CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Approval of Amendment No. 1 to the Freeway Maintenance Agreement with Caltrans MEETING DATE: July 8, 2025
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to the Freeway Maintenance Agreement between the City of Commerce and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
BACKGROUND:
The City of Commerce entered into a Freeway Maintenance Agreement with the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) on October 2, 2018, which outlined the City’s maintenance responsibilities within Caltrans’ right-of-way. As part of the City’s recent Pathways for Hope Improvements Project, soffit and wall lighting enhancements were completed within the Leonis Street Pedestrian Tunnel. Since the lights are on Caltrans property Caltrans has requested an amendment to the original agreement to include the maintenance of the lighting infrastructure at the Leonis Street Pedestrian Tunnel. Amendment No. 1 updates Exhibit A of the agreement to include the Leonis Street Pedestrian Tunnel (Br. No. 53-0990) as a City-maintained facility. All other terms and conditions of the original agreement remain unchanged.
ANALYSIS:
Under Amendment No. 1 the City will be responsible for maintaining the lighting improvements within the Leonis Tunnel to ensure they remain operational and in good condition. This includes routine inspections, repairs, bulb, and fixture replacements. The City’s commitment to maintaining these improvements is intended to enhance pedestrian safety and visibility within the tunnel while supporting the broader goals of the Pathways for Hope Improvements Project.
Staff recommends that City Council adopt a resolution approving Amendment No. 1 to the Freeway Maintenance Agreement 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 Leonis Street Pedestrian Tunnel at $2,000 which will be covered from the existing maintenance account. Staff will return to the City Council at a later time, if additional funding is required.
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
Amendment No. 1