City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, February 11, 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
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Altamirano called meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Altamirano
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez
Councilmember Argumedo
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Assistant City Manager Domic led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Argumedo offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Launching of Citizen Application “MyCommerce”
Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk Lena Shumway, along with IT Specialist Kevin Torres, provided an overview of the MyCommerce app for the City of Commerce.
The discussion included the rollout plan and strategies to ensure residents are well-informed about the application. Recommendations were made to create an instructional video explaining the app’s features and functionality, as well as to host training sessions at the Library and Senior Center.
It was also suggested to update the app’s backdrop for a more modern appearance. Additional discussions focused on the established response City of Commerce Page 1 Printed on 2/26/2025
City Council Meeting Minutes February 11, 2025
timeframes, ensuring service requests are addressed promptly, and clarifying who will be responsible for monitoring the app’s implementation.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no individual wishing to address the City Council on any items within their jurisdiction.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Altamirano, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, Councilmember Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
2. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 13A, 13B and 13C
3. Approval of Minutes
4. Approving Blanket Authority to File Applications for Grant Funds from the Los Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District for Measure A Funding for Projects and Programs
5. Appointment of Candidates to fill two (2) Executive Management Vacancies
SCHEDULED MATTERS
6. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Jimenez provided a recap of activities and incidents for the month of January.
Councilmember Rebollo commended the efforts made to assist residents affected by the fires.
Councilmember Argumedo expressed his gratitude to everyone who responded to the fires and requested a follow-up on addressing graffiti issues in the Bandini area.
7. Calhome Application to the California Department of Housing and City of Commerce Page 2 Printed on 2/26/2025
City Council Meeting Minutes February 11, 2025
Community Development
City Manager Hernandez provided an overview of the staff report.
Councilmember Rebollo praised the program, highlighting that residents could apply for up to $200,000 in assistance. Further discussion took place regarding the CDBG Rehabilitation Program and how both programs could complement each other while ensuring the existing CDBG program remains operational. It was also noted that this program allows for interior repairs. City Manager Hernandez mentioned the possibility of lowering the maximum application amount to make funding accessible to more residents.
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez emphasized that there is no cost to the City to apply for the program; however, administrative and application service fees will apply once funding is received.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt a Resolution authorizing the submission of a Calhome application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development.. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Altamirano, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, Councilmember Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
8. Committee and Commission Appointments
Mayor Altamirano appointed Brandi Alvarez to the Library Commission.
PUBLIC HEARING
9. Participation in the Los Angeles Urban County Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program and Approval of a Reimbursable Contract with Los Angeles County Development Authority
Acting Director of Economic Development and Planning Morales provided an overview of the staff report.
During the discussion, questions were raised about whether this funding is separate from CDBG funding and whether only owner-occupied residences would be eligible for the program. The consultant stated that she would review whether rental units and ADUs could be included. City Manager Hernandez clarified that as long as the owner resides in one of the units, they would qualify for the program.
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Mayor Altamirano opened the public hearing. As no individuals wished to address the City Council on this item, Mayor Altamirano closed the public hearing.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt The City Council will consider for adoption a Resolution approving participation in the Los Angeles Urban County Permanent Local Housing Allocation Program and approving a Reimbursable Contract with the Los Angeles County Development Authority.. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Altamirano, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, Councilmember Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Rebollo congratulated all employees recognized at the Employee Service Awards event and praised the Saturday Commissioner Breakfast as a wonderful event. She also requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of River Tobias Fawl.
Councilmember Garcia reported attending both the Employee Service Awards and the Commissioner Appreciation Breakfast. She congratulated the Parks and Recreation Department on the success of the water aerobics class and suggested including in the budget additional aerobics and swim lessons for summer.
Additionally, she thanked the City Manager for providing updates on Veterans Park.
Councilmember Rebollo also extended her appreciation to the Parks and Recreation staff and the Commission on Disabilities and Opportunities for bringing the Special Olympics to Commerce.
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez attended the Metro meeting at the Senior Center regarding the Eastside Transit Corridor Project. He noted that questions were raised about funding and the project's progress, emphasizing that while the funding outlook remains uncertain, efforts must continue to move the project forward. He also congratulated the employees recognized at the Employee Service Awards and expressed his appreciation for the Commissioner Appreciation Breakfast.
Mayor Altamirano reported attending both the Service Recognition event and the Commissioner Appreciation Breakfast. He provided an update on the In-N-Out project, stating that despite some delays, it is expected to move forward and is anticipated to open in May 2026.
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City Council Meeting Minutes February 11, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:14 pm in memory of River Tobias Fowl.
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