PKC - Minutes - 06-04-19 MINUTES OF THE ROSEMEAD PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 4, 2019
The regular meeting of the Rosemead Parks Commission was called to order by Vice-Chair
Ruvalcaba at 7:02 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley
Boulevard, Rosemead, California.
PRESENT: Vice-Chair Ruvalcaba, Commissioners Lin, Ly and Morten
ABSENT: Chair Tocki
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE was led by Commissioner Lin
INVOCATION was led by Commissioner Morten
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE
Dan Kailon, Rosemead resident, mentioned his longtime involvement in the Rosemead
community. He learned to swim in the Rosemead pool,worked as a lifeguard and recently
began assisting with the Rosemead Aquatic Center's swim team, the Rapids. Mr. Kailon
announced to the commission that the swim team is doing well with 100 swimmers of
which competed in the Junior Olympics. The Rapids took 15th place in the small division,
which was higher than any team in that division within the San Gabriel Valley. He
expressed his gratitude for the aquatic programs and appreciates that the pool is being used
and hopes to build on that in the future. Mr. Kailon thanked the commission.
Vice-Chair Ruvalcaba thanked Mr. Kailon for his remarks.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of minutes—April 2, 2019
Vice-Chair Ruvalcaba asked for a correction to section 3, item B. Park Space
Update and noted the location of the proposed park to be Walnut Grove and Mission
Drive. Vice-Chair Ruvalcaba motioned the approval of the meeting notes at 7:09
p.m.
ACTION: Moved by Commissioner Lin and seconded by Commissioner Morten to
approve the April 2, 2019 minutes with the correction: Motion carried by the
following vote: AYES: Lin,Morten,Ruvalcaba; ABSENT: Tocki;ABSTAIN: Ly
3. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. Memorial Bench and Tree Program
The City was approached with a policy to allow residents and longtime businesses
to recognize and commemorate individuals in the park with a memorial bench or
tree. Staff has put together an administrative policy with guidelines, procedures,
and limitations on what can be done regarding the memorial bench or tree. The
policy was developed with the implementation of the program while safeguarding
the ambiance of the park as well as regulating participation to ensure that those
people selected are deserving.The item was taken to City Council on April 3,2019
and they were in favor with the recommendation that applicants would apply
through the Parks and Recreation Department. The application would be screened
and reviewed through the department and taken to the commission for approval or
denial. An application and biography will need to be submitted in order to qualify.
Council agreed it would be the best route and would like to have oversight of
approval for the first year and revisit it thereafter. The financial impact would be
100% on the donor of the program and staff cost would go directly to the city.
Commissioner Morten inquired about advertising the program to the community.
Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking responded that it would go on social
media and website as well as in the brochure along with flyers to distribute at the
centers and in general.
Commissioner Lin asked if there are sample benches and trees to put together a
catalog to give people a visual reference of what they may want to get.
Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking explained that the Parks and
Recreation Department along with Public Works would come up with a selection
which would include different pricing. It would be an expedited process with few
selections without the option for additional customization.
Commissioner Ly asked whether City Hall was considered a park area and if so,
would it be included in the program.
Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking stated that the plaza, located in
between the two parking lots by City Hall,is considered more of a public gathering
area and the program would target the parks. Nonetheless, the area in the Civic
Plaza would be open to be petitioned. Donors can also suggest an area, however;
there will be designated fields along with a list of proposed areas.
Commissioner Lin asked why Jay Imperial Park was not listed as a park for the
program and wondered if it was done by design.
Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking mentioned it was a staff mishap and
will be added to the list.
Commissioner Ly asked regarding the pocket park near the old charlie brown.
Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking mentioned he is not familiar with that
area; however, would be looking into it.
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Commissioner Morten asked what steps would be taken given that the benches or
trees were graffitied.
Director of Parks and Recreation mentioned that this would be taken care of
through regular maintenance by Public Works like other park items.
B. Monthly Parks & Recreation Department Review
Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking provided an update on summer
programs. The Splash Zone is up and running with waxed slides. Swim lessons
registration will be held on June 8 and are expected to fill. The Garvey Center is
busy with programs and recently added the Calfresh program. The Salute to Seniors
was held on May 23rd and provided an opportunity to recognize the senior
population as well as volunteers. The Rosemead Community Center has been busy
with classes and a movie night which was held on May 24th featuring the Incredibles
2. Youth programs are up and booming with basketball and leagues starting up.The
staff is also gearing up for concerts in the parks.
The Easter Eggstravaganza,held at Garvey Park,was well attended with over 1,000
kids who took away over 10,000 eggs in the hunt. The 4th of July is coming up and
the staff is preparing for the parade and entertainment at the park. The next event
coming up is Rosemead's 60th Anniversary on August 24 on Valley Blvd.
Vice-Chair Ruvalcaba asked whether Commissioners can participate in the 4th of
July event.
Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking mentioned that he will be contacting
her in regards to her participation.
Commissioner Lin shared he heard that the event was well coordinated, over other
years,especially having all kids start at once in different areas.The families enjoyed
the event. He also asked what could be done to get the word out about the 60th
Anniversary.
Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking stated that flyers were being created and
it is also being advertised in the brochure. As the event gets closer, promotional
items will be distributed. The history of Rosemead will be highlighted.
Vice-Chair Ruvalcaba asked about the location of the Time Capsule.
Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking mentioned he was not sure of the
location of the time capsule, but it would be in front of City Hall.
Commissioner Lin asked how items are being collected for the capsule.
Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking responded that an internal list was being
generated for the items and is not open to the public to submit.
4. MATTERS FROM COMMISSION
A. Commission Comments
Commissioner Morten mentioned that the meeting for the community garden did
not take place in May. She also mentioned there was a person inside the back area
of the garden that may be trespassing.
Commissioner Ly announced this was his last meeting. He was unable to stay on
the commission due to obligations in Orange County. He has family in Rosemead
and will still be visiting. Commissioner Ly thanked the commissioners and
mentioned he looks forward to the new things to come.
Commissioner Lin announced the National Night Out and the Back to School
Resource Fair which would be held on August 6, 2019 at the Public Safety
Center. The Resource Fair is scheduled earlier in the day and overlaps into
National Night Out. Currently there are volunteers that are needed.
Vice-Chair Ruvalcaba mentioned she thoroughly enjoys the garden and it has
given her an activity to do with her children. She also looks forward to the new
dog park and hopes it will be happening soon.
Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking responded that he would be having an
update for the next meeting.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. The next Parks Commission meeting will be held on
Tuesday, July 2, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
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Je 'pr Pined.. :minis'ative Specialist
APPROVED: II
/ 1
'Beverly Mort:, Chair