CITY OF COMMERCEAGENDA REPORTCITY OF COMMERCEAGENDA REPORT
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Consideration of Creative Crosswalks Artwork and Contract Award Meeting Date: September 9, 2025
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council:
Consider whether to proceed with the installation of creative crosswalks at one of the designated intersections; Approve a Resolution authoriing installation of creative crosswalks; and authorize the Mayor to sign an agreement with Shariden Design Asphalt Inc. for the installation of the selected crosswalk artwork.
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The City Council has consistently demonstrated its commitment to enhancing community identity, cultural vitality, and public spaces through the Arts in Public Places Program. In support of this vision, on August 18, 2024, the City Council allocated $200,000 from the Arts in Public Places Fund for the development of creative crosswalks at multiple intersections in the Rosewood area.
Creative crosswalks are an innovative approach to integrating public art into transportation infrastructure, enhancing pedestrian safety, and strengthening the City’s sense of place. These projects are designed not only to beautify neighborhoods but also to reflect community pride and cultural expression.
To advance the program, the City issued a Call for Artists through a Request for Qualifications (RFQ) process for the creation of artwork at eight (8) crosswalks located at the following intersections:
Commerce Way and Harbor Street (4 crosswalks)
Commerce Way and Jardine Street (3 crosswalks)
Mid-block on Harbor Street between Estrada Street and Commerce Way (1 crosswalk)
ANALYSIS
Proposals were received and reviewed by the Arts in Public Places Subcommittee, which evaluated them based on artistic merit, community representation, safety, and technical feasibility. The original proposal submitted by Shariden Design Asphalt Inc. totaled $479,897 for all eight crosswalks. The Subcommittee expressed concerns that the designs did not sufficiently reflect Commerce’s identity or best fit the surrounding school zones and park areas.
The Subcommittee requested additional designs, as well as a reduced scale to bring the project within the $200,000 budget allocation. Shariden Design Asphalt Inc. responded with revised options that provide several scaled designs based on complexity:
Commerce Way & Harbor Street Intersection: Ranging from $182,000 to $163,000 Commerce Way & Jardine Street Intersection: Ranging from $152,000 to $132,000 There are two main options for installing creative crosswalks:
StreetBond SB 150 pavement coating and preformed thermoplastic designs. StreetBond SB 150 is a liquid-applied coating that comes in many colors and can be applied directly to asphalt (and to concrete with primer). StreetBond SB 150 is a two-component advanced waterborne epoxy-modified acrylic coating designed for application on textured (stamped) or non-textured (flat) asphalt pavement. With proper surface preparation and primer, StreetBond SB 150 can be used on concrete. It is spread and rolled onto the surface, dries within a few hours, and allows for a lot of flexibility in creating artistic, colorful designs. It is generally a little less expensive than thermoplastic; however, it takes longer to install and would require school zone crosswalks in Commerce to be closed during application.
Preformed thermoplastic, on the other hand, is made in a factory and brought to the site in ready-to-use shapes or patterns. It is placed on the pavement and heated with a torch or infrared heater until it bonds to the surface. While the upfront cost is typically a little higher, thermoplastic is more durable, long-lasting, and can be installed more quickly—often over a weekend—minimizing disruption to traffic and school operations.
In simple terms: StreetBond offers creativity and lower cost, but longer closures, while thermoplastic offers durability and faster installation with less disruption.
If the City Council elects to proceed, the final design will be selected by the Arts in Public Places Subcommittee, and a formal agreement will be executed with Shariden Design Asphalt Inc.
FISCAL IMPACT
Sufficient funding for the project is included in the Arts in Public Places Fund in 32-1020-52001.10001 for FY 2025-26. No additional appropriation is required. The final cost will depend on the design complexity and the intersection selected. No General Fund impact is anticipated.
Respectfully submitted by: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager Recommended by: Lena Shumway, Director of Administrative Services and City Clerk Reviewed by: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
Attachment:
Resolution
Updated Proposal
Original Proposal
Design Options
2