HomeMy WebLinkAboutRP Minutes: 09/09/21 RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Chu called the meeting to order at 6:00pm in the Recreation
Conference Room.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Vice-Chairperson Cheung
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Cheung, Chu, Fowler, and Yu
EXCUSED: Swinney
A motion was made by Vice-Chairperson Cheung, seconded by Chairperson Chu, and
unanimously carried on roll call vote to excuse Commissioner Swinney.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
REPORTS FROM RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Fowler reported he was approached about additional fields for soccer practice in
the City of Arcadia. Commissioner Fowler said in his past history with AYSO, there were
approximately 2,500 soccer participants. Currently there are approximately 900. Commissioner
Fowler said it was nice to have a gathering for Toni McKiernan's retirement, and happy it was well
attended.
Vice-Chairperson Cheung reported the Homeless Community Forum held on August 7, 2021 was
very informative with plenty of discussions, and many passionate people. The forum was attended
in person and by Zoom. City Department Heads and City Council members were present. Vice-
Chairperson Cheung said she also attended Toni McKiernan's retirement party and had a nice
time.
Commissioner Yu reported her neighbors are concerned about the safety of the neighborhood.
Assistant Director of Recreation and Community Services (ADRCS) Candice Cheung informed
Commissioner Yu the City has five districts with an Area Commander covering a specific district.
ADRCS Cheung said she would show Commissioner Yu how to access the information on the
City's website after the meeting.
Chairperson Chu mentioned he drives by Eisenhower Park often and noticed there are fewer
people at the park or not out as late as they used to be. Commissioner Fowler said it is possibly
due to the heat. Chairperson Chu said he has noticed many more people at the mall where it is
nice and cool.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON - None
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve Meeting Minutes of July 14, 2021
Recommended Action: Approve
It was moved by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Vice-Chairperson Cheung and unanimously
carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.a.
AYES: Chu, Cheung, Fowler
NOES: None
ABSENT Swinney
ABSTAIN: Yu
3. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Report from Public Works Services Department
I. Project Updates
Department of Public Works Street Superintendent (DPWSS) Dave Thompson reported a portion
of "No Camping, No Fires" public signs have been placed at First and Huntington in Downtown
Arcadia. Signs will also be placed at public facilities such as Eisenhower Park, City Hall, City
Parks, Gilb Museum of Arcadia Heritage, Arcadia Library, Recreation and Community Services
Department, the Highlands (because of the high fire dangers). DPWSS Thompson reported the
Public Works Services Department is currently working on the Request for Proposal (RFP)for the
Newcastle Park Project and looking to go out to bid in October 2021.
b. Report of Director of Recreation and Community Services
Assistant Director of Recreation and Community Services (ADRCS) Candice Cheung reported
the Community Forum on homelessness was held on August 7, from 9am to 5:30pm. Department
heads presented on various topics related to homelessness and were available to answer
questions from the public. ADRCS Cheung reported the staff will present all the information to the
City Council for direction at the meeting on September 21, 2021. ADRCS Cheung reported on
Covid-19 youth sports protocols. On August 30, the County of Los Angeles Department of Public
Health published an updated Youth Sports Protocol effective September 1, 2021. Previously, Los
Angeles County required routine testing for all athletes and staff participating in moderate or high-
risk organized youth sports, however the new updated protocol states testing is not required for
children under the age of 12 who are playing outdoor sports and a weekly negative test result is
required for all participants who are not fully vaccinated, for youth over the age of 12, coaches
and volunteers.
Monthly Reports
ADRCS Cheung reported the Community Center began serving the Senior Lunch Program on
July 6, with modifications and limited lunches available. Lunch is sold on a first-come, first-served
basis and has been selling out almost every day. ADRCS Cheung reported the main ballroom in
the Community Center is closed for major renovation on the partition walls. Partitions will have
new fabric reinstalled to each pane and scheduled to be completed by the end of September.
On September 22, Walk & Talk program will take a walk to the new Le Meridian Hotel for a tour
of the facility. ADRCS Cheung reported the Fun 'N Play, Summer Day Camp, and Summer
Sports Camp were full to capacity with a very long waitlist. ADRCS Cheung reported the first
Summer Concert and Movie was held on August 5, with the band Cold Duck who played for 965
guests. The City also celebrated National Night Out and the City of Arcadia's 118 birthday. On
August 12, the popular band The Answer played for 980 guests.
ADRCS Cheung reported she and Sara Somogyi, Director of Recreation and Community
Services met with the new Parks Foundation. They are working on obtaining their 501(c)(3) in
order to raise funds for the Recreation and Community Services Department. Once their
paperwork is in order, they will officially be a non-profit organization and will be able to begin
fundraising.
II. Financial Statements - None
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Chu adjourned the meeting at 6:28pm to October 13, 2021, at 6:00pm in the
Recreation and Community Services Department Conference Room, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia.
By: &IA,
Peter C is . Sara Somogyi
Chairperson Secretary