CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Authorization to Obtain Fee Proposals for the Design of Lighting Fixture Installations at the Mixmaster Underpass and City Hall Parking Lot MEETING DATE: July 8, 2025
RECOMMENDATION:
To enhance the nighttime visibility the City Council will consider authorizing staff to obtain fee proposals for the design of lighting fixtures and installation foundations at the Mixmaster underpass and City Hall parking lot.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Commerce is committed to enhancing its public spaces through the integration of public art, contributing to community identity, beautification, and civic pride. In support of this vision, the Arts in Public Places Committee, with the City Council’s direction, has been actively developing a series of art installations across the City.
The Atlantic Boulevard underpass at the Mixmaster intersection (Mixmaster underpass) was identified as one of the key locations within the City’s Arts District for public art. On March 25, 2025, and on April 8, 2025, respectively, the City Council approved the installation of murals by artist Calixto Shibaja at the Mixmaster underpass. On April 22, 2025, the City Council also approved murals by Paul Botello at the same location, as well as the installation of a mural at the City Hall parking lot by artist Nerv. A total of nine (9) murals are proposed to be installed at the Mixmaster underpass of which five (5) have already been completed on the east side and four (4) are remaining to be installed on the west side. The mural at the City Hall parking has also been completed.
To further enhance the nighttime visibility of the Mixmaster murals, on April 8, 2025, the City Council also allocated $10,000 for the installation of lighting fixtures and a commemorative plaque to the retaining walls located at the Mixmaster underpass. Subsequently, staff was also requested to install a lighting fixture at the City Hall parking lot mural to improve its nighttime visibility.
In order to proceed with the lighting installations, it is necessary to prepare design plans and specifications, as well as conduct a structural analysis of the walls at both locations, to ensure suitable foundations for the electrical fixtures.
ANALYSIS:
Staff is proposing to retain a qualified professional consulting firm through Request for Proposals (RFPs) to provide the above referenced services. The primary focus of the structural analysis will be to verify that the walls at both locations can support the proposed lighting fixtures. The analysis will ensure that the installation of the lights will not affect the integrity of the structures or cause cracking or damage to the walls.
The consultant as part of the design will be requested to ensure that the design complements the murals, adheres to applicable engineering standards, and supports the City’s vision for public art and beautification within the Arts District.
Staff recommends that the City Council authorizes staff to obtain fee proposals for the design of lighting fixture installations at the Mixmaster underpass and City Hall parking lot along with structural analysis of the walls to ensure that the walls can support the lighting fixtures without comprising their integrity.
ALTERNATIVES:
Approve staff recommendation
Disapprove staff recommendation
Provide further direction to staff
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funding in the amount of $10,000 was previously allocated from the Art in Public Places Fund to support the installation of lighting fixtures and a commemorative plaque. The costs associated with the structural analysis and lighting design services will be covered by this allocation. If additional funding is required, staff will return to the City Council with a request at a later date.
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