Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Lifetime Achievement Award
- The Council presented a Lifetime Achievement Recognition Award to Sandra G. Cornejo in loving memory for her community service.
- The Senior Center dining area was dedicated to Sandy and Robert Cornejo.
- A family member accepted the commendation on behalf of the Cornejo family.
Parks Make Life Better Month
- The Mayor read a proclamation designating July 2026 as "Parks Make Life Better Month."
- Youth workers presented highlights of local programs and the recent Independence Day celebration.
Public Safety Presentation
- Staff reported a 42% year-to-date drop in auto thefts and discussed the implementation of an AI-powered camera system.
- Council members requested data on crime hotspots, drone usage, and the effectiveness of automated license plate readers.
- The City Manager noted that the City is accepting a pilot drone system from the Sheriff’s Department subject to privacy reviews.
Temporary Volleyball/Basketball Structure at Bristow Park
- Staff proposed a $2.91 million temporary structure to house sports programs displaced by the Veterans Park redevelopment.
- Council members confirmed the facility's versatility for multiple sports and the inclusion of bleachers.
- The Council approved the design as recommended by staff to support the CRUSH program.
Art in Public Places Program and 250-Year Recognition Plaque
- Staff presented proposals for mosaic art at Rosewood Park and a $2,600 plaque for the United States' 250th anniversary.
- Council members discussed plaque language adjustments and requested the inclusion of military branch representations.
- The Council approved the staff recommendations with the right reserved to modify the plaque language.
Energy Services Contract
- Staff presented a $2.272 million contract for LED lighting upgrades and solar installation at city facilities.
- The Mayor requested provisions to prioritize local IBEW hiring and promote apprenticeship programs.
- The Council approved the item as recommended by staff, authorizing officials to finalize the agreement with these stipulations.
Closed Session
- The Council recessed into closed session with all five members present, one participating remotely.
- Staff made presentations and the Council provided direction on items from both regular and special agendas.
- No final reportable actions were taken during the session.
Full summary
Closed Session
- The Council recessed into closed session with all five members present. One member participated remotely under a just cause exception. The session addressed items from both the regular and special meeting agendas. Staff made presentations and the Council provided direction on all items. No final reportable actions were taken.
Appearances and Presentations
- Lifetime Achievement Award: The Council presented a Lifetime Achievement Recognition Award to Sandra G. Cornejo in loving memory. The award recognized her service on the Parks and Recreation Commission, Library and Senior Citizens Commission, and various community organizations. Councilman Argumeno proposed naming the Senior Center dining area in honor of Robert J. Cornejo. The Mayor agreed, and the dining room was dedicated to Sandy and Robert Cornejo. A member of the Cornejo family accepted the commendation on behalf of the family.
- Parks Make Life Better Month: Parks and Recreation Director Adolfo Marquez presented a proclamation for July 2026 as "Parks Make Life Better Month." Presentations were given by YES workers Jaylene Ramirez and Tevin Gama, highlighting youth programs and the recent Independence Day celebration. The Mayor read the proclamation, officially designating July 2026 as Parks Make Life Better Month in the City of Commerce.
Public Comment
- Two members of the public addressed the Council. One speaker praised the Parks and Recreation programs and the recent senior picnic. The second speaker discussed the 2011 term limits measure, citing voter support for limiting Council terms to three consecutive four-year terms and expressing concerns regarding long-term political careers.
Consent Calendar
- Items 3 through 11 were reviewed. No items were pulled from the consent calendar. A motion to approve the consent calendar was made and seconded. The motion passed.
Scheduled Matters
- Item 12: Public Safety Presentation: Sergeant Ozzie Cortez presented crime statistics for June 2026 and year-to-date comparisons. He reported a 42% drop in auto thefts year-to-date compared to the previous year. He also discussed the implementation of an AI-powered camera system (FLOC) for tracking suspect vehicles and thanked staff for their work during the Independence Day celebration.
- Discussion: Council members requested data on crime hotspots by area, specifically regarding catalytic converter thefts and auto break-ins. They inquired about the use of drones for enforcement, noting their use in neighboring cities, and requested a report on the effectiveness of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) in generating arrests. The City Manager noted that the City was in the process of accepting a pilot drone system from the Sheriff’s Department and that privacy policies would need to be reviewed.
- Action: No formal motion was taken; the item was for informational purposes and direction.
- Item 13: Temporary Volleyball/Basketball Structure at Bristow Park: Public Works Director Shahid Abbas presented a proposal for a temporary structure at Bristow Park to house volleyball and basketball programs displaced by the Veterans Park redevelopment. The structure is approximately 160 feet by 120 feet, includes bleachers, and is estimated to cost $2.91 million, funded from Mayor PC revenue.
- Discussion: Council members inquired about the versatility of the facility for other sports like pickleball and confirmed that bleachers were included. They emphasized the need for quick construction to support the CRUSH program. Staff confirmed the facility could be striped for multiple sports and that the next step was finalizing the design with the private developer partner.
- Action: A motion was made by Councilwoman Arroyo and seconded by Councilman Abdul-Medal to approve the design as recommended by staff. The motion passed.
- Item 14: Art in Public Places Program and 250-Year Recognition Plaque: Senior Management Analyst Giselle Delgado presented proposals for mosaic art pieces at Rosewood Park and a 250-year recognition plaque for the United States. The plaque cost is $2,600. Two design options for the plaque (bronze and colored) were presented, along with a discussion on placement (on a pillar vs. a separate pole).
- Discussion: Council members clarified that the mosaic art would be implemented by staff with minimal material costs, while the plaque required funding approval. There was discussion regarding the language on the plaque, with some members suggesting it be adjusted to be more community-focused while still honoring the 250th anniversary. One member requested that the plaque include representations of the military branches.
- Action: A motion was made by Councilman Argumedo and seconded by Councilwoman Pabloyo to approve the staff recommendations for the artwork and plaque, with the right reserved to modify the plaque language. The motion passed.
Public Hearings
- Item 15: The Council opened the public hearing, received no public comments, closed the hearing, and continued the item to the next meeting.
Public Hearings (Continued)
- Item 16: Energy Services Contract: Public Works Director Shahid Abbas presented a contract with Sizepo Energy Solutions for LED lighting upgrades at seven city facilities and solar photovoltaic installation at the Teen Center. The project is estimated to save approximately $84,000 annually in energy and operational costs. The total project cost is $2.272 million, funded from Mayor PC revenue. The contract includes a project labor agreement with IBEW signatory contractors.
- Discussion: The Mayor requested that the contract include provisions to prioritize hiring local IBEW members and to hold a job fair at the training center to promote apprenticeship programs. The City Manager confirmed that the staff recommendation was to authorize the City Manager and City Attorney to finalize the agreement, allowing for the inclusion of these stipulations. The Mayor also inquired about the authority to approve scope changes, with the City Manager stating that changes within the approved amount would not require returning to Council.
- Action: The public hearing was opened and closed with no comments. A motion was made to approve the item as recommended by staff. The motion was seconded. A roll call vote was taken, and the motion passed.
City Council Reports
- Councilwoman DeBoyle: Thanked Parks and Recreation for the Independence Day events and World Cup watch parties. Expressed condolences to the Cornejo family. Clarified that the recent senior picnic was organized by the Senior Center Supervisor, not the Mayor or herself.
- Councilman Argumedo: Praised the Independence Day events and the Commerce Crush volleyball banquet. Expressed condolences to the Cornejo family and thanked staff for the recognition of former Parks and Recreation Commissioner Sandy Cornejo.
- Mayor Pro Tem Garcia: Highlighted the work of the Social Services department, particularly during the 2003 train derailment crisis. Asked when the salary schedule item, previously pulled from the budget, would be brought back for discussion. Requested that crosswalk improvements be placed on the next agenda before the start of the school year. Expressed condolences for the passing of Renee Lara.
- Mayor Lainez: Thanked staff for the Independence Day Festival, World Cup watch parties, and the Commerce Crush banquet. Commended the Valley Folk program. Expressed condolences to the Cornejo family and for the passing of Renee Lara.
Adjournment
- The meeting was adjourned in memory of Renee Lara and Sandra G. Cornejo.