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MINUTES
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, APRIL 28, 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 5:32 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, 1) City Manager Smoot announced the titles of the Closed Session items; and 2) City Attorney Berger announced that there was a change to the property owner information listed on the agenda, noting that JJR Holdings, LLC is now the property owner.
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 CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — INITIATION OF LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE § 54956.9(d)(4). Number of Cases: One. Potential defendant and property listed below is not required by applicable law; voluntarily disclosed:
JJR Holdings, LLC Jaime Alejandre; 9070 Artesia Boulevard, 9080 Artesia Boulevard, and 17427 Virginia Avenue.
For the record, Closed Session adjourned at 6:57 p.m.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
April 28, 2025
4 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
Item No. 4
Mayor Dunton reconvened the Meeting at 7:05 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 7:05 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 Brian McNerney, Director of Public Safety
Elizabeth Oba, Director of Planning and Building Services Kathryn Brun, Associate Planner
Wangsu Lee, Assistant to the City Manager
Jennifer Russell, Management Assistant
7 INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Sonny R. Santa Ines offered the Invocation. 8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Len Gorecki led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
April 28, 2025
9-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Item No. 9
Mayor Dunton provided details relative to the City's celebration of National Small Business Week from May 4-10, 2025, by recognizing small businesses and encouraging residents to support local establishments throughout the week.
Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines provided details relative to the City's "Day of the Shred" event to be held on May 17, 2025, at Thompson Park, providing free document shredding services to residents on a first -come, first -served basis.
Council Member Sanchez provided details relative to the Bellflower Honors Program, which offers residents the opportunity to dedicate a street pole banner or an inscribed brick to honor local veterans.
Council Member Koops provided details relative to the City's Leadership, Experience and Development (LEAD) Program's eight -week, summer session open to students in the graduating classes of 2026 through 2029 with an application window of May 1 through June 6, 2025.
Council Member Morse provided details relative to the Bellflower Civic Chorus concert, "Feel Good Favorites," to be held on May 3-4, 2025, at the William and Jane Bristol Civic Auditorium.
9-B PRESENTATION: Certificates of Achievement for Student Art Festival Winners
Mayor Dunton and his City Council colleagues, along with Senator Bob Archuleta District Representative Karla Caceres, presented certificates of achievement to the 2025 Student Art Festival winners Aaliyah Vasques from St. Dominic Savio Elementary, Sofia Gatiglio from Valley Christian Elementary, Jacqueline Wang from Valley Christian Elementary, and Keyla Francia from Washington Elementary.
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Brian Barreto, External Affairs Manager at California American Water, 1) addressed the City Council to highlight the company's service in the Los Angeles region and its ongoing efforts to improve water reliability; 2) noted the company's acquisition of the Bellflower Municipal Water System in 2022, enhancing service to 1,800 homes and businesses; and 3) reported about recent and upcoming infrastructure improvements within the City of Bellflower.
Cheryl Williams, resident, in response to comments provided by Brian Baretto, expressed high praise for the crew from California American Water that completed a recent pipe installation project near her home and commended the team for immediately addressing any issues that arose for residents during the project.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
April 28, 2025
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS — Continued
11 Item No. 10
Toni Veltri, resident, expressed concern relative to 1) lack of pedestrian safety measures near McNab Avenue and Ron Yary Stadium, especially during weekend soccer matches; 2) recent mail theft and a lack of response from the Bellflower Post Office to address concerns such as the thief bypassing the master locks and a refusal to replace them; and 3) recent changes to the traffic signal at McNab Avenue and Alondra Boulevard resulting in a ten-minute wait.
In response to comments provided by Toni Veltri, Mayor Dunton stated that 1) Public Works staff was in the room, had heard the concerns, and would make any necessary changes; and 2) agreed with her concerns relative to mail theft, noting that all Council Members had also experienced mail theft.
Rick Cook, resident, requested and received confirmation from Mayor Dunton that public comments would be allowed during discussion of Item 13-A (Southern California Edison Lighting — Executive Tract).
PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to 1) conduct a public hearing to consider an appeal from Robert Preece (representing Design UA, Inc.) of the Planning Commission's adoption of Resolution No. PC 24-15; and 2) adopt Resolution No. 24-15 — A Resolution denying an appeal (AP -25-01) and upholding Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 24-15 denying Development Review (DR 3-24-15169) and Conditional Use Permit (CU -24-07) for the construction of a 3,786 -square -foot restaurant with a drive -through component located at 16211 Bellflower Boulevard.
CEQA: The City reviewed the environmental impacts of the proposed Project pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq. "CEQA") and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 Cal.
Code of Regs. §§ 15000, et seq., the "CEQA Guidelines"). CEQA Guideline § 15061(b)(4) exempts projects that are disapproved or rejected. Should the City Council affirm the Planning Commission's decision and deny the DR and CUP, no further environmental review is required. If, however, the City Council opts to overturn the Planning Commission's decision and approve the project, it is still exempt pursuant to CEQA Guideline § 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures) as the project is less than 10,000 square feet in floor area on a site zones for such use and not involving significant amounts of hazardous substances where all necessary public services and facilities are available, and the surrounding area is not environmentally sensitive.
For the record, City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
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 1,000 feet of the subject property; and 2) left the dais and Council Chambers at 7:27 pm.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
April 28, 2025
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS — Continued
Item No. 11-A
A Consideration and possible action to 1) conduct a public hearing to consider an appeal from Robert Preece (representing Design UA, Inc.) of the Planning Commission's adoption of Resolution No. PC 24-15; and 2) adopt Resolution No. 24-15 — Continued
City Manager Smoot stated that City staff spoke with McDonald's representatives recently regarding concerns raised during the Planning Commission's review of the project and it was up to the City Council whether they would like to continue this matter or have staff present the item as scheduled.
For the record, 1) Mayor Dunton confirmed that staff could present the item first, prior to discussing whether it would be continued; and 2) Council Member Sanchez requested and received a point of clarification from Mayor Dunton that speakers in attendance would be able to provide public comments related to this item.
Associate Planner Kathryn Brun 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) responded to Council Members' questions along with City Manager Smoot, City Attorney Berger, and Director of Planning and Building Services Oba.
For the record, 1) Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines disclosed that he had an ex parte communication with a representative from McDonald's; and 2) Mayor Dunton, Council Member Koops, and Council Member Sanchez also disclosed that they had ex parte communications with consultants, the development team onsite, and a senator as well.
For the record, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines 1) noted that he communicated with Viviana Gomez, Transportation Deputy for Supervisor Janice Hahn (Metro Board Chair), who confirmed the target completion date for the Southeast Gateway Line is 2035; and 2) Senator Archuleta's field representative Karla Caceres recently stated at a presentation that the Senator helped secure $231 million in state funding for the project.
For the record, at the request of Mayor Dunton, City Attorney Berger clarified that this is an appeal hearing and "de novo" process, and so the protocol would be to open the public hearing to receive new evidence as if the other hearing never occurred, beginning with the Appellant, and then ask the clarifying questions from there.
Following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
City Attorney Berger, stated that since this was a public hearing, it requires the Appellant to testify first as part of the proceedings, followed by anyone else who would like to present testimony, and noted that the Appellant would be given twenty minutes to present.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
April 28, 2025
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS - Continued
Item No. 11-A
A Consideration and possible action to 1) conduct a public hearing to consider an appeal from Robert Preece (representing Design UA, Inc.) of the Planning Commission's adoption of Resolution No. PC 24-15; and 2) adopt Resolution No. 24-15 — Continued
Troy Stevenson, Appellant Representative, McDonald's, stated that he was formally requesting a continuance to allow time to evaluate the feasibility of a dedicated left -turn lane for the property, but offered to respond to any questions or provide testimony if the City Council wished to proceed.
City Attorney Berger, 1) stated that if the appellant is requesting a continuance, it is within the City Council's discretion to consider it; 2) suggested that, should the City Council choose to grant the continuance, members of the public who are unable to return at a future date be given an opportunity to provide testimony at this time; and 3) recommended that the City Council consider taking a straw vote to determine whether to proceed with the continuance or continue with the public hearing and allow the appellant to present their case.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines relative to any new information to justify the continuance of the item, Appellant Representative Stevenson 1) confirmed that there is the possibility of creating a dedicated left -turn lane for the subject property; 2) explained that this change would significantly impact the traffic conditions at the site, making it a substantial design change; and 3) clarified that the dedicated left -turn lane being discussed would be a broken, double -yellow, center median for northbound traffic and not a left -turn "pocket." City Manager Smoot, 1) suggested the City Council consider having the City's traffic engineers, as well as the Appellant's, review the proposed left -turn lane in detail, noting that there is an intersection in close proximity and parking on both sides of the street with limited street width; and 2) emphasized the importance of having data and analysis available for review before discussing the matter further.
City Attorney Berger, 1) apologized for intervening, but emphasized that this is a due process issue; 2) reminded the City Council that they are acting in a quasi-judicial role, the Appellant has filed an appeal, entitled now to make a case regarding why the Planning Commission's decision was wrong; 3) suggested that if the appellant is requesting a continuance, the Council take a straw vote to determine whether to allow the continuance; 4) expressed concern that the information being presented was speculative, as it had not been filed with the City or included in the evidence provided to the City Council in the item package; 5) stated that if the City Council wishes to proceed with the new information, the continuance should be granted; otherwise, the hearing should proceed.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
April 28, 2025
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS - Continued
Item No. 11-A
A Consideration and possible action to 1) conduct a public hearing to consider an appeal from Robert Preece (representing Design UA, Inc.) of the Planning Commission's adoption of Resolution No. PC 24-15; and 2) adopt Resolution No. 24-15 — Continued
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council (Council Member Morse recused), to continue the public hearing to a future date.
City Attorney Berger 1) stated that any member of the public who could not come back to the continued public hearing should be allowed to provide testimony for the record, noting that they will not be able to provide any further testimony at the continued hearing; and 2) clarified that if the hearing is to be continued, a specific date must be set or public notice will need to be provided again for the continued public hearing.
For the record, City Manager Smoot, suggested the Public Hearing be continued to the May 12, 2025, City Council meeting.
At the request of Mayor Dunton, Appellant Representative Stevenson confirmed that the continuance to May 12, 2025, would be sufficient.
James Taylor, Jr., Taylor's Lock & Key (neighboring business), 1) stated that his business was established in 1977, provides lock and key, and security services, and had adequate parking arrangements with the previous Omni Office Products, but Brothers Janitorial took over the property and no longer allowed parking access; 2) stated that the area is overwhelmed with traffic as it is and the timing of traffic signals make it difficult to exit local establishments safely; 3) emphasized that Bellflower residents should not have to struggle to find parking just to get a meal or obtain local services, noting that there is an Edison easement with seven parking spaces that maybe should be reconsidered as public space in the future; 4) mentioned that his property is on the table for consideration by McDonald's if needed to create a third lane and driveway access for the northbound entrance; 5) expressed the opinion that a mixed -use development concept with business at ground level and apartments above would make the most sense for the property; and 6) at the request of Council Member Koops, stated that he is in favor of the project as long as they are considerate of Bellflower residents.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried by the following roll call vote, to continue the Public Hearing to May 12, 2025:
AYES: Council Members — Sanchez, Santa Ines, Koops and
Mayor Dunton
RECUSE: Council Member — Morse
For the record, Council Member Morse returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 8:09 p.m.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
April 28, 2025
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
13 Item No. 12
None
CONSIDERATION ITEMS
A Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Southern California Edison for the acquisition of the City -owned streetlights within the Executive Tract neighborhood.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
Assistant City Manager/ Director of Public Works Gorecki 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) along with City Manager Smoot and City Attorney Berger, responded to Council Members' questions.
At the request of Council Member Sanchez, City Attorney Berger 1) explained the process for creating an assessment district which would include an Engineer's Report to determine what the assessment will be, noted that this may not be uniform for all parcels, and require all affected property owners to vote on the assessments; and 2) noted that the reimbursement period depends on the study and assessments, but a typical bond reimbursement period is 30 years.
For the record, City Manager Smoot further explained that the assessment report would be completed every year on an ongoing basis to reassess those costs.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, Assistant City Manager/Director Gorecki confirmed that City staff can survey the property owners that would potentially be affected by this to see if they would be in favor of creating an assessment district before spending any additional funds on a consultant to complete a study.
At the request of Mayor Dunton, Assistant City Manager/Director Gorecki confirmed that the streetlights are currently off and not functional within the Executive Tract neighborhood.
Rick Cook, Executive Tract neighborhood resident, 1) expressed strong opposition to above -ground electrical lines, expressing the opinion that they are aesthetically unappealing; 2) expressed support for undergrounding utilities, noting that many local residents visit their neighborhood to walk, so any improvements would benefit the entire area; and 3) expressed his willingness to tax himself to eliminate visible wiring and would campaign for it in his neighborhood.
Sarah Miller, Executive Tract neighborhood resident, 1) expressed the opinion that changing to above -ground electrical wiring would be "going backwards," would disrupt the clean and charming look of their neighborhood, and undermine the work to modernize the area; and 2) at the request of Mayor Dunton, stated that she couldn't speak to the creation of an assessment district at the moment, noting that home owners spent a lot of money on their homes in that area.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
April 28, 2025
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS — Continued
Item No. 13-A
A Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Southern California Edison for the acquisition of the City -owned streetlights within the Executive Tract neighborhood — Continued Urain Cook, Executive Tract neighborhood resident, 1) emphasized that underground utilities were a determining factor in purchasing her home, as it added to the neighborhood's appeal; 2) stated that she did not want to be assessed, noting that she already pays a tremendous amount to Edison; 3) expressed the opinion that switching to above -ground wiring was "going in the wrong direction;" 4) advocated for the future undergrounding of utilities, noting that it is expensive, but "that's what cities do;" and 5) suggested solar lighting be considered.
Lennae Kos, Executive Tract neighborhood resident, 1) expressed safety concerns and reported two recent vehicle theft attempts in the neighborhood, one of which was thwarted by a resident; 2) expressed the opinion that the approximate timeline of two years for new lighting installation was unacceptable; 3) requested and received clarification from Mayor Dunton that if the wires were to be installed above ground, that it would not go over her house; and 4) requested additional police presence in their neighborhood until they get lights.
In response to comments provided by Lennae Kos, 1) Mayor Dunton stated that Edison can install above -ground lighting within two months and the City has requested additional Sheriffs Department services, but there are currently no resources; and 2) at the request of Council Member Morse, Director of Public Safety McNerney confirmed that additional patrols could be deployed to the area to help maintain safety.
Cathy B. Hampton, resident, 1) stated that she resided in the "non -executive" area of Dunrobin Avenue which was adjacent to the neighborhood under discussion; and 2) requested and received clarification from Mayor Dunton that all of Dunrobin Avenue was not included in the subject area.
Cheryl Williams, resident, 1) requested and received clarification from Mayor Dunton relative to the available options for addressing the issue; 2) expressed the opinion that if an assessment district is established to fund underground utilities, that was "on their backs;" and 3) agreed that this neighborhood needs streetlights and above -ground wiring is unsightly, but expressed the opinion that she did not want her tax dollars to be spent for this purpose, noting that if Edison installed it, they should fix the problem.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
April 28, 2025
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS — Continued
Item No. 13-A
A Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Southern California Edison for the acquisition of the City -owned streetlights within the Executive Tract neighborhood — Continued Doug Donovan, Executive Tract neighborhood resident, 1) indicated support for considering alternative lighting solutions; 2) suggested a new system could offer improved energy efficiency by providing more lumens with less wattage; 3) mentioned that if the existing infrastructure is in sufficient condition, perhaps the Santa Fe Springs subcontractor and City Engineer may be able to repair the existing infrastructure, as they were able to do a few years ago; and 4) referred to a previous City tax approved by voters for public safety, expressing the opinion that lighting is a safety issue.
Karen Whitmus, Executive Tract neighborhood resident, 1) stated that they bought their property because of the way it looked and wanted to maintain it like that, just as anyone else would want to, noting that former Council Members lived in the neighborhood; 2) expressed frustration with comments making property owners in this area seem like "elitest;" 3) suggested using solar lighting, which was mentioned at a community meeting three years ago; and 4) expressed the opinion that Edison was to blame, noting that their issues began after a transformer failure around Christmas time, and the City is not pushing hard enough to fix the existing infrastructure rather trying to replace it.
Darlene Palacios, resident, stated that she felt solar lighting has consistently been dismissed as an option by the City in past discussions and requested alternative solutions involving solar be explored for the Executive Tract area.
In response to comments provided by Darlene Palacios, Council Member Koops reminded her that the flashing pedestrian lights the City installed in her neighborhood are solar -powered.
In response to public comments relative to a community meeting held a few years ago, Assistant City Manager/Director Gorecki 1) confirmed a community meeting took place at Thompson Park a few years ago, residents in the neighborhood were invited to attend, it was attended by five or six residents, solar lighting was discussed, and the meeting lead to testing of different solar heads, models, and wattages; 2) stated that various solar lights have been installed around the City, noting the City parking lot on Artesia Boulevard behind Doughboys and Dunkin Donuts and the "Empower" parking lot (Flower Street); and 3) noted that solar lights do not provide the same illumination as traditional streetlights and encouraged the residents from the Executive Tract to review the solar lights to get a good sense of what that looks like, and confirmed he would include that information in the survey to residents.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
April 28, 2025
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS — Continued
Item No. 13-A
A Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Southern California Edison for the acquisition of the City -owned streetlights within the Executive Tract neighborhood — Continued At the request of Council Member Koops, Assistant to the City Manager/ Director Gorecki confirmed that the City could have one solar light installed in the Executive Tract to serve as a test in the context of their own neighborhood at an approximate cost of $1,500.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Morse, and seconded by Mayor Dunton, to direct staff to pursue Council Member Koops's suggestion of installing one solar light in the Executive Tract to serve as a test for further consideration of this matter and increase public safety presence in the area. The vote was taken following additional discussion.
At the request of City Manager Smoot for additional clarification with regard to staff direction, 1) Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines suggested that staff should wait for the analysis results of the light; 2) Mayor Dunton suggested staff work in parallel to evaluate whether new wiring could be pulled through the existing underground infrastructure; 3) Council Member Sanchez cautioned that if a solar option proved viable and economical for this neighborhood, the City Council may be asked to implement this in other areas of the City and requested staff look into LED lighting specifically; 4) Council Member Koops expressed the opinion that all affected residents should be informed about their options, including the cost of a possible assessment, if they want an assessment district created, noting that he is concerned about whether the lumens will be sufficient, but that will not be determined until tested.
Following discussion, 1) City Manager Smoot suggested staff evaluate all three options and present a comprehensive analysis so an informed decision could be made based on the costs and feasibility of each; 2) in response to Mayor Dunton relative to an informative letter and survey of the residents, City Manager Smoot confirmed that it could be done, noting the only caveat would be that the costs would still be unknown until more decisions are made as to whether an assessment district would be formed, which would require a formal engineer's assessment; and 3) Council Member Koops requested the 48 property owners be kept informed as to future meetings related to the matter; 4) Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines reiterated the need to conduct an informal survey first with preliminary cost estimates to measure the affected property owners' support for an assessment district before investing in a formal engineer assessment; and 5) City Manager Smoot confirmed that staff would explore viable alternative options and provide rough cost estimates to compile a survey outlining each option for residents to review.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
April 28, 2025
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS — Continued
Item No. 13-A
A Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Southern California Edison for the acquisition of the City -owned streetlights within the Executive Tract neighborhood — Continued Fred L. Taylor, III, resident, expressed the opinion that if multiple solar lights were to be tested in the neighborhood, then they should be installed on the same side of the street in sequence to get a clear contrast of how they will illuminate the area compared to regular streetlights.
Following lengthy discussion, it was previously moved by Council Member Morse, previously seconded by Mayor Dunton, and carried by the following roll call vote, to direct staff to 1) explore alternative solutions to the streetlight outage within the Executive Tract neighborhood, including but not limited to LED lighting, solar lighting, and the creation of an assessment district to replace the existing infrastructure; 2) survey the affected property owners to determine whether they would want to create an assessment district and provide them with information and options relative to the issue, as well as notification of future meetings concerning the matter; and 3) provide information relative to available options and survey results to the City Council for further consideration of the matter:
AYES: Council Members — Morse, Sanchez, Santa Ines, Koops, and Mayor Dunton
B Consideration and possible action to: (1) waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1443 — An Ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment Case No. ZOTA 25-01 amending various provisions of Title 17 (Zoning) of the Bellflower Municipal Code ("BMC") to implement the Housing Element; and (2) discuss the implementation of the State law pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs).
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
Director of Planning and Building Services Oba 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; 2) noted that if Ordinance No. 1443 is adopted it will be effective in 30 days, so if the City Council would like to make changes to the square footage, another ordinance would be brought back at the next meeting, coupled with an urgency ordinance so that it takes effect immediately; and 3) along with City Manager Smoot and City Attorney Berger, responded to Council Members' questions.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, City Attorney Berger confirmed that the ordinance presented for approval is an accurate rendition of what state law provides of what you can do.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
April 28, 2025
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS — Continued
Item No. 13-B
B Consideration and possible action to: (1) waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1443 — Continued
At the request of Council Member Sanchez, 1) Director Oba confirmed that if state law changes, the City is obligated to comply regardless of what the municipal code states; however, explained that the municipal code is written in a way that incorporates state law, so changes are automatically deferred to state law; and 2) City Attorney Berger further clarified that, a) if the City Council proceeds with the adoption of the ordinance and it becomes effective, then the City will be required to comply with state law regarding any changes in Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations; b) if the City adopts different regulations, the issue of whether a charter city must comply with state mandates remains unresolved and reiterated that the City is now a charter city.
Council Member Sanchez, 1) stated that the concern primarily lies with multi -family developments and where ADUs are being implemented; 2) emphasized the importance of considering parking impacts, noting that ADUs often result in the loss of parking spaces; and 3) proposed postponing a decision on the item to first explore options for responsible developers specifically, allowing those who can provide parking to opt into the option of permitting a maximum of four ADUs and conversion.
Following discussion, City Manager Smoot 1) stated that while such an approach may be possible, it would require further study; and 2) suggested adopting Ordinance No. 1443 and bring back urgency ordinances for further consideration.
For the record, City Attorney Berger clarified that unless a building permit has been issued, changes to zoning and related regulations can affect projects even if they are still in the application stage and explained that there is no vested interest for the applicant.
At the request of Council Member Sanchez, City Manager Smoot and City Attorney Berger reiterated that the recommendation is to adopt Ordinance No. 1443 as presented and give staff direction to return with additional ordinances to make additional changes as to square footage and conversion ADUs, noting the importance of ensuring proper implementation of the housing element.
Following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1443; 2) direct staff to draft an urgency ordinance and regular ordinance to amend the maximum allowable square footage for ADUs from 800 sq. ft. to 1,200 sq. ft.; 3) direct staff to draft an urgency ordinance and regular ordinance to allow the City Council to further consider additional flexibility related to the maximum number of ADUs allowed; and 4) continue the matter to May 12, 2025, for further consideration:
AYES: Council Members — Morse, Sanchez, Santa Ines, Koops, and Mayor Dunton
Bellflower City Council Minutes
April 28, 2025
14 CONSENT CALENDAR
Item No. 14
For the record, Council Member Koops announced that he would recuse himself from Item 14-F (Agreement File No. 809.3, Southstar Engineering & Consulting) due to a potential conflict of interest as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject property.
For the record, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines requested that Rem 14-E (Lease Agreement File No. 1087 with Mariah Lin dba The Rhizophora Post) be pulled for comment only.
Relative to Item 14-E, at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, Director of Economic Development DellaLonga 1) confirmed that the applicant for Kiosk A is operating this business for the first time; and 2) confirmed that the applicant had not attended one of the City's seminars for entrepreneurs and they would be encouraged to attend one of the seminars in the future.
Noting Council Member Koops's recusal on Item 14-F and following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Dunton, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, and carried without objection, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar.
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file Warrant Register No. 25-102, dated April 28, 2025.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 25-102.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file Treasurer's Report for the Month of March 2025.
Action: Received and filed Treasurer's Report.
C Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 752.1, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Michael Baker International, to provide an assessment of the Caruthers Park Regional Stormwater Capture and Infiltration System.
CEQA: Pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq.) and CEQA Guidelines (California Code of Regulations, Title 14, §§ 15000, et seq.), the City conducted an environmental assessment. Based on the environmental assessment, the project was determined to be categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15303 (Class 1 — Existing Facilities).
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 752.1, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Michael Baker International.
D Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the April 14, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the April 14, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
April 28, 2025
14 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
Item No. 14
E Consideration and possible action to receive and file Lease Agreement File No. 1087 with Mariah Lin dba The Rhizophora Post for lease of property at 16552 Bellflower Boulevard, identified as Kiosk A.
Action: Received and filed Lease Agreement File No. 1087.
F Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 809.3, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Southstar Engineering & Consulting, Inc., to provide construction management and inspection services for the Bellflower Youth and Senior Center Pro'ect.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 809.3 with Southstar Engineering & Consulting, Inc., in a form approved by the City Attorney. 15 COUNCIL REPORTS
For the record, pursuant to AB 1234, Council Member Sanchez reported on his recent official travel to the League of California Cities City Leaders Summit on April 23-25, 2025, in Sacramento, California, to 1) speak in front of an audience of 250 leaders from across the State on behalf of the City and the region regarding Housing Assistance Program (HAP) funding for homeless housing services that we have struggled to receive and retain for the New Hope homeless shelter operations; 2) advocate for Prop 36 (Homelessness, Drug Addiction, and Theft Reduction Act) funding and the implementation of it sooner rather than later; and 3) meet with Senator Bob Archuletta, Assemblymember Jose Luis Solache, and a few other legislators from other regions. 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.
Council Member Sanchez, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, Council Member Koops and Mayor Dunton made various comments and reports.
16 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Dunton adjourned the meeting at 10:05 p.m. to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, May 12, 2025.
IV�1
Ray � L ton, Ma
City of Bellflower
Attest:
ayr'Ocl�iqui, C1ty Clerk
Appr vedi May 27, 2025