HomeMy WebLinkAboutRP Minutes: 11/08/17 RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, November 8, 2017
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Cheung called the meeting to order at 6:00pm in the Recreation
Conference Room.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Commissioner Tom
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Raymond Cheung, Joe Shivan, Steve Swinney, and Lyn Tom
EXCUSED: Randy Fowler
A motion was made by Vice-Chairperson Swinney, seconded by Commissioner Tom and unanimously
carried on roll call vote to excuse Commissioner Fowler from this meeting.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS - None
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
REPORTS FROM RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSIONERS
Vice-Chairperson Swinney reported he volunteered as an "Undercover Costume Judge" at the Fall
Festival held October 31 on the City Hall Lawn. Vice-Chairperson Swinney really enjoyed the experience
and was able to pick the best costumes of the night. The first place winner was a toddler dressed as The
Hulk; second place winner— a piece of cheese; and the thirdplace winner went to two children dressed as
Pac Man players — Inky and Blinky. Vice-Chairperson Swinney is still in training for the the Volunteers In
Patrol Support (VIPS). Vice-Chairperson Swinney will provide additional volunteer support to the Arcadia
Police Department operations which includes special events such as the Snow Festival and Annual
Community Bike Ride.
Commissioner Shivan reported his family is looking forward to the Breakfast with Santa and Snow
Festival on December 2, 2017.
Chairperson Cheung reported his children are finished with soccer and will have a much needed break
before baseball season begins. Chairperson Cheung stated his family is also looking forward to the
Breakfast with Santa and Snow Festival.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON
Council Member Verlato reported she will be attending the Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration on
December 1 at the Arcadia Transit Plaza from 5-7pm; the Holiday Snow Festival on December 2 at the
Arcadia Community Center from 9am-2pm; and the Holiday Market on December 9 in Downtown Arcadia
on First Avenue from 11 am-6pm. Council Member Verlato announced the district based voting system
was officially adopted as an ordinance, replacing its current at-large election system. Council Member
Verlato stated the City is divided into five separate geographic districts, each with one City Council
Member who resides in the district and is chosen by the electors residing in that district. Each district
would elect one Council Member to a four-year term. Council Member Verlato anticipates the Arcadia
School Board will be next to follow a similar voting pattern. Council Member Verlato announced the
Planning Division and the City's consultant, Architectural Resources Group (ARG), will be hosting a
community meeting to present and discuss a draft of the Historic Preservation Ordinance for the City of
Arcadia. Residents will be given an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments. Council Member
Verlato explained the City underwent a comprehensive, city-wide historic resource survey in 2015.
Approximately 16,800 parcels were evaluated by the survey team, with the exception of those properties
that were built after 1970.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 13, 2017
It was moved by Commissioner Tom, seconded by Chairperson Cheung and unanimously
carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.a.
AYES: Commissioners Cheung, Shivan, Swinney and Tom
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Fowler
b. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2017
Tabled to the December 13, 2017 Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting due to lack of a
quorum.
3. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Report from Public Works Services Department
Deputy Public Works Services Director (DPWSD) Paul Cranmer reported Public Works
Services staff is planning to renovate the irrigation system at Eisenhower Memorial Park Dog
Park after receiving complaints regarding the condition of the park. DPWSD Cranmer stated
there should be noticeable changes to the Dog Park in the next couple of months. Vice-
Chairperson Swinney inquired as to who is in charge of programming and/or enhancing the
signals in Arcadia specifically at the corner of First Avenue and Duarte Road. Director of
Recreation and Community Services Sara Somogyi (DRCS) stated Development Services is
responsible for installing the turn arrow at that intersection and the Traffic Advisory Committee
(TAC) evaluates traffic related concerns in the City and determines appropriate action. Vice-
Chairperson Swinney noticed traffic on First Avenue and Duarte Roads has definitely
improved with the addition of the turn arrows. DPWSD Cranmer reported the new landscaping
project outside the Recreation Office is 90% complete with drought resistant plants and
shrubs. The landscaping in front of the Community Center and on the sides will be the next
phase.
b. Report of Director of Recreation and Community Services
I. Department Monthly Report
DRCS Somogyi reported on the Senior Services Division activities. The Cancer Support
Group meets the second Tuesday and Wednesday of the month at the Community Center.
DRCS Somogyi stated this program gives cancer patients hope, strength, and support in
an environment other than a hospital. The Drop-in-Programs offered 402 participants to
watch television, listen to guitar and sing along, play cards, dominoes, and enjoy the free
wi-fi. The Tea, Treats, and Fashion Show held on October 6 was a great success.
Participants enjoyed sandwiches, tea, desserts, and a fashion show of clothing items from
a boutique in Arcadia. All models were volunteers from the Community Center. The Senior
community meeting to present and discuss a draft of the Historic Preservation Ordinance for the City of
Arcadia. Residents will be given an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments. Council Member
Verlato explained the City underwent a comprehensive, city-wide historic resource survey in 2015.
Approximately 16,800 parcels were evaluated by the survey team, with the exception of those properties
that were built after 1970.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 13, 2017
It was moved by Commissioner Tom, seconded by Chairperson Cheung and unanimously
carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.a.
AYES: Commissioners Cheung, Shivan, Swinney and Tom
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Fowler
b. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 11, 2017
Tabled to the December 13, 2017 Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting due to lack of a
quorum.
3. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Report from Public Works Services Department
Deputy Public Works Services Director (DPWSD) Paul Cranmer reported Public Works
Services staff is planning to renovate the irrigation system at Eisenhower Memorial Park Dog
Park after receiving complaints regarding the condition of the park. DPWSD Cranmer stated
there should be noticeable changes to the Dog Park in the next couple of months. Vice-
Chairperson Swinney inquired as to who is in charge of programming and/or enhancing the
signals in Arcadia specifically at the corner of First Avenue and Duarte Road. Director of
Recreation and Community Services Sara Somogyi (DRCS) stated Development Services is
responsible for installing the turn arrow at that intersection and the Traffic Advisory Committee
(TAC) evaluates traffic related concerns in the City and determines appropriate action. Vice-
Chairperson Swinney noticed traffic on First Avenue and Duarte Roads has definitely
improved with the addition of the turn arrows. DPWSD Cranmer reported the new landscaping
project outside the Recreation Office is 90% complete with drought resistant plants and
shrubs. The landscaping in front of the Community Center and on the sides will be the next
phase.
b. Report of Director of Recreation and Community Services
I. Department Monthly Report
DRCS Somogyi reported on the Senior Services Division activities. The Cancer Support
Group meets the second Tuesday and Wednesday of the month at the Community Center.
DRCS Somogyi stated this program gives cancer patients hope, strength, and support in
an environment other than a hospital. The Drop-in-Programs offered 402 participants to
watch television, listen to guitar and sing along, play cards, dominoes, and enjoy the free
wi-fi. The Tea, Treats, and Fashion Show held on October 6 was a great success.
Participants enjoyed sandwiches, tea, desserts, and a fashion show of clothing items from
a boutique in Arcadia. All models were volunteers from the Community Center. The Senior
Day Camp held on October 12 at Wilderness Park was a great success with 62 seniors
attending. They experienced the food, entertainment, and culture of the Philippines. The
Billiards Tournament was held on October 24 featuring a single elimination 8 ball
competition, prizes, pizza, and drinks with 31 participants. On October 28, the Community
Center Gift Shop held a craft fair from 9am to 2pm. Shoppers purchased items such as
wreaths, aprons, towels, jewelry and many holiday decorations with 350 in attendance. On
October 31, seniors enjoyed a spooky meal, Halloween games, and a costume contest
with 98 in attendance at the Boo Bash.
DRCS Somogyi reported on the Recreation Services Division. The Spring/Summer 2018
field allocation meeting will be held on Monday, November 13 at the Arcadia High School
Lecture Hall. The meeting provides an opportunity for user groups, City, and District staff to
discuss the upcoming allocation period and provide feedback from the current allocation
period. Field permits will be distributed to user groups on or before December 18 for the
next period from January through July, 2018.
DRCS Somogyi announced the Arcadia Leadership Academy graduation was last night at
the City Council Meeting. The Arcadia Leadership Academy is a free, interactive civic
education program for Arcadia residents 18 years and older who are interested in
becoming better acquainted with City operations. The purpose of the program is to provide
an interesting perspective into the workings of Arcadia, to develop civic leadership, and to
build a stronger community through well-informed and engaged residents. Three
Recreation and Parks Commissioners have graduated from the Leadership Academy:
Raymond Cheung, Steve Swinney, and Lyn Tom. The Academy takes place in the evening
over a period of nine weeks. Each class features a presentation by top City staff and
ample opportunity for discussion and questions. Some sessions also include a tour of the
facility being discussed.
II. Financial Statements
DRCS Somogyi referenced the September 2017 Financial Statement. Total expenditures
through September 2017 are $837,512 which is 25.5% of the budgeted amount for this
fiscal year. The total fiscal year revenue as of September 2017 is $503,800 which is 40.9%
of the budgeted amount.
DRCS Somogyi referenced the September 2017 Park & Recreation Facilities Fund, with an
account balance of $10,168,441.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Cheung adjourned the meeting at 7:00pm to December 13, 2017 at 6:00pm in the
Recreation Conference Room located at 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia.
By: / `� 5:5
Raymond Cheung Sara Somogyi
Chairperson Secretary