CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Approval of Encampment Delegated Maintenance Agreement with the State of California Department of Transportation MEETING DATE: June 10, 2025
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving the Encampment Delegated Maintenance Agreement (EDMA) between the City of Commerce and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
BACKGROUND:
The City of Commerce has sought the opportunity to enter into an Encampment Delegated Maintenance Agreement (EDMA) with Caltrans. This agreement which has an initial duration of three (3) years would authorize the City to take over maintenance responsibilities at the nine (9) freeway on- and off-ramps listed below, which provide access to and from the City. These responsibilities would include the removal of litter and large items, and graffiti and weed abatement.
Map No.
Freeway
Direction
Ramp (9)
Physical Location of Ramp
Freeway Exit/Entrance
Nearest Cross Street
1 I-710
Southbound (SB)
On and Off
Washington Blvd
Washington Blvd 17B
Connor Ave
2 I-710
Northbound (NB)
On and Off
Washington Blvd
Washington Blvd 17C
Hepworth Ave
3 I-5
Northbound (NB)
On and Off
Telegraph Rd
Garfield Ave 128A
Church Rd
(Home Depot)
4 I-5
Northbound (NB)
On and Off
Telegraph Rd
Atlantic Blvd (North) 129
Camfield Ave
5 I-5
Northbound (NB)
Off
Telegraph Rd
Washington Blvd 128B
Tubeway Ave
The agreement aligns with the City’s ongoing efforts to address issues associated with unsheltered encampments and to maintain safety and cleanliness in the State right-of-way. This agreement specifically addresses enhanced services for encampment-related and aesthetic concerns.
ANALYSIS:
By assuming maintenance duties for the designated ramps, the City would be able to proactively address public safety hazards, improve visual conditions at key gateway locations, and respond more quickly to issues such as illegal dumping and vegetation overgrowth.
Although Caltrans has indicated that maintenance activities listed in the agreement would be eligible for reimbursement only if Caltrans has available funds upon reimbursement request. Caltrans has limited funds for ongoing maintenance at various locations each Fiscal Year and the funds are depleted quickly and therefore reimbursement is not guaranteed, and the City must be prepared to absorb the costs. The maximum authorized expenditures allowed by Caltrans quarterly is $37,500 with a maximum annual expenditure of $150,000.
The approval of the EDMA is not subject to further review under CEQA Section 15301 Class 1, which categorically exempts maintenance activities such as the removal of litter, debris, weeds, and graffiti.
Staff recommends that City Council adopt a resolution approving the Encampment Delegated Maintenance Agreement (EDMA) between the City of Commerce and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
ALTERNATIVES:
Approve staff recommendation
Disapprove staff recommendation
Provide further direction to staff
FISCAL IMPACT:
Staff anticipates a total annual estimated cost for the maintenance of the ramps at $150,000. The actual cost would be reimbursable by Caltrans based on Caltrans’ available funding at the time of reimbursement request and is not guaranteed. Funding for the maintenance of the ramps is recommended in the proposed FY 2025-26 budget for $150,000. If additional funding is required, staff will request the City Council to consider adding appropriations at a later time.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS:
This agenda item relates to the 2016 Strategic Plan, Community Quality of Life Guiding Principle 4:
Support and evaluate community services, programs and events that promote healthy and quality lifestyles for our residents. Enhance public safety and social services through innovative programs that meet the needs of the residential and business communities.
Recommended by: Shahid Abbas, Director of Public Works
Fiscal Impact reviewed: Alvaro Castellon, Director of Finance Approved as to form by: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
Respectfully submitted by: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution