City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 9, 2024 - 5:30 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 6:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Assistant City Manager Domic led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Councilmemmber Garcia offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. A Proclamation Declaring the Month of July as Parks & Recreation Month Parks and Recreation Director Alaniz gave a presentation and showcased a video highlighting last year's activities at the Parks and Recreation Department. Mayor Argumedo then read the proclamation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no individuals wishing to address the City Council on any items within their jurisdiction.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor pulled item #5 and #6 for discussion.
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Item #5- Vice Mayor Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to appoint Councilmember Lainez as a delegeate to Gateway Council of Governments and Councilmember rebollo as an alternate. The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Garcia, Lainez, Rebollo, Vice Mayor Altamriano and Mayor Argumedo (5)
Item #6- City Manager Hernandez provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Vice Mayor Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt a Resolution authorizing the purchase and replacement of HVAC at Rosewood Park, Bandini Park, and City Hall through BuyBoard National Purchasing Cooperative Agreement, authorizing up to 15% for contingencies and project management, authorizing City Manager to sign the procurement documents and allocating Measure AA funds. The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Garcia, Lainez, Rebollo, and Vice Mayor Altamriano (4) NAYS: Mayor Argumedo (1)
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Altamirano, to approve the Consent Calendar minus items #5 and #6. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
2. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 22A and 22B
3. Authorization for Transportation Grant Funding for Capital and Operating Assistance for the Fiscal Year 2024-2025
4. Declaring Property Located at 5440 Telegraph Road Known as APN:
6336-23-910, 911, 912, 913, 914, 915, 916, & 920 as Surplus Land
5. Organizational Assignments for Councilmembers
6. Procurement and Replacement of HVAC Units at Various City Facilities through BuyBoard National Purchasing Cooperative Agreement
SCHEDULED MATTERS
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7. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Duarte provided an overview of activities over the last two weeks, and spoke about fireworks suppression activities, reporting that 20 citations were issued for possession or unlawful discharge of fireworks.
Council Member Rebollo inquired about other cities that have raised fines or banned mini bikes. Sergeant Duarte responded that she was not aware of such measures in other cities. However, she noted that the City could establish enforcement through the municipal code, determining if mini bikes are banned and not allowed on the streets and whether they receive citations. In response to Councilmember Rebollo's questions, Sergeant Duarte stated that If the bikes are stopped, they are impounded, and the riders are given criminal citations.
Councilmember Rebollo suggested looking into attaching a fine to make it impossible for mini bikes to be on the streets. City Manager Hernandez said they would look into an ordinance change.
Mayor Argumedo asked for the fireworks suppression activity and its results to be posted on the social media. He commended the staff for their quick action and noted that there was a reduction in activity after the ordinance was passed and information boards were put up.
8. Amending the Annual Operating Budget for Fiscal Year 2024-25 City Manager Hernandez provided an update of the staff report for Council requested items. City Manager Hernandez cautioned about the potential impact of SB 549. He warned that if the legislature votes against cities, it could significantly affect the city's operations, particularly in terms of gaming services.
City Manager Hernandez recommended proceeding cautiously in light of this bill's potential effects.
In response to Councilmember Altamirano's inquiry about the $15,000 cost for karate classes, City Manager Hernandez explained that the amount covers instructor pay.
Councilmember Garcia asked how the $75,000 budget for cultural excursions was determined. City Manager Hernandez stated that this amount would fund two to four excursions, depending on the trips' complexity. Additionally, he mentioned that staff is working on guidelines and policies to ensure equitable fund utilization City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 7/10/2024
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across all teams. The $75,000 figure could be reconsidered in the future. City Manager Hernandez recommended bringing this item back for City Council approval along with the proposed policy at a later date. City Manager Hernandez added that the program aims to accommodate many participants and account for different levels of travel among teams, emphasizing a focus on reality and equity.
Councilmember Garcia inquired about the need for an additional swim coach.
Director of Parks and Recreation Alaniz confirmed the necessity, stating that an additional coach would provide consistency and help expand the program.
Mayor Argumedo referred to the cultural excursions and asked how the number of coaches for trips would be decided. Parks Director Alaniz responded that it would depend on the number of participants. City Manager Hernandez reinforced that staff would create a policy to ensure consistency in coaches' travel and determine whether parents could chaperone.
Councilmember Lainez asked about the feasibility of holding Fiesta Padres this year and suggested planning it for the following year if not possible. Parks Director Alaniz recommended moving the concert in the park to Bristow Park, allowing the event to take place on a smaller scale this year. Councilmembers Lainez agreed, emphasizing the tradition of hosting events at different locations. Director Alaniz mentioned the possibility of adding more food vendors and folklorico dancers.
Councilmember Lainez recommended proceeding with the event on Saturday.
Councilmember Lainez also recommended bringing back the cultural excursions policy for public approval to ensure transparency and focus on equity.
Councilmember Rebollo suggested allowing clubs to fundraise like civic organizations to provide equitable opportunities for all teams.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to amend the operating budget for the fiscal year 2024-2025 as recommended by staff, excluding the cultural excursions expense. The motion was carried by the following vote.
AYAS: Councilmembers Garcia, Lainez, Rebollo, Vice Mayor Altamirano and Mayor Argumedo (5)
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Councilmember Garcia requested that the snack bar be reopened for weekends, evenings, water polo tournaments, and sport programs, especially Rosewood park to be reopened as soon as possible. Councilmember Garcia suggested partnering with the culinary school in the Montebello School District.
Councilmember Garcia asked for water aerobics to be scheduled in the evenings starting at 6 PM and for Zumba classes to be added at 6 PM and 8 PM.
Councilmember Garcia proposed replacing broken splash pads and bringing new ones to parks as needed. Furthermore, she directed staff to identify a location within the existing building or available land to build a sports complex. For transportation, Councilmember Garcia reminded that bus stop benches need to be upgraded. Regarding the library, Councilmember Garcia emphasized the importance of ensuring branch libraries are open during the week.
Mayor Argumedo also made specific requests: he asked for the Miss Commerce event to be brought back on a smaller scale and for the resident card fee to be reevaluated to make it more affordable for families. Lastly, he requested approval for the maintenance and beautification of on and off ramps.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Lainez expressed gratitude to Education Commissioner Stinette, who requested adjournment in honor of Bill Whitmore. Jason Stinette spoke about Mr. Whitmore, highlighting his role as president and cofounder of the Friends of MUSD Foundation, which provides financial support for students and instructional initiatives in the Montebello Unified School District (MUSD) beyond what state and federal funding can cover. Mr. Whitmore was also recognized as the visionary behind the Applied Technology Center High School, attended by many of the community's scholars over the years. Councilmember Lainez extended condolences to Mr. Whitmore's family and praised his educational advocacy and vision.
Councilmember Garcia reported her attendance at the Naleo conference and the 4th of July event. She requested that recycling bins be provided at future events.
Councilmembers and Mayor Argumedo congratulated the Parks and Recreation Department on an excellent presentation for Parks and Recreation Month.
Vice Mayor Altamirano reported his attendance at the Naleo conference and extended belated birthday wishes to his wife.
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Mayor Argumedo stated that he attended both the Naleo conference and the 4th of July event. He emphasized the importance of utilizing security cameras to capture data effectively.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:26 p.m.
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