CITY OF COMMERCEAGENDA REPORTCITY OF COMMERCEAGENDA REPORT
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
Item No. Item No.
Item No.
Item No.
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Consideration of Converting Ad Hoc Committees (Food & Brewery and Arts in Public Places) into Standing Committees Meeting Date: May 27, 2025
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that the City Council consider converting the existing Food District, Brewery District, and Arts in Public Places Ad Hoc Committees into formal Standing Committees to advance decision-making, enhance integrate public transparency, and provide ongoing support for key City initiatives.
BACKGROUND:
At the May 13, 2025, City Council meeting, the Council established two Food and Brewery Ad Hoc Committees and appointed the following members:
Food and Brewery Ad Hoc Committee A: Mayor Altamirano and Councilmember Garcia Food and Brewery Ad Hoc Committee B: Mayor Altamirano and Mayor Pro Tem Lainez These Ad Hoc Committees were created to explore the feasibility, scope, and development strategy for establishing Food and Brewery Districts within the City of Commerce. These districts are envisioned to activate underutilized areas, promote culinary and craft beverage enterprises, and strengthen the City’s identity as a vibrant destination for dining, gathering, and cultural experiences.
Per Council direction, the role of each Ad Hoc Committee includes:
Collaborating with staff, consultants, and stakeholders to evaluate potential locations; Reviewing zoning and development standards;
Identifying development incentives and marketing strategies; Assisting in the creation of a district framework and vision; and Recommending implementation strategies and next steps to the full City Council.
Additionally, the City currently maintains an active Arts in Public Places Ad Hoc Committee, which was established on May 9, 2023, following the adoption of the Arts in Public Places Ordinance in September 2016. The ordinance requires certain development projects to incorporate public art and authorizes the collection of fees based on a percentage of project costs to fund such art.
The Arts in Public Places Ad Hoc Committee was created to support the City’s commitment to enhancing the aesthetic environment and civic pride. Its responsibilities include:
Undertaking studies and projects to beautify the City through public art; Reviewing and evaluating art submissions;
Interviewing and selecting artists on a competitive basis; Acting as an informational hub for public art activity; Making formal recommendations to the City Council for approval.
Ad Hoc Committees are limited in scope, temporary in nature, and do not conduct meetings open to the public, as they are not subject to the Brown Act. As such, all recommendations must be presented to the City Council for formal consideration and approval.
To expand the City’s capacity to support ongoing projects in the Food, Brewery and Public Art areas, it is recommended that the Council consider converting these Ad Hoc Committees into Standing Committees composed of three Council Members each. Standing Committees are a formal structure to conduct in-depth reviews, coordinate with stakeholders, and guide strategic initiatives within a framework that meets all legal requirements.
Legal Requirements and Considerations
Standing Committees are governed by California’s Ralph M. Brown Act. As such, they must:
Conduct meetings that are open to the public;
Post agendas at least 72 hours in advance;
Limit discussions to items listed on the posted agenda; Allow public comment on each agenda item;
Ensure a quorum (majority of committee members) is present to take action; Avoid serial meetings or communications that could result in a majority consensus outside of a public meeting; Maintain accurate minutes and make agendas and supporting materials available to the public upon request.
Additionally, Standing Committee Members must adhere to the Political Reform Act, which requires disqualification from any matter in which a financial conflict of interest exists.
Benefits of Establishing Standing Committees
Transitioning these Ad Hoc Committees to Standing Committees would provide numerous benefits, including:
Efficiency: Standing Committees can meet more regularly and take actions to support project implementation.
Continuity: Standing Committees allow for sustained focus on complex and long-term policy issues.
Public Participation: Community members could participate in and contribute to the process.
The City of Commerce is committed to promoting economic development, public engagement, and beautification through targeted initiatives like those of the Food District Committee, Brewery District Committee and Arts in Public Places Committee. Transitioning these existing Ad Hoc Committees into Standing Committees will expand their role and responsibilities while ensuring compliance with open meeting laws and supporting the long-term success of these strategic efforts.
Staff recommends that the City Council exercise its discretion to formally establish these Standing Committees, define their membership and direct staff to return with draft revised resolutions and/or procedural guidelines as needed.
ALTERNATIVES:
Approve staff recommendation
Disapprove staff recommendation
Provide further direction to staff
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact at this point.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS:
This item is related to a specific 2016 Strategic Goal to “Develop and invest in infrastructure and beautification projects and support economic growth.” Prepared by: Lena Shumway, Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk Approved as to form: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
Respectfully submitted: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager