City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, November 12, 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 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Argumedo
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Economic Development and Planning Morales led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Mayor Argumedo offered the invocation
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. City Videos
The City Council and Mayor recognized Richard Lozano Correa for his dedicated volunteerism, active community involvement, and service as a U.S. Army veteran.
Mayor Argumedo proudly read the commendation in his honor.
Director of Parks and Recreation, Mr. Alaniz, announced that staff would be presenting a video recap of the Halloween Harvest Festival held at Rosewood Park.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Orlando, a member of the public, addressed Item #7, recommending that Steven's Steakhouse construct a parking structure. He expressed that expanding the City of Commerce Page 1 Printed on 11/20/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes November 12, 2024
driveway would not be a beneficial solution.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Lainez requested to pull Item #5 for discussion.
During the discussion, Councilmember Lainez emphasized the importance of staff conducting due diligence to prevent similar issues from occurring in the future. He also stressed the need for ongoing quality assurance measures to ensure such matters are addressed proactively.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to adopt a Resolution approving a Change Order to the Agreement for essential improvements related to the Garfield Median Improvements Project and allocating reimbursable Measure AA funds for the related improvements.seconded. The motion was carried by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Garcia, Lainez, Rebollo, Vice Mayor Altamirano and Mayor Argumedo (5)
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to approve the Consent Calendar minus item #5. 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 Nos. 8A, 8B, and 8C
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Award of Construction Contract for the Traffic Signal Improvements Project
5. Garfield Median Improvements Project Change Order
SCHEDULED MATTERS
6. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Captain Kusayanagi introduced newly promoted Sergeant Denny Castro and provided a detailed analysis of crime statistics for the past two weeks. He City of Commerce Page 2 Printed on 11/20/2024
City Council Meeting Minutes November 12, 2024
highlighted a focused effort on theft-related incidents, offering insights into trends and preventive measures.
Captain Kusayanagi praised the City of Commerce for being highly engaged with its community, citing the active participation in neighborhood watch programs, business watch initiatives, and various community events. He emphasized that this level of collaboration strengthens safety and fosters a sense of unity across the city.
Additionally, Captain Kusayanagi commended the City for hosting an outstanding Veterans Day Ceremony.
7. Parking at the Village - Proposed Zoning Text Amendment City Manager Hernandez explained that this item serves as a follow-up to a previously discussed topic, providing the Council with options to address parking concerns in the Village neighborhood. Director of Economic Development and Planning Morales delivered a detailed presentation.
In response to Councilmember Garcia’s question regarding existing pads or pavement on some properties, Director Morales clarified that the Council would ultimately decide how to address such situations.
Councilmember Lainez asked if an inventory was being taken of properties with existing improvements and inquired about the communication plan for residents.
Director Morales explained that a 300-foot notice is required for any Conditional Use Permit (CUP), and all residents within that radius would be invited to a public hearing. In this particular situation, all residents in the Village would be notified.
After the Planning Commission reviews the matter, their recommendations and public comments would be presented to the Council. Additionally, he noted that while no building permit is required for non-structural improvements like pads or pavement, Planning Department would administer application, conduct inspections both after completion and during the final sign-off process.
Councilmember Rebollo questioned whether this initiative would apply citywide.
Director Morales responded that while ordinances are typically citywide, this program is currently focused solely on the Village neighborhood. However, other residents have expressed interest in a citywide application.
City Manager Hernandez stated that this is focused intiaitve, but could be treated as a pilot program, allowing the City to assess its effectiveness before considering expansion to other areas. He added that if the program is expanded citywide, City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 11/20/2024
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standards would need to be created, though some residents might be excluded due to varying circumstances.
Mayor Argumedo highlighted the unique building standards in the Village and the older homes outside the area. He recommended moving forward with the Village initiative while exploring parking solutions for the broader community.
City Manager Hernandez emphasized that implementing the program in the Village could serve as a model, providing insights into how it might be adapted for other neighborhoods.
Mayor Argumedo also requested feedback on a potential parking structure at Steven’s Steakhouse, noting their expressed interest in pursuing such a project.
City Attorney Tapia clarified that this item was for receive-and-file purposes, with Council providing direction to staff on next steps. He assured that the public would have future opportunities to receive notifications, comment, and provide feedback.
Rolando, a member of the public, cautioned that expanding driveways could lead to reduced public parking availability, potentially creating additional challenges.
8. Revisions to Staffing Allocated to the Departments of Library Services, Parks and Recreation, Public Works and City Clerk
City Manager Hernandez provided an overview of the staff report.
In response to Councilmember Garcia's inquiry about the responsibilities and duties of the Senior Librarian position, Library Director Bautista explained that this is a supervisory role focused on assisting with programming, developing the library’s collection, and supporting staff. Bautista also provided a detailed overview of the responsibilities and duties of other library positions.
Councilmember Garcia asked for clarification regarding the Recreation Program Supervisor position and its reporting structure. Assistant Director Greg explained that this position has not existed for some time and would oversee approximately 48 programs. Currently, program oversight is managed by the Recreation Coordinator, the Assistant Director, and the Director.
Councilmember Rebollo inquired whether the Special Olympics would fall under the Recreation Program Supervisor’s responsibilities. Director Alaniz clarified that it would instead be managed under the Sports and Aquatics division.
Councilmember Rebollo also asked if library hours could be extended from the City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 11/20/2024
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current 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. schedule to 8 p.m. City Manager Hernandez recommended revisiting the topic at a later date to assess staffing needs and evaluate community participation before making any adjustments.
Councilmember Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt a Resolution approving revisions to staffing allocated to the Departments of Library Services, Parks and Recreation, Public Works and City Clerk and the position of the Travel Coach would not be deleted. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
PUBLIC HEARING
9. Amending Adopted Resolution Approving 2021-2029 Housing Element and Negative Declaration
Director of Economic Development and Planning, Morales, provided an overview of the proposed amendment.
Councilmember Lainez sought clarification on whether this amendment would allow landowners to convert the property to low-income housing if desired.
Morales confirmed that the amendment would indeed allow for the construction of low-income housing.
Mayor Argumedo then opened the Public Hearing. A member of the public asked whether this was a newly adopted resolution or if it had been previously approved.
Mayor Argumedo closed the Public Hearing shortly thereafter.
Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to adopt a Resolution amending adopted Resolution No. 24-88 adopting the City of Commerce 2021-2029 Housing Element and Negative Declaration.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Argumedo, Mayor Pro Tem Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Councilmember Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Garcia highlighted the success of the Halloween Harvest Festival, noting it was a well-organized and well-attended event. Councilmember Garcia also participated in the Citadel Tree Lighting Ceremony and Veterans Day Celebration, where she expressed gratitude for veterans' service. Councilmember Garcia advocated for a memorial wall to be included in Veterans Park once the City of Commerce Page 5 Printed on 11/20/2024
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project is underway. Additionally, Councilmmeber Garcia requested the return of the $5 Rabies Clinic held annually in June at the Veterans Park, a program valued by the community.
Councilmmember Garcia also emphasized the need to remodel bus benches citywide and shared updates from the Arts and Public Places Committee, which is working on creative crosswalk projects. Councilmember Garcia congratulated Juan Munoz on his retirement and applauded her colleagues on their reelection.
Councilmember Rebollo congratulated Commerce water polo teams for their strong performance in Arizona, securing second and third places in tournaments.
She praised the program for promoting Commerce on a broader stage.
Councilmmeber Rebollo also attended the Día de los Muertos event at the Aquatics Center, which celebrated culture and educated visiting teams.
Councilmember Rebollo expressed gratitude for the Veterans Day ceremony, commending its inclusivity, particularly with the addition of a silent interpreter.
Councilmember Rebollo thanked her own family members and Commerce veterans for their service and acknowledged residents for exercising their voting rights.
Councilmember Lainez congratulated Juan Munoz on his retirement and reflected on attending the Día de los Muertos event at Parkway Cemetery, noting the successful partnership behind the celebration. Councilmember Lainez also reported on the Gateway Cities government meeting, where the Empower Gateway Program was highlighted. This program offers energy-efficient subsidies and grants of up to $4,000 for zero-emission vehicles, which 19 individuals have already applied for. Councilmember Lainez thanked veterans for their service and extended congratulations to his colleagues, Rebollo and Argumedo, on their reelection victories.
Vice Mayor Altamirano attended the Citadel Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Veterans Day Celebration, describing the latter as a meaningful event. Vice Mayor Altamirano suggested capturing veterans' life stories to preserve their legacy for future generations. Vice Mayor Altamirano also addressed resident concerns about dog waste in the Rosewood Park area, advocating for more waste bags, trash cans, and education to encourage responsible pet ownership. He inquired about the trail in the park, which was supposed to be finished with decomposed granite.
Vice Mayor Altamirano also congratulated Juan Munoz on his retirement, City of Commerce Page 6 Printed on 11/20/2024
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commended Luis Morales for his City Council campaign in Downey, and congratulated Mayor Argumedo and Councilmember Rebollo on their reelection.
Mayor Argumedo reported that he attended the Halloween Harvest Festival, Veterans Day Celebration, and Citadel Tree Lighting Ceremony. He congratulated Juan Munoz on his retirement and encouraged the Parks and Recreation Department to explore reintroducing the Miss Commerce program to the community. Mayor Argumedo also congratulated Rebollo on her successful reelection campaign.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:55 p.m.
City of Commerce Page 7 Printed on 11/20/2024