PKC - Minutes - 09-04-18 I
MINUTES OF THE ROSEMEAD PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 4,2018
The regular meeting of the Rosemead Parks Commission was called to order by Vice-Chair Lin at
7:23 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard,
Rosemead, California.
PRESENT: Vice-Chair Lin, Commissioners Ly, Morten, Ruvalcaba and Tocki
ABSENT: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Vice-Chair Lin
ADMINISTRATION OF THE OATH OF OFFICE
The Secretary administered the Oath of Office to newly appointed Commissioners Moten and
reappointed Commissioner Ruvalcaba.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
James Berry welcomed Beverly Morten to the Parks Commission and thanked her
for all she does in the city.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR-None
3. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. 9/11 Ceremony
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar invited the commission to the 9/11
Ceremony and mentioned that the City of Rosemead is one of the few that holds it.
She also commented that the commission would be receiving updates on more than
just land space.
B. Fall Fiesta—Change of Location
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar informed the commission
regarding the previous Fall Fiesta. Last year,the event was held as a street fair and
contracted out. The person overseeing it did not provide the vendors as agreed and
as a result, was poorly attended. Due to the event attendance, Interim Director of
Parks and Recreation Yugar announced that the event would be moved to
Rosemead Park. The event will be held on Saturday, October 13, 2018 from 4:30
to 10: 30 p.m. The event was changed to the evening to attract more teens. The
event is in the planning phase with current ideas being laser tag and the movie Coco.
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C. Trunk or Treat Event
This event is held on Halloween. Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar
asked the commission to invite businesses to join the event.In previous years,there
were repeat trick or treaters and the plan for this year is traffic control as well as
stamps on entry. All commissioners were invited to join the event and asked to
announce their participation as soon as possible in order to reserve a VIP parking
spot.
D. Community Garden
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar commented on the plans for
opening the Temporary Community Garden on Glendon Way. The dirt is currently
being moved and the plans for the plots have been laid out. During the next
commission meeting, the marketing materials and rules will be presented for
feedback. A letter is being sent out to the community to inform them of the new
garden. The tricky portion is that the garden is temporary and has a lease agreement
with a 90 day notice to vacate making it a little difficult to market. There will be 30
plots available and will run on a 6 month or yearly basis. Interim Director of Parks
and Recreation Yugar suggested 6 month leases for plot agreements since the
garden is temporary and a 90 day notice to vacate can be given at any time. The
lease amount for the plots will be discussed in the next meeting. The tentative
opening is for January of the upcoming year.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar asked for advice from the
commission in regards to local community groups that may be willing to come out
and help with the garden. The schools will be contacted for their participation and
the commission was asked to send contact information for potential participants.
Commissioner Morten suggested Facebook to find groups within Los Angeles
County.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation clarified that she is looking for groups
local to the City of Rosemead.
Commissioner Morten suggested looking into the program Seed Savers located in
the Los Angeles County Libraries. The program allows a participant to pick up
seeds with the promise that they will then return and provide seeds for someone
else.
Commissioner Ly asked for clarification on the lease agreement and whether at
least a 6 month notice to vacate can be provided to gardeners.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar mentioned that at any time the lease
can end and a 90 day notification will be given.The owner has no desire to develop
the property any time soon. Currently there is a search for land to design a
permanent garden.
Commissioner Ruvalcaba asked whether more details regarding the garden and
plots would be provided and if outreach to outside clubs and organization would be
happening soon.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar responded with a yes.
Vice-Chair Lin asked how often the commission would meeting to ensure that the
garden details and updates are given.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar stated that on a monthly basis and
the October meeting will be important as she needs feedback from the commission
to move forward with the garden.
E. Edison Easement—New Park Location
A representative from Edison mentioned they were interested in having Interim
Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar look at two parcels on mission and walnut
grove for a possible new park.The paperwork was submitted and a decision should
be made by the end of the year. On October 2"d,the city engineer will be providing
a basic concept design and the park could possibly include a restroom.
Commissioner Ly asked what the City of Rosemead would be doing to get the word
out on new items like the garden.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation mentioned she would be using social
media to ask what the city would like to see in their community.Also,on September
15th, the city will be hosting the annual Moon Festival. The event is supported by
GM Media and over 100 vendors will be attending. There is a ceremony that will
be held at 4:00 pm. The commission was asked to RSVP for the event to ensure
their attendance is announced if they plan to attend.
Commissioner Ly inquired about having an information booth for the city.
Interim Director for Parks and Recreation Yugar requested having flyers promoting
events. He also mentioned getting companies involved and forming partnerships
with Home Depot or other home improvement companies. Both commissioner Ly
and Ruvalcaba volunteered to work the information booth.
4. MATTERS FROM COMMISSION
A. Commission Comments
Commissioner Tocki identified possible locations in Rosemead,which would be
great for an open space or park. He is not aware whether the properties identified
are owned by the city or if it has multiple owners. Commissioner Tocki
mentioned there is a property by Bitely Elementary School,which can be
approached for joint usage with the schools. There is also a small lot that is open,
which can be used for a community garden. The commissioners were provided
with maps of the locations. Commissioner Tocki asked Interim Director of Parks
and Recreation Yugar to provide additional information on regarding whether the
property is city owned, is for sale, if it is up to code, and general information
about the space.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar announced that she would
provide that information in following meeting.
Commissioner Ruvalcaba mentioned the garden will be a success because people
in the community are interested in vegetation.An update for the dog park was
also requested.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation announced that there are no updates as it
is going through the grant and historical review. Currently,the dog park is
awaiting feedback.
Commissioner Ly welcomed the new commissioners and thanked Commissioner
Tocki for the parcel information. He also requested a meet and greet between the
commissioners and Parks and Recreation staff to get better acquainted and
conduct a needs assessment to engage the community.
Vice-Chair Lin mentioned that a Rosemead resident spoke to him regarding a
pocket park, located behind Jansen school,which is bringing in more traffic and
activity. The resident believes that there are drug deals being conducted in that
area. The resident mentioned that the police is not quick to respond. Vice-Chair
Lin asked that the commission review the design of the park to see if anything can
be done.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar asked for her contact information
to be shared with the resident. She has been involved with a neighborhood watch
and communicates with the Sheriffs and can help find a solution.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 8:09 p.m. The next Parks Commission meeting will be held on
Tuesday, October 2,2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
Jennifer,eda k t ministrative Specialist
APPROVED:
William ocki, Chair