City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 9, 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 5:02 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 5:03 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 concerning proposed price and other terms relating to the properties located at:
A. Commerce Refuse-to-Energy Authority Facility site located at 5926 Sheila St., Commerce, CA 90040
B. With 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], City of Commerce Page 1 Printed on 4/16/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes April 9, 2024
formerly known as 5809, 5819, 5823, 2901/2903, 5933, 5959, 6000, 6003 and 6233 Telegraph Road and 2240 Gaspar Avenue; 2311, 2322 and 2366 Travers Avenue, Commerce, California.
C. 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.
3. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(2) - Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - One (1) Matter.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Coiuncil/Successor Agency reconvened to Open Session at 6:00p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia stated that regarding item #6 on the regular agenda regarding employment agreement for City Manager position, staff prepared Resolution and contract and copies are provided to the City Clerk for the public.
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session items #1, #2 and #3. Staff made a presentation, City Council provided direction and no reportable action was taken on those items.
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
ROLL CALL
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation Designating the Month of April 2024 as “Autism Awareness Month.”
Parks and Recreation Director Alaniz delivered a brief presentation before introducing Commissioner Mariam Madrigal. Commissioner Madrigal then addressed the audience, shedding light on the experiences of children with disabilities, particularly their sensitivities to stimuli like noise. She emphasized the crucial need for City staff and Deputies to undergo specialized training in effectively supporting and managing individuals with disabilities.
2. Proclamation Designating April 7-13, 2024 as “National Library Week” City of Commerce Page 2 Printed on 4/16/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes April 9, 2024
Library Director Bautista provided an overview of the library programs planned for the Library week. Mayor Argumedo read the proclamation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no individuals wishing to address the City Council on any items within their jurisdiction.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to approve the Consent Calendar. 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. 16A, 16B, and 16C
4. Second Amendment to the Professional Services Agreement with Nelson/Nygaard, Inc.
SCHEDULED MATTERS
5. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Duarte presented a summary of the statistics from the past two weeks, highlighting ongoing efforts by deputies to address homeless encampments within the City.
6. Employment Agreement for City Manager Position
City Attorney Tapia announced that Ernie Hernandez is the proposed candidate for the City Manager position, and there is an agreement on the table for the City Council to review and consider.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Altamirano, to adopt a Resolution approving an employment agreement with the City Manager. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
4 -
Nayes: 1 - Mayor Argumedo
7. Slauson Corridor Median Landscape Improvements Concept Plan Deputy Director of Public Works Operations Nila gave a concise overview of the City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 4/16/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes April 9, 2024
staff report. Greg Garces from KOA Corporation outlined that the project spans 2.7 miles, with 50% of the corridor featuring raised median improvements. They've engaged in outreach with local businesses affected by the additional median installations.
A representative from Nuvis Landscapes highlighted their collaboration with the City arborist, proposing various trees and plants to enhance the area's aesthetics, including seasonal flowers and year-round foliage.
The conversation addressed concerns raised by businesses regarding the impact of raised medians on U-turn access to their properties. Mayor Argumedo emphasized the safety benefits of raised medians in reducing accidents caused by left turns in those areas.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Mayor Argumedo, to receive and file a presentation on the proposed Slauson Corridor Median Landscape Improvements Concept Plan; and authorizing staff to proceed with the design of the proposed Slauson Corridor Median Landscape Improvements Project.
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
8. Award of Construction Contract to Armstrong Cal Builders, Inc. for the Bandini Library and Learning Center Project
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to adopt a Resolution awarding a Construction Contract to Armstrong Cal Builders, Inc. for the Bandini Library and Learning Center Project and authorizing Construction Management and Inspection Services by Transtech Engineers, Inc. pursuant to their On-Call Professional Consulting Services Agreements. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
9. Capital Improvement Program Update for FY 2023/2024
Deputy Director of Public Works, Nila, delivered a summary of the staff report.
Conversation ensued regarding the citywide street lighting master plan, including the City Council's potential input on light selection and other recommendations.
Deputy Director Nila noted that most lights are owned by SoCal Edison, and they dictate the specific lights used.
Councilmember Garcia moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Altamirano, to receive and file an update on the City of Commerce's Capital Improvement City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 4/16/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes April 9, 2024
Program (CIP) for Fiscal Year 2023/2024. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
10. A Status of the City’s Recruitments -- Follow-up
Acting City Manager Domic presented a summary of the staff report, noting that the YES program is currently underway. In response to Councilmember Lainez's inquiry about the contract Permit Technician, Acting City Manager Domic mentioned that the individual would join the team next Monday. Councilmember Lainez suggested conducting a live video lottery on Facebook for the YES Program.
The discussion then shifted to recruitment for Parks and Recreation positions.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Altamirano, to receive and file the report/presentation on the status of City recruitments.
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 that the "Crown Day! Unlock Your Future" event on April 4th was a resounding success, offering empowerment and motivation to the young women in the community.
Additionally, Councilmember Garcia acknowledged the Library Commissioner's positive report on a well-executed library program and commended the Library Director for their exemplary work. She also proposed two agenda items for the next Council meeting: the Business Watch Crime Prevention Program and an overview of Code Enforcement processes and timelines.
Councilmember Rebollo expressed gratitude for the collaboration on "Crown Day! Unlock Your Future" with Melissa Demirichi, and extended thanks to Transtech, Lavarez Glassman and Colvin, and CalWater for their sponsorship.
Councilmembers Lainez, Vice Mayor Altamirano, and Mayor Argumedo congratulated Councilmembers Garcia and Rebollo on the success of the event.
Vice Mayor Altamirano suggested considering a similar event tailored for young men.
Mayor Argumedo shared insights from a meeting with the Director of Transportation and Acting City Manager regarding transportation issues, announcing the introduction of a new bus that could potentially halve travel time and serve City of Commerce Page 5 Printed on 4/16/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes April 9, 2024
previously underserved areas.
Mayor Argumedo also attended a Sanitation District meeting and clean-up day, expressing gratitude to all participants and sponsors for their efforts in cleaning the entrance to I-5. Over 20 volunteers participated, and Caltrans was commended for their follow-up cleaning on the other side of the road.
ADJOURNMENT
A meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m.
City of Commerce Page 6 Printed on 4/16/2024