PKC - Minutes - 10-02-18 MINUTES OF THE ROSEMEAD PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
OCTOBER 2,2018
The regular meeting of the Rosemead Parks Commission was called to order by Vice-Chair Lin at
7:01 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
INVOCATION was led by Commissioner Tocki
REORGANIZATION
Commissioner Ruvalcaba nominated Commissioner Tocki to the position of Chairman,the
nomination was seconded by Commissioner Ly. Motion passed.
Commissioner Ly nominated Commissioner Ruvalcaba to the position of Vice-Chairman, and
was seconded by Vice-Chair Lin. Motion passed.
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE-None
2. CONSENT CALENDAR-None
3. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. Community Garden
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar informed the commission that all
is coming along well with the garden. The garden is located next to the Hartford
Hotel on 8828 Glendon Way, Rosemead, CA 91770. There will be 30 plots
available and 3 plots will be reserved for the school district or community groups.
Due to being a temporary garden, planter boxes will be used and can easily be
moved in case of a 90 day notice to vacate. To help with traffic and unloading, a
parking lot will be constructed to fit four car slots,with one being ADA accessible.
The South Pasadena Garden has a beautiful open space and the Rosemead Garden
will feature an open space area with benches in a similar form. There will also be a
workbench and picnic tables with umbrellas. A local community artist will be
painting a mural on the right-hand side of the garden. If the garden gets full, there
is a possibility to expand to the back space.
Commissioner Moten asked whether a water source would be available.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar replied with a yes. The Hartford
Hotel will be providing water at no cost.
Commissioner Morten asked if hoses will be provided.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar commented that supplies will be
provided the first time such as hoses,wheel wheelbarrow and shed.
Commissioner Ly asked about the containers on the lot.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar mentioned the area will be blocked
off and made to look nice to cover the containers. The containers are being used as
office space and storage.
Commissioner Ly asked if the parking would be gravel.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar mentioned it would be DG as it is
ADA accessible and a portion would be a gravel. The parking lot will be opened
and closed by a Rosemead Center staff to monitor the parking and ensure residents
are not using it for parking. The signage in the parking lot will also be translated.
Commissioner Morten asked whether a bathroom will be available.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar stated that the plans for the garden
do not include a restroom, but there is the option of a porta potty which is costly.
The design of other garden do not include restrooms.
Vice-Chair Ruvalcaba inquired about the garden hours.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar replied that the hours were
typically from dawn to dusk. The parking lot gate will be closed at a certain time;
however,the garden will have a key pad for gardeners to go in and out. The garden
will not be open to visitors only to gardeners,but gardeners will be allowed to bring
in guests.The goal is for the gardens to become a place to teach,for example having
the Boy Scouts out to teach about compost.The garden will not have lighting as the
garden will not be open at night.The rate for the garden would be$60-$75 annually
and should be leased on a 6 months basis. The plot leases will only be offered to
residents.
Commissioner Ly asked regarding the entrances to the garden.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar stated that there will be one
entrance for all people to enter. Trash containers will not be included as it will be
an additional cost.
Commissioner Lin inquired about signage for rules.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar mentioned that rules were currently
being reviewed as they tend to change from city to city depending on the
community.
Commissioner Ly asked regarding common city grievances with gardens and what
some of those issues include.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar said that the largest issue is neglect
and stealing other people's fruits and vegetables.
Commissioner Morten asked regarding insurance in case someone gets hurt.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation mentioned the application includes an
indemnification clause.
Commissioner Ly was concerned with the stealing of produce and asked how the
city would resolve the issue.
Interim of Parks and Recreation Yugar explained that there is not much that can be
done aside from taking notes and having staff patrol the area. The stealing could be
due to people coming over the fence or pest. The garden will not include electrical
outlets.The garden will be opening in January 2019,as it has already been approved
by council. A mailing has been sent out to residents living near the garden and
another mailing will be sent to all Rosemead residents. There will be 3 plots that
are going to be reserved for community groups and another 3 for ADA purposes.
There are also 4 plots at the senior center that will be redone after the opening of
the garden.
Commissioner Tocki inquired whether the Rosemead Express stopped nearby the
garden with a follow up to the question for the next meeting.
B. Park Space Update
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar gave an update on the land Chair
Tocki inquired about for park/open space usage.
Chair Tocki identified possible locations in Rosemead, which would be great for
an open space or park. The land between New and Jackson are commercial and
not owned by the city. The two areas are not currently for sale. The other two
properties, one by Bitely Elementary and the other on New and Edgley, are both
owned by the school district. Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar will
be placing a call with someone at the district to inquire whether they are interested
in selling or creating an MOU for shared space.
Commission Chair Tocki mention he preferred not to take land from the school
and trying for the MOU would be best.
as
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar as well as the city engineer, will
be presenting on another project for open space. Due to conflicting events, a
Special Meeting for the Parks Commission will be held on November 7a'at 7:00
pm. A topic for the agenda will be the opportunity for a Southern California
Edison easement.
4. MATTERS FROM COMMISSION
A. Commission Comments
Vice-Chair Ruvalcaba asked for an update on the dog park.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar mentioned she received
correspondence from the State Parks Department regarding additional information
needed for the grant. The grant has not yet been secured. The location for the dog
park is still tentative for Garvey Park.
A request for candy was made for the Trunk or Treat event as well as additional
cars to hand out candy. Currently 6 cars of 30 have signed up to join. Participants
are asked to bring 3,000 candies to give out.
Fall Fiesta will have a rock climbing wall, laser tag,video game truck, a movie
and live music. The event was not well attended last year.
Commissioner Ruvalcaba asked if the event would still take place if it rains.
Interim Director of Parks and Recreation Yugar stated she would follow up with
the commission to inform them whether the Fall Fiesta event would still happen
in case of rain.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m. The next Parks Commission meeting will be a
special meeting and held on Wednesday,November 7, 2018 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers.
' 1
Jen 'ife ine •, •mmistrative Specialist
APPROVED:
William Tocki, hair