City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - 6:00 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
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Argumedo called meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
LIbrary Director Bautista led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Lainez offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Certificate of Recognition to Monica Bracho, Vice President of Park Lawn Cemetery
Mayor and City Council recognized Monica Bracho for her contributions to the community.
2. Proclamation Designating the Week of May 13-17, 2024, as National Transportation Week
Angie Verdin, Administrative Technician, spoke about the transportation week.
Mayor Argumedo read the proclamation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Assistant City Manager Domic introduced the new City Manager, Ernie Hernandez, City of Commerce Page 1 Printed on 5/29/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes May 14, 2024
highlighting his significant experience. City Manager Hernandez expressed gratitude for the opportunity to join the Commerce City family. He emphasized his commitment to transparency, teamwork, and improving the lives of residents and businesses. City Manager Hernandez stated that he looks forward to advancing the City’s progress.
Jessie Hernandez, Ryan Gonzalez, Romie Cruz, Lauren Barron, Jonelle Ocampo, and Nancy Reynolds collectively urged the City Council to raise lifeguard wages to align with those in Los Angeles County. Alfredo Beltran presented a letter from Omar Olivas endorsing the pay raise for lifeguards. AFSME expressed opposition to outsourcing these positions.
Antonia Lupercio advocated for extended operating hours at local branch libraries.
Kevin Larsen greeted new City Manager Hernandez and highlighted the impact of lifeguard shortages on swimming and competitive teams. Kevin Larsen urged the City Council to prioritize a discussion on lifeguard pay increase at the next meeting.
Gloria Nezahualcoyotl called for a review of the management of civic organizations and commissions, emphasizing the need for appropriate allocation of funds.
Mayor Argumedo assured that the matter of lifeguard wages would be investigated by city staff. City Manager Hernandez affirmed a commitment to collaborate closely with labor organizations on this issue.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Lainez asked to pull item #7 for discussion. Staff requested to continue item #13.
Item #7 - Councilmember Lainez brought up the issue of sign replacement in the future, suggesting that white backgrounds should be avoided due to their reflective nature, which can obscure the wording on the signs. The Mayor concurred, noting that some existing signs are difficult to read. It was agreed that in future replacements, more visible backgrounds should be chosen to enhance readability.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Altamirano, to adopt a Resolution accepting the Citywide Wayfinding Vehicular Directional Signs Project as complete, authorizing staff to file the Notice of Completion with the County City of Commerce Page 2 Printed on 5/29/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes May 14, 2024
Recorder’s Office and authorizing release of 5% retention per contract provisions.
The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Garcia, Lainez, Rebollo, Vice Mayor Altamirano and Mayor Argumedo (5).
Vice Mayor Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to approve the Consent Calendar minus items #7 and #13. 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. 18A, 18B, and 18C
4. Approval of Minutes
5. Proclamation Designating the Week of May 19 -25, 2024, as National Public Works Week in the City of Commerce
6. Brenda Villa Aquatic Center Pool Filtration System Replacement Project Acceptance
7. Citywide Wayfinding Vehicular Directional Signs Project Acceptance
8. Civic Center Landscape Renovation and Demonstration Garden Project Acceptance
9. Office of Traffic and Safety Federal Highway Safety Program Amended Grant Agreement
10. Purchase of a Forklift from Atlas Toyota Material Handling for the Central Receiving Warehouse and Food Distribution
11. Purchase 2024 23’ Diamond Shuttle Van from AZ Bus Sales for the Senior Center
12. Agreement with Gillig, LLC. for the Purchase of 2024 40’ Battery Electric Transit Bus
13. Agreement with Key Government Finance, Inc., for the Lease of Two 2024 MCI Buses
14. Professional Services Agreement with Estolano Advisors for the City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 5/29/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes May 14, 2024
Preparation of a Comprehensive Transit Oriented Development and Displacement Avoidance Plan for the future Citadel Metro Station
15. Mixmaster Street Widening Project (Phase 2) Award of Construction Contract to Excel Paving Company
16. Certification of the City of Commerce 2016 Citywide Engineering and Traffic Survey
17. Adoption of Resolution Approving Services with Granicus for One View Mobile Application and Website Portal (3-1-1)
SCHEDULED MATTERS
18. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Duarte provided an overview for the last two weeks.
19. Greenwood Avenue and Watcher Street Roundabout Project Deputy Director of Public Works Operations Nila provided a brief overview, followed by a presentation from KOA Corporation's Principal Engineer, Min Jo.
The project will primarily involve signage and striping, with implementation expected to take a few months. Min Jo cited a roundabout in Long Beach as an example.
The discussion focused on pedestrian visibility at crosswalks. Min Jo stated that the roundabout would enhance pedestrian safety. Additional measures could include implementing highly visible crosswalks and increasing street marking visibility.
City Manager Hernandez recommended starting with this pilot program using reflective paint. If the roundabout becomes permanent, additional visibility measures such as signs and flashing lights could be added.
In response to Councilmember Lainez’s question about measuring the program's success, Min Jo explained that they would conduct speed studies before and after implementation and analyze collision data.
Councilmember Garcia mentioned concerns about speeding raised at a neighborhood watch meeting, noting that the roundabout could help address this City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 5/29/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes May 14, 2024
issue but would reduce traffic lanes to one. Min Jo explained that the transition from two lanes to one would be calculated prior to the roundabout, and assured that there will be no back of traffic at that area.
Vice Mayor Altamirano requested the inclusion of art in the roundabout design.
City Manager Hernandez responded that if the roundabout becomes a permanent project, discussions on incorporating art could take place at that time.
Vice Mayor Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to receive and file a presentation on the Greenwood Avenue and Watcher Street Roundabout Project Concept Plan by KOA Corporation; and adopt a Resolution approving the Roundabout Concept Plan for the Greenwood Avenue and Watcher Street Roundabout Pilot Project; authorize preparation of the Plans, Specification, and Estimate, and allocating Measure AA funds to cover the Pilot Roundabout Project. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
20. Award of Construction Contract to Vido Samarzich, Inc. for the Pathways for Hope Project (Clean California Cycle 1 Grant)
Deputy Director of Public Works Operations Nila gave a presentation. Deputy Director Nila recommended an approval of additional allocation of $1,212,246.95, leading to a discussion.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt a Resolution approving plans and specifications; waiving the non-material irregularities in the Vido Samarzich, Inc.'s bid; awarding a construction contract to Vido Samarzich, Inc., for the Pathways for Hope Project ("Project"); allocating additional funds to cover the total project cost shortfall; and approving construction management and inspection services by Transtech Engineers, Inc. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
21. Consideration of the Procurement and Replacement of HVAC Units at Various City Facilities through BuyBoard National Purchasing Cooperative Agreement
Vice Mayor Altamirano recommended continuing this item. There was a consensus among the City Council to continue item to a later date.
City of Commerce Page 5 Printed on 5/29/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes May 14, 2024
22. Implementation Agreement with Gateway Cities Council of Governments for Slauson Avenue Complete Street Study
Deputy Director of Public Works Operations, Nila, presented an overview of the staff report. Mayor Argumedo inquired about the City's autonomy in decision-making regarding matters affecting it, and whether opting out was a viable option. Deputy Director Nila confirmed that the City indeed possessed flexibility in such decisions. City Manager Hernandez echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the City's authority to participate in discussions and influence outcomes.
Expressing concern for maintaining the community's rights-of-way, Mayor Argumedo emphasized the importance of the City's independence. He stressed the necessity for the City to retain the option to abstain from decisions made by the COG (Council of Governments), underscoring the need to preserve autonomy in participating in the study while safeguarding the right to opt out if deemed necessary.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to adopt a Resolution approving the Implementation Agreement with Gateway Cities Council of Governments for the Slauson Avenue Complete Street Study and allocating funds from Measure AA Funds for the City's share. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
23. Transportation’s Operational Report for the Third Quarter of Fiscal Year 2024
Transportation Director McFerguson delivered a presentation on Transportation department statistics, including ridership figures. McFerguson also highlighted the empathy and sensitivity training undertaken by bus drivers, which involves experiences such as being blindfolded and navigating in a wheelchair.
Councilmember Garcia inquired about the potential repainting of bus stops. In response, Director McFerguson informed the council that staff is currently in the process of initiating a Request for Proposal (RFP) and will commence replacing bus stops shortly, with funding secured through a grant.
Councilmember Lainez followed up with questions regarding the collection frequency and methods of customer satisfaction surveys. Director McFerguson City of Commerce Page 6 Printed on 5/29/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes May 14, 2024
elaborated, explaining that surveys are gathered through various channels such as visits to shopping centers, interactions with Dial-A-Ride or bus customers during their journey, and electronic submissions. Survey collection occurs quarterly, typically during two to three-hour periods at locations like Union Station and Cal State. There are plans to expand survey efforts as staffing levels permit.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to receive and file transportation's operational report for the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2024. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
24. Approval of Code Enforcement/Code Compliance Ad Hoc Committee, and Making Appointments to the Ad Hoc Committee
Code Enforcement Supervisor Vivero provided a brief presentation.
The discussion centered on the roles and responsibilities of the Code Enforcement subcommittee. City Manager Hernandez clarified that the committee would focus on policy and code compliance rather than individual cases. Further discussion was held regarding the parameters for the ad hoc committee.
Councilmember Garcia inquired about the existence of a tracking system for all code enforcement cases and emphasized the importance of focusing on status updates and quality reports from code enforcement. Mayor Argumedo concurred, noting that the Council should not be involved in the daily oversight of code enforcement, as it pertains to the enforcement of the Municipal Code.
Mayor Argumedo recommended tabling the item.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Garcia reported attending a preschool graduation and Student Leadership Day.
Councilmember Rebollo welcomed the new City Manager, Ernie Hernandez. She also participated in Student Government Day, met with 8th graders from Rosewood School Club to discuss their ideas and the club's significance, and explored how the City could support them.
Councilmember Lainez welcomed City Manager Ernie Hernandez and attended several events, including the Women in Business luncheon, a Union Pacific City of Commerce Page 7 Printed on 5/29/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes May 14, 2024
Railroad meeting at the Senior Center, the Gateway Council of Government meeting (where an update on the Citadel Metro Station stop was provided to the board members), Student Leadership Day, and a preschool graduation.
Councilmember Lainez noted the start of the baseball season last week and acknowledged National Public Works Week, commending the departments responsible for parks and streets.
Vice Mayor Altamirano attended the Union Pacific Railroad meeting, a preschool graduation, the Women in Business luncheon, a Sanitation District meeting, and Student Government Day. Vice Mayor Altamirano also welcomed Ernie Hernandez as the new City Manager.
Mayor Argumedo visited Aguascalientes, Mexico, as part of the Sister City program and expressed gratitude for the reception and welcoming visit. Mayor Argumedo also attended Student Government Day, a preschool graduation, Caltrans District 7's annual maintenance workers memorial day, and a Union Pacific Railroad meeting. Additionally, Mayor Argumedo welcomed the new City Manager, Ernie Hernandez.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m.
City of Commerce Page 8 Printed on 5/29/2024