City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 27, 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 5:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Rebollo arrived at 5:12 p.m.
Mayor Argumedo
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 4 -
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
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/Successor Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:04 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.
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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 Operations (Vacant), Deputy Director of Parks and Recreation, Assistant City Manager, City Manager
2. 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.
3. 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 6:15 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
Deputy City Attorney Ramirez reported on Closed Session items:
Item #3.B was not discussed in the Closed Session.
Item #1, The City Council received the briefing and provided direction. However, no reportable action was taken on this item.
Item #2, staff provided a briefing, and the City Council provided direction.
However, no reportable action was taken on this item as well.
Item #3.A, staff provided a briefing, and the City Council provided direction.
Similar to the previous items, no reportable action was taken during the Closed City of Commerce Page 2 Printed on 7/6/2023
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Session concerning item #3.A.
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Argumedo called regular meeting to order at 6:16 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 4 -
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Transportation Director McFerguson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Rebollo offered the invocation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Marco Jimenez made a formal request to the City Council, urging them to consider allocating funds for Miss Commerce in the forthcoming year. In his recommendation, he emphasized his extensive experience and provided assurance that his services would be valuable in spearheading the event.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Argumedo made a request to discuss items #11 and #7.
Item #7 - Acting Public Works Director Nila provided an overview of the staff report. Councilmember Garcia inquired about the turf's lifespan, warranty, and maintenance plans. Acting Director Nila responded that the project would include turf and drought-tolerant plants, with a one-year warranty on installation. Further discussion took place.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to adopt a Resolution approving the Plans and Specifications for the Civic Center Landscape Renovation and Demonstration Garden Project. They also awarded a Construction Contract to Green Giant Landscape, Inc. for the same project and authorized Construction Management and Inspection Services by Transtech Engineers, Inc. and Lost West as per their On-Call Professional Consulting Services Agreements.
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The motion was approved with a vote of:
AYES: Councilmembers Garcia, Lainez, Rebollo, and Mayor Argumedo (4)
Absent: Vice Mayor Altamirano (1)
Item #11 - Acting Public Works Director Nila explained that the project had been completed within the scope of work and contract, allowing the release of the 5% contingency. The completed aspects included bus hub stations, pavement, and striping.
Councilmember Garcia inquired about lighting, to which Acting Director Nila confirmed that lighting from Stevenson Steakhouse to Jillson had been completed.
Councilmember Garcia also asked about the purpose of the kiosk, which Transportation Director McFerguson clarified as a means to inform passengers about bus schedules and upcoming events.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to adopt a Resolution accepting the Eastern Avenue Transit Hub Project as complete, and authorize staff to file the Notice of Completion with the County Recorder's Office and release the 5% retention per contract provisions. The motion was approved with a vote of:
AYES: Councilmembers Garcia, Lainez, Rebollo, and Mayor Argumedo (4)
Absent: Vice Mayor Altamirano (1)
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to approve the Consent Calendar minus items #7 and #11. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
1. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 20A, 20B, and 20C
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Letter of Opposition to Proposed Bill AB 480 (Surplus Land Act) and Letter of Support for SB 747 (Land Use: Economic Development Surplus Land)
4. Second Amendment to the TransTrack Systems, Incorporated Maintenance and Support Agreement
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5. Participation in the Los Angeles Urban County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
6. Reimbursement Agreement between the Member Cities for Shelter Beds within the Salvation Army Bell Shelter
7. Award Construction Contract to Green Giant Landscape, Inc. for the Civic Center Landscape Renovation and Demonstration Garden Project
8. Mixmaster Striping and Pavement Marking Improvements Project Acceptance
9. Award of Construction Contract to Square Signs LLC DBA Front Signs for the Citywide Wayfinding Vehicular Directional Signs Project
10. Bristow Park Basketball Courts Resurfacing Change Order
11. Eastern Avenue Transit Hub Project Acceptance
SCHEDULED MATTERS
12. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department Regarding Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Duarte presented an overview of the crime statistics from the past two weeks. Councilmember Rebollo expressed high praise for Sergeant Duarte's work and wanted to relay positive feedback from local businesses to her.
Councilmember Garcia also commended Sergeant Duarte's efforts and inquired about patrol arrangements for the upcoming Fourth of July. Sergeant Duarte confirmed that there will be 24-hour patrols during that time.
Councilmember Lainez raised a concern about the City of Commerce having higher crime rates compared to neighboring cities. In response, Sergeant Duarte explained that this is largely attributed to the presence of two large shopping malls in the City of Commerce. She mentioned plans to engage with Cotadel and Commerce Shopping Mall representatives to explore the possibility of installing automated license plate readers as a means to reduce crime.
Mayor Argumedo added that he had already requested a presentation and wanted to start discussions with the Beverly Hills Sheriff's Department to explore the City of Commerce Page 5 Printed on 7/6/2023
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implementation of any applicable measures in the City of Commerce.
13. Second Amendment to Agreement with Athens Services for Residential Refuse and Recycling Services
Acting Public Works Director Nila presented an overview of the staff report, which was followed by a discussion. During the discussion, Mayor Argumedo raised concerns about the issues regarding trash pick-up citywide.
Gary Clifford, President of Athens, addressed the issue by explaining that the residential program includes bulky item pick-up. Residents are required to call and schedule a pick-up for their bulky items, as Athens cannot pick them up without prior notification. This is to ensure that the items are not intended for donation to the Salvation Army or other organizations. However, if staff or Councilmembers make a request, Athens will promptly pick up the items.
Regarding commercial areas, different refuse providers are responsible for the trash collection.
In response to these concerns, the Mayor proposed the formation of an ad hoc committee to refine the pick-up process and improve efficiency. The goal would be to minimize the time that items remain uncollected. The Mayor also suggested that the community be informed and reminded to schedule pick-ups for their items by calling.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to adopt a Resolution authorizing a Second Amendment to the Agreement with Athens Services for Residential Refuse and Recycling Services. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
14. Adoption of Annual Operating 2023/2024 Fiscal Year Budget Assistant City Manager Domic provided a summary of the staff report during the meeting. It was mentioned that the City Council was not required to make an immediate decision regarding the requested positions as listed. Instead, they were asked to approve a total of $63,962,083 for the City to move forward to next fiscal year. The discussion regarding the specific positions could take place at a later time during the budget workshop sessions.
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Councilmember Rebollo suggested approving certain position requests, particularly emphasizing the need for full-time street helper positions.
Councilmember Lainez expressed agreement with this recommendation.
City Manager Cisneros requested that the City Council submit their questions so that the staff could prepare responses accordingly. Mayor Argumedo emphasized the importance of obtaining a breakdown of costs for any additional requested items, as it would enable the Council to make more informed decisions.
Councilmember Garcia supported this view, suggesting that the Department Director should be capable of addressing questions and being familiar with their respective budgets.
Councilmember Garcia moved, seconded by Mayor Argumedo, to adopt a Resolution approving Fiscal Year budget for 2023-2024. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
15. Approval of Capital Improvement Program for FY 2023/2024 Acting Public Works Director Nila presented an overview of the staff report, which was followed by a discussion. City Manager Cisneros provided an update, stating that progress had been made regarding the installation of a pool. However, additional information was still needed, and it would be presented at a later time.
Further discussion took place concerning the design of Bristow Park, and the roof repairs for Bristow park would be addressed after the design is approved for Bristow park.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to adopt a Resolution approving the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 and provide direction to staff regarding priority projects. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
16. Committee and Commission Appointments
Councilmember Lainez appointed Maria De Los Angeles Barrera to Senior Citizens Commission.
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ORDINANCES
17. Adoption and Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending Commerce Municipal Code, Title 5 (Business Regulations and Licensing), Chapter
5.16 (Sidewalk Vending)
Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk Shumway provided a brief overview.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt and read by title only and waive a full reading, an Ordinance amending Commerce Municipal Code, Title 5 (Business Regulations and Licensing), Chapter 5.16 (Sidewalk Vending). The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Rebollo offered her condolences to the family of Petty Officer Christopher W. Minor, who passed away the previous week.
Councilmember Lainez also expressed his condolences to the Minor family. In addition, he shared his participation in a six-month fellowship program focused on Water Education for Latino Leaders. Through this program, he gained valuable insights into water-related issues and water rights. As part of his involvement, on Saturday, the 17th, he co-hosted a water workshop in Paramount, which featured several speakers. Finally, he extended his wishes for a Happy Fourth of July to everyone.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Argumedo adjourned the meeting at 7:53 PM in memory of Christopher Minor.
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