City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, August 13, 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
Mayor Argumedo called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
There were no individuals wishing to address the City Council on any items on CLosed Session agenda.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:02 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 with:
A. 7025 Slauson Ave., Commerce, CA (APN: 6356-004-025)
B. 6364 Zindell Street, Commerce, CA (APN: 6357-015-900 and 6357-019-304) and 7316 E. Gage Ave. (APN: 6357-018-005)
C. 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, 5901, 5959, 6000, 6003 and 6233 Telegraph Road and 2240 Gaspar Avenue; 2311, 2322 and 2366 Travers Avenue, Commerce, California.
City of Commerce Page 1 Printed on 8/29/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes August 13, 2024
D. 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.
2. Pursuant to Government Code §54957.6 the City Council will confer with its labor negotiator, Ernie Hernandez, with respect to labor negotiations pertaining to compensation and benefits for the unrepresented full-time executive management employees.
3. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(2) - Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - Two (2) Matters.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency reconvened to Open Session at 6:12 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session items:
Item #1 (A, B, C, D): Staff provided a presentation, and the City Council gave direction. No reportable action was taken on these items.
Item #2: A presentation was provided by staff, followed by direction from the City Council. No reportable action was taken.
Item #3: Two matters of potential litigation were discussed. Staff presented, and the City Council provided direction. No reportable action was taken on these items. 6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Argumedo called regular meeting to order at 6:14 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.
City of Commerce Page 2 Printed on 8/29/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes August 13, 2024
PUBLIC COMMENT
Margarita Martinez expressed her gratitude to Sergeant Duarte for his exceptional assistance in resolving her issue and for going above and beyond in addressing her concerns.
Josie Betancourt emphasized the need for better outreach to residents regarding the recent restriping on Commerce Way. She also thanked the Parks and Recreation staff for their efforts in organizing a Dodgers game.
Gloria Nezahualcoyotl extended her appreciation to the Transportation Department for their efforts in restoring the bus routes to their previous state.
Rolando Ortiz spoke on behalf of a group of residents who utilize the handball courts at Bristow Park, requesting that the courts remain unchanged.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Argumedo stated that item #12 is conitnued to the next meeting. Mayor Argumedo pulled item #4.
Item #4 - After brief discussion, Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt a resolution accepting the Eastern Avenue Median Improvements Project as complete, authorizing staff to file the Notice of Completion with the County 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)
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, to approve the Consent Calendar minus items #4 and #12. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
1. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 2A, 24A, 2B and 24B
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Letter of Opposition for SB 549 (Newman) Gaming: Tribal Nations Access City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 8/29/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes August 13, 2024
to Justice Act
4. Eastern Avenue Median Improvements Project Acceptance
5. State of Good Repair Funding Allocation for Fiscal Year 2024-2025
6. Commerce Water System Rates - Continuation of PFAS Surcharge
7. Approval of Agreement for Crossing Guard Services with All City Management Services
8. Third Amendment to An Agreement for Maintenance and Support Agreement
9. Agreements for Executive Search Services for Vacant Finance Director and Public works Director Positions
SCHEDULED MATTERS
10. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Duarte provided an overview of the past two weeks, noting that the response times were below the average for the City of Commerce.
Councilmember Lainez requested a breakdown of the response times for routine, priority, and emergency calls.
11. Installation of Creative Artwork at the City’s Six Crosswalks City Manager Hernandez provided an overview of the staff report.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt a Resolution appropriating $200,000 from the Art in Public Places fund to install creative artwork at six crosswalks on Commerce Way and Harbor Street. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
12. Transit Supervisor Position for the Transportation Department This item was continued to the next meeting.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 8/29/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes August 13, 2024
Councilmember Garcia reported that she attended the Scholarship Program and expressed gratitude to the library staff. She noted that the keynote speaker was particularly inspirational. Councilmember Garcia also attended National Night Out, praised the event's organization, and thanked the Public Safety staff. Additionally, she enjoyed the Concert in the Park and appreciated the Parks and Recreation Department for providing recycling bins.
Councilmember Rebollo thanked the Public Safety team for their efforts during National Night Out and expressed her gratitude to the sponsors who provided backpacks for students returning to school. While she was unable to attend the Scholarship Breakfast due to her participation in the Contract Cities meeting.
Councilmember Rebollo wished her mother a Happy Birthday.
Councilmember Lainez reported on his attendance at the Scholarship Breakfast, where he congratulated all 39 recipients and thanked the donors and library staff for their coordination. Councilmember Lainez also attended National Night Out and extended his thanks to the staff for organizing the event. Councilmember Lainez mentioned attending a Dodgers game and praised the Parks Department's tailgate event at the Senior Center, which was well-received by attendees.
Vice Mayor Altamirano shared that National Night Out was a great event, especially with it being held at one park. He thanked the businesses that contributed. Vice Mayor Altamirano acknowledged Councilmember Garcia for her dedication to promoting arts in public spaces, expressing hope that similar initiatives will be implemented in other areas of the city.
Mayor Argumedo reported attending the Scholarship Awards, National Night Out, Dodger Community Night, and the Concert in the Park. He also thanked those involved in organizing the tailgate party and took a moment to wish his son, Brandon, a Happy Birthday.
The meeting recessed to Closed Session at 6:53 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
City Council recessed from Closed Session at 8:19 p.m. and after oral Closed Session announcement, the City Council adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.
City of Commerce Page 5 Printed on 8/29/2024