City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, March 26, 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 5:14 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 4 -
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
There were no individuals wishing to address the City COuncil on any Closed Session items.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Council recessed to the Closed Session at 5:15 p.m.
1. CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE REGARDING PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
RECRUITMENT/EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT pursuant to Government Code 54957 (b)
(1) Employee Title: City Manager
2. Pursuant to Government Code §54956.8, the City Council will confer with its real property negotiator, Vilko Domic, with respect to real estate negotiations with:
A. Wash-Tel Commerce, LLC concerning proposed price and other terms relating thereto, comprised of 6329 and 6355 Washington Boulevard, Commerce, California, commonly referred to as the Stahl Trust property.
B. 2143 S. Atlantic St., Commerce, CA 90040 (APN: 5244-014-904)
3. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) City of Commerce Page 1 Printed on 4/9/2024
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& (e)(2) - Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - One (1) Matter.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency reconvened to Open Session at 6:37 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed session items:
Item #1 and #3 – staff made a presentation, direction was provided to staff and no reportable action was taken on this item.
Item #2 - was not discussed
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
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 4 -
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Transportation McFerguson led the Pledge of Allegiance
INVOCATION
Mayor Argumedo offered the invocation
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no public comment.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Garcia asked to pull item #3 for discussion.
Item #3- In response to Councilmember Garcia's inquiry about the program's parameters and benefits for the City, Deputy Director of Operations Nila explained that the City has a similar program with the State. Under this program, they can choose from a pre-existing list of the lowest bidders to identify qualified vendors for various goods and services. This exception allows agencies to utilize existing bidding processes that have already identified the lowest bidders. Acting Director Nila further clarified that there are no associated costs for the City with this. As for City of Commerce Page 2 Printed on 4/9/2024
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the benefits, the City stands to save time and money, as well as reduce the need for consultant and staff involvement by utilizing the resources already in place.
Councilmember Rebollo then motioned, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt a Resolution authorizing the execution of the BuyBoard National Purchasing Cooperative Interlocal Agreement. The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Garcia, Lainez, Rebollo and Mayor Argumedo (4)
Absent: Vice Mayor Altamirano
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to approve the Consent Calendar minus item #3.
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
1. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 15A, 15B, and 15C
2. Approval of Minutes
3. National Purchasing Cooperative Interlocal Agreement
SCHEDULED MATTERS
4. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department Regarding Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Captain Brandon Dean presented a status update report, noting an increase in burglary cases, particularly in the commercial sector. He highlighted the effectiveness of cameras, strategically placed in certain areas and equipped with automatic license plate recognition technology, in reducing crime. This reduction is attributed mainly to the interception of stolen vehicles before they are used in further criminal activities. Captain Dean emphasized the growing effectiveness of these cameras. Captain Dean added that Dirt Dog had some weekend parties, and they are working in conjunction with the City's public safety staff to shut it down.
Councilmember Lainez expressed satisfaction with the crime-reducing role of cameras and requested data on their effectiveness in preventing crime and resolving cases. Councilmember Rebollo inquired about the rise in commercial burglaries and whether it included incidents of retail theft at places like Citadel and the shopping center. Captain Dean clarified that the increase primarily involved commercial burglaries and did not specifically encompass retail theft.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to receive City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 4/9/2024
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and file a report. The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Garcia, Lainez, Rebollo and Mayor Argumedo (4)
Absent: Vice Mayor Altamirano (1)
5. Randolph Corridor Active Transportation Concept Plan Deputy Director of Public Works Operations, Nila, and Yvette Kirin provided a concise overview of the project, emphasizing its grant-funded nature totaling $6.7 million, with the City taking the lead. Covering an area of 2.34 miles, the City's portion of the funding amounts to $1.9 million.
Chris Bretall then presented various project options, recommending B1 as the preferred choice for the City.
Councilmember Rebollo inquired about vehicle counts on Randolph, which Mr.
Bretall clarified was not within the project scope or study. Mayor Argumedo, familiar with the area's traffic patterns, stated that the traffic is not that bad and noted occasional congestion, particularly in the evenings, and emphasized B1's suitability for cyclist safety. Responding to Councilmember Lainez's query regarding Measure AA funds,Deputy Director Nila confirmed the full amount was fronted and be fully reimburced to the City.
Mr. Bretall stated that the City's project portion/ improvements would cover only half the stretch, which would allow enough funds for the option B1. Existing pole lighting was mentioned, with plans for a comprehensive citywide lighting scheme to be presented later in the year.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to receive and file a presentation on the proposed Randolph Corridor Active Transportation Proposed Bike Facilities Improvements Concept Plan by GHD, Inc. and approving the proposed Randolph Corridor Active Transportation Bike Facilities Improvements Concept Plan Alternative B1. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
6. Holiday Decor Program Award of Agreement
Deputy Director of Public Works Operations Nila gave a brief overview of the staff report, highlighting that six proposals were received in response to the RFP. The Beautification Committee recommended selecting St. Nick's proposal for the next three years.
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During the discussion, several points were raised including addressing electrical issues at Heritage Park, implementing better security measures to prevent theft of decorations, and Councilmember Lainez suggested that the City's Parks and Recreation and Public Works departments enhance some of the holiday decor.
Deputy Director Nila mentioned that staff will decorate entrances to the Central Library, Senior Center, and Bristow Park facility. Additionally, there's an ongoing evaluation regarding indoor versus outdoor decorations, with indoor decorations being the more cost-effective option. Councilmember Lainez also proposed including the Teen Center in the decoration plans.
Mayor Argumedo recommended using green and gold colors for all fences.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt a Resolution approving an Agreement with St. Nick's Christmas Lighting & Decor Company for the City's Holiday Decor Program services.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
7. Senior Citizens Center, Bandini Park and Teen Center Reroofing Project Acceptance
Deputy Director of Public Works Operations Nila provided a concise summary. She explained that the issue stemmed from drainage problems in Bandini. The contractor has completed their work as specified in the contract, and it has passed inspection. Deputy Director Nila also mentioned that staff is currently obtaining a quote for repairing the drainage issue and will address it accordingly. Additionally, there are plans to replace the ceiling in the office area.
In response to Councilmember Garcia's inquiry about whether roof leaks were fixed, Deputy Director Nila confirmed that they have been successfully addressed.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt a Resolution accepting the Senior Citizens Center and Bandini Park Reroofing Project as complete and authorizing staff to file the notice of completion with the County Recorder's office. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
8. A Status of the City’s Recruitments
Acting City Manager Domic provided an overview.
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Councilmember Lainez expressed concern about the lapse of almost a year since the 2022-2023 mid-year budget review, during which discussions about various positions took place. In September 2023, the City Council approved enhancements to parks and recreation, library services, and the initiation of the YES program, alongside improvements to code enforcement. However, out of the 19 positions discussed, only three have been filled. Councilmember Lainez sought clarification on the status of the YES program for 2024. Acting City Manager Domic assured that staff could implement the YES program for 2024.
Further deliberation ensued regarding the evaluation of the necessity of certain positions.
In response to Councilmember Garcia's inquiry about the timeline, Acting City Manager Domic indicated that priority was given to filling the Teen Center Supervisor and Water Polo Coach positions before the Recreation Supervisor position.
Councilmember Lainez emphasized the importance of expediting the development of specifications for the Performing Arts instructor position.
Councilmember Lainez made a motion, seconded by COuncilmember Garcia, to receive and file a report and get an update on City's recruitments at the next meeting. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
ORDINANCES
9. Adoption and Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending Commerce Municipal Code, Chapter 2.04.050 Related to the City Manager Position Councilmember Garcia moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to adopt and conduct a Second Reading, read by title only, and waive further reading of an Ordinance amending Commerce Municipal Code, Title 2 (Administration), Chapter 2.04.050 related to the City Manager position.
Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk Shumway read the title of the Ordinance. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
10. Adoption and Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending Commerce Municipal Code, Chapter 2.04.080 Related to the City Manager Position City of Commerce Page 6 Printed on 4/9/2024
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Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt and conduct the Second reading, read by title only, and waive further reading of an Ordinance amending Commerce Municipal Code, Title 2 (Administration), Chapter 2.04.080, related to the City Manager position. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Garcia reported that he attended the Spring Festival, praising it as a remarkable event.
Councilmember Rebollo celebrated Angele Rodriguez's impressive six-fight winning streak in boxing, acknowledging CCM Market for their sponsorship and expressing gratitude for their generosity. Additionally, Councilmember Rebollo highlighted the success of the Commerce Water Polo Team at the Olympic Development National Championship and commended the outstanding performance of the Commerce Crash in a Las Vegas tournament. Rebollo reiterated the sentiment that the Spring Festival was a highlight, extending birthday wishes to Councilmember Lainez and Easter greetings to all. Moreover, Rebollo announced the establishment of the Crown Day to empower girls in the City of Commerce, and giving special thanks to CCM Market for their donation of Easter baskets.
Councilmember Lainez reported his participation in a Neighborhood Watch meeting at the village, expressing appreciation to Public Safety Manager Edson for coordinating the event.
Mayor Argumedo provided a comprehensive update, detailing his attendance at the California Cities for Self-Reliance JPA meeting and the LAPD Headquarters Street Racing Kills meeting. The latter was a collaborative effort aimed at devising strategies to combat street racing and prosecute offenders effectively. Additionally, the Mayor shared his experiences at the Spring Festival and the Neighborhood Watch meeting, where residents discussed parking issues. He recommended conducting a survey to gather feedback on street parking and explore potential solutions. Notably, the Mayor announced a temporary suspension of citations for parking cars on lawns for a period of 30 days.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m. in memory of Alice Castillo, former City employee.
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