HomeMy WebLinkAboutRP Minutes: 10/13/21 RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 13, 2021
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Chu called the meeting to order at 6:02pm in the Recreation
Conference Room.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Commissioner Swinney
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Chu, Swinney, and Fowler
EXCUSED: Cheung and Yu
A motion was made by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Swinney, and
unanimously carried on roll call vote to excuse Vice-Chairperson Cheung and Commissioner Yu.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
REPORTS FROM RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Fowler reported on the positive impact the City's No Camping Ordinance has made
in the short time it has been in effect. Noticeably in the Arcadia County Park, tents are coming
down. Although this particular facility is the County of Los Angele's jurisdiction, the impact on the
City is encouraging.
Chairperson Chu reported he is looking forward to the Winter season in Arcadia. He is excited to
see the residents in the community out and about for the holidays.
Commissioner Swinney - No report.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON
Mayor Tay reported there will be a virtual meeting on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 regarding the
Downtown Alley Improvement Project. Interested parties can contact Linda Hui at 626.574.5435
for more information.
Mayor Tay reported there will be a community workshop on the City's re-districting process on
Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 6pm in the City Council Chambers. Every 10 years districts
are re-assessed after the census is complete. This is the first of two meetings for the community
to learn more about the re-districting process and ask questions. Commissioner Fowler followed
up with a question asking if the City was considering changing the policy from having districts, to
going back to the general election format. Mayor Tay responded no, not at this time.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve Meeting Minutes of September 8, 2021
Recommended Action: Tabled to next meeting. Insufficient quorum for approval.
3. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Report from Public Works Services Department
Project Updates
Public Works Services Department Street Superintendent (PWSDSS) Dave Thompson gave a
detailed report on the timeline for the Newcastle Park renovation project. The formal request for
proposals are due by October 18, 2020. This will be followed by an on-site, pre-proposal, non-
mandatory meeting on November 2, 2021. The deadline to submit questions will be November
8, 2021. Proposals are due November 16, 2021. Interviews to follow on December 2, 2021. The
Arcadia City Council is expected to award the contract in January 2022. Construction is scheduled
to start February 2022, with completion in approximately one year in February 2023.
b. Report of Director of Recreation and Community Services
Director of Recreation and Community Services (DRCS) Sara Somogyi began her report by
introducing the new City liaison for the Recreation and Parks Commission, Karen Collins. DRCS
Somogyi went on to announce and congratulate Director of Public Works Services (DPWS) Tom
Tait on his retirement as well as Deputy Director Public Works Services Department Paul
Cramner's appointment as the new Director of Public Works Services Department.
Monthly Reports
DRCS Somogyi reported the Community Center recently reopened the gift shop with modified
procedures and protocols. The Community Center pool room continues to be popular with a
steady flow of players daily. DRCS Somogyi reported the success of the virtual senior seminars
however, with in-person seminars coming back, seniors have expressed an interest in keeping
the virtual aspect as an option. Staff is currently working on a hybrid format to accommodate
those who prefer to stay home. On September 16, the Garfield Medical Center gave an
informative seminar on senior safety, distributed safety items and provided information on the
upcoming flu shot clinic at their facility. DRCS Somogyi also mentioned the Arcadia Travelers
group is back in action with their senior trips taking place once again. Trips are under modified
protocols as well, but active seniors are taking full advantage of being out and about.
DRCS Somogyi reported the ongoing popularity of the Merit Badge classes for the scouting
community. She also stated Wilderness Park visitors have increased, largely due to the park
being open to the public on weekends with reservations no longer being required. DRCS
Somogyi stated the Community Center is still running under specific safety protocols with
modified criteria in place. Classes and programs are set at lower capacity with other factors in
place such as walk up displays in lieu of sit down programming for special events.
DRCS Somogyi discussed Arcadia City Council's recommendation to address homelessness.
With the City Councils approval these are the following five areas to be addressed with a timeline
of six months to complete. Starting with identifying those at risk of becoming homeless and focus
on prevention and diversion programs. Implement the anti-camping ordinance and report back
how enforcement is going. Conduct a true census of the homeless population within the City.
Investigate and report on options related to working with different organizations other than the
Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA). Lastly, research the outcomes experienced
in other cities that have implemented tiny shelters. DRCS Somogyi is working with different
departments in the City to accomplish these recommendations and report back to the City
Council in the six-month time frame.
II. Financial Statements
DRCS Somogyi reported the financials for the department are still lower than average due to the
programs and facility not operating at full capacity. Smaller class sizes, lower capacity for events,
Community Center rentals not taking place, as well as the protocols and factors which allow us
ease back into programs. The Department continues to provide programs that are safe and
meaningful with the quality service participants have come to know and appreciate. DRCS
Somogyi reported the Parks and Recreation Facility Fund is at $7.5 million, with the Newcastle
renovation project budgeted at $4 million. DRCS Somogyi stated upcoming bids for the
Newcastle Park renovation project may come in higher due to issues with the supply chain and
the rising cost of building materials. If this occurs, adjustments may have to be made to the
project itself or the funding for the project, this will be addressed as needed.
ADJOURNMENT
It was moved by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Commissioner Swinney and unanimously
carried to cancel the November 10, 2021 meeting. Chairperson Chu adjourned the meeting at
6:41pm to December 8, 2021, at 6:00pm in the Recreation and Community Services Department
Conference Room, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia.
By: Samot kkAw
Peter Chu Sara Somogyi
Chairperson Secretary