Meeting Summary
Present: Argumedo, Altamirano, Garcia, Lainez
This summary was AI-generated to save you time. It may miss or misstate details, so verify against the official recording and the transcript.
At a glance
Energy Facility Deconstruction Project
- The Interim Director of Public Works recommended rejecting a staff report to rescind an award and proceeding with the original award to Precision Environmental Incorporated.
- Public commenters noted that Precision Environmental incurred over $20,000 in costs for bonds and licenses following the initial award.
- The Council voted to uphold the original award made on June 23rd to maintain the project schedule and meet funding timelines.
Sheriff’s Department Public Safety Presentation
- Sergeant Ozzy Cortez presented crime statistics showing July had 102 incidents, primarily crimes against property.
- Catalytic converter thefts were identified as a primary concern, with the highest numbers reported in the Commerce Center and Citadel neighborhoods.
- The FLOC system generated over 2,600 hits for stolen or wanted vehicles in July, while year-to-date crimes against persons increased by 4%.
Urgency Ordinance for Data Center Moratorium
- Community Development Director Jessica Serrano presented a request to adopt a temporary 45-day moratorium on data center development due to infrastructure and environmental impacts.
- The Council approved the staff recommendation to adopt the moratorium by a four-fifths vote.
- Staff were directed to develop an ordinance enacting a ban on data centers for Council consideration at the conclusion of the 45-day period.
First Reading of Ordinance Amending Chapter 15.13
- Director Serrano presented the first reading of an ordinance to establish an expedited permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations.
- The amendment aims to streamline permitting and allow for electronic submittals and signatures in accordance with Assembly Bill 1236.
- The Council approved the first reading and adopted the ordinance by title only.
City Council Reports
- Council members reported on the National Night Out event, noting high attendance but shortages of food and wristbands that led to long lines.
- Members suggested implementing a pre-registration system to secure resources in advance for future events.
- Issues regarding bus service conditions during the Las Vegas excursion were noted, prompting a review of the current vendor.
- The Mayor announced upcoming events, including a back-to-school Lucha Libre exhibition and the first annual Teen Center Art Fest.
Closed Session
- The Council conferred with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation concerning CEQA compliance and existing litigation in Unite Here Local versus City of Commerce.
- Legal counsel reported that staff presented on both matters and that the CEQA compliance litigation was resolved in favor of the city’s defense.
Full summary
Closed Session
- Discussion: The Council recessed to closed session to confer with legal counsel regarding anticipated litigation concerning the defense of a CEQA compliance issue and existing litigation in the case Unite Here Local versus City of Commerce (Case No. 25STCP03029).
- Outcome: The Council reconvened. Legal counsel reported that staff presented on both matters and that litigation regarding the CEQA compliance issue was resolved in favor of the city’s defense.
Consent Calendar (Items 1–9)
- Discussion: The Council considered items 1 through 9. Item 7 was pulled from the consent calendar for separate discussion.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve items 1 through 6, 8, and 9.
- Vote: The motion passed.
Item 7: Energy Facility Deconstruction Project
- Discussion: The Interim Director of Public Works recommended rejecting a staff report to rescind an award and proceeding with the original award to Precision Environmental Incorporated. The Director stated that the original base bid scope remains appropriate, meets project requirements, and proceeding with the original award allows the City to maintain the project schedule and meet funding timelines. Public commenters from Precision Environmental expressed that they had incurred costs in excess of $20,000 for bonds and licenses following the initial award and requested the Council uphold the original award.
- Motion: The Mayor moved to uphold the original award made on June 23rd.
- Vote: The motion passed.
Scheduled Matters: Sheriff’s Department Public Safety Presentation
- Discussion: Sergeant Ozzy Cortez presented crime statistics comparing the City of Commerce to neighboring areas. Key points included:
- July reported 102 incidents, with 93 being crimes against property.
- Catalytic converter thefts were a primary concern, with the Commerce Center and Citadel neighborhoods reporting the highest numbers.
- Year-to-date, crimes against persons are up 4%, while crimes against property are down 18%.
- The FLOC (Automated License Plate Reader) system generated over 2,600 hits for stolen or wanted vehicles in July.
- The National Night Out event on August 4th occurred without incident.
- Council Comments: Council members thanked the Sheriff’s Department for their presence at National Night Out. One Council member expressed concern regarding the number of arrests linked to FLOC data and the ongoing issue of property theft, urging the team to utilize resources fully to mitigate crime.
Item 11: Urgency Ordinance for Data Center Moratorium
- Discussion: Community Development Director Jessica Serrano presented a request to adopt an urgency ordinance establishing a temporary 45-day moratorium on data center development. The presentation noted that data centers require significant electrical, water, and cooling infrastructure and may impact air quality and noise levels. The City’s current codes do not specifically define or regulate data centers. The recommendation was to adopt the moratorium by a four-fifths vote, direct the City Manager to return with a report within 35 days, and schedule a public hearing to consider an extension.
- Motion: The Mayor moved to approve the staff recommendation and directed staff to develop an ordinance enacting a ban on data centers for Council consideration at the conclusion of the 45-day period.
- Vote: A roll call vote was taken. The motion passed.
Item 12: First Reading of Ordinance Amending Chapter 15.13 (Electric Vehicle Charging Stations)
- Discussion: Director Serrano presented the first reading of an ordinance amending Chapter 15.13 to establish an expedited permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations, in accordance with Assembly Bill 1236. The ordinance aims to streamline the existing permitting process and allow for electronic submittals and signatures.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the first reading and adopt the ordinance by title only.
- Vote: A roll call vote was taken. The motion passed.
City Council Reports
- National Night Out: Council members reported on the August 4th event, noting high attendance and successful inter-departmental cooperation. Concerns were raised regarding the shortage of food and wristbands, leading to long lines. Council members suggested implementing a pre-registration system for residents to secure wristbands and food in advance to prevent shortages in future years.
- Las Vegas Excursion: Council members discussed the recent community trip to Las Vegas. While the event was generally well-received, issues were noted regarding the bus service, specifically air conditioning and bathroom conditions. Council members agreed to review the current bus vendor and consider contracting with a different company for future excursions.
- Community Loss: Council members offered condolences for the passing of Tina Gonzalez, a long-time community member. The meeting was adjourned in her memory.
- Upcoming Events: The Mayor announced upcoming events, including a back-to-school event with a Lucha Libre exhibition on August 14th, the first annual Teen Center Art Fest on August 15th, and a scholarship breakfast.