City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 2, 2025 - 5:00 PM
Special Meeting
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Altamirano called the meeting to order at 5:17 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 the Closed session agenda.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:18 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 reconvened to open session at 6:05 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session Item #1. Staff made a presentation and provided direction; no reportable action was taken on this item.
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Altamirano called meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Altamirano
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez
Councilmember Argumedo
Councilmember Garcia
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PUBLIC COMMENT
City of Commerce Page 1 Printed on 9/15/2025
City Council Meeting Minutes September 2, 2025
No public comment.
SCHEDULED MATTERS
1. Commerce Cannabis Program Update
Senior Management Analyst Delgado provided a brief presentation. City Manager Hernandez stated that the recommendation is to make the program more competitive by supporting operators who are on the path to full compliance. He recommended eliminating non-operating fees, noting that other agencies do not charge these fees. While the proposed fees remain the highest in the region, the changes aim to make the program more competitive and provide flexibility.
Discussion took place regarding community benefits fees and the timing of their payment.
City Manager Hernandez noted that, if Council agrees, changes would be implemented as soon as possible. The proposed payment plan is intended to assist non-compliant operators in achieving compliance. Further discussion addressed enforcement if fees remain unpaid.
City Manager Hernandez clarified that no fees would be waived, and City Attorney Tapia added that operators have varied compliance histories, with some recently becoming non-compliant.
The recommendations included:
Reducing community benefits fees to $32,000,
Setting the minimum operator fee at $50,000,
Eliminating non-operating fees,
Changing the minimum operating fee payment from a quarterly to an annual basis.
Councilmembers Argumedo and Garcia did not support these recommendations.
2. Presentation Regarding Digital Billboards
Director of Community Services Serrano and Scott Sheldon made a presentation.
City Manager Hernandez stated that once the zoning ordinance is adopted, staff City of Commerce Page 2 Printed on 9/15/2025
City Council Meeting Minutes September 2, 2025
will reach out to billboard operators regarding potential conversion to digital billboards. Notices of violation will also be issued to some operators based on the current condition of their signs.
Mayor Altamirano asked where the revenue would go. City Manager Hernandez stated that a resolution could determine this at a later time. Mayor Altamirano recommended allocating some revenue from digital billboards to the General Fund and some to programs for youth.
Discussion took place regarding Caltrans requirements for digital billboards and also distance from residential areas.
Mayor Pro Tem Lainez asked about the potential annual revenue per billboard. Mr.
Sheldon stated it could range from $80,000 to $170,000, depending on location and other factors. Mayor Pro Tem Lainez suggested that fees should fund both commercial and residential beautification projects, such as off-ramps and neighborhood “fix-it” programs. City Manager Hernandez noted that staff could bring forward a resolution to decide how revenue and programs would be funded.
In response to Councilmember Garcia’s question regarding non-city-owned billboards, it was estimated there are about 40 such billboards. City Manager Hernandez added that the City could also advertise City programs and receive air time on digital billboards.
Director Serrano summarized the next steps in the process: finalize the draft zoning ordinance, schedule a Planning Commission hearing, adopt the ordinance by the Council, coordinate City RFPs for potential digital billboard sites on City-owned property, and negotiate Development Agreements for new or converted signs on private property.
ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 7:10 p.m.
City of Commerce Page 3 Printed on 9/15/2025