City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 24, 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 5:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Rebollo arrived at 5:12 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 individual wishing to address the City Council on any Closed Session items.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:03 p.m.
1. CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE REGARDING PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
RECRUITMENT/EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT pursuant to Government Code 54957 (b) (1) Employee Title: Public Works Director
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.
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
3. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(2) - Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - Two (2) Matters.
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 regarding:
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. 2535 Commerce Way, 2555 Commerce Way, 5600 Harbor Street, 5107 Astor Avenue, 4725 Astor Avenue, 5809 Telegraph Road/2240Gaspar Avenue, 5933 Telegraph Road/6007 Telegraph Road, 6241 Telegraph Road, 5819 Telegraph Road, 2366 Travers Avenue, 2500 S. Eastern,5600/5610/5620 Jillson Street, 4545 E. Washington Boulevard, 5733 Sheila Street, 5736 E. Washington Boulevard, 5926 Sheila Street, 5555 E. Washington Boulevard, 7025 Slauson Avenue, 5440 Telegraph Road, 5605 Sheila Street, 5771 E. Washington Boulevard, 5611 E.
Washington Boulevard, 5476 Jillson Street and 5530 Jillson Street, Commerce, CA 90040.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council/Successor agency reconvened to Open Session at 6:15 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
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City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session items:
Item #2.C and #4.C - Staff provided presentation, direction was provided and no reportable action was taken on these items.
City Council convened to Closed Session after the regular City Council meeting and reconvened at 9:20 p.m.
Item #1 - Staff provided presentation, City Council provided feedback and no reportable action was taken on this item.
Items #4.B and #4.C - staff made a presentation, direction was provided by the City Council and no reportable action was taken on this item.
Items #2.A, #2.B, #3, and #4.A were not discussed in the Closed Session. 6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Argumedo called regular City Council meeting to order at 6:16 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
City Manager Cisneros led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Garcia offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation Declaring October 23-31, 2023 as “Red Ribbon Week” in the City of Commerce
Assistant City Manager Domic introduced the new Public Safety Manager, Justin Edson.
Mr. Edson expressed his enthusiasm for working with the team and proceeded to City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 10/31/2023
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give an overview of the significance of Red Ribbon Week.
Mayor Argumedo then read the proclamation.
2. Certificate of Recognition Presented to Community Service Officer Cesar Marquez for Exhibiting Extraordinary Lifesaving Actions, and Recognizing Cesar Marquez as an Employee of the Quarter
Parks and Recreation Director Alaniz presented the recognition certificate to Cesar Marquez.
Assistant City Manager Domic extended congratulations to Cesar Marquez for being unanimously named Employee of the Quarter. Assistant City Manager Domic expressed gratitude to Marquez for his exceptional contributions and unwavering dedication to his role.
Councilmembers Rebollo, Lainez, Garcia, and Vice Mayor Altamirano all expressed their appreciation to Cesar Marquez for his outstanding courage and for consistently exceeding the expectations of his job responsibilities.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Maria Alvarez raised several concerns about the bike lanes on Eastern, expressing that they are ineffective and causing traffic slowdowns. She also noted the absence of a crossing guard at Atlantic and Harbor. Furthermore, she pointed out that two motels are occupying residential parking, suggesting that designated parking spaces should be marked to regulate this issue. Additionally, Alvarez highlighted the overgrown trees on Harbor and Garfield and requested the cleanup of the alley near Atlantic and Harbor. She emphasized the need for a light on Garfield near the apartment complex due to safety concerns in that dark area.
Antonia Lupercio requested that the City Council hire more library staff to extend library hours for the public. Mayor Argumedo responded by informing the audience that the City Council had recently approved several positions for the Library, and if necessary, more positions would be considered during the mid-year budget review.
Mayor Argumedo also mentioned that the City had received a complaint letter from Elizabeth Prada, and copies of the letter are available at the City Clerk's Office for anyone who may need a copy.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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The Mayor requested that items #7 and #9 be set aside for discussion.
Regarding Item #7, Acting Public Works Director Nila clarified that the concept was previously approved by the City Council and currently before the City Council for approval is the Professional Services Agreement pertained to conducting a traffic analysis and formulating recommendations for the final design plan, which would later be presented to the Council for approval.
However, no motion was made for Item #7, resulting in it not progressing further.
For Item #9, Fleet Maintenance Manager Greg Guzman gave a concise overview.
In response to Vice Mayor Altamirano's question about the size of the lot, Guzman stated that the lot is large and the substation covers an area of 20,000 square feet.
He also mentioned that Edison had removed their equipment and was responsible for addressing soil contamination issues.
Vice Mayor Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to adopt a Resolution accepting the Easement Quit Claim Deed at 5926 Sheila Street associated with the Southern California Edison (SCE) Refuse 66-12kV Substation Removal. The motion was unanimously approved.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Altamirano, to approve the Consent Calendar minus itesm #7 and #9. The motion was 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. 6A, 6B, and 6C
4. Approval of Minutes
5. Agreement with the Franchise Tax Board for Participation in a Data Exchange Program
6. Professional Services Agreement with Foster and Foster Actuaries and Consultants to Provide a Detailed Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 75 - Accounting and Financial Reporting for Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Other than Pensions Actuarial Consulting Services
7. Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Consulting Services, Inc.
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for the Telegraph Corridor Improvement Project from Atlantic Boulevard to Marianna Street
8. Purchase of a New Skid Steer Loader and Declaring Existing Equipment as Surplus
9. Acceptance of Easement Quit Clam Deed at 5926 Sheila Street Associated with the Southern California Edison Refuse 66-12kV Substation Removal
SCHEDULED MATTERS
10. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department Regarding Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Duarte presented statistical data for the preceding two weeks. During this period, deputies engaged in various activities, including attending social media training and showing their support for LASD breast cancer awareness by donning pink patches. They also participated in Red Ribbon Week by wearing red patches.
11. Appeal of Traffic Commission Denial of Disabled Blue Curb Parking Request at 7158 Watcher Street
Acting Public Works Director Nila conveyed that they initially presented this matter, and the staff was instructed to gather additional information from the applicant or owner. The applicant, who is the renter, cannot share the driveway with the owner of the other unit that is on the backl. Regrettably, the owner is unwilling to widen the driveway, citing the high associated costs.
Assistant City Manager Domic added that no repairs or vehicle maintenance activities were observed in the parking spaces. The Community Service Officers (CSOs) were tasked with monitoring that area. To date, there have been no reports of any illegal parking or illicit activities in the area.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to uphold the Traffic Commission's action to deny blue curb parking request at 7158 Watcher Street based on parking concerns in the City and the following circumstances: (1) Applicants' driveway can be used for access by the physically challenged resident's vehicle consistent with the Blue Curb Parking Policy approved by City Council on October 11, 2022. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 3 - Mayor Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez City of Commerce Page 6 Printed on 10/31/2023
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Nayes: 2 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, and Councilmember Rebollo
12. Appeal of Traffic Commission Denial of Disabled Blue Curb Parking Request at 2305 Connor Avenue
Acting Public Works Director NIla provided an overview. Discussion took place.
Should the City Council decide to add another blue curb, it would significantly reduce parking options for other residents, especially since there are already two blue curbs in close proximity.
Councilmember Rebollo suggested implementing parking markings throughout the city to better monitor parking behavior and make spaces more accessible for everyone. Mayor Argumedo raised the concern of addressing those who use street parking for extended periods to sell vehicles, and the discussion continued regarding the possibility of relocating a blue curb closer to the applicant's residence, considering the apparent underutilization of the other blue curb.
Mayor Argumedo motioned to uphold the Traffic Commission's decision. However, the Mayor withdrew the motion after the applicant shared her difficulties in using the other two parking spaces. Councilmember Rebollo recommended moving the blue curb closer to the applicant's home to alleviate the burden of walking a considerable distance.
Mayor Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to continue this item to the next Council meeting and try to address concerns brought up by the applicant. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
13. Slauson Corridor Improvements from I-5 to I-710 Project Concept Plan Greg Garces, a representative from KOA, delivered a detailed presentation outlining proposed changes to the Slauson Corridor. Orlando Silva voiced his strong support for enhancing Slauson Avenue.
Discussions ensued among council members, with a focus on the proposed changes. Councilmember Rebollo her on-site examination of the suggested alterations, particularly underscoring the significance of bike lanes for future sustainability. Councilmember Rebollo highlighted the necessity of presenting complete streets to secure grants and recommended utilizing curbed medians for separating bike lanes.
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Councilmember Lainez acknowledged the need for improvements along Slauson, noting that the design is financed by Measure R funds, with implementation reliant on grants that mandate the inclusion of bike lanes for eligibility.
In response to Councilmember Garcia's inquiry about lane elimination, Mr. Garces clarified that one lane would be removed, reiterating that studies and data analysis suggested maintaining an acceptable level of service post-improvements.
Mayor Argumedo shared insights from a personal visit to Slauson, highlighting the potential impact on the community, particularly with upcoming projects in the Veteran’s Park area. He expressed concerns about the insufficiency of parking and the projected increase in traffic, advocating for traffic improvements without the removal or obstruction of existing lanes.
Acting Director Nila highlighted the financial implications, explaining that if the proposed bike lanes were not implemented, Measure R funds would need to be returned, and future grants would not be secured. Mayor Argumedo stressed the sacrifices being made for future gains but recommended against approving the elimination of lanes.
Mayor Argumedo urged council members to consider the ramifications of lane elimination. Vice Mayor Altamirano aligned with the Mayor’s concerns and recommended against approving the project.
A motion to approve the staff recommendation was made by Councilmember Rebollo and seconded by Councilmember Lainez, but it did not pass.
The subsequent motion to table the item to the next Council meeting was proposed by Mayor Argumedo and seconded by Vice Mayor Altamirano, which was carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Garcia, rebollo, Vice Mayor Altamirano and Mayor Argumedo (4)
NAYES: Councilmember Lainez (1).
Orlando Silva reiterated concerns about traffic impact, emphasizing the need to progress towards a more sustainable environment encouraging greater use of public transportation and bike lanes.
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14. Approval of Final Tract Map No. 83334 for the Properties located at 7316 Gage Avenue and 6364 Zindell Avenue (Modelo Project), in the City of Commerce
This item was continued to the next City Council meeting.
ORDINANCES
15. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Municipal Code by Adding Chapter 5.18 Mobile Food Vending
This item was continued to the next meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING
16. Resolution Adopting Certain Fundings and Approving Energy Services Contract for Energy Related Improvements to City Facilities with Alliance Building Solutions, Inc. and Associated Financing with Alliance Funding Solutions, Inc, in the Form of a Tax-Exempt Lease - Continuance of this Item to the Next City Council Meeting
This item was continued to the next City Council meeting.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Rebollo reported her attendance at an Industrial Council event, and also encouraged the community to sign up their kids for sports. She also extended congratulations to the Water Polo Team for their participation in tournaments.
Councilmember Lainez reported that on September 28, he joined the Commerce Business Council event; on the 29th, participated in the ribbon-cutting at Dodger Clubhouse at Citadel; on October 4, worked with Tree People to plant trees along Trigs on California Clean Day. Councilmember Lainez expressed gratitude to the City staff who provided assistance.
Mayor Argumedo reported that he attended the Industrial Council; on September 30, was present at the 36th annual YMCA Gala Roaring event; on October 4, organized and attended a luncheon for the Public Works staff, acknowledging their great work on the outside patio at the Council kitchen. Additionally, participated in "Coffee with Paul Parzik," the executive director of YMCA, who is departing for a new position.
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City Council recessed to Closed Session at 7:00 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:40 p.m.
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