City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, August 26, 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
Vice Mayor Lainez called the meeting to order at 5:09 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez
Councilmember Argumedo
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 4 -
Absent: 1 - Mayor Altamirano
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
Lori Condinus, Business Representative of AFSCME, stated that impending layoffs are difficult and that every tool should be made available to all impacted employees to help accommodate them.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:13pm
1. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2) & (e)(2) - Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - Two (2) Matters.
2. Pursuant to Government Code §54956.8, the Successor Agency will confer with its real property negotiator, Ernie Hernandez, with respect to real estate negotiations concerning proposed price and other terms relating to the Commerce Refuse-to- Energy Authority Facility site located at 5926 Sheela Street, Commerce, California
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
City Council/Successor Agency reconvened to Open Session at 6:10 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session Items:
City of Commerce Page 1 Printed on 9/15/2025
City Council Meeting Minutes August 26, 2025
Item #1, only one matter was discussed. Item #1 and Item #2, staff provided a presentation, Council gave direction, and no reportable action was taken on these items.
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Mayor Lainez called regular City Council meeting to order at 6:11 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez
Councilmember Argumedo
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 4 -
Absent: 1 - Mayor Altamirano
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Marquez led the Pledge of Allegiance
INVOCATION
Councilmember Argumedo offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Recognition to the Unplugged Cast & Crew
The Vice Mayor and City Council honored and recognized the cast and crew of “Unplugged” for their contributions.
PUBLIC COMMENT
There were no individuals wishing to address the City Council on any items within their jurisdiction.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Councilmember Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to approve the Consent Calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: 3 - Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, Councilmember Argumedo, and Councilmember Garcia
Absent: 2 - Mayor Altamirano, and Councilmember Rebollo
2. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 2A, 2B, 25A, 25B and 25C
3. Approval of Minutes
City of Commerce Page 2 Printed on 9/15/2025
City Council Meeting Minutes August 26, 2025
4. Authorization for Transportation Grant Funding for Capital and Operating Assistance for the Fiscal Year 2025-2026
5. State of Good Repair Funding Allocation for Fiscal Year 2025-2026
6. Amendment to Memorandum of Understanding with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for Proposition “C” 40% Discretionary Zero Emissions Transit Capital Program Funds
7. Amended License Agreement with Commerce Energy Storage, LLC for 6904 and 6920 East Slauson Battery Storage Development
8. Revised Purchasing Policy
9. Professional Services Agreement for Investment Advisory Services
10. Second Amendment to the Agreement for City Attorney Services with Alvarez-Glasman & Colvin
11. First Amendment to the Agreement for General Legal Services with Olivarez Madruga Law Organization
SCHEDULED MATTERS
12. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Jimenez provided a statistics update for the month of August.
13. Update on DTSC Exide Cleanup and Grass Planting
Public Works Director Abbas provided an update on ongoing project. City Manager Hernandez added that this follows up on an item discussed two weeks ago and commended Public Works for their efforts.
It was noted that parkways were not properly restored and still had exposed dirt.
Staff worked with the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) to find solutions for these areas. Areas that previously had grass will be restored with grass.
Mehdi Bethahar, Assistant Deputy Director, stated that after coordination with staff, DTSC will hydroseed areas that currently have no vegetation, and replace grass in City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 9/15/2025
City Council Meeting Minutes August 26, 2025
areas that previously had grass. He requested that the City Council encourage residents to water the restored parkways. Staff is making every effort to complete the parkway restorations effectively.
Councilmember Argumedo emphasized the importance of this project to the community. He noted that sod replacement on his property was done well and expressed appreciation that homes with existing sod are being properly restored.
Councilmember Rebollo inquired about ideal watering practices for the restored grass. The response indicated that watering should occur 2–3 times per day.
Further discussion addressed resident communication regarding the need for watering. Communication efforts include flyers, door-to-door outreach, and providing information in Spanish. For residents without online access, alternative methods are being used to ensure everyone is informed.
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez thanked staff for listening to community concerns and bringing this item forward.
14. Purchase of Twenty-Five (25) Bus Shelters and Accessories for Transit Operations
Transportation Director McFerguson provided an overview of the staff report regarding bus shelter installations.
Councilmember Rebollo inquired about the possibility of a shelter in front of the Senior Apartments on Gage. Transportation Director McFerguson explained that the property owner had not granted access for a shelter but noted that staff could attempt to re-negotiate.
Councilmember Rebollo expressed a preference for black shelters, noting they appear elegant, but commented that seating for only three people is insufficient.
Further discussion focused on the need for shade at the senior apartments and the overall color of the shelters. The majority of the Council leaned toward a hunter green color to represent the City of Commerce.
Because grant funding is involved, a decision on installation is needed promptly.
City Manager Hernandez recommended installing 25 shelters, with proposed design alternatives to be considered at a later date.
It was the consensus of the Council to: focus on servicing the two senior apartment City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 9/15/2025
City Council Meeting Minutes August 26, 2025
locations, utilize hunter green shelters that include the City name, potentially as part of the project cost, and add polycarbonate panels at select stops.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to adopt Resolution approving the purchase of twenty-five (25) bus shelters and accessories (Model: 12' Empire Transit Shelter) for transit operations and color for Hunter green and come back to the Council with the two bus stops shelters on Gage for senior apartments. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, Councilmember Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Rebollo
4 -
Absent: 1 - Mayor Altamirano
15. Residential Parking Permit Program and Parking T’s Program Public Works Director Abbas provided an overview of the staff report regarding permit parking and “T” parking installations.
City Manager Hernandez recommended implementing “T” markings on Commerce Way, Jillson, and Harbor, while noting the Council could decide on additional locations.
Regarding permit parking, Director Abbas noted that the permit parking program would have some issues with accommodating visitors and guests, by allowing only two permits per household. Councilmember Rebollo pointed out that multi-generational households with 4–5 cars may require special consideration. In response to Councilmember Garcia’s inquiry on cost-effectiveness, Director Abbas stated that the program is highly subsidized, typically 80% by the City. City Manager Hernandez added that enforcement would be carried out by the CSO.
For temporary permits, such as for handymen, Director Abbas explained that daily permits would be issued, with the owner writing the date and displaying it on the dashboard of the vehicle.
Councilmember Argumedo expressed support for a pilot program and suggested it run for at least one year. He recommended waiving permit fees initially to allow residents to adjust and focusing on problematic areas, including locations bordering other cities, Veteran’s Park area, and the Village area.
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez suggested reviewing permit parking programs in other City of Commerce Page 5 Printed on 9/15/2025
City Council Meeting Minutes August 26, 2025
cities and increasing the number of permits allowed per household.
Councilmember Argumedo proposed allowing parking in driveways, and City Manager Hernandez agreed to pilot driveway parking in one location.
For “T” markings, Mayor Pro Tem Lainez recommended additional locations.
Councilmember Rebollo suggested the Bristow and Pacific neighborhoods, while Director Abbas recommended Bristow and Rosewood areas. He also proposed purchasing equipment to restripe in-house using City staff.
City Manager Hernandez noted that staff would return with exact recommended areas.
It was the consensus of the City Council to purchase equipment for in-house restriping.
16. Aquatics Facility Fence Project
Assistant Parks and Recreation Director Marquez provided an overview of the staff report. Vice Mayor Lainez inquired about potential issues with the fence. Assistant Director Marquez responded that if the fence were to be vandalized, it would result in additional costs. Artist James Naish added that the fence is durable and not fragile.
Councilmember Rebollo moved, seconded by Councilmember Garcia, to approve the installation of four decorative gates at the Brenda Villa Aquatic Center, in the amount of $138,000, by artist James Naish. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, Councilmember Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Rebollo
4 -
Absent: 1 - Mayor Altamirano
17. Consideration of Creative Crosswalks Artwork and Contract Award This item was continued to the next meeting.
PUBLIC HEARING
18. Introduction and First Reading of an Ordinance Amending Commerce Municipal Code Title 5, Chapter 5.48, Relating to Card Club Pointholders Minimum Interest
Director of Community Development Serrano provided an overview of the staff report.
City of Commerce Page 6 Printed on 9/15/2025
City Council Meeting Minutes August 26, 2025
Councilmember Argumedo moved, seconded by Councilmember Rebollo, to introduce for First Reading an Ordinance amending Title 5 (Business Regulations and Licensing), Chapter 5.48 (Card Clubs) relating to card club pointholders' minimum interest. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Lainez, Councilmember Argumedo, Councilmember Garcia, and Councilmember Rebollo
4 -
Absent: 1 - Mayor Altamirano
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Councilmember Argumedo reported that he attended a graduation ceremony and National Night Out.
Councilmember Rebollo congratulated the Aces, noting that all teams worked very hard this season.
Councilmember Garcia shared that she attended a body strengthening class and found it excellent. She also requested that the meeting be adjourned in memory of Richard Cordea.
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez reported observing significant progress along the Triggs underpass.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 8:16 p.m. in memory of Richard Cordea.
City of Commerce Page 7 Printed on 9/15/2025