City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 5:30 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
5:30 P.M. CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Altamirano called meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Altamirano
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez
Councilmember Argumedo
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
There were no individuals wishing to address the City Council/Successor Agency on any items on the Closed Session agenda.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:37 p.m.
1. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(2) - Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - Two (2) Matters.
2. 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 6:16 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session items #1 and #2. Staff made a presentation, the City Council provided direction and no reportable action was City of Commerce Page 1 Printed on 4/10/2025
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taken on these items.
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Altamirano called the regular meeting to order at 6:18 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Altamirano
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez
Councilmember Argumedo
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Finance Director Castellano led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Proclamation Designating the Month of April as Autism Awareness Month Mayor Altamirano read a proclamation in recognition of the occasion.
Parks and Recreation Director Alaniz followed with a presentation highlighting the department’s programs and initiatives.
Chrystal Munoz, a mother of two children with autism, expressed her heartfelt thanks to the Parks and Recreation staff for their inclusivity and support. She specifically thanked the team for welcoming both of her children into the City’s sports programs and Special Olympics swimming, emphasizing the positive impact it has had on their lives.
2. Proclamation Designating April 6-12, 2025 as “National Library Week” Mayor Altamirano read the proclamation in recognition of the occasion.
Library staff followed with a presentation, highlighting the wide range of programs and services the library offers beyond traditional library resources, showcasing its role as a dynamic community hub.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Gloria Nezahualcoyotl spoke about senior social clubs, and lack of transportation City of Commerce Page 2 Printed on 4/10/2025
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provided for seniors.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion was carried by the following vote:
3. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 17A, and 17B
4. Proclamation Declaring Tuesday, April 15, 2025, as Arbor Day in the City of Commerce
5. Transportation’s Operational Report for the Second Quarter of Fiscal Year 2025
6. Revisions to Staffing Allocated to the Department of Public Works
SCHEDULED MATTERS
7. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Jimenez presented crime statistics for the past two weeks.
Councilmember Rebollo thanked the COPRS team for their community policing efforts and commended them for their active involvement in organizing events at local schools.
8. Award Construction Contract for the City Hall and Veterans Neighborhood Library Reroofing Project
City Manager Hernandez provided an overview of the staff report, noting that project costs came in higher than originally anticipated. He recommended awarding the contract and approving a budget augmentation to cover the additional expenses.
During the discussion, questions arose regarding why the lowest bidder was deemed non-responsive. City Manager Hernandez explained that the bidder failed to submit the required addendum, and despite follow-up, the City did not receive a response.
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Mayor Pro Tem Lainez recommended that all future Public Works projects include a schedule of performance in their contracts, especially with the number of Capital Improvement Projects currently in the pipeline. City Manager Hernandez agreed, stating that schedules of performance should be standard in future contracts.
For this particular project, City Manager Hernandez noted that the anticipated completion date is by the end of July.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt a Resolution awarding a construction contract to 4 Seasons Roofing, Inc. for the City Hall and Veterans Neighborhood Library Reroofing Project, allocating funding to cover the project cost shortfall, and authorizing Construction Management and Inspection Services by Transtech Engineers, inc. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Altamirano, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, Councilmember Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
9. Arts in Public Places Program
Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk Shumway provided an overview of the staff report.
and Goodrich Boulevard bridge. It was recommended that the project budget be increased, not to exceed $25,000, to improve lighting and visibility.
Councilmember Argumedo emphasized that the bridge serves as a gateway to the City of Commerce and should be completed with proper lighting to draw attention to the artwork.
The Council also deliberated on whether to commission the same artist for the remaining artwork or to provide opportunities for new artists to contribute to the other side of the bridge.
In response to Councilmember Rebollo’s question about funding sources for public art, Mayor Altamirano explained that development projects exceeding a certain value are required to either install art as part of the development or contribute 1% of the project cost to the City’s "Art in Public Places" fund. The City then decides on art placement and selection.
City Manager Edgar Hernandez clarified that contributions to the art fund come from development impact fees and that the City also receives annual Measure AA City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 4/10/2025
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funds for art-related initiatives.
Councilmember Rebollo requested an update on how the funds in the Art in Public Places account have been spent.
Councilmember Rebollo also asked how more artists could be involved and how they could contact the City.
City Manager Hernandez noted that the City does not accept artist submissions year-round but does accept proposals for specific projects when announced.
Councilmember Rebollo recommended expanding outreach and opportunities for more artists to participate.
Councilmember Garcia added that the Art in Public Places Committee is actively meeting with artists and working toward diversifying the pool of contributors.
City Manager Hernandez recommended issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) or formal call for artists for future projects and specific sites.
Councilmember Garcia suggested designating a staff contact to respond to artist inquiries and ensure timely follow-ups, stressing the importance of taking artist engagement seriously.
Councilmember Lainez reiterated the importance of the bridge as a City gateway and inquired whether Union Pacific would allow the City to repaint or add murals, since the bridge is owned by the railroad. He supported issuing an RFP to encourage local artists to participate.
Mayor Altamirano proposed reaching out to businesses within the Arts District to see if they would be interested in displaying artwork on their walls. The Council further discussed whether the Art in Public Places Committee should focus solely on completing the bridge project or also pursue additional art initiatives. Mayor Altamirano passionately supported expanding art efforts throughout the City, especially ahead of the upcoming Olympics, to attract visitors.
Councilmember Argumedo recommended also upgrading the bridges along Washington Boulevard and toward Maywood.
Councilmember Garcia confirmed that the Art in Public Places Committee is City of Commerce Page 5 Printed on 4/10/2025
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exploring enhancements to bridges and freeway entrances to the City.
There was a Council consensus to select Art Piece No. 2 for the remaining side of the Atlantic and Goodrich bridge. The Council also approved a lighting budget not to exceed $50,000 for both sides of the bridge.
Councilmember Garcia moved, seconded by Councilmember Argumedo, to approve the additional art installation by Calixto Shibaja at the Atlantic and Goodrich location, with the total cost not to exceed $30,000; issue RFP for the other side of the bridge calling for artists, and allocate $50,000 for the installation of lights for both sides of the bridge and a commemorative plaque . 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 participants on a successful basketball season, which concluded across all four parks. She recommended that the City explore providing trophies or medals for first-place winners to recognize their achievements. Councilmember Rebollo also suggested reconsidering the Hot Shots sports program for children ages 3–4, noting that parent volunteers could support the program to help keep young families engaged in the community.
Councilmember Rebollo also requested an update on the fencing and sliding doors at the Aquatics Center, including a timeline for completion.
Councilmember Garcia echoed support for improvements at the Aquatics Center, particularly regarding the windows. She shared that the Arts and Public Places Committee is working closely with the Parks and Recreation Department on related enhancements. Councilmember Garcia also expressed interest in reviving both the Hot Shots program, Softball, and the City’s former volunteer initiative. She thanked Parks and Recreation for offering water aerobics classes and requested an additional evening class, suggesting the City consider allocating budget specifically for this program for the summer. Councilmember Garcia also commended the Mayor for his dedication to the arts and community engagement, including support for exploring outdoor dining and restaurant opportunities.
Councilmember Garcia requested the meeting be adjourned in memory of Rebecca Flores, a City employee.
Councilmember Argumedo thanked Councilmember Rebollo for her comments regarding recognition at banquets and agreed that the City should enhance its City of Commerce Page 6 Printed on 4/10/2025
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efforts to provide medals and trophies to promote sportsmanship. He emphasized the importance of reviving the Hot Shots program. Councilmember Argumedo also requested updates on the status of the Bandini Library project, which is progressing more slowly than anticipated, and inquired about developments at the former Church’s Chicken location on Washington and Atlantic.
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez expressed support for reinstating the Hot Shots program and advocated for awards such as trophies, medals for first-place teams, and individual recognitions like MVP awards. He praised the Parks and Recreation team for their commitment to inclusivity, particularly their promotion of Autism Awareness Month. Mayor Pro Tem Lainez commended the City Library for its continued evolution and robust programming, including financial literacy and crafts, and congratulated the library staff on their efforts. He shared that he attended the March 27 Commerce Business Council board meeting, where there was discussion about a potential hotel at Citadel Outlets. He also extended condolences to the family and colleagues of Rebecca Flores.
Mayor Altamirano announced that the art pieces created during the weekend's community event would be presented at the next City Council meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:01 pm in memory of Rebecca Flores, city employee.
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