HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/09/08MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON
PARKS, RECREATION, EDUCATION AND YOUTH
CALL TO ORDER
JANUARY 9, 2008
The meeting convened at 5:39 p.m. in the City Hall, Room 831, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa
Ana, California.
ATTENDANCE
Council members Present Michele Martinez (Chair), Vincent Sarmiento and Sal Tinajero
Councilmember(s) Absent: None
Staff Present: Cathy Standiford, Assistant City Manager; Gerardo Mouet,
Executive Director; Jose Sandoval, Assistant City Attorney;
Ron Ono, Administrative Services Manager; Ron Glazier, SA
Zoo Director; Alma Flores, Sr. Management Assistant; Hiram
Uribe, Graphics Designer
Public Present
Steve McGuigan, Kathy Decker
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Minutes of November 7, 2007 Regular meeting and November 21, 2007 Special
meeting approved as presented
2. SANTA ANA ZOO MARKETING
Staff presented a power point report on the Santa Ana Zoo Marketing Strategy. Zoo
attendance and revenue realities, Zoo strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats will
be reviewed through this analysis. The strategy will also review the existing partnership
marketing approach and how it can be enhanced. Currently, the peak seasons are spring
and summer; topping 3,000 attendances per day. One of the marketing goals will be to
increase the non-peak season of fall and winter and weekday afternoons. The physical
limitation to increasing attendance will be the parking challenge.
With the current improvements and events, the Zoo is approximately 45 percent self
sufficient. The Zoo is centrally located with great freeway access, the only AZA accredited
Zoo in Orange County, strong FOSAZ support, many recent improvements and rides along
with reasonably admission prices. Concerns would include: not enough public awareness,
limited parking, Zoo not fully developed, existing exhibits needing renovation, need for
additional larger and exciting animal exhibits, improving the rundown appearance
surrounding the outside of the Zoo, the need to provide other attractions or services outside
the Zoo that compliment the Zoo.
PREY Regular Meeting -MINUTES 1 January 9, 2008
There are still many opportunities for the Zoo. The adjacent properties (Elk's property) can
be developed as a destination place with sufficient parking to enhance the Zoo, there is
potential to raise funds in Orange County, new exhibits and rides are being planned,
increase the concept of a Neotropic Zoo, develop a regional reputation and destination
place for the Zoo.
Marketing will also focus on cultural, arts, music and food festivals of South and Central
America and Southern Mexico, development of a condor icon and marquee,
signage/banners and cross marketing opportunities with other cultural and entertainment
improvements.
On January 30, 2008 the SA Zoo will be hosting an all-day charette to brainstorm refinement
of the Zoo Master Plan.
Councilmember Sarmiento stated the Zoo is an asset and needs to be taken to another
level. City has other improvements, such as the Bower's Museum and Discovery Science
Center that has improved their marketing and visibility. We need to partner with sponsors to
install a marquee, improve visibility and parking.
Councilmember Tinajero indicated we need to have the city focus on this jewel and provide
improvements to re-energize visibility and marketing for the Zoo and to encourage other
developments, such as restaurants around the Zoo.
Councilmember Martinez indicated we should use the Zoo for more city, business, and
community events. The Saddleback Hotel should be developed into a mixed use
development that will enhance and support the Zoo activities.
Discussion ensued.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Check with Community Development on what it will take to purchase the Elks
property.
2) Look into improvements on First Street -image, landscaping and signage.
3) Look into street signage and banners.
4) Look into animal cut-outs on the First Street fence.
5) Identify funding or methods to pave the dirt lot.
6) Look into a possible Zoo gateway at Elk Lane (similar to Jurassic Park).
7) Look into partnership/sponsorship to install marquee.
3. SUMMER PROGRAM
Staff presented a summary of the 2007 Summer Program. The Parks, Recreation and
Community Services Agency provided services to over 38,082 youth this past summer, due
to schools going back to a traditional cycle. Programs included Summer Day Camp, Free
Lunch and Snack Program, Catalina Island Campout, Youth Sports, Aquatics Program,
Leisure Classes, Project P.R.I.D.E, McFadden Learning and Technology Center Program,
Read and Create Program, Youth Commission, Independence Day Celebration, Madison
Park/PE Bike Trail Adopt-A-Park, and Madison Walk-A-Thon and Faire.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Connect with Santa Ana College to use their pool and campus
for summer programs.
PREY Regular Meeting -MINUTES 2 January 9, 2008
4. WILLARD INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL JOINT-USE AGREEMENT
Staff reported the idea of a joint-use agreement on Willard Intermediate School was
reviewed with the SAUSD staff to see if the District was interested in partnering with the
City to apply for funding under Proposition 84 State Grant Funds. Various improvements
were suggested by the District and City staff. This item will be discussed at the next
City/District Joint Committee agenda.
Discussion ensued with the committee members.
5. GODINEZ HIGH SCHOOL MONUMENT AND MARQUEE LOCATION
Staff reported the Santa Ana Unified School District is proposing the installation of a
Marquee and Monument Sign for Godinez Fundamental High School at Centennial Park.
This request was discussed at the Technical Advisory Committee and will be discussed at
the City/District Joint Committee. A rendering and dimensions of the marquee and
monument sign was presented to the PREY Committee.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
1) Provide information on the City Municipal Code related to Marquees.
2) Provide pictures of the existing site conditions where the marquee and sign is being
proposed.
3) Provide pictures of other SAUSD marquees.
6. CESAR CHAVEZ CELEBRATION
Staff reported that the Cesar Chavez Celebration will be held at Delhi Park on Saturday;
March 22, 2008. A march will start at Cesar Chavez School and end at Delhi Park. Staff is
currently discussing the program line-up.
7. PUBLIC COMMENTS -None at this time
8. COMMITTEE MEMBERS COMMENTS
Councilmember Martinez indicated she would be forming a committee to review the
possibilities of doing a Veteran's Day Parade. She requested staff survey other cities
if they have a Veteran's Day Parade.
9. STAFF COMMENTS - None at this time
ADJOURNED: 6:55 p.m.
Services Manager, PRCSA
PREY Regular Meeting -MINUTES 3 January 9, 2008