HomeMy WebLinkAboutRP Minutes: 05/11/16 RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, May 11, 2016
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER—Vice Chairperson Randy Fowler called the meeting to order at 6:00pm in the
Recreation Conference Room.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Mayor Tom Beck
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Raymond Cheung, Randy Fowler, Joe Shivan and Steve Swinney
EXCUSED: Lyn Tom
A motion was made by Commissioner Cheung, seconded by Commissioner Swinney to excuse
Commissioner Tom from this meeting.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS - None
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS —
Mayor Tom Beck attended the meeting to introduce Council Member April Verlato as the new liaison to
the Recreation and Parks Commission. Mayor Beck reported he will be attending the Walk of Champions
on May 24 and the Dedication of the Vietnam Memorial Wall at the Arcadia County Park on May 28.
Mayor Beck reported recently there has been a class action lawsuit started back east regarding the
premature wear and tear of certain synthetic turf fields like the fields at City Hall and Arcadia High School.
The Civic Center field is five years old and is supposed to last approximately 10 years. Mayor Beck is
concerned and requested the City Manager look into filing a claim. Director of Recreation and Community
Services (DRCS) Sara Somogyi stated she is aware of the problem however it is not a safety issue and
the Department has not received any complaints from the organizations or youth groups utilizing the field.
Mayor Tom Beck reported Southern California Edison (SCE) is replacing over 600 power polls and the
lighting with halogen bulbs in Arcadia. However, Mayor Beck stated the City is working on obtaining a
State Grant to have those lights replaced with Light-emitting Diodes (LED) lighting for free. Mayor Beck
reported a concerned citizen contacted him regarding the safety of the crosswalk on Santa Anita and
Sycamore Avenues. Mayor Beck stated Public Works Services will be restriping the crosswalk and
adding new signage.
REPORTS FROM RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Cheung reported his family once again enjoyed the Community Bike Ride and the Arcadia
Fire Department's Pancake Breakfast both held on Saturday, May 7. Commissioner Cheung stated
afterwards his family went to two little league games and soccer sign-ups.
Commissioner Shivan reported he and his son also attended the Community Bike Ride and the Arcadia
Fire Department's Pancake Breakfast. Commissioner Shivan stated the weather was perfect for both
events.
Commissioner Swinney and his wife also attended the Arcadia Fire Department's Pancake Breakfast and
enjoyed themselves. Commissioner Swinney was impressed with the amount of Boy Scout volunteers
and will definitely go again next year.
Vice Chairman Fowler also attended the pancake breakfast held at the Arcadia Fire Station on May 7.
Vice Chairperson Fowler stated he was very impressed with the Jaws of Life demonstration and the
obstacle course for the children. Vice Chairperson Fowler thanked Recreation Staff for the "important
dates" reminder sent to the Commissioners and would like it to continue.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON
DRCS Somogyi welcomed Council Member April Verlato as the new liaison to the Recreation and Parks
Commission. Council Member Verlato reported she is very excited and looks forward to the experience.
Council Member Verlato and her family live in the Highlands area of Arcadia and her two children
currently participate in the Recreation and Community Services programs. Council Member Verlato
stated she is very appreciative of the Department's services.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
b. Approve the Regular Meetinq Minutes of April 13, 2016.
It was the consensus of the Recreation and Parks Commission that consent calendar item 1 a. be
continued for approval to the next regularly scheduled meeting.
AYES: Commissioners Cheung, Fowler, Swinney and Shivan
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Tom
3. REGULAR ITEMS
c. Report from Public Works Services Department—Project Updates.
Public Works Services Street Superintendent (PWSSS) Dave Thompson reported the asphalt
rehabilitation project is near completion in the southeast section of Arcadia north of Camino Real Avenue.
Commissioner Swinney inquired as to when the asphalt rehabilitation project will begin in his area south
of Camino Real Avenue. PWSSS Thompson stated he will get back to him with an approximate date.
PWSSS Thompson stated a Capital Improvement Project (CIP) for the tree removal/replacement program
will begin in the northwest section of Arcadia in May. Commissioner Cheung inquired as to the reason for
the tree removal. PPWSS Thompson stated after assessment some trees are deemed too old, decayed
or have a fungus. PWSSS Thompson reported concrete repair work will also begin in May for the
"College" streets section of Arcadia. PWSSS Thompson stated in May there is a Development Services
project to begin concrete repair work and American Disabilities Act ramp work on Foothill Boulevard.
d. Report of Director of Recreation and Community Services.
II. Department Monthly Report
DRCS Somogyi thanked Mayor Beck for his time as liaison. DRCS Somogyi also thanked the
Commissioners for their support and attendance at the Community Bike Ride and the Arcadia Fire
Department's Pancake Breakfast. DRCS Somogyi reported the summer Buzz brochure has been mailed
to all residents. Class and program registration has begun online for residents only and walk-in
registration for everyone begins Monday, May 16. DRCS Somogyi reported online registration is doing
very well compared to last year's revenue and is up approximately $5,000. DRCS Somogyi distributed a
flyer informing the Commission of the 626 Golden Streets Event sponsored by Metro and many other
organizations to be held on Sunday, June 26. This free Golden Streets event will have 17+ miles of car
free streets where one can bike, walk, run, skate, dance and play. This event will pass through the Gold
Line station hubs in South Pasadena, Arcadia, Monrovia, and Duarte and will feature booths, vendors,
music and more. DRCS Somogyi announced the Celebration of Life reception for former Director of
Recreation and Community Services, Jerry Collins is on June 11 at the Community Center. DRCS
Somogyi announced the dedication of the plaque naming the Picnic Pavillion at Wilderness Park in honor
of Jerry Collins will be held on July 19, 2016 at 5pm, right before the City Council meeting.
DRCS Somogyi reported on the Senior Services Division. Seniors offer coffee and pastries in the lobby of
the Community Center daily for seniors to enjoy an early morning snack to start their day while socializing
with friends. Senior classes including aerobics, line dancing, strength training, yoga and zumba had over
3,357 students attending. DRCS Somogyi reported the Monday dances held twice a month have an
average 85 seniors participating. The Tech Talk program is offered every other Friday for senior citizens
interested in gaining assistance and education with their modern devices and had 30 in attendance. Over
215 seniors enjoyed the weekly movies that show new releases and classic movies on a theater size
screen.
DRCS Somogyi reported on the Recreation Services Division. The attendance for the School Year
Playground Program at all six AUSD Elementary Schools is up by over 800 children this month compared
to last year. On April 2, City staff collaborated with AUSD and the American Cancer Society to host the
annual Bark for Life Event at Eisenhower Memorial Park. The event was led by Arcadia High School
students who raised $1,300 for dogs fighting cancer. In total, there were 35 dogs and their owners who
participated. The summer Leader in Training program received 54 new applications and 43 returning
applications for the 2016 summer session. Wilderness Park is now operating under the summer hours of
8:30am-7pm. Council Member April Verlato inquired if the Wilderness Park Staff gives a warning before
closing the park at 7pm. DRCS Somogyi stated Wilderness Park staff is equipped with a truck that has a
loud speaker and give closure warnings 15 to 30 minutes prior to the park closing.
DRCS Somogyi reported the Budget Study Session for the 2016-2017 Fiscal Year will be held before the
Council Meeting on May 17. DRCS Somogyi stated the Recreation and Community Services Budget for
FY 2016-17 is status quo.
III. Financial Statements
DRCS Somogyi referenced the March 2016 Financial Statement. Total expenditures through March 2016
are $2,071,526 which is 68.9% of the budgeted amount for this fiscal year. The total fiscal year revenue
as of March 2016 is $937,767 which is 85.6% of the budgeted amount compared to last year which was
82.0%.
DRCS Somogyi referenced the March 2016 Park & Recreational Facilities Fund. To date the account
balance is $7,652,742.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice-Chairperson Fowler adjourned the meeting at 6:45pm to June 8, 2016 at 6:00pm in the Recreation
Conference Room located at 375 - pus Drive, Arcadia.
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