Special City Council Meeting

CITY OF BELL GARDENS AGENDA Special City Council Meeting Wednesday, July 16, 2025, 6:30 PM Agenda en Español LOCATION: CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 7100 GARFIELD AVENUE, BELL GARDENS, CA 90201 The meeting will be held at Bell Gardens City Hall in the Council Chambers. The public may attend the meeting in person or virtually as instructed below. You may view the meeting live on the City's website at https://www.bellgardens.org/i-want-to/watch-city-council-meetings. ACCESSIBILITY: If requested, the agenda and backup materials will be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof. Any person who requires a disability-related modification or accommodation, in order to observe and/or offer public comment may request such reasonable modification, accommodation, aid, or service by contacting the City Clerk's office by telephone at 562-806-7704 or via email to CityClerkDesk@bellgardens.org no later than 24-hours before the scheduled meeting. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: The members of the public may address the City Council on any item listed on the agenda. Public comments are limited to three (3) minutes. Public comments can be made by any of the following ways: IN-PERSON: Members of the public can provide in-person comments at the podium in the Council Chamber. The Council Chambers will have seating available for members of the public to attend the meeting in person, subject to capacity limits. Public comments are limited to (3) minutes per speaker, unless different time is announced by the presiding chair. Speakers who wish to address the City Council should do so by submitting a "Public Comment Card" by 6:30 pm. BY TELEPHONE: Phone Number: (669)900-9128 Webinar ID: 813 3236 4343# Passcode: 2021# To address the City Council press *9 to raise your hand then *6 to unmute yourself when instructed. VIRTUALLY LIVE: Members of the public may participate via Zoom by https://zoom.us/join and entering the Zoom Meeting ID: 813 3236 4343 Passcode: 2021 Page 1 of 26 Comments may also be made via the Zoom app by using the "Raise Hand" feature when it is your turn to speak the host will unmute you. Comments will not be accepted in the QandA Chat function of the zoom app. WRITTEN COMMENTS: Public comments may be emailed to PublicComments@bellgardens.org or mailed to: City Clerk's Office, 7100 Garfield Ave., Bell Gardens, CA 90201. To ensure distribution to the members of the City Council prior to consideration of the agenda, please submit comments no later than one (1) hour prior to the meeting. Those comments, as well as any comments received after, will be distributed to the members of the City Council and will be part of the official public record of this meeting. For more information, you may contact the City Clerk's office during regular business hours 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday at (562) 806-7704. Page 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL OF CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS Marco Barcena, Councilmember Isabel Guillen, Councilwoman Dr. Francis De Leon Sanchez, Councilwoman Miguel De La Rosa, Mayor Pro Tem Jorgel Chavez, Mayor 3. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON AGENDA ITEMS ONLY During this time, the members of the public may address the City Council Members regarding any items listed on the agenda. Public comments are limited to 3 minutes per person. 4. DISCUSSION 4.1 Consideration of a Resolution Regarding Enforcement 5 - 10 Activities in Bell Gardens by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution regarding enforcement activities. CONCLUSION: The City of Bell Gardens will continue to protect residents, monitor federal immigration efforts, and provide outreach, referrals, and assistance to residents with immigration status concerns. The Immigration webpage will continue to offer comprehensive information with links to various resources such as Page 2 of 26  “Know Your Rights” workshops, red cards, and list of agencies that provide a variety of services. All of this information and more is available at www.bellgardens.org/immigration Staff will send a copy of this Resolution to all elected members of Congress whose jurisdiction includes the City of Bell Gardens. FISCAL IMPACT: Costs associated with City action regarding immigration enforcement and community resources are utilized through the existing approved budget. ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit 1 - Resolution No. 2025-64 4.2 Consideration of Amendment to the City's Legislative 11 - 24 Platform to Include Support for Immigration Reform RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council discuss and direct staff to amend the City’s legislative platform to include support for immigration reform. CONCLUSION: The City of Bell Gardens will do everything within its legal authority to continue to protect residents, while continuing to monitor federal immigration efforts and providing outreach, referrals, and assistance to residents with immigration status concerns. The amendment to the 2025 Legislative Platform for the City of Bell Gardens will serve as a critical tool to ensure that the City’s priorities are effectively represented in legislative discussions including immigration reform. The 2025 Legislative Platform will continue to guide advocacy efforts, support strategic policymaking, and enhance communication with elected officials at all levels of government. FISCAL IMPACT: Costs associated with City action regarding immigration enforcement and community resources are utilized through the existing approved budget. ATTACHMENTS: Exhibit 1 -2025 Legislative Platform 4.3 Consideration of Submission of Freedom of Information Act 25 - 26 (FOIA) Request to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council discuss and provide direction to staff to submit a Freedom of Information Act request to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) . CONCLUSION: If directed by the Bell Gardens City Council, staff will submit a FOIA request with ICE. FISCAL IMPACT: Costs associated with City action regarding immigration enforcement and community resources are utilized Page 3 of 26  through the existing approved budget. ATTACHMENTS: None. 5. ADJOURNMENT Daisy Gomez, City Clerk Agenda Posted on July 15, 2025 Page 4 of 26  CITY OF BELL GARDENS OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael O’Kelly, City Manager BY: Hailes H. Soto, Assistant to the City Manager SUBJECT: Consideration of a Resolution Regarding Enforcement Activities in Bell Gardens by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency MEETING DATE: July 16, 2025 RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution regarding enforcement activities. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION: Elected officials throughout Los Angeles County have expressed concern about recent immigration enforcement actions in their local jurisdictions by federal agencies and specifically the manner in which these actions have been carried out. The City recognizes its responsibility to speak out against practices that undermine the well-being and cohesion of the City and wishes to do everything within its legal authority to ensure that federal immigration activities are carried out in accordance with applicable law. The attached Resolution includes City Council directives on immigration enforcement: 1. The City Council urges federal representatives to demand that ICE and other immigration officers follow due process during enforcement, specifically avoiding masks, plain clothes, unmarked vehicles, and unnecessary force unless absolutely necessary. 2. The City Council calls on federal representatives to demand that ICE agents only target individuals who violate federal immigration law and have a criminal history. 3. City staff will continue to update the "Immigration" webpage with resources and FAQs about immigration enforcement. 4. The City Council reminds the community that Bell Gardens Police Department cannot enforce federal immigration law, and federal authorities have warned against obstructing ICE operations. 5. The City Council will continue to support nonprofit organizations, community service organizations, faith-based organizations, and businesses within the City of Bell Gardens work together to contribute time, resources, and financial support to assist individuals and families impacted by the recent ICE activities. 6. The City Council reaffirms its commitment to public safety and inclusivity, urging all law enforcement to respect everyone's civil rights. Page 5 of 26  7. The City is committed to collaborating on programs and partnerships that support the health, safety, and well-being of all residents, especially those most vulnerable to federal immigration enforcement. 8. City staff is directed to send the attached resolution to all relevant members of Congress. The City of Bell Gardens has a dedicated “Immigration” webpage with information and resources to keep community members informed. The webpage offers comprehensive information with links to various resources such as “Know Your Rights” workshops, red cards, and list of agencies that provide a variety of services. All of this information and more is available at www.bellgardens.org/immigration. Additionally, the City of Bell Gardens and the Community Family Services Center help all residents learn about the services available to them and their families. The Community Family Service Center launched the Bell Gardens Essentials Delivery Program last month. This temporary program offers free essential deliveries to Bell Gardens residents who feel unsafe leaving their home. CONCLUSION: The City of Bell Gardens will continue to do everything within its legal authority to protect residents, monitor federal immigration efforts, and provide outreach, referrals, and assistance to residents with immigration status concerns. The Immigration webpage will continue to offer comprehensive information with links to various resources such as “Know Your Rights” workshops, red cards, and list of agencies that provide a variety of services. All of this information and more is available at www.bellgardens.org/immigration. Staff will send a copy of this Resolution to all elected members of Congress whose jurisdiction includes the City of Bell Gardens. FISCAL IMPACT: Costs associated with City action regarding immigration enforcement and community resources are utilized through the existing approved budget. APPROVED ELECTRONICALLY BY: Michael B. O'Kelly, City Manager Stephanie Vasquez, City Attorney Manuel Carrillo, Director of Finance and Administrative Services Page 6 of 26  RESOLUTION NO. 2025-64 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL GARDENS REGARDING ENFORCEMENT ACTIVITIES IN BELL GARDENS BY THE UNITED STATES IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT AGENCY WHEREAS, elected officials throughout Los Angeles County have expressed concern about recent immigration enforcement actions in their local jurisdictions by the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency ("ICE") and specifically the manner in which these actions have been carried out; and WHEREAS, the activities by ICE in the City of Bell Gardens (“City”) and nearby jurisdictions have disrupted public safety and prompted fear in the local immigrant communities, amidst reports of enforcement activities at homes, schools, places of work, places of worship, and other public areas; and WHEREAS, there have been reports in the media, and elsewhere, of aggressive tactics used by ICE agents, including the use of face coverings, plain clothes attire, unmarked vehicles, other identity concealment, and unwarranted force; and WHEREAS, the immigration enforcement actions and presence of large numbers of ICE agents in the region have caused fear, uncertainty, distress, and disruption among many community members; and WHEREAS, the City Council empathizes with and supports all community members who are feeling fear and uncertainty because of recent enforcement activities; and WHEREAS, the City is actively working to identify services, programs, and partnerships to help protect, inform, and assist our most vulnerable residents; and WHEREAS, while the City Council recognizes that the federal government has exclusive jurisdiction over the enforcement of immigration law, and that the City may not either assist or interfere with immigration enforcement activities, the City Council wishes to do everything within its authority to ensure that ICE activities are carried out in accordance with applicable law; and WHEREAS, the Bell Gardens Police Department does not participate in or assist with immigration enforcement activities by ICE; and WHEREAS, based on earlier indications by federal authorities, the expectation by local jurisdictions was that recent enforcement efforts would primarily target criminals and violent offenders and while this has occurred, there are also reports of uneven enforcement and detention and arrest of individuals without criminal records or who are lawfully present in the United States; and Page 7 of 26 Resolution No. 2025-64 WHEREAS, the City Council acknowledges the uncertainty, anxiety, and fear expressed by many members of the community in response to the increased ICE activity, and recognizes its responsibility to speak out against practices that undermine the well- being and cohesion of the City. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELL GARDENS AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The City Council of the City of Bell Gardens hereby finds that the above recitals are true and correct and incorporate them herein by this reference. SECTION 2. The City Council calls upon its federal elected representatives to demand that ICE and all other immigration enforcement officers conduct enforcement operations with all appropriate due process and specifically refrain from the use of masks, plain clothes attire, other identity concealment, unmarked vehicles, and unnecessary force, where these tactics are not warranted. SECTION 3. The City Council calls upon its federal elected representatives to demand that ICE agents target only individuals who are in violation of federal immigration law and have a criminal history. SECTION 4. Staff is directed to continue to update the "Know Your Rights" webpage on the City's website that provides links to immigration resources and includes frequently asked questions and answers regarding immigration enforcement activities. SECTION 5. The City Council reminds the community that the City and its Police Department have no jurisdiction over the enforcement of federal immigration law and that federal authorities have repeatedly admonished localities not to take any steps that would result in interference with or obstruction of ICE enforcement operations. SECTION 6. The City Council will continue to support nonprofit organizations, community service organizations, faith-based organizations, and businesses within the City of Bell Gardens to work together to contribute time, resources, and financial support to assist individuals and families impacted by the recent ICE activities. SECTION 7. The City Council affirms the City’s commitment to public safety and inclusivity for all residents and calls upon all law enforcement agencies operating within the City to respect the civil rights of every individual. SECTION 8. The City is committed to continuing to work collaboratively to explore and implement programs and partnerships that support the health, safety, and well-being of all community members, particularly those most at risk due to federal immigration enforcement actions. 2 of 4 Page 8 of 26 Resolution No. 2025-64 SECTION 9. City staff is hereby directed to send a copy of this Resolution to all elected members of Congress whose jurisdiction includes the City. SECTION 10. The City Clerk shall attest and certify to the passage and adoption of this Resolution and enter it into the book of original resolutions, and it shall become effective immediately upon its approval. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 16th day of July 2025. THE CITY OF BELL GARDENS _____________________________ Jorgel Chavez, Mayor APPROVED AS TO FORM: ATTEST: ______________________________ ________________________________ Stephanie Vasquez Daisy Gomez City Attorney City Clerk 3 of 4 Page 9 of 26 Resolution No. 2025-64 I, Daisy Gomez, City Clerk of the City of Bell Gardens, hereby CERTIFY that City Council Resolution No. 2025-64 was adopted by the Bell Gardens City Council at a regular meeting of the City Council held on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, and was approved and passed by the following vote: AYES: NOES: ABSTAIN: ABSENT: _________________________ Daisy Gomez, City Clerk _________________________ 4 of 4 Page 10 of 26  CITY OF BELL GARDENS OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael O’Kelly, City Manager BY: Hailes H. Soto, Assistant to the City Manager SUBJECT: Consideration of Amendment to the City’s Legislative Platform to Include Support for Immigration Reform MEETING DATE: July 16, 2025 RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council discuss and direct staff to amend the City’s legislative platform to include support for immigration reform. BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION: On January 13, 2025, the City Council adopted the City of Bell Gardens 2025 Legislative Platform. A Legislative Platform is a proactive document that outlines the priorities and concerns of the City Council to guide advocacy efforts at all levels of government. It serves as a tool to ensure that the City’s interests are well-represented in ongoing legislative discussions and decisions. This document provides direction to the City Manager to respond and act quickly on federal, state, or local legislation that may impact the City. The following priorities are outlined in the adopted City of Bell Gardens 2025 Legislative Platform: A. General Administration B. Fiscal Responsibility and Transparency C. Economic Development and Land Use D. Housing E. Public Safety and Wellness F. Infrastructure G. Recreation and Community Services Based on City Council direction, an additional Legislative Platform priority will be added: H. Immigration Reform and Services 1. Support policies and legislation for comprehensive immigration reform. 2. Monitor state and federal efforts to reform the immigration system. 3. Support a pathway to full and equal citizenship, including protection of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program; the rights of immigrants, including birthright citizenship; and keeping families together. 4. Oppose federal enforcement actions targeting immigrant residents that lead to family separations and removal of long-time community members – Page 11 of 26  recognizing the vital contributions of immigrants to the cultural, social and economic fabric of Bell Gardens. 5. Support eligibility of social services (Medi-Cal, food stamps, housing vouchers, unemployment, disability benefits, etc.) to residents regardless of immigration status. 6. Support funding for legal services to immigrants regardless of status. 7. Oppose federal efforts to penalize states that have sanctuary policies in place, such as withholding federal funding. 8. Support expedited review of pending immigration cases. 9. Oppose any efforts to include non‐cash benefits in the definition of ‘public charge’. 10. Oppose any efforts to further restrict legal immigrants’ access to federal benefits. CONCLUSION: The City of Bell Gardens will do everything within its legal authority to continue to protect residents, while continuing to monitor federal immigration efforts and providing outreach, referrals, and assistance to residents with immigration status concerns. The amendment to the 2025 Legislative Platform for the City of Bell Gardens will serve as a critical tool to ensure that the City’s priorities are effectively represented in legislative discussions including immigration reform. The 2025 Legislative Platform will continue to guide advocacy efforts, support strategic policymaking, and enhance communication with elected officials at all levels of government. FISCAL IMPACT: Costs associated with City action regarding immigration enforcement and community resources are utilized through the existing approved budget. APPROVED ELECTRONICALLY BY: Michael B. O'Kelly, City Manager Stephanie Vasquez, City Attorney Manuel Carrillo, Director of Finance and Administrative Services Page 12 of 26 CITY OF BELL GARDENS 2025 LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM Page 13 of 26 TABLE OF CONTENTS LEGISLATIVE PLATFORM INTRODUCTION 03 PLATFORM GOALS 04 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES 05 A. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION 05 B. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND 06 TRANSPARENCY C. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE 07 D. HOUSING 08 E. PUBLIC SAFETY AND WELLNESS 09 F. INFRASTRUCTURE 10 G. RECREATION AND COMMUNITY 11 SERVICES Page 14 of 26  INTRODUCTION he 2025 Legislative Priorities outline the City of Bell Gardens' Legislative Platform ("Platform"), which defines the City's official positions on federal, state, and local legislation. The Platform streamlines the legislative advocacy process by providing clear direction from the City Council. The City supports the protection of local and state funding, opposes unfunded or inadequately funded mandates, and advocates for local control. It opposes efforts to remove local decision-making authority and supports legislation that offers flexibility to meet mandates efficiently. City departments are encouraged to monitor and be knowledgeable of any legislative issues related to their discipline; however, requests for the City to take positions on a legislative matter must be directed to the City Manager. City departments may not take positions on legislative issues without the City Manager’s approval. Due to the constantly evolving political landscape, the Legislative Platform will be reviewed and updated annually. It will be published and distributed widely to ensure transparency and keep the public informed. MARCO BARCENA FRANCIS DE LEON SANCHEZ COUNCILMEMBER COUNCILWOMAN MIGUEL DE LA ROSA ISABEL GUILLÉN MAYOR PRO TEM COUNCILWOMAN JORGEL CHAVEZ MAYOR BELL GARDENS CITY COUNCIL 3 Page 15 of 26  PLATFORM GOALS Advocate the City’s legislative interests at the federal, state and local levels. Provide information and updates to Legislators, the City Council, and staff on key issues and legislation that may impact the City. Serve as an active participant with other local governments, the League of California Cities, California Contract Cities Association, regional agencies such as SCAG, GCCOG, and local professional organizations on legislative/regulatory issues that are important to the City and our Region. Pursue federal, state and county funding opportunities to support City projects, services, and programs that enhance community services through potential earmarks, grants and other discretionary funding. 4 Page 16 of 26  2025 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES A. GENERAL ADMINISTRATION 1. Support legislation that enhances local control and allows cities to address the needs of local constituents within a framework of regional cooperation. 2. Support future redistricting efforts that amplify local and sub- regional voices at County, State, and Federal levels. Work towards a representation framework that accurately reflects and addresses the distinct needs and aspirations of the city. 3. Oppose preemption of local authority whether by State or Federal legislation or ballot propositions. 4. Oppose any legislation that preempts local authority. Each community has unique needs and characteristics that are best dealt with by the local governing body. 5. Oppose any new program mandates that are unfunded and/or partially funded. 5 Page 17 of 26  2025 LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES B. FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY AND TRANSPARENCY 1. Support timely and full cost reimbursement to the City for all Federal, State and County‐mandated programs. 2. Support legislation that strengthens and expands ongoing revenue for the City. 3. Support favorable legislation and full funding eligibility to effectively leverage private, non-traditional funding sources, alternative financing options, and innovative project delivery methods. 3. Oppose any legislation that would make local agencies more dependent on the State for financial stability and policy direction. 4. Oppose legislation that would impose State mandated costs for which there is no guarantee of local reimbursement or offsetting benefits. 5. Oppose any change in revenue allocations that would negatively (current or future) affect local government, including the redistribution of sales tax, property tax, gas tax, and transient occupancy tax. 6. Oppose legislation that undermines and preempts local authority over local taxes and fees. 6 Page 18 of 26  C. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND LAND USE 1. Support legislation and funding that encourage the development of vacant and underutilized space, and promoting creative planning for growth. Prioritize initiatives that optimize land use to support sustainable and inclusive community development. 2. Support legislation and funding that enhances the City’s efforts to retain existing businesses and attract new businesses. 3. Support legislation and funding opportunities that provides tangible and productive tools and incentives to support job creation and retention. 4. Support legislation that proactively advance the design and construction of City Parks, Greenspace, Bike, and Walking Trails through sustainable funding mechanisms. 5. Support legislative language that not only prioritizes, but also guarantees, increased funding for cities designated as "park poor." Work towards a legislative framework that acknowledges and addresses the pressing needs of communities with limited access to green spaces. 6. Support programs that not only provide additional consideration for funding but also actively integrate art, culture, and the rich historical elements of the City into public spaces. Enhance the vibrancy and character of public areas, making them reflective of the community’s identity. 7. Oppose legislation that limits the City’s ability to condition and deny projects that negatively impact the community. 8. Oppose legislation that overrides the City’s adopted zoning ordinances. 9. Oppose legislation that reduces local land-use authority and/or alters local land use zoning designations without the approval of the local City Council 10. Oppose proposals that would overstep local control and development of general plans, specific plans, transportation elements, and similar master planning documents. 7 Page 19 of 26  D. HOUSING 1. Support innovative and collaborative policies and funding that not only lower housing costs but also drive development. Support initiatives that promote creative housing solutions and encourage partnerships for sustainable, inclusive community growth. 2. Support legislation that enhances local control of resources and that allows the City to address housing. 3. Support programs that quickly deliver emergency rental relief to both tenants and property owners. Prioritize initiatives that uphold housing stability for residents experiencing financial difficulties, fostering the overall well-being of the community. 3. Support policies that promote homeownership opportunities. 4. Oppose housing legislation that imposes unfunded mandated costs for which there is no guarantee of local reimbursement or offsetting benefits. 5. Oppose policies and programs that seek to limit local control over parking management, particularly in relation to housing. 8 Page 20 of 26  E. PUBLIC SAFETY AND WELLNESS 1. Support legislation and grant opportunities that increase funding for law enforcement, fire suppression and prevention, hazardous materials mitigation, and emergency medical services. 2. Support legislation that provides funding to local agencies for training, disaster preparedness, and emergency planning. 3. Support efforts to increase access to healthier food options and locally sourced produce, particularly in areas designated as food deserts. Support initiatives that promote nutritional well-being and reduce food insecurity. 4. Support legislation and local, state, and federal programs that employ evidence-based best practice strategies to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness by preventing homelessness for those at-risk; providing emergency and transitional housing; expanding affordable permanent housing; and promoting self-empowerment through counseling, job training, and other supportive services. 5. Support initiatives that tackle health disparities and prioritize the well- being and safety of all community members. 6. Oppose proposals or policies that would raise costs or shift risks related to law enforcement and public safety onto local governments. Advocate for a responsible allocation of resources and an equitable distribution of responsibilities to preserve the city’s financial stability. 9 Page 21 of 26  F. INFRASTRUCTURE 1. Support measures to finance local and regional transportation programs and improvements, including alternative modes of transportation and transportation management systems. 2. Support new and innovative revenue options or continuous appropriations of new funding to cities to preserve, maintain, rehabilitate, and develop local street and road systems. 3. Support Legislative language proposals that would expand eligibility of funding for critical infrastructure and state of good repair projects within the City. 4. Support efforts that enhance the safety of City streets for car, bicycle, and pedestrian traffic, and reduce congestion. 5. Support policies that prioritize reduced energy and utility rates, rebates, or subsidies for low-income households. Emphasize the importance of equity in ensuring access to affordable essential services for all. 6. Oppose transportation proposals that would adversely affect the quality of life for residents by causing traffic congestion, air pollution, or other problems. 10 Page 22 of 26  G. RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES 1. Support legislation that creates new funding opportunities for community facilities and parks. 2. Support efforts to develop exceptional recreation, sports, and outdoor learning programs. Advocate for inclusive opportunities that enrich the quality of life, promote public health, and strengthen community well-being for all residents of the City. 3. Support funding for American Disabilities Act (ADA) facility and park upgrades. 4. Support funding that will expand state resources for local libraries, recreation, arts and culture programs. 5. Support legislation on statewide initiatives for: Early education After-school/Summer Programs for Youth Services for vulnerable populations 6. Support legislation aimed at enhancing school sites and support education partnerships between cities and school districts. 7. Support proposals that create pathways to citizenship and enhance the lives of immigrants and their families. Support initiatives that promote integration, empowerment, and equal access to opportunities for immigrant communities. 11 Page 23 of 26 CITY OF BELL GARDENS 7100 GARFIELD AVENUE BELL GARDENS, CA 90201 T (562) 806-7700 WWW.BELLGARDENS.ORG Page 24 of 26  CITY OF BELL GARDENS OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER EXECUTIVE SUMMARY TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael O’Kelly, City Manager BY: Hailes H. Soto, Assistant to the City Manager SUBJECT: Consideration of Submission of Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Request to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) MEETING DATE: July 16, 2025 RECOMMENDATION: It is staff's recommendation that the City Council discuss and provide direction to staff to submit a Freedom of Information Act request to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). BACKGROUND / DISCUSSION: The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) allows any person to request a federal agency’s records. Requests must be in writing and the records a person is seeking must be reasonably described. In general, the FOIA requires that a federal agency respond to FOIA requests within 20 business days after the federal agency that maintains the responsive records receives the request. The business day response requirement is not necessarily the time frame for releasing responsive documents. The federal agency processes its requests by date of receipt at the proper office maintaining the required records on a first-in, first-out basis, except for exceptions outlined in the FOIA implementing regulations. Under certain conditions, a request may receive expedited processing if it meets the criteria established in their regulations. However, an expedited request will be processed on a first-in, first-out basis with other expedited requests. Requests and appeals will be taken out of order and given expedited treatment whenever it is determined that they involve: • Circumstances in which the lack of expedited treatment could reasonably be expected to pose an imminent threat to the life or physical safety of an individual; • An urgency to inform the public about an actual or alleged federal government activity, if made by a person primarily engaged in disseminating information. If directed by the Bell Gardens City Council, staff will submit a FOIA request to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to determine the number of persons detained through immigration enforcement actions in Bell Gardens from January 1, 2025 to present. CONCLUSION: If directed by the Bell Gardens City Council, staff will submit a FOIA request with ICE. FISCAL IMPACT: Page 25 of 26 Costs associated with City action regarding immigration enforcement and community resources are utilized through the existing approved budget. APPROVED ELECTRONICALLY BY: Michael B. O'Kelly, City Manager Stephanie Vasquez, City Attorney Manuel Carrillo, Director of Finance and Administrative Services Page 26 of 26