City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 23, 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 the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Present: 4 -
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Library Director Bautista led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Lainez offered the invocation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Honey Bizarro, Jasmine Gonzalez and Aida Vega spoke about the need for Spanish translation for the City Council meetings.
Anthony Loera requested that the City establishes rent control.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
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City Council Meeting Minutes July 23, 2024
1. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 1A, 23A and 23B
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Agreement with AssetWorks, LLC. to Utilize their Fleet Maintenance Software Program, Asset, and Materials Management System, including Migration, Software License, Support, and Hosting Services
4. Fund Trade Agreement for the Exchange of Proposition A Funds With the City of Diamond Bar
5. Purchase of a Security Camera Upgrade System for the Transit Maintenance Facility and Commerce 26th Street Metrolink Station
6. Revisions to the Personnel Classification and Compensation Plan by Amending the Media Specialist Classifications
SCHEDULED MATTERS
7. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Duarte provided an overview of the last two weeks.
Councilmember Lainez requested that the Deputies' response times be included in the Sheriff's reports on a monthly basis.
Mayor Argumedo emphasized the need for community outreach to inform the public that some increased activity is due to the installation of Automatic License Plate Readers. This will help explain that Deputies are now more capable of responding to and stopping crime, as well as identifying stolen vehicles.
8. Approval of Capital Improvement Program for FY 2024/2025 Deputy Director of Public Works Nila provided an overview of the completed, in-progress, and future requested CIP projects presented for approval.
Councilmember Lainez inquired about the lighted monument, noting that the City Council had requested specific changes. He asked when they would see the rendering of the monument for approval. City Manager Hernandez responded that the final approval would come back to them, and that currently, only the funding is being approved. Deputy Director Nila added that they have made some changes City of Commerce Page 2 Printed on 8/6/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes July 23, 2024
based on feedback and vetted these with Caltrans. Once the Council reviews the changes, they will present them to Caltrans for formal approval.
In response to Councilmember Garcia's query about bridge repairs, Acting Director Nila explained that some bridges have shared ownership. At Rio Hondo, a fire caused by homeless individuals necessitated repairs, and all jurisdictions involved will be contributing funding based on their share.
There was a discussion about the Bandini Library and its completion date. Acting Director Nila stated it would be completed by the end of this calendar year.
In response to a question about separate funding for potholes, Acting Director Nila explained that the repavement budget does not include repairs, hence the need for a separate funding allocation.
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt a Resolution approving the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) for Fiscal Year 2024/2025 and provide direction to staff regarding priority projects.. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
9. Professional Services Agreement with Vivache Designs for Mural Installation for the Pathways for Hope Project
Acting Public Works Director Nila provided an overview of the staff report and the various options available.
Councilmember Lainez expressed support for Option No. 2 and asked whether Telegraph could be included in the upcoming project. He also suggested looking into a landscaping agreement with Caltrans to incorporate it into the same project.
Vice Mayor Altamirano raised concerns about using funds from the Arts in Public Places program, noting that there is a designated arts district and he would prefer the funds to remain there. He recommended using funds from Measure AA or the general fund instead.
Further discussion ensued about utilizing Measure AA funds to cover the shortfall if the council decides to proceed with Option No. 2.
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 8/6/2024
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adopt a Resolution approving the Mural Concept Designs for the Pathways for Hope Mural Installation Project (Clean California Cycle 1 Grant), authorizing Option 2 for the installation of the mural designs at 2 locations (Triggs Street and the Leonis underpass), allocating Measure AA funds to cover the total project cost shortfall of $252,893 and approving a Professional Services Agreement with Vivache Designs for the installation of the Mural Designs. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
PUBLIC HEARING
10. Confirmation of 2023-2024 Weed Abatement Charges
Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk Shumway made a brief presentation. Mayor Argumedo opened Public Hearing. Mayor Argumedo closed Public Hearing.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, to approve the confirmation of the 2023-2024 Weed Abatement Charges as r e c o m m e n d e d b y t h e L o s A n g e l e s C o u n t y A g r i c u l t u r a l Commissioner/Director of Weights and Measures. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Lainez
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Garcia reported attending the Grand Opening of the patio at the Library, the South Coast Air Quality Management District event, and the Dance Team performance. Councilmember Garcia also thanked Anthony Argular for taking photos at most of the events.
Councilmember Lainez reported attending the South Coast Air Quality Management District event and the Library Patio Grand Opening. He congratulated the water polo teams participating in the Junior Olympics for their efforts and for representing the City of Commerce. He also congratulated the Commerce Aces and wished them good luck in their San Diego tournament. Additionally, he invited everyone to National Night Out.
Vice Mayor Altamirano reported that he attended the South Coast AQMD event City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 8/6/2024
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and reminded residents that the South Coast AQMD is offering free air filters to residents of certain areas in Commerce, encouraging them to take advantage of the program. He also attended the Garden Reading patio grand opening.
Mayor Argumedo reported attending the South Coast AQMD event, the Grand Opening at the Library, and the ICA conference in San Diego.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:28 p.m. in memory of Ruben Rendon.
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