CITY OF COMMERCE AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
Item No.
SUBJECT: Approval of Gateway Monument Maintenance Agreement with Caltrans for Southbound I-5 at Eastern Median Island MEETING DATE: October 28, 2025
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving the Gateway Monument Maintenance Agreement between the City of Commerce and the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans).
BACKGROUND:
The raised median island located at the southbound I-5 Freeway off-ramp at S. Eastern Avenue is poorly maintained and needs improvement. This location serves as a gateway entry point into the City of Commerce and presents an opportunity to enhance the City’s visual identity through beautification and landscaping enhancements.
To address these conditions, on August 2, 2022, the staff issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for professional engineering and landscaping services. On October 11, 2022, the City Council approved a professional services agreement with Hirsh & Associates, Inc. for the project’s design.
The design included development of a gateway monument and associated landscaping consistent with Caltrans standards and the City Council-approved concept plan on September 26, 2023. The final design provides a distinctive welcoming and aesthetically pleasing feature.
ANALYSIS
Because the project area lies entirely within Caltrans's right-of-way, Caltrans review and approval were required for the design and construction activities. City staff have worked closely with Caltrans over the past two years to obtain the necessary approvals and to finalize a maintenance agreement outlining the City’s ongoing responsibilities. The agreement specifies that the City of Commerce will assume full responsibility for maintaining the median island area, including gateway monument.
Following City Council approval of the maintenance agreement, staff will obtain the required Caltrans encroachment permit before advertising the project for construction.
Therefore, it is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving the Gateway Maintenance Agreement with Caltrans.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve staff recommendation
2. Disapprove staff recommendation
3. Provide further direction to staff
FISCAL IMPACT:
The annual maintenance cost is estimated at $15,000 and will be incorporated into the existing maintenance budget as part of the annual budget process.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS:
This agenda item relates to the 2016 Strategic Plan, Infrastructure and Facilities:
Guiding Principle 3: Maintain and prioritize improvements to city facilities and infrastructure in accordance with adopted master planning documents including the Green Zone Implementation Plan to accomplish achievable annual and long-term goals.
Guiding Principle 4: Develop and invest in infrastructure and beautification projects that support economic growth.
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 ATTACHMENT:
Resolution
Gateway Monument Maintenance Agreement