City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, August 27, 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 5:06 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 the Closed Session agenda
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:07 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. 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.
2. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(2) - Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - One (1) Matter.
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City Council Meeting Minutes August 27, 2024
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council/Sucessor Agency reconvened to Open Session at 6:18 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session items: The City Council discussed item #1, staff made a presentation, the City Council provided direction and no reportable action was taken on this item. The City Council did not discuss item #2. 6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Argumedo called regular City Council meeting to order at 6:19 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 4 -
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Assistant City Manager Domic led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Mayor Argumedo offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation of the Upcoming Events Organized by Citadel Outlets Michael DeLeon, General Manager of Citadel Outlets, gave a presentation on two upcoming events: the "Clean Up Commerce" initiative scheduled for October 5, 2024, and a 5K run benefiting the Breast Cancer Society. He invited the Council and staff to participate and requested their support in terms of road closures and permit waivers for both events.
2. Presentation and Highlights of the 2024 National Night Out.
Public Safety Manager Edson presented an overview of National Night Out 2024.
Councilmember Garcia inquired why she was not featured in the event video.
Councilmembers Rebollo and Lainez suggested allowing residents to sign up for the event in advance and recommended providing shuttles to various areas of the City to enhance participation.
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PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no individuals wishing to address the City Council on any items within their jurisdiction.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
3. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 3A, 25A, 3B and 25B
4. Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program Participation Goals
SCHEDULED MATTERS
5. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Duarte provided a summary of the past two weeks.
6. Transit Supervisor Position for the Transportation Department Transportation Director McFerguson presented an overview of the staff report. The discussion focused on supervision gaps and whether the proposed cost analysis accurately reflects the salary and benefits.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to adopt a Resolution approving an additional Transit Supervisor position to ensure adequate supervisory oversight during service operations and to meet ongoing commercial driver's license-mandated Class "B" training requirements. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 1 - Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
7. Committee and Commission Appointments
Councilmember Lainez appointed Silvia Munoz to Public Safety Commission.
Councilmember Rebollo appointed Omar Terrones to Youth Advisory Commission.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
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Councilmember Garcia spoke about the significance of Labor Day and invited everyone to join in the celebrations.
Councilmember Rebollo expressed gratitude to the Parks and Recreation Department for decorating a table at the contract cities event.
Councilmember Lainez congratulated the Mayor and department directors on a successful State of the City Address. Councilmember Lainez also attended the Bristow Park Library community meeting on August 15, which was well attended.
Councilmember Lainez recommended that the architect collaborate with the Parks staff to ensure the design is functional. Councilmember Lainez praised the National Night Out event, highlighting its importance in fostering community connections. He also thanked Sonia Flores, a former commissioner, for her service, noting that her time commitments prevented her from attending meetings regularly.
Mayor Argumedo shared that National Night Out was a success and thanked Sergeant Duarte for her efforts. He was pleased that the security camera rebate program is paying off by helping catch criminals. The Mayor also thanked the staff for their work on the State of the City. He praised the public input received during the Bristow Library presentation. Mayor Argumedo also mentioned his ongoing efforts to oppose SB 549, including holding multiple meetings and sending letters to various organizations. He noted that there is a link on the City’s website where residents can submit letters opposing SB 549.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned in memory of Mary Gibson and Molly Mora at 7:30 p.m.
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