Parks & Recreation 2023/05/24MINUTES
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
Lynn Cudd, Chair
Ryan Balius
CarlottaRhea Clark
James Cook
Greg Martin
Fred Sigala, Jr.
STAFF ABSENT:
Tony Flores, Vice Chair
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
DOWNTOWN ANAHEIM COMMUNITY CENTER
250 E CENTER ST., ANAHEIM, CA 92805
May 24, 2023
STAFF PRESENT:
Sjany Larson -Cash, Director
JJ Jimenez, Parks Manager
Anaheim Sporn, Community Services Manager
Eleanor Granflor, Senior Secretary
Ana Straabe, Principal Project Planner
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Cudd called the meeting to order at 6:05 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Sigala led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: Art Castillo, former employee of Parks and Recreation
divisions and Anaheim resident, introduced himself and commended staff for the parks and facilities
improvements over the years.
Mazatl Tepehyolotzin, Anaheim resident, introduced himself and shared the importance of an art mural for
Indigenous Peoples Day. Mr. Tepehyolotzin attended the meeting along with Anaheim residents: Chavela
Gomez, Raymundo and Maria.
4. SCHEDULED COMMUNICATION: None.
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Chair Cudd presented the April 26, 2023 Minutes to the Commissioners for
changes or corrections. Commissioner Sigala made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by
Commissioner Cook. The motion was approved with 6 votes in favor; Chair Cudd accepted the minutes.
6. REPORTS:
a) Parks Activity Report— March/April: JJ Jimenez presented the report and highlighted the installation of
wood chips in playground areas and painting of benches in parks, Anaheim Public Utilities Beautification
Day, the new concrete picnic tables at Modjeska Park, and Easter events and sports tournaments held at
various parks.
Questions were answered regarding areas mulched in the Boysen sector, when sinks are turned on in
picnic shelters, if city staff contacts other agencies when something is reported on the My Anaheim app that
is not on city property, if a schedule is provided to the community regarding fertilization of parks, and
notification of any extended closure of park restrooms.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
May 24, 2023
Page 2
b) Park Ranger Report — April: Anaheim Sporn presented the report and provided information on the monthly
statistics, recruitment and staffing of Park Rangers.
Commissioner Sigala commended a Park Ranger for his fast response to issues at La Palma Park.
c) Parks Capital Project Progress Report: Ana Straabe presented the report and highlighted Center Greens,
Citrus and Ross Park play areas, and North La Palma Green Promenade & Parking Lot.
Questions were answered regarding Boysen Park and the removal of soil, replacement of play area at
Riverdale and Little Peoples parks, OC River Walk, Maxwell Park fitness stations, Brookhurst Teen Center
completion date, and the project timeline and cost of Center Greens.
7. NEW BUSINESS:
a) FY 2023/2024 Proposed Budget Summary: Sjany Larson -Cash presented an overview of the core services
of the Community Services Department, and the proposed budget. JJ Jimenez presented an overview of
the Parks and Capital budget, and Capital Improvement Projects — new and proposed amenities. Anaheim
Sporn presented an overview of Recreation Services, Human Services, and Neighborhood Services.
Questions were answered regarding the total proposed budget, capital improvement funding, what IGS
charges are, rising cost in utilities, budget for homeless activity, total amount spent for Park Maintenance,
library services, fee increases approved by the Commission, how long a turf area will be fenced off to rest
for field renovation, obtaining more park acreage, and Golf operating costs and budget.
Chair Cudd made a motion to support the FY 2023/2024 Proposed Budget as presented, seconded by
Commissioner Cook. The motion was approved with 6 votes in favor; motion was accepted.
8. PREVIOUS BUSINESS:
a) Impact Fees Sub -Committee: Commissioner Balius reported the sub -committee completed a draft
recommendation letter to the City Council for the re -visitation of the City's park -in -lieu fees. Commissioners
Sigala and Clark shared their support for the recommendation and a discussion was held by the
Commission.
Commissioner Balius made a motion to submit the Park -in -Lieu Fee Review recommendation letter
individually to each City Council member and to submit for Public Comment at the next City Council
meeting, seconded by Commissioner Sigala. The motion was approved with 6 votes in favor; motion was
accepted.
9. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Sjany Larson -Cash reported the City Council approved a new agreement to open
three school district properties: Sycamore Jr. High, South Jr. High, and Trident Jr. High fields.
Commissioner Cook reported the Mitchell Scholarship will be presented on Tuesday at Canyon High School.
Commissioner Sigala reported he attended the State of the City event and commended the Anaheim
Community Foundation for providing scholarships for Community Services programs.
Ana Straabe reported the National Park Service approved a $1.9 million grant through the Land and Water
Conservation for River Park.
10. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Cudd adjourned the meeting at 7:45 p.m.