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Parks and Recreation 2011/04/27PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Brookhurst Community Center, 2271 W. Crescent Avenue, Anaheim, California APRIL 27, 2011MINUTES COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:Chairman Baldwin, Vice-Chairman Crawford Commissioners Brennan, Huitt,Manes,Navarro, and Vadodaria COMMISSIONEREXCUSED: STAFF PRESENT:Lynn Smith -Community Services Manager,Antonio Karraa, Park Superintendent Pamela Galera, Principal Project PlannerGail Barruga-Admin.Assistant CALL TO ORDER–Chairman Baldwincalled the meeting to order at 5:30p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE–Chairman Baldwinled the Pledge of Allegiance. INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS AND COMMUNICATIONS Written Communication –None. A. Unscheduled OralCommunication from the Public –None B. APPROVAL OF MINUTES–Chairman Baldwinpresented the March 23, 2011 Commission Minutes for changes or corrections. There being none, Chairman Baldwinaccepted the Minutes as presented. ACTIVITY REPORTS A.Recreation and Human Services Activity Report –February/March2011:Lynn Smith presented the reportto the Commissioner for their questions and comments. Lynnthanked the Commissioners who were able to attend the Volunteer Luncheon held March 24, 2011. Lynn stated the format of the event was changed from an evening affair to a luncheon. Attendance was the same. The donations received this year covered the cost of the event, which itself was 50% less than a dinner event. Vice-Chairman Crawford asked if the Anaheim Family YMCA, who will be providing swim lessons in Anaheim, will be hiring any of the form city aquatic employees. Lynn confirmed the Y has been interviewing many of the city’s former employees and will hire quite a few of them. This will allow the Yto maintain continuity at the pool sites. The primary focus of their program is swim lessons; and to offer free public swim on the weekendsat Pearson Park Pool, as it is requirement of the agreement. Vice-Chairman Crawford asked if the seniors pay a fee for their classes. Lynn reported most of the classes offered are by volunteers or through the North Orange County Community College District. The City has an agreement with the college district wherein we provide the space free of charge and they provide the classes, at no cost to the seniors. Commissioner Huitt commented how popular the physical fitness classes are that she attends. Chairman Baldwin noted the combined statistics for the three resource centers, and asked if the programs that are having a higher activity level due to the downturn in the economy. He asked if thereferrals the city offers are lower to due to reduced resources. Lynn reported the staff relies on the network of human service providers throughout the countycomprised of public, county, non-profits, charities, or faith-based organizations.Everyone is feeling the 1 Park and Recreation Commission April 27, 2010 Minutes financial pinch, so many services have either dried up or been reduced. It is more challenging to serve this growing need. Commissioner Huitt spoke aboutthe desire of seniors wholive in the Anaheim Hills and their difficulties to attend programs at the Downtown Anaheim Community Center. She hopes that in the future activities/programs could be expanded to the East Anaheim Community Center(EACC), as the city is missing out on providing more activities for seniors. Chairman Baldwin asked if the seniors who live in this area, are taking advantage of the programs offered at the Center. Lynn stated in the past many of the same type classes offered at the DACC as were offered at theEACC(i.e. exercise, mobility, writing, etc.) but not well attended. Lynn reported EACC is served by Rancho Santiago College District not North Orange County Community College District; however, Ranch Santiago has eliminated the older adult education courses. Staff has been researching alternative options. Chairman Baldwin asked if a survey had been conducted in this area. Lynn stated a survey was conducted when the center was built. The survey indicatedthatsenior activitiesand needs was a low priority, youth activities, sports groups, and community groups needing a place to meet, were a higher priority. B.Parks Capital Project Progress Report–Pamela Galerapresented the report and providedupdates onthe following projects: Anaheim Coves-Construction is substantially complete. A new contract will be issued to finish plantings, remove weeds, and finish tree plantings. 2201 E. Cerritos-To comply with the Prop 84 grant requirements, a series of five community meetings will be held regarding this 10 acre property. The grant application will be for $5 million dollars and is due July 1, 2011. Connectivity Plan-The consultant has been selected (MIG). This project will include public meetings over a year’s time. The goal of this project is to create 100 acres of open space using the Southern California Right-of- Ways, creating a river walk along the Santa Ana River, and “complete streets” that are safe to ride a bike and walk. KaBoom! Playground at Edison Park–KaBoom! a non-profit company that provides children playgrounds. They partner with a local donor company to build the playgrounds in one or two days.The build date is June 22, 2011. Miraloma Park and Community Center–Interviews were conducted and Osborn was selected. Pamela stated this was very competitive. Oak Canyon Nature Center–The City was notified it would not be receiving a grant award for this project. Ponderosa Master Plan–Staff is applying for a grant for this project. The application is due July 1, 2011. C.Senior Citizen Sub-Committee–Commissioner Huittstated she reviewed and spoke with the two applicants for the vacancy of Ed Repic’s position on the Senior Citizen Sub-committee. One applicant was not available to serve at this time; the second applicant, Antonio Rodella. Commissioner Huitt gave an overview of his background information and then introduced Mr. Rodella. Mr. Rodella stated his first experience with Parks and Recreation was starting the Charter for the Placentia Little League. He also was a track team coach for 15 years. He stated his careers have included serving as a Police Officer in Santa Ana, an Engineer, and Social Worker for the County of Orange. He served as Chairman of the Senior Citizens Commission for two years. He is also on the executive board of the Senior Citizen Advisory Council (SCAC) for the County as well as serving on the Legislative Committee for SCAC. He is currently serving as the Secretary/Treasurer for the Area Agency on Aging Council of California in Sacramento. A motion was made by Commissioner Huitt to accept Mr. Rodellaapplicationto fill the Sub- Committee vacancy; Commissioner Brennan second. Motion passed. 2 Park and Recreation Commission April 27, 2010 Minutes Commissioner Huitt provided an update from Social Security for new filers after May 2011 checks will no longer be mailed, but rather they will receive their monthly payment electronically to their checking account, or if they do not have a checking account a debit card will be issued. By March 2013 all Social Security payments will be made by only these two methods. Commissioner Huitt suggested when the parking lot at the Downtown Anaheim Community Center is restriped, if more handicap parking spaces could fit in the area where there are now 11. She noted there is a five foot area between each space, and asked if this could be reduced so more spaces could be added. Lynn stated staff will consult with Traffic Engineering. NEW BUSINESS Chairman Baldwin asked for theMay meeting the Commissioners bringforth nominations for the Chairman position as his term on the Commission will be endingJune 30, 2011. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS Antonio Karraa reported the City has issued a Request for Proposal for park maintenanceservices.Bids are due mid- May.Several Commissioners discussed the many benefits of having dedicated city employees performing these services in the parks, not only do they take great pride and “ownership” of the parks, provide customer serviceto the residents and visitors to Anaheim, and invaluable behind-the-scenes assistance for the numerous community events throughout the year; versus contractor employees who are on a time sensitive schedule and have no commitment to the city.They acknowledged the delicate balance to save money in a down economy when more and more people are using the parks, and providing the necessary services to the residents. Chairman Baldwin provided information on the May 30, 2011 at Anaheim Cemetery at 11:00 a.m. the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars will conduct their annual Memorial Day program. Mayor Tait will be the featured speaker. After the program everyone is invited to the VFW Post for refreshments. Commissioner Manes provided information on upcomingevents in the city includingTaste of Anaheim at Garden Walk, the Historical Home Tour mid-May, Children’s Festival on May 21and the Greek Festival. st ADJOURNMENT–Chairman Baldwinadjourned the meeting at 6:55p.m. 3