15-E
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 March 23, 2026, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
DATE: April 13, 2026
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
None
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Approve the March 23, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENT
Minutes of the March 23, 2026, Regular Meeting of the City Council …………..…… 2
1 stafJeport
MINUTES
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2026
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 Santa Ines 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 Sonny R. Santa Ines
Mayor Pro Tem Victor A. Sanchez
Council Member Dan Koops
Council Member Wendi Morse
For the record, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried without objection to excuse the absence of Council Member Ray Dunton.
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
For the record, 1) City Manager Smoot announced the titles of the Closed Session items; and 2) there being no one from the public in attendance, without objection, Mayor Santa Ines recessed the Meeting at 5:33 p.m. to a Closed Session regarding:
A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL – INITIATION OF LITIGATION - GOVERNMENT CODE § 54956.9(d)(4). Number of Cases: One. Potential defendants listed below are not required by applicable law; voluntarily disclosed:
1. Consolidated Fire Protection District of Los Angeles County; and
2. Fire Chief Anthony C. Marrone, in his official capacity.
2 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 3
March 23, 2026 Page 2 of 8
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION – Continued
B CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2):
FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES: Correspondence Dated February 13, 2026 and March 12, 2026 (see attached).
C CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL - ANTICIPATED LITIGATION Significant exposure to litigation pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2):
FACTS AND CIRCUMSTANCES: Correspondence Dated March 18, 2026 (see attached).
D CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.8)
Property: 15751 Blaine Ave.
Agency Negotiator: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
Negotiating Party: County of Los Angeles
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
For the record, Closed Session adjourned at 6:53 p.m.
4 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
Mayor Santa Ines reconvened the Meeting at 7:03 p.m., with Council Member Dunton absent, and announced that no reportable action was taken during the Closed Session Meeting.
7:00 P.M. – OPEN SESSION
5 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Santa Ines called the Open Session of the Regular City Council Meeting to order at 7:03 p.m.
6 ROLL CALL
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 Dan Koops
Council Member Wendi Morse
For the record, it was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, and carried without objection to excuse the absence of Council Member Ray Dunton.
3 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 6
March 23, 2026 Page 3 of 8
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 P.J. Mellana, Director of Parks & Recreation
Elizabeth Oba, Director of Planning & Building Services Dana Hang, Human Resources and Risk Manager
Wangsu Lee, Assistant to the City Manager
Misty Diaz, Management Assistant
7 INVOCATION
Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines offered the Invocation.
8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Parks and Recreation P.J. Mellana led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
9 REQUEST TO APPEAR REMOTELY
None
10-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Santa Ines provided details relative to the City’s upcoming Student Art Festival to be held on May 2, 2026, at the Simms Park Auditorium, noting that the winners will be awarded a trophy and their artwork will be displayed at Bellflower City Hall.
Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez provided details relative to 1) the City’s 2026 Bellflower Looking Better community beautification program, which will include updated guidelines, enhanced services, coordinated neighborhood yard sales, and free dumpsters for residents to dispose of unwanted items; and 2) the Spring 2026 “Maker to Market” Program, launched by the City’s Economic Development Department in partnership with Long Beach City College’s Small Business Development Center, Ironfire Workspace, and the Bellflower Farm and Craft Market to guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the key steps towards achieving their entrepreneurial goals.
4 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10-A
March 23, 2026 Page 4 of 8
10-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS – Continued
Council Member Koops provided details relative to the City’s upcoming Community Compost Pick-Up event at Palm Park from March 27 through April 3, 2026, encouraged residents to participate, and noted that the CalRecycle-funded program provides free compost to residents while supplies last.
Council Member Morse provided details relative to a dive-in movie night on April 10, 2026, at the Bellflower Aquatic Center, noting that all ages are welcome to relax in the pool during a screening of Wonder Park for an admission fee of $5 per person.
10-B PRESENTATION: Kiwanis Club of Bellflower
Anselmo Rocha, President of The Kiwanis Club of Bellflower and resident, 1) gave a PowerPoint presentation providing an overview of the Kiwanis Club of Bellflower’s activities and history, noting that the club’s motto is “Serving the children of the world;” and 2) responded to Council Members’ questions.
11 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Larry Wehage, resident, thanked Public Works Department staff for their integrity, explaining that he lost a bank bag containing cash and checks for the annual car show, Public Works staff happen to find it, and returned it to him intact with nothing removed.
Jaydee Dizon, resident, 1) requested an update on the Arts District, noting that the survey was still on the City’s website, but the last update was on April 18, 2025; 2) stated that she is the president of the Bellflower Gardening Club, provided updates on club activities, and thanked Mayor Santa Ines and Director of Parks and Recreation Mellana for attending their last meeting on March 12, 2026; 3) requested Bellflower Gardening Club information be included in City Council announcements, the City’s website, or newsletter to help promote the club; and 4) inquired about City-sponsored Earth Day activities.
At the request of City Manager Smoot, Director of Planning and Building Services Oba, provided details relative to the status of the Arts District including 1) that there was a kick-off meeting with their consultant on the Project last week where they discussed its continuation; 2) the Project will be brought back to the City Council potentially in July 2026 for further consideration; and 3) an outline with zoning details on how to establish the Arts District will be provided to them at the anticipated July 2026 meeting.
At the request of Mayor Santa Ines, City Manager Smoot confirmed that Assistant to the City Manager Lee would include information about the Bellflower Gardening Club in future City Council announcements.
5 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 12
March 23, 2026 Page 5 of 8
12 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to continue the Public Hearing to consider a Mitigated Negative Declaration, General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Specific Plan, Vesting Tentative Map, Development Review, and Development Agreement for properties located at 9855, 9903, and 9915 Flower Street.
B Consideration and possible action to continue the Public Hearing relative to a potential Purchase and Sale Agreement with Bellflower 5 Inv LLC for the disposition of real property located at 9855 Flower Street (APN 7109-013-032).
For the record, City Manager Smoot requested Public Hearing Items 12-A and 12-B be opened and continued to the next meeting on April 13, 2026, to allow him additional time to work out the details of the development agreement with the developer prior to bringing it forward to the City Council for consideration.
For the record, Council Member Morse 1) announced that she would recuse herself from Items 12-A and 12-B as she has property interests within 500 feet of the subject properties; and 2) left the dais and Council Chambers at 7:30 p.m.
It was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried without objection to open the public hearings.
There being no one in attendance wishing to provide public comment, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Koops, and carried without objection to continue Public Hearing Items 12-A and 12-B to the April 13, 2026, City Council Meeting.
For the record, Council Member Morse returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 7:32 p.m.
13 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
A Consideration and possible action to read by title only, waive further reading, and introduce Ordinance No. 1453 – An Ordinance adding Chapter 1.18 to the Bellflower Municipal Code to establish publication requirements for official City actions pursuant to the City Charter. ___ City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
City Clerk Ochiqui 1) provided a verbal report of the Staff Report; and 2) responded to Council Members’ questions along with City Manager Smoot.
For the record, Council Member Koops read by title Ordinance No. 1453.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Council Member Morse, and carried by the following roll vote to read by title only, waive further reading, and introduce Ordinance No. 1453:
AYES: Council Members – Sanchez, Koops, Morse, Santa Ines ABSENT: Council Members – Dunton
6 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14
March 23, 2026 Page 6 of 8
14 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
None
15 CONSENT CALENDAR
For the record, 1) Council Member Morse announced that she would recuse herself from Item 15-H (City Hall Flooring Recarpet) as she has a property interests within 500 feet of the subject property; 2) Council Member Koops announced that he has a property conflicts within 1,000 and 500 feet (respectively) of the subject properties for Items 15-D (New Hope Temporary Shelter) and 15-I (Simms Park Stormwater Capture Project); and 3) Mayor Santa Ines requested that Item 15-G (insurance requirements for contracts) be pulled for questions only.
With regard to Item 15-G (insurance requirements for contracts) and at the request of Mayor Santa Ines, Human Resources and Risk Manager Hang 1) clarified that California Joint Powers Insurance Authority’s (CJPIA) insurance matrix is more comprehensive than the City’s current matrix; 2) explained that the proposed insurance matrix provided is a shortened version of CJPIA’s matrix, will be easier for staff and vendors to understand, and will provide the City with better coverage; 3) highlighted the major changes to the matrix, including an additional specific endorsement requirement, an additional waiver of subrogation requirement, and no longer requiring review of umbrella policies which will help create efficiencies when processing new agreements; and 4) explained the definitions of low-risk, medium-risk, and high risk contracts.
Noting the aforementioned recusal from Council Member Morse on Item 15-H, recusal from Council Member Koops on Items 15-D and 15-I, and the absence of Council Member Dunton, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Morse, and carried without objection, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar.
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file Warrant Register No. 26-092, dated March 23, 2026.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 26-092.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file Investments Report for the Month of February 2026.
Action: Received and filed the Investments Report.
C Consideration and possible action to approve the City of Bellflower Zero Emission Bus (ZEB) Rollout Plan pursuant to the Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) Regulation and adopt Resolution No. 26-08 – A Resolution of the City Council of Bellflower approving the Zero-Emission Bus Rollout Plan.
Action: 1) Approved the City of Bellflower Zero-Emission Bus (ZEB) Rollout Plan pursuant to the Innovative Clean Transit (ICT) Regulation; 2) Adopted Resolution No. 26-08; and 3) Authorized staff to submit the approved Rollout Plan to the California Air Resources Board.
7 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 15
March 23, 2026 Page 7 of 8
15 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
D Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 51.101, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the Los Angeles County, to accept grant money for the acquisition of the New Hope Temporary Shelter.
Action: 1) Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 51.101, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the Los Angeles County, for monies dedicated toward the acquisition of the New Hope Temporary Shelter; and 2) Amended the FY 2025-2026 Operating Budget to add $2,000,000 to revenue Account No. 030-35510 (LA County Grants), $2,000,000 to expenditure Account No. 030-47970-9000 (Grant Fund Property Acquisition) and $3,125,000 to expenditure Account No. 011-47970-9000 (General Capital Projects Fund Property Acquisition).
E Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to Agreement File No. 997, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Professional Policy Supply, Inc. DBA Adamson Police Products, to increase the not-to-exceed cost for upfitting additional City vehicles.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 3 to Agreement File No. 997 with Professional Policy Supply, Inc. DBA Adamson Police Products, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
F Consideration and possible action to receive and file Official Travel Report – California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) 2025 Newly Elected Officials Academy, August 17 – 19, 2025 (Pursuant to AB 1234).
Action: Received and filed Official Travel Report for the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) 2025 Newly Elected Officials Academy, August 17 - 19, 2025.
G Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 26-09 – A Resolution updating the City’s insurance requirements for contracts and aligning the City’s Insurance Matrix with the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority (CJPIA) Guidelines; and superseding Resolution No. 20-69.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-09.
H Consideration and possible action to award a contract to Stanley Steemer of Los Angeles for the City Hall Flooring Recarpet, City Project No. 53701, authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 867.4 in a form approved by the City Attorney and approve a budget amendment.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 867.4 with Stanley Steemer of Los Angeles, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
I Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 6 to Agreement File No. 923, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Craftwater Engineering, Inc., for additional structural engineering required for the Simms Park Stormwater Capture Project.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 6 to Agreement File No. 923, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
8 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 15
March 23, 2026 Page 8 of 8
15 CONSENT CALENDAR - Continued
J Consideration and possible action to receive and file submission of fiscal year 2025 Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant Program (“JAG”) funding for law enforcement services.
Action: Received and filed the JAG program submission for funding.
K Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 26-10 – A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to receive and appropriate grant funds for the Community Cleanup and Employment Pathway Grant, enter into a Restricted Grant Agreement with Caltrans, and a Grant Agreement with Good Soil Industries DBA Kingdom Causes Bellflower.
Action: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 26-10; and 2) Amended the FY 2025-2026 Operating Budget to add $200,000 to revenue Account No. 010-34064 Caltrans – Clean California Program.
L Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the February 17, 2026, Special Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the February 17, 2026, Special Meeting Minutes.
16 COUNCIL REPORTS
Council Member Koops, Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, and Mayor Santa Ines made various comments and reports.
For the record and without objection, Council Member Koops requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Willard George Brink, James Kok, and Kenneth Kos.
For the record and without objection, Mayor Santa Ines requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Rubin Knight.
17 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Santa Ines adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m., in memory of Willard George Brink, James Kok, Kenneth Kos, and Rubin Knight, to the next regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, April 13, 2026.
__________________________
Sonny R. Santa Ines, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
__________________________
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Approved: April 13, 2026
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