15-I
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 26, 2026, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
DATE: June 8, 2026
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
None
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Approve the May 26, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENT
Minutes of the May 26, 2026, Regular Meeting of the City Council …………..…… 2
1 MINUTES
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
TUESDAY, MAY 26, 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 5:33 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 items; 2) Council Member Koops announced that he would recuse himself from Item 3-C as he has a financial relationship with the potential buyer of the property; and 3) there being no one from the public in attendance, without objection, Mayor Santa Ines recessed the Meeting at 5:35 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
May 26, 2026 Page 2 of 9
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 REAL PROPERTY NEGOTIATOR
(Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.8)
Property: 17444, 17446, 17450, 17452, 17454 Clark Avenue (APN 7161-010-016) and 9415 Ramona Street (APN 7161-010-
019)
Agency Negotiator: Ryan Smoot, City Manager
Negotiating Party: Jim Bubar
Under Negotiation: Price and terms of payment
For the record, 1) Council Member Morse recused herself from Item 3 -C as she has a financial relationship with the potential buyer of the property; and 2) Closed Session adjourned at 7:03 p.m.
4 RECONVENE FOR OPEN SESSION
Mayor Santa Ines reconvened the meeting at 7:06 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 7:06 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
3 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 6
May 26, 2026 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 Anna Garan, Director of Finance
Brian McNerney, Director of Public Safety
Jim DellaLonga, Director of Economic Development
Karla Pineda, Senior Project Manager
Wangsu Lee, Assistant to the City Manager
Jennifer Russell, Management Assistant
7 INVOCATION
Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines offered the Invocation.
8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Public Safety Brian McNerney led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.
9 REQUEST TO APPEAR REMOTELY
None
10-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Mayor Santa Ines 1) noted that it is customary for the City Council to dress more casually following the Memorial Day holiday until before Labor Day, which will be the dress code for the summer; and 2) informed the public that the video recording of the 2026 BRAVO Awards Ceremony is now available for viewing on the City’s YouTube Channel, website, and Spectrum Cable channel 36 .
Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez provided details regarding the upcoming Summer Streetfest starting June 18, 2026, on Bellflower Boulevard between Flower Street and Mayne Street and provided the concert schedule.
Council Member Dunton provided details regarding the upcoming CR&R Compost Drive-Thru Giveaway to be held on May 29, 2026, at Palm Park, noting that Bellflower residents can receive free compost while supplies last.
4 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10-A
May 26, 2026 Page 4 of 9
10-A CITY COUNCIL ANNOUNCEMENTS – Continued
Council Member Koops 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 Morse provided details regarding the Bellflower Volunteer Center Backpack Drive Program.
10-B PRESENTATION: Certificates of Achievement for Student Art Festival Winners
Mayor Santa Ines and his City Council colleagues recognized this year’s Student Art Festival Winners and presented certificates of achievement to 4th grade winner Aliyah Vasquez who was in attendance and the Parks and Recreation employees in charge of the event, Samantha Noriega and Roberto Gonzalez Flores.
For the record, 1) Aliyah Vasquez accepted the certificate, described her artwork and inspiration, and thanked the City Council; and 2) Samantha Noriega and Roberto Gonzalez Flores accepted certificates on behalf of the winners who could not be in attendance.
10-C PRESENTATION: Bellflower Gardening Club
Mayor Santa Ines introduced the Club President Jadee Dizon and the Bellflower Gardening Club for their presentation, noting that the Council invites service clubs to make presentations from time to time.
Club President Jadee Dizon provided a PowerPoint information providing an overview of the service club’s mission and responded to Council Members’ questions.
11 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Julia Arce, Field Representative, Congressman Robert Garcia , presented the City with a check for $250,000 for the renovation of the Simms Park Community Center, noting that every year each Congressman is able to request funding for approximately 15 projects throughout their district.
Mayor Santa Ines requested that Ms. Arce thank the Congressman on behalf of the City.
John Paul Drayer, resident, expressed his frustration with dealing with Southeast Area Animal Control Authority (SEAACA), recounted challenges a neighbor experienced with another neighbor’s dog, and urged the City to find a better system for animal control.
5 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 11
May 26, 2026 Page 5 of 9
11 PUBLIC COMMENTS – Continued
In response to comments provided by John Paul Drayer, Mayor Santa Ines stated that the City is trying to find a better solution for animal control and is leaving no stone unturned.
Jennifer Gonzalez, resident, requested and received clarification from Mayor Santa Ines on how to advocate for the installation of a traffic monitoring mirror for the driveway of a senior mobile home park.
12 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider adopting Resolution No. 26-17 – A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute Purchase and Sale Agreement File No. 1140, in a form approved by the City Attorney, between the City of Bellflower and Anaya Natural Foods LLC 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 16710-16712 Bellflower Boulevard (APN 7109-013-002 & APN 7109 013-074).
For the record, City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
For the record, 1) Council Member Morse announced that she would need to conflict on this item as she has property interests within 1,000 feet of the subject property and left the dais and Council Chambers at 7:35 p.m.; and 2) Council Member Dunton announced that he would need to conflict on this item as he has property interests within 1,000 feet of the subject property and left the dais and Council Chambers at 7:35 p.m.
Senior Project Manager Pineda 1) provided a PowerPoint presentation of the Staff Report; and 2) responded to Council Members’ questions along with Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki, City Manager Smoot, Director of Economic Development DellaLonga, and Director of Finance Garan.
At the request of Council Member Koops, and without objection, Director DellaLonga confirmed that an environmental study by soil sampling could be made part of the conditions of the agreement.
It was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, and carried without objection to open the public hearing.
John Paul Drayer, resident, 1) requested information relative to the balance of the general fund and the balance of the fund after this property purchase; 2) stated that his family owned property on Alondra Boulevard and Clark Avenue, which had a gas station located next door and resulted in environmental damage; 3) expressed the opinion that the money could be better spent elsewhere and the City is spending a lot of money in Downtown and neglecting other districts; and 4) he looks forward to the results of an environmental study. 6 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 12-A
May 26, 2026 Page 6 of 9
12 PUBLIC HEARINGS
A Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to consider adopting Resolution No. 26-17 – Continued
At the request of Mayor Santa Ines, Director of Finance G aran responded to the questions relative to the general fund.
There being no one else in attendance wishing to provide public comment, it was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, and carried without objection to close the public hearing.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Koops, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, and carried by the following roll vote to adopt Resolution No. 26-17 authorizing the City Manager to execute Purchase and Sale Agreement File No. 1140, 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 – Koops, Sanchez, and Mayor Santa Ines RECUSE: Council Members – Dunton and Morse
For the record, Council Member Dunton and Council Member Morse returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 7:47 p.m.
13 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
None
14 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
None
15 CONSENT CALENDAR
For the record, 1) Council Member Koops announced that he would recuse himself on Item 15-I (Security Cameras at the Bellflower Youth and Senior Center Facility) as he owns property within 500 feet of the subject property ; 2) Council Member Dunton announced that he would recuse himself on Item 15-I (Security Cameras at the Bellflower Youth and Senior Center Facility) as he owns property within 1,000 feet of the subject property; and 3) Council Member Morse requested Item 15-D (Grocery store on real property commonly known as 14317-14339 Clark Avenue) be pulled for discussion only.
With regard to Item 15-D (Grocery store on real property commonly known as 14317-14339 Clark Avenue), Council Member Morse stated that she pulled the item to praise staff, noting that she is excited about the new Northgate Market in the community.
7 Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 15
May 26, 2026 Page 7 of 9
15 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
For the record, 1) in response to questions from Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez relative to single-can alcohol sales and vending areas, Director of Planning and Building Services Oba stated that the Conditional Use Permit was already approved at the Planning Commission, so no additional conditions cannot be added at this point , and the store would be a smaller version than the store in Costa Mesa with food vendors inside the store; 2) in response to questions from Council Member Dunton relative to their Type 86 alcohol license and instructional tastings, Director Oba stated that they would have sample tastings in a designated area to promote products; 3) in response to questions from Mayor Santa Ines relative to a target completion date, Director Oba and City Manager Smoot stated that the Applicant is are targeting the end of the calendar year; and 4) in response to questions from Council Member Koops relative to a representative from the market being in attendance, Council Member Dunton and Director Oba confirmed that there was a representative in attendance.
At the request of Council Member Koops, Steve Rawlings, Representative for Northgate Gonzalez Markets, introduced himself, confirmed that they are targeting to open by the end of the calendar year, explained the “puestos” concept for the vendors inside the store, noted that ready-made food would be sold as well, encouraged everyone to visit the Costa Mesa location, confirmed there would be no arcades located in the market, noted that $10 -20 million would be invested at the location and will be creating jobs, and responded to Council Members’ questions.
In response to comments provided by Mr. Rawlings, Council Member Koops noted that the City provides a free one-year membership to the Chamber of Commerce with the purchase of a business license, stating that it includes a free grand opening and all Council Members would love to be there.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Morse, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, and carried by the following roll call vote, to approve the actions stipulated on the Consent Calendar:
AYES: Council Members – Sanchez, Dunton, Koops, Morse, and Mayor Santa Ines
A Consideration and possible action to receive and file Warrant Register No. 26-112, dated May 26, 2026.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 26-112.
B Consideration and possible action to receive and file Investments Report for the Month of April 2026.
Action: Received and filed Investments Report.
C Consideration and possible action to ratify Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines’s appointment of Jon Crook to the Planning Commission.
Action: Ratified Mayor Santa Ines’s appointment of Jon Crook to fill the unexpired term on the Planning Commission ending December 2026.
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15 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
D Consideration and possible action to receive and file Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 26-03 (Conditional Use Permit Case No. CU 26-01) and authorize the City Manager to send a Public Convenience or Necessity Letter to the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control regarding a Type 21 (Off-Sale General) with Type 86 (Instructional Tasting) alcohol license at a proposed 49,000-square-foot grocery store within the
General Commercial (“C-G”) zone on real property commonly known as 14317-14339 Clark Avenue.
Action: Received and filed Planning Commission Resolution No. PC 26 -03 and authorize the City Manager to send a Public Convenience or Necessity to the California Alcoholic Beverages Control.
E Consideration and possible action to approve the 2026 Fireworks Permits.
Action: 1) Approved 12 Fireworks Permits; and 2) Authorized the City Manager to execute the necessary approvals for the Bellflower Kiwanis Club to operate on City-owned property.
F Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 26-18 – A Resolution establishing the Capital Improvement Projects Budget for Fiscal Year 2026-2027 funded by Senate Bill 1: Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017.
Action: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 26-18 establishing the Capital Improvement Projects budget funded with the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Senate Bill 1: Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 apportionment; and 2) Approved the budget amendment as described in the Fiscal Impact section.
G Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1139, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Rogers, Anderson, Malody & Scott, LLP, for audit services for five fiscal years from 2025-26 to 2029-30.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1139, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
H Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to AFN 1108 with Pasadena Consulting Group, dba Electronic Filing Systems, in a form approved by the City Attorney, to expand the scope of services to include Fiscal and Financial Training required pursuant to SB 827 and Ethics Training required pursuant to AB 1234.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 1 to AFN 1108, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
I Consideration and possible action to award a contract to Vector USA for the installation of Security Cameras at the Bellflower Youth and Senior Center Facility and authorize the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1141, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Agreement File No. 1141 with Vector USA, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
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May 26, 2026 Page 9 of 9
15 CONSENT CALENDAR – Continued
J Consideration and possible action to adopt Resolution No. 26-19 – A Resolution of the City of Bellflower electing to withdraw from the Uniform Public Construction Cost Accounting Act and repealing Resolution No. 20-59.
Action: Adopted Resolution No. 26-19.
K Consideration and possible action to receive and file Agreement File No. 523.4, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority, to extend the term for and cost sharing for the installation of monitoring equipment and monitoring pursuant to the Harbor Toxic Pollutants total maximum daily loads.________________________________ Action: Received and filed Agreement File No. 523.4, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
L Consideration and possible action to receive and file Official Travel Report – California Contract Cities Association, 2026 Annual Municipal Seminar, May 14 -17, 2026 (Pursuant to AB 1234).
Action: Received and filed the Official Travel Report for the California Contract Cities Association, 2026 Annual Municipal Seminar.
16 COUNCIL REPORTS
Mayor Santa Ines made various comments and reports.
For the record, Mayor Santa Ines clarified that on the minutes of the April 27, 2026, City Council Meeting, the report he made relative to traveling to Sacramento on behalf of the City at the invitation of the League of California Cities to testify before the Assembly Committee on Community and Economic Development relative to AB 1708 was official travel.
17 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Santa Ines adjourned the meeting at 8:00 p.m. to the next regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, June 8, 2026.
__________________________
Sonny R. Santa Ines, Mayor
City of Bellflower
ATTEST:
__________________________
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Approved: June 8, 2026
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