13-A — Bellflower City Council, July 14, 2025

TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council

ATTENTION: Ryan Smoot, City Manager

FROM: Karl H. Berger, City Attorney
Solange Fortenbach, Deputy City Attorney

SUBJECT: Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 25-28 – A Resolution to record a Notice of Special Assessment for Nuisance Abatement against the property at 13825 Charlemagne Avenue, Bellflower, CA 90706 (APN 6282-018-020).

DATE: July 14, 2025

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

During the past several years, the parcel located at 13825 Charlemagne Avenue, APN 6282-018-020 (“Property”) has consistently been in a state of vacancy and blight, among other violations of the Bellflower Municipal Code (“BMC”) amounting to public nuisances. On October 3, 2024, City staff engaged in abatement of public nuisances on the Property, the costs for which the City is entitled to recoup.

The City Attorney accordingly recommends that the City Council adopt a Resolution authorizing the recording of a public nuisance abatement lien on the Property in order to recoup by special tax assessment the City’s costs of abating violations of the BMC.

RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL

It is recommended that the City Council consider the following:

1. Adopt Resolution No. 25-28 to record a notice of special assessment for nuisance abatement on the owner of 13825 Charlemagne Avenue (approved via Resolution No. 25-28, adopted July 14, 2025); or

2. Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.

FISCAL IMPACT

Adopting this Resolution is expected to result in recouping a substantial portion, if not all, of the City’s abatement costs to date related to the Property.

Page 1 of 3 ends

13-A
-1-

Staff Report – Notice of Special Assessment for Nuisance Abatement at 13825 Charlemagne Avenue
July 14, 2025

Page 2 of 3 ends

BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS

The subject parcel located at 13825 Charlemagne Avenue, Bellflower, CA 90706, is a single-story home with a detached garage, Assessor’s Parcel Number 6282-018-020 (the “Property”). Los Angeles County Recorder’s records indicate the registered owner of the Property is Marilyn M. Snider, who, based on information and belief, died on August 3, 2023. The deceased’ son, Larry Snider, has since been appointed administrator of the Estate (“Owner”).

On March 26, 2024, the City’s Code Enforcement Division responded to neighbor reports of unauthorized trespassers occupying the Property, which was substantiated by Code Enforcement Officers. Further investigation revealed that the home has been subject to destructive fires in 2013, 2017, and most recently in 2023. The most recent fire occurred on September 25, 2023, after the home had been vacant for some time. Damage was substantial with an estimated loss of approximately $400,000. The Los Angeles County Fire Department determined the fire was caused by occupants and that it appeared to have started in the living room before spreading throughout the entire house. The home was further determined by the City’s Building Official to be uninhabitable due to th e damage and has been “red tagged” since April 16, 2024.

In April 2024, Code Enforcement obtained and executed an abatement warrant to secure the Property from trespassers, cut down overgrown vegetation, and remove trash, junk and debris that had accumulated. The City’s costs of that abatement were satisfied by the Owner.

On September 23, 2024, the City Attorney’s Office issued another letter to the personal representative of the estate, his attorney, the general contractor for the Property, the public adjuster and the probate referee advising of the City’s intent to pursue another abatement warrant should the listed corrective actions not be taken. Violations listed in that Letter included BMC sections 8.36.030(A)(3) – abandoned structure, 8.36.030(A)(6) – structure fallen into blight, 8.36.030(A)(11) – overgrown weeds and vegetation,

8.36.030(A)(14) – visible trash, junk and debris, and 8.36.030(A)(24) – graffiti on structure.

On September 24, 2024, the City obtained an abatement warrant from the Honorable Deborah L. Sanchez ordering City personnel to enter onto the Property and secure all structures from unauthorized access and trespassing, cut down overgrown vegetation, and cover all graffiti.

On October 3, 2024, after receiving no response from the Owner or other affected parties regarding the pending abatement, City personnel executed this second abatement warrant by securing all structures on the Property from unauthorized access and trespassing; cutting down overgrown vegetation; and covering all graffiti.

-2-

Staff Report – Notice of Special Assessment for Nuisance Abatement at 13825 Charlemagne Avenue
July 14, 2025

Page 3 of 3 ends

BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS – Continued

On June 13, 2025, the City Attorney’s Office sent the Owner and related parties a demand for $16,575.93 representing the City’s abatement -related costs since payment was received for the first abatement. This included a copy of Exhibit A to the Resolution (“Statement”) itemizing these costs and informed that if not paid in full by 4:00 p.m. on July 14, 2025, this Resolution would be presented to the City Council at its regularly scheduled meeting on July 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. if any representative of the Property wished to be heard on it. The City has not received any payment towards abatement costs as of this date.

RECOMMENDATION

It is our recommendation that the City Council move forward with adopting this Resolution authorizing the recording of this lien against the Property to be collected by special property tax assessment.

ATTACHMENTS

A. Accounting of Abatement-Related Costs .................................................................... 4 B. Special Assessment - Notice of Special Assessment and Lien to County .................. 8 C. Demand Letter .......................................................................................................... 12 D. Resolution No. 25-28 ................................................................................................ 42

-3-

STAFF REPORT

ATTACHMENT A
-4-

Exhibit A
Accounting for Abatement-Related Costs

Code Enforcement Inspector Costs

Department of Public Works - Invoice
Date Description Amount
4/16/2024 Cleanup of Private Property $1,260.98
Total $1,260.98

Bellflower City Attorney’s Office – 13825 Charlemagne Avenue Date Attorney Name Base Hours Base Amount
5/9/2024 Solange Fortenbach 3.3 $815.10
5/20/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.2 $49.40
6/11/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.8 $197.60
6/12/2024 Solange Fortenbach 1.2 $296.40
6/13/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.9 $222.30
6/14/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.4 $98.80
6/17/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.1 $24.70
6/17/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.1 $24.70
6/13/2024 Timothy Campen 0.2 $49.40
6/11/2024 Timothy Campen 0.8 $197.60
7/9/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.1 $24.70
7/9/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.2 $49.40
7/9/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.2 $49.40
7/22/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.2 $51.00
7/25/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.7 $178.50
7/26/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.2 $51.00
7/31/2024 Timothy Campen 0.9 $229.50
8/1/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.2 $51.00
8/2/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.1 $25.50
8/13/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.8 $204.00
8/20/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.2 $51.00
8/21/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.4 $102.00
Date Employee Name Classification Hourly Units Total Cost

9/25/24

David Fawcett
Code Enforcement
Supervisor

$146.33

2.5 $365.82

10/3/25

David Fawcett
Code Enforcement
Supervisor

$146.33

4 $585.32

10/7/24

David Fawcett
Code Enforcement
Supervisor

$146.33

1.5 $219.49

10/8/24

David Fawcett
Code Enforcement
Supervisor

$146.33

2.5 $365.82
$1,536.45
-5-

8/22/2024 Solange Fortenbach 4.8 $1,224.00
8/23/2024 Solange Fortenbach 3.7 $943.50
8/24/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.2 $51.00
8/27/2024 Timothy Campen 0.6 $153.00
8/22/2024 Timothy Campen 1.6 $408.00
8/25/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.3 $76.50
8/21/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.6 $153.00
8/22/2024 Timothy Campen 1.4 $357.00
8/24/2024 Solange Fortenbach 2.3 $586.50
8/28/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.8 $204.00
9/6/2024 Timothy Campen 0.3 $76.50
9/9/2024 Timothy Campen 0.4 $102.00
10/5/2024 Solange Fortenbach 3.5 $892.50
10/6/2024 Solange Fortenbach 2 $510.00
10/7/2024 Timothy Campen 1.3 $331.50
10/11/2024 Timothy Campen 2.6 $663.00
10/16/2024 Solange Fortenbach 5.2 $1,326.00
10/18/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.6 $153.00
10/21/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.4 $102.00
10/22/2024 Solange Fortenbach 1.3 $331.50
10/23/2024 Solange Fortenbach 2.3 $586.50
10/24/2024 Solange Fortenbach 1.9 $484.50
11/4/2024 Timothy Campen 0.3 $76.50
11/5/2024 Timothy Campen 0.3 $76.50
11/20/2024 Timothy Campen 0.1 $25.50
11/29/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.2 $51.00
12/1/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.1 $25.50
12/3/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.7 $178.50
12/4/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.4 $102.00
12/7/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.8 $204.00
12/14/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.2 $51.00
12/18/2024 Solange Fortenbach 0.2 $51.00
4/22/2025 Solange Fortenbach 0.3 $76.50
4/23/2025 Solange Fortenbach 0.1 $25.50
4/24/2025 Solange Fortenbach 0.3 $76.50
Total $13,778.50

Abatement Cost Total: $16,575.93

-6-

City of Bellflower - Department of Public Works
Invoice Charges - Cleanup Private Property
Location - 13825 Charlemagne Ave. WO# 163288

Fully-
Burdened
Date Employee Name Classification Hourly Rate| Units| Total Cost Maintenance Crew 10/3/2024 | pad Binder Leader $116.87} 11$ 116.87 10/3/2024 | James Mortley | Maintenance Worker II $99.90 11S 99.90 10/3/2024 | Luciano DeLeon | Maintenance Worker II $99.90 11S 99.90 10/3/2024 | Ricardo Gomez | Maintenance Worker II $99.90 1| S 99.90 10/3/2024 | Jesus Sanchez | Maintenance Worker Il $99.90 1| 5 99.90 10/3/2024 | Albino DeLeon | Maintenance Worker II $99.90 11S 99.90 10/3/2024 | Andrew Ricard Maintenance Worker $77.30 1} 9 77.30 10/3/2024 Luis Meza Part-Time Maint. $29.66 11S 29.66
10/3/2024 Equipment #213 Graffiti Truck $54.71 1| 5$ 54.71 10/3/2024 Equipment #909 Small Dump $42.39 11S 42.39
10/3/2024 Equipment #910 Small Dump $42.39 115 42.39
10/3/2024 Equipment #352 Pickup Truck $25.13 11S 25.13
10/3/2024 Equipment #305 Pickup Truck $25.13 1] S 25.13 #211 Mow Trailer with
Small Equipment 306,
10/3/2024 322, 328, 353, 357, 358,
Equipment 930 $45.00 1| 5$ 45.00
Maintenance Crew
10/7/2024 Brad Binder Leader $116.87 11S 116.87
10/7/2024 | James Mortley | Maintenance Worker II $99.90 115 99.90 10/7/2024 Equipment #352 Pickup Truck $25.13 11S 25.13
10/7/2024 Equipment #333 Spray Trailer $15.00 115 15.00 10/7/2024 Material Weed Killer 50.46} 100] $ 46.00
$ 1,260.98

-7-

STAFF REPORT

ATTACHMENT B
-8-

Recording requested by:

City of Bellflower

When recorded, mail to:

City of Bellflower
Attn: City Clerk
16600 Civic Center Drive
Bellflower, CA 90706

No fee per Government Code § 6103

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT AND LIEN

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Bellflower claims a special assessment against the real property hereafter described ("the subject properties") for the costs it incurred to abate a public nuisance threat as ordered by City Council Resolution No. 25-28 adopted on July 14, 2025 (attached as Exhibit "A"), pursuant to an abatement of public nuisance action.

The amount of the abatement is $16,575.93.

Recordation of this notice against the subject properties is made pursuant to Bellflower Municipal Code § 8.36.190. Once recorded, this notice will constitute a lien against the subject property until the special assessment is paid in full. The special assessment will be collected in the manner prescribed by Government Code § 38773.5. In addition to constituting a lien against the subject properties, this special assessment will be a personal obligation of its owner(s).

Pursuant to Government Code§ 38773.5(c), the owner of record of the subject property has been notified by certified mail as follows: THE PROPERTY MAY BE SOLD AFTER

THREE YEARS BY THE TAX COLLECTOR FOR UNPAIP DELINQUENT
ASSESSMENTS.

This Notice concerns the following real property:

L.A. County A.P.N.: 6282-018-020
Street Address: 13825 Charlemagne Avenue, Bellflower, CA 90706 Legal Description: TRACT # 15803 LOT 49

-9-

The owner of record of the subject property according to Los Angeles County Assessor Records is Marilyn M. Snider, who, based on information and belief, died on August 3, 2023. The deceased’ son, Larry Snider, has since been appointed
administrator of the Estate.

Signed the 14th day of July, 2025.

City of Bellflower

___________________________
Ryan Smoot, City Manager

-10-

THIS PAGE IS FOR INSTRUCTION ONLY. DO NOT INCLUDE.

(ATTACH NOTARY PAGE RE CITY MANAGER SIGNATURE)

(ATTACH RESOLUTION AND A COPY OF THE NOTICE THAT WAS SENT TO THE

PROPERTY OWNER)
-11-

STAFF REPORT

ATTACHMENT C
-12-

Direct No.: 949.265.3416
[email protected]
Los Angeles – Inland Empire – Marin County – Oakland – Orange County – Palm Desert – San Diego – San Francisco – Silicon Valley – Ventura County 18300 Von Karman Avenue - Suite 650
Irvine, California 92612-1032
voice 949.863.3363 - fax 949.863.3350
www.bwslaw.com
June 13, 2025

VIA E-MAIL

Larry M. Snider
Personal Representative of the Estate
13752 Claremont St.

Westminster, CA 92683
Sent via U.S.P.S. Certified Mail

Karen Hamilton
General Contractor, HP Associates
[email protected]

Naris Khalatian
Probate Referee
[email protected]
John E. Trommald, Esq.
13912 Seal Beach Blvd.

Seal Beach, 90740
[email protected]

Marc Slack
Public Adjuster
[email protected]
Re: City’s Notice of Demand for Payment

Dear Mr. Snider:

As you may remember, this law firm serves as the City Attorney’s Office for the City of Bellflower (“City”), and I serve as its Deputy City Attorney. This correspondence is regarding the property located at 13825 Charlemagne, Bellflower, CA 90706 (“Property”). We last spoke when you submitted payment for a prior abatement conducted by the City in 2024 for which the City sent a final demand letter on September 23, 2024 (“Notice”). That Notice also advised you the City had obtained an abatement warrant and was going to abate listed public nuisances should those actions not be taken by you.

On October 3rd, 2024, City Personnel appeared at the Property and saw the violations were still present (graffiti, overgrown vegetation, outside storage, unsecured windows and doors, etc.). Pursuant to the warrant, City Personnel abated public nuisances still present on the Property by securing all structures on the Property from unauthorized access and trespassing, cutting down overgrown vegetation, and covering -13-

Larry M. Snider
June 13, 2025

Page 2 ends

all graffiti on the Property with paint. The cost to abate the Property totaled $16,575.93.

An accounting of these costs is attached hereto as Exhibit A. The warrant return, with all of its own pertinent exhibits, is attached as Exhibit B.

Please be advised that pursuant to BMC Chapter 8.36 1, the City is entitled to recover its abatement-related costs from you.

The City has determined abatement costs up to the present total of $16,575.93. This amount is subject to increase until final payment is made as further legal fees accumulate to collect these outstanding costs.

Please be further advised that you have until July 14, 2025, at 4:00 p.m. to remit to the City the total sum of $16,575.93 by cashier’s check only to avoid the City seeking and imposing a special assessment lien on the Property. If paying by business check or personal check, or wire transfer, payment must be remitted no later than 4 p.m. on July 9th. Payment should be made out to “City of Bellflower,” should reference “Abatement reimbursement for 13825 Charlemagne Avenue,” and should be submitted in person or mailed.

Please be further advised that on July 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m., a resolution will be brought before the Bellflower City Council at its regularly scheduled council meeting to authorize a special assessment for the collection of all abatement costs pursuant to BMC § 8.36.030. You are free to attend this meeting and be heard by the City Council on this matter, contest the amount of the lien being pursued, or otherwise challenge this resolution to record the lien against your Property.

Please feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] or 949.265.3416 with questions or information concerning the contents of this letter.

Sincerely,

BURKE, WILLIAMS & SORENSEN, LLP
Solange Fortenbach
cc: Karl H. Berger, City Attorney
Timothy Campen, Assistant City Attorney
1 The Bellflower Municipal Code may be accessed at https://ecode360.com/BE4904 . -14-

EXHIBIT A

-15-

Exhibit A
Accounting for Abatement-Related Costs

Code Enforcement Inspector Costs

Department of Public Works - Invoice
Date Description Amount
4/16/2024 Cleanup of Private Property $1,260.98
Total $1,260.98

9/25/24

David Fawcett
Code Enforcement
Supervisor

$146.33

2.5 $365.82

10/3/25

David Fawcett
Code Enforcement
Supervisor

$146.33

4 $585.32

10/7/24

David Fawcett
Code Enforcement
Supervisor

$146.33

1.5 $219.49

10/8/24

David Fawcett
Code Enforcement
Supervisor

$146.33

2.5 $365.82
$1,536.45
-16-

Abatement Cost Total: $16,575.93

-17-

City of Bellflower - Department of Public Works
Invoice Charges - Cleanup Private Property
Location - 13825 Charlemagne Ave. WO# 163288

-18-

EXHIBIT B

-19-

BURKE，WILLIAMS

SORENSEN, LLP

ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Los ANGELES
nn

28 &
KARL H. BERGER (SBN 178458), SC OHISRMED Copy City Attorney, City of Bellflower - County ott, ol California SOLANGE FORTENBACH (SBN 352524), nales Deputy City Attorney. City of Bellflower
E-mail: [email protected] OCT 08 2024 TIMOTHY E. CAMPEN (SBN 197941). David W Assistant City Attorney, City of Bellflower 2200 He. Slayton, Executive Officer/Clerk of Court

BURKE, WILLIAMS & SORENSEN, LLP
444 South Flower Street, Suite 2400
Los Angeles, California 90071-2953
Tel: 213.236.0600
Attorneys for CITY OF BELLFLOWER

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
IN RE PROPERTY AT: 13825 Warrant No: RUC OOS
CHARLEMAGNE AVE, BELLFLOWER, Br \S oo
CA 90706 (APN 6282-018-020) RETURN OF ABATEMENT WARRANT Property Owner: Estate of Marilyn Snider
Hon. Sanchez, Deborah L.

Dept. 6
I am a Code Enforcement Supervisor for the City of Bellflower (“City”) and have held this position since 2015. I have personal knowledge of the facts stated in this Declaration, unless stated on information and belief, in which case, I believe the facts to be true, and if called as a witness, I could and would competently testify thereto. This is an Abatement Warrant Return regarding the property commonly known as 13825 Charlemagne Ave., Bellflower, California 90706 (APN 6282- 018-020) (the “Property”).

On October 3", 2024, at approximately 8:15 a.m., I executed an abatement warrant at the Property. Also present were Code Enforcement Officer Joseph Chacon and members of the City of Bellflower Public Works Department. (The original, signed warrant is attached hereto as Exhibit A).
. Upon information and belief, on September 23, 2024, the City Attorney’s Office sent the Property owner a Notice of Pending Abatement by City Personnel. (“Notice”). The Notice advised that the City would be conducting an abatement on the Property and the owner would have until 9 4887-4604-6396 v1 1
RETURN OF ABATEMENT WARRANT RE PROPERTY AT 13825 CHARLEMAGNE. -20-

BURKE, WILLIAMS

SORENSEN, LLP

ATTORNEYS AT LAW
Los ANGELES
28 &
a.m. on September 26, 2024, to bring the Property into compliance and mitigate those abatement costs. (A true and accurate copy of the Notice is attached as Exhibit B). Based on information and belief, the City has complied with all notice requirements prior to using City personnel to abate the public nuisance on this property of non-compliance with Chapter 8.36. The City received no response from the property owner.

On October 3“, 2024, there was no responsible party onsite and the noticed violations were still present (graffiti, overgrown vegetation, outside storage, unsecured windows and doors, etc.).

Our cleanup activities included: securing all structures on the Property from unauthorized access and trespassing; cutting down overgrown vegetation; and we covered any graffiti on the Property with paint. The abatement was completed by approximately 10 a.m. And all items removed from the Property were disposed of at the city yard located at 9944 Flora Vista St. Bellflower, CA 90706. (True and accurate photos of the Property before and immediately after abatement are attached as Exhibit C).

The abatement warrant has been fully executed and the City hereby returns it to the Court in accordance with the provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure § 1822.55.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.

EXECUTED on this 8 Day of October 2024, at Bellflower, California.

4887-4604-6396 v1 2
RETURN OF ABATEMENT WARRANT RE PROPERTY AT 13825 CHARLEMAGNE. -21-

EXHIBITA
-22-

PP
O

一
NN
N

一
sm

%
Xd

A
YO
N

A
AU
R

ON
S

SUPERIOR COURT OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

FOR THE COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES
Warrant No.:

IN RE PROPERTY AT: 13825 Charlemagne
Avenue, Bellflower, California 90706, 人 Gd 网 ABATEMENT
APN 6282-018-020
[Filed Concurrently with: Application for Property Owner: Estate of Marilyn Snider Abatement Warrant; Declaration of David Fawcett; Exhibits.]

TO THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA, TO ANY POLICE OFFICER,

FIRE OFFICIAL, CODE ENFORCEMENT OFFICER, PUBLIC WORKS OFFICIAL, OR OFFICER ON BEHALF OF THE CITY OF BELLFLOWER:

Proof by Declaration having been made this day before me by David Fawett, and it appearing therefrom that there is good cause for an Abatement Warrant of property known as 13825 Charlemagne Avenue, in the City of Bellflower, on the parcel identified as Assessor's Parcel No. 6282-018-020, the Court orders as follows:

The City of Bellflower ("City") and its officers, agent, employees, or authorized representatives, including, but not limited to, City Code Enforcement Officers, City Building Official, City Fire Marshal, Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputies, City Public Works Department employees, locksmith, or any contractor or agent of the City, are hereby ordered to enter onto the Property between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., to: secure all structures on the Property from unauthorized access and trespassing; cut down overgrown 1 [PROPOSED] ABATEMENT WARRANT -23-

vegetation; and cover all graffiti.

Conditional forcible entry may be used to enter onto the property, including any interiors of structures and any part thereof, should any request for entry pursuant to this Warrant be refused or unavailable.

The Law Office of John Trommald, probate attorney for the Estate of Marilyn Snider, and Larry Snider, estate administrator have been previously provided notice of intent to execute this warrant as soon as September 26, 2024. Attorney Trommald must be provided with a copy of this signed warrant at least 24 hours prior to it being executed. No further notice is required.

This Warrant shall be effective for a period of not more than 14 days, unless extended or renewed.

The abatement activities authorized by this Warrant may be undertaken in the absence of the owner or occupant or tenant or other person with control of the Property.

A return to this Court shall be made in accordance with the provisions of Section 1822.55 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

DATED: September 74 , 2024 feb att Le. JUDGE OF THE SUPERIOR COURT DEBORAH L. SANCHEZ

2 [PROPOSED] ABATEMENT WARRANT -24-

EXHIBITB
-25-

18300 Von Karman Avenue - Suite 650
¡ Irvine, California 92612-1032
1 voice 949,863,3363 - fax 949.863.3350
Direct No.: 949.265.3416
[email protected]
September 23, 2024

VIA E-MAIL
Larry M. Snider John E. Trommald, Esq.

Personal Representative of the Estate 13912 Seal Beach Blvd. 13752 Claremont St. Seal Beach, 90740
Westminster, CA 92683 [email protected]
Sent via U.S.P.S. Certified Mail
Karen Hamilton Marc Slack
General Contractor, HP Associates Public Adjuster
[email protected] [email protected]
Naris Khalatian
Probate Referee
[email protected]
Re: City’s Notice of Demand for Payment and Notice of Pending Emergency Abatement
Dear Mr. Snider:

As you are aware, this law firm serves as the City Attorney's Office for the City of Bellflower (“City”), and | serve as its Deputy City Attorney. You have previously been advised of your obligation to immediately abate public nuisance conditions existing at the real property located at 13825 Charlemagne Ave. in the City of Bellflower (“Property”), as detailed below. Today’s letter makes a demand for payment of the City’s abatement costs, restates the City’s demands from its letter postmarked August 27, 2024, titled Second Notice of Effort Seeking Abatement Warrant (“August 27" Notice”) and provides you with notice that the City intends to seek an emergency abatement to secure the Property and abate certain public nuisances which present an imminent threat to life and property.

NOTICE OF PENDING ABATEMENT BY CITY PERSONNEL

On August 20, 2024, Code Enforcement Officers (CEOs) visited the Property to ensure it was secure. When the CEOs were standing on the public right-of-way, they Los Angeles ~ Inland Empire ~ Marin County - Oakland ~ Orange County ~ Palm Desert ~ San Diego ~ San Francisco ~ Silicon Valley ~ Ventura County -26-

BURKE, WILLIAMS & SORENSEN, LLP

Larry M. Snider
September 23, 2024

Page 2 ends

were approached by a neighbor who reported there was suspicious activity at the Property, including seeing trespassers enter and exit the Property. With information suggesting the Property's security had been compromised, Officers searched the perimeter of the home structure and discovered boards covering access points had been removed. (See Exhibit A). These conditions are not only violations of the Municipal Code, they are also threats to public health and safety, especially given the history of fires being sparked by trespassers inside the Property’s home.

You were notified of these violations in the City’s August 27" Notice and were ordered to immediately secure both structures on the Property. In addition, you were ordered to provide the City with proof that these structures were and remained secure.

On September 18, 2024, CEOs again visited the Property. Concerningly, the Property remained unsecure, with boards removed and access points not blocked. (See Exhibit B). Trespassers continue to pose an imminent threat to life and property.

On September 24, 2024, the City will seek a public nuisance abatement warrant from the Los Angeles County Superior Court. This warrant will authorize the City to enter upon the Property to secure all structures from trespassers, clear all overgrown vegetation, trash, junk, and debris, and cover up any graffiti. These conditions attract trespassers to the Property and pose an imminent threat to persons and property.

Because of the history of fires at this Property, recent reports of trespassers, and the significant presence of overgrown vegetation, there exists an imminent threat to public safety and private property that requires the City to act without delay.

Please Be Advised that on Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 9 a.m., the City intends to execute this abatement warrant and carry out each of the corrective actions listed thereon, and record an abatement lien against the Property if the City’s abatement-related costs are not paid in full. You have until that date and time to bring your Property into compliance and mitigate those abatement costs.

Public Nuisance Violations
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT the following public nuisance conditions, activities, or uses exist on the premises described above (“Property”):

. BMC $ 8.36.030(A)(2) — attractive nuisance of partially destroyed structure.
-27-

BURKE, WILLIAMS & SORENSEN, LLP

si ds

Larry M. Snider
September 23, 2024

Page 3 ends

BMC § 8.36.030(A)(3) — abandoned structure.

BMC § 8.36.030(A)(6) - structure fallen into blight.

BMC $ 8.36.030(A)(11) — overgrown weeds and vegetation.

BMC $ 8.36.030(A)(14) — visible trash, junk and debris.

BMC $ 8.36.030(A)(24) — graffiti on structure.

Corrective Actions
Secure home and detached garage of the Property using enhanced measures (as approved by the City) to prevent unauthorized entry;

Abate all graffiti, overgrown vegetation, trash, junk, and debris from the Property;
Secure professional private security services to inspect the Property at least three times every week and no closer than 24 hours apart to report any unauthorized access or occupation to law enforcement; Notify City of name of security company and inspection schedule; and Notify City of plan to repair fire damage and commence repairs.

Further, you must provide the City with contact information for the designated representative for maintaining the Property and ensure it remains compliant with the BMC.

Please Take Further Notice that every day a public nuisance exists is a new violation, subject to separate enforcement. The City reserves the right to continue to issue administrative citations to you personally for every day you maintain this public nuisance and do so in addition to any abatement or other enforcement action.

Please Take Further Notice that City employees, representatives or contract agents (hereinafter “City Personnel”) will abate these public nuisance conditions, activities, or uses in the manner contained in this Notice if you do not perform the required corrective or preventative actions by the required completion date. The City will -28-

二

BURKE, WILLIAMS & SORENSEN, LLP
Larry M. Snider
September 23, 2024

Page 4 ends

seek recovery of all of its abatement costs, fees, and expenses (incidental or otherwise) as allowed by Chapter 8.36 of the BMC and/or by applicable State laws, in any manner allowed by law.

CITY’S DEMAND FOR PAYMENT

On or about April 4, 2024, the City obtained a public nuisance abatement warrant issued by the Honorable Warren Kato, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge. After still being unable to obtain voluntary compliance and being fully advised of the City’s intention to abate with personnel, on April 16, 2024, the City engaged in abating your Property pursuant to the abatement warrant. The cost to abate the Property totaled $7,913.51. An accounting of these costs is attached hereto as Exhibit C.

Please be advised that pursuant to BMC Chapter 8.36", the City is entitled to recover its abatement related costs from you.

The City has determined abatement costs up to the present total of $7,913.51. This amount is subject to increase until final payment is made as further legal fees accumulate to collect these outstanding costs.

Please be further advised that you have until October 7, 2024, at 4:00 p.m. to remit to the City the total sum of $7,913.51 by cashier’s check only to avoid the City seeking and imposing a special assessment lien on the Property. If paying by business check or personal check, or wire transfer, payment must be remitted no later than 4 p.m. on October 7". Payment should be made out to “City of Bellflower,” should reference “Abatement reimbursement for 17046 Bellflower Blvd.,” and should be submitted in person or mailed.

Please be further advised that pursuant to BMC § 8.36.190(A), “[t]he City may cause a special assessment to be made upon real property upon which a public nuisance was abated pursuant to Government Code Section 38773.5 in the event a statement of abatement costs or a confirmed statement of abatement costs is not paid in a timely manner.”

1 The Bellflower Municipal Code may be accessed at https://ecode360.com/BE4904 . -29-

BURKE, WILLIAMS & SORENSEN, LLP
Larry M. Snider
September 23, 2024

Page 5 ends

Please be further advised of the following pursuant to BMC § 8.36.190:

A. The City Attorney or City Prosecutor shall establish the notice of special assessment form for use or consideration by the Tax Collector in collecting a special assessment.

B. The notice of special assessment shall be entitled to recordation with the Los Angeles County Recorder's office.

C. The amount of a special assessment shall also constitute a personal obligation of the property owners of land upon which the nuisance was abated.

Please be further advised that on October 7, 2024, at 7:00 p.m., a resolution will be brought before the Bellflower City Council at its regularly scheduled council meeting to authorize a special assessment for the collection of all abatement costs pursuant to BMC § 8.36.190. You are free to attend this meeting and be heard by the City Council on this matter, contest the amount of the lien being pursued, or otherwise challenge this resolution to record the lien against your Property.

CONTINUED COOPERATION

In the August 27'" Notice, the City demanded you provide the City with information explaining whether you intend to abate those nuisances, what that abatement entails (demolition or rehabilitation), and what you have done towards abating those nuisances. While we never heard from you directly, we were contacted by the Public Adjuster and General Contractor. The Public Adjuster and the General Contractor have informed the City that you are intending to rebuild the home structure of the Property. The General Contractor estimated it would take three to four weeks for the plans to be submitted to the City.

Please provide the City with further updates regarding plan submissions by October 14, 2024. We are hopeful that you will be diligent in your efforts to manage the estate, however, the City remains prepared to follow through with its intended abatement of the Property should you not demonstrate continuing good faith progress in bringing the Property into compliance.

Please feel free to contact me directly at [email protected] or 949.265.3416 with questions or information concerning the contents of this letter. -30-

ey, ETA HES Sant Wise" sonia iso, BONES Mos aad %

BURKE, WILLIAMS & SORENSEN,

Larry M. Snider
September 23, 2024

Page 6 ends

Sincerely,

BURKE, WILLIAMS & SORENSEN, LLP
Se lan of Fevtenb ark.

Solange Fortenbach
Attachments:
- Exhibit A
- Exhibit B
- Exhibit C
SF:SF
cc: Karl H. Berger, City Attorney
Timothy Campen, Assistant City Attorney
Marc Slack, Public Adjuster ([email protected]) Karen Hamilton, General Contractor ([email protected])
Naris Khalatian, Probate Referee
Joseph Chacon, Code Enforcement Officer
Brian McNerney, Interim Director of Public Safety
Ryan Smoot, City Manager

-31-

Exhibit A

-32-

-33-

8 91q10XH
-34-

A
O AA

9/2024 13 26

-35-

-36-

ExhlibltC
Accounting of Abatement-Related Costs
2023-2024 Abatement
Code Enforcement Inspector Costs

Date Hours Code Inspector Name Cost
4/1/2024 1.5 David Fawcett $219.49
4/2/2024 2 David Fawcett $292.66
4/3/2024 2 David Fawcett $292.66
4/16/2024 4 David Fawcett $585.32
5/9/2024 2.5 David Fawcett 365.82
Total $1,755.95
Bellflower City Attorney’s Office — 13825 Charlemagne Blvd.

Date Attorney Name Hours Total Billed
3/20/2024 Timothy Campen 0.2 49.40
3/26/2024 Timothy Campen 0.4 98.80
4/1/2024 Timothy Campen 2.6 642.20
4/2/2024 Timothy Campen 1.0 247.00
4/2/2024 Solange Fortenbach 5.5 1,358.50
| 4/3/2024 Solange Fortenbach | 0.1 24.70
4/3/2024 Timothy Campen 2.0 494.00
4/4/2024 Solange Fortenbach | 0.1 24.70
4/9/2024 Timothy Campen 1.7 419.90
4/9/2024 Timothy Campen 1.6 395.20
4/10/2024 Solange Fortenbach | 0.1 24.70
4/17/2024 Solange Fortenbach | 0.1 24.70
4/22/2024 Solange Fortenbach | 0.1 24.70
Total $3,828.50
Department of Public Works — Invoice
Date Description Amount
4/16/2024 Cleanup of Private Property $2,329.06
Total $2,329.06

Total 2023-2024 Abatement Costs: $7,913.51

-37-

EXHIBIT C
-38-

-39-

-40-

-41-

STAFF REPORT

ATTACHMENT D
-42-

CITY OF BELLFLOWER

RESOLUTION NO. 25-28

A RESOLUTION TO RECORD A NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT

FOR NUISANCE ABATEMENT AGAINST THE PROPERTY AT
13825 CHARLEMAGNE AVENUE, BELLFLOWER, CA 90706
(APN 6282-018-020)

THE CITY COUNCIL RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. Recitals. The City Council finds and declares as follows:

A. Chapter 8.36 of the Bellflower Municipal Code (“BMC”) (“Chapter 8.36”) establishes certain public nuisances for which the City maintains the ability to abate;

B. The subject parcel located at 13825 Charlemagne Avenue, Bellflower, CA 90706, is a single-story home with a detached garage, Assessor’s Parcel Number 6282-018-020 (the “Property”). Los Angeles County Recorder’s records indicate the registered owner of the Property is Marilyn M. Snider, who, based on information and belief, died on August 3, 2023. The deceased’ son, Larry Snider, has since been appointed administrator of the Estate (“Owner”);

C. On March 26, 2024, the City’s Code Enforcement Division responded to neighbor reports of unauthorized trespassers occupying the Property, which was substantiated by Code Enforcement Officers. Further investigation revealed that the home has been subject to destructive fires in 2013, 2017, and most recently in 2023. The most recent fire occurred on September 25, 2023, after the home had been vacant for some time. Damage was substantial with an estimated loss of approximately $400,000. The Los Angeles County Fire Department determined the fire was caused by occupants and that it appeared to have started in the living room before spreading throughout the entire house.

The home was further determined by the City’s Building Official to be uninhabitable due to the damage and has been “red tagged” since April 16, 2024;

D. In April 2024, Code Enforcement obtained and executed an abatement warrant to secure the Property from trespassers, cut down overgrown vegetation, and remove trash, junk and debris that had accumulated. The City’s costs of that abatement were satisfied by the Owner;

E. On September 23, 2024, the City Attorney’s Office issued another letter to the personal representative of the estate, his attorney, the general contractor for the Property, the public adjuster and the probate referee advising of the City’s intent to pursue another abatement warrant should the listed corrective actions not be taken. Violations listed in that Letter included BMC sections

8.36.030(A)(3) – abandoned structure, 8.36.030(A)(6) – structure fallen into blight, 8.36.030(A)(11) – overgrown weeds and vegetation, 8.36.030(A)(14) – visible trash, junk and debris, and 8.36.030(A)(24) – graffiti on structure;

Page 1 of 3 ends

-43-

City of Bellflower
Resolution No. 25-28

Page 2 of 3 ends

F. On September 24, 2024, the City obtained an abatement warrant from the Honorable Deborah L. Sanchez ordering City personnel to enter onto the Property and secure all structures from unauthorized access and trespassing, cut down overgrown vegetation, and cover all graffiti;

G. On October 3, 2024, after receiving no response from the Owner or other affected parties regarding the pending abatement, City personnel executed this second abatement warrant by securing all structures on the Property from unauthorized access and trespassing; cutting down overgrown vegetation; and covering all graffiti;

H. On June 13, 2025, the City Attorney’s Office sent the Owner and related parties a demand for $16,575.93 representing the City’s abatement-related costs since payment was received for the first abatement. This included a copy of Exhibit A (“Statement”) itemizing these costs and informed that if not paid in full by 4:00 p.m. on July 14, 2025, this Resolution would be presented to the City Council at its regularly scheduled meeting on July 14, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. if any representative of the Property wished to be heard on it. The City has not received any payment towards abatement costs as of this date; and

I. Pursuant to Government Code § 38773.5 and BMC § 8.36.190, the City may recoup its abatement-related costs in the form of a lien against the Property to be collected by special assessment.

SECTION 2. Approval. The City Council approves, confirms and adopts the Statement attached as Exhibit “A,” and incorporated by reference, and determines that each such charge, totaling $16,575.93, is proper and correct. Such charges constitute a lien on the real property upon which the public nuisance was abated and will be collected as a special assessment against the real property.

SECTION 3. Authorization. The City Clerk is directed to:

A. Mail a copy of the Notice of Special Assessment attached as Exhibit “B ,” and incorporated by reference, to the Owner by certified mail;

B. File a certified copy of this Resolution (with attachments) with the Los Angeles County Assessor and Treasurer and Tax Collector upon notice of non-payment from the City Attorney, and in any event no later than 60 days from the adoption of this Resolution;

C. Submit a certified copy of this Resolution (with attachments) with the Los Angeles County Recorder for recordation, pursuant to Government Code § 38773.5;

D. Direct the Los Angeles County Assessor to enter the amount of the charge against the real property described in this Resolution on the current assessment rolls; and

E. Take any other action necessary to effectuate this Resolution. -44-

City of Bellflower
Resolution No. 25-28

Page 3 of 3 ends

SECTION 4. The Los Angeles County Assessor and Treasurer and Tax Collector are requested to record a public nuisance abatement lien in the amount of $16,575.93 against the Property pursuant to BMC § 8.36.200.

SECTION 5. This Resolution does not affect any penalty, forfeiture or liability incurred before, or preclude prosecution and imposition of penalties for any violation incurring before, this Resolution’s effective date. Any such amended part will remain in full force and effect for sustaining action or prosecuting violations occurring before the effective date of this Resolution.

SECTION 6. If any part of this Resolution or its application is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the City Council intends that such invalidity will not affect the effectiveness of the remaining provisions or applications and, to this end, the provisions of this Resolution are severable.

SECTION 7. Electronic Signatures. This Resolution may be executed with electronic signatures in accordance with Government Code §16.5. Such electronic signatures will be treated in all respects as having the same effect as an original signature.

SECTION 8. The Mayor, or presiding officer, is authorized to sign this Resolution signifying its adoption by the City Council of the City of Bellflower and the City Clerk, or her duly appointed deputy, may attest thereto.

SECTION 9. This Resolution will become effective immediately upon adoption and will remain effective unless repealed or superseded.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELLFLOWER ON THIS 14TH DAY OF JULY, 2025.

____________________________
Ray Dunton, Mayor
ATTEST:

_______________________________
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

KARL H. BERGER, CITY ATTORNEY

________________________________________
By: Solange Fortenbach, Deputy City Attorney

Exhibits: A – Accounting of Abatement-Related Costs
B – Special Assessment - Notice of Special Assessment and Lien to County -45-

RESOLUTION NO. 25-28

EXHIBIT A

ACCOUNTING OF ABATEMENT-RELATED COSTS
-46-

Exhibit A
Accounting for Abatement-Related Costs

Code Enforcement Inspector Costs

Department of Public Works - Invoice
Date Description Amount
4/16/2024 Cleanup of Private Property $1,260.98
Total $1,260.98

9/25/24

David Fawcett
Code Enforcement
Supervisor

$146.33

2.5 $365.82

10/3/25

David Fawcett
Code Enforcement
Supervisor

$146.33

4 $585.32

10/7/24

David Fawcett
Code Enforcement
Supervisor

$146.33

1.5 $219.49

10/8/24

David Fawcett
Code Enforcement
Supervisor

$146.33

2.5 $365.82
$1,536.45
-47-

Abatement Cost Total: $16,575.93

-48-

City of Bellflower - Department of Public Works
Invoice Charges - Cleanup Private Property
Location - 13825 Charlemagne Ave. WO# 163288

-49-

RESOLUTION NO. 25-28

EXHIBIT B

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT

AND LIEN TO COUNTY
-50-

Recording requested by:

City of Bellflower

When recorded, mail to:

City of Bellflower
Attn: City Clerk
16600 Civic Center Drive
Bellflower, CA 90706

No fee per Government Code § 6103

NOTICE OF SPECIAL ASSESSMENT AND LIEN

The amount of the abatement is $16,575.93.

Pursuant to Government Code§ 38773.5(c), the owner of record of the subject property has been notified by certified mail as follows: THE PROPERTY MAY BE SOLD AFTER

THREE YEARS BY THE TAX COLLECTOR FOR UNPAIP DELINQUENT
ASSESSMENTS.

This Notice concerns the following real property:

L.A. County A.P.N.: 6282-018-020
Street Address: 13825 Charlemagne Avenue, Bellflower, CA 90706 Legal Description: TRACT # 15803 LOT 49

-51-

Signed the 14th day of July, 2025.

City of Bellflower

___________________________
Ryan Smoot, City Manager

-52-

THIS PAGE IS FOR INSTRUCTION ONLY. DO NOT INCLUDE.

(ATTACH NOTARY PAGE RE CITY MANAGER SIGNATURE)

(ATTACH RESOLUTION AND A COPY OF THE NOTICE THAT WAS SENT TO THE

PROPERTY OWNER)
-53-

Bellflower City CouncilJuly 14, 2025

Bellflower City Council
July 14, 2025