15-B
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
ATTENTION: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
FROM: Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
SUBJECT: Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the January 26, 2026, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
DATE: February 9, 2026
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
None
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Approve the January 26, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENT
Minutes of the January 26, 2026, Regular Meeting of the City Council ……………..…… 2
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CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2026
BELLFLOWER CITY HALL
5:00 P.M. OUTGOING MAYOR’S CEREMONY – GREEN ROOM
7:00 P.M. OPEN & CLOSED SESSIONS – COUNCIL CHAMBERS
5:00 P.M. – OUTGOING MAYOR’S CEREMONY
1 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Santa Ines called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:08 p.m. in the Green Room at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower.
2 ROLL CALL
For the record, the following Members of the City Council were present:
Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines
Mayor Pro Tem Victor A. Sanchez
Council Member Ray Dunton
Council Member Dan Koops
Council Member Wendi Morse
3 INVOCATION
Parks & Recreation Commissioner Mitch Haack offered the Invocation.
4 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Planning Commissioner Guy Bremer led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
5 PRESENTATIONS TO OUTGOING MAYOR RAY DUNTON
Mayor Santa Ines detailed the many accomplishments during Ray Dunton’s term as Mayor and introduced a video in tribute to him from the City Council Members, professional colleagues, friends, and family.
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2 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 5
January 26, 2026 Page 2 of 12
5 PRESENTATIONS TO OUTGOING MAYOR RAY DUNTON – Continued
For the record, in lieu of presentations or gifts, donations were made to the Kiwanis Foundation of Bellflower in Ray Dunton’s name to maintain the U.S. Flag located in the City of Bellflower at the 91 Freeway and Bellflower Boulevard.
Lauren Yokomizo, Field Representative for Janice Hahn, County Supervisor, Fourth District and The Rotary Club of Bellflower, 1) congratulated Ray Dunton on all of the accomplishments under his fifth term as Mayor and for providing key services to those in need with the New Hope Shelter; and 2) presented him with a $50.00 check from The Rotary Club of Bellflower as a donation to the Kiwanis Foundation.
Dorothy Pemberton, Council Member, City of Downey, thanked Ray Dunton for his service and presented him with a certificate of recognition.
Anastacia Nwosu, Field Representative for Assemblymember Jose Luis Solache, Jr., 62nd District, 1) congratulated Ray Dunton for his fifth year as Mayor and completing another successful term; and 2) noted that they would be mailing a donation to the Kiwanis Foundation on behalf of the Office of Assemblymember Jose Luis Solache, Jr.
Jennifer Perez, Mayor, City of Norwalk, thanked Ray Dunton for his service and presented him with a certificate of recognition.
Larry Wehage, Public Safety Commissioner, Bellflower Noon Lions, Bellflower Chamber of Commerce, and Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board, presented Ray Dunton with a $100.00 check as a donation to the Kiwanis Foundation on behalf of the Chamber of Commerce and presented his wife, Dawn Dunton, with flowers.
David Arellano, Council Member, City of Lakewood and Bellflower Business Owner, expressed his appreciation for Ray Dunton and all he has accomplished.
James Cody Birkey, Cerritos College Board of Trustees, Area 4, thanked Ray Dunton for his service and presented him with a certificate of appreciation.
Khoi Dao, Assistant Fire Chief, Los Angeles County Fire Department, 1) thanked and congratulated Ray Dunton for his leadership and guidance; and 2) noted that he would personally donate $100.00 to the Kiwanis Foundation.
Robin Snow, Snow Funeral Services, presented a $50.00 check as a donation to the Kiwanis Foundation in honor of her late husband Bob Snow who was a Kiwanis Club member.
Karla Caceres, District Representative for Senator Bob Archuleta, 30th District, thanked Ray Dunton for his accomplishments in Bellflower over the last year and presented him with a certificate of recognition. 3 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 5
January 26, 2026 Page 3 of 12
5 PRESENTATIONS TO OUTGOING MAYOR RAY DUNTON – Continued
Jenna Enkhorn, The Woman’s Club & Friends of the Library , stated that the Friends of the Library had mailed their donation check to the Kiwanis Foundation and expressed gratitude for Ray Dinton’s leadership and efforts to involve citizens in community matters.
For the record, Council Member Dunton stated that 1) Former Mayor Randy Bomgaars’s wife dropped off a check for $50.00 as a donation to the Kiwanis Foundation; 2) Former Mayor John Pratt sent a donation to the Kiwanis Foundation; and 3) Carol Waite and Fred Harris made a $1,000.00 contribution to the Kiwanis Foundation.
Bea Proo, accompanied by Carol Gamez of the Bellflower Civic Chorus, presented Ray Dunton with a donation to the Kiwanis Foundation and thanked him for the achievements he accomplished during his term.
In recognition of Ray Dunton’s commitment and contributions to the City of Bellflower during his term as the 68th Mayor, 1) Mayor Santa Ines presented him with a personalized Gavel Plaque that includes the gavel with which he presided over meetings during his year as Mayor; 2) Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez presented him with an autographed Petty Die Cast car signed by Kyle Petty, who was the 2025 BRAVO awards Keynote Speaker; 3) Council Member Koops presented him with a Challenge Coin display which included the coin designed to commemorate his year as Mayor; and 4) Council Member Morse presented him with a scrapbook of photos highlighting the City’s progress and developments during his year as Mayor.
Council Member Mayor Dunton 1) stated that he loved serving in the position of Mayor and had a great year, emphasizing that the accomplishments were not about him but about the residents; 2) thanked his City Council colleagues and his wife, for guiding and supporting him ; 3) expressed appreciation to everyone who attended the ceremony; and 4)noted that he was elected in March 2007 during the City’s 50th anniversary and reflected on the hardships of the recession, during which he learned the importance of ma king do with limited resources, remarking on how far the City has come financially since that time.
Recess: Without objection, Mayor Santa Ines recessed the meeting at 6:14 p.m., noting that the meeting would reconvene at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers to conduct the business portion of the meeting.
7:00 P.M. – OPEN SESSION & CLOSED SESSION
6 RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Mayor Santa Ines reconvened the meeting at 7:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower. 4 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 6
January 26, 2026 Page 4 of 12
6 RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION - Continued
The following Members of the City Council responded present to roll call:
Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines
Mayor Pro Tem Victor A. Sanchez
Council Member Ray Dunton
Council Member Dan Koops
Council Member Wendi Morse
Staff Participants:
Ryan Smoot, City Manager
Karl H. Berger, City Attorney
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Assistant City Attorney Timothy E. Campen
Len Gorecki, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Jim DellaLonga, Director of Economic Development
Wangsu Lee, Assistant to the City Manager
Jennifer Russell, Management Assistant
7 REQUEST TO APPEAR REMOTELY
None
8-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Santa Ines provided details relative to new waste carts that will be provided to residents from February 9, 2026 through May 9, 2026, as a Citywide effort to comply with Senate Bill 1383, noting that the City’s waste hauler (CR&R) will empty carts and replace them with new ones on a scheduled collection day.
Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez provided details relative to the recently launched “My Bellflower” mobile app, noting that the free app is now available for download on major app stores, allowing residents to submit service requests, check the City calendar, view upcoming events, access business licensing information, review public records, and receive updates on City programs and resources.
Council Member Morse provided details relative to the return of the Entrepreneurial Academy in February 2026, noting that the free eight -week program, offered in partnership with Heart Centered Leadership, will guide participants through starting and growing a business, with sessions held on Wednesdays b eginning February 18 and concluding with a Graduation Ceremony on April 22, 2026.
5 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 8-A
January 26, 2026 Page 5 of 12
8-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS – Continued
Council Member Dunton provided details relative to upcoming February programs at the Clifton M. Brakensiek Library, noting that the activities will offer educational and recreational opportunities for children, teens, and adults.
Council Member Koops provided details relative to the CR&R Compost Drive-Thru Giveaway to be held on February 21, 2026, noting that Bellflower residents can pick up free compost at the Public Works Yard, as part of the City’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainability and waste reduction.
8-B PRESENTATION: SERVICE CLUB – ROTARY CLUB OF BELLFLOWER
Lauren Yokomizo, President of The Rotary Club of Bellflower, gave a PowerPoint presentation providing an overview of the club’s activities and responded to Council Members’ questions.
8-C PRESENTATION: BEVERAGE CONTAINER CALENDAR
Michelle Nicholls of CalRecycle presented a PowerPoint presentation recognizing the Beverage Container Recycling and Litter Prevention Artwork Contest Winners selected from among elementary school fifth graders enrolled in the Bellflower Unified School District.
9 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Laura Milne, resident, 1) praised the new City Life magazine, but expressed concerns related to the proposed Willows Project, including public safety, traffic, parking, economic impacts, project density, and displacement of existing businesses; and 2) urged the City Council to consider an alternate location for the project and stated her opposition.
For the record, Mayor Santa Ines 1) clarified that the proposed Willows Project is not a homeless shelter, but a state-approved apartment complex; 2) explained that the City cannot block the project per state law, but noted that the developer is exceeding requirements by providing six parking spaces , and implementing enhanced security and programming; and 3) referenced a site visit to another similar development in San Diego, highlighting the developer’s use of modern security measures and the well-managed, clean facilities, expressing confidence that the development would be a positive addition to Bellflower.
Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez 1) added that he also visited the development sites with Mayor Santa Ines and staff, noting that the sites were well-maintained, secure, and included programming for residents; 2) highlighted the City’s advocacy efforts in Sacramento against “by-right” development bills, explaining that while Bellflower opposes these mandates, state law limits the City’s ability to stop certain projects; and 3) emphasized ongoing efforts to provide housing responsibly and acknowledged residents’ concerns about the development. 6 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 9
January 26, 2026 Page 6 of 12
9 PUBLIC COMMENTS - Continued
At the request of Mayor Santa Ines, Director of Economic Development DellaLonga explained that 1) the development is a high-quality subsidized apartment complex, offering wraparound services for residents of varying income levels; and 2) the 50-unit complex includes one on-site manager unit and provides secure access, job training and assistance, transportation support, a computer lab with training, and community activities for residents.
Sandra Roubos, lead contact for the Rendelia Adversary Action Team, 1) provided written materials for the City Council Members; 2) stated that she opposed the proposed Willows Project on Lakewood Boulevard, citing concerns with safety, traffic, infrastructure, and neighborhood compatibility ; and 3) requested the City pursue an alternative site.
Jennifer Gonzalez, resident, 1) noted her attendance at the Outgoing Mayor’s Ceremony and her experience attending City Council meetings over the past several years; and 2) encouraged residents to participate in Council meetings, which are held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in City matters.
Peter Enkhorn, resident, 1) expressed support for the proposed housing project, noting the need for assistance for people experiencing homelessness , citing positive experiences with local shelters, and stated that he believes the project could be beneficial to the community; and 2) inquired whether the project would include a circular driveway or similar design to prevent congestion, emphasizing that proper on-site management and traffic planning could mitigate any neighborhood impact.
Dee Marie Spence, resident, 1) shared her personal experience with homelessness in Bellflower, highlighting the lack of programs and shelters at that time and credited organizations like Little House Women’s Rehab and Calvary Bellflower for helping her transition off the streets ; 2) emphasized the ongoing need for supportive housing and services, noting that current funding and resources are limited; and 3) encouraged the community to approach the proposed Willows Project with an open mind, recognizing its potential to help individuals in need.
Archie Dragovich, resident, noting that he was a lifelong Bellflower resident, expressed concerns about crime and public safety in relation to his neighborhood and the Willows Project.
Andrew San Nicolas, Executive Director of Kingdom Cause of Bellflower, 1) highlighted the ongoing homelessness crisis, noting rising numbers of families and elderly residents in need; and 2) emphasized that affordable housing helps prevent homelessness and reduces long-term costs to the City, expressed support for the proposed Willows Project, and offered assistance from his organization to help implement housing solutions.
7 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10-A
January 26, 2026 Page 7 of 12
10 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to authorize the recording of a Notice of Special Assessment for Nuisance Abatement Against the Owner of 9103-9121 Artesia Boulevard.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item , noting that the City received a request from the property owner to continue the hearing to the next City Council Meeting on February 9, 2026.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
For the record, Council Member Dunton noted that there was no one in attendance who wanted to speak on the matter, including the property owner.
There being no one in attendance wishing to provide public testimony, it was moved by Council Member Morse, seconded by Council Member Koops, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to continue to the public hearing to the February 9, 2026, City Council Meeting:
AYES: Council Members – Morse, Sanchez, Dunton, Koops and Mayor Santa Ines
B Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to authorize the recording of a Notice of Special Assessment for Nuisance Abatement against the owner of 9070 Artesia Boulevard; and adopt Resolution No. 26-03 – A Resolution to Record a Notice of Special Assessment for Nuisance Abatement of 9070 Artesia Boulevard (APN 7162-011-011).
City Manager Smoot and City Attorney Berger introduced the item.
Assistant City Attorney Campen 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) responded to Council Members’ questions along with City Attorney Berger.
For the record, Assistant City Attorney Campen noted that there was a typographical error in Section 4 of the Resolution and requested the total amount reflect the correct amount of $198,568.78.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, and carried without objection, to open the public hearing.
Peter Enkhorn, resident, requested and received Assistant City Attorney Campen’s name and title.
Following brief discussion, it was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, and carried without objection, to close the public hearing.
8 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10-B
January 26, 2026 Page 8 of 12
10 PUBLIC HEARINGS - Continued
B Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to authorize the recording of a Notice of Special Assessment for Nuisance Abatement against the owner of 9070 Artesia Boulevard – Continued
For the record, City Attorney Berger stated that the correction noted by Assistant City Attorney Campen was captured in the supplemental material provided to the City Council and made available to the public prior to the start of the meeting.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Koops, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to adopt Resolution No. 26-03, as amended, to record a notice of special assessment for nuisance abatement on the owner of 9070 Artesia Boulevard (approved via Resolution No. 26-03, adopted January 26, 2026):
AYES: Council Members – Morse, Sanchez, Dunton, Koops and Mayor Santa Ines
11 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
12 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
A Consideration and possible action to select and approve a design concept for pedestrian improvements on Coke Avenue between Artesia Boulevard and the south City Limit.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
For the record, Council Member Koops 1) announced that he would recuse on this item due to a conflict of interest, as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject property; and 2) left the dais and Council Chambers at 8:3 8 p.m.
Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) responded to Council Members’ questions along with City Manager Smoot.
Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez 1) expressed his excitement for the project, noting that there may be an Option 3, which would be explained best by Council Member Dunton; and 2) shared his perspective on why Option 2 was his preference of the options detailed by staff, should Council Member Dunton’s Option 3 not be available.
9 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 12-A
January 26, 2026 Page 9 of 12
12 CONSIDERATION ITEMS – Continued
A Consideration and possible action to select and approve a design concept for pedestrian improvements on Coke Avenue between Artesia Boulevard and the south City Limit. – Continued
Council Member Dunton, 1) expressed the opinion that Option 1 initially appeared to be the better plan; however, he expressed concern about narrowing the street by three feet, noting that it could lead to parking restrictions as seen on other streets throughout the City; 2) suggested Option 3 which included exploring the possibility of working with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to either purchase or obtain dedication of a three -foot strip of land; 3) noted that based on his experience it has been easier to work with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power than with Southern California Edison , recommended staff engage with the utility company to pursue that option which would allow the curb to remain in its current location and avoid the cost of reconstructing the street, while still adding a sidewalk on the opposite side; and 4) added that there were no power poles in that section and observed that existing fences were in poor condition, suggesting there may be an opportunity to install decorative fencing consistent with City ordinances.
Mayor Santa Ines stated that, if feasible, there could be room for bulb -outs and there may be a possibility to incorporate them into the new Option 3.
Council Member Morse stated that she was familiar with the neighborhood, expressing the opinion that the area clearly needed a sidewalk.
Following discussion, it was the consensus of the City Council (Koops recused) to direct staff to contact the Department of Water and Power to explore additional options with regard to design concepts for pedestrian improvements on Coke Avenue between Artesia Boulevard and the south City Limit and bring the matter back to the City Council for further consideration.
For the record, there was no formal action taken on this item.
Eddie Cruz, Board of Education, Paramount Unified School District, 1) stated that in 2022 he brought the matter to the attention of Mayo r Pro Tem Sanchez after noticing that Collins Elementary students and Bellflower residents were required to walk in the street due to the absence of a sidewalk, which posed a major safety concern; and 2) thanked the City Council for taking action on the issue and expressed appreciation on behalf of the students and families of Collins Elementary.
For the record, Council Member Koops returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 9:01 p.m.
10 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13
January 26, 2026 Page 10 of 12
13 CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Council Member Koops, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar:
AYES: Council Members - Morse, Sanchez, Dunton, Koops and Mayor Santa Ines
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file City Council Warrant Register No. 26-072, dated January 26, 2026.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 26- 072.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file the Investments Report for the Month of December. _________
Action: Received and filed the Investments Report.
C Consideration and possible action to ratify Council Member Ray Dunton’s appointment of John Gardner to the Public Safety Commission for the term ending December 2026.
Action: Ratified Council Member Ray Dunton’s appointment of John Gardner to fill the unexpired term on the Public Safety Commission ending December 2026.
D Consideration and possible action to receive and file Official Travel Report – California Contract Cities Association Legislative Orientation Tour, January 5–7, 2026 (Pursuant to AB 1234).
Action: Received and filed Official Travel Report for the California Contract Cities Association, 2026 Sacramento Legislative Tour.
E Consideration and possible action to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1452 – An Ordinance adding § 2.04.080 to Bellflower Municipal Code to implement the Bellflower City Charter by establishing voting requirements for ordinances, resolutions, and other City Council actions.
CEQA: The Ordinance is exempt from additional 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, under CEQA Guidelines §§ 15061(b)(3) and 15378(b)(5), the Ordinance establishes internal governmental procedures that have no potential to cause a significant effect on the environment.
Action: Waived further reading and adopted Ordinance No. 1452.
F Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 26-02 – A Resolution approving the 2026 City of Bellflower Transit Services Title VI Program.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-02.
11 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13
January 26, 2026 Page 11 of 12
13 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
G Consideration and possible action to adopt a Legislative Platform authorizing the City Manager to issue position letters on State and Federal legislation impacting local government services in the City of Bellflower.
Action: Adopted the proposed Legislative Platform and authorize d the City Manager to issue position letters on State and Federal legislation impacting local government services in Bellflower.
H Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the January 12, 2026, Regular Meeting of the City Council and Bellflower Financing Authority.
Action: Approved the January 12, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.
14 COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, Council Member Dunton, Council Member Koops and Mayor Santa Ines made various comments and reports.
15 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
For the record, 1) City Manager Smoot introduced the titles of the Closed Session items and requested that Item 15-B not be considered, noting that it would be brought back at a future date; 2) Council Member Morse and Council Member Dunton recused on Item 15-A, as they have property conflicts within 500 feet of the subject properties; and 3) Council Member Morse and Council Member Dunton left the Council Chambers and dais at 9:05 p.m. and did not return to the meeting.
There being no one from the public wishing to speak on Closed Session items, without objection, Mayor Santa Ines recessed the Meeting at 9:05 p.m. to a Closed Session regarding:
A CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.8) [CITY]
Property: APN 7161-008-906 (9818 Artesia Boulevard) 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
B [Item Not Considered]
CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - POTENTIAL LITIGATION
Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2):
One Matter. FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES: Letters Dated December 19, 2025 and December 18, 2025 (see attached).
For the record, Closed Session adjourned at 9:28 p.m.
12 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 16
January 26, 2026 Page 12 of 12
16 RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Mayor Santa Ines reconvened the Meeting at 9:29 p.m., with Council Member Dunton and Council Member Morse absent, and announced that no reportable action was taken during Closed Session.
17 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Santa Ines adjourned the meeting at 9:29 p.m. to the next Regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026.
Sonny R. Santa Ines, Mayor
City of Bellflower
Attest:
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Approved: February 9, 2026
13