HomeMy WebLinkAboutRP Minutes: 07/12/2023RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, July 12, 2023
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER — Commissioner Cheung called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Commissioner Cheung
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Cheung, Chu, Mediana, and Vanni
UNEXCUSED: Swinney
ELECTION OF OFFICIALS
Commissioner Vanni made a motion to nominate Commissioner Cheung as Chairperson,
seconded by Commissioner Chu. Commissioner Cheung accepted the nomination and the motion
carried unanimously. Commissioner Cheung made a motion to nominate Commissioner Vanni as
Vice -Chairperson, seconded by Commissioner Chu. Commissioner Vanni accepted the
nomination and the motion carried unanimously.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
REPORTS FROM RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Chu reported he participated in Law Day held at the Arcadia Public Library on June
15, 2023. Commissioner Chu reported he and several attorneys volunteered and met with
residents to provide up to twenty minutes of free professional advice. Legal advice included areas
such as landlord -tenant issues, real estate, immigration, bankruptcy, and more. Commissioner
Chu reported over 170 people attended the event.
Vice -Chairperson Vanni reported many of the local cities along the San Gabriel Mountain range
have access to open forest areas. Aside from the approximate nine acres of enclosed public
access to Wilderness Park, the City of Arcadia does not. Vice -Chairperson Vanni reported he
would like to see if the City of Arcadia can work in conjunction with the City of Monrovia in opening
the area between the two cities known as Clam Shell Canyon by connecting the cities through
public hiking trails. Vice -Chairperson Vanni would like the Recreation and Parks Commission to
try and set up a meeting with County Supervisor Kathryn Barger to discuss this issue.
Chairperson Cheung — No Report
Commissioner Mediana introduced himself to the Commission. Commissioner Mediana has been
a long-time resident in the San Gabriel Valley and is a retired business owner. He is looking
forward to giving back to the community he loves.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON
Mayor Pro Tern Verlato reported new commissioners were appointed at the June 20, 2023, City
Council Meeting. Mayor Pro Tern Verlato reported City Council had a special meeting the end of
June to discuss and vote on having a Moon Festival on September 30, 2023. This is an important
cultural holiday for the Asian community and is celebrated by all Asian ethnicities in the
community. Mayor Pro Tern Verlato reported The Patriotic Festival was held in Downtown Arcadia
on July 1, 2023, with approximately 15,000 people in attendance. Mayor Pro Tern Verlato reported
there was no City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Mayor Pro Tern Verlato reported
Wilderness Park has approximately 100 additional acres beyond the enclosed public access area.
She said this may make a hiking trail between Arcadia and Monrovia feasible in the future. Mayor
Pro Tem Verlato reported City Council will have the opportunity to tour the storm damaged
Wilderness Park soon.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of June 14, 2023.
It was moved by Vice -Chairperson Vanni, seconded by Commissioner Chu, and
unanimously carried on roll call vote to approve consent calendar 2a.
3. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Report from Public Works Services Department
Project Updates
Deputy Director of Public Works Services (DDPWS) Carmen Masud reported new wood chips
have been placed at Camino Grove, Newcastle Park, and Hugo Reid Park.
b. Report from Recreation and Community Services Department
Monthly Reports
Director Recreation and Community Services (DRCS) Sara Somogyi reported the Request for
Proposal's (RFP's) for the concession stand at Bonita Park, the bleachers and shade structures
for the three Little Leagues at Bonita Park, Longden Field and Windsor Field, as well as the
Newcastle Park renovations should be going out to the public soon. DRCS Somogyi reported
Public Works Services Department is working on scheduling a tour of Wilderness Park for City
Council members and Recreation and Parks Commissioners, date and time is to be determined.
DRCS Somogyi welcomed new Commissioner Mediana. DRCS Somogyi reported the Recreation
and Community Services Department is currently working on the logistics for the Moon Festival.
DRCS Somogyi reported the Homelessness Point in Time count will now be done at the regional
level only and not at the individual city level as has been done in the past. The City of Arcadia will
fall under the San Gabriel Valley, Service Provider Area (SPA) 3.
DRCS Somogyi reported on June senior programs and activities. DRCS Somogyi reported the
billiard room had 611 participants. DRCS Somogyi reported 16 seniors had their blood pressure
checked in the month. DRCS Somogyi reported the gift shop had 119 visitors. DRCS Somogyi
reported Mahjong is popular with 70 seniors participating. DRCS Somogyi reported an average
of 73 seniors per day enjoyed the lunch program. DRCS Somogyi reported the growing
Wednesday afternoon sing -along with James had 80 participants. DRCS Somogyi reported the
special events were Tropical Bunco and the Senior Luau with over 160 seniors participating.
These events included games, refreshments, entertainment, and raffle prizes.
DRCS Somogyi reported on several recreation programs beginning with the 29 teams
participating in the Adult Basketball League in the Dana Gymnasium on Sundays. DCRS Somogyi
reported Concerts and Movies in the Park had more than 1,000 people attending the concerts
and over 300 people enjoying the movies. DRCS Somogyi reported the City's 1201h Birthday and
National Night out will be on Thursday, August 3. DRCS Somogyi reported the Summer Fun 'N
Play program had over 1,500 children participate in games, outdoor activities, and crafts. DRCS
Somogyi reported 48 Volunteens donated 573 hours. DRCS Somogyi reported recreation classes
remain popular with 3,255 participants at the various facilities throughout the City. DRCS Somogyi
reported Community Center rentals have picked up with five non-profit organization's and over
1,000 participants utilizing the Community Center on weekends during the month of June.
II. Financial Statements
DRCS Somogyi reported the financials are at approximately 90% for eleven months into the fiscal
year. Expenditures are under at 78% and revenue is approximately at 88%. DRCS Somogyi
reported the Parks and Recreation Fund remains the same and will show change once supplies
are purchased and renovations begin at parks or facilities in the City.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Cheung adjourned the meeting at 6:50pm to August 9, 2023, at 6:OOpm in the
Recreation and Community Services Conference Room, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia.
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Valerie Cheung
Chairperson
By: ft, JU'
Sara Somogyi
Secretary