15-H
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 May 11, 2026, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
DATE: June 8, 2026
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
None
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Approve the May 11, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENT
Minutes of the May 11, 2026, Regular Meeting of the City Council …………..…… 2
1 MINUTES
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, MAY 11, 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 5:36 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 Ray Dunton
Council Member Dan Koops
Council Member Wendi Morse
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
For the record, 1) City Manager Smoot announced the title of the Closed Session item; 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 Santa Ines recessed the Meeting at 5:38 p.m. to a Closed Session regarding:
A CONFERENCE WITH REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.8)
Property: 10030 Flora Vista Street (APN is 7109-009-011) Agency Negotiator: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Chris J. Kim, Property Owner
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
For the record, Closed Session adjourned at 6:06 p.m.
2 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 4
May 11, 2026 Page 2 of 10
4 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
Mayor Santa Ines reconvened the meeting at 7:04 p.m., with all Council Members present, and announced that no reportable action was taken during the Closed Session.
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 7:04 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 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
Len Gorecki, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Anna Garan, Director of Finance
Brian McNerney, Director of Public Safety
Wangsu Lee, Assistant to the City Manager
Jennifer Russell, Management Assistant
7 INVOCATION
Council Member Wendi Morse offered the Invocation.
8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Planning and Building Services Elizabeth Oba led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
9 REQUEST TO APPEAR REMOTELY
None
3 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10-A
May 11, 2026 Page 3 of 10
10-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Santa Ines provided details regarding the Parks and Recreation Department’s Leadership, Experience, Achievement, and Development (L.E.A.D.) Program, which is a year-round volunteer leadership initiative designed for motivated high school students and provides meaningful opportunities to build skills and experiences to become confident leaders within their community.
Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez provided details regarding the upcoming special Memorial Day Recreation Swim at the Bellflower Aquatic Center to be held on May 25, 2026.
Council Member Koops provided details regarding the upcoming CR&R Compost Drive-Thru Giveaway to be held on May 29 – June 5, 2026, at Palm Park, noting that Bellflower residents can receive free compost while supplies last.
Council Member Morse provided details regarding volunteer opportunities through the Bellflower Volunteer Center, noting that residents can participate in a variety of community programs and service activities to make a positive impact in the community.
Council Member Dunton provided details regarding the City’s Annual “Day of the Shred” to be held on May 16, 2026, at Thompson Park and will provide free shredding services for residents on a first-come, first-serve basis until the truck reaches capacity.
10-B PRESENTATION: Certificate of Recognition to Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mitch Haack
Mayor Santa Ines and his City Council colleagues presented a certificate of recognition to Former Parks and Recreation Commissioner Mitch Haack, noting that he is the longest serving commissioner on a single commission with 19 years of service to the City in this capacity.
Former Commissioner Mitch Haack accepted the certificate and thanked the City Council.
10-C PRESENTATION: Proclamation Declaring May 17 – 23, 2026, as “National Public Works Week”
Mayor Santa Ines and his City Council colleagues declared May 17 – 23, 2026, as “National Public Works Week” and presented the proclamation to Public Works Department employees, John Ingram and Abraham Villalobos.
John Ingram and Abraham Villalobos accepted the proclamation and thanked the City Council.
4 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10-D
May 11, 2026 Page 4 of 10
10-D PRESENTATION: Proclamation Declaring the month of May as “Asian American and Pacific Islander Month”
Mayor Santa Ines and his City Council colleagues declared the month of May as “Asian American and Pacific Islander Month” in the City of Bellflower and presented the proclamation to Eunji Lee, Director at the Institute of Arts, Music & Science located on Clark Avenue in Bellflower.
For the record, 1) Eunji Lee accepted the proclamation, thanked the City Council, provided an overview of her background, and discussed the programs offered by the Institute of Arts Music & Science; and 2) Mayor Santa Ines noted that the Institute of Arts, Music & Science is located in the proposed Arts District, so it is in a perfect location.
10-E PRESENTATION AND PROCLAMATION: Declaring May as “CalFresh Awareness Month”
Mayor Santa Ines and his City Council colleagues declared the month of May as “CalFresh Awareness Month” in the City of Bellflower and presented the proclamation to Danny Lee, Representative for the L.A. County Department of Public Social Services.
Representative Lee 1) provided an informational flyer and verbal presentation relative to the CalFresh Program; and 2) responded to Council Members’ questions.
11 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Cheryl Williams, resident, praised Parks and Recreation Department staff for the Senior Social Hour held on Tuesdays at Simms Park.
Toni Vetri, resident, addressed the City Council relative to the new McDonalds being built in her neighborhood near Ron Yary Way and Hayford Street, noting traffic congestion concerns.
In response to comments provided by Toni Vetri, Mayor Santa Ines stated that the Director of Public Works and the Director of Planning would meet to discuss the issue.
Lawanda Hawkins, Justice for Murdered Children, provided information relative to an incident in which Vincent Bajar was killed in 2008, noting that 1) the assailant was never found; 2) someone must have seen something and could help the case; 3) they are grateful to L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn wh o is offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the crime; and 4) they are in attendance to spread this message and note that there is a billboard on display on Alondra Boulevard. 5 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11
May 11, 2026 Page 5 of 10
11 PUBLIC COMMENTS – Continued
In response to comments provided by Lawanda Hawkins, Mayor Santa Ines stated that he is sorry for their loss and reiterated that if anyone listening knows anything about this crime to call L.A. Crimestoppers and/or the County homicide detectives.
Cynthia Bajar-Nasseri, Justice for Homicide Victims, stated that she is Vincent Bejar’s aunt, reiterated information relative to the unsolved crime billboard campaign, and urged anyone who has information about the crime to contact authorities.
Oscar Villagomez, Library Manager, Clifton M. Brakensiek Library , provided information relative to an upcoming tutoring program offered by the Library.
Andrew San Nicolas, Kingdom Causes, stated that Kingdom Causes Bellflower was awarded a 2023 Lily Foundation Grant which helps churches thrive in their local missions and includes a cohort of six churches each year who meet monthly to learn how to better serve the community from community pa rtners, noting that City Manager Smoot was last month’s community partner.
12 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider The Medicine Woman Group, LLC’s appeal of the Tax Administrator’s final determination related to the audit of dispensary operations for calendar years 2022–2024.
For the record, 1) the following representatives for the Appellant were signed in to attend the hearing remotely: Brandon Scadron, Charis Burrett, Edward Pinchiff, Jennifer McGrath, and Luke Burrett; and 2) supplemental materials were provided to the City Council and made available to the public prior to the start of the meeting.
For the record, City Manager Smoot 1) introduced the item; and 2) stated that Appellant requested a continuance of this item and asked if the Council desired to take any action to continue the matter.
It was the consensus of the City Council to move forward with the public hearing and consider the matter as scheduled.
Director of Finance Garan 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) responded to Council Members’ questions along with City Manager Smoot and City Attorney Berger.
At the request of Mayor Santa Ines, City Attorney Berger confirmed that the definition explained by Director Garan of what is subject to tax is the definition the voters approved and voters also delegated authority to the City Council to implement the cannabis tax ordinance, it is included in the Bellflower Municipal Code (BMC), and what the City has followed since the City moved forward with the ballot proposition to impose a tax, noting that there is no ambiguity in the language.
6 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 12-A
May 11, 2026 Page 6 of 10
12 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider The Medicine Woman Group, LLC’s appeal of the Tax Administrator’s final determination related to the audit of dispensary operations for calendar years 2022–2024 – Continued
At the request of Mayor Santa Ines for the benefit of the public, Director Garan provided examples of non-cannabis items that could be sold at a cannabis business and highlighted where the information was found in the PowerPoint presentation, including but not limited to “branded clothing such as t-shirts, shorts, socks, hats, hoodies, winter caps, child resistant storage containers, pouches, and bags.”
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, Director Garan confirmed that the auditing firm used in this matter is reliable and accredited.
It was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, and carried without objection to open the public hearing.
For the record, 1) Mayor Santa Ines requested that those who would be testifying on this matter make themselves known and be sworn in by the City Clerk; 2) Director Garan showed on the screen the Appellants representatives in attendance; 3) City Clerk Ochiqui prepared to provide the oath, clarified that the attendees will only participate via audio (no video), and at the request of Mayor Santa Ines confirmed that attendees could be sworn in one at a time to ensure that each person testifying is sworn in properly; 4) Edward Pinchiff explained that he is the attorney representing The Medicine Woman, Inc. as is Jennifer McGrath, he would not be providing testimony, and stated that the following representatives were in attendance and available to testify if needed; however, it was not anticipated that they would be providing testimony: Charis Burrett (CEO), Dave Lemmy, Brandon Scadron, Damian Collins, and Ian Delora; 5) at the request of Mayor Santa Ines, City Attorney Berger confirmed that if this will be a lega l argument rather than providing testimony to the appeal, then there was no reason to put anyone under oath as the attorneys have a duty to this body to speak truthfully and advance the argument of their client; 6) City Clerk Ochiqui confirmed that Edward Pinchiff and Jennifer McGrath were given speaking permissions; and 7) at the request of City Attorney Berger, Mayor Santa Ines confirmed that there was no one else present in the audience that wished to speak on the matter;
Edward Pinchiff, Attorney, The Medicine Woman Group, LLC, 1) reintroduced himself and attorney Jennifer McGrath; 2) argued that the amount labeled as cannabis tax on the receipt was collected by The Medicine Woman and remitted to the City. Therefore, it should not be treated as part the business’s gross taxable receipts, noting that taxing those amounts would equate to a “tax on a tax;” 3) argued that non-cannabis products may be subject to normal sales tax but should not be subject to the City’s cannabis business tax; 4) requested the City Council reverse the Tax Administrator’s decision; and 5) stated for the record that The Medicine Woman does not waive any procedural defects.
7 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 12-A
May 11, 2026 Page 7 of 10
12 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider The Medicine Woman Group, LLC’s appeal of the Tax Administrator’s final determination related to the audit of dispensary operations for calendar years 2022–2024 – Continued
At the request of Mayor Santa Ines, City Attorney Berger provided a rebuttal to Mr. Pinchiff’s comments, 1) stated that the cannabis tax is a tax on the cannabis business itself, not a tax collected from customers on behalf of the City like a sales tax; 2) read from the voter-approved Measure B language, which states that any person engaged in cannabis-related business activities in Bellflower "must pay an annual commercial cannabis tax;” 3) stated that The Medicine Woman's argument incorrectly treats the cannabis business tax as if it were a sales tax and attempts to apply legal concepts that do not govern Bellflower's cannabis tax structure, noting that this is fundamental problem with the Appellant’s argument; and 4) stated that most of the discussion on this matter is covered in the written materials.
At the request of Council Member Dunton, Director of Finance Garan confirmed that 1) The Medicine Woman is not current on last quarter’s tax, noting that someone made an appointment the day before the taxes were due, and she’s requested the tax return to prepare for their payment, but no one showed up to the appointment; and 2) the outstanding amounts are a result of the audits for 2022 through 2024 calendar years, plus the last quarter of 2026 (January – March).
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, Director Garan confirmed that out of four cannabis dispensaries businesses audited, two pay taxes on the tax collected (“gross it up”) and the other two do not – one being The Medicine Woman.
For the record, City Manager Smoot reminded the City Council to keep in mind that calendar year 2025 has not been audited.
There being no one else in attendance wishing to provide public comment, it was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Council Member Dunton, and carried without objection to close the public hearing.
It was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Council Member Koops, and unanimously carried by the following roll vote to 1) uphold the Tax Administrator’s Administrative Decision dated April 15, 2026, in full, confirming that all assessed taxes, penalties, interest, and audit costs are due and payable; and 2) direct staff to proceed with all authorized collection and enforceme nt actions if payment is not remitted promptly:
AYES: Council Members – Dunton, Koops, Morse, Sanchez, and Mayor Santa Ines
13 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
8 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14-A
May 11, 2026 Page 8 of 10
14 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
A Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 572.3, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Kingdom Causes Bellflower to provide coordinated homeless outreach, case management, and community mobilization services to assist those experiencing homelessness, and approve a budget amendment to fund services for FY 26/27.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
Director of Public Safety McNerney 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) responded to Council Members’ questions along with City Manager Smoot.
For the record, City Manager Smoot stated that Mayor Santa Ines was recently in Sacramento advocating for funding and speaking with Assemblymember Solache’s office regarding funding for small communities, as the Assemblymenber recognized that small communities like Bellflower are spending out of our general funds for shelter operations without much help from the State, and City staff are carrying these points forward to the Assemblymember and Governor.
Andrew San Nicolas, Kingdom Causes Bellflower, 1) at the request of Mayor Santa Ines confirmed that they had the staff ready to work with the City for this agreement, noting that their organization was part of the outreach component when the City first opened the shelter; and 2) responded to Council Membe rs’ questions.
Following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Dunton, and unanimously carried by the following roll vote to 1) authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 572.3, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and 2) approve a budget amendment to carry forward an estimated $24,000 in anticipated unspent funds from the Drug Education Fund Rapid Rehousing and Homeless Prevention Account 037 -44802- 2510 from FY 2025-26 to FY 2026-27, and transfer $53,500 from the unfilled Sheriff Motor Deputy position 010-42173-2200 to the Rapid Rehousing and Homeless Prevention – Public Safety Support Services Account 010-44802-2230:
AYES: Council Members – Dunton, Koops, Morse, Sanchez, and Mayor Santa Ines
B 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 announced that he would recuse on this item as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject property, and left the dais and Council Chambers at 9:04 p.m.
9 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 14-B
May 11, 2026 Page 9 of 10
14 CONSIDERATION ITEMS – Continued
B 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
Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) responded to Council Members’ questions.
Following discussion, it was moved by Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, seconded by Council Member Morse, and carried by the following roll vote to approve Design Option 2 for installation of sidewalk on Coke Avenue between Artesia Boulevard and the south City Limit, with the addition of mid -way bulb-outs as the traffic engineer deems necessary:
AYES: Council Members – Dunton, Morse, Sanchez, and Mayor Santa Ines
RECUSE: Council Member – Koops
For the record, Council Member Koops returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 9:23 p.m.
15 CONSENT CALENDAR
It was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Council Member Morse, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar:
AYES: Council Members – Dunton, Koops, Morse, Sanchez, and Mayor Santa Ines
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file Warrant Register No. 26-111, dated May 11, 2026.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 26-111.
B Consideration and possible action to approve the reappointment of Chamber of Commerce’s nominee Larry Wehage to the Southeast Los Angeles County Workforce Development Board (SELACO WDB) for the term ending June 2028.
Action: Approved the appointment of Chamber of Commerce’s nominee Larry Wehage to the SELACO WDB for the term ending June 2028.
C Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 26 -16 – A Resolution declaring unclaimed monies as property of the City of Bellflower and transferring it to the City’s General Fund pursuant to Government Code § 50053.
Action: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 26 -16; and 2) Approved a budget amendment authorizing the transfer of escheated substation rent checks to the General Fund Capital Projects Fund for the future Public Safety Facility. 10 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 15
May 11, 2026 Page 10 of 10
15 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
D Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1090.4, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Ambros Construction, Inc., for on-call maintenance services and minor improvement services.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1090.4, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
E Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to AFN 230.3 with West Coast Arborists, Inc., in a form approved by the City Attorney, for tree maintenance services._____________ Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 2 to AFN 230.3, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with West Coast Arborists, Inc.
F Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the April 13, 2026, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the April 13, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.
G Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the April 23, 2026, Special Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the April 23, 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 Greta Bomgaars.
17 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Santa Ines adjourned the meeting at 9:31 p.m., in memory of Greta Bomgaars, to the next regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
__________________________
Sonny R. Santa Ines, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
__________________________
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Approved: June 8, 2026
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