City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 14, 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
Vice Mayor Altamirano called meeting to order at 5:04 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 individuals wishing to address the City Council on any items on the Closed Session agenda.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:06 p.m.
1. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(2) - Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - Three (3) 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 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.
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 regarding properties located at:
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• 5440 Telegraph Road
• 4560 Washington Blvd
• 5809 Telegraph Road, 2240Gaspar Avenue, 5933 Telegraph Road, 6007 Telegraph Road, 5819 Telegraph Road, 2366 Travers Avenue, • 2535 Commerce Way, 2555 Commerce Way, 5600 Harbor Street, 5107 Astor Avenue, 4725 Astor Avenue.
• 6241 Telegraph Road
• 2500 S. Eastern, 5600, 5610, 5620 Jillson Street, 4545 E. Washington Boulevard • 5926 Sheila Street
• 5736 E. Washington Boulevard, 5733 Sheila Street
4. CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE REGARDING PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
RECRUITMENT/EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT pursuant to Government Code 54957 (b) (1) Employee Title: Public Works Director
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council reconvened to open session at 6:21 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session items:
Item#1- two matters were discussed. In regards to first potential litigation matter, the City staff provided a presentation, City Council provided direction and no reportable action was taken on this item.
The second potential litigation matter revolved around a dispute concerning a property and lease agreement. The key issue was whether the tenant had provided timely notice to extend the lease. The original lease had expired in 2022, but with proper notice, it could be extended until 2027. To resolve the dispute, the City and the tenant entered into a settlement agreement. As a result, the lease was extended until October 21, 2026. The City Council unanimously approved this agreement, and a copy is available for public viewing with the City Clerk.
Item #2- staff provided a presentation, direction was provided to staff and no reportable action was taken on this item.
Item #3- five bullet points as listed on the agenda were discussed. Staff provided a presentation, direction was provided to staff and no reportable action was taken on this item.
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Item #4-staff provided a presentation, direction was provided to staff and no reportable action was taken on this item.
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Argumedo called regular City Council meeting to order at 6:23 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Assistant City Manager Domic led the Pledge of Allegiance.
COuncilmember Garcia INVOCATION
Councilmember Garcia gave the invocation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Connie Arteaga advocated for the reinstatement of all programs for residents to pre-pandemic levels. She suggested diversifying event locations to parks beyond Rosewood Park and proposed an increase in operating hours for branch libraries.
Silvia Cisneros introduced a new library program, Dial A Story, made possible by a received grant. This innovative initiative allows residents to directly call the library and listen to stories over the phone. Monthly recordings will be created for this accessible storytelling service.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Altamirano, 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 -
1. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 7A, 7B, and 7C
The City Council and Successor Agency will consider for approval the bills and claims set forth in Warrant Registers No.7A dated November 14, 2023, No. 7B dated October 25, 2023, through November 7, 2023, 7C dated November 18, 2023 through November 23, 2023.
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2. Approval of Minutes
The City Council and Successor Agency will consider for approval the minutes of the City Council meeting of Tuesday, October 24, 2023, held at 5:00 p.m.
SCHEDULED MATTERS
3. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department Regarding Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Captains Brandon Dean and Chris Kusayanagi introduced themselves and discussed the pilot program implemented at East Los Angeles Station. This initiative involves having both operational and administrative captains to divide responsibilities and enhance overall operational management. Their primary focus is on implementing a strategic plan, addressing crime, and re-establishing connections with the community.
Sergeant Duarte presented statistics for the past two weeks and shared holiday shopping safety tips for residents.
Councilmember Lainez requested that these safety tips be posted on social media and distributed to the residents.
4. Citadel Black Friday Weekend Sales Event Planning Update Acting Public Works Director Nila presented an overview of the Black Friday traffic control plan.
Councilmember Rebollo inquired about the provision of flaggers at intersections.
Acting Director Nila clarified that the traffic control company does not include flaggers, and having them would incur an additional cost. Citadel will provide its own flaggers, and the City will coordinate with the Sheriff’s Dept to monitor activity on Telegraph Street. Community Service Officers (CSOs) will offer assistance to the best of their ability. Discussions ensued on strategies to mitigate high impacts in residential areas.
Councilmember Rebollo suggested relaying information to directional apps to avoid diverting traffic to residential areas.
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In response to Councilmember Garcia's inquiry about the number of CSOs the city has, Assistant City Manager Domic stated there are eight CSOs, all actively working during the holiday shopping season, along with code enforcement officers.
Further discussions covered City-provided shuttles to Citadel, detours during shopping times, and Councilmember Garcia's request to disseminate this information on social media.
5. Slauson Corridor Improvements from I-5 to I-710 Project Concept Plan Following the presentation, a discussion ensued among the members. Vice Mayor Altamirano conveyed his perspective after driving with Councilmember Garcia in the area, emphasizing the difficulty of reducing lanes due to heavy traffic, particularly with numerous semi-trucks posing hazards for cyclists.
Councilmember Lainez raised concerns about the substantial capital costs of improvements, cautioning against a significant impact on the general fund if the city solely financed the project. Councilmember Lainez suggested exploring the possibility of a Class C bike lane shared with vehicles. However, Min Zhou, a consultant from KOA Corporation, countered that lowering the speed limit below 35 mph for the street would not gain approval, and Class C bike lanes couldn't coexist with the high percentage of truck traffic on Slauson.
Mayor Argumedo emphasized the project's significance, considering the upcoming residential housing developments and potential negative impacts on traffic congestion. Argumedo recommended choosing Option B.
Councilmember Garcia inquired about reapplying for the project if funding was lost, and Acting Director Nila clarified that it would depend on modifying the scope and exploring funding options and what the City could get once bike lanes eliminated from the scope.
Councilmember Rebollo maintained her position, emphasizing the importance of maintaining street consistency and aspiring to transform the city's outlook, resembling places like Pasadena.
Vice Mayor Altamirano argued for the need to change the city's infrastructure, drawing comparisons to Long Beach and San Pedro. He highlighted the uniqueness of Commerce, where everything enters and exits, and should be looked into Cities like Long Beach and how they get funding.
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Mayor Argumedo proposed selecting Option B (no bikes lanes if allowed by funding entities, include all other improvements), and Vice Mayor Altamirano seconded the motion. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 3 - Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, and Councilmember Garcia Nayes: 2 - Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
6. Classifying Property Located at 5440 Telegraph Road in the City of Commerce, California as Surplus Land Pursuant to the Surplus Land Act City Attorney Tapia provided an brief overview of the staff report.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to adopt a Resolution declaring certain real property as Surplus Land, in accordance with the Surplus Lands Act, and authorizing staff to proceed with the disposition of the Land in the City of Commerce, California. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
7. Classifying Property at 4560 Washington Boulevard in the City of Commerce, California as Surplus Land Pursuant to the Surplus Land Act City Attorney Tapia provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Mayor Argumedo moved, seconded by COuncilmember Lainez, to adopt a Resolution declaring real property located at 4560 Washington Blvd. as Surplus Land, in accordance with the Surplus Lands Act, and authorizing staff to proceed with the disposition of the Land in the City of Commerce, California. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
ORDINANCES
8. Second Reading and Adoption of an Ordinance Amending Municipal Code by Adding Chapter 5.18 Mobile Food Vending
Associate Attorney Jocelyn Portales presented a concise summary of the staff report. City Attorney Tapia clarified that given the proposed alterations to the First Reading, tonight's hearing would serve as both the introduction and the first reading of the ordinance.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to introduce for First Reading, by title only, an Ordinance Amending City of Commerce Page 6 Printed on 12/6/2023
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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 -
PUBLIC HEARING
9. 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
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, tor continuing this agenda item to the next regular scheduled meeting for adopting a Resolution approving certain Funding 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 finding that all requirements pursuant to Government Code 4217 for the upgrades of the City facilities have been met.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 shared her participation in a Mexican embroidery event at the Veteran’s library, along with attending the Harvest Festival and a Veterans Day event. She requested the adjournment in memory of Alice Sterling, who had reached the age of 102.
Councilmember Rebollo reported attending the Harvest Festival and Veterans Day events, expressing gratitude to Alex Argumedo for sharing his experiences at the Veterans Day event. She commended the library staff for their creativity in introducing Dial A Story and invited everyone to the Turkey Trot on Saturday.
Additionally, she extended her condolences to the Perez and Juarez families.
Councilmember Lainez attended the Halloween event, Dia de los Muertos Festival, and expressed gratitude to Parkway Cemetery and staff for organizing the event.
He also participated in the Veterans Day ceremony, thanking Corporal Alex Argumedo for his speech.
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Vice Mayor Altamirano reported attendance at the Hallowed Festival and Veterans Day event, and offered condolences to the Perez family.
Mayor Argumedo shared his attendance at Halloween events, the Veterans Day event, and the Day of the Dead celebration at the library. He praised the Los Angeles Department of Water Diversity Fair as a great event and expressed gratitude to the parks and recreation staff for inviting his son to be a speaker at the Veterans Day event. He also attended the Tree Lighting ceremony at Citadel.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m. in memory of Jose Perez, Alice Sterling, and Jermina Juarez.
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