CITY OF COMMERCE AGENDA REPORT
TO: Honorable City Council
FROM: City Manager
SUBJECT: Funding Allocation for the Mural Lighting Installation at the Mixmaster Underpass and City Hall Parking Lot Project MEETING DATE: April 28, 2026
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends that City Council consider:
Appropriating funding in the amount of $392,800 to cover the total cost of construction for the Mural Lighting Installation at the Mixmaster Underpass and City Hall Parking Lot Project, including construction contingencies and project management services; and Authorizing advance procurement of City-furnished lighting poles and related materials to minimize project delays associated with manufacturing and delivery lead times.
BACKGROUND:
The City of Commerce continues to enhance public spaces through the integration of public art, contributing to community identity, beautification, and civic pride. Under the direction of the City Council and the Arts in Public Places Committee, the City has installed Nine (9) murals at the Atlantic Boulevard underpass at the Mixmaster intersection and One (1) mural at the city hall parking lot.
To improve nighttime visibility, safety, and preservation of these public art installations, the City has advanced a project to install lighting and security infrastructure at both locations. Subsequently, the City retained Salas O’Brien to prepare the Design plans and specifications for the Project through Request for Proposal (RFP) selection process.
ANALYSIS:
Following completion of the design phase, staff advertised the project for invitation of bids on February 13, 2026, with a due date of March 5, 2026.
To avoid schedule delays associated with long materials lead-time, staff is requesting construction funding allocation prior to contract award. Early funding will allow the staff to directly purchase lighting poles and related materials from the manufacturers in advance and ensure the project can proceed to construction without delay once bids are awarded. Direct procurement of materials will also save the City overhead markup costs from the contractor.
Staff is requesting a funding allocation in the amount of $392,800 to cover the total estimated construction cost, including materials, installation, contingency for unforeseen field conditions, and construction management and inspection services.
After bids are received and evaluated, staff will return to City Council with a construction contract award recommendation, and request additional funding, if necessary, based on actual bid results.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. Approve staff recommendation
2. Disapprove staff recommendation
3. Provide further direction to staff
FISCAL IMPACT:
Staff is requesting an additional appropriation of $392,800 from the Art in Public Places Fund to fully fund the total estimated construction costs of the project. Sufficient fund balance is available in the Art in Public Places Fund to support the additional appropriation. Any further funding adjustments resulting from the bid process would be subject to future City Council approval.
The breakdown of the $392,800 is as follows:
Construction Cost Estimate
$310,500
Contingencies (15%)
$46,600
Sub Total
$357,100
Construction Management and Inspections (10%)
$35,700
Total Estimated Construction Cost
$392,782
RELATIONSHIP TO STRATEGIC GOALS:
This agenda item relates to the 2016 Strategic Plan, Community Quality of Life Guiding Principle 4:
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