City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 24, 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 5:11 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 4 -
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Garcia
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 5:12 p.m.
1. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(2) - Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - One (1) Matter.
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 Closed Session item #1. City staff made a presentation, the City Council provided direction and no reportable action was taken on item #1.
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
City of Commerce Page 1 Printed on 10/1/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes September 24, 2024
Mayor Argumedo called regular City Council meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 4 -
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Garcia
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Transportation Director McFerguson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Mayor Argumedo offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation Declaring September 2024 as Deaf Awareness Month in the City of Commerce
Director of Parks and Recreation, Alaniz, gave a detailed presentation.
Neil Cordova, a speech interpreter for LA County, spoke on the importance of providing access, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. He emphasized the need for accessibility and suggested adding subtitles to Council agenda videos.
Mayor Argumedo then proceeded to read a proclamation.
2. City Videos
This item was continued to the next meeting.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no individuals wishing to address the City Council on any items within their jurisdiction.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Garcia
City of Commerce Page 2 Printed on 10/1/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes September 24, 2024
3. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 5A and 5B
4. Approval of Minutes
5. Resolution Approving Compensation for Unrepresented Executive Management Employees
6. Adopting the City’s Title VI Program, and Authorizing Staff to Submit to the Federal Transit Administration for Review and Final Approval
7. Transportation’s Operational Report for the Fourth Quarter of Fiscal Year 2024
8. Purchase of Additional Public Safety City Radios
SCHEDULED MATTERS
9. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Duarte provided an update covering the past two weeks.
Councilmember Lainez inquired about whether there is a matrix or performance data available on the effectiveness of the newly installed automated license plate readers, particularly in addressing the recent surge of over 20 auto thefts. He requested that this information be included in the bi-weekly Sheriff's report to assess how these tools are benefiting the community.
Mayor Argumedo acknowledged that while automated license plate readers are effective in preventing crime, their use may result in increased visible activity in the community. He emphasized the need for outreach to inform residents that these tools are beneficial in reducing crime and enhancing public safety.
10. Committee and Commission Appointments
Vice Mayor Altamirano appointed Jaelyn Ramirez to the Youth Advisory Commission.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Rebollo thanked the Library Services for organizing a successful College Fair. She also expressed appreciation to Neil Cordova for providing translation during the Deaf Awareness presentation. Councilmember Rebollo City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 10/1/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes September 24, 2024
requested a calendar of all awareness days and suggested scheduling monthly awareness events at the first meeting of each month. Additionally, she recommended providing resources in libraries, partnering with other departments to promote awareness and events, and ensuring inclusivity for the community.
Councilmember Lainez thanked the Parks and Recreation Department for the successful Fiesta Patrias event and complimented the Ballet Folklorico performance. He also noted that the College Fair was well-attended. On the topic of public safety, Councilmember Lainez requested an update on the pending items from the public safety plan and inquired about the status of current programs.
Vice Mayor Altamirano shared that he attended the Shopping Extravaganza at Citadel Outlets, which was a successful fundraising event supporting Sister City organization. He mentioned receiving numerous calls regarding red curbs and emphasized the need to address this issue. Vice Mayor Altamirano also wished good luck to his colleagues running for re-election.
Mayor Argumedo commented that both the Fiesta Patrias and College Fair were great events. He also expressed his gratitude for the Coffee with Deputies event.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 6:41 p.m.
City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 10/1/2024