Karl H. Berger

The City Council meeting included community announcements regarding a new dog park ribbon cutting, upcoming civic chorus concerts, a document shredding event, and E-waste recycling opportunities. The library also presented its schedule of upcoming programs. A primary focus of the meeting was a public safety and sheriff's department update, which covered crime reduction statistics, police response times, and the implementation of new technology, including the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system and the Fast Deputy program.

The City Council conducted a regular meeting that included a closed session regarding four agenda items. During the open session, the council received city announcements concerning an Earth Day celebration at the Bellflower Butterfly Garden, a young artists' performance, a free compost giveaway event, and volunteer opportunities. Public comments featured a proposal for a volunteer garden project at Riverview Park and suggestions to incorporate demonstration gardens into upcoming park projects. Additionally, the council discussed the Flower Street Specific Plan, which involves the rezoning and potential development of several properties to support downtown residential growth.

The council meeting addressed several community events and initiatives, including an art competition for elementary students, the expansion of a residential improvement program, and the launch of a new entrepreneurship course. Additionally, the council heard a presentation from the local Kiwanis Club regarding their community service projects, including youth scholarship programs. A resident also expressed gratitude to city public works staff for returning lost property containing funds for a future car show.

The regular meeting began with a recess to a closed session for a conference with a real property negotiator, which one council member had a conflict with. Upon reconvening to open session, there were no reportable actions from the closed session. The agenda included recognition for Commissioner Jerry Troutman for his nearly 18 years of service on the Public Safety Commission, during which he served five terms as chairman. A proclamation declaring March 2026 as National Women's History Month was read and presented to the Women's Club of Bellflower, detailing the historical contributions of American women and the club's history since its founding in 1921. Council members also provided announcements regarding upcoming community events, including a free compost pickup event, an appeal for participation in the Spring Basket Program by the Bellflower Volunteer Center, updates on the expansion of the Bellflower Looking Better Program featuring yard sales and free dumpsters, and details on networking events hosted by the Bellflower Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, there was an update on the citywide waste cart exchange program mandated by California's SB1383 requirements.

The meeting commenced with the Council recessing to a closed session to discuss two items (3A and 3B), during which multiple council members recused themselves from item 3A due to property conflicts. Upon reconvening, the invocation and pledge of allegiance were held. Council announcements included details regarding the Bellflower Volunteer Center's Spring Basket program, seeking donations and sponsors for children facing economic hardship. Another announcement concerned a free housing workshop with the Fair Housing Foundation in March, open to tenants, landlords, and property managers to understand fair housing laws. The Clifton M. Brackasen Library announced several creative workshops for March, including comics basics, paper rose crafting, and a beading workshop. The Bellflower Chamber of Commerce highlighted upcoming networking events: a St. Patrick's Networking Bingo Game Night and a monthly mingle morning meeting. Council member Wendy Morris informed attendees about the citywide waste cart exchange program scheduled from February through May to comply with California's SB 1383 requirements. The main presentation involved a discussion by the Los Angeles County Sanitation District regarding a proposed sewer rate increase effective in July 2026, necessitated by increased operating costs (chemicals, utilities), capital projects for system reliability, and a plan to increase recycled water production at the Carson facility. The presentation detailed that the rates are applied annually to property tax bills, with monthly increases ranging from $2.67 to $2.92, and mentioned programs like the low water rebate and procedures for public comment and protest.