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Home My WebLink AboutRP Minutes: 11/14/2018 RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES Wednesday, November 14, 2018 RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Swinney called the meeting to order at 6:00pm in the Recreation Conference Room. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Commissioner Cheung ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Raymond Cheung, Randy Fowler, Joe Shivan, Steve Swinney, and Lyn Tom EXCUSED: None SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Director of Recreation and Community Services (DRCS) Sara Somogyi reported a correction to the Staff Report under Recreation Services, Wilderness Park. The report should read "Wilderness Park is operating under the winter hours of 8:30am-4:30pm." 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None REPORTS FROM RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Cheung reported his son's soccer season is almost over. Commissioner Cheung stated some of the soccer parents commented that the Civic Center Soccer Field at City Hall needs grooming. Commissioner Shivan reported his family is attending the 65 Annual Arcadia Festival of Bands (AFOB) on November 17 as his son will be marching in it. The AFOB, one of the longest running band competitions in the state, will be taking place on November 17 in Arcadia. This all-day event will feature more than 40 other prestigious bands from California. Chairperson Swinney reported he will be working as a VIP (Volunteer In Patrol) at the AFOB and stated it is a great event! Chairperson Swinney has noticed a number of tattered American flags on some homes throughout Arcadia and asked if the City could do anything about it. DRCS Somogyi stated unfortunately it is not the City's responsibility to enforce homeowners to replace their tattered flags. REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON Mayor Pro Tern Verlato updated the Commission on the Historic Preservation Ordinance (HPO). Mayor Pro Tern Verlato reported an anonymous group of the Arcadia Rights Protection Association sent letters to all property owners that could potentially be historic stating the HPO would force them into historical designation. The letter stated this is interference by the government and requested they file a complaint with City Council. Mayor Pro Tern Verlato stated only a few complaints came in and after City staff explained the HPO in more detail, they were satisfied. Mayor Pro Tern Verlato reported the City of Arcadia is facing financial uncertainty due to increasing costs of services. Mayor Pro Tem Verlato stated in an effort to address this difficult challenge, the City Council has created a Citizen's Financial Advisory Committee (CFAC) to explore options regarding the City's long-term financial outlook. Mayor Pro Tern Verlato stated the City is in a deficit budget and in order to put a ballot measure together the City has to declare a fiscal emergency. One of the recommendations from the CFAC is to propose a sales tax increase. Mayor Pro Tern Verlato explained the main revenues for the City of Arcadia are sales, utility users, and property taxes none of which have increased over the years especially to keep up with the increase in costs for the City. Mayor Pro Tern Verlato will report more on the deficit budget in December. Mayor Pro Tern Verlato reported the Halloween Harvest Festival held on October 27 sponsored by the Downtown Arcadia Improvement Association (DAIA) was a great success! 2. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 10, 2018 It was moved by Commissioner Tom, seconded by Commissioner Shivan and unanimously carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 1.a. AYES: Cheung, Fowler, Shivan, Swinney and Tom NOES: None ABSTAIN: None 3. REGULAR ITEMS a. Report from Public Works Services Department Public Works Services Street Superintendent (PWSSS) Dave Thompson reported Public Works Services is scheduled to resurface the tennis courts at Tierra Verde Park this month. PWSSS Thompson stated the City will be hosting two Mulch Giveaways next year in April and May at the Arcadia Public Library's West Parking Lot. This service is free to Arcadia residents. b. Report of Director of Recreation and Community Services DRCS Somogyi welcomed Candice Cheung as the new Assistant Director of Recreation and Community Services. Candice was dedicated to this profession early on, she graduated with her BA from Long Beach State with her degree in Recreation and Leisure studies. Candice has worked in the profession for nearly 15 years, in the cities of Signal Hill, Cypress and San Marino before finally landing in her dream city, Arcadia. Candice has been a Recreation Supervisor for the City of Arcadia for the past three years and has spear headed the Senior Citizens Commission and will now learn all about the Recreation and Parks Commission. DRCS Somogyi explained the Citizen's Financial Advisory Committee (CFAC) has one year to study everything the City does, has had many intense meetings, and hopes to conclude all of their findings in January. If you are interested in looking at the work the CFAC has done thus far you can go to the City's website under City Works. DRCS Somogyi reported each department has looked at potential cuts of nearly 14% from their operating budget. Each Department Head has been asked to speak to all the different organizations in Arcadia regarding the City's financial status. The City will be mailing surveys out to residents requesting their feedback about what is imiportant to them. DRCS Somogyi also mentioned another option; if all departments don't cut the 14%, this could mean the Recreation and Community Services Department could be cut in its entirety. DRCS Somogyi announced after almost 30 years with American Golf, the City has chosen a new contractor to manage the Arcadia Par-3 Golf Course. This will be on the agenda at the next City Council Meeting. DRCS Somogyi reported there will be a recreation element in the contract with the new company that begins their contract in December. City Staff will be meeting with the company regarding golf classes and special events while still serving the public with golf play. DRCS Somogyi stated an addition to the contract would be to utilize their newly renovated community room more, possibly with Merit Badge classes which are in desparate need of more space. I. Department Monthly Report DRCS Somogyi reported on the Senior Services Division: Coffee and pastries are available in the lobby of the Community Center, Monday through Friday from 7:30- 10:30am with approximately 220 patrons served this month. The drop in programs include television, cards, dominoes, and free wifi which had over 402 participants. The gift shop had 393 visitors with a monthly revenue of $1,345. Mahjong, the very popular Chinese tile game had 112 seniors participating on Fridays in October. The pool room has three pool tables available Monday through Friday from 7:30am-4:30pm and had 202 seniors playing. Table Tennis is a new drop-in progrom and is available Monday through Friday from 10:30am-3:30pm with over 104 participating. On October 16, a representative from ACCESS came to the Community Center to discuss who qualifies for the program, how to apply and local dial-a-ride services available with 44 seniors attending. October 19 the Fashion Show and Tea was held with 120 attending. Every month, in collaboration with Methodist Hospital different doctors give a presentation at the Community Center. In October, a fall healthy cooking demonstration was held with 68 participants. On October 25, seniors experienced food, entertainment, and culture of Egypt at the Annual Cultural Day Camp with 60 senior campers enrolled. On October 27, the Community Center Gift Shop held a craft fair from 9am-2pm with over 400 attending. On October 31, seniors enjoyed a Halloween themed meal, games and a costume contest with 100 in attendance. DRCS Somogyi reported on the Recreation Services Division. The School Year Playgrounds Program began on August 20 at all six AUSD Elementary Schools and had over 7,986 children in attendance in October. The Adult Basketball League had 37 teams in the Sunday League competing in six divisions with over 1,500 playing. The annual Fall Festival held on Halloween on the City Hall lawn had over 1,000 participants in attendance. Active adult classes being offered at the Dana Gym and Community Center had over 3,800 particiants. II. Financial Statements DRCS Somogyi referenced the September 2018 Financial Statement. Total expenditures through September are $851,418 which is 25.3% of the budgeted amount for this fiscal year. The total fiscal year revenue as of September 2018 is $570,958 which is 46.2% of the budgeted amount. DRCS Somogyi referenced the September 2018 Park & Recreation Facilities Fund, with an account balance of $11,101,327. DRCS Somogyi stated the budgeted total amount is less $6,210,000 due to the Eisenhower Memorial Park project. This project is in the planning stages to get the park built. DRCS Somogyi announced when renovated Eisenhower Park will have a gender equity baseball and softball field with lights and new equipment for the playground area. DRCS Somogyi reported construction will begin in July of 2019 and complete by February 2020. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Sweeney adjourned the meeting at 6:50pm to December 12, 2018 in the Recreation Conference Room located at 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia. t By: kJltk hkU . Steve Swirrney J Sara Somogyi Chairperson Secretary