City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, October 22, 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 meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
City Manager Hernandez led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Rebollo offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation Declaring October 23-31, 2024 as “Red Ribbon Week” in the City of Commerce
Public Safety Manager Edson made a brief presentation, and Mayor Argumedo read the proclamation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Honey Bizarro and Patricia Duares urged the City Council to engage more directly with the community.
Jasmin Gonzalez mentioned that several emails had been sent to the Council requesting a meeting, but the group had yet to receive a response.
In response, Mayor Argumedo directed staff to schedule a meeting to address the City of Commerce Page 1 Printed on 10/24/2024
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issues and concerns raised and work toward a resolution.
Mathew Lipson highlighted that his company previously used parking on Washington, but new signage prohibiting parking during peak hours was being installed. With 160 vehicles and insufficient space in the parking lot, this was creating challenges.
Chris Griego expressed gratitude to the City Council for their support of the football camp.
Gloria Nezahualcoyotl raised concerns about the social club at the senior center, urging that a fair election be conducted for officers and that the rules and by-laws be enforced. Mayor Argumedo acknowledged the issue, stating that the by-laws were outdated and would be revised following the election.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to approve the consent calendar. The motion 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 No. 7A
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Allocating Funds for Annual 2025 Commerce Calendars
5. Council Meeting Schedule - Cancellation of November 26, 2024 and December 24, 2024 Meetings Due to Upcoming Holidays and Anticipated Lack of Business
SCHEDULED MATTERS
6. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Duarte provided a summary of crime statistics from the past two weeks and gave an update on the FLOCK License Plate Reader system. She highlighted the system's benefits in helping prevent and solve certain crimes.
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Councilmember Lainez inquired about the date range covered in the report.
Sergeant Duarte explained that the FLOCK system retains information for 30 days.
When asked by Councilmember Lainez about the meaning of a "hotlist," Sergeant Duarte clarified that it refers to vehicles either reported as stolen or those they are trying to identify in connection with crimes in the area.
Councilmember Lainez also asked how frequently the Sheriff's Department assesses strategies to prevent crime, specifically emphasizing the high rates of property crime. Sergeant Duarte responded that most crimes occur at the Shopping Center and Citadel Outlets. She mentioned that they have met with the management of the Shopping Center, and there are plans to install additional parking lot cameras to help deter criminal activity.
Sergeant Duarte commended Citadel for their efforts, noting that they have assigned deputies and security personnel to the area. She also recommended that residents and visitors take precautions, such as not leaving valuables in their trunks or cars.
Mayor Argumedo reported suspicious activity occurring behind homes in the area near Jack in the Box and requested an evaluation of how to enhance patrol efforts in that vicinity. He also noted multiple accidents at the intersection of Slauson and Greenwood and asked the City Manager to investigate safety improvements for that intersection.
7. Agreement with Sky Elements Drone Show, Inc. for the City Birthday Opening Ceremonies
Director of Parks and Recreation Alaniz provided a brief overview of the staff report.
Councilmmeber Rebollo moved, seconded by Vice Mayor Altamirano, to adopt a resolution approving an agreement between the City of Commerce and Sky Elements Drone Shows Inc. for the City Birthday Opening Ceremonies Display at Rosewood Park. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
8. Rental of Security Camera Trailers for a 12-Month Period Public Safety Manager Edson provided an overview of the staff report regarding the mobile cameras. Councilmember Garcia expressed appreciation for the City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 10/24/2024
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introduction of another crime prevention strategy but raised concerns about the potential misuse of the mobile cameras. Councilmember Garcia inquired if there were any risks of these cameras being misused. Manager Edson clarified that the cameras would be placed only on public property, such as parks and industrial areas at night, and not on private property. He further explained that only Deputies, public safety staff, and City Mnaager, if requested, would have access to the footage. Councilmember Garcia also voiced concern about potential penalties if the trailers housing the cameras were not set up properly. Manager Edson reassured her that only trained staff members would handle the setup, ensuring it would be done correctly.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt a resolution approving the rental of security camera trailers for a 12-month period utilizing Measure AA funding.. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
ORDINANCES
9. Adoption and Second Reading of an Ordinance to Approve Development Agreement Related to Commercial Cannabis Permit Application No. 18-026 for Commercial Cannabis Testing
Vice Mayor Altmiarano moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to adopt and conduct Second Reading by title and waiver further reading, an Uncodified Ordinance approving an Amended and Restated Development Agreement, also identified as commercial cannabis permit I.D. No.18-026, between the City of Commerce and VK Labs, LLC (a California Corporation) to replace Development Agreement No. 788 to reflect amendments for testing laboratories for the previously approved commercial cannabis business at 5608 East Washington Boulevard, making findings consistent with and pursuant to Government Code Section 65867.5, and making findings of a CEQA categorical exemption. Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk Shumway read the title of the Ordinance. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo Abstain:1 - Councilmember Garcia
10. Adoption and Second Reading of an Ordinance to Approve Development Agreement Related to Commercial Cannabis Permit Application No.
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18-047
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to adopt and conduct Second Reading by title and waiver further reading, an Uncodified Ordinance approving a Development Agreement, also identified as commercial cannabis permit I.D. No.18-047, between the City of Commerce and Long Beach Exchange LLC (A California Corporation) for a commercial business at 3019 Vail Avenue, making findings consistent with and pursuant to Government Code Section 65867.5, and making findings of a CEQA categorical exemption. Direcotr of Administrative Services and City Clerk Shumway read the title of the Ordinance. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo Abstain:1 - Councilmember Garcia
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Garcia reported attending the 2024 Service Education Award event at the Montebello Unified School District, and congratulated Mr. Whitmore for being recognized for his significant contributions.
Councilmember Rebollo congratulated the sports teams currently traveling and thanked the Veterans Park community for their patience as the much-needed remediation project begins. She emphasized the importance of the upcoming national election and encouraged residents to vote. Councilmember Rebollo also expressed her gratitude to the Library Department for hosting the "Pizza and Politics" workshops, which she believes are vital for educating the community on ballot measures and the voting process.
Councilmember Lainez shared that he attended a "Thriving Communities" meeting at the Department of Transportation hosted by the COG. The focus was on improving connectivity in the I-710 corridor. The program provided technical assistance for grant writing and project scoping. Councilmember Lainez met representatives from the Federal Railroad Administration, and talked with them about accident years ago in Commerce and that the railroad safety wall buffer was never completed. FRA representatives noted that there are a couple of grant opportunities available through the Federal Railroad Administration to address this issue.
Vice Mayor Altamirano discussed his recent meeting with the Tax Assessor’s City of Commerce Page 5 Printed on 10/24/2024
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office to discuss concerns that were raised by residents about property taxes when passing homes to their children. Vice Mayor Altamirano informed that there is a form that can be completed to maintain a low tax base when a home is inherited.
Vice Mayor Altamirano also mentioned an upcoming presentation on this topic.
Additionally, Vice Mayor Altamirano noted that some residents have reported their home insurance being canceled or significantly increased. Vice Mayor Altamirano requested the City Manager to reach out to the Insurance Commissioner to investigate the matter. Lastly, Vice Mayor wished good luck to all candidates running for office.
Mayor Argumedo also attended the Friends of Montebello Unified District Foundation Service Award event and congratulated Mr. Whitmore on his recognition.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:30 pm
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