City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, January 23, 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 the meeting to order at 5:09 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/Successor Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:10 p.m.
1. Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6 the City Council will confer with its labor negotiator, Vilko Domic, with respect to labor negotiations pertaining to compensation and benefits for the unrepresented full-time executive management employees.
Employee Title: Director of Human Resources, Director of Transportation, Director of Parks & Recreation, Director of Public Works, Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk, Director of Library Services, Director of Economic Development and Planning, Director of Finance and City Treasure, Deputy Director of Public Works Operations, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation.
2. CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE REGARDING PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
RECRUITMENT/EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT pursuant to Government Code 54957 (b) (1) Employee Title: City Manager
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RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency reconvened to Open Session at 6:18 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session items: City Council has not finished discussion on item and will be reconvening to Closed Session upon completion of the regular City Council meeting.
Items #1 and #2 - Staff made a presentation, the City Council provided direction to staff and no reportable action was taken on these items. 6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Argumedo called regular meeting to order at 6:19 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
Councilmember Garcia offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. 64th City Birthday Celebration & Cake Cutting Ceremony Director Alaniz and Mayor Argumedo started the 64th City Birthday celebration with opening remarks. The Unplugged Team then performed the Happy Birthday song and a cake was cut ceremonially. Mayor Argumedo called the break at 6:18 p.m. The City COuncil returned from the break at 6:49 p.m.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Nick Padilla thanked the City Council for the opportunities that Commerce kids had received, and expressed pride in his daughter's honor roll achievement.
CONSENT CALENDAR
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Mayor stated that the City staff requested item #4 to be continued to the next City Council meeting, and Councilmember Lainez asked to pull item #5 from the agenda for discussion.
Item #5 - Councilmember Lainez commended staff for securing nearly $1.3 million in funding through a program that allows the city to receive funding for operational and maintenance activities related to Well 4. This is a significant benefit for the city, as it helps to recoup water system expenses.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to adopt a Resolution approving a Memorandum of Understanding by and between City of Commerce and the Water Replenishment District of Southern California regarding technical for Proposition 68 Groundwater – Drinking Water Treatment Operations and Maintenance Funding Program. The motion carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Garcia, Lainez, Rebollo, Vice Mayor Altamriano and Mayor Argumedo (5)
Vice Mayor Altmairano moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to approve the Consent Calendar minus items #4 and #5. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
2. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 11A, and 11B
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Fifth Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Stantec Architecture, Incorporated
5. Drinking Water Treatment Operations and Maintenance Funding Program
SCHEDULED MATTERS
6. Eastern Avenue Transit Hub
Acting Public Works Director Nila introduced Scott Ma from Hartzog & Grabill Inc., who delivered a presentation advocating for the approval of Option #3.
Discussions ensued regarding collision statistics and the appropriateness of C City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 2/12/2024
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lane for the street. Mr. Ma suggested that if buses were not in the hub, bicyclists could use it instead of entering the vehicle lane. Councilmember Lainez proposed incorporating green paint on bike lane for enhanced safety, while Vice Mayor Altamirano favored Option 2 and acquiring an easement for the bus hub. Acting Director Nila mentioned the owner's disinterest in granting the easement.
Councilmember Garcia suggested relocating the bus hub within the city, prompting Acting Director Nila to highlight the need for another study and funding from Measure AA. Director of Transportation McFerguson emphasized the cost-effectiveness of Option 2 over moving the bus hub. Councilmember Garcia raised concerns about recent Metro bus routes turning right on Harbor street, and discussions continued regarding the possibility of maintaining through traffic on Jillson Street without restricting it to right turns only. Councilmember Garcia proposed leaving that intersection as is and possibly installing flashing lights, a recommendation endorsed by the Mayor.
Mayor Argumedo, seconded by Vice Mayor Altamirano, moved to approve Option #3, excluding the right turn recommendation at Jillson, directing staff to explore the feasibility of Option #2 for acquiring an easement and implementing green paint for a bike lane. The motion was carried with the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez Nayes: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
7. Speed & Reckless Driving Exhibition Ordinance Review Public Safety Manager Epson presented an overview of the staff report. In response to Vice Mayor Altamirano's inquiry about the implementation of administrative fines in the City, Epson stated that administrative fines issued but clarified that the judge retained the authority to adjust or dismiss the fines.
During the discussion on fines for spectators and the administrative process, Public Safety Manager Epson explained that administrative fines are processed through the City Attorney but still undergo judicial review. Mayor Argumedo proposed incorporating a provision in the ordinance mandating that violators undergo the Street Racing Kills program.
Public Safety Manager Epson stated that deputies could issue administrative fines.
Councilmember Rebollo advocated for increased enforcement and citations.
Sergeant Duarte acknowledged the challenges of addressing swiftly evolving City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 2/12/2024
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street racing events but highlighted efforts to identify vehicles later for citation and towing.
Mayor Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to receive and file the information, suggesting a subsequent update to explore how neighboring cities administer similar programs and what administrative actions city staff could take. Additionally, he recommended including a provision in the ordinance directing the judge to refer violators to the Street Racing Kills presentation. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
8. Committee and Commission Appointments
Vice Mayor Altamirano appointed Beatriz Del Rosario De Jimenez to the Senior Citizens Commission.
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
Vice Mayor Altamirano moved, seconded by COuncilmember Garcia, to continuing 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: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
ORDINANCES
10. Adoption and Second Reading of Ordinance to Repeal Ordinance No. 784, to Revoke Development Agreement No. 784 Related to a Commercial Cannabis Permit Application No. 18-069
Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk Shumway provided a brief City of Commerce Page 5 Printed on 2/12/2024
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overview.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to adopt for Second reading, by title only and waiving a full reading, an Uncodified Ordinance to repeal Ordinance No. 784, and revoking related development agreement No. 784 between 4Front Capital Holdings, Inc. and the City of Commerce, which allowed commercial cannabis activities at 6100 Bandini Boulevard and making findings of a CEQA categorical exemption.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Garcia
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Garcia mentioned that she had discussions with the new Public Safety Manager Epson and requested a thorough review and update of existing policies, performance evaluations, and corrective actions as needed. Additionally, Councilmember Garcia emphasized the importance of creating an emergency response handbook specifically for elected officials and staff, and have an emergency department up and running.
Councilmember Rebollo shared her participation in various events, including a COG meeting, Metro West Side Branch Line engagement, and a meeting with the president of East Los Angeles College. She expressed enthusiasm about potential partnerships and exciting developments for the city.
Mayor Argumedo informed the council about his attendance at the Southeast Gold Line extension event. He highlighted the upcoming stop behind Citadel, emphasizing its potential to address traffic issues previously faced by the city.
The Councilmembers and the Mayor extended their collective wishes to the city for its 64th birthday.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
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