HomeMy WebLinkAboutRP Minutes: 02/09/2022RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 2022
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Chu called the virtual meeting to order at 6:01 pm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Vice -Chairperson Cheung
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Chu, Cheung, Yu, Swinney, and Fowler
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
REPORTS FROM RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Yu wished everyone a Happy Lunar New Year. Commissioner Yu reported driving
by a few parks, and everything looks good. There was a power outage in January, but everything
is fine now.
Chairperson Chu reported the recent rains and wind left a considerable amount of debris around
the city which the Public Works Services Department quickly attended to. Chairperson Chu
reported he is happy to see Eisenhower Park active with so many community members using the
facility.
Vice -Chairperson Cheung reported field usage is up, most noticeably with soccer practices. Vice -
Chairperson Cheung reported she is looking forward to the Arcadia Little Leagues opening day
ceremonies and the start of the league.
Commissioner Fowler reported he is looking forward to opening day ceremony for the Arcadia
Little Leagues on February 26.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON
Mayor Tay reported City Council voted on a proposal to have a special election, in June, for the
replacement of the vacant City Council member seat in District 5. Mayor Tay reported there was
not a unanimous vote to hold a special election. The vacant seat will be filled in the regular election
in November 2022.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 12, 2022
It was moved by Chairperson Chu, seconded by Vice -Chairperson Cheung, and
unanimously carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.a with the
correction the January 12, 2022, met virtually.
AYES: Chu, Cheung, and Fowler
ABSTAIN: Swinney, Yu
3. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Report from Public Works Services Department
Project Updates
Public Works Services Department Street Superintendent (PWSDSS) Dave Thompson turned the
Newcastle Park Renovation update over to the Director of Recreation and Community Services
(DRCS) Sara Somogyi. DRCS Somogy reported the project was presented to the City Council
with the additional information that a substantial grant, the Land and Water Conservation Fund
Grant, has become available and applied for. If approved, the grant will provide $2.2 million dollars
toward the $3.8 million dollar bid being considered. The caveat to applying for the grant is
construction cannot begin until the grant is either approved or denied. This would delay the
renovation a few months while the application is being considered. The contractor has agreed to
hold the current bid while the City waits for the results. The City Council approved the delay in
construction to await the result of the grant application. A second grant, the Proposition 68 Grant,
in the amount of $200,000 dollars, has been applied for as well.
PWSDSS Thompson reported the Carol Libby Garden has been approved by the City Council.
The garden will be in the front of the Floretta K. Lauber Museum Education Center with drought
tolerant landscaping and will include a memorial plaque.
Longden Field Proposal
PWSDSS Thompson reported the Arcadia National Little League has presented a proposal to
modify the infield at Longden Field. PWSDSS Thompson turned the report over to Assistant
Director of Recreation and Community Services (ADRCS) Candice Cheung. ADRCS Cheung
presented a diagram showing the infield expansion. ADRCS Cheung reported the modifications
will increase the size of the infield to accommodate a transitional, intermediate league between
the Majors and Juniors. The infield will become adjustable to fit the regulated dimensions for the
division using the field at the time of play. The services will be completed by the little league.
b. Report of Director of Recreation and Community Services
Monthly Reports
DRCS Somogyi reported on several of the senior activities starting with the popular senior
nutrition program averaging 50 seniors daily. Another popular activity, table tennis, is held on the
back patio of the Community Center, with an average of 56 participants throughout the week.
Efforts will be made to keep table tennis program on going while the Carol Libby Garden is being
constructed. DRCS Somogyi reported the information and referral services program is offering
services, including notary service and the Veteran Peer Access Network that provides resources
to Veterans. DRCS Somogyi also reported the seniors enjoyed a Martin Luther King Jr.
Celebration during the lunch program with a guest speaker and music.
DRCS Somogyi reported recreation services are operating as much as possible with the current
state of the world. The Adult Basketball program continues to run at near full capacity. The
afterschool program has the maximum 30 participants at each of the six locations. DCRS Somogyi
reported the Volunteen program is active with summer applications available on March 14, 2022,
for volunteers who wish to help over the summer months. DRCS Somogyi highlighted the success
of the Father and Daughter dance with 65 participants in attendance. Participants dined and
engaged in interactive games together. DRCS Somogyi reported Wilderness Park is still closed
awaiting assessment from the City and County regarding how and when to begin clean up. DRCS
Somogyi reported Los Angeles County spoke at a recent City Council Meeting presenting the
challenges and possible procedures to move forward with the storm clean-up. The County's
presentation can be viewed on the City's website.
II. Financial Statements
DRCS Somogyi reported the department financials have reached the mid -year budget timeline
with revenue above the estimated percentage of 50% at 84%, and expenditures are right on track
at approximately 48%. DRCS Somogyi concluded her report stating there will be little to no change
over the next few months in the Park and Recreation Facilities Fund while the grant application
for the Newcastle Park project is being considered.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Chu adjourned the meeting at 6:46pm to March 9, 2022, at 6:OOpm either in person
or virtually.
By: Nk '
Peter Chu Sara Somogyi
Chairperson Secretary