14-C
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
ATTENTION: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
FROM: Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the October 13, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
DATE: October 27, 2025
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
None
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Approve the October 13, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENT
Minutes of the October 13, 2025, Regular Meeting… ................. ………………………… 2
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MINUTES
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2025
BELLFLOWER CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:30 P.M. CLOSED SESSION / 7:00 P.M. OPEN SESSION
5:30 P.M. – CLOSED SESSION
1 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Dunton called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:31 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 Victor A. Sanchez
For the record, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection to excuse the absence of Council Member Morse.
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
For the record, 1) City Manager Smoot announced the titles of the Closed Session items; 2) Mayor Dunton announced that he would recuse himself from Item 3-E as he has property interests within 500 feet of the subject propert ies; 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 REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.8)
Property: 9849 Flower St.
Agency Negotiator: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
Negotiating Party: David Pai Trust
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
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Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 3
October 13, 2025 Page 2 of 9
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION – Continued
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.
D CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2):
One Matter
E CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.8)
Property: APN 7161-008-906 (9818 Artesia Blvd.) and 7161-008-905
Agency Negotiator: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Jeff Hopkins, Hopkins Real Estate Group Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
For the record, Closed Session adjourned at 7:03 p.m.
4 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
Mayor Dunton reconvened the Meeting at 7:08 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 7:08 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 Victor A. Sanchez
For the record, it was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, and carried without objection to excuse the absence of Council Member Morse.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 6
October 13, 2025 Page 3 of 9
6 ROLL CALL – Continued
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 De velopment
Elizabeth Oba, Director of Planning and Building Services P.J. Mellana, Director of Parks and Recreation
Brian McNerney, Director of Public Safety
Anna Garan, Director of Finance
Wangsu Lee, Assistant to the City Manager
Dana Hang, Human Resources and Risk Manager
Kristen Smith, Parks and Recreation Manager
Dakota Wallace, Management Analyst I
7 INVOCATION
Council Member Dan Koops offered the Invocation.
8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Len Gorecki led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
9-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Dunton provided details relative to the State of City presentation being available for public viewing on the City’s YouTube channel and Cable Channel 36.
Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines provided details relative to the “Movie Night on the Rooftop” to be held on October 17, 2025, at the Mayne Parking Structure located at 9736 Mayne Street.
Council Member Sanchez provided details relative to 1) the used oil and filter recycling event to be held on October 18, 2025, at O’Reilly Auto Parts located at 15766 Bellflower Boulevard; and 2) Los Angeles County’s free lead-based paint hazard remediation services for eligible Bellflower residents with enrollment accepted through October 31, 2025.
Council Member Koops 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.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 9-B
October 13, 2025 Page 4 of 9
9-B PRESENTATION: Red Ribbon Week Proclamation
Mayor Dunton and his City Council colleagues declared October 23 through October 31, 2025, as Red Ribbon Week in the City of Bellflower and presented the proclamation to the Bellflower Council of PTAs.
Alexandra Cortez, President of Bellflower Council of PTAs, accepted the proclamation and thanked the City Council for their recognition .
9-C PRESENTATION: “Breast Cancer Awareness” Proclamation
Mayor Dunton and his City Council colleagues declared October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Bellflower and presented the proclamation to the Woman’s Club of Bellflower .
Janna Enkhorn, President of Woman’s Club of Bellflower, 1) accepted the proclamation and thanked the City Council for their recognition ; and 2) highlighted that the Woman’s Club of Bellflower will be hosting a pancake breakfast fundraiser on October 18, 2025, and all proceeds will be donated to St. Jude’s Hospital.
9-D PRESENTATION: Filipino American History Month Proclamation
Mayor Dunton and his City Council colleagues declared October as Filipino American History Month in the City of Bellflower and presented the proclamation to Director of Finance Anna Garan, Director of Planning and Building Services Elizabeth Oba, and Maria Caretta, Owner of Paint and Chat.
For the record, Maria Caretta accepted the proclamation and thanked the City Council for their recognition after the Public Comments portion of the Agenda.
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Steve Caplan , resident, 1) stated that he has “traumatic brain damage and cancer” due to traffic accidents he was involved in, which have also caused “expressive aphasia;” 2) expressed concern with illegal parking in the vicinity of Cornuta Avenue, further stating he has been a resident for 26 years , but is unsure where to go for assistance; 3) explained that due to his “conditions,” he parks his vehicle on his front lawn to make it easier for him to walk to his front door; however, he has received seventeen parking citations from the Public Safety Department, further stating that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has performed “wellness checks” at his residence and ha s not cited him for parking on his lawn; and 4) stated that his “POA” wrote a letter to Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines explaining his “conditions,” but he has yet to receive a response regarding the matter.
In response to comments provided by Steve Caplan and at the request of Mayor Dunton, Director of Public Safety McNerney confirmed that he would speak with Mr. Caplan to better understand his concerns relative to the citations he received.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10
October 13, 2025 Page 5 of 9
10 PUBLIC COMMENTS – Continued
Larry Wehage, Bellflower Noon Lions,1) thanked the City Council for allowing the Bellflower Noon Lions to co-host the Annual Bellflower Car Show in the City, further expressing appreciation for the hard work done by Director of Parks and Recreation Mellana, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki, and City staff; and 2) highlighted that the 2026 Car Show will be held on October 3, 2026, and is already half-way reserved.
Shirley Myers, resident, suggested the City provide information to residents detailing what to do when a coyote is seen in the City, further explaining that she recently saw a coyote in her neighborhood , but was unsure what to do.
Janna Enkhorn, resident , expressed gratitude that an invocation is provided at the beginning of each Regular City Council Meeting.
Aaron Sykes, Hearty Hearth , 1) stated that he is a representative of Hearty Hearth, a non-profit organization dedicated to mobilizing resources to fight hunger in the community; and 2) provided details relative to resources available to residents.
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider adopting Resolution No. 25-37 – A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute a Purchase and Sale Agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, between the City of Bellf lower and the William and Mary M. Kwan Family Trust and to transfer the necessary funds from the Unassigned General Fund Reserve to the Property Acquisition Reserve for the purchase of real property located at 9855 Flower Street (APN 7109-013-032).
For the record, 1) City Manager Smoot introduced the item; and 2) Director of Economic Development DellaLonga provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report.
It was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
There being no one in attendance to provide public testimony, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Sanchez, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
For the record, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines and Council Member Sanchez expressed support for the purchase of the subject property , expressing the opinion that the purchase will contribute to Downtown Bellflower’s economic growth .
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11-A
October 13, 2025 Page 6 of 9
11 PUBLIC HEARINGS – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider adopting Resolution No. 25 -37 – Continued
It was moved by Council Member Sanchez, seconded by
Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, and carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Resolution No. 25-37 authorizing the City Manager to execute the Purchase and Sale Agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and to transfer the necessary funds from the Unassigned General Fund Reserve to the Property Acquisition Reserve:
AYES: Council Members – Sanchez, Santa Ines, Koops, and Mayor Dunton
ABSENT: Council Member – Morse
12 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
A Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 732.2, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Johnsen Commercial Services, dba Pacific Decorating Company, for Holiday Decorations and Lights Design, Equip ment, Installation, Maintenance and Removal Services.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
Director of Parks and Recreation Mellana 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) responded to Council Members’ questions along with City Manager Smoot, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki, and Parks and Recreation Manager Smith.
At the request of Council Member Koops, 1) Director Mellana a) confirmed that with the proposed agreement, décor would remain City property, further confirming that newly purchased décor would also become City-owned, creating long-term value and cost savings; and b) stated that Johnsen Commercial Services, dba Pacific Decorating Company (“PDC”) would provide ongoing maintenance of the décor and lighting; and 2) Parks and Recreation Manager Smith explained that décor and lighting is scheduled to be installed in mid-November.
In response to questions and comments provided by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, 1) Parks and Recreation Manager Smith explained that the lifespan of holiday décor varies, further noting that an ornament has a lifespan of approximately one to two years whereas light-emitting diodes (“LEDs”) have a lifespan of approximately five to seven years; and 2) Director Mellana stated that PDC has a long-standing history of successfully installing Bellflower’s holiday décor, noting that though PDC has undergone “restructuring,” the operators are the same.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13-A
October 13, 2025 Page 7 of 9
13 CONSIDERATION ITEMS – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 732.2 – Continued
Without objection, at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, Director of Parks and Recreation Mellana confirmed that he would look into how the City-owned “Bank of the West property” can be minimally decorated for the holidays without expanding the current budget allocated for these services.
In response to questions and comments provided by Council Member Sanchez relative to the installation schedule , 1) Chris Johnsen, Installation Superintendent of Johnsen Commercial Services, dba Pacific Decorating Company, stated that PDC can work with staff to schedule the installation of the holiday décor earlier than mid-November, further confirming that installing the décor at an earlier date would not impact the fee schedule; and 2) Tara Johnsen, President of Johnsen Commercial Services, dba Pacific Decorating Company, stated that there is a time constraint for the purchasing of product as it is close to the holiday season, further explaining that this could delay the installation of the décor.
Without objection, at the request of Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, City Manager Smoot confirmed that staff would double -check the Bellflower Municipal Code relative to the allowable time-period for holiday decorations to ensure that the City does not violate its own policies on the matter.
In response to questions and comments provided by Mayor Dunton, Director Mellana confirmed that the proposed budget amendment is sufficient for the services to be provided by PDC.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried by the following roll call vote, to 1) authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 732.2, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and 2) amend the 2025-2027 Operating Budget as outlined in the fiscal impact section :
AYES: Council Members – Sanchez, Santa Ines, Koops, and Mayor Dunton
ABSENT: Council Member – Morse
14 CONSENT CALENDAR
For the record, Council Member Koops announced that he would recuse himself on Item 14-E (Simms Park Stormwater Capture Project ) as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject propert y.
It was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Mayor Dunton, and carried without objection, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
October 13, 2025 Page 8 of 9
14 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Warrant Register No. 26-041, dated October 13, 2025.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 26-041.
B Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the September 22, 2025, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the September 22, 2025, Regular Meeting Minutes.
C Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the October 2, 2025, Special Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the October 2, 2025, Special Meeting Minutes.
D Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute the Third Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding No. 15 for the Los Cerritos Channel Watershed (MOU No. 15) and the Third Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding No. 17 for the Lower San Gabriel River Watershed (MOU No. 17) with the Gateway Region Integrated Water Management Joint Powers Authority (“GWMA”) for the administration and cost sharing to prepare and implement Watershed Management Programs (“WMPs”) and Coordinated Integrated Monitoring Programs (“CIMPs”) for the Los Cerritos Channel and the Lower San Gabriel River Watersheds.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute the Third Amendment to MOU Nos. 15 and 17, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
E Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 5 to Agreement File No. 923, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Craftwater Engineering, Inc., for additional work to complete grant applications for the Simms Park Stormwater Capture Project.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 5 to AFN 923, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
F Consideration and possible action to approve the appointment of Cheryl M.
Williams to the Bellflower Public Facilities Corporation (“BPFC”).
Action: Approved the appointment of Cheryl M. Williams to the Bellflower Public Facilities Corporation.
G Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 25 -38 – A Resolution confirming the City Council’s plenary authority to interpret the Bellflower General Plan Land Use Element in accordance with the Bellflower City Charter and applicable California law.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 25 -38.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 15
October 13, 2025 Page 9 of 9
15 COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Sanchez, Mayor Pro Tem Santa Ines, Council Member Koops , and Mayor Dunton made various comments and reports.
For the record, pursuant to AB 1234, Council Member Sanchez reported on his recent official travel to the League of California Cities 2025 Annual Conference on October 8 through October 10, 2025, in Long Beach, California. 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 City of Bellflower Resolution No. 06-02.
For the record and without objection, Council Member Koops requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of James “Jim” Connell.
16 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Dunton adjourned the meeting at 8:21 p.m., in memory of James “Jim” Connell, to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, October 27, 2025.
Ray Dunton, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Approved: October 27, 2025