City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, January 14, 2025 - 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 Altamirano called meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Argumedo
Mayor Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Mayor Pro Tem 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 5:02 p.m.
1. CITY COUNCIL CONFERENCE REGARDING PUBLIC EMPLOYEE
RECRUITMENT/EMPLOYMENT/APPOINTMENT pursuant to Government Code 54957 (b) (1) Employee Title: Director of Economic Development and Planning (2) Employee Title: Director of Finance
2. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(2) - Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - Two (2) Matters.
3. 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 Wash-Tel Commerce, LLC concerning proposed price and other terms relating thereto, comprised of 6233 -6241 Telegraph Road and 6329 Washington Blvd (APN: 6336-010-030, 031, 032, 033, 034, 035, & 038, 6336-010-922 & 927).
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council/Successor agency reconvened to Open Session at 6:00 p.m.
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ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session items:
Items #1- Staff made a presentation, City Council provided direction and no reportable action was taken on this item.
Item #2- two matters were discussed - one matter was before the regular city Council and another after the regular city Council meeting. Staff made a presentation, and no reportable action was taken on this items.
Item #3- staff made a presentation, City Council provided direction and no reportable action was taken on this item.
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Altamirano called regular meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Argumedo
Mayor Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Transportation Director McFerguson led the Pledge of Allegiance
INVOCATION
Mayor Altamirano offered the invocation
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. 65th City Birthday Celebration
PUBLIC COMMENT
Union President Franklin Aroyo requested that the City Council consider declaring the City of Commerce a Sanctuary City. Additionally, he urged the reinstatement of the Search and Rescue Team to ensure preparedness for emergencies.
Gloria Nezahualcoyl expressed concerns about the mismanagement of social club funds. She also noted that transportation services have been reduced, requiring City of Commerce Page 2 Printed on 2/6/2025
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activities to conclude by 2:00 PM, which poses an inconvenience for seniors, as the Senior Center remains open until 5:00 PM. In response, Mayor Altamirano directed staff to schedule a meeting with Ms. Nezahualcoyl.
Jason Stinnette presented a letter proposing the establishment of a Commerce Sustainability and Resilience Commission. The commission would focus on energy conservation efforts and be composed of residents, union representatives, and other stakeholders. Mayor Altamirano requested a meeting with the representatives to discuss the proposal further.
Planning Commissioner Ernesto Gonzalez supported the need for a sustainability commission, emphasizing the importance of preparing for and adapting to a changing climate.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Garcia requested to pull Item #4 for discussion. She inquired about the lifespan of rotary compressors, to which Director McFerguson responded that they typically last 10–12 years and receive proper maintenance.
Councilmember Garcia then asked about the cost for two compressors, and Director McFerguson stated that the total cost is $50,000.
Councilmember Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to adopt a Resolution approving the purchase of two rotary air screw compressors through the United States General Services Administration (GSA) Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to approve the Consent Calendar minus item #4. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Argumedo, Mayor Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
2. Approval of Minutes
3. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 11A, and 11B
4. Purchase of Two Rotary Air Screw Compressors Through the United States General Services Administration (GSA)
5. Transportation’s Operational Report for the First Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025
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SCHEDULED MATTERS
6. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
There were no presentation.
7. Agreement with IBE Digital for IT Remediation Services City Manager Hernandez provided a brief summary of the staff report.
Councilmember Argumedo requested an update on the breach that occurred at the end of last year, specifically asking for the results of the investigation and measures taken to prevent future incidents. City Manager Hernandez stated that the City Council would receive a report on the matter.
A representative from IBE clarified that the current proposal is for the approval of the surveillance system framework. The implementation and management of the system will require additional Council approval at a later date.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt Resolution approving an agreement with IBE Digital for IT Remediation Services for the City of Commerce. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Argumedo, Mayor Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
8. Consideration of Rejection of Commercial Cannabis Permit Applicant Nos. 18-036 and 18-028
City Manager Hernandez provided a brief introduction, followed by Management Analyst Delgado, who gave a detailed overview of the report.
Mayor Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Lainez, to adopt Resolutions by formally rejecting applicants Nos. 18-036 and 18-028 for failing to move forward and diligently process their respective development agreement applications. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Argumedo, Mayor Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
9. Committee and Commission Appointments
Councilmember Garcia re-appointed Kiana Hernandez to the Education Commission and Connie Artega to the Library Commission.
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PUBLIC HEARING
10. Allocation for the 51st Year of Community Development Grant (CDBG) Funds for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
Mayor Altamirano opened the Public Hearing. Seeing no one wishing to address the City Council on this item, Mayor Altamirano closed the Public Hearing.
Acting Director of Economic Development and Planning Morales provided an overview of the staff report. Mayor Pro Tem Lainez inquired about the amount spent last year and whether unutilized funds could be carried over. Director Morales explained that CDBG funding is based on population. Mayor Pro Tem Lainez emphasized the importance of fully utilizing the funds and ensuring they directly benefit the community.
Councilmember Argumedo assured that the City spends 100% of the allocated funds each year and recommended exploring additional resources that the City could leverage.
Further discussion took place regarding informing residents about available funds and the types of repairs that could be covered by CDBG monies.
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to adopt a resolution authorizing the allocation for the 51st year of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for Fiscal Year 2025-2026, authorize the City Manager or designee to prepare, execute, and submit the Planning Summary, Agreements, and all required documents for the 2025-2026 CDBG Program. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Argumedo, Mayor Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Rebollo wished the community a Happy New Year and expressed gratitude to the Parks and Recreation Department for their outstanding programming, including activities at the Teen Center. Councilmember Rebollo also thanked the City Manager and staff for their swift response during the recent LA fires, including donations of water, partnerships with civic organizations, and transportation assistance to affected areas.
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help, highlighting Makayla Rice, who has been collecting donations in Commerce for fire relief efforts. She noted the urgent need for volunteers to help sort donations and asked the community to keep emergency personnel in their thoughts. Additionally, Councilmember Rebollo recognized Anthony Diaz, who used his tow trucks to assist in Pasadena, and other businesses that helped provide food for emergency responders.
Councilmember Garcia reported attending a local aerobics class, noting its high participation. Councilmember Garcia also attended the Holiday Craft Event, the Children's Holiday Program, and the Holiday Breakfast for seniors.
Councilmember Garcia requested that the City Manager ensure N95 masks are made available to seniors. City Manager Hernandez confirmed that the masks had arrived and would be distributed the next day. Councilmember Garcia also inquired about emergency preparedness, asking if emergency bins are fully stocked and whether staff is adequately trained. City Manager Hernandez stated that the City’s Hazard Mitigation Plan needs to be updated and will be brought before the Council. Councilmember Garcia further suggested preparing "Go Kits" for residents to use in emergencies. She extended her condolences to the families of Timothy Griego, Raquel Arriaga, and Elena Cruz.
Councilmember Argumedo wished everyone a Happy New Year and thanked the community and staff for their hard work. He mentioned receiving calls regarding deportation concerns and asked whether the City could explore ways to assist affected residents. He noted that a brochure had been provided by the office of Congresswoman Garcia and suggested the City use it to help direct residents to appropriate resources.
Councilmember Argumedo also requested that the Council consider bringing back the Commerce Pageant and reiterated his condolences to the Griego and Arriaga families. Additionally, Councilmember Argumedo reminded residents about the City’s upcoming 65th Birthday Celebration.
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez thanked City staff for their incredible efforts in organizing holiday events. He also acknowledged residents and businesses that stepped up to assist during the LA fires. Mayor Pro Tem Lainez concluded by wishing everyone a prosperous 2025.
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Mayor Altamirano wished the community a Happy New Year and asked City Manager Hernandez about the availability of indoor air filters from the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD). He requested that staff explore ways to distribute more filters to residents and assist with the application process.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:33 p.m. in memory of Tim Griego, Raquel Arriaga, Elicia Carbajal and Elena Cruz.
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