City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 10, 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 5:18 p.m.
Mayor Argumedo
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
There were no individuals wishing to address the City Council on any item on the Closed Session agenda.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:05 p.m.
1. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(2) - Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - Two (2) Matters.
2. 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:
A. Mitsubishi property concerning proposed price and other terms relating thereto, comprised of 5440 Telegraph Road, Commerce, California (APN: 6336-023-920) B. 5550 Harbor St., Commerce CA 90040 (APN: 6335-025-903) C. 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], City of Commerce Page 1 Printed on 10/11/2023
City Council Meeting Minutes October 10, 2023
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.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency reconvened to Open Session at 6:01 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session items:
Item #1- one matter was discussed, staff made a presentation, the City Council provided direction and no reportable action was taken on this item.
Item #2.A and #2.B- update was provided by staff, City Council provided direction to staff and no reportable action was taken on this item. item #2.C was not discussed in Closed Session.
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Argumedo called regular City Council meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Acting Public Works Director Nila led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Mayor Argumedo offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation - National Breast Cancer Awareness Month in the City of Commerce
Moyra Garcia, Social Services Coordinator, addressed the important topic of Breast Cancer awareness and the range of valuable resources accessible to our residents. Councilmember Rebollo emphasized the significance of spreading the word and suggested that these announcements be featured on City's various social media platforms.
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2. Certificate of Recognition Presented to Community Service Officer Cesar Marquez for Exhibiting Extraordinary Lifesaving Actions This item was continued to the next City Council meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Lauren Barron extended her heartfelt thanks to the City Council for their proactive efforts in installing speed bumps, contributing to the safety and well-being of the community. She also commended the Council for spearheading Breast Cancer Awareness. Furthermore, Ms. Barron advocated for the reinstatement of the Miss Commerce Pageant.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
3. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 5A, 5B, and 5C
The City Council and Successor Agency will consider for approval the bills and claims set forth in Warrant Registers No.5A dated October 10, 2023, No. 5B dated September 27, 2023, through October 4, 2023, 5C dated September 21, 2023 through September 25, 2023.
4. Special Holiday Schedules for City Hall & Other Facilities The City Council will receive and file a report on Special Holiday 2023-2024 Schedules for City Hall and other facilities.
5. Council Meeting Schedule - Cancellation of November 28, 2023 and December 26, 2023 Meetings Due to Upcoming Holidays and Anticipated Lack of Business
The City Council will consider canceling the regular City Council meeting on November 28, 2023, due to holiday and December 26, 2023 due to the City Hall Closure, and authorizing staff to schedule Sepcial meetings as need arise.
SCHEDULED MATTERS
6. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department Regarding Public Safety in the City of Commerce
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Captain Brandon Dean provided an overview of crime statistics as they pertain to the City of Commerce and compared these figures to neighboring communities.
According to Captain Dean, Part 1 crimes have seen a decrease, but there is a notable concern regarding thefts, particularly in locations such as convenience stores and CVS stores. To tackle this issue, deputies have been strategically positioned in these areas to address and mitigate these incidents effectively.
Captain Dean also offered a detailed overview of response times in the City of Commerce. For emergency calls (crimes in progress), the average response time is an impressive 4.3 minutes (average response is 4.65 minutes), while priority calls (crimes that have occurred, and suspects might still be in the area) are 8 minutes, compared to the average response time of 9.8 minutes for the area.
Routine calls for service, such as report calls, take approximately 55 minutes, in line with the average of 51 minutes.
However, Captain Dean noted that there are staffing shortages within the department that can affect these response times.
In response to Councilmember Rebollo's request, Captain Dean also provided a comprehensive explanation of the bail systems in relation to crimes.
Councilmember Lainez inquired about how crime statistics compared to surrounding areas, to which Captain Dean emphasized that crime trends are constantly changing, but overall, Part 1 crimes have seen a decline throughout the entire county.
Councilmember Garcia sought an explanation for why routine calls take up to 55 minutes to respond. Captain Dean clarified that with an average of 5-6 units within the city, when they respond to priority or emergency calls, it often ties up two to three units for an extended period, affecting the response times for routine calls.
Vice Mayor Altamirano motioned to receive and file the presentation, with Councilmember Lainez seconding the motion. The motion was carried unanimously.
7. Council Appointment of Delegate to Los Angeles County Vector Control Administrative Services Director and City Clerk Shumway provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Altamirano, to appoint Councilmember Lainez to Vector Control District for four year term.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
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ORDINANCES
8. First Reading and Introduction on Ordinance Amending Municipal Code by Adding Chapter 5.18 Mobile Food Vending
Jocelyn Portales, Deputy City Attorney, provided an overview of the staff report, and stated that ordinance was indvertanly removed from the Municipal Code and recommending ordinance reintroduction with slight modifications.
Discussion revolved around prohibiting vending in highly congested areas, particularly on busy thoroughfares. Concerns were raised about vendors with stands on sidewalks causing obstructions, leading to enforcement issues. City Manager Cisneros assured that an update on street vending enforcement would be provided at a later date.
Code Enforcement Supervisor Vivero mentioned that staff is sending invitation for Council workshops to discuss street vending regulations and process. The staff is working on recording these workshops to provide guidance to vendors. In terms of enforcement, staff is issuing administrative citations, although dealing with smaller vendors without proper IDs can be challenging.
In response to Councilmember Rebollo's inquiry about permit fees, Jocelyn Portales explained that the fee structure would be determined on a case-by-case basis, with workshops scheduled to discuss this further.
Councilmember Lainez raised concerns about the section prohibiting mobile vending near schools, as it might impact the presence of ice cream trucks in Rosewood Park. City Manager Cisneros clarified that the intent is to address potential traffic issues around school areas. Code Enforcement Supervisor Vivero added that the section does not prevent ice cream trucks from stopping on Commerce Way or other areas, just not directly in front of the school.
COuncilmember Garcia moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Altamriano, to introduce for First Reading, by title only, an Ordinance Amending Commerce Municipal Code, Title 5 "Business Regulations and Licensing" by Adding Chapter 5.18 "Mobile Food Vending". The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Garcia reported that she attended the Senior Breakfast and had a great time at the event.
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Councilmember Rebollo reported that she attended an event hosted by the Industrial Council, where members highly complimented Sergeant Duarte and her team's efforts in addressing business concerns. She also encouraged the community to sign up their children for sports and congratulated the Water Polo Team for their recent competitions.
Councilmember Lainezreported that he attended the Commerce Business Council event and the ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Dodger Clubhouse at Citadel Outlets.
He also participated in a tree-planting event with Tree People along Triggs on California Clean Day. He expressed his gratitude to the City staff who assisted with these activities.
Vice Mayor Altamirano mentioned that the Art in Public Places website needs fixing, as it currently redirects to the library page.
Mayor Argumedo reported that he attended the Industrial Council and the Annual YMCA Gala. He organized a luncheon to appreciate the Public Works Staff for their hard work in renovating the patio area outside the Council kitchen, which now looks splendid. He also attended Farewell Coffee with Paul Parzik, the executive director of the YMCA, who is relocating to another job.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:00 p.m.
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