City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, July 28, 2026 - 5:00 PM
CONCURRENT JOINT MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMMERCE Join Meeting Via Zoom: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/85356512518? pwd=sLwwOMsJFp3FtgAZOiKzEauE8XLaXR.1
Meeting ID: 853 5651 2518
Passcode: 402290
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lainez called the Closed Session meeting to order at 5:08 pm.
ROLL CALL
Mayor Lainez
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia
Councilmember Altamirano
Councilmember Argumedo
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
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 members of the City Council and Successor Agency recessed to Closed Session at 5:10 p.m.
1. Conference with Legal Counsel Pursuant to Government Code Sections 54956.9(d)(2)& (e)(2) - Regarding Anticipated/Potential Litigation - Two (2) Cases.
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:
1. 6051 Telegraph Road, Commerce, CA 90040 (APN: 6336-017-018)
2. 5736 E. Washington Blvd. Commerce, CA 90040 (APN: 6334-006-900) and 5733 Sheila St. Commerce, CA 90040 (APN: 6334-006-901)
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Mayor Lainez reconvened to open session at 6:18 pm.
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ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Tapia reported on Closed Session stated that with all five members of
the Council present, Item No. one (1) related to anticipated litigation with only one (1) case and not two (2) was discussed. City staff provided a presentation, city council provided direction and no reportable action was taken. Attorney Tapia then reported on Item No. two (2) related to property negotiations. He stated that the property located at 6051 Telegraph Rd. was not discussed. The properties listed under 5736 E. Washington Blvd. and 5733 Sheila St. were discussed. Staff provided a presentation, the city council provided direction, and no final reportable action was taken.
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lainez called the regular City Council meeting to order at 6:19 pm
ROLL CALL
Mayor Lainez
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia
Councilmember Altamirano
Councilmember Argumedo
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
City Clerk Sarmiento led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INVOCATION
Council Member Argumedo offered the invocation.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
1. PRESENTATION: PROCLAMATION FOR CAL WATER
Mayor Lainez introduced the first presentation of a proclamation to Cal Water in commemoration of Cal Waters near 100 years of service to the Commerce community. Mayor Lainez expressed his appreciation to Cal Water and the work the have done for the community. He also expressed his gratitude for Cal Waters partnership in supporting various city events. Mayor Lainez read the proclamation aloud, and Jim Crawford and Kimberly Caballero representing Cal Water posed for a commemorative photograph with the city council.
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2. PRESENTATION: HOMES FOR HEROES
Director of Community Development Jessica Serrano provided a presentation to the city council regarding the launch of the Homes for Hero's program that will help low-income Veteran households with short-term rental assistance.
Mayor Lainez thanked staff for their hard work on rolling out this program. He added that the entire council are firm believers of being able to serve and support those who served this country and closed by expressing council's pride in bringing this forward.
PUBLIC COMMENT
Frank Martinez - Spoke on his dissatisfaction with police dispatch personnel. Mr.
Martinez then requested the city provide clarifying information to residents related to California's Day lighting law that prohibits parking, stopping, or standing within 20 feet of the approach side of any marked or unmarked crosswalk or intersection.
He also mentioned that cars are parking and blocking portions of driveway skirts making it difficult for his disabled family members from accessing the public sidewalk in front of his home. He inquired if code enforcement enforces the law related to this issue.
Mayor Lainez requested that the City Manager look into the dispatch issues and the parking enforcement Mr. Martinez inquired about and noted the accessibility needs of our residents.
Rob Sanchez - Spoke on California State Attorney General Rob Bonta and his dissatisfaction with his actions that do not put local cities first. He provided numerous examples and encouraged all city council to continue taking a stand against policies Rob Bonta supports that hurt the city of Commerce.
City Clerk Sarmiento asked if anyone from the general public joining the meeting via Zoom would like to provide public comment. No comment was provided via Zoom.
CONSENT CALENDAR
Council Member Altamirano requested item number three (3) be pulled from the consent calendar for separate discussion. City Manager Ernie Hernandez requested item six (6) be pulled from the consent calendar and placed on scheduled matters.
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Mayor Lainez confirmed that items three (3) and six (6) will be pulled from consent and discussed as scheduled matters. He then requested a motion to approve the balance of the consent calendar.
Council Member Argumedo motioned to approve the balance of the consent calendar, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garica. The motion carried by unanimous consent.
Ayes: Mayor Lainez, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Argumedo, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
1. APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTER NOS. 23A, 23A-SA, 2A-SA, 2A, 2B, 2C The City Council will consider approving the bills and claims set forth in Warrant Registers No. 23A and 23A-SA dated August 10, 2026, 2A-SA dated August 11, 2026, 2A dated August 11, 2026, 2B for the period of July 29, 2026 through August 5, 2026, and 2C for the period of July 23, 2026 through July 24, 2026.
2. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
The City Council and Successor Agency will consider for approval the minutes of the Regular and Special City Council meetings on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, held at 5:00 p.m. and 5:05 p.m.
3. COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Council Member Altamirano announced his appointment of Daniel Mestas to the Library Commission.
4. STATE OF GOOD REPAIR FUNDING ALLOCATION FOR FISCAL YEAR 2026-2027
The City Council will consider for adoption a Resolution approving the State of Good Repair 2026-2027 Funding Allocation for security equipment and systems for the City’s transit fleet.
5. 2025 GENERAL PLAN AND HOUSING ELEMENT ANNUAL PROGRESS
REPORT (APR)
Staff recommends that the City Council receive and file this informational report regarding the 2025 General Plan and Housing Element APR. No formal action or resolution is required.
6. APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH POINT & PAY LLC FOR
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ELECTRONIC PAYMENT PROCESSING SERVICES AND
IMPLEMENTATION OF A CUSTOMER CONVENIENCE FEE PROGRAM
Finance Director Alvaro Castellon provided a presentation to the city council regarding the modernization of the cities payment processing by partnering with Point & Pay.
Council Member Argumedo motioned to approve the implementation of a customer convenience fee program for designated City services, including building permits, plan check fees, planning applications, engineering permits, and other regulatory permits and fees, while continuing the City’s practice of absorbing merchant processing fees for Parks and Recreation programs and services, seconded by Mayor Lainez. The motion carried by unanimous consent.
It is recommended that the City Council:
1. Approve the implementation of a customer convenience fee program for designated City services, including building permits, plan check fees, planning applications, engineering permits, and other regulatory permits and fees, while continuing the City’s practice of absorbing merchant processing fees for Parks and Recreation programs and services.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute an agreement with Point & Pay LLC for electronic payment processing services and implementation of the City’s electronic payment processing platform, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
3. Authorize the City Manager and the Finance Director to execute all onboarding, implementation, merchant account, and other administrative documentation necessary to deploy and implement the electronic payment processing platform.
SCHEDULED MATTERS
7. PRESENTATION/UPDATE FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT OF
PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE CITY OF COMMERCE
Sergeant Cortez with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's department provided a presentation on public safety in the City of Commerce.
8. APPROVAL OF AN AGREEMENT WITH BCS CONSULTANTS FOR PHASE II
PUBLIC WI-FI EXPANSION PROJECT (COMMERCE CONNECT)
UTILIZING THE CALIFORNIA MULTIPLE AWARD SCHEDULE (CMAS)
COOPERATIVE PURCHASING PROGRAM
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Finance Director Alvaro Castellon provided a presentation to the city council regarding phase two (2) of the Commerce connect public WiFi expansion.
Council Member Argumedo motioned to approve an agreement with BCS Consultants in the amount not-to-exceed $604,800 for the Phase II Public Wi-Fi Expansion Project utilizing the California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) cooperative purchasing program; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any documents necessary to implement the project, in a form approved by the City Attorney; and adopt a Resolution appropriating $756,000 from the Project Management Fund to support the costs for Phase II of the project; and authorize up to 15% ($90,700) of the cost for contingencies for unforeseen conditions; and authorize up to 10% ($60,500) of the cost for Management and Inspection Services, pursuant to the City’s On-Call professional consulting services agreements ; authorize the implementation of a sponsorship and/or advertising program on the Commerce Connect public Wi-Fi landing page to help offset ongoing operating costs, with the specific program administered by the City Manager or designee, seconded by Council Member Altamirano. Prior to the vote Council Member Rebollo abstained from the vote due to missing 90% percent of the presentation when she stepped away. Motion carried by majority consent.
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Approve an agreement with BCS Consultants in the amount notto-exceed $604,800 for the Phase II Public Wi-Fi Expansion Project utilizing the California Multiple Award Schedule (CMAS) cooperative purchasing program.
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement and any documents necessary to implement the project, in a form approved by the City Attorney.
3. Adopt a Resolution appropriating $756,000 from the Project Management Fund to support the costs for Phase II of the project.
4. Authorize up to 15% ($90,700) of the cost for contingencies for unforeseen conditions.
5. Authorize up to 10% ($60,500) of the cost for Management and Inspection Services, pursuant to the City’s On-Call professional consulting services agreements.
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6. Authorize the implementation of a sponsorship and/or advertising program on the Commerce Connect public Wi-Fi landing page to help offset ongoing operating costs, with the specific program administered by the City Manager or designee.
Ayes: Mayor Lainez, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Argumedo, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
9. RESCISSION OF CONTRACT AWARD TO ENERGY SMART GROUP AND
AWARD OF CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT TO VVD (VIDEO VOICE
DATA COMMUNICATIONS) FOR THE CITY HALL ELECTRIC VEHICLE
CHARGING STATION INSTALLATION PROJECT
Interim Public Works Director Andy Ramirez provided a presentation to the city council regarding the award of a contract to Video Voice Data Communications for the City Hall Electric Vehicle Charging Station installation project.
Mayor Lainez motion to rescind the construction contract award to ESG (Energy Smart Group) for the City Hall Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installation Project made on May 26, 2026; and awarding the contract to ChargePoint’s approved vendor VVD (Video Voice Data Communications) for the total construction cost of $261,026; and authorizing the Mayor to execute the contract with VVD in a form approved by the City Attorney and furthermore authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute any documents related to the Project including rebate or amendments to the agreement with VVD; and authorizing up to 15% of the construction cost in contingencies for unforeseen conditions, and up to 10% of the total construction and contingencies costs for Construction Management and Inspection; and authorizing Transtech Engineers, Inc. to proceed with Construction Management and Inspection Service, pursuant to their existing on-call consultant services, seconded by Council Member Rebollo. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution:
1. Rescinding the construction contract award to ESG (Energy Smart Group) for the City Hall Electric Vehicle Charging Station Installation Project made on May 26, 2026; and
2. Awarding the contract to ChargePoint’s approved vendor VVD (Video Voice Data Communications) for the total construction cost of $261,026; and
3. Authorizing the Mayor to execute the contract with VVD in a form approved by the City Attorney and furthermore authorizing the City Manager or his designee to execute any documents related to the Project including rebate or amendments to the agreement with VVD; and
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4. Authorizing up to 15% of the construction cost in contingencies for unforeseen conditions, and up to 10% of the total construction and contingencies costs for Construction Management and Inspection; and
5. Authorizing Transtech Engineers, Inc. to proceed with Construction Management and Inspection Service, pursuant to their existing on-call consultant services.
10. CONSIDERATION OF MONUMENT SIGN DESIGN OPTIONS FOR THE GATEWAY MONUMENT I-5 AT EASTERN AVENUE BEAUTIFICATION PROJECT
Interim Public Works Director Andy Ramirez provided a presentation to the city council regarding the selection of a monument sign for the Gateway Monument I-5 South Eastern Avenue Beautification Project.
Council Member Rebollo motioned to select option one of the monument sign design options for the Gateway Monument I-5 at South Eastern Avenue Beautification Project; and authorizing staff to direct the contractor to proceed with the fabrication and installation of the selected monument sign design, subject to Caltrans final review and approval, seconded by council member Argumedo.
Motion carried by unanimous consent.
The City Council will consider:
1. Selecting one of the two monument sign design options for the Gateway Monument I-5 at South Eastern Avenue Beautification Project; and
2. Authorizing staff to direct the contractor to proceed with the fabrication and installation of the selected monument sign design, subject to Caltrans final review and approval.
Ayes: Mayor Lainez, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Argumedo, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
11. DECLARATION OF CERTAIN REAL PROPERTIES KNOWN AS 5440 TELEGRAPH RD., Commerce, CA 90040 (Assessor's Parcel Numbers ("APNs"): 6336-023910, 6336-023-911, 6336-023-912, 6336-023-915, 6336-023-916, 6336023-920, 6336-023-921, and 6336-023-922) as Surplus Land.
City Manager Ernie Hernandez provided some context for the item and introduced Community Development Director Jessica Serrano and Mauricio Nunez from Deodote to provide a presentation to the city council.
Mayor Lainez motioned to adopt a Resolution declaring certain real property known as 5440 Telegraph Rd., Commerce, CA 90040 (APNs: 6336-023-910, 6336-023-911, 6336-023-912, 6336-023915, 6336-023-916, 6336-023-920, City of Commerce Page 8 Printed on 8/8/2026
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6336-023-921, and 6336-023-922) ("Properties") as Surplus Landin accordance with the Surplus Land Act; and authorizing staff to proceed with issuing a notice of availability of the Surplus Land in the City of Commerce, California; and authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to take all necessary actions to carry out the intent of this Resolution and ensure compliance with the Surplus Land Act; and take any additional related action as deemed necessary, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
That the City Council consider:
1. Adopting a Resolution declaring certain real property known as 5440 Telegraph Rd., Commerce, CA 90040 (APNs: 6336-023-910, 6336-023-911, 6336-023-912, 6336-023915, 6336-023-916, 6336-023-920, 6336-023-921, and 6336-023-922) ("Properties") as Surplus Landin accordance with the Surplus Land Act;
2. Authorizing staff to proceed with issuing a notice of availability of the Surplus Land in the City of Commerce, California;
3. Authorizing the City Manager, or designee, to take all necessary actions to carry out the intent of this Resolution and ensure compliance with the Surplus Land Act; and
4. Taking any additional related action as deemed necessary.
Ayes: Mayor Lainez, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Argumedo, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
PUBLIC HEARING
12. CONFIRMATION OF 2025-2026 WEED ABATEMENT CHARGES
City Clerk Sarmiento provided a brief summary and context related to the 2025-2026 Weed Abatement Charges and coordination with the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commission related to the item.
Mayor Lainez opened the public hearing at 7:20 pm. No public comment was provided and Mayor Lainez closed the public hearing at 7:21 pm.
Council Member Argumedo motion to approve and confirm the 2025-2026 Weed Abatement Charges as recommended by the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commission/Director of Weights and Measures, seconded by council member City of Commerce Page 9 Printed on 8/8/2026
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Rebollo. Motion carried by unanimous consent.
The City Council will conduct a public hearing to consider the confirmation of the 2025-2026 Weed Abatement Charges as recommended by the Los Angeles County Agricultural Commissioner/Director of Weights and Measures.
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Council Member Rebollo congratulated the Men's and Women's Water Polo program on their efforts at the 2026 Junior Olympics. She also wished luck to the Commerce Aces eight (8) and under baseball program at the little league world series tournament in San Diego. She encouraged the community to come and enjoy the festivities for National Night Out. She also mention a backpack give away coordinated with the Bristow Park Handball Club on Saturday August 1, 2026. She thanked everyone present and watching at home and wished everyone a good night. She closed by sending her deep condolences to the Rivas family on the sudden loss of their beloved mother and longtime Commerce resident.
Council Member Argumedo reported on his attendance at the I-5 Joint Powers Authority board meeting. He mentioned the board welcome two (2) new member cities which are the City of Pico Rivera and the City of Whittier. He added that he is encouraged by this growth in the membership because their is strength in numbers and many cities are being affected by the I-5 expansion. He also mentioned discussion among the board members related to findings the board made on possible reimbursements related to phase two (2) of the project due to freeway closures and wear and tear that affect cities during this project. These findings are now being applied as phase three (3) begins. He closed by commending the Parks and Recreation department staff for the successful FIFA World Cup final watch party they held.
Council Member Altamirano congratulated Mathew Moran and Valerie Martinez who competed internationally on the Mexico national water polo team at the Central American and Caribbean games. Both athletes are products of the of Commerce water polo program. He then gave his condolences to the family of Mike Arviso and mentioned his services would be held later in the week.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia also congratulated the Water Polo team and coaches. She closed by also offering her condolences to the Rivas and Arviso families.
Mayor Lainez reported on his attendance at the NALEO (National Association of City of Commerce Page 10 Printed on 8/8/2026
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Latino Elected and Appointed Officials) conference. He mentioned the great opportunities to connect with other local leaders and discuss things are happening in our communities and solutions to some of those issues. He echoed Council Members comments on the FIFA World Cup final watch party which he also attended and congratulated Parks and Recreation for a successful event and gave a shout out to all staff the master of ceremonies that kept everyone engaged during the event. He also congratulated Mathew Moran and Valerie Martinez on their performances at the Central American and Caribbean games. He suggested that a conversation be had for a possible recognition of the two athletes. He also reported on his attendance at the Parks and Recreation all hands meeting and shared how the meeting provided a great opportunity for professional development and team building. He then mentioned the recognition of coach Jesse Hernandez who during the swim teams attendance at tournament in Hawaii bravely saved two suffers who were in distress in the water. He closed by offering his condolences to the Rivas and Arviso families for their losses and adjourned the council meeting in their honor.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Lainez adjourned the City Council Meeting at 7:33 pm.
Written materials distributed to the City Council are available for public inspection immediately following the posting of this agenda (at least 72 hours prior to a regular City Council meetings) in the City Clerk's Office, at Commerce City Hall, 2535 Commerce Way, Commerce, California, and the Central Library, 5655 Jillson Street, Commerce, California.
Meeting facilities are accessible to persons with disabilities. ln compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, notify the Office of the City Clerk at (323) 722-4805 at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.
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