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CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2025
BELLFLOWER CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:30 P.M. CLOSED SESSION 17:00 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
For the record, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Morse, and carried without objection to excuse the absence of Council Member Sanchez.
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
For the record, 1) City Manager Smoot announced the titles of the Closed Session items; 2) Council Member Morse announced that she would recuse herself from Item 3-A as she has property interests within 500 feet of the subject property; and 3) 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 REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.8)
Property: 9855 Flower Street
Agency Negotiator: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Jim McFadden
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
B CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2):
FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES: Letter Dated May 21, 2025 (see attached).
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 22, 2025
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION — Continued
Item No. 3
C CONFERENCE WITH LABOR NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code Section 54957.6)
Agency Negotiators: City Manager, City Attorney, Deputy City Attorney N. Richard Shreiba
Employee Organization: All represented employee bargaining units.
For the record, Closed Session adjourned at 6:19 p.m.
4 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
Mayor Dunton reconvened the Meeting at 7:05 p.m. 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 N. Richard Shreiba, Deputy City Attorney
Jim DellaLonga, Director of Economic Development
Elizabeth Oba, Director of Planning and Building Services Alan Cook, Building Official
Brian McNerney, Director of Public Safety
Wangsu Lee, Assistant to the City Manager
Dana Hang, Human Resources and Risk Manager
Karla Pineda, Management Analyst II
Dakota Wallace, Management Analyst I
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 22, 2025
7 INVOCATION
Item No. 7
Mayor Pro Tem Sonny R. Santa Ines offered the Invocation. 8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Economic Development Jim DellaLonga led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
9-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Dunton provided details relative to the Annual Bellflower Car Show to be held on October 4, 2025, in downtown Bellflower.
Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines provided details relative to Metropolitan Water District's turf replacement rebate for non-residential properties with applications accepted through March 1, 2026.
Council Member Sanchez provided details relative to the used oil and filter recycling event to be held on October 18, 2025, at O'Reilly Auto Parts located at 15766 Bellflower Boulevard.
Council Member Koops provided details relative to Los Angeles County's free lead -based paint hazard remediation services for eligible Bellflower residents with enrollment accepted through October 31, 2025.
Council Member Morse provided details relative to CalRecycle's Community Compost pick-up to be held from October 17 through October 27, 2025, at Riverview Park located at 10500 Somerset Boulevard.
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Dexter O'Connell, Safe Place for Youth, 1) stated that he is a representative of Safe Place for Youth, an organization that serves vulnerable and homeless youth in the County of Los Angeles; 2) expressed the opinion that since a member of the City Council is on the Board of Directors for the Los Angeles County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency ("LACAHSA"), there is a unique opportunity to influence policy County -wide to better assist with the prevention of homelessness in youth; 3) suggested ways LACAHSA can utilize funding to serve "transitional youth;" and 4) requested to meet with the City Council at a later date to discuss the matter further.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 22, 2025
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS
Item No. 11-A
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report ("CAPER") and adopt Resolution No. 25-33 — A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit the 2024-2025 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report ("CAPER") to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD").
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
Management Analyst Pineda 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) along with Director of Economic Development DellaLonga, responded to Council Members' questions.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, 1) Management Analyst Pineda explained that $184,913 in HOME Investment Partnership Program ("HOME") funds were expended for the City's Housing Rehabilitation Program which assisted with the rehabilitation of one single family residence and eleven mobile homes in fiscal year 2024-2025; and 2) Director DellaLonga a) stated that Wakeland Opportunities for Affordable Housing's ("Wakeland") potential permanent supportive housing project was awarded $6.64 million from the Los Angeles County Development Authority ("LACDA"); b) LACDA is actively working to secure additional grant funding, noting that once Wakeland finalizes their portion of the funding, the City will contribute approximately $2.1 million in HOME funds and $1.1 million in HOME American Rescue Plan Program ("HOME -ARP") funds to complete the project; and c) confirmed that approximately $200,000 in HOME funds must be expended by September 2026.
At the request of Council Member Koops, Director DellaLonga confirmed that he would provide information in the weekly report relative to how the $538,567 that was previously allocated to the Section 108 Loan Repayment Plan was allocated in the Annual Action Plan.
Following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Dunton, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
There being no one in attendance wishing to provide public testimony, it was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Koops, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Resolution No. 25-33 including any public comments received:
AYES: Council Members — Santa Ines, Koops, Morse, Sanchez, and Mayor Dunton
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11-B
September 22, 2025 Page 5 of 16
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS — Continued
B Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing and: 1) Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 1450 — An Urgency Ordinance adopting the 2025 Editions of the California Building Code, the California Residential Code, the California Electrical Code, the California Mechanical Code, the California Plumbing Code, the California Energy Code, the California Fire Code, the California Existing Building Code, the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the California Green Building Standards Code, the California Referenced Standards Code, and the California Building Standards Administrative Code; making certain amendments based upon local conditions, and amending the Bellflower Municipal Code to reflect such changes; and 2) Waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1449 — An Ordinance adopting the 2025 Editions of the California Building Code, the California Residential Code, the California Electrical Code, the California Mechanical Code, the California Plumbing Code, the California Energy Code, the California Fire Code, the California Existing Building Code, the California Wildland-Urban Interface Code, the California Green Building Standards Code, the California Referenced Standards Code, and the California Building Standards Administrative Code; making certain amendments based upon local conditions, and amending the Bellflower Municipal Code to reflect such changes.
CEQA: This Ordinance is exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., "CEQA") and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq., the "CEQA Guidelines") because it consists only of minor revisions and clarifications to an existing code of construction -related regulations and specification of procedures. These will not have the effect of deleting or substantially changing any regulatory standards or findings. Accordingly, the Ordinance (by itself) does not have the potential to cause significant effects on the environment. In addition, this Ordinance is an action being taken for enhanced protection of the environment and is exempt from further review under CEQA Guidelines § 15308.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item and read the ordinance titles into the record.
Building Official Cook 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; 2) for the record, stated that copies of the 2025 California Building Standards Code ("CBSC") were readily available to the public for viewing; and 3) responded to Council Members' questions along with City Manager Smoot, City Attorney Berger, and Director of Planning and Building Services Oba.
In response to questions and comments provided by Council Member Sanchez, City Attorney Berger clarified that the City has the authority to make changes to the CBSC with regard to administrative provisions through local amendments; however, local amendments to typographical, geologic, and/or climatic codes must be supported with findings that demonstrate the amendments are necessary to enhance public health and safety.
At the request of Council Member Sanchez and Mayor Dunton, relative to the 2025 Energy Code updates to swimming pool regulations, Building Official Cook confirmed that the Energy Code is governed by the State of California, and the City cannot modify the code to allow for the use of gas heat pumps, even if the pool and/or pump already exists.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 22, 2025
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS — Continued
Item No. 11-B
Page6of16
B Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing and: 1) Adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 1450; and 2) Waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1449 — Continued
For the record, Mayor Dunton expressed the opinion that the State of California does not have the infrastructure needed to implement the new requirements set forth in the 2025 Energy Code updates.
Following brief discussion, at the request of Council Member Sanchez and Council Member Koops, Building Official Cook 1) confirmed that the 2025 CBSC requires commercial kitchens to be "electric -ready," further clarifying that the Building Official has the authority to allow for modifications to the requirement if needed; and 2) stated that the CBSC broadly defines "commercial kitchen;" however, the CBSC already requires residential kitchens to be "electric- ready." In response to questions and comments provided by Council Member Sanchez relative to CRC Section R401.4.1.1.5.1, 1) Director Oba clarified that if a proposed project is more than one story in height, a soils investigation report is required; however, if a proposed project is only one story in height and does not exceed 750 square feet, a soils investigation report is not required as the applicant is required to utilize the City's prescriptive design methods; 2) Building Official Cook reiterated that the City requires a soils investigation report for all residential projects exceeding 750 square feet or more than one story in height, further explaining that the State of California requires a soils investigation report for all residential projects exceeded 500 square feet or more than one story in height, emphasizing that the City is less restrictive in order to better assist applicants with their projects; and 3) City Manager Smoot stated that the City intends to be less restrictive in order to better assist applicants and residents with development.
For the record, Council Member Sanchez expressed the opinion that the City's requirement for a soils investigation report should be less restrictive to better assist residents with their projects and allow greater flexibility as construction costs are expensive.
Following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
There being no one in attendance wishing to provide public testimony, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Koops, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Urgency Ordinance No. 1450 upon a four -fifths (4/5) vote to take effect immediately; and waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1449:
AYES: Council Members — Santa Ines, Koops, Morse, Sanchez, and Mayor Dunton
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 22, 2025
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
Item No. 12
None
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
A Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to 1) execute Amendment No. 9 to Agreement File No. 813, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Southwest Patrol, Inc., adding animal control services and extending the term for security guard services; and 2) execute Amendment No. 2 to Agreement File No. 685 with Turbo Data Systems, Inc., in a form approved by the City Attorney, adding online animal licensing services.
For the record, 1) City Manager Smoot introduced the item; and 2) supplemental material was provided to the City Council and made available to the public prior to the start of the meeting.
Director of Public Safety McNerney 1) introduced Mike Gagon, Vice President of Southwest Patrol, Inc. ("Southwest Patrol"); 2) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 3) responded to Council Members' questions along with City Manager Smoot, City Attorney Berger, and Vice President Gagon.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, Director McNerney explained that Southwest Patrol will be required to maintain their own contract with the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Los Angeles ("SPCALA") for animal shelter services, further noting that Southwest Patrol will transport all live animal impounds to SPCALA at least once per day; however, if an injured animal needs immediate care, Southwest Patrol will transport the animal to SPCALA immediately.
In response to questions and comments provided by Council Member Sanchez, City Attorney Berger explained that the City has the authority to prosecute Bellflower Municipal Code violations, but does not have the authority to file and/or prosecute State or Federal offenses such as animal abuse.
Without objection, at the request of Council Member Sanchez, City Attorney Berger stated that he could look into how Southeast Area Animal Control Authority ("SEAACA") is able to prosecute State or Federal offenses.
For the record, City Manager Smoot confirmed that staff can look into seeing if the newly formed Station Cities Public Safety Joint Powers Authority ("JPA") could provide additional animal control services in the future.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 22, 2025
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS — Continued
Item No. 13-A
A Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to 1) execute Amendment No. 9 to Agreement File No. 813; and 2) execute Amendment No. 2 to Agreement File No. 685 with Turbo Data Systems, Inc. — Continued
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines and Council Member Morse, 1) Director McNerney a) confirmed that the City and/or Southwest Patrol will not provide spay, neutering, or adoption services, further noting that the services are provided by SPCALA as required by the State of California; b) stated that Southwest Patrol will pick up "non-traditional" animals, which would include any animal that is not a cat or dog, and transport the animal to SPCALA; however, SPCALA will charge a penalty of $1,200 per "non-traditional" animal impounded, further confirming that if the owner of the "non-traditional" animal is located, the penalty will be transferred to the owner; and 2) Vice President Gagon explained that Southwest Patrol will attempt to locate an animal's owner prior to transporting the animal to SPCALA, stating that "chip readers" have been purchased and will be utilized to assist with locating an animals' owners.
In response to questions and comments provided by Mayor Dunton and Council Member Koops, 1) Vice President Gagon a) confirmed that Southwest Patrol has not provided animal control services in the past, further confirming that the City of Bellflower will be the first city Southwest Patrol will provide animal control services to; and b) stated that Southwest Patrol is also working with the City of Lynwood to implement animal control services; and 2) Director McNerney stated that the animal licensing fees will remain the same, but will be brought forward to the City Council at a future date for consideration.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines and Council Member Sanchez, relative to the "Costs" Slide of the PowerPoint presentation, 1) Director McNerney explained that the City will purchase and upfit an animal control vehicle, but the vehicle will be owned and maintained by Southwest Patrol; 2) Vice President Gagon clarified that the animal control vehicle must be owned by Southwest Patrol due to insurance requirements; and 3) City Attorney Berger stated that since the City of Bellflower is a charter city, the City Council can determine if the purchase of the vehicle for Southwest Patrol's use is a gift of public funds.
In response to questions and comments provided by Council Member Koops, 1) City Manager Smoot explained that the City's agreement with SEAACA has expired and a new agreement has not been brought forward to the City Council for consideration and/or adoption; and 2) City Attorney Berger reiterated that the City's agreement with SEAACA has expired, further confirming that the City does not have a legal obligation to pay for services provided by SEAACA.
At the request of Council Member Morse, Director McNerney confirmed that staff will develop a communication strategy with Consulting Firm Tripepi Smith for public education and awareness.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 22, 2025
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS — Continued
Item No. 13-A
A Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to 1) execute Amendment No. 9 to Agreement File No. 813; and 2) execute Amendment No. 2 to Agreement File No. 685 with Turbo Data Systems, Inc. — Continued
For the record, 1) Council Member Morse suggested providing a mailer to each household detailing the animal control services Southwest Patrol will provide for the City; and 2) Mayor Dunton suggested that Southwest Patrol attend the City's Tree Lighting Ceremony to provide information regarding services to residents.
For the record, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines expressed the opinion that SEAACA has treated the City of Bellflower as a "second class citizen" because it is not a founding member of SEAACA and services to the City were not prioritized.
In response to Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, Director McNerney stated that the "core services" SEAACA previously provided would be provided by Southwest Patrol; however, they would not be able to provide "secondary services" such as community events.
For the record and without objection, 1) Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines stated that he would like to see a community event be held to add to the quality of services, after the new vendor proves to be successful; and 2) at the request of Council Member Sanchez, Director McNerney confirmed that a direct phone number could be established for animal control services similar to the City's graffiti hotline.
For the record, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, Council Member Sanchez, and Mayor Dunton expressed support for Southwest Patrol providing animal control services in the City.
Cheryl Williams, resident, 1) expressed the opinion that SEAACA did not provide quality services to residents, further stating that she is in favor of Southwest Patrol providing the services moving forward; and 2) stated concerns relative to the location of SPCALA, expressing the opinion that it may be difficult for residents to travel approximately thirty minutes to pick up their impounded animal.
In response to comments provided by Cheryl Williams, Mayor Dunton reiterated that Southwest Patrol will attempt to find the owner of an animal prior to transporting it to SPCALA.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Morse, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 9 to Agreement File No. 813 with Southwest Patrol, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and 2) authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to Agreement File No. 685 with Turbo Data Systems, Inc., in a form approved by the City Attorney:
AYES: Council Members — Santa Ines, Koops, Morse, Sanchez, and Mayor Dunton
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13-B
September 22, 2025 Page 10 of 16
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS — Continued
B Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 6 to Agreement File No. 853, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Mercy House Living Centers, to extend the term for Temporary Shelter Operator Services at New Hope Temporary Shelter.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item, noted that Assistant to the City Manager would be providing the presentation, and announced that Timothy Huynh, Chief Program Officer ("CPO") of Mercy House, would be assisting in answering questions as needed.
For the record, Council Member Koops 1) announced that he would recuse himself from Item 13-B as he has property interests within 1,000 feet of the subject property; and 2) left the dais and Council Chambers at 8:58 p.m.
Assistant to the City Manager Lee 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 CPO Huynh.
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, CPO Huynh 1) stated that there is one Security Guard onsite at the facility twenty-four hours per day, further clarifying that the Security Guard position was not included in the staffing plan provided to the City Council for consideration; 2) expressed the opinion that the Navigator position is vital to the operations of the Shelter, further explaining that if the Navigator position was to be reduced from two to one, residents of the Shelter would not be able to meet with the Navigator as often, which could jeopardize the safety and cleanliness of the Shelter; and 3) explained the food "menu pattern" is provided monthly from an outside vendor, but the orders are placed on a weekly basis, further noting that the fee is dependent on "actual costs," so this cost is not based on the capacity of the Shelter.
For the record, 1) Mayor Dunton expressed the opinion that a) $155,273 per year for meals is reasonable; and b) decreasing the number of beds from fifty to thirty-five would not generate cost savings or be worthwhile; and 2) Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines expressed the opinion that two Navigator positions would be worth maintaining.
At the request of Mayor Dunton, Assistant to the City Manager Lee confirmed that the term of the proposed Amendment is for one year and the City has the option to terminate the Agreement at any time with or without cause.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, and carried by the following roll call vote, to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 6 to Agreement File No. 853, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with a capacity of fifty beds:
AYES: Council Members — Santa Ines, Morse, Sanchez, and Mayor Dunton
RECUSE: Council Member — Koops
For the record, Council Member Koops returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 9:14 p.m.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 22, 2025
14 CONSENT CALENDAR
Item No. 14
For the record, 1) Council Member Koops announced that he would recuse himself on Items 14-F (Install red curb parking restrictions on Alondra Boulevard west of McNab Avenue) and 14-G (Purchase and Sale Agreement for 9526 Oak Street) as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject properties; 2) Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines requested that Items 14-G (Purchase and Sale Agreement for 9526 Oak Street) and 14-M (Authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1097, as modified, with SoundThinking Inc.) be pulled for questions and comments only; and 3) Council Member Sanchez requested that Item 14-C (Award a contract to California Waters Development, Inc., dba California Waters for the Aquatic Center Outdoor Pool Improvements) be pulled for questions only.
For the record, items pulled for discussion were considered out of sequential order.
With regard to Item 14-G (Purchase and Sale Agreement for 9526 Oak Street), 1) Council Member Koops left the dais and Council Chambers at 9:16 p.m.; 2) Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines highlighted that the subject property fronts Oak Street to the north and is adjacent to Simms Park to the south, expressing the opinion that the purchase of the property would be beneficial as it would allow for the potential development of a new park and/or open space adjacent to Simms Park; and 3) Council Member Koops returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 9:17 p.m.
With regard to Item 14-M (Authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1097, as modified, with SoundThinking Inc.) and at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, City Attorney Berger a) stated that SoundThinking Inc. ("SoundThinking") requested that the City's standard indemnification language be altered, noting that although alternatives were offered to SoundThinking, including the removal of the indemnification clause altogether, the City and SoundThinking were unable to reach an agreement; and b) confirmed that the risks identified by the City Attorney are included in the Staff Report, expressing the opinion that the City is exposed to potential claims and lawsuits for technology, operations, and decisions over which it has no or little control; however, the City Council is being asked to weigh the risk of the agreement against the benefit to the public for the services it would provide.
In response to questions and comments provided by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, 1) City Attorney Berger further explained that the State of California has a law relative to data sharing with other States, further explaining that because the technology and data are provided by a third -party vendor, the City cannot control the risk, reiterating the opinion that because of this, the risk should be transferred from the City to the vendor; and 2) Director McNerney confirmed that the cities of Lakewood, Pico Rivera, and Hawaiian Gardens have accepted SoundThinking's indemnification language as presented.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 22, 2025
14 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
Item No. 14
For the record, 1) Council Member Sanchez expressed concern with the modified language proposed by SoundThinking, stating the opinion that he is supportive of the technology, but the risk outweighs the services provided; and 2) Mayor Dunton expressed the opinion that the benefits of the services provided by SoundThinking outweigh the risks assessed, further stating that the services will enhance public safety.
Following brief discussion, at the request of Council Member Sanchez, Director McNerney confirmed that other vendors provide gunshot detection and license plate reading camera services, further expressing the opinion that SoundThinking's services are superior to similar programs.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Koops, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar. No action was taken.
At the request of Council Member Sanchez, 1) City Attorney Berger a) reiterated that the City and SoundThinking have come to an impasse, noting that alternative solutions, including the removal of the indemnification clause altogether, were rejected by SoundThinking, reiterating the opinion that this is a cause of concern; and b) stated that he cannot confirm if the data is shared by the vendor; and 2) Director McNerney explained that SoundThinking offers their services nationwide, but the vendor has confirmed that the data can only be shared with a law enforcement agency and/or through a subpoena for records issued by the Court.
For the record, it was the consensus of the City Council to remove the Item 14-M from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration. Discussion on this matter continued following the action taken on the Consent Calendar.
With regard to Item 14-C (Award a contract to California Waters Development, Inc., dba California Waters for the Aquatic Center Outdoor Pool Improvements) and at the request of Council Member Sanchez, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki explained that the project is for repairs to the concrete pool deck, filter replacements and replastering of the outdoor pool at the Thompson Park Aquatic Center.
Noting the aforementioned recusals and removal of Item 14-M (Authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1097, as modified, with SoundThinking Inc.) from the Consent Calendar for separate consideration, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection, to approve the balance of the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar.
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file Warrant Register No. 26-032, dated September 22, 2025.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 26-032.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 22, 2025
14 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
Item No. 14
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file the Treasurer's Report for the Month of August 2025.
Action: Received and filed Treasurer's Report.
C Consideration and possible action to find Ultimate Pool Remodeling, Inc., to be a non -responsive bidder; and award a contract to California Waters Development, Inc., dba California Waters for the Aquatic Center Outdoor Pool Improvements, Specifications No. 23/24-06R; and authorize the City Manager to execute a contract with California Waters Development, Inc., dba California Waters, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
CEQA: The City reviewed the environmental impacts of the proposed activity 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"). The activity contemplates awarding a contract to repair and maintain existing improvements and therefore no further environmental review is required pursuant to CEQA Guidelines § 15301 (Existing Facilities). Additionally, the project was reviewed per grant requirements pursuant to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development § 24 CFR 58.35(a), and it was determined that the project would not negatively impact the surrounding environment and the project location would not have an adverse environmental or health effect on end users. The project would comply with NEPA and other related federal and State environmental laws and does not require any mitigation for compliance with any listed statutes or authorities, nor requires any formal permit or license.
Action: 1) Awarded a contract to California Waters for the Project and authorized the City Manager to execute said contract in a form approved by the City Attorney; and 2) Amended the FY 2025-2026 Operating Budget to add $175,000 to Account No. 011-47220-9000 General Fund Aquatic Center Improvements Project.
D Consideration and possible action to award a purchase agreement (130005135) to Winner Chevrolet, Inc., for the purchase of three 2026 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Regular Cab Trucks and one 2026 model year Chevrolet Silverado Crew Cab Truck for the Public Works Department; and authorize the City Manager to execute a purchase agreement with Winner Chevrolet, Inc., in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Action: Awarded a purchase agreement (130005135) to Winner Chevrolet, Inc., for the purchase of three 2026 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 regular cab and one 2026 model year Chevrolet Silverado 1500 crew cab trucks; and authorized the City Manager to execute said purchase agreement with Winner Chevrolet, Inc., in a form approved by the City Attorney.
E Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to AFN 971 with Red Dragon Electric, Inc., in a form approved by the City Attorney, for on -call electrical maintenance services at various City facilities.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to AFN 971, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Red Dragon Electric, Inc.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 22, 2025
14 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
Item No. 14
F Consideration and possible action to install red curb parking restrictions on Alondra Boulevard west of McNab Avenue.
Action: Authorized the Director of Public Works ("Director"), or designee, to install red curb parking restrictions on Alondra Boulevard west of McNab Avenue.
G Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to amend the FY 2025-26 Operating Budget and enter into a Purchase Agreement and associated documents with The Andrews Trust for the purchase of real property located at 9526 Oak Street (APN 7106-003-018); and adopt Resolution No. 25-34 — A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, for the acquisition of real property commonly known as 9526 Oak Street (APN 7106-003-018).
Action: 1) Authorized the City Manager execute a Purchase Agreement and any associated documents with The Andrews Trust, in forms approved by the City Attorney, for the purchase of the Property; 2) Authorized the City Manager to utilize Los Angeles County RPOSD Measure A funds for the purchase of the Property; 3) Amended the FY 2025-2026 Operating Budget to allocate an additional $415,000 to Account No. 070-52612-9000, increasing the total to $1,339,000, to reflect approved Measure A funding for property acquisition and eligible site preparation costs; and 4) Adopted Resolution No. 25-34.
H Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the September 3, 2025, Special Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the September 3, 2025, Special Meeting Minutes.
I Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the September 8, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the September 8, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes.
J Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the September 9, 2025, Special Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the September 9, 2025, Special Meeting Minutes.
K Consideration and possible action to award a purchase agreement (130005136) to Southcoast Lighting & Design for the purchase of traffic signal equipment for the Foster Road Traffic Signal Improvements project and authorize the City Manager to execute a purchase agreement with Southcoast Lighting & Design, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Action: Awarded purchase agreement (130005136) to Southcoast Lighting & Design, for the purchase of traffic signal equipment for the Foster Road Traffic Signal Improvements project; and authorized the City Manager to execute said purchase agreement with Southcoast Lighting, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 22, 2025
14 CONSENT CALENDAR - Continued
Item No. 14
L Consideration and possible action to adopt 1) Resolution Nos. 25-35 [MOU No. 25-01], 25-36 [MOU No. 25-02], and 25-32.
Resolution No. 25-35 [MOU No. 25-01] — A Resolution approving Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) File No. 25-01 with Bellflower City Employees Association ("BCEA") — represented executive assistant employees in the Bellflower municipal service for Fiscal Years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027; and superseding Resolution No. 23-40;
Resolution No. 25-36 [MOU No. 25-02] — A Resolution approving Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) File No. 25-02 with Bellflower City Employees Association ("BCEA") — represented part time maintenance and community services officer employees in the Bellflower municipal service for Fiscal Years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027; and superseding Resolution No. 23-39; and
Resolution No. 25-32 — A Resolution Establishing Salary Ranges for Employees and Authorizing the City Manager to Implement Such Changes.
Action: Adopted Resolution Nos. 25-35, 25-36, and 25-32.
M Pulled for separate consideration]
14-M Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1097, as modified, with SoundThinking Inc., to implement ShotSpotter and PlateRanger systems to enhance public safety.
For the record, discussion continued relative to this matter.
At the request of Mayor Dunton and Council Member Sanchez, 1) City Manager Smoot a) stated the proposed modification to the indemnification language is detailed on page 5 of Agreement File No. 1097 ("Agreement"); b) explained that Section 18 of the Agreement states the vendor must comply with all appliable requirements of all federal, state, and local authorities; and c) confirmed staff can look into services provided by other vendors other during the term of the proposed Agreement, noting that the City has the option to terminate the Agreement with or without cause with sixty-day notice; and 2) City Attorney Berger explained the City's standard agreement templates transfer all risk to the vendor as the vendor is being compensated with taxpayer dollars to implement services on behalf of the City, further stating that without the standard indemnification language included in the Agreement, the risk will not be transferred to the vendor.
For the record, Council Member Sanchez expressed concern with assuming SoundThinking's risk, stating the opinion that he supports the services provided, but does not want to assume the liability of their negligence.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 22, 2025
14 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
Item No. 14-M
14-M Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1097, as modified, with SoundThinking, Inc. — Continued In response to questions and comments provided by Council Member Sanchez, City Manager Smoot clarified that with the proposed modification to the indemnification language, SoundThinking will indemnify the City for their own gross negligence; however, SoundThinking will not indemnify the City if the City is negligent.
Following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Dunton, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1097, as modified, with SoundThinking, Inc.:
AYES: Council Members — Santa Ines, Koops, Morse, Sanchez, and Mayor Dunton
15 COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Koops made various comments and reports.
For the record and without objection, Council Member Koops requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Georgia Herron.
16 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Dunton adjourned the meeting at 9:50 p.m., in memory of Georgia Herron, to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 13, 2025.
Ray Dunton, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
May a O iqui, City Cler
App oved: October 13, r25