CITY OF COMMERCE AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
Item No.
SUBJECT: Approval of Gateway Monument Landscape Maintenance Agreement with Caltrans for Southbound I-5 at Eastern Median Island MEETING DATE: April 14, 2026
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council will consider adopting a Resolution approving the Gateway Monument Landscape 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 City 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 of September 26, 2023. The final design provides a distinctive welcoming and aesthetically pleasing feature.
ANALYSIS
Because the project area lies entirely within Caltrans right-of-way, Caltrans review and approval were required for design and construction. In addition, Caltrans requires the City of Commerce to assume ongoing maintenance responsibility for the project area, including the gateway monument and landscaping, through separate maintenance agreements.
On October 28, 2025, the City Council adopted a Resolution approving the Gateway Monument Maintenance Agreement. However, at the request of Caltrans, a separate Landscape Maintenance Agreement (Exhibit “A”) must also be executed prior to Caltrans issuing the required encroachment permits.
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt the attached Resolution approving the Gateway Monument Landscape Maintenance Agreement with Caltrans.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve staff recommendation
2. Disapprove staff recommendation
3. Provide further direction to staff
FISCAL IMPACT:
Approval of the agreement will result in ongoing maintenance costs estimated at approximately $15,000 annually. These costs are associated with routine landscaping maintenance, irrigation, and upkeep of the gateway monument and surrounding median improvements.
Sufficient funding for these ongoing costs is included within the Public Works’ Municipal Facilities Division budget. No additional appropriation is required at this time.
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
Landscape Maintenance Agreement (Exhibit A)