City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, May 27, 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 5:01 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 items on Closed Session agenda.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:02 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.
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 the Closed Session items, noting that two potential litigation matters were discussed. For one of the items, Councilmember Rebollo was not present and did not participate in the discussion.
Regarding Item #1, City staff delivered a presentation, the City Council provided direction, and no reportable action was taken on either item. 6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
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CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Altamirano called a 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
Parks and Recreation Director Alaniz led the Pledge of Allegiance
INVOCATION
Councilmember Garcia offered the invocation
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Tree City U.S.A. 2024 Award and Recognition of the Arbor Day 2025 Poster Contest Winners
The City of Commerce Public Works Department proudly recognized the talented winners of the Arbor Day 2025 Poster Contest during a special presentation.
Alex Villalta, Forestry Assistant for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, delivered remarks about the significance of Arbor Day and the City’s continued commitment to urban forestry. He also acknowledged the City of Commerce for receiving a prestigious award in recognition of its efforts to maintain and grow its urban trees.
2. Certificate of Recognition for the Commerce Evening Lions Club on the Occasion of Celebrating its 50th Anniversary
Mayor Altamirano presented a Certificate of Recognition to the Lions Club, acknowledging their outstanding service and continued contributions to the community. Councilmember Argumedo shared that both he and his wife are proud members of the Lions Club and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to serve and volunteer alongside such a dedicated organization.
Mayor Altamirano also announced that Certificates of Recognition will be issued to the Bell Gardens High School Girls Varsity Volleyball Team in honor of their remarkable 2024 season. Councilmember Rebollo spoke with pride about the team’s historic achievement, highlighting their hard work and determination in City of Commerce Page 2 Printed on 6/10/2025
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capturing their first-ever CIF title.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Gloria Nezahualcoytl recommended utilizing local artists for future City art projects and suggested a specific artist for consideration. She also commended City Council and staff for their continued dedication to the community and reminded the Council of the importance of recognizing and rewarding employees, including through raises when appropriate.
Lee Squire, Downey resident and a veteran, expressed his gratitude to the City for hosting the Military Appreciation Ceremony. He also spoke about the importance of Memorial Day and the significance of honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Argumedo reported attending the Contract Cities Conference, which he described as informative, but noted that the ICSC Conference in Las Vegas was especially beneficial for the City. He shared updates on new development projects, including upcoming fast food establishments and a proposed project that would help fulfill the vision for the Telegraph Corridor. He also announced that the Citadel will be adding a new hotel with upscale restaurants and decorative fountains at the entrance.
Councilmember Rebollo reported attending the Contract Cities Conference and shared that she was reinstalled as a member of the Executive Board. She invited the community to attend the City’s birthday celebration on Saturday.
Councilmember Rebollo also extended her condolences to the Transportation Department on the passing of Jose Castillo, noting his outstanding service and that he will be greatly missed.
Councilmember Garcia reported that she attended the Contract Cities Conference.
Although she was unable to attend the Memorial Day ceremony, she thanked staff for the presentation honoring fallen heroes. She also expressed appreciation to the City Council for supporting her request to designate the City of Commerce as a Purple Heart City.
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez reported attending the Contract Cities Conference and congratulated Councilmember Rebollo on her reappointment to the Executive Board. He also participated in the ICSC Conference and joined the Public Works City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 6/10/2025
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team for lunch. He attended the Memorial Day Ceremony at Park Lawn Cemetery to honor and remember fallen heroes. Mayor Pro Tem Lainez also extended his condolences to the family of Jose Castillo.
Mayor Altamirano called for a moment of silence in memory of Jose Castillo. He shared that he attended both the Contract Cities and ICSC conferences. He mentioned a presentation exploring the introduction of pickleball in the community.
Mayor Altamirano also shared a personal update, noting he recently traveled to Hawaii to visit his son, who is serving in the U.S. Marine Corps.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez moved, seconded by Councilmember Argumedo, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Altamirano, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, Councilmember Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
3. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 20A, 20B, 20C, and 20D
4. Memorandum of Understanding with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for Measure R 20% Bus Operation Funds
5. Contract Extension Agreement with Granicus Legistar Agenda Management Software and Services
6. Agreement with Keenan & Associates for Self-Insured Claims Administration
SCHEDULED MATTERS
7. Resolution Designating the City of Commerce as a Purple Heart City & Presenting Commendation Honoring Purple Heart Recipients Mayor Altamirano thanked Lee Squire and Councilmember Garcia for bringing forward the initiative to designate the City of Commerce as a Purple Heart City.
The Mayor then proceeded to read the official proclamation.
Lee Squire expressed his gratitude for the City’s recognition of Purple Heart recipients and proudly presented a POW flag to the Mayor and City Council in honor of this designation.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 6/10/2025
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adopt a Resolution officially designating the City of Commerce as a Purple Heart City, thereby honoring and recognizing the sacrifices of combat-wounded veterans and reaffirming the City's commitment to supporting our nation's military heroes. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Altamirano, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, Councilmember Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
8. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Jimenez provided an overview of the two weeks.
9. Aquatics Facility Fence Project
Director of Parks and Recreation Alaniz provided an overview of the item.
Councilmember Rebollo inquired whether all gates would be able to be opened when needed. Director Alaniz confirmed that all gates will be accessible and that staff will be able to bring necessary equipment through them.
Councilmember Argumedo asked if any bushes would be removed. Director Alaniz explained that at one gate, the existing bushes will remain, while the other three gated areas will receive new shrubbery. The only location without greenery will be the access point designated for equipment entry.
A discussion followed regarding the design and the final appearance of the project.
Councilmember Argumedo recommended incorporating a community-focused element into the design. City Manager Hernandez suggested returning with two additional renderings. As a result, the item was continued.
10. Authorization to Release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a Rail Feasibility Study
City Manager Hernandez provided an overview of the item. Mayor Altamirano noted that this initiative was brought forward by Councilmember Argumedo.
Councilmember Argumedo emphasized that traffic congestion remains a significant issue in the area and described the proposal as a realistic solution. He stated that the project should be constructed above ground and expressed concern that previously appropriated funds were not followed up on. He recommended moving forward with a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to assess the project's City of Commerce Page 5 Printed on 6/10/2025
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feasibility.
Mayor Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Argumedo, to authorize staff to release a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a consultant to analyze the feasibility of constructing a rail in the City of Commerce. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Altamirano, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, Councilmember Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
11. Consideration of Converting Ad Hoc Committees (Food & Brewery and Arts in Public Places) into Standing Committees
City Manager Hernandez provided an overview of the staff report.
Mayor Altamirano expressed his desire to expand Councilmember involvement in key community initiatives and transformational projects. He requested that Councilmember Rebollo join him and Mayor Pro Tem Lainez for participation in the Veil Food and Brewery District efforts.
Councilmember Lainez inquired whether the Standing Committees would remain advisory in nature and continue to present recommendations to the full City Council for approval. Mayor Altamirano clarified that Standing Committees are composed of three Councilmembers. City Attorney Tapia further explained that although these committees are formed with three members and are governed by the Brown Act, they remain advisory bodies. City Attorney Tapia emphasized that implementation decisions must still come before the full Council unless the Council delegates specific decision-making authority to the committees.
Following discussion, Councilmember Argumedo moved, and Councilmember Garcia seconded, the following Standing Committee appointments:
Rosewood Side Food and Brewery District Standing Committee: Councilmember Argumedo, Mayor Altamirano, and Councilmember Garcia
Veil Food and Brewery District Standing Committee: Mayor Altamirano, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, and Councilmember Rebollo
Arts in Public Places Standing Committee: Mayor Altamirano, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Argumedo
The motion carried with the following vote:
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AYES: Councilmembers Argumedo, Garcia, Rebollo, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez and Mayor Altamirano (5)
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:12 pm in memory of Jose Castillo, City employee.
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