Loading...
Parks and Recreation 2010/09/22PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Brookhurst Community Center, 2271 W. Crescent Avenue, Anaheim, California September 22, 2010 MINUTES COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairman Baldwin, Commissioners Brennan, Crawford, Huitt, and Vadodaria COMMISSIONERS EXCUSED: Commissioners Manes and Navarro CITY STAFF PRESENT: Larry Pasco, Park & Urban Forestry Manager Lynn Smith, Community Services Manager Pamela Galera, Principal Project Planner Moses Menchaca, Community Services Supervisor 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 August 25, 2010 Minutes to the Commissioners and asked if there were any changes or corrections. There being none, Chairman Baldwin accepted the Minutes as presented. ACTIVITY REPORTS A. Parks Division Activity Report — June /Jules Larry Pasco presented the report stating it provides a snap shot of the major activities accomplished during the previous two months in the Parks Division, Chairman Baldwin stated this has been a difficult period with recent budget cuts and Larry's staff has been doing a remarkable job. Larry reviewed the tasks that were outsourced over the past three years: turf mowing, litter pick -up and restroom maintenance, This was accomplished with the least impact to staff through retirements, attrition, and not filling vacant positions. Chairman Baldwin asked what caused the damage to the rubberized playground surface at John Marshall Park, Larry stated he would provide the information at the next meeting. Chairman Baldwin asked for a status on the Glover Stadium artificial turf project. Larry reported staff is completing the construction documents. This project is currently unfunded. Commissioner Huitt complemented staff on the Pioneer Park All Star Complex as to how wonderful it turned out. Parks Ca ital Pro' ct PL ogress Report — Pamela Galera presented the report, provided updated information on the following projects, and answered questions from the Commissioners. • Anaheim Coves — This project is located in the "Burris Basin" section on the west bank of the Santa Ana River between Ball Road and Lincoln Avenue. The property is owned by the Orange County Water District and the city is developing 14 acres of the upland area which will include a 1.5 mile bike trail, There are two staging areas one at Lincoln and the second at Ball Road that will include 12 —14 parking spaces, restrooms, and drinking fountains. There are art pieces built into the project and interpretive signage to educate the public about the flora and fauna, water basin operation, and the history of Anaheim. This project is of particular interest for senior citizens in that the trail is very walk able, flat asphalt paving with many benches. This will also be a great place to watch birds. All the landscaping will be native, not native to California or Orange County, but native to the watershed, Construction has begun and should be completed by March 2011. The construction is completely grant funded. • Anaheim Tennis Center — Located at Boysen Park the project includes the restoration of the historic Wagner House, adding a new building (LEED certified) to the site which will include a workout room, locker rooms, restrooms and green rooms. A "period appropriate" garden will be added to be used for Puncheons, weddings, and other outdoor functions. Also, center court will be lowered a few feet. The construction documents are under review by the Building Division for approval. Staff is 1 Park and Recreation Commission September 22, 2010 Minutes completing the CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) to show there is no environmental impact. Pamela stated potential contractors will be pre - qualified to Ndlwork on this type of project. Chairman Baldwin noted the "Open to the Public" sign has blown off the sign and needs to be replaced. tarry stated it will be replaced. • Anaheim Wetlands — this in an area along the Santa Ana River near Weir Canyon and to Palma Avenue by Savi Ranch. The wetlands are a mitigation area established approximately 20 years ago, and were destroyed in the Freeway Fires two years ago. An interpretive sign will be installed to provide educational information to visitors. • Coiony Park — This one acre park is located at the end of Water Street and Olive Street. Brookfield Development is constructing the park which is approximately 50% completed. The park will have an open grass area and a water feature that interprets the history of the Santa Ana River with a map outlining the original colony of Anaheim. • Connectivi Plan — This project was awarded through Urban Greening Planning, a Prop 84 State grant. This project is to encourage non - vehicular transportation connecting downtown Anaheim with the Resort area, the Convention Center, Platinum Triangle and the future ARTIC facility. Staff will coordinate with other city departments and outside agencies to accomplish the plan. The task is to create 100 acres of open space, not necessarily land the city owns, but walkable areas, pocket parks, or areas similar to the "Emerald Necklace" found in Boston and Cleveland. • Dog Park — The Task Force is identifying sites citywide for appropriate areas for a dog park(s). • Founders" Park — This new one acre park on West Street is the site that includes the two historic homes, Woelke- Stoffel and Mother Colony, and the landmark Ficus tree. This park will have interpretive signs providing information about Anaheim's agricultural history along with the founding of the city. A groundbreaking ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 28th. • Miraloma — Staff applied for a grant for this one acre park. This site has an industrial building that will be converted to a small community center. • Oak Canyon Nature Center -- Staff submitted a grant to build a new interpretive center. • Ponderosa Park — The Anaheim Elementary School District purchased apartment buildings adjacent to the park, demolished them to build a new school that includes a joint use library. The grand opening is now schedule for January 2011. Staff is moving forward on the Master Plan to upgrade the park and facilities and will continue to research grants to fund this project Community meetings with the neighbors of this park will be scheduled to discuss the Master Plan. • Twila Reid Restrocm — This project will renovate the restrooms and community room, The bids were opened last week and the low bid at $380,000; the Engineer's estimate was $550,000. Ed Repic asked how the non -grant projects are funded. Pamela stated besides grants, these projects are paid through developer fees. These fees can only be used for park development, not park improvements. Chairman Baldwin asked about the shelf ready plans for the Brookhurst Community Center, if several years go by before funding is received, will the city need to resubmit the plans to the building department in the event there are code changes. Pamela stated every six months the Building department reviews the plans to ensure they are up to date. Pamela reviewed the project which includes adding rooms for use by seniors and other community groups. Chairman Baldwin would like staff to move forward in defining the scope of the project for the Fullerton owned property on Ira Palma noting there continues to be more and more equipment stored on this site. NEW BUSINESS: Introduction of New Commissioners — Chairman Baldwin reviewed the City Council's desire to combine the Senior Citizen Commission with the Park and Recreation Commission with the requirement that one of the commissioners also act as the Chair of the new Senior Citizen Sub - Committee. Don stated he served on the Senior Citizen Commission for nine years; six years as the Chairman. The three member sub - committee will also include the two remaining members of the Senior Citizen Commission, Chairman Baldwin weicomed Judy E. Huitt as a new member of the commission and who will be the Chair of the Senior Citizen sub- committee, Also introduced were Ed Repic and Madeline Jensen, the balance of the Senior Citizen Sub - Committee. Commissioner Huitt, Mr, Repic and Ms. Jensen each provided information regarding their tenure and responsibilities on the former Senior Citizen Commission, Park and Recreation Commission September 22, 2090 Minutes Chairman Baldwin introduced Moses Menchaca, Community Services Supervisor, Mr. Menchaca gave an overview of his responsibilities which include the senior centers at Brookhurst Community Center and at the Downtown Community Center. Mr. Menchaca has been with the City of Anaheim for 97 years. Commissioner Huitt reviewed two projects the former Senior Citizen Commission recently worked on with city staff. The first was installing a "no exit" sign in the portion of parking lot at the Downtown Community Center. The second was the installation of a pedestrian countdown light at the crosswalk located in front of City Hall at Center Street Promenade and Anaheim Blvd. Commissioner Huitt stated they were in the process of requesting a second pedestrian countdown light to be installed at Center Street and Anaheim Blvd. crosswalk that leads into the shopping center. She stated there are several senior housing complexes in the neighborhood and these lights allow pedestrians to know how many seconds are left to cross the street before the light changes. A. Selection of a Vice Chair —The commissioners agreed to select Richard Crawford to fill the vacant Vice Chair position. INFORMATION ITEMS — Lynn Smith, on behalf of the Mayor and City Council members, presented a letter from the Council and an engraved pen set to Judy E. Huitt, Madeline Jensen and Ed Repic thanking them for their service on the Senior Citizen Commission. Moses Menchaca reported the work has begun to repair the floor in the Assembly room at the Downtown Community Center. The work should be completed by mid - October. Commissioner Brennan thanked the city staff for their continued great service to the residents, even in these tough economic times, Vice -Chair Crawford complemented the Pearson Park Theatre staff and volunteers for their efforts during the Fab Four concert. Chairman Baldwin stated he liked the new Friday Fight movies at Pearson Park. Commissioner Huitt stated she was happy to hear that many of the capital projects are funded by grants. Commissioner Huitf asked for an update on the installation of the new type of traffic signals at the corner of Center Street at Anaheim Blvd. leading to the Von's shopping center. ADJOURNMENT - Chairman Baldwin adjourned the meeting at 6:35 p.m