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Bellflower Regular Meeting of the City Council July 13, 2026
Published: Jul 13, 2026
City Council Approves Cannabis Dispensary Permit for Off the Charts, Defers Decision on Herbs Diner
The council considered applications for cannabis business permits for two dispensaries: Herbs Diner and Off the Charts. Both applicants proposed operating under existing conditional use permits. Off the Charts submitted a higher guarantee based on a competitive bidding process. Staff recommended issuing a permit to Off the Charts based on their bid guarantee, and not to Herbs Diner, or alternatively, to discuss and take other actions. Council members discussed the process for issuing two permits, as two previously existed and one was revoked. The city attorney suggested providing direction to bring back a resolution allowing for the issuance of a second permit, possibly by temporarily suspending the existing process for this specific instance. Council member Coops recused himself from items 12B and 12C due to property conflicts. The council ultimately voted to adopt resolution 26-26 approving a cannabis business permit for Off the Charts LLC at 8846 Alandra Boulevard, as recommended by staff. The decision on Herbs Diner's application was deferred for further consideration.
Aquatic Center Pool Project Faces Substantial Cost Increase Due to Unforeseen Structural Issues
The council addressed a significant cost increase for the Aquatic Center Outdoor Pool Improvements Project. Initially planned for localized concrete repairs, filter room replacements, and replastering, the project's scope expanded dramatically after demolition revealed major structural issues. These included crumbling CMU block walls, extensive cracks in joint systems beneath the plaster, and the discovery of asbestos Transite pipe around the pool perimeter requiring specialized removal. Further issues included a foundation built on top of another foundation without proper doweling. These unforeseen conditions have increased the project cost by approximately $1.198 million, with an amendment to the existing contract with California Waters for an additional $800,000. The total increase is substantial, and the project is now estimated to be 90% a new pool. The council also considered the need for ADA improvements to the adjacent weight room. Staff recommended carrying over remaining FY 2025-2026 funds and appropriating additional funds, authorizing an amendment to the contract, and including a 15% contingency due to the project's complexities. The council approved the staff recommendation.
City Council Addresses Utility Tax Allocation for Public Safety and Sheriff's Department Oversight
The council discussed the use of utility taxes, specifically concerning their allocation towards public safety, primarily the sheriff's department. A resident inquired if the funds were exclusively for police services, to which it was clarified that the tax supports public safety broadly, with the largest portion going to the sheriff's department. The discussion also touched upon the shortage of sheriff's department personnel and the city's use of private security as a supplement. Audits of the utility tax funds are conducted annually, with a report presented in December detailing expenditures. The city manager explained that while the utility tax supports public safety, it's not solely allocated to the sheriff's department, with a portion designated for public works. The collection and management of these funds were discussed, including the annual renewal process and the city's budget allocation for sheriff services. Concerns about accountability and audits of the sheriff's department were raised by a resident, and assurances were given that audits are performed and that detailed reports are available.
City Council Introduces Ordinance for Public Tree Management to Achieve Tree City USA Designation
The city council considered an ordinance to adopt Chapter 12.45 of the Bellflower Municipal Code, governing public tree management, which is a final requirement for the city to obtain Tree City USA designation. This ordinance establishes a regulatory framework for the management, maintenance, protection, and replacement of public trees, designating the Director of Public Works as the responsible authority. It includes a permitting process for activities affecting public trees and prohibits unauthorized damage or removal. The ordinance aligns with the city's Urban Forest Master Plan and supports the Tree City USA requirements, including having a tree board, a public tree care ordinance, spending at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and establishing an Arbor Day observance. The city has met three of the four requirements and the ordinance is the final step. The city has exceeded the per capita spending requirement and has established an annual Arbor Day observance. The ordinance also specifies prohibited activities and enforcement provisions. Discussions included the number of vacant tree wells, the types of trees to be planted (excluding female species that drop fruit and certain problematic trees like ficus and jacarandas), and marketing the approved tree list to the public. The ordinance was read by title and introduced.
City Council Approves Acquisition of Two Properties for Future Park Development
The council considered the purchase of two adjoining properties to assemble a contiguous site for future park development. The acquisition includes a vacant, landlocked parcel of approximately 60,000 sq ft and an adjacent property at 17246 Palo Verde Avenue (approx. 15,000 sq ft) with a single-family residence. Acquiring the latter property is necessary to provide public street access to the vacant parcel. The combined total acreage is 1.73 acres. The negotiated purchase price for the vacant parcel is $796,000, and for the Palo Verde property is $1,004,000, totaling $1.8 million. Staff determined this price to be reasonable and cost-effective compared to recent city acquisitions. The acquisition is contingent on purchasing both properties. The council authorized the city manager to amend the FY 2026-2027 operating budget, enter into purchase agreements, and adopt resolution 2629 authorizing the acquisitions. Council member Coops questioned the pricing of the Palo Verde property, noting it was higher than previously discussed, but was satisfied with the explanation that the vacant parcel seller lowered their price. A motion was made and seconded to approve the staff recommendation.
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