Meeting Summary
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At a glance
Proclamation of Recognition for State Senator Bob Archuleta
- The Mayor presented a proclamation recognizing the Senator for authoring Senate Bill 1274, which defines "industrial city" in California law.
- Council members and the City Manager noted the bill’s potential impact on funding and infrastructure.
- The proclamation was signed by the Mayor and Council members without a formal motion or vote.
Proclamation Declaring September 2026 as Deaf Awareness Month
- A resident shared family experiences and a deaf audiologist presented a video series on identifying signs of deafness in children.
- The Mayor read a proclamation declaring September 2026 as Deaf Awareness Month to promote accessibility and inclusion.
- The proclamation was signed by the Mayor and Council members without a formal motion or vote.
Breast Cancer Awareness Resource and Healthcare Fair
- A Senior Librarian announced a health fair scheduled for October 10, 2026, at the Rosewood Library.
- The event, in partnership with Family Health Care Center, includes a community walk, resource tables, and clinical services.
- The item was informational, and no motion or vote was taken.
Bristol Park Facilities Roof Rehabilitation Project
- Staff presented two options for roof repairs: short-term rehabilitation for approximately $20,000 or full replacement for approximately $600,000.
- The City Manager stated that short-term rehabilitation is the only feasible option given the facility's planned future renovation.
- A motion was made to award the construction contract for the short-term rehabilitation option, but the transcript ends before the vote outcome is recorded.
Stormwater and Maintenance Planning
- Staff presented a plan to adjust regular maintenance, including advancing tree trimming services to mitigate liability and safety risks during heavy rains.
- Staff outlined communication efforts to clarify city resources versus resident responsibilities for home preparation.
- The Council approved the item with Option B.
Sheriff’s Department Safety Report
- Sergeant Yang presented August crime statistics, noting 8 crimes against persons and 86 property crimes, with a year-to-date reduction of 16.56%.
- Primary hotspots included the Citadel Outlets, with peak incident frequency occurring on Wednesdays between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Operational compliance was slightly below 90% due to staffing shortages, though response times for emergent and priority calls remained within policy targets.
- The item was informational, and no motion was taken.
Rosewood Park Expansion Improvement Project – Consultant Selection
- Three firms presented proposals for plans, specifications, and engineering estimates for the park expansion, which includes pickleball courts and a pump track.
- Councilwoman Rebollo suggested taking a step back to review proposals and potentially tour existing facilities before making a decision.
- The item was continued, and staff will coordinate facility tours to determine how the item will return to the Council.
Revitalization of Telegraph Road and Washington Boulevard Corridors
- Staff introduced the item with the goal of improving visual character, pedestrian accessibility, and support for local businesses.
- Three firms presented proposals for the corridor design project, focusing on community-led processes, complete streets concepts, and local engagement.
- The Council agreed to take a step back to review the presentations, and the item was re-agendized for future consideration.
Resolution Approving Agreement of Purchase and Sale and Escrow Instructions
- Staff presented a resolution to approve the purchase of land at 4615 East Washington Boulevard for $1,350,000 from the J&N Osegunda Trust.
- The acquisition is described as strategic for diversifying revenue sources and revitalizing the Washington corridor.
- The Council approved the staff recommendation to proceed with the purchase.
Resolution Approving Formation of Community Facilities District 2026-1
- Staff presented a resolution to formally establish Community Facilities District 2026-1 for the Modelo project.
- The action authorizes only the formation process and does not authorize any financing or bond issuance at this time.
- The Council approved the staff recommendation for the three associated resolutions.
Consideration of Concept Plan for Camp Commerce Deck Replacement Improvement Project
- Staff and the design consultant presented a concept plan for replacing deteriorated wooden deck structures to address safety and ADA compliance issues.
- The proposal includes using TimberTech Advanced PVC for decking and metal treads for stairs, with a design phase funded at $480,000.
- The Council approved the concept plan and authorized staff to proceed with the preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates.
Resolution Approving Lease Agreement at 5555 East Washington Boulevard
- Staff presented a resolution to approve an 11-year lease agreement with Leland Investment LLC (DBA El Pollo Loco) for the property at 555 East Washington Boulevard.
- The lease includes a monthly base rent of $13,333.33, increasing by 15% every five years, with a projected gross rental revenue of approximately $2.8 million over 15 years.
- The Council approved the staff report for the lease agreement.
Committee and Commission Appointments
- The City Clerk reported a vacancy on the Disabilities Access and Opportunities Commission with no applications received.
- The Council agreed to continue bringing the item back until a nominee is identified.
- The Council suggested promoting the vacancy on city social media channels.
Extension of Emergency Ordinance Number 834
- Staff recommended extending the 45-day moratorium on data center applications for an additional 10 months and 15 days.
- The extension is intended to allow sufficient time for the establishment of permanent regulations regarding data centers.
- The Council approved the extension of the urgency ordinance per staff recommendation.
Closed Session
- The City Attorney reported that the Council discussed a potential litigation item regarding anticipated or potential litigation.
- Staff provided an update on the status of existing litigation in Resource Environmental Services LLC v. City of Commerce.
- No final reportable action was taken on the litigation item.
Full summary
Closed Session
- Agenda Item 1: The item regarding a conference with legal counsel on anticipated or potential litigation was listed on the agenda but not discussed.
- Agenda Item 2: City staff provided an update on the status of existing litigation in Resource Environmental Services LLC v. City of Commerce (Case No. 26STCV27457).
- Agenda Item 3: City staff presented information regarding price and terms for real estate negotiations at 5933 Telegraph Road (APN 6336-018-920).
Public Appearances and Presentations
- Agenda Item 1: Proclamation of Recognition for State Senator Bob Archuleta
- Discussion: The Mayor presented a proclamation recognizing State Senator Bob Archuleta for his role in authoring and advancing Senate Bill 1274, which establishes a formal definition of "industrial city" in California law. Council members and the City Manager noted the bill’s potential impact on funding and infrastructure. Senator Archuleta spoke regarding the coalition of industrial cities and the bill's implications for state budget allocations.
- Decision: The proclamation was signed by the Mayor and Council members. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
- Agenda Item 2: Proclamation Declaring September 2026 as Deaf Awareness Month
- Discussion: A Recreation Center Supervisor introduced a resident who shared her family’s experience and advocated for inclusive programs. A deaf audiologist presented a video series on identifying signs of deafness in children. The Mayor read a proclamation declaring September 2026 as Deaf Awareness Month, citing the importance of accessibility and inclusion.
- Decision: The proclamation was signed by the Mayor and Council members. No formal motion or vote was recorded.
- Agenda Item 3: Breast Cancer Awareness Resource and Healthcare Fair
- Discussion: A Senior Librarian announced a breast cancer awareness resource and health fair scheduled for October 10, 2026, at the Rosewood Library, in partnership with Family Health Care Center in Greater Los Angeles. The event includes a community walk, resource tables, clinical services, and a workshop on early detection.
- Decision: No motion or vote was taken; the item was informational.
Public Comment
- Comment 1 (Juan Sosa): Addressed noise and operational issues from an unlicensed warehouse/trucking company at 7222 Gage Avenue, requesting an update on enforcement actions. The Mayor directed staff to provide the speaker with an update on the enforcement status.
- Comment 2 (Mark Chavez): Discussed damage to his home at 6359 Avenida Huescalientes resulting from the Modelo project build-out. He stated that two engineering assessments were dismissed by the developer and requested City Council support to compel the developer to address the claims. He also filed a complaint regarding a staff member’s handling of confidential information.
- Comment 3 (Veronica Chavez): Addressed property damage issues related to the Modelo project, stating that the developer has not released insurance information or provided a remediation plan. She questioned the City’s advancement of the developer’s financing agenda while residents remain uncompensated.
- Comment 4 (Cassandra Batiste): Reported damage to homes in the Vista del Rio neighborhood, including debris and pest issues, and requested immediate assistance and power washing services from the developer.
- Comment 5 (Carmen Padilla): Reported structural shaking and damage to her home due to the project and stated that promised inspections had not occurred.
- Comment 6 (Yvonne Sandoval): Requested the continuation of a painting class at the Senior Center, providing a list of interested participants.
- Comment 7 (Chantal Sotomayor): Expressed support for a citywide ban on data center development, citing health and environmental concerns, and referenced similar bans in neighboring cities.
- Comment 8 (Jojo Lopez): Urged the City Council to expand the moratorium on data center development to protect residents from industrial pollution and to set a precedent for neighboring communities.
- Comment 9 (Jasmine Gonzalez): Supported the extension of the data center moratorium, citing harmful electrical, water, air, and community impacts.
Consent Calendar
- Agenda Items 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12:
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the consent calendar for these items.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Vote: The motion passed.
Agenda Item 6: Bristol Park Facilities Roof Rehabilitation Project
- Discussion: The item was pulled from the consent calendar for discussion. The Interim Director of Public Works presented two options for addressing roof issues at the Bristol Park facility: Option A (short-term rehabilitation/spot repairs, approx. $20,000) and Option B (full replacement, approx. $600,000). The City Manager stated that Option A is the only feasible option given the planned future renovation of the facility. Council members discussed the urgency of the repair due to the approaching rainy season and El Niño conditions. The Director of Public Works indicated a goal to commence construction within 30 days, with a total project duration of less than 60 days.
- Motion: A motion was made to award the construction contract to Commercial and Industrial Roofing Company for Option A (short-term rehabilitation).
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Vote: The transcript ends before the vote outcome for this specific item is recorded.
Stormwater and Maintenance Planning (Continuation)
- Discussion: Staff presented a plan to adjust regular maintenance to address stormwater issues, including advancing tree trimming services to mitigate liability and safety risks during heavy rains. Staff outlined communication efforts to clarify city resources versus resident responsibilities for home preparation.
- Motion: Councilwoman Rebollo moved to approve the item with Option B.
- Second: The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia.
- Vote: The motion passed.
Sheriff’s Department Safety Report
- Discussion: Sergeant Yang presented the August Safety Public Report, covering crime statistics, geographic hotspots, regional comparisons, and operational compliance.
- Crime Statistics: August reported 8 crimes against persons (all assault-related) and 86 property crimes. Year-to-date total incidents were 781, a 16.56% reduction compared to the previous year.
- Hotspots: Primary hotspots included the Citadel Outlets, with secondary concentrations along South Veil, Garfield, and Slauson Avenues. Peak incident frequency occurred on Wednesdays between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
- Regional Comparison: Data was compared with East Los Angeles, Maywood, and Cudahy. Commerce was noted as the second-largest jurisdiction in the comparison group.
- Operational Compliance: LAC Sheriff’s Department compliance minutes were slightly below 90% year-to-date due to staffing shortages, with historical recovery expected. Response times for emergent (6.3 minutes vs. 10-minute target) and priority calls (9.3 minutes vs. 20-minute target) were within policy targets. Routine call response time was 55.8 minutes.
- Rest Calls: Total rest calls increased by 22.03% compared to the previous year.
- Public Tools: The LASD Crime Public Mapping Tool was introduced for public access to incident details.
- Action: No motion was taken; the item was informational.
Agenda Item 13: Rosewood Park Expansion Improvement Project – Consultant Selection
- Discussion: Three firms presented proposals for plans, specifications, and engineering estimates for the park expansion, which includes pickleball courts, a pump track, walking trails, and connecting Eastern Avenue to Gilson Street.
- IDS Group: Presented team experience in parks and public facilities, highlighting projects involving pump tracks, pickleball courts, and abandoned rail line revitalization. They proposed a 21-month timeline and emphasized sustainability through drought-tolerant plants and stormwater management. Council members asked about projects combining all proposed amenities in one location and the status of the Durley Park project (currently in construction).
- Hirsch & Associates: Presented a vision for a cohesive park space connecting amenities via a trail. They highlighted their partnership with American Ramp Company for pump track design and experience with soil contamination and regulatory challenges. Council members asked about projects combining pump tracks and pickleball courts; the firm stated this would be their first project with both amenities together.
- CWE: Presented experience with MS-4 permit compliance and similar urban greening projects. They highlighted a project in Oxnard featuring both a pump track and pickleball courts. They discussed sustainability, including soil investigation for heavy metals, stormwater reuse, and noise mitigation for nearby housing.
- Deliberation: Councilwoman Rebollo suggested taking a step back to review proposals, digest the information, and potentially tour existing facilities before making a decision. She proposed re-agendizing the item for a future meeting.
- Decision: The item was continued. Staff will meet with council members to coordinate facility tours and determine how the item will return to the Council for consideration. No consultant was selected at this time.
Agenda Item 14: Revitalization of Telegraph Road and Washington Boulevard Corridors
- Discussion: Staff introduced the item, stating the goal is to improve visual character, pedestrian/bicycle accessibility, wayfinding, and support local businesses.
- Presentation: City Fabric began their presentation regarding the corridor revitalization.
- Status: The transcript ends during the presentation; no motion or vote was recorded in this section.
Corridor Design Proposal Presentations
- Discussion: Presentations were delivered by three firms regarding the corridor design project:
- City Fabric: Presented a proposal involving a multidisciplinary team including Farron Piers and KPFF Engineering. The presentation outlined a community-led process, relevant past projects in the region, and a commitment to long-term stewardship and implementation support.
- Infrastructure Architects: Presented a vision for the corridor focusing on seven strategies, including complete streets concepts, artistic enhancements to bridges and underpasses, median improvements, living walls, intersection enhancements, and wayfinding signage for a "Commerce Entertainment District."
- MIG (with KOA Lochner): Presented a proposal emphasizing local experience, bilingual community engagement, and pragmatic visioning. The presentation included examples of past streetscape projects, visualization capabilities, and strategies to address current challenges such as narrow sidewalks and pedestrian connectivity gaps.
- Deliberation: Following the presentations, Councilwoman Rebollo noted the city’s transformation and the opportunities presented by new developments and the planned metro line. She proposed taking a step back to review the presentations and allow the Council time to digest the information. The Council agreed to this approach, and the item was re-agendized for future consideration.
Item 15: Resolution Approving Agreement of Purchase and Sale and Escrow Instructions
- Discussion: Staff presented a resolution to approve the purchase of land located at 4615 East Washington Boulevard (APN 5243027-025 and 5243-027-027) from Nancy M. Osegunda, successor trustee of the J&N Osegunda Trust. The purchase price is $1,350,000, plus associated costs, funded from the unassigned fund balance. Staff described the acquisition as strategic for diversifying revenue sources and revitalizing the Washington corridor. Councilwoman Rebollo inquired about using the adjacent parking lot to alleviate truck parking issues near a neighboring business. Staff indicated that the current plan involves maintaining month-to-month leases with existing tenants to collect revenue until a redevelopment opportunity arises, while also exploring alternative city-owned parking options for the neighboring business.
- Motion: A motion was made by Councilman Arjumedo and seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia to approve the staff recommendation.
- Vote: The motion passed.
Item 16: Resolution Approving Formation of Community Facilities District 2026-1
- Discussion: Staff and financial advisors presented a resolution to formally establish Community Facilities District (CFD) 2026-1 for the Modelo project. The presentation clarified that this action authorizes only the formation process and does not authorize any financing or bond issuance at this time. The CFD would allow for tax-exempt financing for public purpose improvements within the specific project boundaries, with costs borne solely by properties within that footprint. No existing properties outside the district would be taxed. A public hearing is scheduled for October 27. Three resolutions were presented: one approving CFD goals and policies, one approving the resolution of intention to establish the CFD, and one approving the authorization to incur debt in the future.
- Motion: A motion was made to approve the staff recommendation for items 1, 2, and 3.
- Second: The motion was seconded.
- Vote: The motion passed.
Item 18: Consideration of Concept Plan for Camp Commerce Deck Replacement Improvement Project
- Discussion: Staff and the design consultant, EB Construction, presented a concept plan for replacing deteriorated wooden deck structures at Camp Commerce to address safety, durability, fire resistance, and ADA compliance issues. The proposal includes using TimberTech Advanced PVC for decking, metal treads for most stairs, and concrete stairs for specific locations. The design aims to maintain the camp’s character while improving maintenance and safety, including slip-resistant surfaces for snowy conditions. The design phase is funded at $480,000 from the FY 2025-2026 budget. Council members asked questions regarding material longevity, slip resistance in snow, drainage, and color matching for metal stairs. The consultant confirmed that the materials have lifetime warranties, high non-slip ratings, and that drainage and color options would be addressed in the detailed design phase.
- Motion: A motion was made by Councilwoman Caputo and seconded by Mayor Patu to approve the concept plan and authorize staff to proceed with the preparation of plans, specifications, and estimates.
- Vote: The motion passed.
Item 19: Resolution Approving Lease Agreement at 5555 East Washington Boulevard
- Discussion: Staff presented a resolution to approve a lease agreement between Leland Investment LLC (DBA El Pollo Loco) and the City of Commerce for the property at 555 East Washington Boulevard (APN 6335-024-909). The lease term is 11 years with a one-time option to extend for four additional years, totaling a maximum of 15 years per Surplus Land Act regulations. The monthly base rent is $13,333.33, increasing by 15% every five years. The lessee will receive a rent abatement of up to $215,587.50 for leasehold improvements and vandalism remediation. The projected gross rental revenue over the potential 15-year term is approximately $2.8 million. Councilwoman Rebollo inquired about the anticipated opening date and required approvals. Staff indicated an approximate six-month timeline for opening and confirmed that only building permits are required, as no planning commission approval is needed for the same use.
- Motion: A motion was made by Councilwoman Arroyo and seconded by Councilman Aguilero to approve the staff report.
- Vote: The motion passed.
Item 20: Committee and Commission Appointments
- Discussion: The City Clerk reported a vacancy on the Disabilities Access and Opportunities Commission. No applications have been received. The Council agreed to continue bringing the item back until a nominee is identified and suggested promoting the vacancy on city social media channels.
Item 21: Extension of Emergency Ordinance Number 834
- Discussion: Staff presented background on Urgency Ordinance No. 834, adopted on August 11, 2026, which established a 45-day moratorium on data center applications to allow time for studying land use, infrastructure, and safety impacts. Staff noted that the current municipal code does not specifically define or regulate data centers. Following a Planning Commission meeting where a draft ordinance prohibiting data centers was continued to October for further refinement of accessory use parameters, staff recommended extending the moratorium. The recommendation was to extend the ordinance for an additional 10 months and 15 days, making it valid through August 11, 2027, to allow sufficient time for the establishment of permanent regulations.
- Public Comment: The public hearing was opened. The City Clerk reported that no in-person speakers were present and that correspondence in support of the extension had been received. No virtual participants requested to speak. The public hearing was closed.
- Motion: Councilwoman Rebollo moved to approve the extension of the urgency ordinance per staff recommendation.
- Second: The motion was seconded by Mayor Pro Tem Garcia.
- Vote: The motion passed.
Successor Agency Reports
- Discussion: Council members provided brief reports. Councilwoman Hoylman and Councilman Argumido reported nothing to report. Mayor Pro Tem Garcia reported attending a "Women’s Weekend at Camp" event and thanked the event staff. Councilwoman Rebollo thanked city staff, including Parks and Recreation, Transportation, the Library, and Public Works, for their participation in the Guest House Party at San Francisco Park on September 12.
Closed Session Report
- Discussion: The Council reconvened from closed session. The City Attorney reported that the Council discussed Item No. 1 regarding a potential litigation item. Staff provided an update, and no final reportable action was taken.
Adjournment
- Decision: The meeting was adjourned.