City of Commerce
Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, August 25, 2026 - 5:00 PM
CONCURRENT JOINT MEETINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMMERCE Join Zoom Meeting https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81182319546? pwd=VDQaiB0XHllfeyRG8YvabUPyyPXGsn.1
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5:00 P.M. CLOSED SESSION
CALL TO ORDER
The closed session meeting was called to order by Mayor Lainez at 5:11pm
ROLL CALL
City Clerk Sarmiento took roll call and noted that council member Rebollo was absent.
Mayor Lainez
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia
Councilmember Altamirano
Councilmember Argumedo
Present: 4 -
PUBLIC COMMENT ON CLOSED SESSION ITEMS
No public comments were given for closed session agenda.
RECESS TO CLOSED SESSION
Mayor Lainez recessed to closed session 5:15pm
1. Pursuant to Government Code §54956.8, the City Council will confer with its real property negotiator, Ernie Hernandez, with respect to real estate negotiations with Wash-Tel Commerce, LLC concerning proposed price and other terms relating thereto, comprised of 6233 - 6241 Telegraph Road and 6329 Washington Blvd (APN 6336-010-030, 031, 032, 033, 034, 035, & 038, 6336-010-922 & 927)
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 concerning proposed price and other terms relating thereto 6300 Telegraph Road, Commerce, CA 90040 (APN: 6336-008-033)
3. Pursuant to Government Code §54956.8, the City Council will confer with its real property negotiator, Ernie Hernandez, with respect to real estate City of Commerce Page 1 Printed on 10/8/2026
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negotiations concerning proposed price and other terms relating thereto 2143 S. Atlantic Blvd. Commerce, CA 90040 (APN: 5244-014-905)
4. Pursuant to Government Code §54956.8, the City Council will confer with its real property negotiator, Ernie Hernandez, with respect to real estate negotiations concerning proposed price and other terms relating thereto 421 Milpas St., Santa Barbara, CA 93103 (APN: 017-313-612)
5. Conference with Legal Counsel - Existing Litigation - Pursuant to Government Code Section 54956.9(d)(1). One (1) case: Lilia Leon v. Eduardo Sarmiento Superior Court of Los Angeles County Case No. 26STCP03009
RECONVENE TO OPEN SESSION
Mayor Lainez reconvened the closed session meeting at 6:36 pm
ORAL CLOSED SESSION ANNOUNCEMENT
City Attorney Noel Tapia provided his report from closed session. He stated that Council member Rebollo was not present from item one (1) of the closed session agenda. He also mentioned that item two (2) of the closed session was not discussed by city council. He continued with his report and stated that all five (5) city council members were present for the discussion of items three (3), four (4) and five (5). With regard to item three (3) staff provided a presentation, council gave direction and there was no reportable action. With regard to item four (4) staff provided a presentation, council gave direction and there was no reportable action.
With regard to item five (5) city council was given an update. That concluded the closed session report.
6:00 P.M. - CITY COUNCIL MEETING
CALL TO ORDER
Mayor Lainez called the regular concurrent joint meetings of the City Council of the City of Commerce, Joint Powers Financing Authority and Governing Body to the Successor Agency to the Commerce Community Development Commission to order at 6:38 p.m.
ROLL CALL
City Clerk Sarmiento took roll call and all members of the city council were present.
Mayor Lainez
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia
Councilmember Altamirano
Councilmember Argumedo
Councilmember Rebollo
Present: 5 -
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Transportation Director Mc Ferguson led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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INVOCATION
The invocation was offered by Mayor Pro Tem Mireya Garcia.
APPEARANCES AND PRESENTATIONS
Community Development Director Jessica Serrano provided a presentation regarding small business expo.
1. COMMERCE ADVANTAGE: SMALL BUSINESS EXPO.
Community Development Director Jessica Serrano provided a presentation on the Commerce Advantage: Small Business Expo.
PUBLIC COMMENT
The following people provided public comment.
Frank Martinez
CONSENT CALENDAR
Prior to city council taking action on the consent calendar City Attorney Tapia clarified that the agenda item on the consent calendar related to data centers is not about a data center project. The item on the agenda is to provide a report on the uses and potential community impact related to data centers that is mandated by State law due to the councils adoption of an urgency ordinance enacting a 45 day moratorium on data centers. Council may also take action and extend the moratorium and additional ten (10) months and 15 days.
Councilmember Argumedo moved, seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, to approve the consent calendar. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Lainez, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Argumedo, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
2. APPROVAL OF WARRANT REGISTER NOS. 24A, 3A, 3B, 3C
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4. ADOPTION AND WAIVING OF THE SECOND READING OF AN
ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMMERCE
AMENDING CHAPTER 15.13 TITLED ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS.
It is recommended that the City Council waive the second reading and adopt Ordinance No. 835 (Attachment 1), An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Commerce Amending Chapter 15.13 Titled Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.
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5. ISSUANCE OF WRITTEN REPORT PURSUANT TO CALIFORNIA
GOVERNMENT CODE SECTION 65858(D) REGARDING TEMPORARY
MORATORIUM ON DATA CENTERS
It is recommended that the City Council adopt a Resolution (Attachment 1) and issue this Staff Report as the written report required by Government Code section 65858(d), describing the measures taken to alleviate the conditions that led to the adoption of an Urgency Ordinance (Attachment 2), which established a temporary 45-day moratorium on the approval of data centers within the City.
6. RESOLUTION APPROVING AN AGREEMENT WITH THE CALIFORNIA
FRANCHISE TAX BOARD FOR CONTINUED PARTICIPATION IN THE
DATA EXCHANGE PROGRAM
Adopt the Resolution approving an agreement with the California Franchise Tax Board for continued participation in the Data Exchange Program for the period of January 1, 2027, through December 31, 2029.
7. AGREEMENT WITH CARRIER CORPORATION FOR HVAC
IMPROVEMENTS AT BRISTOW PARK AND SNACK BAR
City Council will consider adopting a resolution:
1. Approving a contract agreement with Carrier Corporation, through BuyBoard
National Purchasing Cooperative Contract No. 720-23, for replacement of 12 airconditioning units at Bristow Park Community Center and Snack Bar in the amount
of $432,878; and
2. Authorizing up to 15% for contingency and project management services, pursuant
to the City’s existing on-call professional consulting services agreement, in the
amount of $64,932; and
3. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the agreement and related procurement
documents.
SCHEDULED MATTERS
8. PRESENTATION/UPDATE FROM THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT OF
PUBLIC SAFETY IN THE CITY OF COMMERCE
Sergeant Yang provided a public safety report on behalf of the Los Angeles County City of Commerce Page 4 Printed on 10/8/2026
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Sheriff's Department.
9. CONSIDERATION TO ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. 2026-XX ESTABLISHING
THE COMMERCE ADVANTAGE BUSINESS GRANTS PROGRAM
Community Development Director Jessica Serrano introduced item nine (9) on the agenda and provided a presentation to the city council.
At the conclusion of the presentation council had a discussion on how the grant program can be improved by possibly offering the grant to both tenants and property owners and allowing council the latitude to approve additional money to businesses above the limit when special circumstances are in play. City Manager Hernandez noted the direction from council. The City Council unanimously approved staff recommendation and City Manager Ernie Hernandez noted the feedback provided by the City Council on the item.
It is recommended that the City Council consider:
1. Adopting a resolution to:
a. Establish the Commerce Advantage Business Grants Program b. Authorize a budget appropriation of $1,437,500 for Commerce Advantage Business Grants from the Food & Brewery District Fund;
c. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to develop and adopt policies and procedures for distributing funds for qualified expenses, eligibility criteria, allowed expenses, and application process, among others; d. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to make any necessary amendments, as needed, to an existing on-call agreement with Avant Garde Inc. to increase the budget, scope and term for the implementation and administration of the Commerce Advantage Business Grants; e. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to take necessary actions to implement Commerce Advantage Business Grants; and
2. Take any additional related actions as deemed necessary.
Ayes: Mayor Lainez, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Argumedo, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
10. COMMITTEE AND COMMISSION APPOINTMENTS
Mayor Lainez thanked outgoing Youth Advisory Commission Francheska Coreas for her service and wished her luck in her next chapter. He then appointed Melissa Vargas to fill the vacancy.
Council Member Argumedo appointed Johncito Peraza to the Parks and Recreation Commission.
PUBLIC HEARING
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11. PUBLIC HEARING TO CONSIDER AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY
COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COMMERCE, CALIFORNIA, ENACTING
ZONING ORDINANCE TEXT AMENDMENT (“ZTA”) NO. 25-02 AMENDING TITLE 19 (ZONING), SECTION 19.31.100(2) OF THE COMMERCE MUNICIPAL CODE (“CMC”) RELATED TO DISTANCE SEPARATION
REQUIREMENTS FOR USES PROVIDING ALCOHOL SALES FOR
OFF-SITE CONSUMPTION ALONG DESIGNATED COMMERCIAL
CORRIDORS AND APPROVING CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT (“CUP”) NO. 25-12 TO ALLOW THE OFF-SALE OF BEER AND WINE (ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE CONTROL (“ABC”) TYPE 20 LICENSE) AT AN EXISTING
ARCO GAS STATION AND AM/PM CONVENIENCE STORE LOCATED AT 6100 E. WASHINGTON BOULEVARD.
Community Development Director Jessica Serrano introduced the public hearing item and provided a presentation.
Mayor Lainez opened the public hearing at 7:50 p.m.
Public comment was provided by Frank Martinez related to the item.
Mayor Lainez closed the public hearing at 7:52 p.m.
Prior to the City Council taking action on the item, city attorney Tapia read aloud the recommended additional conditions of approval requirements for the record.
Those requirements are:
1. The applicant shall be required to prevent the consumption of alcohol on the premises.
2. The applicant shall cause anyone consuming alcohol to leave the premises and will call law enforcement for assistance.
Councilmember Altamirano moved, seconded by Councilmember Argumedo, to approve staff recommendation with the additional conditions of approval requirements read by city attorney Tapia. The motion carried by the following vote:
Ayes: Mayor Lainez, Mayor Pro Tem Garcia, Councilmember Altamirano, Councilmember Argumedo, and Councilmember Rebollo
5 -
ORDINANCES
CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY REPORTS
Council Member Altamirano shared details of his attendance of the Commerce City of Commerce Page 6 Printed on 10/8/2026
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Scholarship event held at the Commerce Casino, and thanked those business and individuals who contributed to the scholarship funding. He also mention his attendance at the Teen Art Fest and thought it was remarkable and congratulated all the participants and proud parents in attendance.
Council Member Rebollo also shared details of her attendance at the Commerce Scholarship breakfast and mentioned how it is one of her favorite events because she gets an opportunity to see some of her previous scholars that she taught be recognized and receive funds to further their educations. She congratulated all the recipients and thanked all the local businesses for their generous and consistent annual contributions that keep the program going. She then mentioned the Back to School Bash and congratulated the Parks and Recreation department for putting on another successful event. She also mentioned her attendance at the Teen Art Fest and how impressed she was with the first annual event and how much she enjoyed seeing the amazing performances, artwork, and overall talent the Commerce community has to offer. She then mentioned her visit to Camp Commerce and see all the programming first hand and enjoyed the delicious food provided by the newly hired cook and encouraged residents to sign up. She congratulated camp staff for the great job they are doing and shared the positive response she received from residents who were a part of the trip. She closed by sharing a more somber report related to the passing of previous recreation lead Gabe Hannah and extended her and the city's condolences to his family. She also mentioned the passing of Santiago Medina was a well known and long time member of the senior clubs who recently passed away offered her condolences to his friends and family and requested the meeting be adjourned in both of their memories.
Council Member Argumedo also mentioned his attendance at the Back to School Bash event and congratulated staff for a successful event. He added how much the community enjoyed the festivities including the lucha libre matches. He then mentioned his attendance to the Local Cities Coalition and the I5 Cities Joint Power Authority meetings. He provided some details related to the meetings and stressed the importance of building a coalition that provides cities impacted by the freeway expansion more agency in how the project proceeds.
Mayor Pro Tem Garcia mentioned her attendance at the Scholarship program and shared how nice of event it was. She thanked all the sponsors of program and shared her appreciation for their continued support and highlighted the great selection for made for the keynote speaker of the event that help to inspire our aspiring scholars. She also mentioned her attendance at the Teen Art Fest and shared how beautiful all of the art and performances were. She also mentioned receiving a yearbook style book from the dance team and thanked them for the kind gesture. She then mentioned her attendance at the Back to School Bash event and how much the community enjoyed the lucha libre matches. She then gave a City of Commerce Page 7 Printed on 10/8/2026
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shout out the senior center team and Margret in particular for taking care of our seniors and working through any and all situations. She closed by offering her deep condolences to the family of Gabe Hannah and Santiago Medina.
Mayor Lainez also mentioned his attendance at the Back to School Bash and how great of an event it was. He added how people really enjoyed the lucha libre matches the wrestlers ability to tell a story through physical performance. He also mentioned the musical performances by the day camp kids and thanked all the day campers and staff for the hard work they put in for the performances and the positive impact it has on the kids. He took time to acknowledge now former staff member of 27 years Gina Fierro who was an integral part of the day camp program and Parks and Recreation program. He wished Gina the best of luck and thanked her for her dedicated service to the Commerce community. He then mentioned the Scholarship breakfast event and concurred with his council colleague Rebollo that the event is one of the best of the year. He thanked library department and director Bautista and literacy services supervisor Evelyn Daiz for the great event. He added that 57 scholars received over $81,000 dollars in scholarships, and thanked the sponsors/donors and business community for their continued support and investment in the education of our youth. He singled out the Commerce Casino for their contribution of $50,000 dollars in scholarship funding. He then mentioned his attendance at the first annual Teen Art Fest and said the event was a success. He gave kudos to the teen center staff lead by Amber Torres for the well organized event that showcased the amazing performances, artwork and talent of Commerce youth. He also mentioned his attendance at the LAFC game organized by the department of Parks and Recreation and thanked staff for organizing the event. He then provided information on the Small Business Expo set for September 2, 2026 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m and thanked the city council for moving forward on the Commerce Advantage program which will help to continue encouraging small business growth in Commerce. Mayor Lainez closed his report by sharing his condolences to the families of Gabe Hannah and Santiago Media.
ADJOURNMENT
Mayor Lainez adjourned the City Council meeting in memory of Gabe Hannah and Santiago Media at 8:16 p.m.
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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