CITY OF COMMERCE AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
Item No.
SUBJECT: South Eastern Avenue at Southbound I-5 Freeway Raised Island Beautification Project Concept Plan Approval MEETING DATE: September 26, 2023
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council will consider:
Receiving and filing a presentation by Hirsch & Associates, Inc., the project consultant for the South Eastern Avenue at Southbound I-5 Freeway Raised Island Beautification Project, and Approving the Proposed Concept Plan tentatively approved by Caltrans, and Authorizing staff to proceed with the project design phase and Maintenance Agreement with Caltrans BACKGROUND:
The City is considering the beautification of the raised island at South Eastern Avenue and Southbound I-5 Freeway that will welcome visitors to the City of Commerce. The raised island on S. Eastern Ave. is Caltrans right-of-way and the proposed designs will align with Caltrans requirements as well as meet the City’s vision and goals.
Given the proximity to major City landmarks, this beautification project will present an opportunity to improve highway visibility and help community livability by transforming this major transportation entryway. As it stands, the raised island has been significantly under maintained and requires immediate improvements. The goal of this beautification project is to improve the overall aesthetic value of the City and consider an opportunity to introduce a landscape that will have a great influence on the environmental ecology within City boundaries.
On August 2, 2022, the City issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for engineering services for the S. Eastern Ave. at SB I-5 Freeway Raised Island Beautification Project with a due date of August 29, 2022. On October 11, 2022, City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with Hirsh & Associates, Inc.
ANALYSIS:
Hirsch & Associates, Inc., in consultation with staff, prepared three concept plans which include monuments and related landscaping. Since the project area is state-owned property, any improvement within their property requires Caltrans approval. The concept plans were submitted to Caltrans for review. Following several reviews and plan modifications, Caltrans approved only one concept plan (copy attached) which meets their guidelines.
Before proceeding any further with Caltrans for official approval and preparation of the required maintenance agreement, it is being presented this evening to City Council for approval consideration Hirsch & Associates, Inc., the project consultant.
Upon presentation and approval of the proposed plan, staff and Hirsch & Associates, Inc. will proceed with the design phase and Maintenance Agreement with Caltrans. It is anticipated that the design phase will be completed by March 2024 and construction will commence in June 2024. The estimated total cost of the project is $1.5 million.
Staff recommends that City Council consider receiving and filing a presentation by Hirsch & Associates, Inc., approving the Proposed Concept Plan and authorizing staff to proceed with the project design phase and Maintenance Agreement with Caltrans.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve staff recommendation
2. Disapprove staff recommendation
3. Provide further direction to staff
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total cost for the project design phase including consultant contract, contingencies and project management is $132,762.50 which has been budgeted in Measure AA CIP funds Account No. 41-5170-57010.50012.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS:
This agenda item relates to the 2016 Strategic Plan, Infrastructure and Facilities:
Guiding Principle 3: Maintain and prioritize improvements to city facilities and infrastructure in accordance with adopted master planning documents including the Green Zone Implementation Plan to accomplish achievable annual and long-term goals.
Guiding Principle 4: Develop and invest in infrastructure and beautification projects that support economic growth.
Approved by: Gina Nila, Department of Public Works
Reviewed by: Vilko Domic, Assistant City Manager
Approved as to form by: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
Respectfully submitted: Edgar P. Cisneros, City Manager ATTACHMENT:
Caltrans Approved Concept Plan
Hirsch & Associates, Inc. Presentation