CITY OF COMMERCE
AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Garfield Avenue Median Improvements Project Acceptance MEETING DATE: December 9, 2025
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council will consider accepting the Garfield Avenue Median Improvements Project 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 Clean California Local Grant Program (Cycle 2), a statewide initiative designed to beautify and enhance public spaces through removal of existing trees, shrubs, and ground cover; removal of existing irrigation systems and concrete pavers; installation of drought‑tolerant landscaping; installation of new, water‑efficient irrigation systems; installation of stormwater infiltration systems.
Through this program, the City was awarded a Clean California Cycle 2 Grant in the amount of $2,358,000 for median improvements along Garfield Avenue from Ferguson Drive to Gage Avenue.
ANALYSIS
On June 25, 2024, the City Council awarded a construction contract to Superb Engineering, Inc. in the amount of $1,604,230 and authorized up to 15% in contingencies. Construction commenced on August 12, 2024, and was successfully completed in November 2025.
The work included median improvements along Garfield Ave. from Ferguson Dr. to Gage Ave. The improvements included but are not limited to the removal of existing trees, shrub and ground cover, irrigation system, concrete pavers and planting drought tolerant trees and ground cover, new irrigation system, infiltration system for compliance with storm water discharge regulation and adjustment of utilities. 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. Improvements under the change orders include, but are not limited to, the removal of existing interior concrete curbs and pavement within the medians; anchoring of damaged and existing perimeter median curbs; additional work associated with the installation of new water meters; painting of median noses to enhance traffic safety; and the installation of eighteen (18) anti-litter signs at various locations.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total construction cost for the project, including all approved change orders, is $2,091,992. These costs were covered by the Clean CA Cycle 2 grant funds, which provided up to $2,358,000 in funding for this project. Actual expenditures to date total $2,297,592, which includes construction, construction management, inspection, and contingencies. Based on current expenditures, the project is projected to remain within the approved grant budget, leaving an estimated $60,408 in remaining grant funds.
A summary of approved budgets and expenditures is provided in the tables below:
Project Fund Summary
Description
Approved Budget
Expenditures
Construction Contract, additional approved allocation on 11/12/24, and contingencies. $2,282,292
$2,091,992
Estimated Construction Management, Inspection, etc.
$228,300
$205,600
Total
$2,510,592
$2,297,592
Grant Fund Summary
Grant Amount
$2,358,000.00
Estimated Project Expenditures
$2,297,591.91
Estimated Remaining Grant Funds
$60,408.09
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