City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, January 11, 2022 - 5:00 PM
CONCURRENT JOINT MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
COMMERCE, JOINT POWERS FINANCING AUTHORITY AND THE GOVERNING BODY
OF THE SUCCESSOR AGENCY TO THE COMMERCE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION
5:00 P.M. CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Mendoza called meeting to order at 5:09 p.m. via teleconferencing
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Soria
Councilmember Altamirano
Councilmember Argumedo
Mayor Mendoza
Mayor Pro Tem Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
There were no individuals wishing to address the City Council on any items on the Closed Session agenda
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:10 p.m.
1. Pursuant to Government Code §54956.8, the City Council will confer with its real property negotiator, Edgar Cisneros, with respect to real estate negotiations for:
A. 5476 Jillson St. (APN 6335-019-023), 5530 Jillson St. (APN 6335-019-042), 2500 S.
Eastern Ave. (APN 6335-024-046), (APN 6335-024-03), (APN 6335-024-039), (APN 6335-024-048), (APN 6335-024-04), (APN 6335-024-043), (APN 6335-024-044), (APN 6335-024-045), 5600 Jillson St. (APN 6335-023-049), (APN 6335-023-0), (APN 6335-023-054), 5611 E Washington Blvd. (APN 6335-023-048), 5571 E. Washington Blvd. (APN 6335-024-056), (APN 6335024057), and 5555 E. Washington, Commerce, CA 90040.
B. Wash-Tel Commerce, LLC concerning proposed price and other terms relating thereto, comprised of 6329 and 6355 Washington Boulevard, Commerce, California, commonly referred to as the Stahl Trust property.
C. 2143 S. Atlantic St., Commerce, CA 90040 (APN: 5244-014-904).
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2. Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6 the City Council will confer with its labor negotiator, Edgar P. Cisneros, with respect to labor negotiations pertaining to:
A. The Memoranda of Understanding between the City and the City of Commerce Employees Association on behalf of the part -time employees.
B. The Memoranda of Understanding between the City and the City of Commerce Employees Association on behalf of the mid-management and non-management full-time employees.
C. Compensation and benefits for the unrepresented full-time executive management employees.
3. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - One (1) Matter.
4. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1). One (1) case: Richard Hernandez v the City of Commerce, & Lena Shumway et al. - Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, Case No. 19STCV27029.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency reconvened to Open Session at 6:15 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session items:
Item #1A- staff provided presentation, feedback was provided to staff and no reportable action was taken on this item.
Item #1B and #1C, and #3 were not discussed
Item #2 and #4 - The City Council received presentation and feedback was provided, no reportable action was taken on these items. 6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Mendoza called regular meeting to order at 6:17 p.m.
ROLL CALL
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Councilmember Soria
Councilmember Altamirano
Councilmember Argumedo
Mayor Mendoza
Mayor Pro Tem Rebollo
Present: 5 -
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department Regarding Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Villarreal provided an update. Mayor Mendoza stated that there is activity going on Washington and Atlantic when homeless individuals entering that property, and asked law enforcement to look into that.
2. Commendation Honoring Norma Macias for her Countless Achievement and Many Years of Dedicated Service to the City of Commerce Councilmembers and the Mayor recognized Norma Macias for her dedication to the City of Commerce. Silvia Macias, daughter of Norma Macias, thanked the City Council for her mother's recognition.
3. Commendation - Pastor Geronimo Sigala of the First Baptist Church of Commerce
Mayor Mendoza read Welcome Certificate for Pastor Sigala. Pastor Geronimo Sigala spoke about his background and was thankful for becoming a Pastor for the First Baptist Church in Commerce.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Yesenia stated that she is from the ABC area in Commerce and asked what beautification efforts the City is planning in her area.
Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk read the following comments submitted:
Lilia Leon thanked the Senior Center and Library staff for working and taking care of community during Covid.
Johncito Peraza asked that the City revisits transportation route changes that recently went into affect as it effected a lot of residents.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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Councilmember Soria asked to pull items #11, #14, and #15. Mayor Pro Tem Rebollo asked to pull item #6, and Mayor Mendoza pulled item #8 for discussion.
Item #6 - Mayor Pro Tem Rebollo how the outreach would be conducted if the facilities are still closed at the capacity per-Covid. Director of Parks and Recreation Alaniz stated that this item was delayed for a year. If facilities are still closed when the assessment begins, a community meeting would be held outside.
Mayor Pro Tem Rebollo asked that the postcards be sent out to each resident in order to get proper community involvement in the process.
Mayor Pro Tem Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Argumedo, to approve a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Preparation of Park and Open Space Master Plan and authorize the release of the RFP to solicit proposals. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Argumedo, Altamirano, Soria, Mayor Pro Tem Rebollo and Mayor Mendoza (5)
Item #8 - Director of Human Resources Pappo provided an overview of the staff report. Mayor Mendoza spoke about employee concessions made across the board during Covid and stated that changes to compensation of part-timers and executive employees create a big gap, and stated that he could not support this item.
Mayor Mendoza moved to approve the recommendation but struck "executive management ."Motion died for the lack of a second.
Councilmember Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Soria, to adopt a resolution related to changes to the compensation and fringe benefits package for the full-time unrepresented Executive Management Employees group. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES; Councilmembers Argumedo, Altamirano, Soria, and Mayor Pro Tem Rebollo (4)
NAYES: Mayor Mendoza (1)
Councilmember Soria recused himself from items #11, #14 and #15 due to potential conflict of interest. In response to Mayor Mendoza's question whether Councilmember had to state the reasons for recusing himself, City Attorney Tapia noted that a standard would be to articulate the conflict of interest.
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Councilmember Soria stated that he would discuss this with the legal counsel and left the meeting.
Mayor Pro Tem Rebollo moved to approve items #11, #14 and #15, Councilmember Altamirano seconded the motion. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Argumedo, Altamirano, Mayor Pro Tem Rebollo and Mayor Mendoza (4)
RECUSED: Councilmember Soria
Councilmember Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Soria, to approve the Consent Calendar item except #6, #8, #11, #14 and #15. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Soria, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Argumedo, Mayor Mendoza, and Mayor Pro Tem Rebollo
5 -
4. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 10A, & 10B
5. Amendment to the June 15, 2021 Letter of Agreement between the City of Commerce and CCEA Related to Driver’s License Requirements
6. Request for Proposals (RFP) for Preparation of Park and Open Space Master Plan
7. Assignment of Calmet Services Inc. Exclusive Franchise Agreement for Residential Refuse and Recycling Services to Athens Services
8. Changes to Compensation and Fringe Benefits for Full Time Unrepresented Executive Management Employees
9. General Municipal Election - Resolutions Calling and Giving Notice of the June 7, 2022, General Municipal Election, Requesting Board of Supervisors to Render Specified Services and Candidate Statement Requirements
10. Re-Ratifying the Proclamation of a State of Emergency by Governor Newsom, and Re-Authorizing Remote Teleconference Meetings of the Legislative Bodies of the City of Commerce for the 30-Day Period City of Commerce Page 5 Printed on 1/18/2022
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11. Funding Request for Capital Improvement Projects for Fiscal Year 2021-22 and Fiscal Year 2022-23
12. Award of Contract to Koff & Associates to Complete a Comprehensive City-wide Total Compensation Study of all Full-time and Part-time Classifications
13. Traffic Improvements at the Intersection of Gerhart Avenue and Union Pacific Avenue
14. Professional Services Agreement with Gibson Transportation Consulting, Inc. for the Preparation of Complete Street Corridor Study for the Telegraph Corridor Improvements
15. Professional Services Agreement with Lost West for the Preparation of Plans, Specification and Engineer’s Estimate for the Median Improvements along Eastern Avenue and Garfield Avenue
SCHEDULED MATTERS
16. Committee and Commission Appointments
Mayor Mendoza thanked Isais Cantu for his service on Measure AA Advisory Board Committee. Councilmember Argumedo also recognized Isais Cantu for his contributions.
Mayor Pro Tem Rebollo stated that she will be making an appointment to Pageant Steering Committee at the next meeting.
ORDINANCES
17. Second Reading and Adoption of Uncodified Ordinance Approving Amended and Restated Development Agreement Replacing Commercial Cannabis Development Agreement No. 721
Director of Economic Development and Planning Jimenez provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Councilmember Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Soria, to adopt an Uncodified Ordinance approving and adopting corresponding Amended and Restated Development Agreement replacing Development Agreement No. 721, approving the findings consistent with, and pursuant to, Government Code Section 65867.5; approve the Conditions of Approval (as also incorporated in the Amended and Restated Development Agreement); City of Commerce Page 6 Printed on 1/18/2022
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and finding Amended and Restated Development Agreement is exempt from further CEQA review. Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk Shumway read the title of the ordinance. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Soria, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Argumedo, Mayor Mendoza, and Mayor Pro Tem Rebollo
5 -
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Argumedo thanked the colleagues and community for support and condolences related to passing of his sister Lety Chacon.
Councilmember Altamirano and Mayor Pro Tem Rebollo issued condolences to Macias, Casias family, and Councilmember Argumedo's family.
Mayor Pro Tem Rebollo announced that residents could pick up free take-home Covid testing kits at the City of Cudahy park.
Mayor Mendoza reported that on November 27, 2021, he met with the new Pastor Geronimo Sigala, on December 3, 2021 participated in Citadel toy give away event, attended Tree Lightering ceremony at the Rosewood park, on December 10, 2021, attended the donation of toys by the Sheriff's Department and the Fire department, on December 11, 2021, attended the Huntington Park Christmas parade, on December 12, 2021, attended the Lincoln Heights Holiday Parade, on December 18th, 2021,attended the Rosewood park event for a picture with the Santa, on December 19, the Lions Club Christmas dinner, on December 20, 2021, the Democratic Christmas Dinner, and on December 21, 2021, Posada event at Bristow Park.
Mayor Mendoza thanked residents and Johncito Peraza for bringing the issues that were created with the new transportation program, Commerce in Motion. Mayor Mendoza recommended that bus numbers are color-coded and asked that the announcement and changes with the new routes be sent to all residents.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:44 p.m. in memory of Eric Casias, Norma Macias and Lety Chacon, sister of Councilmember Argumedo.
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