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HomeMy WebLinkAboutRP Minutes: 06/08/2022RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, June 8, 2022 RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING CALL TO ORDER — Vice -Chairperson Cheung called the to order at 6:03pm. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Chairperson Fowler ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Cheung, Swinney, and Fowler UNEXCUSED: Chu and Yu SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS Director Recreation Community Services Department (DRCS) Sara Somogyi reported two corrections to the May 11, 2022, Recreation and Parks Commission Minutes. The first correction, under consent calendar, item two, the date should say April 13, 2022. The second correction is on the senior services report, under Coffee with the Mayor. The number in attendance should be 31. 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS Jason lee, a twenty-year resident, law firm business owner, and frequent park visitor came to observe the Recreation and Parks Commission meeting. REPORTS FROM RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSIONERS Commissioner Swinney reported the Denny's restaurant is still fenced off and inquired if there is a plan for the building. DRCS Somogyi informed the commission Denny's Restaurant has fire damage and renovations should be starting soon. Vice -Chairperson Cheung commented when directed to the City's website, hyperlinks are not provided to help guide a user to a specific area. DRCS Somogyi replied the City is working on rectifying the issue to make it more user friendly. Commissioner Fowler reported he took a farewell drive through the City to all the parks. As his term on the Recreation and Parks Commission comes to an end, Commissioner Fowler reported how satisfying it is seeing people out enjoying the parks. The improvements made through his years representing the community have both added to the community and enhanced the visitor's experience. Commissioner Fowler thanked the Commission and staff, stating it has been fun and productive serving these last eight years. REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON Mayor Beck reported the Pasadena Humane Society came to the City Council meeting to present information on adopting pets. The Humane Society brought Tofu for a visit, one of the dogs available for adoption. Mayor Beck reported the City Council honored the Arcadia Softball Champions at a recent City Council meeting. Mayor Beck reported the Arcadia Downtown Improvement Association will be having a Patriotic Festival on July 2, in the downtown district area of Arcadia. Mayor Beck reported on several future proposed development projects for the downtown district. These projects are expected to begin soon and continue over the next few years. Included are a Hilton hotel, residential complexes, and mixed -use facilities. 2. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of April 13,2022. Recommended Action: Tabled to next meeting. Insufficient quorum for approval. Commissioner Fowler has gone on record to approve the Regular Meeting Minutes for April 13, 2022. b. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of May 11, 2022. Recommended Action: Tabled to next meeting. Insufficient quorum for approval. 3. REGULAR ITEMS a. Recreation Summer Programs and Events DRCS Somogyi introduced Recreation Coordinator (RC) Rubi Ramos -Ruiz to present youth programs and events the department offers. RC Ramos -Ruiz thanked DCRS Somogyi and the Commission, then gave a brief history of her eight years in recreation. RC Ramos -Ruiz began the presentation with an overview of the afterschool program that concluded on May 27. The six elementary schools provided afterschool recreation care throughout the school year for 30 participants at each site. RC Ramos -Ruiz talked about Kid's Night Out, a once -a -month program for kids to have a fun, parent free night out. Participants do crafts, have dinner, play games, and watch a movie. RC Ramos -Ruiz reported on the City sponsored summer programs. Summer Fun n' Play, offered to children ages 5-12 years, is a weekly program where children participate in many activities. These activities include, indoor and outdoor games, crafts, and a special visit from various organizations such as the Arcadia Fire Department, Arcadia Historical Gilb Museum, and the Pasadena Humane Society. RC Ramos -Ruiz continued with the City sponsored Summer Sports Camp taking place weekly, July 18-August 12. Sports camp is a sport themed camp where participants take part in various sports and have an interactive activity come to the camp each week. The first week will be laser tag, a favorite among the children. RC Ramos -Ruiz reported on the Specialty Camps offered by outside contractors. Specialty camp topics range from STEM science, art, and specific sports such as tennis and soccer. RC Ramos -Ruiz continued her with the Volunteen Program offered to youth 13-17 years old. Volunteens go through an application process which includes online application submission, a letter of recommendation, an interview, and a live scan background check. Approved volunteens help throughout the school year and summer with the many programs offered by the City. Some of these programs include the Summer Fun n' Play, Fall Festival, Snow Festival, Easter Egg hunts, Summer Concerts and Moves, and many more. RC Ramos -Ruiz reported the Presidential Award will be offered in the 2022/2023 school year to volunteers who meet a required number of volunteer hours. Teens can earn a signed certificate from the President of the United States along with a pin to recognize their achievement. This program is beneficial to teens and can be added to college applications. RC Ramos -Ruiz completed her presentation with the after -school youth sport programs offered to 3rd through 8` grade participants. These include girls' volleyball in fall, girls' and boys' basketball in winter, and co-ed volleyball for middle school in the spring. b. Report of Public Works Services Department Project Updates Public Works Services Department Street Superintendent (PWSDSS) Dave Thompson reported a free mulch give a way is taking place on Saturday, June 11. PWSDSS Thompson informed the Commission the specially treated mulch is provided by a company to meet regulated standards of safety. PWSDSS Thompson reported twenty lights were replaced at the Bonita Park baseball field. c. Report of Director of Recreation and Community Services DRCS Somogyi thanked Commissioner Randy Fowler for his years of service on the Parks and Recreation Commission. Commissioner Fowler is completing his second eight -year term. DRCS Somogyi complimented his dedication to the community and his instrumental part in representing both the Commission and the community in the formation of the current Recreation and Parks Master Plan. Monthly Reports DRCS Somogyi reported on the senior programming for the month of May. DRCS Somogyi reported the senior nutrition program is still operating under modified conditions with an average of 65 diners per day. DRCS Somogyi reported table tennis operates Monday through Friday on the patio behind the Community Center, with a participation of 59 players for the month. The Monday dance had 201 participants. DRCS Somogyi reported the seniors are happy to see Coffee with the Mayor back, 31 people attended. DRCS Somogyi reported there were two special events for the seniors in May, a Cinco de Mayo Luncheon with 102 in attendance and Bingo with 77 in attendance. DRCS Somogyi reported on several recreation programs and activities that took place in May, beginning with Adult Basketball and the 825 players that make up the league. DCRS Somogyi reported the After School program finished on May 27 and summer programs have begun. DRCS Somogyi reported merit badge classes continue virtually as Wilderness Park is still closed due to storm damage. DRCS Somogyi reported the Summer Concerts in the Park are starting soon with a full line up of some old-time favorites and new to the schedule musicians including Arcadia's very own, Arcadia Alumni Band. II, Financial Statements DRCS Somogyi reported the Department financials are within the budgeted percentages for the fiscal year. With the department approximately 85% into the fiscal year, the expenditure percentage is at 67%, with the revenue at 96%. DRCS Somogyi reported the revenue percentage will increase a bit more over the next few weeks as the department has been preparing for summer programming. DRCS Somogyi reported there is still little to no change in the Park and Recreation Facilities Fund. DRCS Somogyi reported the department should be hearing regarding the grant that was applied for to offset the cost of the Newcastle Park project. DCRS Somogyi continued her report with some insight on upcoming plans for the new fiscal year, including a new concession stand at Bonita Park and shaded bleachers at three locations. DRCS Somogyi reported the City is talking with the County of Los Angeles to try and work together to improve the walking perimeter of the Arcadia County Park facility. This is in the early stages and is projected for the next, 2023/2024 fiscal year if everything works out. ADJOURNMENT Vice -Chairperson Cheung adjourned the meeting at 7:03pm to July 13, 2022, at 6:OOpm in the Recreation and Community Services Conference Room, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia Pet4 Chu Chairperson By. �t U Sara Somogyi Secretary