HomeMy WebLinkAboutRP Minutes: 05/10/2023RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, May 10, 2023
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Cheung called the meeting to order at 6:06pm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Director of Recreation and Community Services (DRCS) Sara
Somogyi
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Cheung, Chu, Yu, and Swinney
EXCUSED: Vanni
A motion was made by Commissioner Swinney, seconded by Commissioner Chu, and
unanimously carried on roll call vote to excuse Commissioners Vanni.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
REPORTS FROM RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Swinney — No Report
Commissioner Chu reported he is looking forward to a good summer with a lot of activity in the
parks.
Vice -Chairperson Yu — No Report
Chairperson Cheung reported the Arcadia Parks Foundation's Community Campout held April
29-30 on the Arcadia City Hall lawn was a successful event with a great turn out. Chairperson
Cheung reported over 200 residents and City officials came to the event and enjoyed a fun night
of socializing, watching a movie under the stars and sleeping in tents.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON
Mayor Pro Tern Verlato reported on the recent City Council budget meeting. Mayor Pro Tern
Verlato reported she has requested a dedicated Homeless Services Manager be added to the
City budget. Mayor Pro Tern Verlato stated a dedicated Homeless Services Manager can
supervise case workers, assist with grant writing, and help educate the community. Mayor Pro
Tern Verlato reported she has also suggested a line item be added to the City budget for three
case managers as funding is still being certified by the state. Mayor Pro Tern Verlato proposed
reducing the Utility User Tax (UUT), this will be discussed before the next City Council meeting.
Mayor Pro Tern Verlato reported time constraint issues at USC Hospital Arcadia for paramedics
dropping off patients to the Emergency Room is lengthy and prohibits them getting back out to
respond to more service calls. A possible solution is to increase the budget to add Basic Life
Support (BLS) paramedics and another ambulance to assist the Advanced Life Support (ALS)
team already established in the City.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of March 8, 2023.
It was moved by Chairperson Cheung, seconded by Commissioner Swinney, and
unanimously carried on roll call vote to approve consent calendar 2a.
3. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Report from Public Works Services Department
Project Updates
Deputy Director of Public Works Services (DDPWS) Carmen Masud reported LA County has
begun their sediment removal project in Wilderness Park. This project could take several months
or longer depending on the weather. DDPWS Masud reported Public Works is assessing the best
course of action for Wilderness Park and is currently working with the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA) on funding for clean-up and repair. DDPWS Masud reported Public
Works is in the process of finalizing the Request for Proposal (RFP) on the design for the new
concession building at Bonita Park as well as the RFP for the Newcastle Park Renovation Project.
Report from Recreation and Community Services Department
Monthly Reports
DRCS Somogyi reported a meeting was held with the Public Works Services Department and
contractors to discuss the shade and bleacher projects for the little leagues at Bonita Park, Hugo
Reid, and Longden fields. These structures will be similar to the structures at Eisenhower
Memorial Park.
DRCS Somogyi followed up on the request for a sign at Lojeski Field in Eisenhower Memorial
Park reporting there is a sign on the perimeter fence facing the street. DRCS Somogyi reported
a sign will be added to the inner side of the perimeter fence, so the sign is visible while on the
field.
DRCS Somogyi reported on April senior programs and activities. DRCS Somogyi reported the
billiard room continues to be popular serving 489 seniors. DRCS Somogyi reported senior classes
remain popular with approximately 1,700 seniors attending various classes. DRCS Somogyi
reported Coffee with the Mayor had 29 in attendance. DRCS Somogyi reported the gift shop had
120 visitors in the month of April. DRCS Somogyi reported Mahjong remains a Friday afternoon
favorite with 60 people participating. DRCS Somogyi reported the Senior Meals program is
averaging 73 seniors per day. DRCS Somogyi reported on Wednesday afternoons, a gentleman
brings his guitar in and leads a sing along, 64 seniors participated in April. DRCS Somogyi
reported 69 seniors attended the free seminars on Medicare Terminology, Scams, and USC
Arcadia on Anti -Inflammatory Foods & Diet. DRCS Somogyi reported the annual Spring Fling took
place on April 14 with 82 seniors enjoying the Great Gatsby themed event.
DRCS Somogyi reported on several recreational programs beginning with the Adult Basketball
League with a total of 763 players in the month of April. DRCS Somogyi reported the After School
program is still going strong with 2,489 participants. DRCS Somogyi reported the youth Co -Ed
Volleyball League is underway with 616 participants. DRCS Somogyi reported 25 pre -purchased
Bunny Grams were picked up at the Community Center on April 1. Families played games,
crafted, and took a picture with the Bunny. DRCS Somogyi reported the Flashlight Teen Egg Hunt
took place at the Arcadia Par 3 Golf Course on April 7 with over 200 teens participating. The
Eggstravaganza forthe younger children took place at Arcadia County Park on April 8, with nearly
1,200 children and their families participating. DRCS Somogyi reported 38 volunteens put in a
total of 227 hours in the month of April. DRCS Somogyi reported the Community Center had six
rentals in the month of April, with over 600 people utilizing the facility.
Financial Statements
DRCS Somogyi reported the financials are in a good place at three quarters into the fiscal year.
Expenditure is approximately 10% below where it should be, and revenue is about 3% above the
projected amount for this point in the fiscal year. DRCS reported budget meetings are currently
taking place for the 2023/2024 fiscal year and should be finalized by early June.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Cheung adjourned the meeting at 6:39pm to June 14, 2023, at 6:OOpm in the
Recreation and Community Services Conference Room, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia.
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By: �
Valerie Cheung Sara Somogyi
Chairperson Secretary