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: Speed Hump Installations on Identified City Streets Meeting Date: April 28, 2026
RECOMMENDATION:
The City Council will consider:
Approving the installation of speed humps on Ferguson Drive between Gerhart and Saybrook Avenues, the roadways leading up to the intersection of Watcher Street and Greenwood Avenue, Dunham Street from S. Duncan Avenue to S. McDonnell Avenue and on the roundabout near Dorothy F. Kirby Center; Authorizing staff to determine the exact locations of the speed humps based on field conditions and engineering standards; Adopting a Resolution appropriating $306,300 from the Project Management Fund to support the installation of the speed humps at various locations; and Approving a change order with All American Asphalt to perform the work.
BACKGROUND:
The staff has received requests for installation of speed humps on the following streets:
Ferguson Drive between Gerhart Avenue and Saybrook Avenue Greenwood Avenue approaching Watcher Street both directions; and The roundabout located at McDonnell Avenue and Dunham Street near the Bristow Neighborhood Library and Dorothy F. Kirby Center.
It was reported that these locations experience high vehicle speeds, which present potential risks to pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists.
Speed humps are a traffic calming measure intended to reduce vehicle speeds and improve safety on residential streets. The City Council approved a Speed Hump Policy on October 6, 2020, the policy establishes requirements for installation of speed humps on the City streets, which included street classification, prevailing traffic volume, prevailing speed and crash analysis, geometric design and placement standards, community support threshold, and Traffic Commission’s oversight role and responsibilities.
ANALYSIS:
Given the existing street layouts, staff recommends the installation of up to twenty-one (21) speed humps at the following locations:
Ferguson Drive from Gerhart Ave to Saybrook Ave: Up to ten (10) speed humps.
Roundabout at McDonnell Avenue and Dunham Street near Bristow: Up to three (3) speed humps at entry and exit points.
Greenwood Avenue approaching Watcher Street: Up to eight (8) speed humps. These will be installed after completion of the ongoing pilot project of roundabout construction at this location, and staff determination of the effectiveness of the roundabout for reducing speed.
The final number and placement of speed humps will be determined by staff ensuring appropriate spacing and avoiding conflicts with driveways, intersections, drainage facilities, and ADA requirements. Speed humps should not be placed within 150 feet of intersections (this distance could be longer depending upon traffic volumes and queue lengths) and spaced appropriately to maintain effectiveness.
Due to the urgency of request to address the reported traffic safety concerns at the above locations, staff recommends that the City Council approve installation of speed humps at these locations by waiving the requirements of the City’s Speed Hump Policy.
To expedite implementation and minimize costs, staff also recommends utilizing the existing contract with All American Asphalt through a change order.
While speed humps are effective in reducing vehicle speeds in the vicinity, potential impacts include increased noise and vibration for adjacent properties and delays to emergency response times. The speed between the speed humps may also slightly go up.
ALTERNATIVES:
Approve staff recommendation
Reject staff recommendation
Provide staff with further direction
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total estimated cost for the proposed speed hump improvements is $306,300 which includes construction, contingencies, and construction management and inspection services. The estimated project cost is summarized below:
Estimated Speed Hump Cost
$245,000
Contingencies (15%)
$36,800
Subtotal
$281,800
Construction Management and Inspections (10%)
$24,500
Total
$306,300
If approved, the City Council will authorize a one-time appropriation of $306,300 from the City’s Project Management Fund, an assigned fund balance designated for one-time expenditures, to support the installation of speed bumps at various locations.
Staff is also requesting authorization to complete the proposed work utilizing the City’s existing paving contractor through a change order, which will allow staff to expedite implementation and reduce procurement time associated with a separate bid process.
Upon approval of the requested appropriation, funding will be available in the Project Management Fund to support the project implementation.
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS:
The issue before the Council is consistent with the Community Quality of Life Guiding Principle 4 to “support and evaluate community services, programs and events that promote healthy and quality lifestyles for our residents. Enhance public safety and social services through innovative programs that meet the needs of the residential and business communities.” 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 ATTACHMENTS:
Resolution approving the budget appropriation
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