CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Pathways for Hope Project (Clean California Cycle 1 Grant) Project Acceptance
MEETING DATE: November 25, 2025
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution accepting the Pathways for Hope Project (Clean California Cycle 1 Grant) as complete, authorizing staff to file the Notice of Completion with the County Recorder’s Office, and authorizing release of 5% retention per contract provisions.
BACKGROUND:
The City participated in the California Department of Transportation’s Clean California Local Grant Program (CCLGP), a statewide initiative designed to beautify and enhance public spaces through litter abatement, landscaping, public art, and infrastructure improvements.
Through this program, the City was awarded a Clean California Cycle 1 Grant in the amount of $3,978,839.00 for improvements at Bandini Park, Bristow Park, Rosewood Park, and the Leonis Street Pedestrian Tunnel.
On March 28, 2023, the City Council approved a Professional Services Agreement with RJM Design Group, Inc. following a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process. On May 14, 2024, the City Council awarded a construction contract to Vido Samarzich, Inc. in the amount of $4,290,153.68, and authorized up to 10% in contingencies. Construction commenced on July 22, 2024, and was successfully completed in September 2025.
ANALYSIS
The project included improvements at Bandini Park, Bristow Park, Rosewood Park, Bandini Elementary School area, and Leonis Street Pedestrian Tunnel. The improvements included but not limited to the installation of new park lighting, landscaping, enhancements to walking paths, and curb restorations. Throughout the construction phase, several change orders were issued as necessary to address unforeseen site conditions and to ensure successful completion of the overall project.
The project has since been completed; therefore, staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached resolution accepting the Project as complete, authorizing staff to file the “Notice of Completion” with the County Recorder’s Office for the project and authorize release of Contractor’s 5% retention per contract provisions.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total construction cost for the project, including all approved change orders, is $4,903,798.80. These costs were fully funded through the project’s approved budget of $5,191,085.95, comprised of Measure AA funds ($1,212,246.95) and Clean CA Cycle 1 grant ($3,978,839).
Based on the final expenditures, the project is expected to close within the authorized budget, with an estimated remaining balance of $287,287.15. These funds will remain in the Measure AA fund. The following is the project fund summary.
Approved Budget
Expenditures
Bid Amount Awarded &
Construction Contingencies
$4,719,169.05
$4,653,798.80
Construction Management, Inspection, Material Testing, etc. $471,916.90
$250,000.00
Total
$5,191,085.95
$4,903,798.80
Remaining Funds
$287,287.15
ALTERNATIVES:
Approve staff recommendation
Disapprove staff recommendation
Provide further direction to staff
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS:
This agenda item relates to the 2016 Strategic Plan, Infrastructure and Facilities Guiding Principle 4:
Develop and invest in infrastructure and beautification projects that support economic growth.
Approved and Recommended by: Shahid Abbas, Director of Public Works Fiscal Impact reviewed by: Alvaro Castellon, Director of Finance Approved as to form by: Noel Tapia, City Attorney
Respectfully submitted: Ernie Hernandez, City Manager ATTACHMENTS:
Notice of Completion
Resolution