14-H
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 January 13, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
DATE: February 10, 2025
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
None
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Approve the January 13, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENT
Minutes of the January 13, 2025, Regular Meeting… ................. ………………………… 2
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MINUTES
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, JANUARY 13, 2025
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 Dunton called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:33 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower.
2 ROLL CALL
The following members of the City Council responded present to roll call:
Mayor Ray Dunton
Mayor Pro Tem Sonny R. Santa Ines
Council Member Dan Koops
Council Member Wendi Morse
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
For the record, City Manager Smoot announced the titles of the Closed Session items.
There being no one from the public in attendance, without objection, Mayor Dunton recessed the Meeting at 5:33 p.m. to a Closed Session regarding:
A PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957)
Title: City Clerk
B PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957)
Title: City Manager
For the record, Closed Session adjourned at 6:55 p.m.
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Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 4
January 13, 2025 Page 2 of 11
4 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
Mayor Dunton reconvened the Meeting at 7:02 p.m. with all members present and announced that no reportable action was taken during Closed Session.
7:00 P.M. – OPEN SESSION
5 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Dunton 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 Ray Dunton
Mayor Pro Tem Sonny R. Santa Ines
Council Member Dan Koops
Council Member Wendi Morse
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez
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
Brian McNerney, Interim Director of Public Safety
P.J. Mellana, Director of Parks and Recreation
Kristen Smith, Parks and Recreation Manager
Anna Garan, Finance Manager
Dakota Wallace, Management Assistant
7 INVOCATION
Mayor Ray Dunton offered the Invocation.
8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Interim Director of Public Safety Brian McNerney led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 9-A
January 13, 2025 Page 3 of 11
9-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Dunton provided details relative to CR&R’s free compost giveaway to be held on February 22, 2025, at the Public Works Yard.
Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines provided details relative to the Bellflower Symphony Orchestra’s winter concert to be held on February 1, 2025, at the William and Jane Bristol Auditorium.
Council Member Morse provided details relative to an upcoming community survey conducted by the City aimed to gather input on how United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) funding should be used.
Council Member Sanchez provided details relative to the Entrepreneurial Academy to begin on February 20, 2025, which is focused on empowering individuals to develop their leadership skills and business acumen .
Council Member Koops provided details relative to the Chamber of Commerce’s upcoming events, “Business-to-Business Casual Connections” on January 23, 2025, and the next “Monthly Morning Mingle” on January 28, 2025.
9-B PRESENTATION: Student Recognition for the Community Recycling Artwork Contest
Mayor Dunton introduced Michelle Nicholls of Nicholls Consulting, Inc., who provided a PowerPoint presentation recognizing the Community Recycling Artwork Contest Winners selected from elementary schools in the Bellflower Unified School District.
For the record, Mayor Dunton and his City Council colleagues acknowledged the winners who were present as a group.
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Darlene Palacios, resident, 1) inquired what the procedure is for individuals who have been injured in the crosswalk at the intersection of Clark Avenue and Rose Street, explaining that one of her neighbors was recently hit by a vehicle in the crosswalk but he is unsure of what steps need to be taken; 2) expressed concern with the lack of rent control in the City and inquired regarding the City’s efforts to prevent rent gouging; and 3) expressed the opinion that rent gouging leads to an increase of homelessness.
In response to comments provided by Darlene Palacios, Mayor Dunton suggested that her neighbor file a police report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department regarding the incident that occurred in the crosswalk.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10
January 13, 2025 Page 4 of 11
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS – Continued
Wesley Whitehead, resident, 1) inquired if laws have changed that would allow CR&R Incorporated (“CR&R”) to not abide by “Section 5.1.11 of Agreement File No. 399.2” with the City, which provides that if a tenant does not pay a bill on time, the property owner will be notified after 45 days of non-payment; 2) asked if an audit has been done regarding Amendment No. 2 to Agreement File No. 399.2 with CR&R, specifically with regard to Section 22; 3) stated that he paid his bill in a timely fashion, CR&R failed to post the transaction and did not notify him of the non-payment, which affected his property tax bill and resulted in double billing, noting that it has been corrected; and 4) requested property owners be notified of any non-payment in a timely fashion and suggested residents review their CR&R bill to ensure they are not double billed or face these same issues.
In response to comments made by Wesley Whitehead, 1) Mayor Dunton a) clarified that an annual public hearing is conducted to consider delinquent refuse service charges be assessed against the property owners, noting that property owners are notified by the City and CR&R in advance of the hearing; and b) confirmed that staff would discuss the matter with CR&R; 2) City Manager Smoot a) stated that his issue had been previously addressed by the City and CR&R; and b) confirmed that Agreement File No. 399.2 and the corresponding amendments with CR&R are readily available to the public through the City’s website; and 3) Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines further noted that there is already process in place prior to the annual public hearing regarding delinquent refuse charges which involves notification to the property owners.
Jennifer Gonzalez inquired about the availability of information and resources regarding tenants’ rights and these resources be made readily available to the public.
In response to comments made by Jennifer Gonzalez, City Manager Smoot 1) stated that the City recently renewed an agreement with Fair Housing Foundation, which provides resources and information regarding tenants’ rights; and 2) confirmed that the information is readily available through the City’s website, newsletter, and social media platforms, noting that residents may call City Hall if they have any questions.
Oscar Villagomez, Library Manager, Brakensiek Library, 1) stated that the Library has information available regarding tenants’ rights as well; and 2) provided details relative to the “Reading Stars Tutoring” program, a no-cost tutoring service for students to become better readers.
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 12-A
January 13, 2025 Page 5 of 11
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
A Consideration and possible action to read by title only, waive further reading, and introduce Ordinance No. 1437 – An Ordinance adding a new Section
2.28.050 to the Bellflower Municipal Code regulating uncontested municipal elections.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
City Clerk Ochiqui 1) provided a verbal presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) along with City Attorney Berger, responded to Council Members’ questions.
For the record and benefit of the public, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines 1) explained that in the 2024 General and Special Municipal Election, there were two Districts that only had one individual nominated for each seat, but due to the California Elections Code, the City was required to submit to the voters all three Districts for consideration, noting that this cost the City approximately $54,000 in public funds; and 2) stated that with the adoption of the City Charter and Ordinance No. 1437, the City may cancel future uncontested elections to avoid unnecessary costs.
At the request of Council Member Sanchez relative to Section 3.A on page 4 of the Staff Report, City Attorney Berger 1) explained that the language is directly from the California Elections Code and would allow for the City Council to choose to hold or not hold the election if either no one or only one person was nominated; 2) confirmed the language may be removed by the City Council, but advised that having as many options as possible is preferred; and 3) stated that with the adoption of the City Charter, additional items will be brought to the City Council for future consideration.
Following 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 read by title only, waive further reading, and introduce Ordinance No. 1437 :
AYES: Council Members – Santa Ines, Koops, Morse, Sanchez, and Mayor Dunton
B Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 25 -02 – A Resolution adopted pursuant to Bellflower Municipal Code (“BMC”) Chapter 2.20 and Public Contracts Code § 20168 finding that a local emergency exists within the City and authorizing contracting without the need for bidding pursuant to § 22050 and Bellflower Municipal Code § 3.28.070(d) and finding that the nuisance abatement project at 17046 Bellflower Boulevard is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act as an emergency project.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 12-B
January 13, 2025 Page 6 of 11
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION – Continued
B Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 25-02 – Continued
CEQA: The Resolution itself and the projects anticipated by the Resolution were reviewed pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., “CEQA”) and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 Cal. Code of Regulations §§15000, et seq., the “CEQA Guidelines”). Based upon that review, the Projects are exempt from further review pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15269(a) because the protection of public and private property is necessary to maintain service essential to the public, health and welfare.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki 1) provided a verbal presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) along with City Manager Smoot, City Attorney Berger, and Interim Director of Public Safety responded to Council Members’ questions.
For the record, 1) City Manager Smoot a) stated that supplemental material was distributed to the City Council and made available to the public prior to the start of the meeting; and b) explained that a correction was needed to Section 3.D of Resolution No. 25-02 to correctly reflect the amount of “$350,000” and the address to read “17046 Bellflower Boulevard”; and 2) City Attorney Berger stated that the time period for the abatement warrant was extended by the Court in order to accommodate the City’s abatement of the property.
At the request of Council Member Sanchez and Council Member Morse, 1) City Manager Smoot a) confirmed that the budget amendment requested would allow for the City to abate the property and bring it up to the City’s vacant property ordinance standards; and b) explained that the abatement warrant states that demolition of the structure is the only viable means of bringing the property into compliance, further noting that the property owner has been nonresponsive to the City’s notices to maintain the property; and 2) Assistant City Manager/Director Gorecki confirmed that the budget amendment requested is sufficient to fully abate the property and bring it up to the City’s standards.
At the request of Council Member Koops, 1) Interim Director McNerney a) confirmed that the alley between Park Street and Arkansas Street will not be included in the abatement as it is privately owned; b) explained that the City intends to demolish the structure, mulch the entire lot, and then place Kentucky style fencing around the property; c) confirmed that when a property is abated, staff and legal fees are charged back to the property owner in the form of a lien ; and d) stated that the property owner hired an attorney when the first lien was placed on the property and requested a payment plan to assist with paying the lien but after setting up the payment plan, the City did not receive any further communication from the property owner or attorney; and 2) City Attorney Berger a) clarified that the budget amendment does not include staff or legal fees as it is only for the physical abatement of the property, further explaining that the City will recoup staff and legal fees at the time of property tax collection or before the foreclosure of the property; and b) confirmed that he would look into whether there was any other debt held on the property.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 12-B
January 13, 2025 Page 7 of 11
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION – Continued
B Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 25-02 – Continued
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, 1) Interim Director McNerney confirmed that a 90-day extension of the abatement warrant was granted by the Court in order for the City to complete the entire abatement; 2) Assistant City Manager/Director Gorecki stated that work can be started at the location in approximately four to five weeks, noting that there are steps that must be taken by the City and contractors prior to work commencing; and 3) City Attorney Berger confirmed that the City has everything needed from the Court to begin the abatement process.
For the record, 1) Council Member Sanchez requested that staff consider adding a natural garden or other landscaping alternatives to beautify the property as it is an entryway point into the Downtown area; 2) Mayor Dunton stated that landscaping can be brought back to the City Council for future consideration; 3) Interim Director McNerney noted that landscaping has not been incorporated in similar past circumstances, as there is no irrigation available aside from Public Works staff manually watering with an irrigation truck ; and 4) at the request of Council Member Koops, Mayor Dunton stated that staff would need to look into whether mulch could be placed on top of concrete.
Following brief discussion, City Manager Smoot stated that in future similar circumstances, staff will bring forward an abatement plan to the City Council for a property prior to obtaining the abatement order from the Court to ensure that it is in line with what the Council would like to see.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) adopt Resolution No. 25-02, as amended to correct Section 3.D for the amount to read “$350,000” and the address to read “17046 Bellflower Boulevard”; and 2) authorize funding up to $350,000 for the nuisance abatement project at 17046 Bellflower Boulevard:
AYES: Council Members – Santa Ines, Koops, Morse, Sanchez, and Mayor Dunton
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
A Consideration and possible action to approve the City of Bellflower Department of Parks and Recreation Special Event Calendar for calendar years 2025 and 2026.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
For the record, Director of Parks and Recreation Mellana 1) gave a PowerPoint presentation providing an overview of the Staff Report; and 2) along with City Manager Smoot, responded to Council Members’ questions.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13-A
January 13, 2025 Page 8 of 11
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to approve the City of Bellflower Department of Parks and Recreation Special Event Calendar – Continued
At the request of Council Member Sanchez, Director Mellana 1) confirmed that staff would determine how to make the holiday decorating contest more inclusive of multi-family homes; and 2) explained that the Special Event Calendar will now be brought forward to the City Council annually for consideration.
Following brief discussion, it was moved by Council Member Morse, seconded by Council Member Koops, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the City of Bellflower Department of Parks and Recreation Special Event Calendar for calendar years 2025 and 2026:
AYES: Council Members – Santa Ines, Koops, Morse, Sanchez, and Mayor Dunton
Jennifer Gonzalez thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for their hard work and requested clarification on how the musicians are selected for the Streetfest events.
In response to comments provided by Jennifer Gonzalez, and at the request of Mayor Dunton, Director Mellana confirmed that staff would follow-up with her to inform her of the process.
John Giries, The Stand Up Comedy Club, expressed the opinion that holding City events on “prime days” negatively affects business owners in the Downtown area, as streets are sometimes blocked off and parking becomes scarce, suggesting City events be held Monday - Thursday to alleviate the congestion issues for business owners in the area.
14 CONSENT CALENDAR
For the record, 1) Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines requested that Item 14-E (Resolution No. 25-01) be pulled for discussion only; and 2) Council Member Sanchez requested that Item 14-C (City’s Development Impact Fee Annual Report) be pulled for questions only.
With regard to Item 14-E (Resolution No. 25-01), at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, Interim Director of Public Safety McNerney presented a diagram provided by the State of California to illustrate the new law, explained that the new law makes it illegal to park within twenty feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk, or within fifteen feet of any crosswalk where a curb extension is present, and confirmed that diagram presented would be posted on the City’s website for public information.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
January 13, 2025 Page 9 of 11
14 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
With regard to Item 14-C (City’s Development Impact Fee Annual Report), at the request of Council Member Sanchez, Finance Manager Garan explained that page 3 of Item 14-B (Treasurer’s Report) details the Development Impact Fees for the current fiscal year and past fiscal year, further explaining that the permit fees recently increased but there was a decrease of the number of permits pulled this fiscal year compared to last fiscal year.
Following discussion, 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 – Santa Ines, Koops, Morse, Sanchez, and Mayor Dunton
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file Warrant Register No. 25-071, dated January 13, 2025.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 25-071.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file Treasurer’s Report for the Month of November 2024.
Action: Received and filed the Treasurer’s Report.
C Consideration and possible action to receive and file the City’s Development Impact Fee Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023 -24 pursuant to Government Code Section 66006.
Action: Received and filed the Development Impact Fee Annual Report for Fiscal Year 2023-24 pursuant to Government Code § 66006.
D Consideration and possible action to approve the Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-27 Budget Calendar.
Action: Approved the Proposed Fiscal Year 2025-27 Budget Calendar.
E Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 25 -01 – A Resolution adopting a fine schedule pursuant to California Vehicle Code (CVC) § 40203.5, and superseding Resolution No. 15-90.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25-01.
F Consideration and possible action to ratify the 2025 Mayor’s Appointments to the various City-associated organizations.
Action: Ratified Mayor Dunton’s 2025 appointments to the various City-associated organizations.
G Consideration and possible action to approve City Council Appointments/Reappointments to the Planning Commission, Public Safety Commission, and Parks & Recreation Commission.
Action: Approved Council Members’ appointments/reappointments to the Planning Commission, Public Safety Commission, and Parks & Recreation Commission.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
January 13, 2025 Page 10 of 11
14 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
H Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager, or designee, to install no overnight parking restrictions between 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. fronting H. Byrum Zinn Community Park & Trail (Zinn Park) located at 10350 Foster Road.
Action: Authorized the City Manager, or designee, to install no overnight parking restrictions between 10:00 p.m. – 6:00 a.m. fronting Zinn Park.
I Consideration and possible action to approve a budget amendment and authorize the City Manager to purchase a truck for the Public Safety Department.
Action: Approved a budget amendment to reallocate $35,000 from Account No. 010-42130-2200 to Account No. 010-47500-2000 and authorized the City Manager to purchase of a truck for the Public Safety Department.
J Consideration and possible action to reject all bids received for the Aquatic Center Outdoor Pool Improvements (Specifications No. 23/24-06) and authorize the solicitation of bids for construction.
Action: 1) Rejected all bids received for the Aquatic Center Outdoor Pool Improvements project (Specifications No. 23/24-06); and 2) Authorized City staff to re-package the project bid documents and re-solicit bids for construction.
K Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the November 25, 2024, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the November 25, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes.
L Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the December 9, 2024, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the December 9, 2024, Regular Meeting Minutes.
15 COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Koops, Council Member Sanchez, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, and Mayor Dunton made various comments and reports.
For the record, pursuant to AB 1234, Council Member Sanchez reported on his recent official travel to the California Contract Cities Association Annual Legislative Orientation Tour on January 6-8, 2025, in Sacramento, California, to advocate for the timely implementation of Proposition 36; additional funding for upcoming City projects, better assistance with Caltrans matters related to the 91 Corridor, additional reform with how regional leaders to boards are appointed, and additional support with housing needs for those exiting homelessness. State law requires that local government officials report on their official travel activities when public funds are expended. Therefore, Council Member Sanchez’s report was made pursuant to California Government Code Sections 53232.2 and 53232.3 and Bellflower Resolution No. 06-02.
For the record, and without objection, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Isidro “Syd” Pe, Jr. and Neil Bernard Poole.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 16
January 13, 2025 Page 11 of 11
16 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Dunton adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.m., in memory of Isidro “Syd” Pe, Jr. and Neil Bernard Poole, to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 27, 2025.
Ray Dunton, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Approved: February 10, 2025