14-B
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 March 24, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
DATE: April 14, 2025
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
None
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Approve the March 24, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENT
Minutes of the March 24, 2025, Regular Meeting… .................... ………………………… 2
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MINUTES
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, MARCH 24, 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 Consideration and possible action to appoint the City Manager, City Attorney, and Deputy City Attorney Zach Lopes as Labor Negotiators for the City.
Following brief discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried by the following roll call vote, to appoint the City Manager, City Attorney, and Deputy City Attorney Zach Lopes as Labor Negotiators for the City:
AYES: Council Members – Koops, Morse, Sanchez, Santa Ines, and Mayor Dunton
4 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
For the record, City Manager Smoot announced the titles of the Closed Session items.
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Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 4
March 24, 2025 Page 2 of 11
4 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION – Continued
There being no one from the public in attendance, without objection, Mayor Dunton recessed the Meeting at 5:35 p.m. to a Closed Session regarding:
A CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6)
Agency Negotiator: City Manager, City Attorney, Deputy City Attorney Zachery A. Lopes.
Employee Organization: All represented employee bargaining units.
For the record, Closed Session adjourned at 6:08 p.m.
5 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
6 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Dunton called the Open Session of the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
7 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 P.J. Mellana, Director of Parks & Recreation
Anna Garan, Finance Manager
Wangsu Lee, Interim Senior Management Analyst
Jennifer Russell, Management Assistant
3 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 8
March 24, 2025 Page 3 of 11
8 INVOCATION
Council Member Victor A. Sanchez offered the Invocation.
9 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Parks & Recreation P.J. Mellana led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
10-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Dunton provided details relative to the Bellflower Honors Program, offering residents the opportunity to dedicate a street pole banner or an inscribed brick to honor local veterans.
Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines provided details relative to the Young Artists' Night hosted by the Bellflower Symphony Association showcasing the winners of the Young Artist Concerto Competition, to be held on April 19, 2025, at the William and Jane Bristol Civic Auditorium.
Council Member Morse provided details relative to the family dive -in movie event featuring the movie Peter Rabbit to be held on April 11, 2025, at the Bellflower Aquatic Center.
Council Member Sanchez provided details relative to the free used oil and filter recycling event to be held on April 26, 2025, at AutoZone located at 10239 Rosecrans Avenue.
Council Member Koops provided details relative to the free composting event providing residents with two free bags of compost to be held on April 19, 2025, at the Public Works Yard.
10-B PRESENTATION: Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control District
Maritza Olmos, Operations Manger of Greater Los Angeles County Vector Control,1) gave a PowerPoint presentation providing an overview of the Vector Control District’s services; and 2) responded to Council Member’s questions, along with Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines who represents the City as a member of the board.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, City Manager Smoot confirmed that the City could add a “tab” on its website to provide the public more information about Vector Control services.
In response to the presentation provided by Operations Manager Olmos, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines confirmed that Parks and Recreation Department staff would contact Vector Control relative to utilizing the educational bus for Summer Streetfest Events as has been done in the past.
4 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11
March 24, 2025 Page 4 of 11
11 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Cheryl Williams, resident, stated that the main water line in her neighborhood was replaced and a new fire hydrant installed across the street from her home by American Water (new provider), noting that the crew has been consistently respectful, never blocked driveways, cleaned up immaculately, and are performing their work well.
Pauline Banzeula, resident, Edgeway Apartments, addressed the City Council relative to new parking restriction signage in the parking structure, expressed concern about how residents in the area will find overnight parking and asked if the Council had considered long-term parking options for residents in the area.
In response to comments provided by Pauline Banzeula, Mayor Dunton, 1) stated that the City is always looking for parking solutions, noting that the parking structure was very expensive for the City to build; 2) explained that the State’s mandate for less parking in housing has led to the parking issues she is experiencing; and 3) recognized that parking is a challenge for the City.
Mark Anderson, resident, 9600 block of Mayne Street, 1) stated that restricting overnight parking in the parking structure has created issues on his street and requested the City Council reconsider the restrictions; 2) explained that overnight parking was allowed on Wednesday nights due to the street sweeping schedule, and many residents, including himself, would park in the structure on Wednesday nights; 3) mentioned that street sweeping occurs between 8 :00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m., and it is difficult for him to find parking since he works nights; and 4) requested the City look into reallocating a white zone that is no longer being utilized near the Presbyterian Church which would accommodate three to four vehicles and a red zone placed near a fire hydrant which would accommodate two vehicles that could possibly be removed to alleviate some parking spaces on the street.
In response to comments provided by Mark Anderson, Mayor Dunton 1) clarified that parking issue were not just in the parking structure, but all of downtown; 2) noted that permit parking is allowed, but residents need to initiat e it and apply for it; and 3) suggested he speak to Director of Public Safety McNerney to discuss the possibility of establishing permit parking in the area and possibly reallocating a “white zone” area near the nearby Presbyterian Church and a “red zone” close to a nearby fire hydrant.
In response to comments provided by Pauline Banzuela and Mark Anderson, 1) Council Member Sanchez pointed out that the issue seems similar to the one at Van's Mobile Home Park, where the problem arises on street sweeping days and residents are unsure where to park their cars; 2) Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines mentioned that the developers of Edgeway Apartments guaranteed there would be enough parking for the tenants and reiterated that due to the State’s mandates, construction of ADUs is allowed without parking requirements; and 3) Council Member Koops expressed concern about homelessness and people sleeping in their cars, which led to the establishment of the parking restrictions ordinance. 5 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11
March 24, 2025 Page 5 of 11
11 PUBLIC COMMENTS – Continued
Patricia Ochoa, representative of AltaMed Viva Gold, 1) stated that AltaMed opened their Bellflower location on December 16, 2024, near the corner of Rosecrans Avenue and Woodruff Boulevard; 2) explained that their facility offers specialized services for senior patients; and 3) mentioned that they are struggling to find clients and brought flyers to distribute, hoping for the City’s support in spreading awareness of their business in the community.
Karla Torres, AltaMed Community Affairs Manager, 1) shared that joining the Chamber of Commerce is part of their initiative towards a community engagement strategy to begin collaborating with community -based organizations and local businesses; and 2) expressed hope of collaborating with the City’s community relations staff to develop wellness programs and participate in upcoming events.
Rolando Chavez, AltaMed, Government Relations, stated that the provider that was previously located at their location shut down and AltaMed was able to take over all of their sites across Los Angeles and Orange Count ies.
In response to public comments provided by Patricia Ochoa, Karla Torres, and Rolando Chavez of AltaMed Health Services, 1) Council Member Koops informed them that the City pays for a one-year membership to the Bellflower Chamber of Commerce with the payment of their business license and they would host a ribbon cutting to help promote their business; and 2) City Manager Smoot confirmed that he would connect them with the Chamber of Commerce.
John Butts, resident, expressed concern about electric bikes and golf carts in the City, stating that 1) none of the electric bikes have DMV tags for registration, which results in the State and City losing money; 2) these bikes are categorized as motorcycles, but none of the riders have taken a motorcycle class or have proper registration; 3) he has nearly collided with these vehicles twice, adding that they lack licenses and insurance; 4) if an accident were to occur the drivers would not be liable; and 5) if no changes are made, he will hold the City and Sheriff’s Department responsible for any collisions he may have with these vehicles.
In response to public comments provided by John Butts, Mayor Dunton 1) clarified that the issue is under the State’s jurisdiction; 2) expressed that Mr. Butts's behavior was inappropriate and informed him that a Sheriff Deputy would be called to remove him from the meeting if he did not alter his conduct; 3) requested and received confirmation from Mr. Butts that he would like a Sheriff Deputy called; and 4) informed Mr. Butts that his allotted public comment time had expired and stated that he can either return to his seat or be escorted out by the Sheriff Deputy.
For the record, John Butts was escorted out of the Council Chambers by the Sheriff Deputy in attendance.
6 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 12
March 24, 2025 Page 6 of 11
12 PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
13 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
14 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
A Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to complete the city-wide Urban Forestry Management Plan and to designate the appropriate funding source following the United States Department of Agriculture suspension of grant funds previously award to the City of Bellflower.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
Interim Senior Management Analyst Lee 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) responded to Council Members’ questions along with City Manager Smoot, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki, and Planning Manager Garan.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, Finance Manager Garan 1) clarified that the City currently has a tree management account in the General Fund as well as some special funding sources; and 2) stated that the General Fund could be used to cover the difference being discussed regarding this item.
At the request of Council Member Sanchez, Assistant City Manager/Director Gorecki confirmed that he would explore the idea of hosting an Arbor Day education day.
At the request of Council Member Koops, Interim Senior Management Analyst Lee confirmed that he would inform the City Council if the City is reimbursed by the granting agency.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) authorize the City Manager to complete the Urban Forestry Management Plan currently in progress with West Coast Arborists, Inc. (WCA); and 2) designate the General Fund as the alternative funding source to complete the Urban Forestry Management Plan in lieu of awarded grant funds being suspended by the Federal government:
AYES: Council Members – Koops, Morse, Sanchez, Santa Ines, and Mayor Dunton
7 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
March 24, 2025 Page 7 of 11
14 CONSIDERATION ITEMS – Continued
B Consideration and possible action to authorize the Mayor to submit a letter to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors requesting action to reduce the number of vacancies within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and support adequate detention capacity County-wide.
For the record, supplemental material was provided to the City Council and made available to the public prior to the start of the meeting.
City Manager Smoot 1) introduced the item; 2) provided slides and gave a verbal overview of the staff report; and 3) responded to Council Members’ questions.
Mayor Dunton 1) prefaced by stating that he wanted to give his colleagues some background on this item, noting that City Manager Smoot had highlighted these issues after meeting with the Contract Cities Liability Fund; 2) explained that prisons are not being built and there is no place to house additional individuals; 3) expressed concern over the 1,400 vacant deputy positions that cannot be filled, with existing deputies working major overtime, which is becoming unsustainable; 4) emphasized the need to manage liability, noting that fatigue could lead to issues, particularly with no deputies on the road; 5) mentioned that while the City budgeted $2 million for additional deputies, no one currently wants to become a Sheriff Deputy; 6) shared that Sheriff Luna has requested more deputies, but his request has not been acted upon; 7) urged the Council to support this effort, stating that the more signatures in favor, the greater the collective impact; 8) concluded that hiring a consultant is unnecessary, as Sheriff Luna already knows the department needs more deputies, which is the core issue at hand ; and 9) noted that he would like input on the record regarding this matter.
Council Member Koops 1) stated that he has no issue with signing the letter; 2) expressed concern regarding the 1,400 vacant positions, asking if paying overtime for those positions results in equivalent costs, noting that paying overtime instead of hiring 1,400 employees could lead to significant expenses; 3) mentioned hearing similar stories about shortages in other agencies, such as the California Highway Patrol and LAPD, and how cities are offering large bonuses to officers to switch to municipal police departments, highlighting the broader retention issue; and 4) directed a question to City Manager Smoot, asking if it is known whether the funds that would typically be allocated for the 1,400 positions are being spent on overtime instead.
City Manager Smoot 1) acknowledged that there is a fair argument to be made that liability is associated with the increased costs; 2) explained that from a contract perspective, the formula is based on the unit rather than the individual deputy within the unit; and 3) noted that while there would be a reduction in costs, there would still be a significant expense related to overtime.
8 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
March 24, 2025 Page 8 of 11
14 CONSIDERATION ITEMS – Continued
B Consideration and possible action to authorize the Mayor to submit a letter to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors requesting action to reduce the number of vacancies within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and support adequate detention capacity County-wide – Continued
Council Member Sanchez 1) expressed full support for signing the letter and adding more personnel, emphasizing the need for improvement in recruitment; and 2) requested and received confirmation from City Manager Smoot that he would speak to Contract Cities Director Rodarte relative to the letter that will be sent to the Board of Supervisors.
Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines 1) thanked City staff for providing for the number of attendees at the academy and pointed out that if they are unable to fill all of the seats in the academy, it indicates that recruitment efforts are insufficient; 2) commented that ten years ago deputies expressed a desire to work overtime, but now they no longer wish to do so, as it affects their alertness, performance, and efficiency; 3) expressed support for the letter, stating that it addresses the major issues, and indicated willingness to sign the letter alongside the Mayor and the rest of the City Council; and 4) encouraged anyone who knows someone who would make a good deputy to urge them to join the Sheriff's Department.
Council Member Morse, expressed agreement with all of the sentiments shared by other Council Members and stated that she will gladly sign the letter.
City Manager Smoot 1) explained that the costs are not just related to the Sheriff's Department, but also include expenses such as paying for Southwest Patrol to free up deputies; 2) noted that the City formed a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) with the surrounding cities of Lakewood and Paramount to address some of these ancillary services, which help free up Sheriff Deputy resources; 3) emphasized that Bellflower is taking very specific actions and spending additional money beyond what is ideally allocated for deputies to address these concerns; and 4) stated that they are simply asking the County to take similar actions.
Council Member Sanchez 1) added a comment in support of the matter being discussed, noting that one of the frequent complaints from residents is related to traffic calming, speeding, and general traffic concerns; 2) mentioned that over the last couple of budget cycles, the City has attempted to budget for traffic deputies and motor deputies, but has not had the ability to do so; 3) emphasized that this issue aligns with the City's efforts to address resident concerns in the community; and 4) reaffirmed that, as previously stated, he will definitely support the letter.
9 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
March 24, 2025 Page 9 of 11
14 CONSIDERATION ITEMS – Continued
B Consideration and possible action to authorize the Mayor to submit a letter to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors requesting action to reduce the number of vacancies within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and support adequate detention capacity County-wide – Continued
Mayor Dunton 1) expressed frustration, noting that having 1,400 vacancies is unacceptable and mentioned the negative portrayal of the community in the news, including traffic issues and crime; 2) highlighted the connection between the shortage of deputies and increasing liability, stressing the risks associated with hiring underqualified individuals; 3) stated that the lack of incarceration facilities and the State's early release of prisoners is contributing to criminals being released back onto the streets; 4) emphasized the need for the Board of Supervisors to understand the community's concerns and expressed hope that other cities would follow their lead; 5) mentioned that while the City had allocated funds for new deputies, they were not provided and armed security guards were being used instead; and 6) concluded by expressing hope that thinking outside the box could lead to meaningful change and appreciated the idea of sending a letter with all Council Members’ signatures.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council to submit a letter to the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors requesting action to reduce the number of vacancies within the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and support adequate detention capacity County-wide, as amended to include all Council Members’ signatures and sent via overnight mail.
15 CONSENT CALENDAR
For the record, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines requested that Item 15-C (Third Party Special Event Permit for a car show) be pulled for comment only.
Relative to Item 15-C, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, 1) thanked the Bellflower Noon Lions Club for hosting the upcoming car show, noting that past events have drawn a lot of people to Bellflower and involved many volunteers, with the partnership with the Parks and Recreation Department; 2) mentioned attending the pickleball tournament last Saturday at Thompson Park, which was run entirely by volunteers, highlighting the power of volunteerism; and 3) expressed gratitude for City staff and volunteers for their work on both the upcoming car show and the pickleball tournament.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, and carried without objection, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar.
10 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 15
March 24, 2025 Page 10 of 11
15 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Warrant Register No. 05-092, dated March 24, 2025.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 05-092.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Treasurer’s Report for the Month of February 2025. _____ Action: Received and filed the Treasurer’s Report.
C Consideration and possible action to incorporate all items outlined in the Staff Report into the Third Party Special Event Permit for the request by Bellflower Noon Lions Club to temporarily close Bellflower Boulevard on October 4, 2025, for a car show, and approving the concurrent request for the City to provide financial support or in-kind services to assist with the event.
Action: Incorporated all items outlined in the Staff Report into the Third -Party Special Event permit for a car show in 2025.
D Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement File No. 857.1, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with George Chevrolet for use of City’s property identified by separate instrument executed by City’s City Manager and Licensee.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to Agreement File No. 857.1, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
E Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the February 24, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the February 24, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes.
F Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the March 10, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the March 10, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes.
16 COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Morse, Council Member Sanchez, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, and Mayor Dunton made various comments and reports.
Without objection, Council Member Sanchez requested an item be brought forward for future City Council consideration to budget for the City to conduct a study relative to street sweeping services, including whether street sweeping should be done on both sides of the street on the same day in more congested areas of the City.
11 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 17
March 24, 2025 Page 11 of 11
17 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Dunton adjourned the meeting at 8:49 p.m. to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025.
Ray Dunton, Mayor
City of Bellflower
Attest:
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Approved: April 14, 2025
12