, seconded by Council Member Koops to 1) direct staff to proceed as follows: move forward with the "base bid costs" (including the fence and demolition of the building) and "Alternative No. 1" pricing which would also include the additional work to create the 5 -foot band around the perimeter (not including the asphalt on the east side); 2) award a contract to Integrated Demolition and Remediation Inc., for the project and authorize the City Manager to execute said contract, in a form approved by the City Attorney, without prevailing wage rates; and 3) award a contract to Integrated California Landscape and Design, Inc., for the project and authorize the City Manager to execute said contract, in a form approved by the City Attorney, without prevailing wage rates. For the record, the vote was taken following additional discussion.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
January 27, 2025
11 CONSIDERATION ITEMS — Continued
Item No. 11-C
C Consideration and possible action to award contracts to Integrated Demolition and Remediation Inc. and California Landscape and Design Inc., for the remediation of the nuisance abatement that exists at 17046 Bellflower Boulevard; and authorize the City Manager to execute individual contracts with Integrated Demolition and Remediation Inc. and California Landscape and Design Inc., in forms approved by the City Attorney.
For the record, 1) Council Member Sanchez requested the language on page 4 of the staff report be stricken from the motion: "Following the approval of the amendment to the BMC, staff will reach out to the individual contractors and request pricing adjustments based on the amended BMC language", noting that the bids came in at prevailing wage and he was hopeful that it could be kept that way; 2) Mayor Dunton stated that he is against utilizing prevailing wage for this project; 3) City Manager Smoot clarified that with the adoption of Urgency Ordinance No. 1440 earlier in the meeting, a project of this nature is no longer subject to prevailing wage, although the City Council maintains the option make it subject to prevailing wage; 4) Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines and Council Member Koops stated that they are also in support of moving forward with the project without using prevailing wage; and 5) at the request of Council Member Morse, Assistant City Manager/Director Gorecki clarified that the prices in the staff report include prevailing wage rates, but he would go back to the contractors and ask for revised cost estimates based on non -prevailing wage rates, as this project would no longer be subject to prevailing wage following the adoption of Urgency Ordinance No. 1440.
Following additional discussion, Mayor Dunton reaffirmed his previous motion, Council Member Koops reaffirmed his second of the motion, and it carried by the following roll call vote to 1) direct staff to proceed as follows: move forward with the "base bid costs" (including the fence and demolition of the building) and "Alternative No. 1" pricing which would also include the additional work to create the 5 -foot band around the perimeter (not including the asphalt on the east side); 2) award a contract to Integrated Demolition and Remediation Inc., for the project and authorize the City Manager to execute said contract, in a form approved by the City Attorney, without prevailing wage rates; and 3) award a contract to Integrated California Landscape and Design, Inc., for the project and authorize the City Manager to execute said contract, in a form approved by the City Attorney, without prevailing wage rates:
AYES: Council Members - Morse, Santa Ines, Koops and Mayor Dunton
NOES: Council Members - Sanchez
Bellflower City Council Minutes
January 27, 2025
12 CONSENT CALENDAR
Item No. 12
It was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem 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, Koops and Mayor Dunton
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Warrant Register No. 25-072, dated January 27, 2025.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 25-072.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Treasurer's Report for the Month of December 2024.
Action: Received and filed the Treasurer's Report.
C Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 25-04 - A Resolution authorizing the recording of a Notice of Special Assessment for Nuisance Abatement against the owner of 9070 Artesia Boulevard (APN 7162-011-011).
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25-04 to authorize the recording of a notice of special assessment for nuisance abatement on the owner of 9070 Artesia Boulevard.
D Consideration and possible action to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1437 — An Ordinance adding a new Section 2.28.050 to the Bellflower Municipal Code regulating uncontested municipal elections.
Action: Waived further reading and adopted Ordinance No. 1437.
E Consideration and possible action to ratify Mayor Ray Dunton's appointment of Guy Bremer to the Planning Commission.
Action: Ratified Mayor Ray Dunton's appointment of Guy Bremer to fill the unexpired term on the Planning Commission ending December 2026.
F Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 25-06 — A Resolution adjusting salary and employment categories within the City Manager's Department (Exhibit A), effective February 1, 2025.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25-06, approving the attached personnel and salary plan adjustments and authorizing the City Manager to implement the Plan as appropriate.
G Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the December 12, 2024, Special Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the December 12, 2024, Special Meeting Minutes.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
January 27, 2025
13 COUNCIL REPORTS
Item No. 13
Council Member Sanchez, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, Council Member Koops and Mayor Dunton made various comments and reports.
Without objection, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Deacon Rafael "Ralph" Riera.
14 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
For the record, City Manager Smoot introduced the title of the Closed Session item.
There being no one from the public wishing to speak on Closed Session, without objection, Mayor Dunton recessed the Meeting at 9:07 p.m. to a Closed Session regarding:
A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - EXISTING LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE § 54956.9(d)(1). Number of Cases: Two.
1. City of Bellflower v. 20434 South Santa Fe Ave., LLC (filed April 2, 2024) LASC Case No. 24NWCV01017.
2. City of Bellflower, et al. v. 17450 Bellflower Blvd., LLC; LASC Case No. 23NWCV03574.
For the record, 1) Council Member Koops recused on Item 14-A.1, as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject property; 2) Mayor Dunton and Council Member Morse recused on Item 14-A.2, as they have property conflicts within 500 feet of the subject property; and 3) Closed Session adjourned at 10:01 p.m. 15 RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Mayor Dunton reconvened the Meeting at 10:02 p.m., with Council Member Koops absent, and announced that no reportable action was taken during Closed Session.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
January 27, 2025
16 ADJOURNMENT
Item No. 16
Without objection, Mayor Dunton adjourned the meeting at 10:02 p.m., in memory of Deacon Rafael "Ralph" Riera, to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 10, 2025.
• \°
Ray Duntorf, Mayor
City of Bellflower
Attest:
yr: O hiqui,"�ity Cler
Approved: February 24, f' 5