HomeMy WebLinkAbout13C - COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTSMINUTES OF A SPECIAL MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON
PARKS, RECREATION, EDUCATION AND YOUTH
January 12, 2011
CALL TO ORDER
The special meeting convened at 4:33 p.m. in the City Hall, Room 831, 20 Civic Center
Plaza, Santa Ana, California.
ATTENDANCE
Council members Present Michele Martinez (Chair); Vincent Sarmiento,
Councilmember(s) Sal Tinajero
Absent:
Staff Present: Gerardo Mouet, Executive Director; Joe Straka, Interim City
Attorney; Ron Ono, Administrative Services Manager;
Jenny Rios, Community Services Manager; Jeannie Jurado,
Community Services Supervisor; Jose Perez, Community
Services Supervisor.
Public Present Mayra Mejia, Latino Health Access
Ana Carricchi, Latino Health Access
Leonel Perez, United Latin Adult Soccer
Pedro Magallon, Clubes Unidos Adult Soccer League
Hugo Hernandez, Clubes Unidos Adult Soccer League
Alfredo Gomez, Azteca Adult Soccer League
Angel Orea, Hispanoamerica Adult Soccer League
Rick Neidermayer, American Youth Soccer Organization
Israel Salazar, Continental Adult Soccer League
Alex Vega, El Tri Futbol Club
Mauricio Cardenas, El Tri Futbol Club
Ricardo Sandoval, Santa Ana Adult Soccer League
Carlos Benitez, Deportivo Guererrenses
Jose Meza, Veteranos Adult Soccer League
Jesus Rodriguez, Boy Scouts Youth Soccer League
Jorge Rodriguez, Santa Ana Development Program
• APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• Minutes of February 25, 2010 accepted as presented.
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• HEALTHY CITY PRIORITIES
• Councilmember Martinez acknowledged and recognized Leonel Perez and
Edgar Vasquez for their soccer event emphasizing healthy living.
• Councilmember Martinez presented draft of the City of Santa Ana, Healthy
Eating Active Living Resolution.
• Pedro Magallon commented healthy food and drinks be sold by leagues in
snack bars on parks.
• Rick Neidermayer commented the Santa Ana Unified School District is also
supporting and encouraging healthy snacks be sold in concessions.
• EL TRI FUTBOL CLUB
• Councilmember Sarmiento commented El Tri Futbol is also aligned with the
City's healthy living philosophy.
• Mauricio Cardenas presented the overview and philosophy of El Tri Futbol
Club. He indicated the kids should understand the importance of healthy
eating and exercise through sports. He is proposing to promote the Santa
Ana Program through a 30 minute weekly Spanish television program on
Channel 52.
• Councilmember Sarmiento requested the Parks, Recreation and Community
Services Agency promote and support the El Tri Futbol Club. Gerardo Mouet
indicated he will work with Mauricio and the City Manager on the next step to
implement the program.
• Pedro Magallon and Rick Neidermayer requested more information on the
program and requested El Tri Futbol to present the program to other leagues
for input. Councilmember Sarmiento indicated introduction of the program is
conceptual and comments provided by the leagues will be considered and
should be used as a model for all leagues.
• RECOMMENDATION: El Tri Futbol and leagues to continue working with
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency to promote healthy living.
• LATINO HEALTH ACCESS (HEAC)
• Mayra Mejia indicated all leagues should collaborate and work together to
promote healthy living. Poor eating habits lead to poor health and financial
responsibilities of increase medical bills.
Mayra Mejia indicated there are not enough fields and school fields should be
accessible to the community. Only a few fields are accessible.
Councilmember Sarmiento indicated the need for open space will be a
challenge for the next few years. The City will continue to seek open space
through joint use agreements and is open to continue the discussion on how
to resolve this problem
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• NEW ADULT SOCCER ORGANIZATIONS REQUESTING TO ENTER CITY
PERMIT SCHEDULE
Jenny Rios provided a summary from the last PREY meeting concerning the
request from new soccer organizations to enter the city permit schedule to
utilize fields. Four new leagues are requesting to enter the time block for
fields. The new leagues are able to utilize the Special Event Request process
to play league finals at the SA Stadium and DYSC when the need arises as
long as the league being displaced in not on a regular basis.
Councilmember Sarmiento indicated this is a difficult challenge to
accommodate the new leagues since there are no new fields being added in
the city. The four new leagues have a viable reason for fields, but unless we
take away from the existing leagues, we have no field to offer.
o Need to look at extending hours on existing fields by adding
permanent or portable lighting on non-lit fields and possibly
using the Surcharge Fund to do this.
o Requested information on the surcharge fund and the cost to
install portable lighting on DYSC field #1 or Centennial Field #5
and #6.
Ricardo Sandoval indicated if the surcharge funds are used it should be
replaced by the new leagues.
Councilmember Sarmiento requested staff conduct a cost benefit of different
options:
o Installation of permanent lighting
o City or Leagues to provide portable lighting
o Installation of synthetic turf
o Addition of another field on Centennial fields #5 & #6.
Edger Vasquez acknowledged the city for allowing leagues to use fields on
holidays and indicated he will provide information on a new type of synthetic
turf that is available.
Councilmember Sarmiento also invited the new leagues to provide solutions
to this problem and indicated there is no new information on the status of the
SA Winds.
• STREET SOCCER EVENTS
• Alex Vega indicated Street Soccer is a non-traditional soccer sport conducted
on pavement. This sport is supported by the Santa Ana Soccer and Business
Association and Chivas USA B Team.
• Edger Vasquez indicated this use is an alternative due to the lack of fields
and is economically accessible to the community.
• Councilmember Sarmiento indicated street soccer is very successful in New
York and other cities with limited park space where street soccer tournaments
are held on downtown street pavement. We are talking with Chivas USA and
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if they come to the city we could have them play an exhibition game on the
street.
Councilmember Martinez commended Councilmember Sarmiento and Edgar
Vasquez for thinking outside of the box to provide soccer programs where
there is a lack of open space.
Alex Vega supports the program and Mauricio Cardenas has approached
Downtown Inc, on the use of Shopping Centers.
Pedro Magallon indicated Los Angeles has a similar Street Soccer Program
and staff should look into it.
• COMMENTS
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
o Rick Neidermayer indicated:
¦ The 8,000 youth soccer players are playing on other leagues
and the rosters submitted to PRCSA reflects duplicate numbers.
¦ New leagues requesting fields should merge into existing
leagues and not create new leagues.
¦ Programs cannot grow without more fields.
¦ The problem with the new cancellation and restroom fees that
city council approved, does not give leagues enough time to
cancel their reservations before getting hit with a penalty.
¦ PREY Council Committee should meet more often than one
time per year.
¦ A park ranger that was recently let go by the city, played Santa
Claus for an AYSO family and gave the family $300.
o Alex Vega indicated the Santa Ana Business Association is asking the
leagues to be part of the association.
o Edger Vasquez indicated everyone has to work together, change will
not happen overnight.
• STAFF COMMENTS:
o Gerardo Mouet indicated:
¦ The Earth and Health Fest will be held on April 16th at
Centennial Park and distributed flyers to everyone.
¦ The City was awarded a $4.4 million the Prop 84 grant for
Willard Intermediate School Joint-Use Project. Improvements
will include synthetic turf, all weather track, sports lighting, tot lot
and restrooms.
¦ The Santiago Park mural project event will be held on January
15, 2011.
¦ The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Agency will be
will be involved in managing the Fiestas Patrias Event.
o Joe Straka indicated Healthy Living begins at home.
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COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS:
o Councilmember Sarmiento thanked everyone for attending the meeting
and for sharing ideas to help resolve an issue of common interest.
o Councilmember Martinez thanked staff for the great job they do under
the current situation. She also indicated she would like PREY to meet
more often on at least a quarterly basis.
ADJOURNED: 6:15 p.m.
Gerardo Mouet
Executive Director, PRCSA
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MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE ON
PARKS, RECREATION, EDUCATION AND YOUTH
February 25, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting convened at 5:40 p.m. in the City Hall, Room 831, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa
Ana, California.
ATTENDANCE
Council members Present Michele Martinez (Chair); Vincent Sarmiento, Sal Tinajero
Councilmember(s) Absent: None
Staff Present: Gerardo Mouet, Executive Director; Ron Ono, Administrative
Services Manager; Jenny Rios, Recreation Superintendent; Jose
Perez, Recreation Program Coordinator.
Public Present Julie Stroud, Tish Leon, Al Amezcua, Jessica Gutierrez, Edgar
Vasquez, Jose Meza, Jesus Rodriguez, Pedro Magallon, Richard
Sandoval, Alfredo Gomez, Leonel Perez, Jorge Rodriguez.
1. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• Minutes of November 10, 2009 accepted as presented
2. FEBRUARY SOCCER ISSUE REPORT
Recreation Superintendent Jenny Rios presented a report addressing the various issues
requested by city council. One of the issues relates to new leagues wanting a permit to use
city soccer fields. The recommendation would be to allow the leagues to have a permit on the
3 available time blocks.
Councilmember Martinez indicated to the audience that City Council is here to listen
to the staff report and may not necessarily to make decisions tonight.
Councilmember Tinajero asked for the hours in which other leagues are using the
field? Staff referred him to page 27 of the report and indicated the three new leagues
are: Continental, Hispano America, and Orange County.
Councilmember Sarmiento' asked what fields do not have sports lighting. Staff
responded Centennial field #5 & #6 and DYSC #1. Councilmember Sarmiento'
requested information on the amount of hours that would be added if fields #1, #5 and
#6 were lighted? Also are park rangers targeting adult leagues for violations? Staff
responded to the additional hours if the fields were lit and that rangers are nor
targeting adult leagues.
Councilmember Tinajero indicated Park Rangers need to be respectful to our park
users.
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Councilmember Martinez asked: What is the impact to the agency based on the
current budget issue? Staff responded that the adult and youth soccer organizations as
well as other sports organization provide a good service to the community that helps
the agency and budget for not providing this program.
Staff reported that the soccer surcharge was established to fund the installation for a new
synthetic turf field and the fee is collected during the time of the field reservation.
• Councilmember Martinez indicated the surcharge should not be touched and should
be protected for the next synthetic turf field.
• Councilmember Tinaj ero indicated in light of the budget constraints it would be
difficult to lower this fee.
• Councilmember Sarmiento' also indicated this fee should not be touched due to the
budget constraints and the surcharge should also be used to make minor
improvements, such as temporary lighting to increase field usage for adult soccer.
Staff reported there was a concern by the leagues of too many fees or the fees are too high?
Staff's recommendation is for a fee increase to cover field attendants, late cancellations and
transfers for all synthetic turf fields. Santa Ana fees are low compared to five Orange County
cities as indicated on page 35 of the report.
Councilmember Sarmiento' indicated we service a different public than Newport
Beach. We should be respectful to the income level of the community.
Staff indicated the composition or role of the Committee of Field Usage (CoFU) is being
reviewed since only a few violations are going to CoFU and most of the violations are being
handled by staff. The recommendation would be for CoFU to meet one time per year and to
review the membership.
• Councilmember Tinajero asked how long has CoFU been in existence? Staff reported
CoFU was established on June 26, 2002 and was originally composed of 22 members
and is now reduced to 8 members.
• Councilmember Tinajero indicated city council has changed since then and indicated
the possibility that CoFU be eliminated and the soccer issues be addressed by staff or
the Board of Recreation and Parks for decision.
• Councilmember Martinez requested a handout on the staffing of CoFU.
Staff reported the need to prohibit leagues from providing vending due to the many illegal
vending and health issues. If vending is provided it should be controlled under a permit with
regulations to provide health food.
• Councilmember Martinez indicated the city requires 50% of the food/beverage in
city approved vending machines to serve healthy food/beverages.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS:
• Tish Leon asked about a question on the vending at DYSC? Staff indicated an RFP
was released.
• Pedro Magallon asked if the vending concessionaire will be providing healthy food.
• Al Amezcua reported on the evolution of CoFU and concurred that the Board of
Recreation and Parks can fit this role. He also indicated the city needs to maximize
the joint use of school sites to provide recreational facilities to the community.
• Edgar Vasquez asked about the synthetic field warranty and indicated the DYSC
youth field is the oldest field and needs repair.
• Jorge Rodriguez indicated the sprinkler system is creating mud on the youth field
and needs to be reviewed.
• Councilmember Sarmiento' indicated the leagues do provide service to the
community. Staff appreciates this service and the report is not meant to criticize the
operation.
3. COMPARISION OF SANTA ANA PARKS AND RECREATION WITH
COMPARABLE CITIES
• The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Executive Director indicated the
agency is now restructured to four divisions: Administration, Recreation, Library and
Zoo. The Executive Director explained our staff reduction journey and the per capita
comparison with other cities. Santa Ana is the lowest.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Tish Leon expressed concern over the reduction of full time zoo staff. Indicated the
animals needed to be properly maintained and feed.
Peter Magallon indicated fees imposed on soccer are passed on to the players.
Players are leaving and without proper activity for youth they will get into gangs.
4. UPDATE ON LACY PARK
• The Executive Director indicated we are working with the Community
Development Agency on the possibility of a new park at Garfield School. A
site plan and concept was shared with the committee. Staff explained as part
of Santa Ana Unified School District modernization program the district will be
constructing a 2 story classroom building on Garfield School. The city will also
be partnering with the district to construct a community center on Garfield
School.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Al Amezcua indicated this was not the best location for a park and the
community is working on identifying another location.
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Tish Leon indicated she appreciates the city listening to the community.
Use of the community center should be available to the public at all times,
not only when school is not in cession.
5. UPDATE ON GODINEZ HOMERUN FENCE
The Executive Director provided a status on the Districts request for a
homerun fence at Godinez High School. After various meetings with the
district, neighborhood associations, and the Joint District/City Policy meeting
the city and district staff will be proposing:
o No more Centennial carnivals on the northeast corner of the
park
o SAUSD to install parking structure directional signs in
Centennial Park.
o City will no longer pay to the District reservation fees and light
fees for use of Godinez Joint Use recreational facilities.
o District will no longer pay to the City reservation fees when
using Godinez Joint Use recreational facilities.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
• Peter Magallon indicated the Godinez ball fields also include (3) soccer fields and
expressed concern that the soccer fields are not impacted by the fence.
• The Executive Director explained the ball fields are not programmed for soccer
and fields #5 & #6 were available for soccer.
Sal Tinajero excused himself and needed to leave at 7:20pm.
6. UPDATE ON SANTA ANA BUILDING A HEALTHY COMMUNITY INITIATIVE
• Staff provided a timeline of committee schedules and objectives. The
schedule indicated the Final Report will be submitted to the California
Endowment on May 15th. A recommended draft of the report will be shared
with City Council.
7. CITY OF BELL EXERCISE PARK
A news article on the City of Bell Exercise Park was shared with the
committee and discussed as a possible element in the McFadden/Orange
site.
• Councilmember Martinez requested an update on the McFadden/Orange site.
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8. UPDATE ON YMCA AQUATICS CENTER
Councilmember Sarmiento' reported that the YMCA will be breaking ground
on March 16th. Improvements will include a swimming pool, indoor soccer
field and classrooms. To date the YMCA raised $18 million and needs a $22
million budget for this program.
9. COMMENTS
• PUBLIC COMMENTS:
o Tish Leon indicated Latino Health Access has a free Diabetes &
Obesity Program that is available to the public.
• STAFF COMMENTS:
o None at this time.
• COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS:
o Councilmember Martinez indicated the Mayor appointed her to the
Health & Wellness Program and a tour was provided in which she was
not made aware. The Executive Director indicated he will send her a
link to the Healthy Communities calendar.
ADJOURNED: 7:29 p.m.
Gerardo Mouet
Executive Director, PRCSA
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SANTA ANA CITY COUNCIL COMMITTEE
PUBLIC SAFETY
Minutes of Meeting
November 30, 2010
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was convened at 5:45 P.M. at Santa Ana Police Department, 60 Civic Center Plaza, 4th
Floor, Santa Ana, California.
ATTENDANCE
Council members present: Claudia Alvarez, David Benavides, and Sal Tinajero.
Staff present: Police Chief Paul Walters, Fire Chief Dave Thomas, Assistant City Attorney Teresa Judd,
Commander Ruben Ibarra, and Loretta Tafoya, Recording Secretary.
Public sign-ins: Rene D. Guzman, Carl Benniger, Helen Martinez, Evangeline Gawronski, Cesar Galarza,
Rosa Ramirez.
SUMMARY OF DISCUSSIONS
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Approved Minutes of the September 28, 2010 meeting.
UPDATE ON FIRE STATION
Fire Chief Dave Thomas provided background for Fire Station No. 3, which was built in 1962. In
2007, the Fire Department conducted a study, and it was determined Station No. 3 was most in
need of an update. They also found it would actually cost more to remodel the Station than to
relocate it. The Fire Department submitted a Homeland Security Grant but was turned
down. The Fire Department is interested in acquiring the Rescue Mission, 1901 W. Walnut
Street. Councilmember Claudia Alvarez asked Police Chief Paul Walters to explain the problems
the City has with the Mission. Chief Walters said there is a criminal element surrounding the
immediate area of the Mission who engage in drug sales and usage, robberies, assaults, and
vandalism. These problems would be removed if the Fire Department took over this
location. Councilmember David Benavides would like the Fire Department to keep the
Committee posted of the re-submission of the Grant.
3. GRAFFITI ENFORCEMENT
Sgt. Lorenzo Carrillo, Graffiti Task Force Supervisor, reviewed the stats. There have been 273
vandalism-related arrests; 3,998,076 square feet of graffiti removed; $31,500 awarded in
restitution; $26,676 restitution received; and 14 graffiti rewards processed. A new SAMC
ordinance has been implemented prohibiting possession of graffiti/vandalism tools on school
campus. Presently, there are two large scale cases at the DA's Office; one pending and one
filed, involving $30,000 and $25,400 in restitution respectively. Sgt. Carrillo stated that glass
etching is making a comeback in the downtown area. Councilmember Tinajero complimented
Sgt. Carrillo on his success. Councilmember Benavides asked about the relationship between
the police department and school police. Sgt. Carrillo stated that both agencies share intelligence
and manpower as part of the task force against graffiti.
4. JESSICA'S LAW STATUS
Assistant City Attorney Teresa Judd stated there has been litigation in LA challenging Jessica's
Laws residency restrictions; however, this has not been an issue with the City. Committee
member Alvarez wanted to know what the City could have in place to avoid problems when
convicted sex offender Brown gets released.
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Committee member Benavides asked if the PD lets the community know when a high-risk sex
offender gets released. Chief Walters stated that the schools and the Police Department hand
out flyers and canvass the neighborhood. Committee member Alvarez stated that the Orange
Police Department has an ordinance that prevents sex offenders from passing out candy and
decorating their residence on Halloween. Committee member Alvarez would like to adopt the
same ordinance. Assistant City Attorney Teresa Judd is going to look into it.
5. PRIVATE PROPERTY IMPOUNDS
Chief Walters stated the Santa Ana Police Department has received complaints related to
vehicles impounded by tow companies on private property. In a few of these cases, the
complaint involved companies that are active members of the department's rotational tow list. In
years past, predatory towing was a severe problem in the City of Santa Ana but amendments to
CVC 22658 have effectively addressed a number of these concerns and significantly reduced the
number of complaints from the community. Committee member Alvarez asked about the rotation.
An email was sent to all rotational tow companies reminding them that the Santa Ana Police
Department discourages PPI's and punitive action may be taken if they are found to violate CVC
22658, up to and including suspension or removal from the rotational tow list The police
department will inspect rate sheets and PPI authorizations. Chief Walters stated the tow
companies must keep impeccable records because they represent the police department.
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS
The citizen's present spoke regarding the traffic at schools and the need for crossing guards and
more patrols. They also wanted to make sure cars cannot be towed without a complaint. A
citizen wanted to promote the new Fire Station.
COMMITTEE MEMBER COMMENTS
Committee Sal Tinajero asked Chief Walters to have more patrol on Bear and Segerstrom.
ITEMS FOR NEXT MEETING
A. Building Healthy Communities
B. Jessica's Law
C. Release of Prisoners
9. NEXT MEETING DATE - Tuesday, January 25, 2011, 5:30 pm, Santa Ana Police Facility, 60
Civic Center Plaza, 4th Floor conference room, Santa Ana, California.
A URNME T - 7:25 P.M.
PAUL M. WAL ERS
Chief of Police
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