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REGULAR MEETING OF THE BELLFLOWER CITY COUNCIL
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
5.30 P.M. CLOSED SESSION / 7.00 P.M. OPEN SESSION
BELLFLOWER CITY HALL - COUNCIL CHAMBERS
TELECONFERENCE - ZOOM WEBINAR
MEETING ID: 883 0182 2002 / TOLL FREE (669) 444-9171
5:30 P.M. - CLOSED SESSION
1 CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Santa Ines called the Regular Meeting to order at 5:30 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 titles of the Closed Session items and noted one minor correction to Item 313: the date of the "Facts and Circumstances" letter should read September 25, 2017, rather than September 25, 2027; 2) Council Member Morse announced that she would recuse on Item 3-A (MCJ Petro Tanklines) 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 5:31 p.m. to a Closed Session regarding:
A CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — EXISTING LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(1))
MCJ Petro Tanklines, LLC v. City of Bellflower, et al. (filed July 12, 2023) Los Angeles Superior Court Case No. 23STCV16264
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 3
September 14, 2026 Page 2 of 9
3 RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION — Continued
B CONFERENCE WITH LEGAL COUNSEL — THREAT OF LITIGATION
(Pursuant to Government Code § 54956.9(d)(2)). Number of Cases: One.
Facts and Circumstances: Letter dated September 25, 2017 2027, sent on behalf of BKK Working Group; on file with the City Clerk's Office.
For the record, Closed Session adjourned at 6:25 p.m.
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. in the Council Chambers at Bellflower City Hall, 16600 Civic Center Drive, Bellflower.
6 ROLL CALL
The following members of the City Council responded present to roll call:
Mayor Sonny R. Santa Ines
Mayor Pro Tern Victor A. Sanchez
Council Member Ray Dunton
Council Member Dan Koops
Council Member Wendi Morse
Staff Participants:
Ryan Smoot, City Manager
Timothy E. Campen, Assistant City Attorney
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
Len Gorecki, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works P.J, Mellana, Director of Parks & Recreation
Brian McNerney, Director of Public Safety
Anna Garan, Director of Finance
Wangsu Lee, Assistant to the City Manager
Jennifer Russell, Management Analyst I
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 14, 2026
7 INVOCATION
Item No. 7
Council Member Dan Koops offered the Invocation.
8 PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Parks & 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 regarding the 28th Annual Bellflower Car Show, co -hosted by the Bellflower Lions Foundation and the City of Bellflower, and taking place on October 3, 2026, on Bellflower Boulevard.
Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez provided details regarding the City's annual State of the City presentation and luncheon, taking place on October 1, 2026, at The Mayne Events Center.
Council Member Dunton provided details regarding the City's Business Visitation Program, which connects City staff with local businesses to discuss needs, celebrate milestones, and identify available resources.
Council Member Koops provided details regarding the latest edition of Bellflower City Life, featuring upcoming City events, recreation programs, community updates, and information on City projects and services.
Council Member Morse provided details regarding the City's E-Waste Recycling Event to be held on September 19 - 20, 2026, at Woodruff Elementary School and encouraged residents to responsibly dispose of unwanted electronics. 10-B Presentation: National Hispanic Heritage Month Proclamation Mayor Santa Ines and his City Council colleagues declared September 15 to October 15, 2026, as "Hispanic Heritage Month" and presented the proclamation to SERVPRO of Bellflower business owners, Victor M. Bonilla -Perez and Noemy Florentino, who accepted the proclamation, made related comments, and thanked the City Council for the recognition.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 10-C
September 14, 2026 Page 4 of 9
10-C Presentation: Lakewood Station Captain Juan Briseno Crime Update Captain Juan Briseno, Lakewood Sheriff's Station 1) gave a PowerPoint presentation providing the "2026 Bellflower Part 1 Crime Update;" 2) responded to Council Members' questions along with Director of Public Safety McNerney; and 3) accepted a City challenge coin presented by Mayor Santa Ines. 11 PUBLIC COMMENTS
Cheryl Williams, resident, 1) commended West Coast Arborists for Alfredo Lopez and his crew's professionalism and quality of work during tree -trimming work in her neighborhood, noting that the crew did not block traffic, create excessive noise, or leave a mess; and 2) expressed concern regarding the City Council Chambers' sound system and states that she hopes it will be repaired soon.
At the request of Mayor Santa Ines, City Manager Smoot confirmed that Cheryl Williams's comments would be conveyed to West Coast Arborists.
Oscar Villagomez, Clifton M. Brakensiek Library, Library Manager, addressed the City Council regarding the return of the Star Tutoring and free Homework Center programs, providing details on eligibility, program dates, and tutoring and homework assistance available to students in grades 1 through 12. 12 PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
13 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION
A Consideration and possible action to read by title only, waive further reading, and introduce Ordinance No. 1461 — An Ordinance adding Section 3.30.140 to the Bellflower Municipal Code delegating authority for subcontractor substitutions on public works contracts.
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), it establishes internal governmental procedures for administering public works contracts and has no potential to cause a significant effect on the environment.
City Manager Smoot introduced the item.
Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki 1) read by title Ordinance No. 1461; 2) gave a verbal presentation providing an overview of the Staff Report; and 3) responded to Council Members' questions along with City Manager Smoot.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 13-A
September 14, 2026 Page 5 of 9
13 ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS FOR CONSIDERATION — Continued A Consideration and possible action to read by title only, waive further reading, and introduce Ordinance No. 1461 — Continued
At the request of Mayro Pro Tem Sanchez, City Manager Smoot 1) stated that the receive -and -file requirement could be handled as an administrative policy or incorporated into the ordinance, noting that the latter would require the ordinance to return to the City Council and could delay the process; and 2) explained that contracts presented to the City must be approved by the City Attorney and that the item involved a like -for -like substitution of a subcontractor, with any change in cost requiring the item to return to the City Council through the normal approval process.
For the record, 1) Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez stated that he was comfortable with the process provided that the City ensures the change is communicated to the City Council and the public through the receive -and -file process; 2) Council Member Koops noted that a previous subcontractor change at the Oak Center delayed the project by four weeks and stated that he supported the proposed process to allow like -for -like substitutions to keep projects moving provided that the change is documented through a receive -and -file item, noting that such changes have occurred infrequently in the past; and 3) Council Member Dunton noted that the City's legal authority and contractual relationship remain with the general contractor, stating that he supported the proposed process to expedite projects, avoid unnecessary micromanagement, and allow staff to report changes to the City Council.
For the record, City Manager Smoot 1) explained that the City Council currently has authority to approve subcontractor changes and stated that the proposed process would allow such changes to proceed without delays; 2) committed to bringing any changes back to the City Council as receive -and -file items at a meeting subsequent to the changes to ensure transparency and public awareness; and 3) at the request of Mayor Santa Ines, confirmed that staff could implement the requirement to inform the City Council and public of any subcontractor substitutions as administrative direction and incorporate it into the City's standard operating procedures to ensure it continues to be followed in the future.
Following discussion, it was moved by Council Member Dunton, seconded by Council Member Morse, and unanimously carried by the following roll call vote, to read by title only, waive further reading, and introduce Ordinance No. 1461, adding § 3.30.140 to the Bellflower Municipal Code authorizing the City Manager or designee to approve or deny subcontractor substitutions assignments and transfers on City public works contracts, and directed Staff to inform the City Council and the public of subcontractor substitutions through the receive -and - file process as part of the standard operating procedures:
AYES: Council Members — Sanchez, Dunton, Koops, Morse and Mayor Santa Ines
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 14, 2026
14 CONSIDERATION ITEMS
None
15 CONSENT CALENDAR
Item No. 14
For the record, 1) Mayor Santa Ines stated that there were no disqualifying conflicts for Council Members on Item 15-B (Ordinance No. 1460) as the "Public Generally Exemption" applies; 2) Council Member Koops announced that he would recuse himself on Items 15-E (Mercy House Living Centers) as he owns property within 1,000 feet of the subject property; 3) Mayor Santa Ines requested Item 15-E (Mercy House Living Centers) be pulled for discussion only; and 4) Council Member Koops left the dais and Council Chambers at 7:43 p.m.
With regard to Item 15-E (Mercy House), Mayor Santa Ines requested an annual basis comparison of the City's current payments versus the proposed 33-month contract, noting the significant dollar amount involved.
Assistant to the City Manager Lee 1) gave a brief verbal presentation of the Staff Report along with a PowerPoint slide visual; and 2) responded to Council Members' questions along with Mercy House Chief Executive Officer Larry Haynes, City Manager Smoot, and Director of Finance Garan.
At the request of Mayor Santa Ines, Larry Haynes, Chief Executive Officer, Mercy House, 1) provided details regarding its client savings program, noting that case managers track participants' savings through bank statements and that some participants have successfully saved enough to secure housing; 2) explained that clients unable to achieve self-sufficiency are connected with housing resources, subsidies, and vouchers; and 3) confirmed Mercy House accepts financial and in - kind donations, stated that Mercy House staff will make donating as easy as possible, and provided his direct contact information for individuals interested in making donations [phone number (714) 836-7188 extension 101; website www.mercyhouse . net].
At the request of Mayor Santa Ines, Director of Finance Garan provided details regarding external funding for shelter operations, noting that the City receives approximately $400,000 annually in Measure A funds and $350,000 annually through the State's Permanent Local Housing Allocation, totaling approximately $750,000.
For the record, City Manager Smoot confirmed that the City takes every opportunity to remind its County and State partners that the City is one of two local shelters that are City -funded and they should help with that funding, noting that the Gateway Cities Council of Governments (COG) makes that argument as well.
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No. 15
September 14, 2026 Page 7 of 9
15 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
At the request of Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, 1) Assistant to the City Manager Lee explained that the City reduced its housing costs by acquiring the shelter property, receiving $2 million in County funding to assist with the property acquisition; and 2) City Manager Smoot explained that there was a $2 million difference between the property owner's asking price and the amount the City was willing to pay, noting that the County funding through the Board of Supervisors covered the difference and allowed the City to acquire the property without additional local funds.
For the record, Council Member Koops returned to the Council Chambers and dais at 7:56 p.m.
Noting the aforementioned recusals, it was moved by Council Member Morse, seconded by Mayor Pro Tern 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 City Council Warrant Register No. 27-031, dated September 14, 2026.
Action: Received and filed Warrant Register No. 27-031.
B Consideration and possible action to waive further reading and adopt Ordinance No. 1460 — An Ordinance approving Zoning Ordinance Text Amendment Case No. ZOTA 26-01 amending Chapter 17.66 (Housing Opportunity Overlay Zone "HOOZ") of the Bellflower Municipal Code to address uses and development standards to implement the Housing Element.
CEQA: The City reviewed the environmental impacts of the proposed Ordinance pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq. "CEQA") and the regulations promulgated thereunder (14 Cal.
Code of Regs. §§ 15000, et seq., the "CEQA Guidelines"). In accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (California Public Resources Code §§ 21000, et seq., "CEQA") and CEQA regulations (14 California Code of Regulations §§ 15000, et seq.), this project has been determined to be exempt pursuant to 14 Cal. Code Regs. § 15061(b)(3) (General Rule Exemption) because it is for general policies and procedure -making, and it is anticipated to not have the potential to cause a significant effect on the environment. Resolution No. 22-04 was adopted by the City Council on January 20, 2022, approving Mitigated Negative Declaration No. MND 21-01. Changing the regulatory framework for future development and uses within the Bellflower Municipal Code is an activity contemplated by MND 21-01. This activity does not contemplate any changes which will require major revisions to MND 21-01 nor are there any substantial changes with respect to the circumstances under which MND 21-01 was undertaken. There is no new information of substantial importance, which was not known and could not have been known with the exercise of reasonable diligence at the time MND 21-01 was approved.
Action: Waived further reading and adopted Ordinance No. 1460
Bellflower City Council Minutes Item No.15
September 14 2026 Page 98of 9
15 CONSENT CALENDAR — Continued
C Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute agreements with Leibert Cassidy Whitmore for legal services and employment relations consortium services. [Reference Agreement File Nos. 240 and 240.31
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute agreements with LCW for ongoing training (AFN 240) and special counsel services related to labor/employment matters (AFN 240.3), in a form approved by the City Attorney.
D Consideration and possible action to approve a notice of termination of Agreement File No. 122.3 with Long Beach Transit.
Action: Approved the proposed notice of termination of Agreement File No. 122.3 with Long Beach Transit and authorized its transmittal.
E Consideration and possible action to authorize the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 7 to Agreement File No. 853, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with Mercy House Living Centers, to extend the term for Temporary Shelter Operator Services at New Hope Temporary Shelter.
Action: Authorized the City Manager to execute Amendment No. 7 to Agreement File No. 853, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
F Consideration and possible action to 1) Adopt Resolution No. 26-36 — A Resolution adopting the 2026 Conflict of Interest Code for the City of Bellflower in accordance with the Political Reform Act, and superseding Resolution No. 24-53; and 2) receive and file the Bellflower Public Facilities Corporation's 2026 Local Agency Biennial Notice determining that no amendment is reauired to its Conflict of Interest Code.
Action: 1) Adopted Resolution No. 26-36; and 2) Received and filed the Bellflower Public Facilities Corporation's 2026 Local Agency Biennial Notice.
G Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the August 10, 2026, Special Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the August 10, 2026, Special Meeting Minutes.
H Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the August 10, 2026, Regular Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the August 10, 2026, Regular Meeting Minutes.
Consideration and possible action to approve the Minutes of the August 19, 2026, Special Meeting of the City Council.
Action: Approved the August 19, 2026, Special Meeting Minutes.
Bellflower City Council Minutes
September 14, 2026
16 COUNCIL REPORTS
Item No. 16
Mayor Santa Ines, Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez, and Council Member Koops made various comments and reports.
For the record, pursuant to AB 1234, Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez reported on his recent official travel on behalf of the City as follows: 1) the California Contract Cities Association 2026 Fall Educational Summit in Oceanside, held August 28-30, 2026, explaining that it is an association the City is a part of, he sits on the executive board, and the seminar was focused on State issues and propositions that are impacting the City at the local level; and 2) the Gateway Cities 2026 Conference & Retreat in Avalon, held September 8-10, 2026, which he attended with City Manager Smoot, which focused on a summary of the projects involving Metro, housing, street improvements, and the Wi-Fi network being implemented, noting that Bellflower is receiving four "hotspot" locations. State law requires that local government officials report on their official travel activities when public funds are expended. Therefore, Mayor Pro Tem Sanchez's report was made pursuant to California Government Code Sections 53232.2 and 53232.3 and Bellflower Resolution No. 06-02.
At the request of Council Member Koops, Assistant City Manager/Director of Public Works Gorecki 1) provided a brief update on the City's Urban Forestry Grant; 2) stated that they have focused primarily on filling vacant tree wells on arterial streets, noting that over 200 trees have been planted with an additional 50 trees expected by the end of October; and 3) confirmed that future plantings will focus on neighborhood streets and residential areas, with a goal of planting 500 to 600 trees through the grant.
17 ADJOURNMENT
Without objection, Mayor Santa Ines adjourned the meeting at 8.01 p.m., to the next regular Meeting of the Bellflower City Council at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, September 28, 2026.
Sonny R. Santa Ines, —Mayor
City of Bellflower