City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 13, 2023 - 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 Argumedo called meeting to order at 5:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
There were no public comment on any Closed Session agenda items.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:03 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.
Employee Title: Human Resources Director, Transportation Director, Parks & Recreation Director, Public Works Director, Administrative Services Director, Library Director, Planning and Economic Development Director, Finance Director (Vacant), Safety & Community Services Director (Vacant), Deputy Director of City of Commerce Page 1 Printed on 6/20/2023
City Council Meeting Minutes June 13, 2023
Operations (Vacant), Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, Assistant City Manager, City Manager
2. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(2) - Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - One (1) Matter.
3. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1). One (1) case: From the Earth LLC v. City of Commerce et al. - Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, Case No. 20STCV36221.
4. Pursuant to Government Code §54956.8, the City Council will confer with its real property negotiator, Edgar Cisneros, with respect to real estate negotiations with:
A. Craig Realty Corporation concerning proposed price and other terms relating thereto, comprised of the former Commerce Community Development Commission-owned real property located along the Telegraph Road Corridor, south of Gaspar Avenue and north of the Commerce Casino [Tubeway Avenue], formerly known as 5809, 5819, 5823, 2901/2903, 5933, 5901, 5959, 6000, 6003 and 6233 Telegraph Road and 2240 Gaspar Avenue; 2311, 2322 and 2366 Travers Avenue, Commerce, California.
B. Various parties for 2535 Commerce Way, Commerce CA (APN: 6335-025-901)
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency reconvened to Open Session at 6:05 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session items:
Item #1- staff made a presentation, City Council provided direction and no reportable action was taken on this item.
Items #2, #3 and #4 were not discussed in Closed Session. 6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Argumedo called meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Rebollo and Councilmember Garcia arrived at 7:25 p.m.
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Mayor Argumedo
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Human Resources led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Lainez offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Tree City U.S.A. 2022 Award and Recognition of the Arbor Day 2023 Poster Contest Winners
Nick Padilla, Maintenance Worker, along with the principles of Rosewood Parks and Bandini Elementary Schools, recognized and acknowledged the talented students who won Arbor Day 2023 Poster Contest.
2. Recognition of Damaris Gonzalez and Blanca Zendejas for their Community Contributions and Active Involvement in the
Commerce-Aguascalientes Sister Cities Association
Mayor Argumedo and Councilmembers recognized Damaris Gonzalez and Blanca Zendejas for their active involvement in the Commerce-Aguascalientes Sister Cities Association.
3. Recognition of Bryan Bravo for his Community Contributions and Exceptional Service as Constituent Services Manager for Congressman Robert Garcia
Mayor Argumedo and the Councilmembers expressed their heartfelt recognition for Bryan Bravo's exceptional contributions. They extended their gratitude to him for the tireless efforts he has put into serving the community, as well as acknowledging the diligent work of Congressman and his dedicated staff.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Rosa Zambrano extended her heartfelt congratulations to Damaris Gonzalez for her well-deserved recognition during tonight's meeting. However, amidst the positive news, Rosa also expressed her unfortunate situation of having her catalytic converter stolen.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Lainez requested to pull item #6 from the Consent Calendar for City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 6/20/2023
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discussion.
Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk Shumway informed everyone present that the annual destruction of records that are no longer needed, as permitted by law, was underway. This year, it was recommended to dispose of certain files, including human resources and administrative records, as well as referendum petitions. A discussion ensued regarding the city's practice of maintaining digital copies of these files. Director Shumway confirmed that the majority of the records had already been digitized, ensuring their preservation.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Altamirano, to approve a Resolution authorizing the destruction of certain records. The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmember Lainez, Vice Mayor Altamirano and Mayor Argumedo (3)
Absent: Councilmembers Rebollo and Garcia (2)
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to approve the Consent Calendar minus item #6. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 3 - Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, and Councilmember Lainez
Absent: 2 - Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Rebollo
4. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 19A, 19B, and 19C
5. Approval of Minutes
6. Authorizing the Destruction of Certain Records
7. Professional Services Agreement with the Pun Group LLP for Auditing Services
8. Amendment No. 3 to an Agreement with Keenan & Associates for Self-Insured Claims Administration
SCHEDULED MATTERS
9. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department Regarding Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Duarte provided an overview of ongoing activities carried out by the deputies and staff for the last two weeks. One of the primary focuses has been the clean-up efforts related to the issue of homelessness in the area. Additionally, Sergeant Duarte mentioned that the City faces more crime compared to City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 6/20/2023
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neighboring areas, partly due to the presence of Citadel and Commerce Shopping Center. Another contributing factor is the recent change in the system, where individuals who commit non-violent offenses are issued citations instead of being granted bail, except for cases involving violent crimes, which still result in bookings in jail.
Councilmember Lainez praised Sergeant Duarte for the presentation and acknowledged the incorporation of council suggestions.
Mayor Argumedo shared information about the Beverly Hills Sheriff's Department, which had provided valuable suggestions on crime reduction during a presentation at the Contact Cities conference. The Mayor specifically mentioned the utilization of drone technology, a command center, and automatic license plate readers by the Beverly Hills Sheriff's Department. As a recommendation, Mayor Argumedo suggested that the staff reach out to the Beverly Hills Sheriff's Department to gather more information about their strategies. The gathered information could then be shared with Steve Craig and the management of Commerce Shopping Center to explore possible implementation.
ORDINANCES
10. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Commerce Municipal Code, Title 5 (Business Regulations and Licensing), Chapter
5.16 (Sidewalk Vending)
After calling for a recess at 7:16pm, Mayor Argumedo resumed the City Council meeting at 7:25pm. Councilmember Rebollo and Councilmember Garcia joined the meeting during this time.
Christie Garcia and Jocelyn Portales presented their recommendations for changes to Street Vending regulations.
Councilmember Lainez inquired about how the proposed changes would be communicated to the vendors once they are implemented. The staff responded by stating that informational materials would be made available in both English and Spanish, and vendors would be required to go through a permit application process.
Councilmember Lainez also raised the question of where food preparation would be permitted or provided. Assistant City Manager Domic acknowledged that this aspect of the regulations is still a work in progress and that they would work out details and collaborate with the legal team to explore options. Christie Garcia added that the proposed amendments align with existing bills and regulations and City of Commerce Page 5 Printed on 6/20/2023
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that the staff and attorneys would work on ironing out additional details as the process evolves.
There was a discussion about equity and ensuring a well-regulated process. The City would have the authority to choose the locations for food preparation areas.
Councilmember Garcia expressed gratitude to everyone involved for their hard work in developing the regulations and mentioned the importance of having an implementation plan. Councilmember Garcia requested a meeting with Assistant City Manager Domic to discuss the details of the implementation plan further.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Altamirano, to introduce for First Reading by Title Only and waive further reading, an Ordinance amending Chapter 5.16 to the City of Commerce Municipal Code relating to sidewalk vending. The motion was carried by the following vote:
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
The Councilmembers and the Mayor extended their wishes for a Happy Father's Day to all the fathers present.
Councilmember Rebollo took the opportunity to congratulate all the mothers who celebrated Mother's Day and also acknowledged the graduates from Commerce. In addition, she expressed congratulations to Councilmember Garcia on her daughter's graduation from USC with a master's degree. She also commended the Crush girls on their achievement of reaching the National AAIU tournament, expressing pride in their accomplishments.
Councilmember Garcia reported her participation in a Mother's Day event.
Councilmember Lainez reported that attended a Housing Update workshop at the Senior Center, being present at Veil High School's graduation ceremony, and extending congratulations to all the graduates. He also mentioned attending the Commerce Business Council Day at the Races, the Saturday concerts at the parks, and offering good luck wishes to the Commerce Aces for their tournament in Las Vegas. Councilmember Lainez also wished success to the Commerce Crush.
Vice Mayor Altamirano reported attending the Business Council Day at the Races event and joined in congratulating the graduates.
Mayor Argumedo informed the meeting attendees that Councilmember Lainez and Councilmember Rebollo would be hosting a Father's Day event. The Mayor himself had attended the Business Council Day at the Races and the Concert at the Park series.
ADJOURNMENT
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Meeting adjourned at 7:56 p.m. in memory of Blanca Macias, former City employee.
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