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Home My WebLink AboutRP Minutes: 12/08/2021RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2021 RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Chu called the meeting to order at 6:00pm in the Recreation Conference Room. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Commissioner Fowler ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chu, Cheung, Fowler, Swinney, and Yu SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None REPORTS FROM RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSIONERS Vice -Chairperson Cheung reported the Breakfast with Santa and Snow Festival was fun and had a good turn out from the community. Vice -Chairperson Cheung thanked Director of Recreation and Community Services (DRCS) Somogyi for addressing the Civic Center Field issue. Commissioner Swinney - No report. Commissioner Yu reported she was unable to attend the Snow Festival and thanked DRCS Somogyi for planning family these family events for the Community. Commissioner Yu stated she is enjoying the home holiday decorations. Commissioner Fowler reported he attended the Breakfast with Santa and Snow Festival and was impressed with the spectacular job done by all. Commissioner Fowler said the staff and volunteers executed the event flawlessly with a nice layout and flow that adapted well to the current challenges and protocols brought on by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioner Fowler also commented on the nice job done on the downtown Tree Lighting Ceremony. Chairperson Chu reported he was unable to make the Snow Festival event but has noticed this holiday season this year is more festive. REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON Mayor Tay reported he attended the Snow Festival and the Downtown Arcadia Holiday Fair on Saturday December 4. The turnout was good for both events even though held on the same day. Mayor Tay reported he also attended the Tree Lighting Ceremony on December 2 and complimented the Public Works Services Department on a job well done. Mayor Tay reported the City held a tribute to Council Member Roger Chandler on December 7. The tribute was well attended, and the City Council received a phone call from Jane Chandler, Roger Chandler's wife, thanking the City for the nice tribute and she appreciated the support. Mayor Tay concluded his report with information on the appointment of the new District 5 City Council representative. There are 11 candidates with interviews taking place on December 9. Interviews will be streamed live, on the City's website, with an update given at the next City Council Meeting. 2. CONSENT CALENDAR a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of September 8, 2021 It was moved by Commissioner Fowler, seconded by Chairperson Chu, and unanimously carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.a. AYES: Chu, Cheung, Fowler, and Yu NOES: None ABSTAIN: Swinney b. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 13, 2021 It was moved by Commissioner Swinney, seconded by Commissioner Fowler, and unanimously carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.b. AYES: Chu, Fowler, and Swinney NOES: None ABSTAIN: Cheung and Yu 3. REGULAR ITEMS a. Report from Public Works Services Department Project Updates Director of Public Works Services (DPWS) Paul Cramner gave an updated report on the contractor bids for the Newcastle Park renovation project. With eight companies showing interest, four proposals were received. Three contractors were interviewed with all being over the budget of $3.7 million dollars, two significantly, one marginally. Golden Sun Enterprise came in at $3.8 million dollars while meeting the recommendations in the Parks Master Plan. Some further research on the potential contractor will take place before the next step of presenting the recommendation to City Council for approval. Commissioner Fowler asked if there is a concern in the bid differentiation in relation to quality. DPWS Cramner stated he is not concerned, in his years of experience working with contractors, he has a good understanding of the process and tactics used when companies are presenting bids. DPWS Cramner informed the department is also looking into the possible use of grant monies to offset some of the cost. b. Report of Director of Recreation and Community Services Director of Recreation and Community Services (DRCS) Sara Somogyi began her report by wishing everyone a happy holiday season. DRCS Somogyi thanked the Commissioners for their support of the Breakfast with Santa and Snow Festival and to those who were able to attend the event. Monthly Reports DRCS Somogyi reported the Breakfast with Santa and Snow Festival event was a success. Many adjustments were necessary due to COVID-19 protocols and the LA County mandate of proof of vaccination required for indoor dining. The mandate prompted an outdoor eating area where participants ate their breakfast after going through the well -planned indoor activities. These included crafts, goody bags, a variety of games, and a picture with Santa. There was a considerable amount of positive feedback as to the flow of the event as well as the outdoor seating. The ambiance of dining next to the Snow Festival gave a more interactive feel and. an enhanced environment to enjoying the family event. The feedback will be taken into consideration for next year's event. DRCS Somogyi reported the Senior Services classes and activity participation have been increasing. The gift shop was open for business during the Snow Festival event with a nice turn out for the crafters. DRCS Somogyi reported the senior lunch program has increased to approximately 56 people per day. The Arcadia Travelers have seen an increase in the trip participation and are starting up their monthly general membership meeting again. DRCS Somogyi reported the Veteran's Day lunch was a success with Veteran's being honored in many ways including memorabilia on display and a "Walk of Fame" highlighting the Veterans. The honors continued as staff helped distribute gift boxes from Operation Gratitude and yard signs to local homebound Veteran's. The annual Thanksgiving Feast took place the following week with a traditional holiday menu served by the Arcadia Fire Department. DRCS Somogyi continued the report on the Recreation Services. DRCS Somogyi reported adult basketball is back and operating at almost full capacity with 31 teams participating. DRCS Somogyi reported the after school program is still operating at low capacity of 30 children per site instead of the usual 80-100. DRCS Somogyi reported on Wilderness Park and the closure that will take place when rain is in the forecast. With the mud running off from the Bobcat Fire burn scar areas into the Wilderness Park basin, this is expected to continue through the season. DPWS Cramner added he met with LA County Flood Control and discussed the mud could be an issue for several years as regrowth will take time. With this information a plan has been put into action to close the park any time rain is in the forecast. K-rails have been placed in the park to help channel the mud flow to the parking lot until clean up can take place. Financial Statements DRCS Somogyi reported the financial reports for the Department are still below average due to the programs and facilities not operating at full capacity. Smaller class sizes, lower capacity for events, and community center rentals not taking place to keep on the safer side for covid protocols are all factors. A Covid Vaccine booster shot and flu shot clinic will be taking place at the Community Center on December 13 and December 15. Individuals can register on Myturn.org. DRCS Somogyi went on to report staff is conducting a homeless census. The staff is gathering useful information to assist in addressing homelessness in the community. Staff is also providing other necessities and information, including food, hygiene kits, clothes, and sleeping bags. This is part of the Five Point Plan the City Council asked staff to study and report back on homelessness in the community. DRCS Somogyi concluded her report providing the balance of the Parks Recreation Facility Fund at over $17.4 million dollars with over $4 million dollars in projects allocated for the next fiscal year. ADJOURNMENT Chairperson Chu adjourned the meeting at 6:48pm to January 12, 2022, at 6:OOpm in the Recreation and Community Services Department Conference Room, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia. Peter' Chu Chairperson By: bvw Sara Somogyi Secretary