Parks and Recreation 2010/01/27PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Brookhurst Community Center, 2271 W. Crescent Avenue, Anaheim, California
January 27, 2010 MINUTES
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairman Baldwin, Vice - Chairman Knapil
Commissioners Brennan, Crawford and Vadodaria
COMMISSIONERS EXCUSED: Commissioners Herschler and Manes
CITY STAFF PRESENT:
Steve Swaim, Community Services Superintendent Larry Pasco, Parks Superintendent
Pamela Galera, Sr. Comm. Services Proj. Planner Gail Barruga, Administrative Assistant
CALL TO ORDER — Chairman Baldwin called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Chairman Baldwin led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A. Written Communication — None
B. Unscheduled Oral Communication from the Public - None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES — Chairman Baldwin presented the Minutes of the October 28, 2009
meeting to the Commissioners and asked if they had any changes. There being none, Chairman
Baldwin accepted the minutes.
ACTIVITY REPORTS
A. Parks Division Activity Report — November /December 2009 — Larry Pasco presented the report to
the Commission. Commissioner Crawford asked why there are so many sump pumps failures.
Larry stated this is not uncommon due to the above average rainfall received this season, but also
the pump's design and the installation site in the ground. Also, several parks have drainage
issues and flood with heavy rainfall. Larry stated the city's Facility Maintenance department
provides maintenance and repairs on a regular basis.
Chair Baldwin asked what resulted from the meeting with the landscape architect at Colony Park
regarding the palm trees. Pamela Galera stated the trees are healthy and appropriate for use at
Colony Park. Pamela stated the city's requirement is the trees must have a one year warranty,
therefore, the contractor must have a landscape contractor guarantee the trees for the one year,
then the city will accept them; if not, the city will not accept the trees.
B. Recreation. Human and Neiahborhood Services Activitv Report — October /November 2009: —
Steve Swaim presented the report noting the exhibit "Dia de Los Muertos, A Celebration of Life"
held at the Downtown Community Center Art Gallery was an outstanding exhibit. The reception,
hosted by the Anaheim Cultural and Heritage Commission was well attended. Chair Baldwin
complimented the staff who is responsible in maintaining this facility and art gallery.
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Chair Baldwin stated the use of postcards does not seem to be as effective as the mailed Activity
Guide, and asked if they are as cost effective as the Activity Guide? He did not want to see these
programs go away due to low enrollment. Steve Swaim stated the department is using other
marketing strategies, such as the banner at the corner of Lemon and Sycamore. Similar banners
will be posted at six major parks throughout the city to advertise registrations, specific programs,
etc. Steve stated the online Activity Guide, available at Anaheim.net, is very user friendly.
Commissioner Brennan suggested information could be printed on the utility bill insert, or obtain
users email addresses for email blasts. Steve stated email blasts are being used to promote the
programs.
Commissioner Brennan asked about the relationship between the City of Anaheim and the
Anaheim Union High School District regarding the equitable joint use of the city's facilities and the
School District's facilities, especially since there is no longer a point person at the District. Steve
stated the relationship is fine; the city uses several sites at the district schools for programs.
C. Parks Capital Project Progress Report — Pamela Galera provided updated information on the
following projects and answered questions from the Commissioners.
Pioneer Park /New Fields — Larry Pasco stated the City of Anaheim is hosting the 2010
Baseball All Star game in July. As part of the celebration, Major League Baseball (MLB) in
partnership with the Angels Baseball Foundation will upgrade a current facility in honor of the
event. Larry stated the Angels Baseball Foundation has also been working with the Miracle
League, to provide a specialized field for disabled youth. Staff reviewed various sites and
determined the best match is Pioneer Park due to its size, location, configuration of the
existing baseball field, and the ability to add another baseball field. Also it would not have an
adverse affect on current user groups, North Anaheim Little League and JUSA soccer.
A community meeting will be scheduled to discuss the tentative design which would place the
Miracle League's challenger field to the west of the existing field. This baseball field is the
size of a tee -ball field; from home plate to the outfield is 120 ft. The existing baseball field will
be upgraded, including the back stops, dugouts, field, irrigation, foul poles, and score board.
MLB requires the upgrade field be used by the RBI League (Boys and Girls Club). This does
not present any scheduling issues.
Chair Baldwin asked if this will be done in conjunction with the other capital improvement
projects planned at this park. Larry confirmed that it would be. Larry stated this is a feather in
the cap for the city.
Burris Basin Area — Pamela stated on January 29 she will give a presentation on this project
to the Property Management Committee of the OC Water Board. Also at the end of February,
staff will present the following documents for approval to OCWB: construction documents,
interpretive signs, environmental documents, maintenance and operation plans, etc. Also, the
name of the park "Anaheim Coves" will be presented for approval. Chair Baldwin offered the
name "Laguna Burris" as a name to be considered. The Environmental document will be
presented for Council approval on February 16, 2010.
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• Founders Park — The construction documents have been submitted to the Building
department for plan check. Chair Baldwin offered the name "Westmont Gardens" as a name
for this park site, since it is in the Westmont area of the city.
• Miraloma — Staff has held four successful community meetings with the neighbors of this new
park site. The building on site will be kept and rehabilitated. The City is in escrow on the
property and staff has applying for grant to fund this project.
NEW BUSINESS
Chair Baldwin complimented Park employee at Pearson Park, Gary Pene, on his professionalism and
work ethic. Chair Baldwin asked who is going to retain supervision of the outsourced services. Larry
provided information regarding outsourcing the restroom maintenance and the litter /trash pickup
services in the parks. Larry stated, as with the outsourcing of the turf mowing function, the Park Field
Supervisors will provide the oversight supervision of the companies providing these services. Larry
stated Park staff has been quite satisfied with the services of the company providing the mowing
services in the parks.
Commissioner Brennan stated his appreciation for staff's ability to find open spaces to create parks;
i.e. the City of Fullerton property on La Palma Avenue, and the property on Miraloma, especially
during these tough economic times, when people will use their local parks more often for recreation.
INFORMATION ITEMS
ADJOURNMENT — Chairman Baldwin adjourned the meeting at 6:35 p.m.
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