HomeMy WebLinkAboutRP Minutes: 03/08/2023RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, March 8, 2023
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Cheung called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Director of Recreation and Community Services Department
(DRCSD) Sara Somogyi
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Cheung, Chu, and Vanni
EXCUSED: Yu and Swinney
A motion was made by Commissioner Vanni, seconded by Commissioner Chu, and unanimously
carried on roll call vote to excuse Commissioners Yu and Swinney.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
REPORTS FROM RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSIONERS
Chairperson Cheung reported the Opening Day Ceremonies for the Little Leagues went great.
She attended the Arcadia American Little League Ceremony at Windsor Field. Chairperson
Cheung reported the rain did not stop the ceremonies from taking place, but games were
postponed for the day. Chairperson Cheung reported many City Council Members were present.
Commissioner Chu reported he attended the Pony League Opening Day Ceremony at Longden
Field. Commissioner Chu reported it was very organized and it was nice seeing City Council
members in attendance.
Commissioner Vanni reported he attended the Arcadia Nationals Opening Day Ceremony at
Lojeski Field with 45 teams and over 400 children in attendance. Commissioner Vanni reported
the new baseball fields are stunning. Commissioner Vanni reported the Police Department, Fire
Department, Mayor, and City Council Members were in attendance.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON
Mayor Pro Tern Verlato reported she attended the Little League Opening Ceremonies at Windsor
Field and Lojeski Field.
Mayor Pro Tern Verlato reported on the March 7, 2023, City Council meeting. Mayor Pro Tern
Verlato reported Council Member Cao proposed forming a Health Commission. Questions were
asked about the purpose, responsibilities, and goals of such a commission, and if it would be
beneficial to the community. After much discussion, the City Council decided to have a Study
Session to further study the item prior to making a decision. Mayor Pro Tern Verlato reported the
City Council also addressed hardscape and artificial turf in landscaping. Currently the amount of
hardscape allowed in the front yard in total is 40% of that, 15% can be artificial turf. After
discussing the advantages and disadvantages of increasing the allowable percentage, the City
Council decided a Study Session will take place to explore increasing the percentage allowed.
Director of Public Works Services Department (DPWSD) Paul Cranmer informed the Commission
the Public Works Services Department will be conducting seminars on water wise plantings to
encourage the public to choose this option.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 11, 2023.
It was moved by Commissioner Vanni, seconded by Chairperson Cheung, and
unanimously carried on roll call vote to approve consent calendar 2a.
3. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Report from Public Works Services Department
Project Updates
DPWSD Cranmer reported Wilderness Park has experienced more mud slide damage from the
recent storms. DPWSD Cranmer reported the City is working with the California Governor's Office
of Emergency Services (Cal OES) and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
submitting new paperwork for additional relief funds due to the increased damage from these
recent storms. DPWSD Cranmer reported the City has received $2.5 million dollars from the City's
insurance company to be used toward the damages in Wilderness Park. This money is being kept
in an account until renovations can begin. DPWSD Cranmer reported the Newcastle Park project
is still in the pre -approval process and will move forward once the approval process is complete.
b. Report from Recreation and Community Services Department
Monthly Reports
DRCSD Somogyi thanked the Commissioners for attending the Opening Day Ceremonies for the
Little Leagues. DRCSD Somogyi reported new bleachers with shade structures for Longden,
Bonita, and Hugo Reid fields and a new concession stand for Bonita Park ball field are in the
beginning stages of the process for renovation.
DRCSD Somogyi handed out a comprehensive packet of the Health and Wellness Programs
offered through the Recreation and Community Services Department. These programs, activities,
facilities, and seminars are offered throughout the year and target all ages. These include, but are
not limited to, community events, health seminars, exercise classes, recreational parks and more.
DRCSD Somogyi reported the Arcadia Parks Foundation will be having a Community Camp Out
Saturday April 29, 2023, through Sunday, April 30, 2023. DRCSD Somogyi passed out a flyer
with information and a QR code on how to register.
DRCSD Somogyi reported Spring Registration for classes and summer camps has started.
Summer Camps are filling quickly with a total revenue of $165,000 in the first three days of
registration.
DRCSD Somogyi reported on February senior programs and activities. DRCSD Somogyi reported
the billiard room is active with 386 participants and announced there is an upcoming Billiards
Tournament for the senior players on, Tuesday, March 21. DRCS Somogyi reported 40 people
attended Coffee with the Mayor. DRCSD Somogyi reported the gift shop had 138 visitors with
$548 in revenue. DRCSD Somogyi reported Mahjong continues every Friday afternoon with 48
people participating. DRCSD Somogyi reported the Senior Meals program is averaging 73 diners
a day for a total of 1,325 for the month. DRCSD Somogyi reported table tennis is still popular and
classes are now being offered. DRCSD Somogyi reported the Lunar New Year was celebrated
with an in -person luncheon for the first time in several years with 216 people in attendance.
DRCSD Somogyi reported on several recreational programs beginning with the Youth Basketball
League. The league had an overall total of 707 players participating in the season. An end of the
season banquet was held to recognize the players and hand out awards on March 7. The turnout
was better than expected with staff and families having an enjoyable time. DRCSD Somogyi
reported twenty-one kids attended the happy hearts themed Kid's Night Out. DRCSD Somogyi
reported Merit badge classes are still being held in the virtual format with 48 Scouts participating.
DRCSD Somogyi reported Community Center Rentals continue to increase. Four organizations
utilized the facility in the month of February with 550 people attending and $1,790 generated in
revenue.
Financial Statements
DRCSD Somogyi reported the financials are as expected to be for this time in the fiscal year.
Expenditures are below where they should be at 50%. Revenues are a bit above at 59% for the
fiscal year.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Cheung adjourned the meeting at 7:17pm to April 12, 2023, at 6:OOpm in the
Recreation and Community Services Conference Room, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia.
Valerie Cheung
Chairperson
By: '0� �NVO ,
Sara Somogyi
Secretary