City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, January 16, 2024 - 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 5:16 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 3 -
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Lainez
Absent: 2 -
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
There were no individuals wishing to address the City Council on Closed Session agenda items.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:18 p.m.
1. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(2) - Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - One (1) Matter.
2. CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE REGARDING PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
RECRUITMENT/EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT pursuant to Government Code 54957 (b) (1) Employee Title: City Manager
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency reconvened to Open Session at 6:12 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session items: Items #1 and #2 - staff provided a presentation, the City Council provided direction and no reportable action was taken on these items.
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City Council Meeting Minutes January 16, 2024
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Argumedo called the regular meeting to order at 6:13 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 3 -
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Lainez
Absent: 2 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Transportation Director McFerguson led the Pledge of Allegiance
INVOCATION
Mayor Argumedo offered the invocation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Scott Mainzen, the General Manager of Syserco Energy Solutions Inc., expressed confidence in his company's ability to excel in the project. He highlighted that Syserco employs fully union labor. Mr. Mainzen recommended that the City Council prioritize the best interests of their constituents, and encouraging consideration of Syserco for the project.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 3 - Mayor Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 2 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, and Councilmember Lainez
1. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 10A, 10B, 10C
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Request for Proposals for the Preparation of a Comprehensive Transit Oriented Development and Displacement Avoidance Plan
4. Second Amendment to the Agreement with EFI Global for Environmental Assessment at 5710 & 5788 Smithway
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City Council Meeting Minutes January 16, 2024
SCHEDULED MATTERS
5. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department Regarding Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Duarte presented an overview of the 2023 statistics, comparing them with those of 2022 to identify changes and areas for improvement. Councilmember Garcia requested a breakdown of residential and business robberies, while Councilmember Rebollo asked for a separation of crime statistics between Commerce Shopping Center and Citadel.
Mayor Argumedo expressed gratitude to Sergeant Duarte for organizing Coffee with the Deputies and for actively engaging the community through Neighborhood Watch meetings. The Mayor also appreciated Public Safety Manager Edson for his responsiveness to residents' concerns and immediate actions on some issues.
Mayor Argumedo highlighted the importance of security cameras and encouraged community members, especially newcomers, to participate in the security camera program. The Mayor emphasized the need to promote the program and motivate residents to install security systems.
In response to Councilmember Rebollo's request, Sergeant Duarte mentioned exploring evening times for Coffee with the Deputies and considering different ideas.
Councilmember Garcia moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to receive and file the report. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 3 - Mayor Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 2 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, and Councilmember Lainez
6. Eastern Avenue Transit Hub
This item was continued to the next City Council meeting.
7. Committee and Commission Appointments
Mayor Argumedo appointed Jesus Dimas to the Planning Commission.
PUBLIC HEARING
8. Resolution Adopting Certain Fundings and Approving Energy Services City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 1/17/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes January 16, 2024
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 Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia to continue this agenda item to the next regular scheduled meeting for adopting a Resolution approving 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 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: 3 - Mayor Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 2 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, and Councilmember Lainez
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
The Councilmembers and Mayor extended their congratulations to the Commerce Dance Team for their victory in a Hawaii tournament, as well as to the Crush Volleyball, Water Polo, and Aces teams for their recent accomplishments.
Mayor Argumedo emphasized the need to begin new projects in the upcoming year that will elevate the city's status as a top destination. He highlighted the importance of advancing specific projects that bring positive developments to the city.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:42 p.m. in memory of Raul Elenes Jr.
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