City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, June 9, 2026 - 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 Pro Tem Garcia called the Closed Session meeting to order at 5:07 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia
Councilmember Altamirano
Councilmember Argumedo
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 4 -
Absent: 1 - Mayor Lainez
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
There were no individuals wishing to address the City Council on any Closed Session items.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
The four members of the City Council and Successor Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:09 p.m. Mayor Lainez was absent.
1. C i t y C o u n c i l C o n f e r e n c e R e g a r d i n g P u b l i c E m p l o y e e Recruitment/Employment/Appointment pursuant to Government Code 54957 (b) Employee Title: City Clerk
2. Pursuant to Government Code §54956.8, the City Council will confer with its real property negotiator, Ernie Hernandez, with respect to real estate negotiations regarding 5933 Telegraph Road, Commerce, CA 90040 (APN:
6336-017-908)
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RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
All four members of the City Council and Successor Agency reconvened to open session at 6:03 p.m.
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session stated that all four members of the Council were present, for items 1 and 2, staff provided presentations, the City Council gave directions, and no final reportable actions were taken. 6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia called the regular City Council meeting to order at 6:04 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia
Councilmember Altamirano
Councilmember Argumedo
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 4 -
Absent: 1 - Mayor Lainez
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Finance Director Castellon led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. 2026 Summer Reading Program “Plant a Seed, Read”
Senior Librarian Sylvia Cisneros presented the Commerce Public Library's 2026 Summer Reading Program beginning June 15, 2026. The program includes reading challenges and activities for children, teens, and adults, with a focus on gardening, healthy eating, literacy, and hands-on educational experiences.
Council Members thanked Library staff for providing educational opportunities and community programming.
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PUBLIC COMMENT
Yvonne Sandoval thanked Parks and Recreation staff for supporting a recent community art event and acknowledged staff assistance during memorial activities for Elsie Cardoza. She requested that the City install a commemorative plaque on the desk of Elsie Cardoza at the Senior Center in her honor and for her service to the senior community.
Susana Larios spoke regarding the Modelo project and ongoing construction activities near her neighborhood. She described impacts from noise, vibrations, dust, and disruption to daily life and expressed concerns regarding health, safety, and quality of life for nearby residents.
Consondra Batiste expressed concerns regarding construction-related vibrations and alleged damage to residential properties near the Modelo project. She requested greater assistance and clarity from the City regarding what actions can be taken to protect affected homeowners.
Veronica Chavez addressed concerns regarding the Modelo project, including construction impacts, vibration monitoring, alleged property damage, project oversight, and environmental compliance issues. She requested release of vibration monitoring data and independent structural assessments for affected homes.
Mark Chavez discussed concerns regarding construction impacts on nearby residences, requested independent professional evaluations of affected properties, and sought greater transparency regarding vibration monitoring data and enforcement of developer commitments.
Leonard Mendoza commented on the City's handling of resident concerns related to the Modelo project and encouraged greater involvement between City officials, residents, and the developer. He also expressed opinions regarding City Council term limits and elected office tenure.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Rebollo moved, seconded by Council Member Altamirano to approve Item Nos. 2 through 5. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Argumedo, and Councilmember Rebollo
4 -
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Absent: 1 - Mayor Lainez
2. Approval of Warrant Register Nos. 19A, 19B, 19C, and 19A S/A Action Taken: Approved the bills and claims set forth in Warrant Registers No. 19A dated June 9, 2026, 19B for the period of May 7, 2026 through May 11, 2026, and 19C for the period of May 13, 2026 through May 19, 2026.
3. Approval of Minutes
Action Taken: Approved the minutes of the Regular City Council meeting of Tuesday, May 26, 2026, held at 5:00 p.m.
4. Harbor Toxics Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) Stormwater Compliance Agreement
Action Taken: Approved Resolution No. 26-34 authorizing a three-year cost sharing agreement with the Gateway Water Management Authority (GWMA) for stormwater monitoring services in compliance with the Harbor Toxics Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). The term of the new agreement is from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2029.
5. Professional Services Agreement to Replace Existing Firewalls Action Taken: Approved a Professional Services Agreement with Insight Public Sector Inc. in an amount not-to-exceed $58,210, for the purchase, implementation, and migration of a Fortinet firewall solution to replace the City’s existing end-of-life firewall system.
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SCHEDULED MATTERS
6. Community Facilities District (CFD) Education
Finance Director Castellon introduced Brian Forbath and Dan Massiello, Kosmot consultants, that provided a summary on the CFD presentation. The presentation provided an overview of the purpose and legal framework of CFDs, financing mechanisms for public infrastructure improvements, the CFD formation process, landowner election requirements, bond financing procedures, and the roles of consultants and City staff in administering the district. Staff also presented a proposed timeline for future Council consideration.
During Council discussion, several Council Members expressed interest in obtaining additional information and requested further discussions with staff to address questions and concerns before considering any future action.
No action was taken, and the presentation was received and filed.
7. Presentation/Update from the Sheriff's Department of Public Safety in the City of Commerce
Sergeant Cortez provided a presentation on the public safety report for May 2026.
The presentation included crime statistics, trends, and enforcement activity within the City. Overall crime levels remained comparable to recent months, with an increase noted in crimes against persons.
8. Authorize a license agreement with Taghavi Farms
City Manager Hernandez provided a brief summary on this item.
Council Member Altamirano moved, seconded by Council Member Rebollo to Authorize the City Manager to execute a License Agreement with Taghavi Farms.
The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Argumedo, and Councilmember Rebollo
4 -
Absent: 1 - Mayor Lainez
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Council Member Rebollo expressed appreciation for Council Member Altamirano’s vision in establishing the senior art program and reflected on attending the recent Senior Art Gala. She noted that witnessing the pride, talent, and accomplishments of the participating senior artists exceeded her expectations and highlighted the positive impact the program had on the participants and their families. She shared that the event demonstrated that it is never too late to discover and develop new talents and commended the artists for their dedication and achievements.
Council Member Rebollo also congratulated all graduates in the community, from preschool through college, and offered special recognition to her son Daniel and his teammates as they advanced to high school and continued pursuing their water polo goals. Additionally, she attended Pedal Palooza and praised Parks and Recreation, Public Works, the Library, and all participating departments for delivering a successful community event. She highlighted the wide variety of activities, strong community participation, and collaboration among City departments that contributed to the event’s success.
Council Member Argumedo congratulated all graduates and reported attending Schurr High School’s graduation ceremony, where he celebrated his granddaughter’s achievement. He commended the school for its improvements and noted the strong attendance and enthusiasm displayed by graduates, families, and community members. He also recognized the accomplishments of the City’s Student Mayor and expressed pride in seeing local youth honored for their achievements.
Council Member Argumedo also attended Pedal Palooza and commended Parks and Recreation staff and volunteers for organizing a successful event. He highlighted the family-friendly atmosphere, community participation, and recreational activities, including pickleball, which he enjoyed experiencing firsthand.
He also attended the Women in Business luncheon at the Commerce Casino and recognized Vanessa Haro, who was honored for her contributions to the community through youth martial arts programs. He commended her commitment to serving local youth and noted that her remarks were inspiring and well received.
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CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
City Council Meeting Minutes June 9, 2026
Council Member Altamirano praised the success of Pedal Palooza and thanked Parks and Recreation staff, volunteers, and community partners for organizing the event. He highlighted the BMX demonstrations, instructional activities, bicycle raffles, and strong community participation. He further suggested exploring scholarship opportunities for residents pursuing careers in the skilled trades, including electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and other vocational fields. He acknowledged recent family birthdays and expressed appreciation for the support shown by the community.
Council Member Altamirano reflected on the success of the senior art program and art gallery, noting the pride and excitement displayed by participating artists. He shared that many of the senior artists developed a strong attachment to their work and discussed opportunities to create prints of the artwork to allow residents to purchase copies while preserving the original pieces. He commended the senior artists for their creativity and talent and expressed interest in expanding similar opportunities for youth participating in the City’s art programs. He concluded by noting the lasting impact the program had on participants and their families.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia reported attending the Senior Art Gallery and congratulated all participating artists. She described the event as a tremendous success and praised the quality of the artwork and the positive impact the program had on participants. Inspired by the exhibit, she expressed interest in participating in future art classes. She also attended the Color Run and Pedal Palooza events and commended Parks and Recreation, Public Works, and City staff for providing a fun and engaging experience for residents of all ages. She highlighted the variety of recreational activities available throughout the event and noted the strong community participation.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia further recognized staff for creating an engaging promotional video highlighting the City’s park programs and encouraged continued efforts to showcase recreational opportunities available to residents. She thanked Patty Barunda for coordinating transportation for the 10-and-under girls water polo team and acknowledged Social Services staff for their ongoing efforts to connect unhoused individuals with available resources and assistance. Lastly, she thanked Bobby Contreras for organizing another successful Junior Olympic water polo qualifier tournament and requested that the City continue highlighting local water polo tournaments, teams, and accomplishments through its communication platforms to increase community awareness and recognition of youth achievements.
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ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the City Council, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia adjourned the meeting at 7:33 p.m.
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