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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMins 2007 09 Sep_Final Board of Recreation and Parks Minutes of September 26, 2007 Meeting Page 1 of 8 BOARD OF RECREATION AND PARKS MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING September 26, 2007 CALL TO ORDER Administration Building of Parks, Recreation and Community Services 888 W. Santa Ana Blvd. Santa Ana, California 5:39 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE J. Havlik ROLL CALL BOARD OF RECREATION AND PARKS MEMBERS/STUDENT REPS PRESENT: Frank Acosta, Joshua Havlik, Tish Leon, Max Madrid, Julie Stroud, David Orea, and Juan Guadarrama STAFF/CONSULTANTS PRESENT: Gerardo Mouet, Executive Director Ron Ono, Administrative Services Manager Lorraine McCarty, Community Services Manager Mike Lopez, Parks Superintendent Joe Straka, Assistant City Attorney Katherine Bowers, Cable Consultant Martha Núñez, Acting Board Secretary VISITORS PRESENT Hector López, Juan A. Mejía, Hazel Newhouse, George Rodríguez, Tessa Santoro PRESENTATIONS EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH PRESENTATIONS – October 2007 Bernardino Rodríguez was present to accept the award for October 2007. SPECIAL SERVICE TO THE COMMUNTIY PRESENTATION – August 2007 Sr. Pastor David Mitchell and other representatives of Calvary Church accepted the August 2007 award. CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION: F. Acosta SECOND: M. Madrid VOTE: AYES: Acosta, Havlik, Leon, Madrid, Orea, Stroud, (6) NOES: None (0) ABSENT: (at voting) Nguyen, Tobiska (2) Board of Recreation and Parks Minutes of September 26, 2007 Meeting Page 2 of 8 1. MINUTES Approve Minutes of Regular Meeting held on August 22, 2007. 2. RECORDING SECRETARY’S REPORT The September 26, 2007 agenda was posted on the doors of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency Headquarters office on September 21, 2007. 3. ABSENCES Excuse the absence of W. Tobiska MOTION: F. Acosta SECOND: M. Madrid VOTE: AYES: Acosta, Havlik, Leon, Madrid, Orea, Stroud, (6) NOES: None (0) ABSENT: (at voting) K. Nguyen, W. Tobiska (2) Unexcused absence of K. Nguyen – The Board will vote at the next meeting. No one was notified as to cause of absence. ** END OF CONSENT CALENDAR ** BUSINESS CALENDAR NEW BUSINESS 1. MATCH POINT TENNIS ACADEMY Executive Director Gerardo Mouet made a presentation. Match Point Tennis Academy and the City have entered into an agreement for the use of Cabrillo Tennis Courts. Handouts are on file with Recording Secretary for review. Q&A Q: Will they be able to reserve the courts? A: As an organization. Q: How does it fit into our program fields? A: We have 9 courts. Low income residents have very little knowledge of tennis and no formal use of Cabrillo Tennis is established – only month to month. Once an operational agreement is established, it will be a formal procedure. Q: Are we working with these organizations to help children? A: Yes, to provide scholarships to the Santa Ana youth at this tennis level. Q: Are tennis courts at Santa Ana High School’s tennis center open to the public or only by reservation? A: By reservation only – we do not have the staff as we do at Cabrillo Tennis courts. We do not leave the facilities open because of liability issues and maintenance – we do not have the necessary staff Board of Recreation and Parks Minutes of September 26, 2007 Meeting Page 3 of 8 Q: Can a tennis tournament be held even in the conditions in which the courts are in? A: Yes, four of our courts on the north-side are okay; three courts at the south-side have cracks and under utilized. It is a function of money. Q: The one with cracks, can a tournament be held? A: Yes 2. GANG PREVENTION THROUGH RECREATION Executive Director Gerardo Mouet made a presentation to explain that the Recreation Division has created a Youth Sports Prevention Program for the Santa Anita neighborhood. Handouts are on file with Recording Secretary for review. Page 1-B identifies gang hot spots. There is one spot not identified - Santa Anita Gang Injunction is in place at this site. SAPD and the State did research and put together Gang Injunction – Santa Anita gangs not being allowed to show their colors is one example of the injunction controls. On January 2007 we began doing our part to work with young kids on recreation services when they are most vulnerable. We invested $45,000 more funds for recreation at Santa Anita because of injunction. We are basically doing more recreation youth services; i.e., more sports at Santa Anita and Campesino athletic fields. We have partnered with Santa Anita Neighborhood Association, unfortunately, we do not have enough athletic fields. Two other hot spots that we are planning to focus on are Townsend and Lopers. Our parks need a lot of work and money. The actual cost to renovation Jerome Center is $3.5 million. Federal CDBG monies will be used for construction. We are going to bid this fiscal year. By renovating Jerome Center, we will be able to do more youth programs preventing kids from being recruited by gang members. The Rookie Program will be moved from summer to spring. PUBLIC COMMENTS: Hazel Newhouse, Vice President Bella Vista N/A Wants to start a league at Townsend and use Jerome’s fields. In addition, would like a playground at Jerome Park and asked about the renovation at Jerome Center. Tessa Santoro Nuestra Santa Ana – She is a member of Chicanos Unidos and is trying to form a Pony League with 8th graders and below at Thornton Park.  G. Mouet - Would like to meet with her at a later time to discuss her plans. He will have Athena set up a meeting. George Rodriguez – Santa Ana Development Soccer Program Has the rosters ready for competitive soccer and needs to hold play at Santa Anita Park. Kids are new to the park. The majority are from the mobile home park. Board of Recreation and Parks Minutes of September 26, 2007 Meeting Page 4 of 8 Juan Mejia – Olympic Y.S. League The problem with Santa Anita Park is that it is a City program and will be taking away from our kids. Last week he spoke with Mr. Perez to inform him that no one was using the fields at Santa Anita and the lights were on. He did not believe that it was fare that the courts had been reserved from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. but yet it was 8:20 p.m. and the field was idle. Q&A Q: Max Madrid – Are you a non-profit or for profit organization. A: George Rodriguez – Local leagues are business ran, we are for profit Q: Julie Stroud – What percentage of kids are from Santa Ana? A: George Rodriguez - Eighty percent Q: Julie Stroud – What ages? A: George Rodriguez – 10 to 19 years Q: Julie Stroud – Are you trying to get non-profit status? A: George Rodriguez –  Gerardo Mouet – We have 10 youth soccer organization and have asked them to submit their 501c3 documentation. SAYSO, ConquistAmerica and Boys Scouts of America are the only organizations that have submitted this documentation; and we are moving on the direction to give them priority with youth and adult soccer. By asking for this documentation (501c3), we are moving in the direction of making it a requirement.  Hector Lopez - Most of my kids live in the Santa Anita neighborhood. I have kids that live on the other side of the mobile home park. Do you think it is fair that kids have to live in the Santa Anita neighborhood?  G. Mouet – Yes, kids are being encouraged to participate. Santa Anita N/A is bound to serve that area.  Hector Lopez – We are an organization on the outside. We don’t want to take the program away from the City; but in the future we will not have space for our kids and do not want to have our kids in the streets – we only want some space were our kids can play. Q: J. Havlik – Can you tell us why your program is better than the City’s A: Hector Lopez - It is more competitive Q: J. Stroud – How many hours do you need a week A: Hector Lopez – Six hours A: George Rodriguez – Four hours Q: J. Stroud - How old are the kids A: Hector Lopez – Six to 16 years old  M. Madrid – If you are just going for competition, then I do not agree with your program. A: George Rodriguez – We need you to be more fair. Q: J. Stroud - Do you not get your two hours A: George Rodriguez – No. Board of Recreation and Parks Minutes of September 26, 2007 Meeting Page 5 of 8  J. Havlik – Requested an update at next meeting on Santa Anita Program.  G. Mouet – It is a capacity issue. We are trying to open more fields at schools.  T. Leon – I understand they feel they are being left out.  J. Havlik – Wants to make sure we understand the problem  G. Mouet – Suggested a Special Work Study be scheduled so that the Board is in full understanding of the situation.  M. Madrid – Not only soccer fields but baseball fields, etc.  F. Acosta – Make it a one item topic  G. Mouet – It would need to be an additional meeting- apart from the regular board meeting.  J. Stroud – Would like to have all information beforehand so that everyone can review all the material that would be discussed at this special meeting.  G. Mouet – There are six schools on the west side of the river and six schools on the east side. (Max Madrid left the meeting at 7:00 p.m.) Q&A: Q: If Staff wanted to be placed on a neighborhood association meeting agenda, who should they contact? A: Contact any District Manager for assistance. 3. WINDSOR PARK UPDATE Staff presented a request for Board Action to receive and file.  R. Ono stated that plans will be completed by next month  Bid advertisement scheduled for November  Bid award on January 2008  Funded by CDBG funds - $385,000  Monies will also be used for improvement of the tennis courts  We are addressing ADA issues Q&A Q: What would be the cost to refurbish Fisher Park A: It would be a prohibited cost  Gerardo Mouet stated that if sand was used, we would be obligated to rubberize the surface surrounding the playground because of ADA 4. DEFERRED MAINTENANCE REPORT Executive Director Gerardo Mouet stated that at the February 2007 Council Retreat, Council asked that we create a deferred maintenance list. The list/report was created and will be receiving a copy in the next couple of days. The Mayor and Council have now requested a differed maintenance report which will depict a list of minor repairs at all our parks and centers. These minor repairs might include fading paint, broken benches, drinking fountains, etc. Monies usually come from grants and capital budget. We had $500,000 dedicated for deferred maintenance but had to use it for landscape projects. Q&A Q: What is our roll on this report – is it only for information purposes? A: Yes, it is for information – a guide Board of Recreation and Parks Minutes of September 26, 2007 Meeting Page 6 of 8 J. Stroud stated she would like to have some time to look at the report. She believes that the paint at Angels Community Park can be done by the community or staff. G. Mouet stated that there is a consequence when we take staff away from their regular duties. Chair T. Leon stated that Scott Kutner could help by taking it to the community and see how they can help. 5. NOMINATIONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICE AWARD TO THE YOUTH AND COMMUNTIY OF SANTA ANA Board members stated the Catalina Volunteers would be an excellent choice. MOTION: F. Acosta SECOND: J. Havlik VOTE: AYES: Acosta, Havlik, Leon, Orea, Stroud, (5) NOES: None (0) ABSENT: (at voting) Madrid, Nguyen, Tobiska (3) UPCOMING EVENTS October 7: Youth Expo at Santa Ana College October 9: Youth Commission November 7: Parks, Recreation, Education and Youth (PREY) December 6: Agency’s Christmas Party Weekly Walking Clubs: Are held only on Fridays at 11:30 a.m. STATUS/UPDATES 1. COMMITTEE ON FIELD USE (CoFU) – As of November 1st leagues will be required to submit an updated roster when dropping or adding a new member. We are in the middle of competitive soccer/football season. 2. OPEN SPACE COMMITTEE – Staff met with Mother’s of Floral Park and presented them with the cost of installing the playground. Because of the cost, Mother’s of Floral Park thought it could be installed as a volunteer effort. Staff met with Senator Correa and Directors of the State Grant. Legislation is still working on the funding criteria for Proposition 84. Staff from PWA will met with the Cambridge Reservoir Neighborhood Association to inform them that PWA will be installing the block wall and landscape along the parkway to conceal the vacant lot until funding is available to build the reservoir. Tree Planting took place at Bomo Koral Park; Medtronics planted ten 24-inches box pines on Sept. 22nd. The Renaissance Plan will be presented at the October 24 Board meeting. On Chepa’s Park signage, we have had no response from the family. Staff has sent them information but have not heard from them. 3. SANTA ANA HEALTH AND FITNESS TASK FORCE – T. Leon reported that Latino Health Access concession stands are manned by staff and volunteers and that they work with Olympic and Aztec soccer leagues. Concerned that Park Rangers do not say anything to the illegal vendors. In addition, Latino Health Access staff is picking up trash left behind Board of Recreation and Parks Minutes of September 26, 2007 Meeting Page 7 of 8 (beer bottles, beer cans, etc). G. Mouet stated that LHA is required by soccer organizations to pick up all trash. The LHA vending is a pilot program because we believe in healthy snacks and a services policy was issued. 4. EVENTS AND PROGRAMS COMMITTEE – It was a good meeting. The CCN video was shown at the meeting; it showed graffiti being removed, pedestrian safety among other things. L. McCarty presented the Board with a Recreation Passport. 5. GRAFFITI/VANDALISM RESTITUTION – No report. 6. CABLE UPDATES Customer service is continuing to improve at 94 percent. Youth Expo is being advertised on Channel 3 Fiestas Patrias was edited Visited Rags new stand Canine Show South Main Street Rededication Fairhaven Historical Cemetery 7. COMMUNITY CONTACT REPORTS AND UPDATES – M. Lopez reported that the work was completed on the request made by the resident. 8. PENDING ITEMS/ACTION ITEMS FOR FUTURE MEETINGS Renaissance Plan Update on Budget – J. Stroud has requested this in writing. October 16th – Explore for Special Meeting Discuss Special Meeting for a weekday as oppose to a weekend. Preferably before the holidays. If not at the beginning of the year. COMMENTS PUBLIC COMMENTS Stated above STAFF/CONSULTANT COMMENTS G. Mouet At the August 18 Council meeting the Youth Master Plan was not approved. It will be presented at the October 1st Council meeting. L. McCarty Handed out a flyer for the Black History Parade for next year. Wants to raise $25,000 for the History Parade J. Straka He did not believe that the soccer coaches understood the full meaning of non-profit Reminded staff that we are governed by the Brown Act – we cannot discuss items that are not on the agenda. M. Lopez He will see that Patrick Mitchell gets assistance in maintaining the irrigation at the Natural Habitat at Thornton Park. BOARD/STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE COMMENTS J. Guadarrama, Student Representative Believes that the soccer coaches did not understand the full meaning of non-profit. Board of Recreation and Parks Minutes of September 26, 2007 Meeting Page 8 of 8 F. Acosta Believes that the Agency needs more money and thought that by not filling the grant’s writer position would be a disservice to the community. J. Havlik Asked if the grant’s writer position would be filled and how it would impact the Agency if the position was not filled. Gerardo Mouet shared that it would not impact the general fund and that the monies that would come from Prop 84 are for next fiscal year thus being comfortable about not filling the position at this time. J. Stroud Asked if a vote was needed when a Request for Board Action was submitted as receive and file or if it was just for information purposes. Staff explained that it was just for information and that it was received by the Board and was to be filed. Is concerned that the Natural Habitat at Thornton Park is not doing well and thinks there might be an irrigation problem. Gerardo Mouet stated that he would have Patrick Mitchell contact her with an update. T. Leon Enjoyed the meeting and thanked everyone for attending. NEXT MEETING Wednesday, October 24, 2007 at 5:30 p.m. in the large conference room of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Administration Building, located at 888 W. Santa Ana Blvd. in Santa Ana, California. Motion to adjourn meeting. MOTION: J. Havlik SECOND: F. Acosta VOTE: AYES: Acosta, Havlik, Leon, Orea, Stroud (5) NOES: None (0) ABSENT: (at voting) Madrid, Nguyen, Tobiska (3) MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:38 P.M. _____________________________ Martha Nuñez Acting Recording Secretary