HomeMy WebLinkAboutRP Minutes: 08/14/2024RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, August 14, 2024
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Cheung called the meeting to order at 6:02pm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Director Recreation Community Services (DRCS) Sara Somogyi
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Ayala, Cheung, and Mediana
EXCUSED: Vanni
A motion was made by Chairperson Cheung, seconded by Commissioner Ayala, and
unanimously carried on roll call vote to excuse Commissioner Vanni.
ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Commissioner Ayala made a motion to nominate Commissioner Vanni as Chairperson, seconded
by Commissioner Mediana and unanimously carried on roll call vote. Commissioner Cheung
made a motion to nominate Commissioner Mediana as Vice -Chairperson, seconded by
Commissioner Ayala. Commissioner Mediana accepted the nomination, and the motion
unanimously carried on roll call vote.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
REPORTS FROM RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Cheung thanked the Recreation and Community Services Department for a great
summer full of family events, activities, programs, and camps.
Commissioner Ayala reported he attended Concerts in the Park and commended the Department
on the band choices this summer. Commissioner Ayala reported he visited Bonita Park and
observed the construction of the new bleachers is underway. Commissioner Ayala reported the
Public Works Services Department is doing a good job cleaning up graffiti at Bonita Park Skate
Park. Commissioner Ayala reported he visited Bicentennial Park. He inquired how often play
equipment is assessed for maintenance and repairs. DRCS Somogyi informed the Commission
the City has a Certified Playground Specialist on staff who does monthly assessments of the City
playgrounds that include safety assessments of the parks and playground equipment.
Commissioner Ayala reported he observed the basketball courts at the Camino Grove location
are closed and inquired as to the reason for the closure. DRCS Somogyi informed the
Commission the courts are closed for maintenance.
Vice -Chairperson Mediana thanked the Recreation and Community Services Department for
keeping the parks nice for the community to enjoy.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON
Mayor Verlato reported an interest in having the Highland Oaks Elementary School playground
open to the community on the weekends while Wilderness Park is not accessible due to storm
damage. Mayor Verlato reported an interest in having an additional dog park in the City of Arcadia.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of July 10, 2024.
It was moved by Commissioner Ayala, seconded by Commissioner Cheung, and
unanimously carried on roll call vote to approve consent calendar 2a.
3. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Report from Public Works Services Department
Project Updates
DRCS Somogyi reported the Newcastle Park Renovation Project is on hold awaiting permits.
DRCS Somogyi reported Wilderness Park remains closed. Los Angeles County Public Works is
dredging the Santa Anita Dam and will conduct bridge repair before the City can begin any
assessment and work.
b. Report from Recreation and Community Services Department
I. Monthly Reports
DRCS Somogyi welcomed the Commissioners to another year of service. DRCS Somogyi
informed the Commissioners that Commissioner Chu resigned, and the Arcadia City Council will
appoint a new commissioner at the August 20, 2024, City Council meeting.
DRCS Somogyi reported on several senior programs in the month of July. DRCS Somogyi
reported classes had over 2,100 participants. DRCS Somogyi reported Coffee with the Mayor had
31 seniors in attendance. DRCS Somogyi reported the Gift Shop had 111 visitors. DRCS Somogyi
reported the Monday Dance had 215 participants. DRCS Somogyi reported the Senior Meals
Program had 1,099 participants. DRCS Somogyi reported Sing A Long with James has grown
with 118 seniors participating. DRCS Somogyi reported You've Got a Friend program connected
with three seniors. DRCS Somogyi reported the Patriotic Picinic was held on July 3 with 61 seniors
enjoying the patriotic themed lunch and program.
DRCS Somogyi reported on several recreation programs and activities in the month of July.
DRCS Somogyi reported the Summer Fun "N Play program had over 3,200 children participate.
DRCS Somogyi reported over 931 children attended the Summer Sports Camps. DRCS Somogyi
reported Specialty Camps had more than 900 participants. DRCS Somogyi reported the Summer
Concerts and Movies in the Park had 2,249 in attendance for the concerts and 847 in attendance
for the movies. DRCS Somogyi reported the volunteen program had 36 volunteens who
volunteered more than 960 hours during the month of July.
Financial Statements
DRCS Somogyi reported the Fiscal Year 2023/24 June percentage for expenditures is slightly
under for the end of the fiscal year at approximately 91% and revenue slightly under at
approximately 89.5%. DRCS Somogyi reported these percentages will change a little as the
finance department finishes the 23/24 fiscal year input. DRCS Somogyi reported the Parks and
Facilities fund has little movement as the Newcastle Park project is still on hold awaiting permits.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Cheung adjourned the meeting at 6:58pm to September 11, 2024, at 6:00pm in
the Recreation and Community Services Conference Room, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia.
Valerie Cheung
Commissioner
By -
Sara `
Somogyi
Secretary