PC - Minutes - 06-07-2022MINUTES OF THE ROSEMEAD PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 7, 2022
The regular meeting of the Rosemead Parks Commission was called to order by Commissioner
Nguyen at 7:01 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley
Boulevard, Rosemead, California.
PRESENT: Commissioners Nguyen, Luu, Ruvalcaba, and Somoso
ABSENT: Vice -Chair Ruvalcaba
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Somoso
INVOCATION was led by Commissioner Somoso
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE - None
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of minutes — April 5, 2022
Commissioner Nguyen motioned the approval of the meeting notes at 7:02 p.m.
ACTION: Moved by Commissioner Sornoso and seconded by Commissioner
Nguyen to approve the April 5, 2022, minutes: Motion carried by the following
vote: AYES: Luu, Nguyen, and Sornoso; ABSENT: Vice -Chair Ruvalcaba
3. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. Summer Aquatics Update
Tam Chu, Recreation Supervisor, presented the report on behalf of Director of
Parks and Recreation, Tom Boecking who was unable to attend the meeting. The
Parks and Recreation staff have been preparing for our summer aquatic programs
that will be held at the Rosemead Aquatic Center at Rosemead Park and the Splash
Zone at Garvey Park. Staff was hopeful that the Department would be able to offer
a full program, which would consist of swim lessons and recreation swim at both
aquatic facilities. Due to an inadequate level of aquatics personnel, staff is forced
to offer a limited schedule of programs this summer.
There have been many efforts made by the Department to recruit the level of
personnel needed for aquatic programming. At the March 22, 2022, City Council
meeting, in the effort to attract potential candidates, the City Council approved an
incentive pay program and an increase to part-time hourly wages. The
Hiring/Referral Incentive Pay provides $500 for any new hires in the aquatic job
classifications and a $100 referral incentive, to current employees, when a referred
candidate is hired into an eligible incentive job classification. Supervisory staff
along with Human Resources staff have attended several career fairs at local high
schools. Department staff also visited local high school and college swim teams to
recruit potential staff. Available positions have been and are currently posted on the
City's website and social media channels. Local colleges have also been notified of
the available positions in the hopes of drawing more applicants for Lifeguards,
Lifeguard Instructors, and Assistant Pool Manager classifications. Based on staff
research, the shortage of qualified aquatic personnel is not necessarily a City of
Rosemead issue, but a Regional, State, and National problem. Recreation
Supervisor Chu open the floor for questions from the commission.
Commissioner Nguyen mentioned he saw staff being trained at the Rosemead
Aquatic Center and asked how that was coming along.
Recreation Supervisor Chu responded that staff spoke with other cities in the local
areas, and they are facing the same recruitment issues. Trainings are being offered,
at no cost; however, it has still been difficult to recruit qualified applicants.
Commissioner Nguyen asked if programs will still be offered.
Recreation Supervisor Chu mentioned that programs would be offered but the hours
would be scaled back and would be limited.
B. Summer Events Update
The Parks and Recreation Department is excited to provide a full summer of events
programs for the residents of Rosemead. After two long-awaited years, the 4th of
July event is back in Rosemead and will be held Monday, July 4, 2022. A full day
event includes a parade in the morning that begins at 10:00 am, and a carnival, live
entertainment and fireworks display from 12:00 — 10:00 pm. Food trucks and
vendors will have an array of food for all palates. Currently applications for the
parade and vendor booths are being accepted. This year's theme is America, We
Stand Together.
The summer concert series will return to Garvey Park and Rosemead Park each
Friday starting in July 15. The series will last six weeks and will alternate between
the two locations. Each concert will begin at 7:00 pm. In celebration of "Parks
Make Life Better" month, families are invited to come out and enjoy their local
park! The event will take place on Friday, July 22. This fun filled event will take
place at Rosemead Park from 6:00 to 9:00 pm in conjunction with our summer
concert. Park activities will include game booths, raffles, giveaways, treats, and live
music.
The Dive -In Movie will offer a relaxing night by the pool for the entire family by
screening the movie "Luca" at the Rosemead Aquatic Center on July 21. There will
be a $1.00 admission fee for children and $2.00 for adults. Snacks will be available
for purchase. The pool will open at 6:00 pm and the movie will begin at dusk. We
will also be celebrating shark week at the Rosemead Aquatic Center on August 11
and screening the movie "Sharktale." The evening will also feature family friendly
games and activities. The pool will open at 6:00 pm with games and activities until
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8:00 pm. The movie will begin at dust. There is a $1.00 admission fee for children
and $2.00 for adults.
Commissioner Nguyen mentioned everyone is looking forward to the 4th of July
event which was in a two-year hiatus and is a great event to celebrate.
C. Monthly Parks & Recreation Department Review
Recreation Supervisor Chu announced that the Parks and Recreation Department
had a successful spring session and is gearing up for a very busy summer. The
report consisted of an overview of main events as well as a preview of things to
come. May was National Water Safety Month. The aquatic Staff attended the
Farmers Market at Rosemead Park on Monday, May 16, 2022. Staff shared water
safety tips, activities, and played games to promote staying safe this summer.
Participants had the opportunity to enter a raffle and win fun prizes. As part of the
initiative, Water Safety tips were also shared on the city of Rosemead social media
platforms. Spring session for swim lessons ended on Saturday, June 4 I and all
classes were filled for both sessions. Summer swim lessons registration will be held
in-person this year on June 11, 2022, from 8am to 12pm at the Rosemead Aquatic
Center. Starting June 13, registration will take place at the Rosemead Aquatic
Center, Monday through Friday, from 4pm-7pm for all summer sessions, until
classes fill up.
On Monday, May 2, the Garvey Center staff handed out 200 L.A. Food Bank boxes
to our senior community. The monthly bingo social was held on May 4, 2022, with
a Cinco De Mayo theme. Attendees were served grilled chicken nachos with black
beans and rice. Each bingo winner took home a $5 gift card with the coverall bingo
winner taking home a $20 gift card for Mobile Gas. The Salute to Seniors social
was held on Thursday, 26, 2022, and featured entertainment by Bobby Z. There
were 110 seniors in attendance for the event. The Rosemead Center is continuing
to host COVIDI9 vaccinations in partnership with Chinatown Health Services in
the month of June. The clinics will be held from 2:00 — 5:00 p.m. at the Rosemead
Community Recreation Center. All three vaccines are being offered along with
boosters. Appointments are not required.
The Youth Sports and Adult Sports Division had a very busy spring as programs
are coming to an end. Start Smart Soccer and Basketball had a total of 39 kids
registered for both sessions. The Youth Tennis Lessons concluded with 112 total
participants for the spring Sessions, Youth Golf Lessons concluded with 33 total
participants, Youth Basketball concluded with 59 total participants, Youth Futsal
Clinic concluded with 20 total participants and the new program, Youth Ultimate
Frisbee clinic, taught by our very own Parks Commissioner, Phieu Luu, had a total
4 kids participate. The Spring Adult Basketball League is ongoing and has a full
league with 8 teams. Staff has been very busy getting ready for the upcoming
summer programs which include: Summer Camp Rosemead, Summer Lunch
Program, Summer Drop-in Recreation, Youth Basketball League is back after a 2 -
year hiatus, Youth Volleyball Clinic, Youth Golf Lessons, and the Youth Ultimate
Frisbee Clinic.
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There were quite a few special events for the spring and upcoming events for the
summer. — The City of Rosemead held a Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday,
May 30 in remembrance of our fallen service members. This year's ceremony
included the Presentation of Colors, placing of the wreaths and a performance of
Taps. The Family Indoor Movie Night will be held on Friday, June 10 from 6:30 —
8:30 p.m. at the Rosemead Recreation Center. The Family Game Night will be held
on Friday, June 24 from 6:30 — 8:30 p.m. at the Rosemead Community Center. The
Farmers Market is being held at its new location at Rosemead Park every Monday
between 5:00 — 9:00 pm. Recreation Supervisor Chu mentioned that the Parks and
Recreation Department has been busy and looking forward to the exciting events
and programs for the summer.
Commissioner Luu inquired about MLB Pitch, Hit and Run.
Recreation Supervisor Chu replied that MLB Pitch, Hit and Run is an annual event
that is in partnership with MLB where a local competition is held. Anyone can sign
up and join and place their scores by throwing, running, and hitting. Participants
get a cumulative score that is based against other kids in their division. The winners
move onto the Team Championships, which is usually held at Angel Stadium or
Dodger Stadium. Thereafter, they would compete at a national level where those
winners would move to an All-Star Game, a competition at the national level, with
everyone around the United States. It is a free program for kids.
4. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. Commissioner Comments
Commissioner Nguyen mentioned he walks at Rosemead Park often and noticed
the trail is broken and has not been repair for 3-4 weeks. People are asking him to
present it to the Recreation Department to see when it will be fixed. The trail paving
and surface has also been damaged. The people using the park are requesting more
exercise equipment as it is heavily used. There are long lines to use the current
equipment, as there are not enough. Commissioner Nguyen asked whether there is
enough money in the budget for more equipment. Commissioner Nguyen thank the
Public Works Department, especially the new Director Michael Chung who is very
responsive to the needs of the residents. The men's restrooms near the swimming
pool had been out of service for two to three days and when called, was fixed
quickly. He appreciates his efficiency, professional attitude and the good service he
provides the City.
Commissioner Luu mentioned the potholes at Garvey Park to see if they can be
patched. She mentioned making sure it was safe for kids to run around.
Recreation Supervisor Chu replied that he would investigate and provide an update.
He mentioned he would work with Public Works to see what can be done.
Commissioner Sornoso announced that that after his tern ends after tonight's
meeting and due to a new job, would not be able to continue on the commission.
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He mentioned he enjoyed getting involved with the City and working with the Parks
Commission.
Recreation Supervisor Chu congratulated Commissioner Somoso and mentioned
he would like to present a certificate on behalf of the City of Rosemead, City
Council and the Parks and Recreation Department. The certificate was presented
to Commissioner Somoso for his dedicated service to the community and its
residents while serving on the Parks Commission. We wish you the best of luck
moving forward and in your future endeavors. Thank you.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:19 p.m. The next Parks Commission meeting will be held on
Tuesday, July 5, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.