CITY OF COMMERCE AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Aquatics Facility Fence Project – James Naish MEETING DATE: August 26, 2025
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council review and provide final direction on the installation of decorative gates at the Brenda Villa Aquatic Center, in the amount of 138,000, designed by artist James Naish, subject to the City Manager’s final approval of all elements of the project including all related agreements. Following prior Council discussion, staff has returned with two additional renderings (Fence 4 and Fence 5) to incorporate a community-focused element into the project. The Council is asked to approve the designs for fabrication and installation.
BACKGROUND
At the May 27, 2025, City Council meeting, staff presented three proposed designs.
Council expressed interest in Fence 1 and Fence 2 and recommended that staff return with additional options incorporating community and family themes to reflect the recreational nature of the Aquatic Center.
UPDATED DESIGNS
In response to Council’s direction, artist James Naish has created two additional renderings:
Fence 3 – Community Theme: Depicts intergenerational aquatic activities, including children and adults enjoying the water together, entering the pool, and participating in recreational swimming.
Fence 4 – Community Theme: Illustrates joyful, inclusive pool use, with figures jumping in, swimming, and raising their arms in celebration.
Combined, all four capture the dual mission of the Brenda Villa Aquatic Center—supporting competitive athletics while fostering community connection and recreation.
ANALYSIS
Rather than installing a standard chain link or tubular metal fence, the Department of Parks and Recreation is recommending decorative gates that enhance facility safety while serving as public art. This approach supports the City’s vision of integrating artistic expression into community spaces, improves the facility’s visual appeal, and fulfills critical safety and security needs.
James Naish is an experienced public art designer known for site-specific metalwork installations that integrate with the surrounding architecture and community character. His works combine artistic quality with functionality, creating meaningful placemaking elements.
FISCAL IMPACT
The total cost of the project is approximately $138,000. The cost will be borne 50/50 between the General Fund (account 10-8750) and the Art in Public Places Fund (account 32-8750). Sufficient funding is included in both accounts for FY 2025-26. No additional appropriation is required.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS
The 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 of lifestyles for our residents. Enhance public safety and social services through innovative programs that meet the needs of the residential and business communities.
Respectfully submitted: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager
Recommended by: Adolfo Marquez, Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation Fiscal Impact reviewed by: Alvaro Castellon, Finance Director Approved as to form by: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
ATTACHMENTS
Renderings – Fence 1 (Swimming), Fence 2 (Water Polo), Fence 3 (Community Theme) and Fence 4 (Community Theme)