City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 13, 2025 - 5:05 PM
Special Concurrent Council meeting
5:05 P.M. CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Altamirano called the Concurrent Special meeting to order at 5:16 pm.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Altamirano
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez
Councilmember Argumedo
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no individual wishing to address the City Council on the Closed Session items.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:17 p.m.
1. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(2) - Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - One (1) Matter.
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency reconvened to Open Session at 6:17 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed session item #1. City staff made a presentation, City Council provided direction and no reportable action was taken on this item.
SCHEDULED MATTERS
1. Resident Card - Fees
Parks and Recreation Director Alaniz provided an overview of the staff report regarding resident card fees and program costs. City Manager Ernie Hernandez City of Commerce Page 1 Printed on 6/10/2025
City Council Meeting Minutes May 13, 2025
added that the fiscal impact of the proposal is approximately $100,000, and Director Alaniz noted that the City currently offers financial assistance and payment plans to residents.
Mayor Altamirano reflected on the City’s founding, noting that Commerce was originally structured in a unique way, with significant business-generated revenue that allowed many programs and services to be offered free of charge.
Councilmember Argumedo added that program prices were historically very reasonable and accessible for the community.
A broader discussion followed. City Manager Hernandez stated that during the upcoming budget process, staff could present a consolidated recommendation to address program costs and funding.
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez recommended that the gym remain free for residents and asked staff to explore a strategy to support this idea. City Manager Hernandez responded that staff is actively evaluating ways to cut costs while maintaining program value, and agreed to develop a strategic plan for consideration.
It was mentioned that resident card fees were reinstated after the COVID-19 pandemic as a means to help restart programs that had been paused. Now, 2–3 years after the pandemic, there may be an opportunity to reassess and potentially reinstate previously free programs as the City continues its recovery.
Councilmember Garcia inquired about which classes were included in the $99 resident card fee. Director Alaniz responded that the fee covers some classes such as aerobics and Zumba. City Manager Hernandez emphasized that, despite the fee, the City continues to heavily subsidize program costs, which remain significantly lower than similar programs in surrounding cities.
At 9:07 p.m., Councilmember Argumedo left the meeting.
Mayor Altamirano suggested enhancing gym services by contracting a personal trainer, who could also offer fitness classes at the Senior Center. City Manager Hernandez noted that this enhancement could be implemented as a contract position at a cost of up to $40,000 annually. He added that the proposal would be reviewed further as part of the budget study session.
The item was continued to a later date for further review and budget consideration.
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City Council Meeting Minutes May 13, 2025
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 9:24 p.m.
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