CITY OF COMMERCEAGENDA REPORTCITY OF COMMERCEAGENDA REPORT
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
Item No. Item No.
Item No.
Item No.
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Discussion and Possible Direction to Staff Regarding the Creation of a New Historical Book on the City of Commerce Meeting Date: May 13, 2025
Recommendation:
It is recommended that the City Council discuss and provide direction to staff regarding the potential commissioning of a writer or historian to author a new historical book documenting the City of Commerce's history from 1991 to the present day.
Background:
In 1990, the City of Commerce commissioned author Charles Elliot to write an official historical book detailing the development and history of the City. The resulting publication, City of Commerce, and Enterprise Heritage, was completed and published in 1991 and has since served as a valuable and treasured resource for preserving the city's history, identity, and civic memory.
The City has undergone substantial changes, developments, and community milestones that have not yet been documented in a comprehensive historical format. These include but are not limited to major infrastructure projects, political and civic developments, demographic shifts, community events, and business and economic evolution.
The original historical book is now over 30 years old, and while it remains an important resource, it no longer reflects the current state of the community or its more recent accomplishments. A new edition or companion volume would allow the City to preserve and share its history from 1991 through 2025 and beyond.
Creating a new historical volume would:
Celebrate the City’s growth, culture, and achievements over the past three decades.
Serve as a legacy piece for future generations.
Support educational and community engagement efforts.
Reinforce civic pride and local identity.
Should the City Council wish to proceed, staff will explore the process for identifying and commissioning a qualified author or historian, develop a proposed scope of work, and return to the Council with a formal proposal, including budget considerations and potential funding sources.
Fiscal Impact:
At this time, there is no fiscal impact. Should the Council direct staff to move forward, a budget estimate and funding strategy will be developed and brought back for City Council approval.
ALTERNATIVES:
Approve staff recommendation
Disapprove staff recommendation
Provide further direction to staff
Prepared by: Lena Shumway, Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk Approved as to form: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
Respectfully submitted: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager
Arturo Gonzalez – Artist introduction
QR Codes
Mural Artist - Nerv
Locations throughout the City, including:
5310 Washington Blvd.
Mitsubishi Dealer – Proposed Possible Options
City Hall Parking Lot
5255 Washington Blvd.
Rosewood Park multiple sites
Total cost for all murals by Nerv in various locations identified is $34,000 Mixmaster Proposal for (4) murals – by Paul Botello at Atlantic and Goodrich Bridge location Total cost for (4) murals is $34,410.