City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 22, 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 5:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Vice Mayor Argumedo attended the meeting via teleconferencing.
Mayor Rebollo
Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo
Councilmember Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Present: 5 -
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
There were no individual wishing to address the City Council on any Closed Session items.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:04p.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. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) City of Commerce Page 1 Printed on 12/13/2022
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& (e)(2) - Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - One (1) Matter.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency reconvened to Open Session at 6:12 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed session items #1 and #2. Staff provided a presentation, the City Council provided direction, and no reportable action was taken on items #1 and #2.
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rebollo called meeting to order at 6:13 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Rebollo
Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo
Councilmember Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Assistant City Manager Domic led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Lainez offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Recognition of the Commerce Unplugged Performing Teams for their Achievements during 2022
Councilmembers and the Mayor recognized the Unplugged teams for their outstanding performances during 2022.
2. Commendation Honoring Ted Jimenez, Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters Union Representative, on the Occasion of his Retirement and his Service to the Community
This item was continued to the next meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no individuals wishing to address the City Council on any items within their jurisdiction.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Altamirano, 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 -
3. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 8A, 8B, 8C, 9A, 9B, and 9C
4. Approval of Minutes
5. Purchase of the Unitrends Recovery R9040S Appliance and a 2-Year Retention Cloud Subscription From Computer 1 Products Solutions
6. Amendment No. 1 to the Catch Basin Trash Excluder Maintenance Agreement with Los Angeles County Flood Control District
7. Letters of Support for Land Bank Pilot Program and State Transportation Funding for West Santa Ana Branch
SCHEDULED MATTERS
8. 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. Vice Mayor Argumedo asked for an update about the burglary that occurred on Gaspar avenue and inquired about the status of the catalytic converter prevention campaign.
Sergeant Duarte stated that staff is working on a flyer regarding catalytic converters, including information on what vehicles are mostly targeted and also preventive measures to protect from theft. There will be flyers on the upcoming Citadel drive that will be distributed to the residents.
9. Committee and Commission Appointments
Vice Mayor Argumedo appointed Daniel Reyes to Youth Advisory Commission.
Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Altamirano, to adopt The City Council will consider making an appointment to the Youth Advisory Commission and other commissions as deemed necessary. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Rebollo, Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
5 -
10. Council Meeting Schedule - Cancelling December 27, 2022, Meeting and Rescheduling January 10, 2023, to January 12, 2023, due to Holiday Closure of the City Hall
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City Manager Cisneros provided a brief overview of the staff report.
11. Metro Measure R Funding Agreement for Slauson Corridor Improvements from I-5 to I-710 Project
Acting Public Works Director Nila provided an overview of the staff report.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Altamirano, to adopt a Resolution approving Metro's Measure R Funding Agreement for $2,230,000 for Project Approval/Environmental Document and Design of the Slauson Corridor Improvements from I-5 to I-710 Project. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Rebollo, Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
5 -
12. Tree Maintenance Services Agreement Extension
Acting Public Works Director Nila provided an overview of the staff report.
Vice Mayor Argumedo inquired whether the tree shoots could be addressed.
According to Acting Director Nila, tree trimming is performed once a year and contract does not include returning of the contractor to address the shoots, and if the City requests the service it would be at an additional cost. Victor Gonzales, Vice President of the West Coast Arborist, added that the company is aware of those issues of shoots coming out, but they have the capability and by working with staff to identify those areas that are more susceptible to those tree shoots, and they could place treatment on trees to prevent shoots from coming or come to those area to cut those shoots. Mr. Gonzalez also added that the West Coast Arborist has that data on those areas that need tree shoots trimmed and could address those areas. In response to Councilmember Altamirano's suggestion to trim while West Coast Arborist comes for watering, Mr. Gonzales stated that they could include that as well.
Councilmember Garcia inquired as to how often the maintenance on trees is performed, to which Director Nila responded trees are inspected annually or bi-annually depending on species. Councilmember Garcia asked about efforts made to falling/leaning trees, especially some trees currently on Eastern and Gage Avenue. According to Director Nila, small leaning trees are re-staked, and all trees are inspected annually or bi-annually and replaced if needed. However, the in-house Arborist inspects trees on an ongoing basis and staff requests West Coast Arborist address matters as needed.
Further discussion took place with leaning and falling trees. Councilmember Lainez suggested to approve the extension, direct staff to release RFP and include hazardous evaluation component and a la carte service.
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Acting Director Nila added that in the last ten years, the City issued RFP, had two other companies for some time, but majority of the time, West Coast Arborist was selected by the City Council. Acting Director Nila also added that sometimes City utilizes parks maintenance staff to help with pruning of trees, and identifying hazardous areas.
Mayor Rebollo recommended option 2 and maybe extend the contract for only six months.
Councilmember Altamirano moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Argumedo, to approve option 1 & 2 approving a First Amendment to the Agreement with a
7.4% CPI adjustment and a one year extension, authorize the release of a new RFP, and also set up a program to take shoots off the trees. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 3 - Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo, Councilmember Altamirano, and Councilmember Lainez Nayes: 2 - Mayor Rebollo, and Councilmember Garcia
ORDINANCES
13. (1a) Introduction for First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Commerce Municipal Code, Title 5, Chapter 5.48 Regarding Card Clubs; (1b) Introduction for First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Commerce Municipal Code, Title 5, Sections 48.010 Through 48.350, Relating to Card Clubs; (2) Resolution Calling for a Special Election Placing a Ballot Measure on March 7, 2023, for the Submission to Voters of an Ordinance Amending Commerce Municipal Code, Title 5, Chapter 5.48 Regarding Card Clubs, Setting Deadlines for Filing Written Arguments for and Against the Initiative Measure, and Rebuttals Thereof; Directing the City Attorney to Prepare an Impartial Analysis
City Manager Cisneros provided an overview of the staff report.
Mayor Rebollo asked staff to discuss with Casino representatives continuous commitment to programs and services and see if the Casino could make any additional contributions to City programs. City Manager Cisneros stated that they would bring the ordinance for the second reading on December 13, and the City Council has until December 21, 2022, to pull the measure and call off the Special election.
Mayor Rebollo moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Argumedo, to (1a) Introduce for First reading, read by title only, and waive further reading, the Ordinance amending Commerce Municipal Code, Chapter 5 "Business Regulations", City of Commerce Page 5 Printed on 12/13/2022
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Chapter 5.48 "Card Clubs", Sections 48.010 through 48.350; (1b) Introduce for First Reading, read by title only, and waive further reading, the Ordinance amending Commerce Municipal Code , Title 5 "Business Regulations", Chapter 5.48 "Card Clubs" relating to card clubs; and (2) Adopt a Resolution Calling and Giving Notice of the Special Municipal Election to Be Held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, for the submission to the voters an Ordinance Amending Commerce Municipal Code, Title 5 "Business Regulations", Chapter 5.48 "Card Clubs" , setting deadlines for filing written arguments for and against the referendum measures, and rebuttals thereof, directing the City Attorney to prepare an impartial analysis; and adopt a Resolution requesting that the Board of Supervisors for the County of Los Angeles render specified services relating to said election. Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk Shumway read the titles of the Ordinances. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Rebollo, Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
5 -
14. Second Reading of an Uncodified Ordinance Approving a Development Agreement Related to Application No. 18-004
Director of Economic Development and Planning Jimenez provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Councilmember Garcia stepped out of the Council Chambers at 7:17 pm., and returned at 7:25 p.m.
Vice Mayor Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to adopt for Second Reading, by waiving the full reading and reading by title only, an Uncodified Ordinance approving the Development Agreement with M&M Commerce Holdings, Inc (a California Corporation) related to Application No. 18-004, for a commercial cannabis business at 4650 E. Washington Blvd., and making a determination regarding exemption from further CEQA review and direct staff to prepare and file corresponding Notices of Exemption. Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk Shumway read the title of the Ordinance. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Rebollo, Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo, Councilmember Altamirano, and Councilmember Lainez
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Garcia
15. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending the City of Commerce Municipal Code, Title 15 (Building and Construction) Adopting by Reference the 2023 Los Angeles County Building Code (Title 26), Electrical Code (Title 27), Plumbing Code (Title 28), Mechanical Code (Title 29), Residential Code (Title 30), Green Building Standards Code (Title 31), Existing Building Code (Title 33), and by Modifying Title 16 (Fire City of Commerce Page 6 Printed on 12/13/2022
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Prevention) Adopting by Reference the 2023 Los Angeles County Fire Code (Title 32)
Director of Economic Development and Planning Jimenez provided a brief overview of the staff report.
The City Council will consider for Introduction and First Readin, by title only and waiving further reading, an Ordinance Amending the City of Commerce Municipal Code, Title 15 (Building and Construction) Adopting by Reference the 2023 Los Angeles County Building Code (Title 26), Electrical Code (Title 27), Plumbing Code (Title 28), Mechanical Code (Title 29), Residential Code (Title 30), Green Building Standards Code (Title 31), Existing Building Code (Title 33), and by modifying Title 16 (Fire Prevention) adopting by reference the 2023 Los Angeles County Fire Code (Title 32) with Certain Amendments, Additions and Deletions Thereto. Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk Shumway read the title of the Ordinance. 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
Mayor and Councilmembers wished everyone Happy Thanksgiving. Mayor and Councilmembers complimented the staff for working as a team on the Turkey Giveaway event.
Councilmember Altamirano asked people to take precautions for Christmas and not leave gifts in the cars. Councilmember Altamirano asked that the staff invites Congresswoman for a meet and greet with the City.
Councilmember Lainez reported that he attended the Parks Master Plan Workshop at Rosewood park and invited everyone to the Tree Lightening ceremony.
Councilmember Garcia reported attending several water polo games, a holiday drive-through, and a Parks Master Plan workshop.
Mayor Rebollo thanked staff for a great event for the seniors at the Senior Center.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:39 p.m. in memory of Duke Nomura, owner of Commerce Flowers, and in memory of Andre Chico, brother of former City employee Herlinda Chico.
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