City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 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
5:00 pm Closed Session was cancelled.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo participated in the meeting remotely, and did not vote on any items.
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
1. 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. 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], 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.
B. 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.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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CALL TO ORDER
Vice Mayor Altamirano called meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo participated at portions of the meeting by listening to the meeting remotely, but not voting on the items.
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 4 -
Absent: 1 - Mayor Argumedo
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Acting City Manager Domic led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Garcia offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. A Proclamation Declaring April 2024 a “Sexual Assault Awareness Month” and April 24, 2024 as “Denim Day”
Social Services Coordinator Garcia delivered a presentation on Denim Day, accompanied by a video presentation. Following this, Vice Mayor Altamirano proceeded to read the proclamation associated with the event.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Yvonne Sandoval mentioned that she leads a group dedicated to assisting individuals with mental health challenges.
Antonia Lupercio requested that the City Council explore the possibility of restoring library hours to pre-pandemic levels.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Lainez requested to pull item #9 for discussion.
Item #9 - Councilmember Lainez raised inquiries regarding the job specification and the timeline for advertising the position. Acting City Manager Domic clarified that the position would be advertised simultaneously with the Supervisor position.
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In response to Councilmember Garcia's query about including a driver's license requirement, Director of Parks and Recreation Alaniz explained that Recreation Leaders would be responsible for driving children if they travel out of town.
Otherwise, the majority of programming would occur within the Teen Center.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to adopt a Resolution approving revisions to the Personnel Classification and Compensation plan by creating a part-time classification for the Class Instructor (Performing Arts classification), establishing a job specification and salary level. The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Garcia, Lainez, Rebollo, and Vice Mayor Altamirano (4)
Absent: Mayor Argumedo
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to approve the Consent Calendar minus item #9. The motion was carried by the following vote.
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
4 -
Absent: 1 - Mayor Argumedo
2. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 17A, 17B, and 17C
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Proclamation Declaring Tuesday, April 30, 2024, as Arbor Day in the City of Commerce
5. First Amendment to Professional Services Agreement with Climate Resolve for Assistance in Executing the Sustainable Transportation Equity Program (STEP) Grant
6. Second Amendment to the Agreement with GSI Environmental Inc. for Environmental Assessment and Remediation Services
7. First Amendment to the Agreement with Moore Iacofano Goltsman Inc. (MIG) for On-Going Professional Consulting Services
8. General Municipal Election - Resolutions Calling and Giving Notice of the November 5, 2024, General Municipal Election, Requesting Board of Supervisors to Render Specified Services and Candidate Statement Requirements
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9. Revisions to the Personnel Classification and Compensation Plan by Creating a Part-Time Classification for the Class Instructor - Performing Arts Classification
SCHEDULED MATTERS
10. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Duarte presented an overview of the past two weeks.
Mayor Argumedo connected to the meeting remotely and expressed gratitude to Sergeant Duarte and her team for organizing the neighborhood watch meeting.
Deputy City Attorney Ramirez announced that Mayor Argumedo's remote participation is in accordance with State law, which permits remote participation twice a year.
11. Award Construction Contract to All American Asphalt for the FY 2023-24 Pavement Rehabilitation Project
Deputy Director of Public Works Nila presented an overview of the staff report. In response to Councilmember Rebollo's inquiry about whether bike lanes would be added to Commerce Way or the entire street repaved, Deputy Director Nila clarified that only bike lane striping would be included.
Further discussion arose regarding why mostly industrial streets were included in this year's pavement plan. Deputy Director Nila explained that for eight years, the City primarily focused on residential streets, deferring industrial and commercial streets to a later date. However, delaying the repaving of industrial streets further could result in the need for complete reconstruction in the future. Part of the upcoming budget for the Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) would address some residential streets/alleys.
Councilmember Lainez inquired about whether green paint would be used for bike lanes on Eastern. Additionally, Councilmember Lainez requested an overview of how the pavement management system operates. Deputy Director Nila outlined that the City employs a software program to survey all streets annually, establishing a baseline entered into the system. The program updates once a street is rehabilitated, initiating a new timeframe. Staff regularly assess the City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 5/9/2024
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program to determine street priorities. Deputy Director Nila also noted that some alleys would undergo rehabilitation this year.
Councilmember Garcia raised concerns about one-way or right-only streets on Greenwood and Bandini and whether this would affect any lanes being eliminated.
Acting City Manager Domic responded that discussions were held due to accidents. An analysis was requested to prevent further incidents at this intersection, and tree-related issues would also be addressed. The objective is to encourage drivers to take right turns instead of using the one-way street as a shortcut.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to adopt a Resolution approving Plans and Specifications for the FY 2023-24 Pavement Rehabilitation Project; awarding a construction contract to All American Asphalt for the FY 2023-24 Pavement Rehabilitation Project; and authorizing Transtech Engineers, Inc. to proceed with Construction Management and Inspection Service. The was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
4 -
Absent: 1 - Mayor Argumedo
12. Business Watch Program Update
Public Safety Manager Edson delivered a presentation.
Councilmember Garcia expressed gratitude for the presentation and requested a status update every six months regarding the program.
Councilmember Rebollo appreciated the significant improvements in promoting public safety and noted that the community has begun to acknowledge and understand the roles of Community Service Officers (CSOs). Councilmember Rebollo suggested including the update on the special problems team and maybe every three months make a similar presentation or update at the Senior Center, as some residents may not have access to social media.
Councilmember Lainez thanked for the update and Councilmember Garcia for including the item on the agenda. Councilmember Lainez emphasized the importance of the City supporting the business community and fostering a business-friendly environment.
13. Code Enforcement Operations Presentation
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Code Enforcement Supervisor Vivero provided an overview of the program and recommended the establishment of an Ad Hoc Code Enforcement Committee by the City Council.
In response to Councilmember Garcia's inquiry about public nuisances and the administrative citations process, Code Enforcement Supervisor Vivero explained that upon receiving a complaint, they assess its severity, with priority given to cases endangering public safety. Code Enforcement Supervisor Vivero outlined the process of addressing code enforcement cases, which involves site visits, documentation, communication with property owners, issuing notices of violation, and monitoring compliance. Depending on the severity, cases may be escalated to the attorney's office for enforcement.
Councilmember Garcia requested quarterly reports detailing the number of cases worked on, closed, and the top ten cases with the most complaints, categorized by Code Enforcement Supervisor and Code Enforcement Officer, and further separated into business and residential cases.
Councilmember Rebollo expressed concern for senior residents unable to maintain their properties and suggested exploring options to assist them. Code Enforcement Supervisor Vivero stated that there is a potential liability issues with businesses offering help.
Councilmember Lainez endorsed the idea of an ad hoc code enforcement committee and expressed his willingness to serve on it. Councilmember Lainez also raised concerns about businesses not complying with property regulations, urging staff to assess the situation, especially in the area where the last Neighborhood Watch meeting took place.
Vice Mayor Altamirano proposed creating an ad hoc committee for code enforcement, which received support. Councilmember Lainez inquired about handling code enforcement issues after hours and holidays. Code Enforcement Vivero informed that they are in the process of hiring a full-time Code Enforcement Officer, with staggered hours to cover more days.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Garcia shared that she attended the Neighborhood Watch meeting at Bristow Park and expressed gratitude to Sonia Bautista for organizing a successful Library Volunteer Breakfast event.
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Councilmember Lainez reported his attendance at the Library Volunteer Breakfast and encouraged interested individuals to join the volunteer program.
Councilmmeber Lainez also highlighted parking issues identified at a Neighborhood Watch meeting and urged the City to explore solutions. Additionally, residents expressed a desire to reintroduce events to Bristow Park related to parks and recreation, such as Cinco de Mayo celebration. Councilmember Lainez reminded attendees about the upcoming meeting with Union Pacific for the Ferguson area, emphasizing the importance of Bandini area residents also participating.
Vice Mayor Altamirano addressed the safety concerns associated with street vendors, citing incident of individual being hit and killed by the car. He advocated for establishing rules and enforcement measures for street vendors operating on major streets. According to Acting City Manager, officials from Commerce, Bell Gardens, and law enforcement held a meeting to address speeding issues and that particular incident, with plans for a smaller group to develop solutions collaboratively.
Councilmember Rebollo congratulated the Bell Gardens baseball team on going to thier first playoff since 2013. Councilmember Rebollo also recognized Marissa Fierro for her continued participation in women's water polo for the national team.
Additionally, Councilmember Rebollo requested an informative report on the training received by staff for the special needs community, including frequency and trainers, as well as public safety sensitivity training details, including frequency, training agencies, and whether Community Service Officers undergo specialized training.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
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