City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, December 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 5:01 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 Closed Session items.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:02 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 regarding Mitsubishi property concerning proposed price and other terms relating thereto, comprised of 5440 Telegraph Road, Commerce, California (APN: 6336-023-920).
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.
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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) & (e)(2) - Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - One (1) Matter.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency reconvened to Open Session at 6:17 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session items:
Item #1- Councilmember Altamirano recused himself due to a potential conflict as he provided services to the Mitsubishi dealership. Staff provided a presentation; Council provided feedback and direction. No reportable action was taken on this item.
Item #2 and #3- the staff made a presentation, City Council provided feedback, and no reportable action was taken on this item.
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Rebollo called meeting to order at 6:19 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Rebollo
Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo
Councilmember Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director Pappo led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Mayor Rebollo offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Certificate of Recognition for the Schurr Varsity Volleyball Team for winning Almont League Championship 2022 and Making to CIF Quarter Finals
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Councilmembers and the Mayor recognized the Schurr High School Varsity team and issued a commendation to Couch Jorge Salasortiz for his countless achievement and many years of dedicated service to the City of Commerce.
2. Commendation Honoring Ted Jimenez, Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters Union Representative, on the Occasion of his Retirement and his Service to the Community
Councilmember Mireya Garcia issued a commendation for Ted Jimenez on the occasion of his retirement from the Southwest Regional Council of Carpenters.
Councilmembers and the Mayor spoke about Ted's contributions to the community and collaboration with Mr. Jimenez over the years.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Antonia Lupercia stated that nobody in the Bandini area received a survey, and advocated for keeping the Bandini library the same as before.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor Argumedo 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. 10A, 10B and 10C
4. Approval of Minutes
5. Purchase of Ford F-350 Stake Bed Truck From Downtown Ford
6. Declaration of Results of November 8, 2022, Special Municipal Election
SCHEDULED MATTERS
7. Citadel Black Friday Weekend Sales Event Debrief
Acting Public Works Director Nila provided an overview. Overall it was a successful event, including traffic control during the event. There was an off-site parking availability, and the Transportation Department assigned two buses to provide shuttle services to and from Citadel. There were 1,200 riders on two shuttles during the event.
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Sergeant Duarte stated that they received only 21 calls. Most of the calls were resolved as people misplaced their wallets or could not find a car parked elsewhere, and nothing significant happened regarding public safety. Sergeant Duarte added that next year Deputies would work with Caltrans to get streetlight override keys to better control traffic, especially on Traffic and Gaspar.
Discussion took place about flaggers, and for the next year, ensure Citadel Outlets contribute to off-site flaggers' costs. Director Nila stated that Citadel refused to contribute to off-site flaggers' costs. The total cost for the City for flaggers was thirty-three thousand. According to Mayor Rebollo, it is a partnership, and Citadel should be sharing the cost with the City.
Councilmember Lainez recommended better traffic control and/or flaggers on Eastern and Atlantic past Steven's Steakhouse.
8. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department Regarding Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Duarte provided an overview of crime statistics for the last two weeks.
Discussion took place regarding reducing crime from vehicles and what other cities do about it. Sergeant Duarte stated that staff would be delivering two flyers to the residents regarding a theft from the cars and preventive measures against catalytic converters theft.
Discussion took place regarding the incident on Wilma Avenue. According to Sergeant Duarte, that individual was reported as trespassing on the property; however, deputies cannot report or charge for trespassing if the individual is no longer on the property. In response to Councilmember Garcia's question on how long the individual would be detained if actually arrested for trespassing, Sergeant Duarte stated for 48 hours. Further discussion took place on detention for grand theft. Sergeant Duarte also reported that a homeless camp was cleared on Flotilla and Nevis, and one individual was arrested for trespassing.
9. Memorandum of Understanding Between the City of Commerce and Street Racing Kills to Provide Driving and Intervention Program Management Services
City Manager Cisneros provided an overview of the staff report.
Discussion took place. In response to Councilmember Garcia's question about the City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 1/18/2023
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funding part of this partnership, City Manager Cisneros stated that annually these funds are distributed to cities. Once the City receives funding as requested or a portion of it, City staff would oversee the project and be a fiscal entity, while Street Racing Kills would spend the funds and run the project.
Mayor Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt a Resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding with Street Racing Kills to provide driving and intervention program management services in and around the City of Commerce; and to apply for an OTS grant with the same objective. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Rebollo, Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
5 -
10. Special Needs Commission Request to Change Name of Special Needs Commission to Commission on Disabilities Access and Opportunity Director of Parks and Recreation Alaniz provided an overview of the staff report. A brief discussion took place.
Vice Mayor Argumedo moved, seconded by Mayor Rebollo, to adopt a resolution approving changing the name of the Special Needs Commission to the City of Commerce Commission on Disabilities Access and Opportunity. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Rebollo, Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
5 -
11. City Council Acceptance of Final Report Concerning Citywide Total Compensation Study of all Full-Time and Part-Time Classifications Director of Human Resources Pappo provided an overview of the staff report.
Vice Mayor Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to receive and file the final results of the total compensation study of all full-time and part-time position classifications conducted by Koff & Associates, a division of Gallagher Benefit Services, Inc. and receive Council direction, as deemed appropriate. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Rebollo, Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
5 -
12. Mixmaster Improvement Project Update, Approval of Plans and Specifications for Phase 1, and Authorizing Staff to Proceed with Phase 2 of the Project
Councilmember Altamirano recused himself from participating in/discussing item City of Commerce Page 5 Printed on 1/18/2023
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#12 due to potential conflict.
Acting Public Works Director Nila provided an overview of the staff report. Scott Mann, Hartzog& Grabill, provided a presentation.
In response to Vice Mayor Argumedo regarding bridge widening and Measure R funding for that project, Mr. Munn stated that this part of the development would need to be incorporated with Caltrans into the overall project to receive funding.
In response to Councilmember Lainez's questions, Mr. Mann confirmed that the right turn would reduce traffic significantly on Atlantic Blvd. Councilmember Lainez recommended separating Atlantic South, and Mr. Mann stated that overhead signs would be installed and be very visible and work well together with pavement signs.
Further discussion took place regarding the esthetic and functionality standpoint of the road signs. It was a consensus among the City Council to ask Graphics Division to render what road signs would look like. Mr. Mann stated that ground markings would be additional help for the drivers.
Vice Mayor Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to receive and file a presentation by Hartzog & Crabill, for the Mixmaster Project Update; and approve plans and specification for the immediate traffic safety improvements (Phase 1), authorize staff to proceed with bid solicitation, but delete/remove item 4 Phase 1 (road markings) from bid and cost of the project if the City Council does not agree on road markings; authorize staff to proceed with Phase 2 project design including the right of way dedication proceeding from Successor Agency for the dedicated right turn lane and 8 feet sidewalk. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Rebollo, Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez Recused:1 - Councilmember Altamirano
ORDINANCES
13. Adoption and Second 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 Prevention) Adopting by Reference the 2023 Los Angeles County Fire Code (Title 32)
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Director of Economic Development and Planning Jimenez provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Councilmember Altamirano moved, seconded by Vice Mayro Argumedo, to adopt, 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. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Rebollo, Mayor Pro Tem Argumedo, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
5 -
14. Adoption and Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending Commerce Municipal Code, Title 5 (Business Regulations and Licensing), Sections
48.010 Through 48.360, of the Chapter 5.48 (Card Clubs) City Manager Cisneros provided a brief overview.
Vice Mayor Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to adopt, read by title only, and waive further reading, the Ordinance amending Commerce Municipal Code, Chapter 5 "Business Regulations", Chapter 5.48 "Card Clubs", Sections 48.010 through 48.360. 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
Councilmembers and the Mayor stated that the Tree Lightening Ceremony was an amazing event.
Councilmember Garcia reported that she participated in the Thanksgiving event for Seniors.
Councilmember Lainez wished everyone a Happy Holiday season. Councilmember Lainez said he is happy to see most of the programming restored after the pandemic.
Vice Mayor Argumedo wished everyone Happy Holidays.
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Mayor Rebollo reported that she attended the Children's Christmas program and announced that Camp Commerce finally re-opened.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:21p.m. in memory of Joe Lozano, Commerce resident and member of United Family of Bristow and Commerce Lions Club.
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