HomeMy WebLinkAboutRP Minutes: 08/14/2019 RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Wednesday, August 14, 2019
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER — Director of Recreation and Community Services (DRCS), Sara Somogyi called the
meeting to order at 6:00pm in the Recreation Conference Room.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Commissioner Fowler
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Raymond Cheung, Peter Chu, Randy Fowler, and Lyn Tom
EXCUSED: Steve Swinney
A motion was made by Commissioner Tom, seconded by Commissioner Cheung and unanimously carried
on roll call vote to excuse Commissioner Swinney.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Commissioner Cheung made a motion to nominate Commissioner Tom as Chairperson, seconded by
Vice-Chairperson Fowler. Commissioner Tom accepted the nomination and the motion was carried
unanimously. Chairperson Tom made a motion to nominate Vice-Chairperson Fowler as Vice-
Chairperson, seconded by Commissioner Cheung. Vice-Chairperson Fowler accepted the nomination and
the motion was carried unanimously.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
REPORTS FROM RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSIONERS
Vice-Chairperson Fowler welcomed new Recreation and Parks Commissioner, Peter Chu to the
Commission. Vice-Chairperson Fowler reported he enjoyed the the Concerts and Movies in the Park this
summer. He inquired as to the striping requirements of Pickleball courts at Camino Grove. DRCS Somogyi
stated Pickleball court lines are added in a different color, so that tennis or pickleball can be played on the
same court (at different times) and the eye can focus on the applicable set of playing lines which in this
case are blue.
Commissioner Cheung also welcomed Commissioner Chu and is excited to have him on the Commission.
Commissioner Cheung reported his sons were enrolled in the day and speciality camps this summer and
their favorite this year was the Harry Potter Lego Specialty Camp at Dana Gym. Commissioner Cheung
announced he is going to be a Head Coach for American Youth Soccer Organization (AYSO) for U12,
youth under 12 years of age. Commissioner Cheung thanked Council Member Tom Beck for
recommending him to serve another four year term on the Recreation and Parks Commission.
Commissioner Chu stated he is excited to be on the Recreation and Parks Commission and is looking
forward to the experience. Commissioner Chu is an attorney and has lived in Arcadia for 15 years.
Commissioner Cheung and Chairperson Tom highly recommended Commissioner Chu attend the
Leadership Academy. Commissioner Cheung stated he has applied for the Leadership Academy and is
waiting to hear back. The Arcadia Leadership Academy is a free, interactive civic education program for
Arcadia residents interested in becoming better acquainted with the City's operations and processes.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON — None.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of June 12, 2019
It was moved by Vice-Chairperson Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Cheung and
unanimously carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.a.
AYES: Cheung, Fowler, and Tom
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Chu and Swinney
3. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Report from Public Works Services Department
Deputy Public Works Services Director (DPWSD) Paul Cranmer reported the tennis courts
have been resurfaced at Hugo Reid Park and the new playground equipment has been
installed at Hugo Reid Primary School. DPWSD Cranmer stated the landscaping project at
the Community Center is ready for the third phase. DPWSD Cranmer reported on the progess
of the renovation project at Eisehower Memorial Park Project. The proper signage for the
closure of the park is up and the schedule in place. The Design and Build phase began August
1, 2019. The demo of the playground equipment, picnic shelters and parking lot is 80%
complete.
DRCS Somogyi also welcomed Commissioner Chu to the Commission and is very excited to
be working with him.
b. Report of Director of Recreation and Community Services
DRCS Somogyi continued reporting on the progress of the Eisenhower Memorial Park
Renovation Project. At the July 30 City Council Meeting individuals complained about the
removal of the Basketball Courts at Eisenhower Park. DRCS Somogyi reported at the August
6 City Council meeting individuals attended again and spoke about variouis items they were
not satisfied with in regards to the park construction. The City Council directed staff to get
estimates for putting the basketball courts back into the plans and present the findings at the
August 20 meeting. DRCS Somogyi stated project developers could add new basketball courts
in the park at the estimated cost of $120,000 per court and roughly five more trees would need
to be cut down to make room A study session will take place during the regular open meeting
on August 20 and will not affect the timeline for completion.
DRCS Somogyi reported on the Homelessness Program. DRCS Somogyi stated last week,
the City received updated information on the 2019 Homeless Point-In-Time count. The 2019
Point In Timecount increased from the original count of 57 to 77. The increase is due to a more
detailed analysis and exact location of homeless individuals who were located on the border
of two cities. Based on our location heat map, the highest density of homeless individuals was
around Peck Lake. Staff now has an updated map of the City for the new Homeless Point-In-
Time count. There was also high concentration around the downtown and near the eastern
boundary of the City near the Arcadia wash. Since the grant was based on the original findings
of three homeless people in the City we won't be able to resubmit for funds until the 18 month
period for the grant is up. At that time we might be able to apply for three times as much. DRCS
Somogyi reported the plan is to take items to the City Council Meeting. The first item will be to
accept the grant funds we applied for; second will be to approve the Memorandum Of
Understanding (MOU) with the City of South Pasadena; and third to approve the MOU with
Union Station. DRCS Somogyi reported a Case Manager will be hired beginning in October.
The Case Manager will work 20 hours in Arcadia, out of the Arcadia Public Library and 20
hours in South Pasadena providing homeless resources to the community. DRCS Somogyi
stated staff is preparing a Community Tool Kit for the Homelessness Program. The tool kit is
designed as a resource for individuals to help connect the homeless to services.
I. Department Monthly Report
DRCS Somogyi reported on the Senior Services Division: Free blood pressure screening
is available the second Tuesday of the month with 17 seniors in attendance. Mayor April
Verlato brings home baked goods to share with the seniors while they listen and chat with
her about City issues and topics of personal interest. The gift shop is getting ready for the
annual Craft Fair on October 27. Mayor Verlato visits the Community Center one Friday a
month to play Mahjong with the seniors from 1-3pm at the Community Center. Every month,
a City Council Member introduces seniors to a restaurant in Arcadia. This month 30
participants enjoyed lunch at Villa Catrina Restaurant. On July 5, patricipants enjoyed
lunch, games, a raffle, and ice-cream sundaes with 100 participants in attendance. On
July 23, 108 participants enjoyed a day at Dana Point Doheny.
DRCS Somogyi reported on the Recreation Services Division. Summer Fun n' Play drop-
in program was held at Baldwin Stocker and Camino Grove Schools with over 2,300 youth
enrolled. The Zone Middle School Program held at Foothills Middle School had 152 teens
enrolled. Summer day and sports camps were very popular in July with over 3,500 youth
enrolled. Classes and Speciality Camps held at the Dana Gym in July had over 1,400
enrolled.
II. Financial Statements
DRCS Somogyi referenced the June 2019 Financial Statement. Total expenditures through
June 2019 are $2,502,692 which is 74.5% of the budgeted amount for this fiscal year. The
total fiscal year revenue as of June 2019 is $1,171,104 which is 94.7% of the budgeted
amount. DRCS Somogyi referenced the June 2019 Park& Recreation Facilities Fund, with
an account balance of$11,592,446.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Tom adjourned the meeting at 7:05pm to September 11, 2019 in the Recreation Conference
Room located at 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia.
By: ?UUIX• hfteM
Lyn Tom Sara Somogyi
Chairperson Secretary