City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, January 28, 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 5:03 p.m.
ROLL CALL
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 5:03 p.m.
1. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1). One (1) case: Key Disposal & Recycling, Inc v. City of Commerce et al. - Superior Court of the State of California, County of Los Angeles, Case No. 23STCP01283.
2. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(2) - Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - Two (2) Matters.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency reconvened to open session at 6:03 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on the Closed Session items:
Item #1: Staff made a presentation, and no reportable action was taken.
Item #2: The first matter was discussed in the absence of Councilmember Rebollo.
The second matter was addressed after the regular session. Staff provided a City of Commerce Page 1 Printed on 2/6/2025
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presentation, and the City Council gave direction; however, no reportable action was taken on either item.
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Altamirano called meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Councilmember Argumedo
Mayor Altamirano
Councilmember Garcia
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Human Resources Pappo led the Pledge of Allegiance
INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez offered the invocation
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. 65th City Birthday Celebration
Mayor Altamirano and Director of Parks and Recreation Alaniz spoke about the upcoming City birthday celebration. Director Alaniz shared an overview of the exciting events planned for the occasion. As part of the celebration, each resident will receive a special City gift – a commemorative blanket.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Jason Stinnette, Commissioner and resident, congratulated the City of Commerce on its birthday. He also announced that the Friends of Montebello Unified School District scholarship is now open, awarding tens of thousands of dollars in scholarships. Mr. Stinnette requested that the City share this information on its social media platforms. Additionally, regarding Item #10, he emphasized the importance of commissioners in increasing community engagement and voiced his opposition to the consolidation of commissions.
Randy Saks Romero, Traffic Commissioner, also opposed the consolidation of commissions. He inquired about the clean-up efforts at Veterans Park and asked who is responsible for funding the remediation efforts.
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Carmen Marquez, who has served on the Library, Education, and Traffic Commissions, expressed gratitude to Councilmember Argumedo for appointing her. She emphasized that commissioners serve as the "eyes and ears" of the City and recommended maintaining the commissions in their current form.
City Manager Ernie Hernandez introduced the City's new Media Specialist, Katherine Thong.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Argumedo requested to pull Item #3 for discussion, emphasizing its importance due to ongoing activities in the parks. City Manager Hernandez provided a brief overview of the staff report, followed by a discussion.
Councilmember Argumedo then moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to adopt a resolution approving the Transportation Art Maintenance Agreement between the City of Commerce and the State of California Department of Transportation (Caltrans). The motion was approved by the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Argumedo, Garcia, Rebollo, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez and Mayor Altamirano (5)
Councilmember Argumedo moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, to approve the Consent Calendar minus item #3. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Argumedo, Mayor Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
2. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 12A, 12B and 12C
3. Transportation Art Maintenance Agreement with the State of California Department of Transportation
SCHEDULED MATTERS
4. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Duarte provided an overview of the past two weeks and announced that this would be her final report. She then introduced Sergeant Jimenez, who shared that he has been with the department for 24 years and offered to meet individually City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 2/6/2025
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with each Councilmember. The Council and Mayor thanked Sergeant Duarte for her service and welcomed Sergeant Jimenez.
Councilmember Argumedo noted three recent instances of catalytic converter theft on Wilma Avenue and inquired about the possibility of implementing a decoy program or other measures to address the issue.
5. Reinstatement of Funding for a City-wide Excursions
Director of Parks and Recreation Alaniz provided an overview of the staff report, which included two options for an upcoming excursion and the check-in times at the hotel. It was noted that sharing rooms could reduce costs for residents, with further potential savings depending on the arrangements made.
There was additional discussion about whether the City should subsidize the excursion. Councilmember Lainez emphasized that the City has other priorities and referenced the recent cost of using the gym, which had previously been free for residents. He suggested reviewing the cost of the resident card and considering whether certain programs could be separated from the need for a resident card.
City Manager Hernandez noted that the City is in the process of bringing on a new Finance Director, and one of their immediate tasks would be to conduct a cost analysis. This would include providing a detailed report on offering free gym memberships or other programs. It was emphasized that making a proper assessment is essential, and Mayor Pro Tem Lainez requested this be incorporated into the budget process.
Mayor Altamirano reflected that resident cards had been close to being free in the past and expressed a desire to find ways to make them more affordable. He agreed that the City should prioritize affordability for all residents, praising the City for offering services and programs that many other cities do not provide.
Councilmember Argumedo supported option #1 citing its popularity and the fact that the excursion has sold out every year. Councilmember Rebollo noted that members of the community love the trip and suggested that it be revisited, given its popularity. She also asked staff to explore options for family excursions, hoping to expand the range of family-friendly trips by the summer.
Councilmember Argumedo moved, seconded by Mayor Altamirano, to approve option #1 - funding in the amount of $89,125 for a proposed city-wide adult excursion scheduled for Friday, June 6 through Sunday, City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 2/6/2025
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June 8, 2025, to Las Vegas. This trip will accommodate up to 250 participants, requiring lodging, chartered transportation, welcome dinner, associated supplies and staff time. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Councilmember Argumedo, Mayor Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
6. Reinstatement of the Miss Commerce Pageant and Young Man of the Year Program
Director of Parks and Recreation Alaniz provided an overview of the staff report.
Councilmember Argumedo requested a final review of the budget to explore cost reductions. He suggested seeking sponsorships from local businesses, increasing advertising efforts, and possibly subsidizing some costume expenses.
Councilmember Garcia agreed and asked for a more detailed breakdown of line items, ensuring that there are no redundant charges. Director Alaniz added that the event budget accounts for approximately 20 to 25 participants.
Councilmember Rebollo noted that the City of Commerce hosts its pageant on a grand scale and recommended researching how other cities manage similar events with lower budgets. She also emphasized the need to evaluate funding priorities across multiple programs.
The City Council reached a consensus to review the budget and find ways to reduce costs for the event. Director Alaniz committed to presenting a revised budget by the end of March.
7. Reopening Rosewood Park Snack Bar
Director of Parks and Recreation Alaniz provided an overview of the staff report.
Councilmember Garcia proposed reopening the snack bar as a pilot program, emphasizing the convenience for attendees, job creation for the community, and potential revenue generation. She noted that with basketball, baseball, soccer, aquatics programs, and year-round tournaments, adjusted hours of operation would be necessary for the snack bar to function effectively. Councilmember Garcia suggested utilizing existing resources by appointing a part-time food supervisor to oversee food assistants and bringing Camp Commerce staff when necessary, allowing the snack bar to open on weekends.
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Councilmember Rebollo pointed out that the City does not generate revenue from the snack bar and recommended exploring alternative options. She suggested reducing costs by allowing sports teams and clubs to use the snack bar for fundraising. Councilmember Rebollo also proposed considering models used in other cities, such as Montebello and Lynwood, where park spaces are leased to businesses or churches to operate small cafés.
Councilmember Garcia acknowledged that any alternative approach would require proper insurance, permits, monitoring, and accounting.
Councilmember Rebollo suggested forming a committee with representatives from each sport—such as their president and treasurer—who would be responsible for filing financial reports.
Councilmember Argumedo expressed support for creative solutions and noted that if clubs were allowed to use the snack bar for fundraising, it could reduce the need for City sponsorships and free up funds for other programs.
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez cautioned that an expenditure of this size should be considered in a broader context alongside other City programs. He agreed with exploring additional options before making a decision.
Councilmember Garcia reiterated that a pilot program could be successful if hours aligned with programs and tournament schedules, maximizing revenue.
Councilmember Garcia also asked staff to explore leasing options.
Councilmember Garcia moved to reopen the snack bar with adjusted hours as a pilot program. However, the motion failed due to a lack of a second.
Mayor Altamirano recommended incorporating everyone’s input and further evaluating the feasibility of leasing the snack bar, using it for fundraising, or adjusting its hours to align with tournament schedules.
8. Independence Day Carnival and Selection of the Date for the Event Director of Parks and Recreation Alaniz provided an overview of the staff report.
The discussion focused on selecting dates for the carnival and fireworks display.
Director Alaniz noted that the companies the City has previously worked with are unavailable on July 4th, leaving July 5th or the Saturday before July 4th as the City of Commerce Page 6 Printed on 2/6/2025
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available options.
The Council reached a consensus to either hold the fireworks show on July 5th or explore other vendors to determine if fireworks could still be secured for July 4th. It was also agreed to keep the drone show as scheduled on Saturday, May 31, 2025.
Councilmember Lainez requested a review of the carnival ride selection to ensure options for all age groups.
The City Manager stated that an upcoming agenda item would include approval of the agreement for the fireworks show and carnival on July 5th.
Councilmember Garcia suggested booking the event in advance for July 4th of the following year.
9. Organizational Assignments for Councilmembers
Mayor Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Argumedo, to maintain all current appointments as they are, with the exception of the Sanitation District. Per protocol, the Mayor will serve as the automatic appointee for the District, and Councilmember Argumedo will assume the role of alternate. The motion was approved by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Councilmember Argumedo, Mayor Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Mayor Pro Tem Lainez
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
10. Review of Commission Functions, and Consideration of Consolidating Education Commission with Library Commission and Community Services Commission with Traffic Commission
Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk Shumway provided an overview of the staff report.
Discussion took place, and recommendations were made to hold joint meetings to eliminate redundancy and possibly add more responsibilities to commissions or restructure them. However, there was a consensus among the City Council to keep the commissions as they are.
11. Committee and Commission Appointments
All Councilmembers reappointed their existing commissioners.
Councilmember Lainez re-appointed Jason Stinnette to Education Commission.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
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Councilmember Garcia requested that staff look into repairing the sliding doors at the Aquatorium. She also expressed her gratitude to Steve Campos and Nadalie for assisting her in finding her lost keys at the park.
Councilmember Rebollo reminded the community that they are collecting gift cards for an elderly couple who lost their home in Altadena. She thanked the Montebello YMCA, Home Depot, and others for their donations to the family. She also encouraged any community members who wish to continue donating gift cards and expressed appreciation to those who have already contributed.
Councilmember Lainez announced that the Metro meeting at the Senior Center is scheduled for tomorrow at 6 p.m. He also stated that, as a representative on the Council of Governments (COG), he was pleased to share that the State has approved a fiber optic network initiative at no cost, with Commerce included in the project. This fully funded initiative must be completed by 2026. He noted that the City could begin reaching out to service providers to offer this service to the community, ensuring they receive the full benefit. He also wished the City of Commerce a Happy Birthday.
City Council recessed to Closed Session at 9:26 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m.
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