Parks & Recreation 2021/03/24MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
TELECONFERENCE
March 24, 2021
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT:
Lynn Cudd, Chair Sjany Larson-Cash, Interim Director
Nichole Rupp, Vice Chair Pamela Galera, Parks Manager
Ryan Balius JJ Jimenez, Principal Project Planner
James Cook Eleanor Granflor, Senior Secretary
John Elwell
Tony Flores
Yogesh Shah (arrived at 6:28 p.m.)
A G E N D A A C T I O N T A K E N
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Cudd called the meeting to order at 6:07 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Flores led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None.
4. SCHEDULED COMMUNICATION: None.
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Chair Cudd presented the February 24, 2021 Minutes to the Commissioners
for changes or corrections. Eleanor Granflor stated there will be a change – Yogesh Shah will be moved to
“Commissioners Absent” section. Commissioner Cook made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Vice
Chair Rupp. The motion was approved with five votes in favor and one abstention by Commissioner Elwell;
Chair Cudd accepted the minutes.
6. REPORTS
a) Parks Activity Report – January/February: Pamela Galera presented the report and highlighted staff
retirements and promotions, park improvements and renovations at Yorba Regional Parking Lot and Deer
Canyon, upcoming opening of Maxwell Dog Park, and the installation of hand sanitizer stations at parks
that do not have restrooms.
b) Park Ranger Report – February: Sjany Larson-Cash presented the report and highlighted the number of
patrols, patrons, public contacts made by Park Rangers. Park usage has increased from January, as well
as an increase in curfew and alcohol contacts. Park Rangers continue to assist with food distribution
programs.
c) Parks Capital Project Progress Report: JJ Jimenez presented the report and provided updates regarding
the delay of projects, cost increase of materials, and the submittal of grants for projects. JJ also highlighted
the following projects: Cottonwood Park Playground Improvements, Maxwell Dog Park, and Ross Park
Expansion. Questions were answered regarding the KaBOOM! Build Day and Design Day for Cottonwood
Park Playground Improvements, and the 100th anniversary of the purchase of the land that Pearson Park
was built on.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
March 24, 2021
Page 2
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7. PREVIOUS BUSINESS
a) FY 2020/21 Proposed Budget Update: Sjany Larson-Cash reported the City Council did approve bond
financing for up to $210 million due to revenue losses accrued during the pandemic. In addition, the city
will be receiving a stimulus package of almost $108 million in two phases; $54 million this current fiscal
year and $54 million next fiscal year. The financing authority will only be used as needed through the next
two to four years.
The budget will be presented to the Commission in May.
Questions were answered regarding the current fiscal year’s deficit and stimulus funding for the Community
Services Department.
8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
Eleanor Granflor reported the City Clerk and City Attorney’s office will be hosting a virtual Joint Board/
Commissions Meeting for Brown Act/Ethics Training for new Commissioners and any Commissioners on March
31, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. The Agenda will be posted on the city website this Friday, March 26 th and the meeting
link information will be emailed to Commissioners by Monday, March 29th.
Sjany Larson-Cash reported the annual Volunteer Recognition will be held virtually on March 31, 2021 at 7 p.m.
Commissioner Balius questioned if electric bikes are allowed on city parks and if there is a policy in place.
Pamela Galera stated bikes are not typically allowed on the majority of the city parks. Commissioner Balius
requested for this item to be added on the next meeting Agenda. Sjany Larson-Cash stated the current park
ordinance will be reviewed and shared with the Commission to evaluate.
Commissioner Balius questioned what the guidelines will involve when facilities begin to open. Sjany Larson-
Cash stated that staff is currently reviewing recreation programming, operations and state guidelines to plan the
re-opening of facilities safely.
Commissioner Balius questioned if the Commission will begin to meet in-person. Sjany Larson-Cash stated a
discussion for in-person meetings will be brought up in the next couple of months. There are still limitations for
participation of the public.
9. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Cudd adjourned the meeting at 6:52 p.m.