AGENDA ITEM
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR
AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: CARLO TOMAINO
CITY MANAGER
BY: GABINO LUNA
PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
SUBJECT:
title
FINAL ACCEPTANCE OF WILLOW MEDIAN IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT PURSUANT TO THE PUBLIC WORKS CONTRACT WITH KORMEX CONSTRUCTION, INCORPORATED
summary
Summary:
On July 8, 2025, the City Council awarded a Public Works contract to Kormex Construction, Inc. for the Willow Median Improvements Project (Project). The Project included landscape, irrigation, and electrical improvements to three medians along Willow Street between Dawson Avenue and Temple Avenue as part of the City’s ongoing Citywide Median Improvement Program. Kormex Construction, Incorporated, completed the project in accordance with the approved plans and specifications and to the satisfaction of the Public Works Department. Staff requests that the City Council declare final acceptance of the Willow Median Improvements Project for a final contract amount of $500,911.66 and direct staff to record a Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s Office and thereafter process the retention release on the contract.
Strategic Plan Goals:
Goal No. 4 Infrastructure: Maintain and improve the City’s physical infrastructure, water system, and recreational spaces.
Goal No. 5 High-Functioning Government: Strengthen internal communication, recruitment, retention, systems, and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of City services.
recommendation
Recommendation:
1. Accept the work in conformance with the plans and specifications for the Willow Median Improvements Project in accordance with the contract entered between Kormex Construction, Incorporated and the City of Signal Hill, and authorize the City Manager to execute the Notice of Completion; and
2. Direct staff to record the Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar- Recorder’s office.
body
Fiscal Impact:
The City Council awarded a Public Works contract to Kormex Construction, Incorporated for the Willow Median Improvements Project in the amount of $478,156.50 and authorized a contingency of $47,815.65, for a total construction budget of $525,972.15. During construction, staff authorized change orders totaling $22,755.16 for additional electrical improvements, median lighting enhancements, and unforeseen field conditions encountered during construction. The final contract amount totaled $500,911.66, which remained within the approved project budget and contingency authorization.
Background and Analysis:
The Willow Median Improvements Project represents the second phase of the City’s Citywide Median Improvement Program, which supports the City Council’s Strategic Plan goal of enhancing the appearance, sustainability, and functionality of major roadway corridors throughout the community. On July 8, 2025, the City Council awarded a Public Works contract to Kormex Construction, Incorporated for the construction of median improvements along Willow Street between Dawson Avenue and Temple Avenue. The project included the installation of approximately 800 drought-tolerant shrubs and 11 palm trees, new irrigation systems, electrical infrastructure, and associated landscape enhancements across three medians totaling approximately 1,710 linear feet. The improvements were designed to improve streetscape aesthetics, support water conservation efforts, enhance visibility, and provide consistency with recently completed median improvement projects throughout the City.
During construction, staff authorized change orders totaling $22,755.16 to address additional electrical improvements, lighting enhancements for monument signage and landscaping features, and unforeseen field conditions encountered during construction. All additional work was necessary to complete the project and remained within the contingency amount previously authorized by the City Council.
Construction activities have been completed and the project underwent final inspection and punch list review. The contractor successfully completed all required corrective work, and the Public Works Department determined the project was completed in accordance with the approved plans, specifications, and contract requirements. Final inspection and completion of all punch list items occurred on May 22, 2026. Based on the contractor’s satisfactory performance and successful completion of the project, staff recommends that the City Council declare final acceptance of the Willow Median Improvements Project.
Following final acceptance, staff will record a Notice of Completion with the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder’s Office and process the retention release in accordance with the contract documents.
Reviewed for Fiscal Impact:
_________________________
Siamlu Cox
Attachment:
A. Notice of Completion - Willow Median Improvements Project