HomeMy WebLinkAboutRP Minutes: 01/12/2022RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Chu called the virtual meeting to order at 6:00pm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Chairperson Chu
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Chu, Cheung, and Fowler
EXCUSED: Yu
ABSENT: Swinney
A motion was made by Chairperson Chu, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, and unanimously
carried on roll call vote to excuse Commissioner Yu.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
REPORTS FROM RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Fowler reported streetlights are still out in his neighborhood from the December
storms. Commissioner Fowler asked Director of Public Works Service (DPWS) Paul Cramner if
there is an approximate timeline they will be fixed. DPWS Cramner responded a team was sent
out to assess all street lighting. The team found many individual lights are out in the City, not full
grids. A prioritized report will be given to Southern California Edison for repairs.
Chairperson Chu reported his family was directly affected by'the COVID-19 over the holidays
which had him homebound. Chairperson Chu reported the rain did not seem to negatively impact
the southern areas of the City. Commissioner Chu reported he has driven by the parks and noticed
there have been more patrons safely enjoying the outdoors.
Vice -Chairperson Cheung thanked the Recreation and Community Services Department for
assisting with the Santa Letters. The children really enjoy them, including her own kids. Vice -
Chairperson Cheung reported her children's teams are not practicing as much with the current
COVID-19 surge and hopes practices will pick back up soon, as normal.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON
Mayor Tay reported on the new compost requirement the trash company is implementing starting
January 2022. Residents and businesses will be required to compost all food waste with all green
waste. Mayor Tay reported Public Works Services Department will be offering free compost
buckets to residents beginning January 20, 2022.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of December 8, 2021
It was moved by Chairperson Chu, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, and unanimously
carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.a.
AYES: Chu, Cheung, and Fowler
NOES: None
3. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Report from Public Works Services Department
Project Updates
Director of Public Works Services (DPWS) Paul Cramner reported he will be meeting with Director
of Recreation and Community Services (DRCS) Sara Somogyi to discuss the bids and proposals
received for the Newcastle Park renovation project. DPWS Cramner and DRCS Somogyi will
present their recommendations to City Council at the meeting on February 1, 2022. DPWS
Cramner reported the construction will begin approximately one month after the project is
approved.
H. Wilderness Park
DRCS Somogyi introduced a Power Point presentation on the Wilderness Park 2021 mud slides.
DRCS Somogyi provided an overview of the devastating damage, then introduced DPWS
Cramner to continue. DPWS Cramner began his report by reviewing the preventative measures
taken at the park with the early rains. These included barricades and k-rails to help channel the
mud flow to a manageable location in the parking lot for clean-up. The heavy rains did not follow
the same flow and resulted in major mudslides. DPWS Cramner reported there is estimated up
to several million dollars in damages. The City has filed for emergency disaster relief from the
state to help fund the clean-up and come up with a long-term solution for future mud flow.
DPWS Cramner went through the photos in the power point showing how the mud came straight
down into the public access areas of the park. The photos show the depth of mud to be four feet
to ten feet thick in many areas of the park. The mud is level with the picnic tables in the shelter
area and reaches the roof tops in other areas. All this destruction is considered for the emergency
disaster report given to the state. DPWS Cramner reported the Nature Center has a small amount
of damage compared to the rest of the park. Chairperson Chu asked about the total loss status
of the park. DRCS Somogyi replied the destruction is still being assessed and will not have an
answer on total loss for some time. DRCS Somogyi reported Wilderness Park will be closed until
further notice with all programs, reservations, and classes canceled. This includes summer day
camp.
b. Report of Director of Recreation and Community Services
Director of Recreation and Community Services (DRCS) Sara Somogyi began her report by
informing the Commissioners that, once again, adjustments are being made to programs due to
the rise in COVID 19 cases. Meetings have returned to the virtual format as well as some
programs being postponed or canceled.
I. Monthly Reports
DRCS Somogyi reported on several of the senior activities and monthly attendance. DRCS
Somogyi reported the lunch program is averaging 55 seniors daily. The Monday Senior Dance
had an attendance of 156 for December and Friday Mahjong, with 36 in attendance. Although
these two programs are popular, they are among the programs being postponed out of an
abundance of caution. Larger events like the Chinese New Year Luncheon have been canceled.
for next month. DRCS Somogyi reported a COVID 19 Vaccine, booster shot, and flu shot clinic
took place at the Community Center on December 13 and December 15.
DRCS Somogyi continued her report with the recreation programs. The adult basketball league,
after school program, and youth/adult classes are currently running with modified attendance.
Many youth programs have been canceled or postponed as well, including Kid's Night Out, the
Annual Track Meet and, the Youth Volleyball League. While some of these cancelations are
COVID-19 related, others are due to a staffing shortage. DRCS Somogyi reported Wilderness
Park had 120 walk-in park visitors prior to the park closure on December 13, 2021. Commissioner
Fowler inquired if pictures of the Wilderness Park mud slides could be posted on the City's
website. DRCS Somogyi responded the pictures will be posted on the City's website.
DRCS Somogyi reviewed the events from December starting with the Breakfast with Santa and
the Snow Festival. The Breakfast with Santa was also modified for precaution and hosted 252
individuals this year. The Snow Festival had over 1500 in attendance. There was a considerable
amount of positive feedback for both events as to the flow of the events as well as the outdoor
seating. This feedback will be taken into consideration when planning next year's events.
DRCS Somogyi reported the establishment of the Arcadia Parks Foundation has received the
501(c)(3) non-profit status. The introduction of the Arcadia Parks Foundation will be presented to
the City Council at the next meeting. This will inform the public about the organization and that
they are now accepting donations for the betterment of Arcadia Parks.
Financial Statements
DRCS Somogyi reported the financials for the Department are continuing below average due to
programs and facilities not operating at full capacity. Revenue is at approximately 50% with
expenditures at approximately 40%. DRCS Somogyi reported the budget is correlated to the size
of the event or activity, therefore expenditures are adaptive to the size of the event or activity.
DRCS Somogyi concluded her report with Parks Funding. Newcastle Park project is currently
budgeted in this account. Once the project is completed, the funding will change.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Chu adjourned the meeting at 7:03pm to February 9, 2022, at 6:00pm to meet
virtually.
" By: k*, - --
Peter Chu Sara Somogyi
Chairperson Secretary