[{"_1":2,"_123":-5,"_124":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99,111],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6604190,"mediaKeyId","2994048-b55ac972f0d346b8a508f0db34255d26","parentId",2994048,"title","Council introduces ordinance to implement housing element; staff to return with transit-oriented development analysis","audioSeconds",634,"startMs",4312000,"endMs",4946000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2994048-b55ac972f0d346b8a508f0db34255d26&start=4312&end=4946","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2994048-b55ac972f0d346b8a508f0db34255d26/thumbnail_4312000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6604190/Bellflower/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-introduces-ordinance-to-implement-housing-element-staff-to-return-with-transit-oriented-development-analysis","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604190-c41fff3099193e33e86a296afe0b3385/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177663&Signature=Xdq83-cyazSfMQiaYYGUyPzKhHjBLBsk5zU33WZdeU3rJaF0pbF6MeFTiOnBakUHB0WDGgBsddCzLdpRv1p~URMjEnOGpC47TeKQpPvEFxXyW22ibBmwGCePVLXfyof23IZmmYPrxoH4Gr3nG1OpwtQyK~fcPujndR0VxP7uZ5lwW0oVu9jamNRJsUNix~CbbnBsrinpEKYzHJ-FjCFuCt~cl8vIIHTICez~skkdmO9F8zzgqUPKddVReQTzlOZ88r7kgE5ni0MzpkJiXHZPSDtiDzEnBxNwJt9lOGRAp1U8~FjtaXcm3Q54z86hBWaEhHIsYfOJwMcLU3Rgc39Zjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Bell flower","date","2025-04-15T14:57:21.267Z","article","The Bellflower City Council on April 14 introduced ordinance number 1443, a package of zoning code text amendments staff described as Phase 2 of the city’s housing element implementation. The ordinance, introduced by title only with unanimous support, reconciles the municipal code with recent state law changes and implements several housing element programs.

City staff and consultant Patty Nehil outlined the main changes the package would make if adopted: updating the local density-bonus provisions to reflect state law; replacing the city’s local accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations with the current state-mandated standards for ADUs (including a stated maximum unit size in the draft); allowing ADUs on multifamily lots under state pathways; removing certain subjective “point systems” in design review while retaining the council’s two-thirds rule; reducing multifamily parking requirements (limiting required supplemental parking beyond a two-car garage and one guest space); increasing permissible height in R-3 zoning to three stories/40 feet; and new objective standards for community care facilities (placing a 20-person cap in residential zones).

Other notable provisions in the draft ordinance include updates to emergency-shelter regulations to reflect state law (the draft would permit a 30-occupant shelter standard and adjust parking standards to address staff levels rather than bed counts), consolidation incentives for affordable housing (eligible projects would need a minimum of 16 units and 30 dwelling units per acre to qualify and could receive up to three incentives including reduced setbacks, lot-coverage increases, and alternative parking arrangements), supportive housing reconciliation to state law, and revisions to reasonable-accommodation procedures (removing certain public-notice/hearing requirements identified by the state as constraints).

City staff emphasized that many of the items were identified when the housing element was adopted and certified by the state Department of Housing and Community Development in 2022; this ordinance updates specific municipal code language to conform with state law and achieve the city’s RHNA planning targets (the housing element allocates the city a planning obligation for additional dwelling units).

After discussion about the transit-oriented development (TOD) mapping and how state definitions of “major transit stop” and high-quality transit corridors can affect parking and density exemptions, councilmembers asked staff to return with a focused report detailing: how TOD areas are defined (including the half-mile radius for a future rail station), what current local regulations would be exempted under state law, pending legislative changes, and options the city could pursue within its new charter-city status. The city attorney and staff noted the city could elect to explore charter-city legal options but that would require dedicated analysis and additional preparation.

Councilmember Victor Sanchez asked for further explanation of ADU provisions; staff said the draft relies on the state’s current statutory pathway, which sets specific maximum sizes and rules and can differ from the city’s older local ADU ordinance. Councilmember Sanchez expressed concern that some of the changes reduced flexibility local applicants previously had; staff said adopting the state baseline reduces the city’s administrative burden and keeps rules aligned with frequently changing state law.

The motion to read the ordinance by title only, waive the first reading and introduce Ordinance No. 1443 was made by Mayor Pro Tem Santanez and seconded by Councilmember Dan Coops. The roll-call vote was 5–0 in favor (Mayor Pro Tem Santanez, Council Members Coops, Morse, Sanchez and Mayor Dutton). Councilmembers also gave direction for a separate staff report that would analyze transit-oriented development, parking exemptions, and potential local options.

Ending: The ordinance was introduced for further consideration; staff will return with a cleanup item and corrected maps (phase 3) and with the requested TOD/parking analysis.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Bellflower City Council Meeting - April 14, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Bellflower City Council on April 14 introduced Ordinance No. 1443, a set of municipal-code amendments intended to implement key programs in the city’s adopted housing element, including updated density-bonus and ADU rules, reduced multifamily parking standards, emergency-shelter and community-care facility provisions, and lot-consolidation incentives.","taxTitle","Bellflower, Los Angeles County, California","taxId",4604,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6604194,"Council delays vote on reallocating $407,553 in COVID-era CDBG funds, asks staff for alternatives",1522,2568000,4090000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2994048-b55ac972f0d346b8a508f0db34255d26&start=2568&end=4090","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2994048-b55ac972f0d346b8a508f0db34255d26/thumbnail_2568000.jpg","/articles/6604194/Bellflower/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-delays-vote-on-reallocating-407553-in-COVID-era-CDBG-funds-asks-staff-for-alternatives","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604194-4fd0144270e9834ffae21890b8149892/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177663&Signature=bk1SN6hQb57YJmgfYsuPPEIUzLTaOWro4Y0dHXYePigSkquaR6-6lUD7BvvBsuqpxUMKQ~jIOyA3RQnuRUpYcGeLdXR7hk~mOzGLTw0etweMEz9fwFNYVrlbr7zIOwFtL5f2-cVDtCYMbQCTtaPLQXU-yeq~vxLsI7glOq8JPWOzE9bjCswNEA821m6-w8vzEKLhg4kQwbvfbjaYdI~uwSjHPuGAQbB4eQFHIgI-rth7R016rKIsMFQxz~cz6JZGIjAxSEuXK-e18o7pIJEII4BKa7BksrWPK4pr5rPCdWol3-G4hiUghSNEf~TK9-szritlgeAc4EhwUadS92VY-w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bellflower City Council on April 14 postponed a decision to reallocate $407,553 in unspent COVID-era Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG CV) funds, asking staff to bring back alternative projects and more detail before adopting a substantial amendment to the 2020–21 Annual Action Plan.

Staff said the city originally received $1,188,480 in CDBG CV funds from the CARES Act and later HUD allocations and that $407,553 remained unspent. City staff recommended reprogramming the balance to a sidewalk redesign and ADA improvements at the Town Center Gateway Plaza adjacent to the Belmont Street kiosk to allow more social distancing and improve lighting and access.

The recommendation was presented by staff and explained as meeting HUD’s COVID-tieback requirement — the improvements would encourage social distancing and be located in a CDBG low- and moderate-income area. Staff noted the project could be completed before the HUD expenditure deadline of November 16, 2026, and that a HUD representative agreed the plaza redesign met the COVID tieback.

Council members raised several questions at the public hearing about the project’s scope, the constrained footprint around the kiosk, and whether other locations would produce a better COVID tieback or greater community benefit. Councilmember Dan Coops and others suggested potential alternatives such as sidewalk improvements near schools (examples discussed during the meeting included Rose and Cedar/Coke area near an elementary school) and traffic-calming measures in residential neighborhoods.

Public comment included support for prioritizing sidewalks where children walk to school. One resident said the area near the school was “a mess” and urged the council to consider that location.

After discussion, Councilmember Victor Sanchez moved — with a second from Councilmember Wendy Morris — to continue the public hearing and return the item to council on May 12 so staff could present a short list of alternative projects that meet the CDBG CV criteria (including traffic-calming measures and sites near schools). The motion to continue to May 12 passed on a roll-call vote, 5–0 (Mayor Pro Tem Santanez, Council Members Coops, Morse, Sanchez and Mayor Dutton voting Aye).

Staff said the continuation avoids the need to re-notice the hearing and allows internal review of other eligible projects and the multifaceted federal requirements that must be met to use CDBG CV funds.

What’s next: staff will assemble candidate projects that meet HUD’s CDBG CV requirements (COVID tieback, located in eligible low- and moderate-income areas, and able to be completed by the expenditure deadline) and return to council at the May 12 meeting for direction.

Ending: The council did not adopt Resolution No. 25-14 (the staff-recommended amendment) on April 14 and left the public hearing open to a May 12 continuation so members could weigh alternatives and the COVID tieback rationale in more detail.","After a staff presentation on a proposed sidewalk redesign at Town Center Gateway Plaza, the Bellflower City Council opened public comment and directed staff to return with more project options before reallocating $407,553 in remaining CDBG CV funds.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6604174,"Council hears concerns about weekend park overcrowding and enforcement limits at Carruthers, Thompson and Sims parks",424,12128000,12552000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2994048-b55ac972f0d346b8a508f0db34255d26&start=12128&end=12552","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2994048-b55ac972f0d346b8a508f0db34255d26/thumbnail_12128000.jpg","/articles/6604174/Bellflower/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-hears-concerns-about-weekend-park-overcrowding-and-enforcement-limits-at-Carruthers-Thompson-and-Sims-parks","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604174-5e9269ece0328e3d61d1152f33ca59d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177663&Signature=OeNEWf7qHkrVIsGLU-GHY5FfKD8Re3CagofrOCju6siY3CBsXHhUenNR4g7eZSLhGxl8mc1sswgBeqZEfLNDrnzhC6sk2ldi3f9sNhuFAUiybNz~AQbMyVhZB47u-PbD3aAdE0y2~JqJOzeVgkKJx1FhUVyZ1XXAcGk-rD3bn3xAYL6L1UTWl7H3jwyjG6JPcNd8qTewtJkyBOYQ03juJBacmJZQr6e2OSRsSKqG94h4YSE8W~F5BhUnowxhK99jmvLl99nwOJCUOmQcQKyX8AH1gpTGTm5PO7LrfycJZ5l30Tqhv4rxtVd5D0mnetaYrakQPj2aGPUniARuzGW0CQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Bellflower councilmembers on April 14 heard councilmember and resident concerns about recurring weekend problems at several city parks — particularly Carruthers, Thompson and Sims — including double parking, vehicles driving onto turf for setup, and large unpermitted gatherings.

Councilmember Dan Coops asked staff for a briefing after weekend incidents that included vehicle access onto grass, double parking that blocked driveways, and groups who did not obtain event permits. Parks Director PJ Milano said staff are present at parks and that staff and park patrol respond to observed violations, but they do not maintain 24/7 enforcement coverage. Milano described several recent incidents where staff arrived, attempted to address code violations and, when met with noncompliance or aggressive behavior, called Southwest Patrol or sheriff’s deputies to address safety and enforcement.

Staff said parks typically have three to four staff on duty depending on the season and that weekend demand (Little League, picnic groups, spring events) frequently increases staffing needs. Milano said the department tries to identify anticipated large gatherings in advance (for example via social media or known leagues) so they can coordinate additional support and notify public safety partners.

Residents at the meeting described seeing vehicles driven onto park grass and said staff did not always intervene early enough; staff confirmed that when violations are observed they will attempt enforcement but that code-enforcement or police action may be required if groups refuse to cooperate. Staff and council agreed the issue could benefit from a future agenda item to evaluate permit processes, staffing coverage, signage, and targeted enforcement strategies for repeat problems.

Ending: Council did not direct an immediate policy change at the meeting, but members asked staff to return with options for stronger oversight of recurring problems at specified parks.","Councilmembers and staff discussed recurring weekend crowding, double parking and unpermitted gatherings in Bellflower parks. Parks staff described enforcement limits and options; council asked staff to return with proposals for addressing repeat problems.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6604178,"Council authorizes encroachment permit for Fire Service Day May 10; street closure approved",1298,10724000,12022000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2994048-b55ac972f0d346b8a508f0db34255d26&start=10724&end=12022","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2994048-b55ac972f0d346b8a508f0db34255d26/thumbnail_10724000.jpg","/articles/6604178/Bellflower/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-authorizes-encroachment-permit-for-Fire-Service-Day-May-10-street-closure-approved","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604178-a8039734d21680bdb8670ba1e1319f1b/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177663&Signature=VoX3ZjHKvXUW89P~4si5-jPEBSVWmebBMR-g13Mqal~6SNBSAyinZTmbvI~x2CGGjKOXgmlz4iFXP2RVZErn8Ph0zjniRdAzJFe0qXK0M2b2Co78r-DzUIdvhE1Bb9mXPfUsTCRqAARhYEol0wkVajuvJ4y80pbOmzdUIsgYqhyWIaAP-hEZMT4is0D3jItiKXRaZmcwdc7tNYhcjvQho8Gr4I~ytr4yfRnv82hFFq5bQEX5bYYtHp0LSeUELBCn1RrMMwpoDjP9yjYYcp2NsSDS-MZCO-cBMLc3c~jMImLtFki3Zp7JLWNQeCyTWhrFstKf-JIQrZMCXYSNhltf8g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bellflower City Council on April 14 authorized the city manager to issue an encroachment permit to allow Fire Service Day on May 10, 2025. The event, sponsored by the LA County Fire Department and the local Fire Museum, will display fire apparatus and public safety demonstrations at the museum and require a temporary street closure on Bellflower Boulevard.

Staff described the requested closure as Bellflower Boulevard from Maine to Oak (closure hours requested 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; the event itself 10:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.). The museum requested use of the parking area behind the Elks Lodge (adjacent to a family dentistry and other businesses) for vehicle staging and VIP parking; staff said that space would be used only with the businesses’ concurrence. The fire department and museum will be responsible for traffic control and security, and staff noted the event may attract an estimated 500–800 people.

Council approved the encroachment permit authorization by motion (Mayor Pro Tem Santanez moved; Councilmember Victor Sanchez seconded) and a roll-call vote of 5–0 (Mayor Pro Tem Santanez, Council Members Coops, Morse, Sanchez and Mayor Dutton voting Aye). Staff confirmed the city will require the usual insurance and traffic-control plans and that the plan used last year (which kept one lane open to the parking structure) will be used again to minimize neighborhood impacts.

Ending: With council authorization, the fire museum and LA County Fire Department will finalize event logistics and coordination with city public-works and public-safety staff; the event remains planned for May 10, 2025.","Bellflower authorized an encroachment permit to allow the Fire Museum to hold Fire Service Day on May 10, including a temporary closure of Bellflower Boulevard (Maine to Oak) and use of a rear parking lot for displays. The event is expected to draw several hundred attendees.",{"_33":112,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":113,"_41":114,"_43":115,"_45":116,"_47":117,"_49":118,"_51":119,"_53":120,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":121,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":122,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6604184,"Council approves Kaizen contract to replace recreation-management system; no upfront license fees, 6% transaction fee",2007,8815000,10822000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2994048-b55ac972f0d346b8a508f0db34255d26&start=8815&end=10822","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2994048-b55ac972f0d346b8a508f0db34255d26/thumbnail_8815000.jpg","/articles/6604184/Bellflower/Los-Angeles-County/California/Council-approves-Kaizen-contract-to-replace-recreation-management-system-no-upfront-license-fees-6-transaction-fee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6604184-aca476e1391774839c664c33cac2f37a/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177663&Signature=S3hlkgV-Ku0NGQYGUoYDz5xDgI9-doqtq9Adb2gnZplRnII1eePwvsKqB9iJy-SWmgmqpLYzlfX-6j8Y4KQDCQC5n0-RdqUMKcwS2GrOvI~Jf-9GdF2nj-cKYfV1XGOIGVYKxfTV0Oc9QkMf5Sos2jYOImWBpnZn64WTpO-zCh~eo3P~JQxrkBbRtRPgFjgglswc1BLoaAIN~ShiiBufu5UbDyP1SJho~ZrCWSWhrg3DMeFuUvC0oR0tzUk5FUepReaZB1qHC1Us69o2IVrHFYXPAipLuuT~~Yq7kG~HUDqaHVX7~viQi1p0BaKqNTh3luIkmwZ-zdC0p6KzweiUSA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Bellflower City Council on April 14 authorized the city manager to execute Agreement File No. 1089 with Kaizen Laboratories Inc. to replace the city’s recreation-management system. The unanimous 5–0 vote followed a staff presentation on limitations of the current platform and a demonstration by Kaizen representatives.

Parks and Recreation staff described the existing system as increasingly outdated for point-of-sale and membership management and said it lacked a modern mobile-friendly interface. PJ Milano, Parks and Recreation director, highlighted key features Kaizen proposed: membership management for multiple centers (including the planned Oak Center), advanced event scheduling and ticketing, integrated online merchandising with print-on-demand and drop-shipping options, mobile point-of-sale (tablets/kiosks) for in-person events, and merchant integration for modern mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay).

Kaizen’s lead presenter, Will Harrison, explained the company’s approach: a custom but repeatable implementation model for a limited set of communities (the vendor said it works with about 25–35 clients per year), mobile-first registration, Apple/Google wallet integration, and an emphasis on reducing staff support burden while increasing revenue capture.

The contract is five years and uses a transactional pricing model. Staff described the vendor fee at approximately 6 percent of transactions; payment-processing fees (e.g., Stripe) apply separately (staff cited the common processing rate of about 2.9 percent plus $0.30 per transaction). Kaizen will supply required hardware (tablets/readers/kiosks) within the agreement and provide onboarding and training. Staff said Kaizen’s model has no upfront licensing or annual platform fee; costs are offset by transactions and expected increases in registration and merchandise revenue.

Councilmember Victor Sanchez moved to authorize the city manager to execute the agreement; Councilmember Wendy Morris seconded. The motion passed 5–0 on a roll-call vote (Mayor Pro Tem Santanez, Council Members Coops, Morse, Sanchez and Mayor Dutton voting Aye).

Ending: With the contract approved, Parks staff will begin the onboarding process with Kaizen and schedule implementation steps, working to minimize disruption of existing registration seasons.","Bellflower approved a five-year agreement with Kaizen Laboratories to replace the city’s recreation-management platform. The vendor will provide hardware and mobile-friendly registration, ticketing and point-of-sale tools with no upfront licensing costs; the city will pay transactional fees (vendor fee ~6% plus standard payment-processing fees).","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Council introduces ordinance to implement housing element; staff to return with transit-oriented development analysis

Council delays vote on reallocating $407,553 in COVID-era CDBG funds, asks staff for alternatives

Council hears concerns about weekend park overcrowding and enforcement limits at Carruthers, Thompson and Sims parks

Council authorizes encroachment permit for Fire Service Day May 10; street closure approved

Council approves Kaizen contract to replace recreation-management system; no upfront license fees, 6% transaction fee