City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 28, 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
Vice Mayor Altamirano called meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo joined the meeting at 5:06 p.m.
Mayor Argumedo
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
There were no public comment 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. Pursuant to Government Code §54956.8, the City Council will confer with its real property negotiator, Ernie Hernandez, with respect to real estate negotiations regarding Mitsubishi property concerning the proposed price and other terms relating thereto, comprised of 5440 Telegraph Road, Commerce, California (APN: 6336-023-920).
2. CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE REGARDING PUBLIC EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE EVALUATION pursuant to Government Code 54957 (b) (1)
Employee Title: Assistant City Manager
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency reconvened to open session at 6:00 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on the Closed Session items:
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Items #1 and #2- staff made a presentation, City Council provided direction and no reportable action was taken on this item.
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Argumedo called meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Transportation Director McFerguson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Rebollo offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Introduction of Gateway Cities Council of Government Director De La Torre
Director De La Torre of the Gateway Cities Council of Governments, introduced himself and emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to make a significant impact on communities and enhance residents' quality of life. Mayor Argumedo expressed gratitude for De La Torre's leadership.
2. Commendation Honoring Guillermina “Guille” Reyes for Receiving the Older American Recognition Award from the Los Angeles County Commission for Older Adults and for her Services to the Community Senior Center Supervisor Veronica Jimenez introduced Guille Reyes, who expressed gratitude to the Council and everyone involved. The Mayor then read the commendation.
In a heartfelt acknowledgment, all councilmembers and the mayor expressed their gratitude and congratulations to Guille Reyes. Recognized for her significant community involvement and volunteer efforts, Reyes serves as a commissioner and has been active in various social clubs. Her dedication to the community, particularly her care for senior citizens and her peers, has made a profound impact City of Commerce Page 2 Printed on 6/5/2024
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on many lives. The councilmembers and the mayor thanked her for her tireless work, her advocacy, and her numerous contributions, highlighting the positive difference she has made in the community.
3. Presentation on 2024 One Book, One County Program
Library Director Bautista provided a brief overview of the "One Book, One Community" program, a community reading initiative that unites 18 library districts in Los Angeles County. This year, all participating libraries, including the City of Commerce Public Library, will be reading and discussing "L.A. Weather" by Maria Amparo Escandon. Copies of the book are available in libraries, and patrons can place holds on them.
The program will culminate in a final event featuring the author herself. The City of Commerce is co-hosting this event, and the Transportation Department will be providing transportation for residents to attend.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Ivan Sandoval spoke about collaboration with the LA County Department of Mental Health providing sessions for seniors at the Senior Center on mental health, wellness, etc.
CONSENT CALENDAR
City Manager Hernandez requested to pull item #5 from the Consent Calendar.
Councilmember Reboolo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to approve the Consent Calendar minus item #5. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
4. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 19A, 19B, and 19C
The City Council and Successor Agency will consider for approval the bills and claims set forth in Warrant Registers No.19A dated May 28, 2024, No. 19B dated May 09, 2024, through May 13, 2024, and No.19C dated May 15, 2024 through May 22, 2024.
5. First Amendment to Assistant City Manager Employment Agreement Between Vilko Domic and the City of Commerce
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving the First City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 6/5/2024
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Amendment to the Employment Agreement with the Assistant City Manager Vilko Domic.
6. Resolution Denouncing Digital Discrimination
The City Council will consider adopting a resolution denouncing digital discrimination.
7. Resolution Authorizing Global Urban Strategies, INC. to Provide Grant Writing Services to Prepare a Grant Application for Arts in California Parks - Local Parks Grant Program
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution authorizing Global Urban Strategies, INC. to prepare a grant application for the Arts in California Parks-Local Parks Grant Program administered by Parks California.
SCHEDULED MATTERS
8. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Duarte provided an overview of crime statistics for the past two weeks, noting a decrease in most crime categories.
Councilmember Garcia inquired about the possibility of separating crime statistics for residential and business areas. Sergeant Duarte explained that this would require a manual case-by-case analysis. Mayor Argumedo recommended determining which statistics should be provided and suggested discussing this in one-on-one meetings with the Sergeant Duarte. City Manager Hernandez added that this topic could be agendized as a standalone item for City Council discussion.
In response to Councilmember Lainez's question about the effectiveness of automatic license plate reading cameras in reducing crime, Sergeant Duarte mentioned that three cameras are being adjusted, and mobile cameras are being installed in high-crime areas to address issues more effectively. Councilmember Lainez emphasized the importance of having metrics available to demonstrate the return on investment before further investing in technology to improve public City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 6/5/2024
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safety.
Councilmember Lainez also raised the issue of illegal fireworks and asked what proactive measures the City could take to address this problem. Councilmember Lainez requested the development of a plan to mitigate illegal fireworks. Mayor Argumedo inquired if home security cameras could be used to prosecute illegal fireworks offenders. Sergeant Duarte responded that possessing illegal fireworks is a misdemeanor, and cases are submitted to the District Attorney's office. She noted that some cities issue administrative citations, which do not require court involvement.
City Manager Hernandez stated that staff could update the Council on potential actions and provide recommendations for alternative approaches. Councilmember Rebollo pointed out that when automated license readers were initially discussed, noise detection was part of the package, and asked if this feature could be added to help curb illegal fireworks.
9. 500 “Purple” Route Modifications and Adding the 700 Route Transit Analyst Mendez gave a presentation. Councilmember Rebollo expressed her appreciation for the staff's efforts in listening to the community and addressing their concerns. She recommended presenting the information at the senior center and teen center, coordinating with the senior center supervisor, and simplifying the route map to make it more understandable for residents.
Transportation Director McFerguson added that the new schedule will be available in a pocket-sized folded format, which many residents prefer. Further discussion focused on improving connectivity.
Mayor Argumedo suggested that presentations should also be made to civic organizations.
Councilmeber Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt a Resolution approving the 500 "Purple" route modifications and adding the 700 route. The motion was carried by the following vote:
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Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Rebollo congratulated Senior Center Supervisor Veronica Jimenez and Andrea Grajeda for receiving an Award of Excellence from CPIS. She also reported being appointed to the executive board for Contract Cities and expressed her excitement about representing the City of Commerce.
Councilmember Rebollo stated that she is working closely with the Special Olympics committee. The Special Olympics will take place on June 8 and 9 in Long Beach. Councilmember Rebollo asked about the possibility of providing a bus for the community to watch the events. She also mentioned reaching out to the Special Needs Commission and the Council to become honored guests at the opening ceremony, emphasizing the opportunity for community support for the Special Olympics.
Councilmember Rebollo requested an action item to rename one of the streets leading to Commerce Casino in honor of Haig Papaian, recognizing his instrumental work and community support through Christmas parties, sports events, etc.
Councilmember Garcia supported the renaming of the street in honor of Haig Papaian. She reported attending Contract Cities, a successful Mom’s Night, and Paint Night. Councilmember Garcia also attended the Memorial Day service at the Parkway Cemetery, thanked all veterans for their sacrifices, and inquired about the plaque with soldiers' names at Veteran’s Park that has been missing for a while.
She requested an action item from staff and possible research on having a Vietnam Memorial wall.
Councilmember Lainez reported attending the CA Contract Cities annual seminar, the ICAC in Las Vegas, and the Memorial Day ceremony at Parkway Cemetery, praising the event.
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Vice Mayor Altamirano thanked colleagues for passing item #7, supported the street renaming in honor of Haig Papaian, and suggested adding Tomagian's name.
Mayor Argumedo discussed the casino's scholarship contributions and their instrumental role in various city programs. He reflected on Memorial Day, honoring those who served. Mayor Argumedo reported attending Contract Cities and the California Cities for Self-Reliance meeting hosted in Commerce. He also attended general meetings for the Sanitation District and a special meeting for the I-5 Cities Joint Powers Authority, highlighting a projected $11 million reimbursement for the City of Commerce. Additionally, Mayor Argumedo attended events for Transportation Week and Public Works Week.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:37 p.m.
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