City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 13, 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 the meeting to order at 5:16 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 on any Closed Session agenda 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 - Four (4) Matters.
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 items as follows:
City Attorney Tapia stated that two potential litigation matters were discussed—one listed on the Regular Meeting agenda and the other on the Special Concurrent Meeting agenda. For one of the items, Councilmember Rebollo recused herself and did not participate. Staff provided a presentation on each matter, the City Council gave direction, and no reportable action was taken on either item.
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6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Altamirano called a regular meeting to order at 6:19 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Altamirano
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez
Councilmember Argumedo
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
INVOCATION
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Recognition and Tribute to the United States Armed Forces Director of Parks and Recreation Alaniz provided a brief introduction. Mayor and Council followed up with the ceremony.
2. Proclamation Declaring the Week of May 18 - May 24, 2025 as National Public Works Week in the City of Commerce.
Public Works Director Shahid Abbas and Office Specialist Lily Magana provided a presentation.
The Mayor and City Councilmembers expressed their appreciation and commended the Public Works crew and staff for their hard work and dedication.
3. City Videos
PUBLIC COMMENT
Lee Squire, a Downey resident and veteran, requested that the City of Commerce consider becoming a Purple Heart City.
Gloria Nezahualcoya expressed her gratitude to the Transportation Department and all City employees for their excellent customer service, especially in assisting senior residents.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Argumedo requested that Item No. 9 be pulled from the Consent Calendar for discussion.
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Item #9 - In response to Councilmember Argumedo’s request for more information regarding the recommended company—specifically their track record in providing services to other jurisdictions and the rationale behind their selection—City Manager Ernie Hernandez stated that the proposed company has demonstrated strong success in neighboring communities.
Senior Management Analyst Delgado added that while the agreement with the current service provider was originally signed for a four-month term, the City has continued to pay them on a month-to-month basis to date. She noted that the recommended company brings relevant experience and has successfully secured funding for other cities.
During the discussion, Councilmember Argumedo emphasized the importance of thoroughly understanding the new company’s background and requested additional information before proceeding with a decision. Councilmember Rebollo shared that she had previously met with representatives from the company, who were instrumental in helping secure housing funding, and noted that they come highly recommended by other cities.
Following the discussion, there was consensus among the City Council to continue the item to a future date to allow staff time to gather and present more detailed information.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to approve the Consent Calendar minus item #9. The motion was carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Altamirano, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, Councilmember Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
4. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 19A, 19B and 19C
5. Approval of Minutes
6. Authorized Designated Representatives to Deposit and Withdraw Funds & Make Account Changes to the City’s State Local Agency Investment Fund Account
7. FY 2025/26 Street Rehabilitation Project List Under the Road Repair and Accountability Act of 2017 (SB1 Beall)
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8. Agreement with Union Pacific Railroad for Randolph Corridor Active Transportation Project
9. Terminate Federal Legislative Advocacy Services with Vectis DC and Approve an Agreement with Kiley and Associates for Federal Legislative Advocacy Services
SCHEDULED MATTERS
10. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Jimenez provided a statistics for the last two weeks.
11. Art in Public Places Program
Artist Andre Miripolsky spoke about the importance of public art and shared his experiences with the Los Angeles Arts District "Brewery" and other jurisdictions.
Mayor Altamirano expressed enthusiasm and stated he looks forward to receiving a proposal for a future public art project from Miripolsky and to exploring a possible partnership.
Paul Botello gave a presentation on his artwork and proposed mural design, explaining that his murals can last up to 30 years. Mayor Altamirano noted that the property owner had reached out to him directly to request a mural on their building, located at 5650 Jillson Street, Commerce, CA, and that a commitment had been secured from the owner to allow placement of the mural at the proposed location.
Mayor Altamirano then moved to approve the installation of the public mural by artist Paul Botello, seconded by Councilmember Garcia.
A discussion followed.
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez expressed support for public art but raised concerns about the process, noting that while multiple pieces of art had already been approved, the City needs to see the results of those projects before committing additional funds. He stressed the importance of a transparent public process, including issuing a Request for Proposals (RFP) and setting clear parameters for future art projects. Mayor Pro Tem Lainez emphasized that public dollars should be used inclusively and with accountability.
Mayor Altamirano responded by stating that Washington Boulevard is a vital City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 6/10/2025
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corridor in the City and many buildings along it are in decline. He emphasized the urgency of acting while funding is available and property owners are expressing willingness to participate. Mayor Altamirano added that a consultant will be brought to a future meeting for approval of the contract to help coordinate the Arts in Public Places Program. Mayor Altamirano acknowledged his personal efforts working with businesses, artists, and soliciting proposals, and mentioned that the mural by Botello would help tell the history of the City.
Councilmember Argumedo expressed admiration for the passion of Mayor Altamirano and vision behind the project and voiced strong support for the arts.
However, he echoed Mayor Pro Tem Lainez’s call for a more inclusive process, where all artists have an opportunity to participate. Councilmember Argumedo mentioned the City’s earlier conversations about beautifying its bridges, which are gateways into Commerce, and requested that the item be continued to a later date until commitments and plans are further solidified.
Councilmember Garcia advocated for moving the project forward, emphasizing its value in inspiring local youth and fostering appreciation for art in the community.
Councilmember Rebollo praised artist Nerv for his recently completed mural on Washington Boulevard and clarified that the discussion was not about the quality of any specific artist, but about establishing a transparent and inclusive selection process. She acknowledged Mayor Altamirano’s long-standing passion for public art and stressed the importance of offering other artists the opportunity to showcase their work.
Councilmember
Garcia noted that the Art in Public Places Subcommittee has been working diligently behind the scenes to engage the community and that the proposed mural is a valuable opportunity for Commerce.
Paul Botello addressed the Council and stated that while RFPs and RFQs can be useful, they often take a long time and many cities reach out to him directly. He confirmed that community involvement would be a core element of his mural project.
Mayor Altamirano concluded by reiterating that the City will bring forward a consultant within two weeks to help coordinate the program as part of a broader, City of Commerce Page 5 Printed on 6/10/2025
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structured effort.
The item was continued to a later date to allow time for additional planning, input, and process development.
12. Adoption of Resolution Approving the New Food and Brewery Development District Ad Hoc Committees and Appointment of Council Members
Mayor Altamirano proposed the creation of two Food and Brewery Districts within the City of Commerce. He recommended appointing Mayor Pro Tem Lainez and himself to serve on the committee for the first district, located near Veil High School and the industrial area by "Dirt Dog."
Councilmember Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to appoint Mayor Altamirano and Mayor Pro Tem Lainez to the Food and Brewery District Committee for the Veil industrial area. The motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Argumedo, Garcia, Rebollo, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, and Mayor Altamirano (5)
Mayor Altamirano then proposed a second district along Washington Boulevard, between Commerce Way and Elkgrove, near the bus wash facility. He recommended that Councilmember Garcia serve on this committee alongside himself. There was consensus among the Council to proceed with this recommendation.
Councilmember Garcia moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to appoint Mayor Altamirano and Councilmember Garcia to the Food and Brewery District Committee for the Washington Boulevard corridor. The motion carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Argumedo, Garcia, Rebollo, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, and Mayor Altamirano (5)
Mayor Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Argumedo, to approve a resolution establishing the Food and Brewery Districts in the City of Commerce.
The motion was approved unanimously:
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AYES: Councilmembers Argumedo, Garcia, Rebollo, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, and Mayor Altamirano (5)
13. Discussion Regarding Creating a New Historical Book on the City of Commerce
Mayor Altamirano provided a brief overview of a proposal to commission a new historical book documenting the City of Commerce’s history from 1991 to the present day.
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to direct staff to engage a writer or historian to author the updated history of the City. Mayor Pro Tem Lainez expressed strong support, stating it was a great idea.
The motion was carried unanimously with the following vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Argumedo, Garcia, Rebollo, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, and Mayor Altamirano (5)
14. Committee and Commission Appointments
Councilmember Rebollo appointed Gloria Cobian to the Senior Citizens Commission.
ORDINANCES
15. Adoption and Second Reading of an Ordinance Amending Governing Restrictions on Vehicle Parking within the Front Yard Setback on Track No. 37889 (“The Village”)
Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk Shumway made a quick overview.
Councilmember Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt and read by title only, an Ordinance Title 19 (Zoning), Chapter
19.07.070 (Restrictions on Vehicle Parking) of the Commer Municipal Code amending governing restrictions on vehicle parking within the front yard setback No 37889 (“the Village”), and determine that the project is exempt from the California Quality Act (CEQA), and file a Notice of Exemption. The motion was 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
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Councilmember Rebollo congratulated all recent graduates and their teachers, with a special mention of her niece, Yvette, who graduated with a degree in Psychology from Cal State Dominguez Hills. She also extended her congratulations to all mothers in recognition of Mother's Day.
Councilmember Garcia reported attending the Library Volunteer Breakfast, Student Leadership Day, and a preschool graduation, expressing appreciation for the volunteers’ time and dedication. She remarked that Student Leadership Day was an impressive event and that the preschool graduation was a joyful experience.
Councilmember Garcia also shared updates from the Art in Public Places Committee, which has been meeting with artists and visiting other cities for research, including visits to SteelCraft restaurant locations. The committee is also working with staff on creative crosswalk.
Lastly, Councilmember Garcia recognized May as Military Appreciation Month and requested that an item be placed on the next agenda to discuss designating the City of Commerce as a Purple Heart City in honor of veterans' sacrifices.
Mayor Altamirano reported that he also attended Student Leadership Day and the preschool graduation.
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez shared that he attended the Library Volunteer Breakfast, Student Leadership Day, and preschool graduation, thanking the Montebello Unified School District for organizing the student program. He also attended a COG (Council of Governments) meeting, where Caltrans presented on off-ramp maintenance and reimbursement possibilities for cities.
Councilmember Rebollo requested that a Veterans Park update be placed as a discussion item on the next agenda. She also expressed appreciation to Commissioner Joe Aguilar for representing her at Student Government Leadership Day.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned 9:24pm
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