City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 13, 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 Rebollo called meeting to order at 5:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Rebollo
Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo
Councilmember Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
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 5:05 p.m.
1. 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.
2. Pursuant to Government Code §54956.8, the City Council will confer with its real property City of Commerce Page 1 Printed on 10/20/2022
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negotiator, Edgar Cisneros, with respect to real estate negotiations for:
A. 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.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency reconvened to Open Session at 6:06 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session items:
Item #1 A, B & C- staff provided a presentation, the City Council provided feedback, and
no reportable action was taken on these items.
Items #2 - staff provided a presentation, feedback was provided, and no reportable action was taken on this item.
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rebollo called the regular City Council meeting to order at 6:08 pm
ROLL CALL
Mayor Rebollo
Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo
Councilmember Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Parks and Recreation Alaniz led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Mayor Rebollo offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation Declaring September 2022 as Deaf Awareness Month in the City of Commerce
Mayor Rebollo read the Proclamation. Director of Parks & Recreation Alaniz presented a video regarding Deaf Awareness and Janelle Ocampo mother to City of Commerce Page 2 Printed on 10/20/2022
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Olivia. Ocampo thanked the Parks & Recreation Department and the Special Needs Commission. Ms. Ocampo addressed the City Council and stated that seeing the community come together and make accommodations is priceless and expressed gratitude for all the efforts made to help her daughter’s dreams come true.
2. Commendation Honoring Olivia Ocampo for her many achievements as a young role model and Commerce resident
Mayor Rebollo read the Commendation for Olivia Ocampo and congratulated her for her tenacity and bravery. Councilmembers congratulated Olivia Ocampo; commended staff for their efforts, adapting their instruction style and commended the parents for supporting their daughter.
3. Recognition of the Commerce United Soccer, and Commerce Hearts Teams for their 2022 Season
Mayor Rebollo introduced the Commerce Hearts and Commerce United Soccer Team. City Councilmembers thanked the teams for their hard work, commended the coaches for their dedication, encouraged the athletes to continue working hard and thanked them for making Commerce proud.
4. Certificate of Recognition for Transtech, LS Power, Cal Water, Portos, Dosner Organic Farms, New Century Snacks, Street Racing Kills, Family Health Care Centers of Greater Los Angeles for Particiaption and Generous Donation for National Night Out Event held on August 2, 2022 Director of Economic Development & Planning Jimenez presented this item and presented certificates to organizations who supported and contributed to the City’s Annual National Night out.
5. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department Regarding Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Mayra Duarte provided an update for the last two weeks. Mayor Rebollo reminded the Sergeant of the continued need to patrol the gated communities .
Vice Mayor Argumedo thanked the Sergeant for their efforts discussed at the last meeting and requested they include the catalytic converter theft issues happening in the City.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Andrea Lupercio voiced her dissatisfaction with the possibility of the Bandini Library closure.
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Belen Ortega stated she has enjoyed the many services the Cit has to offer and urges Council not to consider closing Bandini Library.
Antonia Lupercio expressed her concern regarding possible plans of the Bandini Library closure and urged Council to re-consider their plans.
Luisa Rios stated that she would like the residents to have a say and asked Council to share any plans they may have for the Library so residents don’t feel ignored.
Leonard Mendoza stated he supports the residents who voiced concerns on the library closure. Urged Council to use funds to support the children and their education.
Beatriz Sarmiento shared with Council that there will be an Open House at Bandini Elementary where the residents could learn about the proposed Learning Center at the Bandini Library Site. Sarmiento provided a brief background on the proposed Bandini project that includes computers , laptop lending, hot spots and invited the public to the Open House.
Kevin Larson commended Olivia Ocampo and her parents; he also urged Council to vote yes on Item #11 and thanked City Manager and City Council for their support.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Argumedo, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Rebollo, Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
5 -
6. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 26 A, 26B, 26C, and 4A
7. 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
8. Agreement with County of Los Angeles Probation Department for Fiscal City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 10/20/2022
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Year 2022-2023
9. Local Roadway Safety Plan
10. Adoption of Caltrans Local Assistance Procedures Manual Chapter 10 for Consultant Selection for State and Federal Funded Project
SCHEDULED MATTERS
11. Letter of Agreement Between the City of Commerce and City of Commerce Employee Association Related to Compensation and other terms for Part-Time and Full Time Represented Employees as well as Modifications to Compensation for Full Time Unrepresented Employees and Executive Management.
City Manager Cisneros presented this item and briefly reviewed the options presented in the Staff Report.
Mayor Rebollo thanked the Union, the employees for their patience, their contributions to the community, and reminded the employees the desire of the Council was always to restore the funds that were affected by the pandemic.
Councilmembers thanked and commended staff for their efforts on putting together a proposal that took their concerns into consideration; thanked employees for their patience and for their continued efforts in providing excellent customer service.
Mayor Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to approve the Letter of Agreement between the City of Commerce and the City of Commerce Employee Association. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Rebollo, Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
5 -
12. Presentation and Review of Proposed 2022/2023 Fiscal Year Budget Assistant City Manager Domic presented this item and provided an overview of the staff report and PowerPoint presentation. Assistant City Manager Domic discussed each budget item individually and explained each recommended and requested item.
Vice Mayor Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to approve the Administration budget request of $13,800. The motion was carried by the following vote:
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Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Rebollo (5)
Vice Mayor Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to approve the City Clerk/Graphics/PIO budget request of $4,900. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Rebollo (5)
Vice Mayor Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Altamirano, to approve the Finance & IT budget request for $36,540. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Rebollo (5)
Vice Mayor Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Altamirano, to approve the Human Resources budget request in the amount of $64,266. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Rebollo (5)
Vice Mayor Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to approve the Public Works budget request in the amount of $125,702. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Rebollo (5)
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Altamirano, to approve the Economic Development and Planning budget request in the amount of $174,981.
In response to Mayor Rebollo's inquiry on the timeline of the Part-Time Code Enforcement Officer position, Assistant City Manager Domic advised that staff City of Commerce Page 6 Printed on 10/20/2022
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anticipates revisiting this request during the next budget cycle. Councilmember Garcia asked for clarification on the recommended Full-time Assistant Planner position. Assistant City Manager Domic explained that after discussions with Department Director Jimenez it was decided that a Full-Time Planner would benefit the department due to the high workload currently experienced. City Manager Cisneros also advised that the Assistant Planner position would assist with the City's Housing Programs since the current Housing Contractor will no longer be assisting the City with this service.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Rebollo(4)
Nayes: Councilmember Garcia (1)
Councilmember Altamirano moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Argumedo, to approve the Library Services budget request in the amount of $106,514. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Rebollo (5)
Assistant City Manager Domic presented Parks & Recreation Budget requests.
Discussion ensued, and Councilmember Garcia requested an itemized budget, including encumbrances, expenses, and annual ending balances for each quarter for the programs listed in the Budget list.
Further discussion ensued. Mayor Rebollo requested staff identify the time-sensitive items versus those that will not be impacted at this time, and Director of Parks & Recreation Alaniz identified 10 items. Mayor Rebollo asked Councilmembers if they would like to move forward with taking action on the time-sensitive items specified. Councilmembers Altamirano, Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo, and Mayor Rebollo voted Yes; Councilmember Garcia voted No.
Further discussion ensued.
In reference to the BVAC Aquatics budget item, Mayor Rebollo announced she would be recusing herself from voting on this item due to a potential conflict of interest. Vice Mayor Argumedo proceeded to entertain a motion.
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Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Altamirano, to approve the Parks & Recreation-Aquatics budget request for $273,000. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Lainez, and Vice Mayor Argumedo (3)
Nayes: Councilmember Garci(1)
Recused: Councilmember Rebollo (1)
Vice Mayor Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to approve the Parks & Recreation-Camp Commerce budget request in the amount of $97,500.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Rebollo
Nayes: Councilmember Garcia (5)
Councilmember Altamirano moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Argumedo, to approve the Parks & Recreation-Day Camp budget request in the amount of $146,047. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Rebollo (4)
Nayes: Councilmember Garcia (1)
Councilmember Altamirano moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Argumedo, to approve the Parks & Recreation-Kids Club budget request in the amount of $106,117. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Lainez, Councilmember Garcia, Vice Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Rebollo (5)
In response to Councilmember Garcia's inquiry on the anticipated expenses for Youth Sports, Director of Parks & Recreation Alaniz advised that the expense consists of staffing, uniforms, officials, and equipment.
Vice Mayor Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to approve the Parks & Recreation-Youth Sports Budget Request in the amount of $50,000. The City of Commerce Page 8 Printed on 10/20/2022
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motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garca, Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Rebollo (5)
Councilmember Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to approve the Parks & Recreation-Senior Shuttle Budget Request in the amount of $64,000. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Rebollo (5)
Councilmember Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to approve the Parks & Recreation-Preschool Budget Request in the amount of $55,066. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Rebollo (5)
Mayor Rebollo advised she would be recusing herself from voting on the Parks & Recreation Swim meets item due to a potential conflict of interest. Vice Mayor Argumedo proceeded to entertain a motion.
Councilmember Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to approve the Parks & Recreation Swim Meets budget request in the amount of $33,900. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo (4)
Recused: Mayor Rebollo (1)
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Altamirano, to approve the Parks & Recreation Halloween budget request in the amount of $13,560. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Rebollo (5)
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Mayor Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to approve the Parks & Recreation Christmas Tree Lighting budget request in the amount of $4,294. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Rebollo (5)
Councilmember Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to approve the Parks & Recreation Veterans Day budget request in the amount of $452. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Rebollo (5)
Mayor Rebollo announced that the remaining items for approval would be presented at an upcoming Council meeting once staff is able to compile the requested information.
Assistant City Manager Domic continued the presentation and discussed the Capital Outlay Requests advising the Council that the items presented are the same as were presented at the August 23, 2022, City Council Meeting.
Mayor Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Altamirano, to approve the Capital Outlay Items in the amount of $249,000. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Rebollo (5)
Acting Public Works Director Nila provided the Council with a brief overview of the Measure AA Capital Improvement Projects. A brief discussion ensued and concentrated mainly on the items approved by the Measure AA Committee, and the status of the projects, and discussed addressing the Brenda Villa HVAC project as a separate agenda item in the near future.
Mayor Rebollo and Councilmember Altamirano announced they would be recusing themselves from voting on the Commerce Way Street Improvement Project item due to a potential conflict of interest.
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Vice Mayor Argumedo proceeded to entertain a motion. Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to approve the Commerce Way Street Improvement Project. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Vice Mayor Argumedo (3)
Abstain: Councilmember Altamirano, Mayor Rebollo (2)
Mayor Rebollo entertained a motion for the remaining items listed. Vice Mayor Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Altamirano, to approve the Measure AA Capital Improvements Project List with the exception of the Commerce Way item. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Rebollo (5)
ORDINANCE
13. First Reading of an Uncodified Ordinance Approving a Development Agreement Related to Application No. 18-030
Director of Economic Development and Planning Jimenez provided a brief overview of the staff report and advised that the only change being requested for this development agreement is a change of ownership.
Vice Mayor Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, Introduced for First Reading, by waiving the full reading and reading by title only, an Uncodified Ordinance approving a Development Agreement with Asceend (a California Corporation) related to Application No. 18-030 for a commercial cannabis business at 6251 Bandini Blvd., in the City of Commerce, and making a determination regarding exemption from further CEQA review and direct staff to prepare and file corresponding Notices of Exemption. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Rebollo, Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
5 -
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Altamirano thanked the employees for their patience and requested that the speaker system in the Council Chambers be addressed.
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Councilmember Garcia reported that she attended the Veterans Library Grand Opening and commended staff for a job well done. She wished Beatriz Sarmiento good luck in her next journey and reported that she attended the Education Commission meeting, where commissioners gave great ideas to enhance the Commerce Scholarship program. Requested an update on sports programs to which the City Manager Cisneros advised that as part of the budget approved, some sports will be brought back, and staff at the direction of the Council will be looking into Coach volunteers. She concluded her report by congratulating her former preschool teacher Ms. Sterling on her 100-year birthday.
Councilmember Lainez thanked the Union for their efforts in coming to an agreement and thanked Beatriz Sarmiento for her service to the Library, and wished her the best. He also attended the College Fair, Alice Sterling's celebration, and thanked staff for putting the event together; he visited the La Mirada police station and attended the League of California Cities conference.
Councilmember Lainez requested that staff continue looking at ways to implement ideas gathered from the visit to La Mirada, specifically the "Coffee with a Cop" event that can hopefully take place in the near future.
Vice Mayor Argumedo thanked staff for their work on the budget, thanked employees for their patience, and thanked staff for putting together the celebration for Alice Sterling. Vice Mayor Argumedo requested an update on the Speed hump project on Emil & Pacific Ave, and Acting Director Nila shared that the project is scheduled. He also thanked the Sergeant for her presentation and recommendations to address crimes in the City.
Mayor Rebollo thanked Library Director Beatriz Sarmiento for her dedication and wished her the best. Thanked staff for their hard work and efforts to finalize the budget and extended her condolences to Thomas Villegas' family on his passing.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 9:15pm
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