City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, April 22, 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
Vice Mayor Lainez called meeting to order at 5:36 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Altamirano
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez
Councilmember Argumedo
Councilmember Garcia
Present: 4 -
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
There were no individuals wishing to address the City Council on any items on Closed Session agenda.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:37 pm
1. 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 6:46 pm
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session items #1 and #2. City staff made a presentation, City Council provided direction and no reportable action was made on any of these items.
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
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Mayor Altamirano called the regular meeting to order at 6:47 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Altamirano
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez
Councilmember Argumedo
Councilmember Garcia
Present: 4 -
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Director of Economic Development and Planning Serrano led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Councilmember Argumedo offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Presentation of Artwork by Artists Golden 305, A147, and Shawn Diaz, and Presentation of Certificate of Recognition to Shawn Diaz for Contributions to the City of Commerce Arts Program
Mayor Altamirano presented a Certificate of Recognition to Sean Diaz in honor of his contributions to the City’s Arts in Public Places Program. Following the presentation, all attendees were invited to view the newly displayed artworks created by local artists for the City of Commerce.
2. Proclamation Designating the Week of May 12-16, 2025, as National Transportation Week
Angie Verdin, Technical Specialist, provided a presentation regarding the Transportation week.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Kim Winabee, PIO for Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience, spoke about Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program that is available to eligible small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, nurseries and private nonprofit organizations impacted by financial losses directly related to the California Wildfire Disaster. This loan is meant to help businesses with working capital so that they can meet financial obligations. The EIDL deadline to apply is October 8, 2025.
George Estrada, who expressed concern about public safety at the intersection of Leonis Street and Hepworth Avenue. Mr. Estrada has requested the installation of City of Commerce Page 2 Printed on 5/8/2025
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license plate readers (LPRs) or security cameras in the area, citing an apparent increase in catalytic converter thefts and reckless driving.
Rosa Sambrano spoke regarding Item #11 and requested that her driveway be allowed to exceed the proposed width of 10 feet and instead be approved at 12 feet.
Mike Arviso spoke in support of the Arts District. He acknowledged the Mayor's dedication of the area and noted that the Mayor is actively engaging additional artists. He inquired about how the Arts District would benefit the community and recommended involving youth in the program.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Altamirano, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, Councilmember Argumedo, and Councilmember Garcia
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
3. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 18A, 18B and 18C
4. Approval of Minutes
5. Approval of 2025 Civic Organizations
6. Award Construction Contract to All American Asphalt for the FY 2024-25 Pavement Rehabilitation Project
SCHEDULED MATTERS
7. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
This item was not discussed at this meeting.
8. Art in Public Places Program
Arturo Gonzalez, Project Manager for East Side of the River, shared a presentation with the City Council. He explained that East Side of the River is a non-profit organization primarily serving East Los Angeles and other communities throughout City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 5/8/2025
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Los Angeles County. The group consists of artists who have transformed their backgrounds in graffiti into professional artistic careers. Their approach emphasizes community engagement, incorporating input from residents and stakeholders into each mural project. To date, they have painted over 95 murals across the County, most of which highlight historical themes or convey educational messages.
Mayor Altamirano and City Council thanked Mr. Gonzalez for his informative presentation.
Mayor Altamirano added that any future art installations in the City of Commerce would include QR codes. These codes will link to the City's website, providing details about the artwork, including the artist's biography, the location, and the story behind the piece.
Nerv, one of the mural artists, also gave a brief presentation about his work. He proposed placing murals on city buses and emphasized that public art can help attract businesses and economic activity to the community.
Councilmember Garcia shared that she was introduced to Nerv while seeking local artists, and that his fresh perspective on public art inspired her and placed different perspective on art. She expressed excitement about bringing his talents to Commerce.
Mayor Altamirano noted that the City is aiming to become a destination by integrating art into the envisioned Art in Public Places district and throughout the City, and also potentially bringing a brewery district making it a destination.
The Council discussed potential mural locations, including gateway areas and bridges. In response to Vice Mayor Lainez’s question regarding artist Paul Botello’s involvement, Mayor Altamirano clarified that Botello will create four City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 5/8/2025
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conceptual sketches. The final artwork will reflect the general style and color schemes of the examples shown.
Vice Mayor Lainez also inquired about the creative direction and the timeline for the art installations. Nerv stated that the completion time would depend on the location, complexity, and availability. He also assured that he would incorporate guidance from the City Council and its committee into the final designs.
Councilmember Lainez emphasized the importance of knowing what would be installed at each site, particularly focusing on key entry points to the city, including bridges.
Councilmember Argumedo supported the idea of placing art on bridges and suggested creating a priority list of mural and art locations. He recommended that the City Council provide clear direction and feedback on artistic parameters and expectations. Additionally, he proposed further discussions regarding beautifying bridges and the development of a comprehensive public art plan.
To initiate the process, Mayor Altamirano suggested that the City Council collaborate with the City’s Graphics team to develop conceptual visuals. These would serve as a foundation for artists to begin their creative work on designated sites.
Councilmember Garcia moved, seconded by Councilmember Argumedo, to approve the installation of murals by artist Nerv at multiple locations, including Rosewood Park, the Mitsubishi site, 5310 Washington Blvd., 5255 Washington Blvd., and the City Hall parking lot, at a total cost of $34,000; and approve the creation and installation of four (4) murals by Paul Botello on the Atlantic and Goodrich Bridge at a total cost of $34,410. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Altamirano, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, Councilmember Argumedo, and Councilmember Garcia
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
9. 4th of July Celebration- Determining Four-Day Carnival or Two-Day Carnival
Director of Parks and Recreation Alaniz provided an overview of the staff report.
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A discussion followed regarding the importance of better long-term planning.
Councilmember Garcia inquired whether bookings could be secured a few years in advance. Director Alaniz responded that Pyrospectacular is currently unable to commit to future bookings due to a shortage of licensed pyrotechnicians, and noted that some companies in the industry have gone out of business, contributing to the ongoing staffing challenges.
Councilmember Argumedo moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, to modify the plan to a two-day carnival, July 4 and July 5, 2025, format. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Altamirano, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, Councilmember Argumedo, and Councilmember Garcia
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
10. Committee and Commission Appointments
Mayor Altamirano appointed Laura Perez to the Education Commission.
PUBLIC HEARING
11. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Governing Restrictions on Vehicle Parking within the Front Yard Setback on Track No. 37889 (“The Village”)
Director of Economic Development and Planning Serrano gave a presentation and recommended adding a section to the ordinance to address cul-de-sac and uniquely shaped lots. The proposed amendment would allow these properties the same opportunity to add an additional parking pad as other lots in Tract 37889, recognizing the design challenges posed by irregular lot shapes.
A discussion followed regarding the proposed ordinance change, particularly section that would authorize the Director of Economic Development and Planning to review cul-de-sac lot applications on a case-by-case basis, particularly when the lot is irregularly shaped.
In response to a question from Councilmember Garcia about what constitutes a separation from a driveway, Director Serrano explained that the required separation is 20 inches.
Councilmember Garcia inquired about cul-de-sac parking spaces. Jessica City of Commerce Page 6 Printed on 5/8/2025
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explained that in neighborhoods with cul-de-sacs, the current code does not permit certain parking configurations. However, staff would work with applicants to design parking solutions that closely align with code requirements, even if the resulting parking pad is smaller.
Mayor Altamirano opened the public hearing. There were no individuals wishing to speak on this matter, and the Mayor subsequently closed the public hearing.
Further discussion was held regarding Ms. Zambrano’s request to allow for a 12-foot-wide parking pad on her property, as opposed to the 10-foot width recommended by staff. Councilmember Argumedo suggested that applicants may submit a request for a variance if needed. Mayor Pro Tem Lainez concurred, stating that a zone variance application is an available option. City Attorney Tapia added that such variances must be based on unique property conditions and cannot be granted universally; specific findings are required to justify any variance.
It was a consensus among the City Council to go ahead with the staff recommendations.
Councilmember Argumedo moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, waive full reading of an Ordinance and to introduce for First Reading an Ordinance amending Commerce Municipal Code, title 19, Section 19.07.070 governing restrictions on vehicle parking within the front yard setback in Tract No. 37889 (the Village) including addition "The Director may approve plot plans/site plans that vary from this Section due to challenges that may be posed on unique or irregularly shaped lots provided that these properties are afforded the same allowance for an additional parking pad as other lots in Tract 37889". The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 4 - Mayor Altamirano, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, Councilmember Argumedo, and Councilmember Garcia
Absent: 1 - Councilmember Rebollo
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Garcia reported attending the Easter Program at Rosewood Park and the mini golf event at the Library. She also shared that the Arts in Public Places Committee continues to research creative crosswalk designs and is actively discussing potential art installations for bridges and freeway exits.
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Councilmember Argumedo also attended the Easter Program at Rosewood Park.
Vice Mayor Lainez reported attending the "Unplugged Juniors" performance of The Little Mermaid and the Spring Festival at Rosewood Park. He noted that with the completion of the Pathway to Hope project, outdoor equipment at Bristow Park was removed and inquired about the next steps for replacement. City Manager Hernandez responded that the upcoming budget discussions next month would include consideration for this equipment, allowing Council to decide on its inclusion.
Vice Mayor Lainez also thanked the Mayor for advocating for the Arts in Public Places initiative. He emphasized the importance of focusing on beautifying bridges and buildings throughout the City and revisiting ideas like the proposed mural on Triggs Avenue. He inquired whether such projects would fall under the Arts in Public Places Committee and encouraged expanding artistic efforts into other parts of the City.
Mayor Altamirano reported attending the "Coffee with the Sergeant" event. He also initiated a discussion on creating a committee dedicated to the Brewery and Food District and requested that the item be placed on the next agenda.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
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