City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 18, 2023 - 5:00 PM
SPECIAL CITY COUNCIL MEETING
5:00 P.M. CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Argumedo called meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Present: 4 -
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
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.
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 8/5/2023
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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 - Two (2) Matters.
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. 5550 Harbor St., Commerce CA 90040 (APN: 6335-025-903) B. 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.
C. 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 6:16 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
Deputy City Attorney Gloria Ramirez delivered a report on the Closed Session matters as follows:
Item #1.A to 1.C: The City Negotiator, City Manager Cisneros, provided a comprehensive briefing. Subsequently, the City Council took necessary action, which will be duly documented during the upcoming regular City Council meeting as items #6 through #9.
Item #2: There were no discussions held on this particular item.
Item #3.A and 3.B: A thorough briefing was presented, and the City Council provided specific guidance. However, no action that requires formal reporting was taken on these items.
Item #3.C: There were no discussions held on this particular item.
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City Council Meeting Minutes July 18, 2023
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Argumedo called regular meeting to order at 6:18 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Present: 4 -
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Assistant City Manager Domic led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Mayor Argumedo offered the invocation
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. A Resolution Declaring the Month of July 2023 as Parks & Recreation Month
Parks and Recreation Director Alaniz provided a presentation regarding parks events for the last year. Mayor and City Council thanked Parks and Recreation for all the work they do for the community.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Gloria Nezahualcoyatl expressed her opposition to an increase in City Council compensation and the revision of benefits. She also raised concerns about the vehicle allowance and suggested redirecting those funds towards parks and recreation programs.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Altamirano, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
2. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 21A, 21B, and 21C
3. Approval of Minutes
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4. Procurement of Automated External Defibrillator Management Program from AED Authority
5. Authorization for Transportation Grant Funding for Capital and Operating Assistance for the Fiscal Year 2023-2024
SCHEDULED MATTERS
6. Compensation and Related Benefits for Mid-Management and Non-Management Full-Time Employees and Part Time Employees for Fiscal Years 2023-2024 Through 2025-2026
City Manager Cisneros presented a collective overview of items #6 through #9 collectively.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, to adopt the Resolution authorizing the City Manager, Assistant City Manager and Director of Human Resources to finalize and execute two (2) Memoranda of Understanding (“MOUs”) between the City of Commerce (“City”) and the Mid-Management and Non-Management Full-Time Employees and Part-Time Employees represented by the City of Commerce Employees Association - AFSCME Local 773 as well as City policy updates related to the updated terms and conditions in the Memoranda of Understanding. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
7. Compensation and Fringe Benefits for the Unrepresented, and Confidential Full-Time Units
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to adopt a Resolution approving compensation and fringe benefits for the Unrepresented Unit and Confidential Full-Time Unit. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
8. Compensation and Related Benefits for Full-Time Unrepresented Executive Management Employees
City Manager Cisneros stated that the language about compaction would be City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 8/5/2023
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brought back at a different date.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, to adopt a Resolution approving changes to the compensation and fringe benefits package for the Unrepresented Executive Management employees group minus the language related to compaction. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
ORDINANCES
9. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Revising Section 2.20.010 of Chapter 2 (“Compensation”) of the Municipal Code with Respect to Compensation of Councilmembers, and Approval of a Resolution providing for Fringe Benefits and Related Compensation for City Council Vice Mayor Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to iIntroduce for First Reading, by title only and waving a full reading, of an Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Commerce, California, revising Commerce Municipal Code, Title 2 (Administration and Personnel), Chapter
2.20.010 (Compensation) with respect to compensation of Councilmembers; and approve a Resolution providing for fringe benefits and related compensation for City Council. Administrative Services Director and City Clerk Shumway read the title of the Ordinance. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
10. Introduction and First Reading of (2) Ordinances to Repeal Ordinance Nos. 782 and 795 and to revoke Development Agreements Nos. 782 and 795 related to Commercial Cannabis Permit Applications
Senior Management Analyst Delgado provided an overview of the staff report. City Manager Cisneros left and was not present at the Council Chambers during the presentation and voting on this matter.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to introduce for First Reading, by title only and waiving full reading Uncodified Ordinance to repeal Ordinance No. 782 revoking related Development Agreement No 782 between Green Leaf 26 Corporation and the City of City of Commerce Page 5 Printed on 8/5/2023
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Commerce which allowed commercial cannabis activities at 6400 Fleet Street, and Uncodified Ordinance to repeal Ordinance No. 795 revoking related Development Agreement No 795 between Notstan LA Inc. and the City of Commerce which allowed commercial cannabis activities at 2620 South Malt Avenue and make findings of a CEQA categorical exemption.
Direcotr of Administrative Services and City Clerk Shumway read the title of the Ordinance. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Garcia expressed her appreciation for the thoughtful gift of flowers. She also commended the Parks and Recreation professionals for their remarkable efforts in bringing the community together and creating a positive impact. She attended a 4th of July celebration and was thoroughly impressed by the performances. Notably, she celebrated the recognition of two outstanding athletes, Hall of Champions Roy Amos (Wrestler) and Sandy Nitta (Water Polo), and participated in the unveiling of a plaque honoring the first generation of female water polo athletes who inspired the local sports community. Additionally, Councilmember Garcia attended the NALEO conference, which she found to be a fantastic opportunity for professional development.
Councilmember Lainez, too, expressed gratitude for the flowers and praised the Parks and Recreation department for their continuous efforts in organizing various events. He attended several notable occasions, including the Robert Garcia Open House in Long Beach, the Independence Day celebration, and the induction ceremony of two Hall of Champions athletes, along with the unveiling of a plaque honoring women in Water Polo. He also attended the impressive Unplugged Theatre Showcase Cabaret, appreciating the exceptional talent on display.
Furthermore, Councilmember Lainez mentioned having met with Senator Lena Gonzalez, who would soon be representing the City of Commerce as a State representative, and also attended the NALEO conference.
Vice Mayor Altamirano extended his thanks to the Parks and Recreation team for their dedicated work. He joined in celebrating the 4th of July event and expressed admiration for Councilmember Garcia's initiative to remember pioneering young women in water polo and their Olympic endeavors. He also expressed gratitude to the residents and colleagues who supported him during challenging times when his parents underwent surgery. Vice Mayor Altamirano also attended the NALEO City of Commerce Page 6 Printed on 8/5/2023
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event.
Mayor Argumedo echoed the sentiments of appreciation for the 4th of July celebration and thanked Councilmember Garcia for her efforts in recognizing the achievements of past female athletes. He attended the district office of Robert Garcia's Open House in Long Beach and had the opportunity to meet Lena Gonzalez, who would be representing the City after her reelection. The Mayor found the NALEO conference to be a valuable networking experience.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:15 in memory of Angela Carbajal, City employee.
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