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PC - Minutes - 02-07-2023MINUTES OF THE ROSEMEAD PARKS REGULAR MEETING FEBRUARY 7, 2023 The regular meeting of the Rosemead Parks Commission was called to order by Chair Chavez at 7:03 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PRESENT: Commissioners Chavez, Mendez, and Luu ABSENT: Commissioner Dang PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Luu INVOCATION was led by Chair Chavez REORGANIZATION: Chair Chavez opened the nominations for Vice -Chair. Commissioner Luu nominated Commissioner Mendez; the nomination was seconded by Chair Chavez. Motion carried by the following vote: A YES: Chavez, Mendez, and Luu; ABSENT: Commissioner Dang 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE — None 2. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of minutes — November 1, 2022 Commissioner Luu motioned the approval of the meeting notes at 7:09 p.m. ACTION: Moved by Commissioner Luu, seconded by Commissioner Mendez to approve the November 1, 2022, minutes: Motion carried by the following vote: AYES: Chavez, Mendez, and Luu; ABSENT: Dang 3. MATTERS FROM STAFF A. Recreation Classes and Programs Update At the November 11, 2022 Parks Commission Meeting, Chair Chavez requested the following information: 1) an update on recreation classes and programs participation; 2) information on the how the Department markets the classes, activities, and programs that are offered. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking elaborated on that topic stating that the City offers a variety of programs at its various facilities. Classes are offered at the Rosemead Community Center, at the Garvey Community Center, at the Playschool within the Garvey Community Center, at the Youth Center, Gymnasium, and Splash Zone inside Garvey Park, at the Playschool within Rosemead Park, and at the Rosemead Aquatic Center. To further answer the Commission's question, Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking took two cycles of class sessions to provide the Commission with precise numbers: first the 2022 Summer session, then the 2022 Fall session. In a 1 PowerPoint presentation, Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking looked at that data and provided the Commission with precise numbers. For the 2022 Summer Recreation Classes and Programs, Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking started with a look at the Youth Classes and Programs. The numbers were as follows: Summer Youth Class/Program Attendance Summer Youth Class/Program Attendance Camp Rosemead 9 weeks 167 Gymnastics 45 Start Smart Classes 44 Music Classes 27 Youth Basketball 160 Martial Arts 59 Golf Lessons 27 Rapids Swim Team 145 Tennis Lessons 83 Mermaid and Merman Academy 6 Ultimate Frisbee 9 Swim Lessons 515 Volleyball Clinic 37 Pla school 42 Dance Classes (multiple levels 50 For the 2022 Summer Adult Recreation Classes and Programs, the numbers were as follows: Summer Adult Class/Program Attendance Summer Adult Class/Program Attendance Adult Basketball (number of teams) 8 teams Aqua Fit 8 Dance Classes 262 Swim Lessons 22 Fitness 202 Lap Swim 33 Art Classes 21 Billiards 4 Flower Arrangements 20 Lunch Program 231 Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking continued that summer is typically the Department's busiest season out of the year. He continued his presentation, saying that as we go into the Fall season, the Department generally sees a dip in participation because kids are back in school. For the 2022 Fall Recreation Classes and Programs, Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking began with a look at the Youth Classes and Programs. The numbers were as follows: Fall Youth Class/Program Attendance Fall Youth Class/Program Attendance Camp Rosemead 1 week 16 Martial Arts 46 Start Smart Classes - Football 10 Music Classes 44 Youth Basketball 59 Educational Classes 21 Golf Lessons 32 Rapids Swim Team 150 Tennis Lessons 72 Mermaid and Merman Academy_ 3 Ultimate Frisbee 9 Swim Lessons 89 Volleyball Clinic 47 Pla school 28 Dance Classes (multiple levels 44 2 For the 2022 Fall Adult Recreation Classes and Programs, the numbers were as follows: Fall Adult Class/Program Attendance Fall Adult Class/Program Attendance Adult Basketball (number of teams 8 teams Aqua Fit 3 Dance Classes 309 Swim Lessons 19 Fitness 269 Lap Swim 21 Art Classes 19 Billiards 8 Flower Arrangements 20 Lunch Program 220 Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking also shared some of the canceled classes from the 2022 Summer — Fall schedule. These classes were canceled based off participation or interest levels. One of the classes that were canceled were the E - Sports Rocket League Tournament. The Department has tried this class several times without success and is now looking at revamping it and turning it into something else. Various tennis classes were canceled. The Department offers many tennis classes for many different ages, so some of the classes may be cancelled based off interest levels. For example, there may be a decline in some sessions for teenagers or younger ones based off the time of year or if it is too cold outside - things of that nature. The Crayola World of Design class was cancelled. It has been successful in the past, but it has steadily not been as successful. Critical Reading, surprisingly, is one of the classes that has been cancelled from time to time. Cardio Dance, Beauty in Me, and Butts & Guts were all canceled. The Line Dance Pop, Rock & Latin Class has worked in certain sessions, but was cancelled for this last one. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking then moved on to a discussion of the Department's marketing and advertisement. The Department has a quarterly Recreation Brochure that is mailed out to the residents, as well as distributed at our facilities. Each quarter the Department generates roughly 17,000 copies which are mailed out to homes and available for pick up. This brochure lists pretty much all the special events, programs, and resources that are available through the City. Typically, this brochure is the number one source of information when it comes to Recreation programs. While many things around have gone purely online, the Department continues to print the brochure and give that out as it is the number one resource for residents. The Department also has the City website which gets updated on a regular basis with information. The Department also utilizes flyers. They are both sent out and available in City facilities. The Department also sends flyers out to schools, however, some of the school districts have changed the way that they disseminate information. For example, one school district has gone purely online and will no longer distribute hardcopy flyers. To reach the students and parents at these schools, the Department must send out an electronic version of the flyer. This has cut down costs a tiny bit, but the Department still prints flyers and distributes them elsewhere. Additionally, the Department has banners throughout the City at certain locations to advertise for upcoming events and special information. The Department also has social media channels such as Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, though it mostly uses the first three for advertising what is going on in Rosemead. Strategy -wise, the Department tries not 3 to advertise too soon. It also tries to put out a combination of posts and stories and tries to hit certain times of the day. Posting to social media has been very competitive within the City because multiple departments are all using the same social media accounts, so everyone must make sure that the City is not blasting out too much information at one time. Chair Chavez followed up by asking about staffing. Chair Chavez recalled Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking saying that staffing was limited at the moment. Chair Chavez asked the Director to please elaborate more on that and on whether the Department is doing better or is still in need of people. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking replied that the Department is always in need of people, and that it is taking applications for all its Aquatic positions. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking further expounded that the Department has a recruitment plan that it will be implementing within the next few weeks which will highlight career fairs, visiting school locations, visiting swim teams, and so on. Currently the Department is in the process of opening a Recreation Leader position. It hopes to recruit roughly 10 people. Fortunately, the Recreation Leader position doesn't seem to be as difficult to fill as the Aquatic positions. The Department will be advertising and going through the hiring process swiftly, and hopes to on -board new hires as quickly as possible. Chair Chavez also asked about the single social media channel that multiple City Departments use. He asked if it would be better to have a single social media channel that is specific to Parks and Recreation so that the Department's information could go directly to the people, and the people could find that information without being overwhelmed by all the other information from the city. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking replied that this strategy has been talked about and thought about, but there are positives and negatives to both sides. So, for example, if the Department of Parks and Recreation's content were to be removed, the City's content would be very minimal. Additionally, the question arose as to whether people would continue to pay attention to the information coming from the City on things that are not Parks and Recreation related. It seems that if Parks and Recreation were on its own channel, both the City channel and the Parks and Recreation channel may lose followers. The City has decided that with the size of Rosemead and with the volume of information that goes out, it's best to keep the Departments together. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking admitted that if Rosemead were a giant city, then there would be a need for a separate social media account for the Department but for right now it's best that all the City departments stay together. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking said that he believes the information is more relevant this way, and that it prevents the loss of viewers on either side. Commissioner Mendez inquired about the available employment positions in Aquatics. Commissioner Mendez asked if the positions available were both full- time and part-time positions. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking replied that the available positions were only part-time. Commissioner Mendez asked about the Lifeguard Training classes. Commissioner Mendez recalled that last year the Department offered lifeguard classes at the E conclusion of which attendees were able to apply for a lifeguard position with the City. Commissioner Mendez asked if the Department would be offering a similar program this year for Summer. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking replied that the Department is offering these lifeguard classes every month and that, if hired, the Department would pay for both the class and the certification. Additionally, the Department is offering an incentive for new employees who are hired as a Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, or an Assistant Pool Manager. New hires to these positions will receive a $500 bonus. Furthermore, current employees who refer someone who is successfully on -boarded and hired to one of these positions will also receive a $100 bonus. Commissioner Luu asked about the Adult Recreation Classes. Commissioner Luu asked if there are any plans to expand the adult programs and adult leagues. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking replied that there are such plans. For example, there have been many conversations regarding Adult Volleyball and Adult Kickball. Additionally, the tennis courts at Garvey Park will soon be resurfaced and with that the Department will be adding four pickleball courts to one of the tennis courts. Therefore, the Department is looking at how it is going to incorporate pickleball as one of their Adult Classes. Commissioner Luu asked when this might be completed. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking replied that he was unsure. He said that the Garvey Paws Dog Park will be opening in March, and he believes the tennis courts will be redone shortly after that. He said that the City wanted to complete one project before starting the other one since the tennis courts and the new dog park are right next to each other. Commissioner Luu asked if the Department would be offering pickleball classes. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking replied that the Department is looking into this. At this time, he knows that there will be designated hours for pickleball court use, however he is not yet sure whether the Department will be offering paid classes or whether the Department will bring in the Pickleball Association to help run and start up participation in the sport. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking said that pickleball is very popular right now and that people are looking for courts everywhere, so the Department is excited to be able to offer them. Commissioner Luu volunteered to teach some pickleball classes. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking thanked her and noted that her offer was official as it would appear in the Minutes. Commissioner Mendez asked about Excursions offered by the Department of Parks and Recreation. Commissioner Mendez recalled that Garvey Community Center offers seniors excursions that go out to different places. Commissioner Mendez asked if the Department had considered doing similar chaperoned excursions for youth to museums or theme parks at an affordable cost for families that are not able to afford a full price ticket. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking replied that the Department has done Family Excursions in the past, and that the Department has actually just brought them back. The Department is looking at hosting one this summer and then potentially doing them twice a year. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking stated that similar excursions are also a part of the Day Camp program during the Summer. 5 B. Monthly Parks & Recreation Department Review Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking provided the monthly update. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking stated that the Department's Aquatics Winter programs were very successful. The Lap Swim program, the Aquatic Fit program, the Swim Lessons, and the Rosemead Rapids Swim Team were all very popular. The Department is seeing a lot of youths from the local high schools who are utilizing these to prepare for their own swim seasons which will be coming up in the Spring. The Department hosts San Gabriel High School and Rosemead High School. Additionally, Lifeguard Training is available every month, and the Department is hoping to draw and recruit employees and lifeguards to its facilities. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking said that Garvey Community Center has been doing a great job. Their programming is for seniors and older adults. They had their Lunar New Year Luncheon on Thursday, January 12th, which was fantastic. He said it had a great theme and everyone in attendance had a really great time. That event had wonderful entertainment and about 140 participants. The Senior Lunch Program is still being offered Monday through Friday. It has seen a slight decline in participation, so the Department would love some assistance in getting the word out about that program. The Department is looking forward to building that back numbers -wise to what it was prior to the pandemic. Garvey Community Center had a senior trip on January 19th that went out to the casino. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking said that the seniors love their gambling and so they had a great time out there. The Department is revitalizing the Youth Advisory Committee, a program through the City. The Department is looking for a Committee made up of 7th through 12th graders who are interested in influencing what goes on in the City, what events they would like to see, and to be voices in the schools. Applications are currently available; the deadline has been extended to February 9th so there are still a couple more days for those who want to apply. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking said that it's a great way to get involved in local government. Meetings would be about once a month. Those who are selected will have an opportunity to influence what it is the Department does and potentially what kind of programs it offers. The Department had a Recreation Leader Training on January 29th. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking said that it was fantastic. It was actually a Part - Time Leader Training, so it included all of the Department's Aquatics and Recreation staff. It was held at the Rosemead Community Center. The Department had a speaker come in from another city and give a keynote regarding leadership and style. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking stated that it was very well received. He expounded that it was very exciting since the Department had not been able to do that since pre -pandemic, so it was nice to bring everyone together and have that type of training. The Community Yard Sale is coming up next month on March 4th. It will be from 7:00am to 1:30pm at the Southern California Edison Parking Lot on Walnut Grove. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking said that there are still spaces available, and that if anyone is interested, they should contact the Rosemead Community Recreation Center. The Department also has Sweetheart's Jamboree coming up this Saturday, on February 11th. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking said the event is somewhat like a senior dance. The seniors participate in bingo and have lunch, there's dancing going on, and it's very exciting for them. For Youth Programs, the Department had its Winter Camp. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking said it was very successful. They were three weeks of winter camp based off the different school breaks over Christmas. There were about 55 participants. The Department also has the Start Smart leagues, which are up and going, the Basketball League, the Adult League, which is going, as well as tennis and golf classes. The Garvey Paws Dog Park is finally completed, and the Department is looking at opening that facility on Monday, March 13th. The Department has been working on some signage and various things to make sure the park is completely ready. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking said the Department is very excited to have that open. Hours of operation for that park will be 7:00am to dusk every day. There will be two separate areas for small and large dog breeds. 4. MATTERS FROM COMMISSION A. Commissioner Comments Commissioner Luu commented on the park restrooms during busy times. She said she was at Garvey Park the prior weekend, and there were several softball games going on. She noticed that the restrooms ran out of toilet paper quickly and she wanted to make sure that they would be stocked during those days. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking made note to follow up on this. Chair Chavez asked if the Farmer's Market would be coming back this year. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking responded that he has a meeting next week with the market manager to discuss having it come back. The Department is hoping to have it come back starting in April. Commissioner Lou asked if there were a lot of people who participated in the Farmer's Market. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking replied that the Farmer's Market saw more participation last year than it had in the past. He thinks this likely has something to do with the fact that the Farmer's Market was located at the park last year. While he is unsure which direction the Department will be going in for the location for the coming year, he can say that at its latest location, the Farmer's Market saw more attendance than it has in the last couple of years. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking said that last year was a building year because coming out of COVID the Farmer's Market was able to come back with no restrictions. Prior to that, there were restrictions regarding what they could do, how far they could get, if the Department was offering tables for them to sit at, and 7 things of that nature. So, Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking thinks that they've had a good start last year at Rosemead Park. Ha said that the Department is really looking at how it can expand the Farmer's Market at that location. Commissioner Mendez asked if the Department had considered holding the Farmer's Market on a different day, possibly one when there are sporting events so that the Market can include those people coming in to spectate and watch the games in order to boost the attendance at the Farmer's Market. Director of Parks and Recreation Boecking replied that it is something the Department has considered. The issue is the availability of the Farmer's Market. It is very limited as to when they can be onsite, and finding a new market manager is not an easy thing to do. A lot of Markets are established, and they are established on a certain day, and they don't move those dates. They don't expand because they don't have enough vendors to expand. There are sporting events on Mondays, depending on what season you're in. But having a Farmer's Market on a Saturday afternoon, for example, would probably not be the best idea in its current location because of the amount of use the park gets. Since the Farmer's Market would take up two aisles of parking, it would be very challenging. 5. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m. The next Parks Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. cnkV5:�l — 111-�ahl Gottes, mmission Secretary Chavez, Chair