Janine Andrade

The Bell Police Department outlines its strategic vision and goals for 2026, focusing on establishing a professional police force that is responsive to community needs through compassionate and procedurally just policing. Key strategic objectives include enhancing crime reduction through data-driven deployment and crime mapping, strengthening community partnerships with an advisory board, prioritizing officer wellness, and advancing training and education with new technologies. Further initiatives for 2026 involve expanding the Threat Liaison Officer program, implementing a K-9 unit, developing drone capabilities, and optimizing crime analysis to foster a safer and more trusting community.

The City of Bell's 2023-2025 Strategic Plan outlines a roadmap for future growth and development, focusing on four key pillars: Energizing Economic Potential, Building Bridges Through Communication, Elevating Quality of Life, and Fostering Financial Resilience. The plan aims to achieve economic development, enhanced communications, improved quality of life, and sustainable budgeting, while also prioritizing community engagement, public safety, and innovation in city services to create a fiscally sound, safe, and thriving community.

The meeting included a closed session covering real property negotiations and anticipated litigation. The open session featured presentations, recognitions, and public hearings. Key items discussed included directing a recorded judgment as an assessment, updating the Pavement Management Program, approving an amendment with HDL for sales and use tax auditing, and accepting grants from the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) to reduce traffic fatalities and improve traffic safety. Annual appointments of council members to various committees were also addressed.

The Planning Commission discussed a request for approval of a Conditional Use Permit to allow the manufacturing of food products at an existing industrial building. They also considered an ordinance amendment regarding security gates on commercial properties, which was continued to the next meeting. Additionally, there was a discussion and continuation regarding an ordinance of the City of Bell amending Chapter 17.52 to include development standards and a permitting process to allow for the installation of security gates on commercial properties.

The meeting included the introduction of the new student commissioner, Clarissa Lepe. A presentation on the Holiday Village and Tree Lighting Ceremony was removed from the agenda due to the absence of the Recreation Coordinator. Osmond Hernandez presented the Treder Park Playground Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. The Commission approved the Community Services Department Updates for December 2024. Commissioner Aldama inquired about the status of the Gage and Heliotrope project. The Deputy Director of Community Services discussed the Vet at the Park Event and the Mayor's Town Hall Meetings.