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