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PC - Minutes - 05-07-2024MINUTES OF THE ROSEMEAD PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING MAY 7, 2024 The regular meeting of the Rosemead Parks Commission was called to order by Chair Chavez at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PRESENT: Commissioners Chavez, Mendez, Dang, and Luau ABSENT: Commissioner Hernandez PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Dang INVOCATION was led by Chair Chavez 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE Resident Chantal Yan presented her petitions to the Parks Commission, requesting that the Parks and Recreation Department consider converting additional tennis courts at Garvey Park to be hybrid courts functional for tennis and pickleball games. This will allow for four more courts to allow pickleball and assist in the crowding issues experienced by the players. Mrs. Yan explained that over 100 signatures signed her organized petition for the new hybrid courts. In her report, she included pictures of the courts and additional information. Her report will be emailed to the Parks Commissioners. 2. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes Chair Chavez motioned the approval of the meeting notes at 7:11 p.m. ACTION: Moved by Commissioner Luau and seconded by Chair Chavez to approve the April 2, 2024, minutes: Motion carried by the following vote: A YES: Chavez, Dang, Hernandez, and Luau; ABSENT: Hernandez 3. MATTERS FROM STAFF B. 2024 Summer Aquatic Programs Update Director Boecking updates the Park Commission regarding the 2024 Summer Aquatic Programs. Director Boecking expands that May is a busy month for Aquatics; registration opens, and it is Water Safety Month. Parks and Recreation Aquatics will be recognized at the next council meeting, and a proclamation will be made dedicating May as Water Safety Month. Water Safety Month is important as drowning is the leading cause of unintentional injury -related death of children ages one to four years old, and the Aquatics Program is passionate about educating parents about being water safety smart. Offering swimming lessons and having children comfortable in the water, Aquatics is hopeful of lessening drownings. The Parks and Recreation Aquatics team will also be at the Farmers Market with raffles, games, and water safety tips to promote National Water Safety Month. Water safety tips will be shared on social media throughout May to keep our residents safe around water. Swim lesson registration will begin Monday, May 20, at 8:00 a.m. Everyone can register online this year, but registration will open strictly at 8:00 a.m. In-person registration will still be available at the park facilities. Classes will be offered Monday through Thursday, as well as Saturday classes. The first session will begin June 10 through June 21. Lessons will only be at the Rosemead Aquatic Center as staffing is limited. Recreational swimming is open to the public at Rosemead Aquatic Center and Splash Zone. The recreational swimming hours have been extended due to hiring more lifeguards. Splash will open June 10, and the Aquatic Center will open June 11. The Rosemead Aquatic Center will open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm and 6:30 pm — 8:30 pm for the popular evening swimming hours. Splash Zone will be open Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 12:0 pm to 3:00 pm and open Saturdays and Sundays from 12:00 pm — 4:00 pm. Regular swim programs, such as water aerobics and lap swimming, will still be offered, and the Rosemead Rapids swim team will utilize the facility. Special Aquatics events will take place in the summer, including a Dive -in Movie/Christmas in July. Shark Week will also be celebrated. Vice -Chair Mendez asked Director Boecking if the Parks and Recreation Department had met its quota of hiring lifeguards. Director Becking responded that while more lifeguards have been hired, the number is not the same as before the pandemic. Five more lifeguards were hired than last year. C. Monthly Parks & Recreation Department Review Director Boecking updates the Parks Commission on the current affairs of the Parks and Recreation Department. Aquatics spring lessons are coming to an end. The swim team has been busy practicing and competing. Staff have been training lifeguards, and training is available to those who want to be lifeguards. The prerequisite to being a lifeguard is that they pass the 300 -yard swim test, tread water, and the educational portion. The Parks and Recreation Department is excited to recognize Marina Macatangay as the Outstanding Older American. She has been a participant at the senior facility for a long time. Staff wanted to recognize all the good deeds that Marina does for the seniors, from welcoming newcomers to providing guidance and leading activities. Marina is very humble, but the staff would like the opportunity to recognize her. 2 Spring Breakfast was successful, with over 100 seniors in attendance. They enjoyed music and dance, and a healthy breakfast was served to seniors. Case Management services continue to grow, and it has been a successful partnership with the YWCA. The Yard Sale was canceled last month and was rescheduled for May. The turnout of the participants was great, and many were happy that the event had been rescheduled. The Parks Department is hosting the first Youth Muli-Cultural Day, which will be held in the Rosemead Civic Center parking lot on Saturday, May 18. Entertainment and food will be available. Staff worked with the Youth Advisory Committee to assist with planning the event. Director Boecking extended the invitation to the commissioners. Memorial Day Ceremony is Monday, May 27th, to honor the men and women who served our country. The ceremony is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. Director Boecking extended the invitation to the commissioners. Youth programs and youth sports continue to be successful. E -sports is very popular, and Mario Kart seems to be the most popular among youth participants. Families are excited to support their children; one family made t -shirts for the competition. Youth futsal is also going well; indoor soccer is enjoyed among the children. On one of his visits to the gymnasium, Director Boecking was happy to see everyone enjoying themselves. The Anti -Hate Poetry Contest received 14 poetry submissions, which is wonderful participation for the Rosemead youth compared to last year with no submissions. The poetry contest winners will be presented at the last council meeting in May. The Youth in Government program concluded in April. There was a great turnout, and the students were engaging and supportive. Director Boecking is excited that the program will hopefully expand due to a potential partnership with San Gabriel High School, which is interested in establishing additional programs. Chair Chavez asked about the cancelation of the 5K. He inquired about the participation count. Director Boecking clarified that the week before the 5K, only 14 participants had registered. Of the 14, only four were registered for the 5K. Staff and Director Boecking agreed that canceling the 5K was the best move since shutting down a street was not conducive for only four runners. Director Boecking explained that since there is a strong interest in bringing the 5K back next year, new advertising strategies for the 5K will be explored. Chair Chavez asked if the course would be remapped, and Director Boecking responded that new potential routes would be looked at so as not to affect traffic. Commissioner Luau asked why the current map route did not include Rosemead Park. Director Boecking clarified that it was challenging to find where the route ended and started when evaluating the different routes due to the electronic digital recording equipment needed for the runner's times. Chair Chavez asked if Rosemead Park is always the main hub of events. Director Boecking responded no, saying that considering traffic, the impact of residents, and parking, meeting points for certain events go into evaluation. 4. MATTERS FROM COMMISSION A. Commissioner Comments c Commission Dang mentioned that the cities of San Gabriel and South Pasadena hosted a group bike ride for their residents through closed -off streets. Commission Dang suggested that the Parks and Recreation Department look into extending this biking event into Rosemead. Vice -Chair Mendez commented that she participated in the biking event and that it was a fun experience that the Rosemead residents would enjoy as well. Chair Chavez mentioned that he received a comment from a resident asking if there is a city ordinance or penal code that requires dogs to be on a six -foot -long leash while in the parks. Director Boecking explained that he would need to look at the municipal code for the specific language but that the park rules require dogs to be leashed in the parks. There are signs posted that dogs are to be leashed unless they are in the dog park. Chair Chavez explained that dogs are not being leashed at the parks while walking their dog. Chair Chavez inquired if Park Rangers can cite park visitors who do not leash their dogs. Director Boecking explained that the Park Rangers can ask the park visitors to follow the park rules; regarding fining those who do not leash their dogs, Director Boecking will need to check the municipal code. Director Boecking explained to the Commission that Mrs. Yan's public comment report regarding the pickleball courts will be emailed to commissioners. The pickleball matter will be added to another agenda so the Parks Commission can discuss the options further. Chair Chavez asked if a pickleball league is offered through the city. Director Boecking explained that the Parks Department offers a pickleball league advertised in the spring and summer brochures. Commissioner Hernandez was concerned that the pickleball players brought their own nets to the court. Director Boecking explained that nets are up at the courts, but Director Boecking clarified that resident Mrs. Yan's concern was the stripping of the courts. Commissioner Luau commented that the swim lesson sign-ups scheduled for Monday, May 20, at 8:00 a.m. online conflict with residents who take their children to school at that time. Commission Luau asked that next year's registration time be scheduled with the parent's drop-off to be considered. 5. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:33 p.m. The next Parks Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, June 4, 2024, at 7:00 p.m..n the Council Chambers. eva Ramirez, mmission Secretary P ROVED: L lie C Chair 0 MINUTES OF THE ROSEMEAD PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING APRIL 2, 2024 The regular meeting of the Rosemead Parks Commission was called to order by Chair Chavez at 7:00 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PRESENT: Commissioners Chavez, Mendez, Dang, and Luau ABSENT: Commissioner Hernandez PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Mendez INVOCATION was led by Commissioner Luau 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE — None 2. CONSENT CALENDAR - None 3. MATTERS FROM STAFF A. 2024 Summer Preview Director of Parks and Recreation, Tom Boecking briefs the Parks Commission on the 2024 Summer Preview of events. The Fourth of July Parade and Carnival is scheduled for Thursday, July 4 1 with a parade in the morning followed by a carnival and fireworks show in the evening at Rosemead Park. The Fourth of July event is themed "Celebrating the Olympic Spirit" in honor of the 2024 Olympics. Concerts in the Park will begin on Friday, July 12. There will be six weeks of concerts scheduled and will alternate at Jess Gonzales Sports Complex and Rosemead Park each Friday. Mr. Boecking brings to the attention of the Commissioners that this year is the City of Rosemead's 65" anniversary. The Parks and Recreation Department will incorporate the history of Rosemead into summer events. Parks Make Life Better Month event will be celebrated in conjunction with the summer concerts or the month of July. The Aquatics program is preparing for summer and will be having swim lessons, classes, and events at the Rosemead Aquatic Center. The Parks and Recreation Department is hopeful to have swimming lessons at Splash Zone, depending on the availability of staff and the number of lifeguards. The hours and days will be extended at Splash Zone. Aquatic special events will be Shark Week, Dive -in Movie, and Christmas in July. Christmas in July is a new summer event that the Parks and Recreation team is excited to host. Youth Programs will be hosting a Summer Day Camp that will last nine weeks at Garvey Park. Registration for all summer events and programs will begin May 20 at 8:00 am. The summer lunch program will be held at Garvey Park and Rosemead Park. Drop- in Recreation will also be available at Garvey Park and Rosemead Park, Monday through Friday from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Youth Summer Sports programs are very busy during the summer. Youth Sports will be offering Youth Basketball League, Youth Volleyball Clinic, and Start Smart Sports for the younger kids to get engaged in sports. Parks and Recreation will also be offering a wide range of contract classes in the hopes of enticing residents to visit the Recreation facilities this summer. Adults Sports will be kicking off basketball, volleyball, and pickleball leagues. Chair Chavez inquired about the Youth Programs and what activities are available during the day. Director Boecking responded that Day Camp has an array of activities such as crafts, arts, quiet time, field trips, games, and tournaments. The goal of the Youth Program is to have a mixture of outside and inside activities to keep youth participants engaged. Chair Chavez asked about the cost of the Youth Programs. Director Boecking explained that cost depends on a factor of things such as residency and number of children being enrolled. Although Director Boecking did not have the exact cost available, he estimated that the expense to enroll in the Youth Programs is about $80.00 - $120.00 per week. Commissioner Mendez asked for an update about the lifeguard hiring for the Aquatic Program and whether the Parks and Recreation Department has hired more lifeguard staff. Director Boecking explains that compared to last year, they were able to hire more lifeguards and are hoping to hire more as the summer approaches. While the hiring numbers for lifeguards have increased from last year, the potential to have swim lessons at the Splash Zone facility will depend on the recruitment to be able to offer two swim lesson programs at two different facilities. Commissioner Luau inquired when Director Boecking will determine if there will be enough staff for the Splash Zone swim lessons. Mr. Boecking states that next month, May, the determination will be made to coincide with the release of the summer brochure that is currently in progress. Mr. Boecking also explains that there have been multiple rounds of interviews and hiring and that Parks and Recreation is trying to entice prospective candidates. Commissioner Dang asked for clarification on the location of the Summer Camp and if it will be held at Encinita. Mr. Boecking replied that Summer Camp is located at Garvey Park. B. Monthly Parks & Recreation Department Review 2 Director Boecking updates the Parks Commission on the current affairs of the Parks and Recreation Department. Due to the rainy weather, the department had to alter some activities, but all programs are still going well. The Aquatics team has been busy with recruiting and lifeguard training. The next scheduled training is April 12 — 14. Director Boecking asked the Parks Commission that if they know any interested candidates, they please have them apply to be a lifeguard for the summer. Incentives to be a lifeguard include reimbursement for certifications and training if they pass their test and an incentive bonus will be awarded to those hired. Garvey Community Center activities such as craft classes and bingo have seen an increase in participation. The recent Easter -themed craft was most enjoyed by the participants. Bingo and the lunch program continue to be popular. The Senior Spring Breakfast Social will be held on April 18th with a musical performance by Bobby Z. The Outstanding Older American of the Year nomination is in the process with the last day to apply of March 25, 2024. The selection for nomination will occur in the next few weeks. Case management continues to grow and offer services to participants in need. Direct Boecking updates the Commission on past special events. The St. "Paw"trick's Day Celebration was a huge turnout. Dogs and their owners dressed up and enjoyed the food vendors. There was a dog training display that showed off the great discipline of one of the dogs by demonstrating the response to commands. The Parks and Recreation Department is looking forward to hosting more dog - related events and will be bringing back the St. "Paw"trick's Day Celebration next year. The Family Excursion took place, the destination was a Clippers game. Unfortunately, the Easter Egg Dive scheduled for Saturday, March 23rd was canceled due to the rain along with the Easter Eggstravaganza. The Parks and Recreation team was able to modify the Easter Eggstravaganza event by handing out bags of eggs at facilities to families. 10,000 eggs were passed out to families in less than a day. The Rosemead Community Yard sale is scheduled for Saturday, April 13th, and will be held at the Edison Parking Lot. The Parks and Recreation Department is excited to host the yard sale event as a lot of vendors have signed up. Parks and Recreation staff is currently preparing for the Superhero 5K Fun Run that is scheduled for April 27th. Director Boecking has asked the Commission to invite anyone who enjoys running to attend the 5K. Adult and Youth Sports participation program has strong participation. The activities currently offered are clinics, tennis lessons, and youth basketball leagues. The youth basketball teams were recently sent to an all-star league and had much fun competing. Futsal league is starting this spring. The adult basketball league is 3 continuously ongoing. The adult volleyball league is in the process of being assembled, but the staff has noticed that participants enjoy more of a sporadic open gym schedule to play volleyball rather than taking part in a league setting. Volleyball may be set in an open gym setting for the future. The E -sports league is currently ongoing, and a tournament is already scheduled. Anti -hate Poetry is still going and accepting writing submissions for the competition. Submissions will be graded on techniques, theme, uniqueness, creativity, and originality. The Farmers Market will be returning on Monday, April 8th at Rosemead Park. March 21 st kicked off Youth in Government Day, there were 13 Rosemead resident student participants from both Rosemead and San Gabriel High School. They were presented with local government information and involvement from Rosemead Executive staff and local officials. The second day will consist of a city tour and a mock city council meeting run by the students on Thursday, April 11th. The mock city council meeting will allow students to sit on the dais in the council chambers and be briefed on city matters presented by students who have been delegated as directors to give them a sense of what civic engagement is like. Staff and the students are excited for the second day of Youth in Government. Chair Chavez inquired about the Anti -Hate Poetry Contest for clarification on what facilities poems will be accepted at and where online. Director Boecking explained that poems can be submitted at any of the Parks and Recreation facilities. Online submissions can be submitted via email at the email listed on the city website. Commissioner Mendez asked about the cost of entering the 5K. Director Boecking did not have the exact registration fees with him but explained to the Commission that price will vary depending on age and which race participants will be selecting. Director Boecking will follow up with the exact costs to the Parks Commission after the meeting. Commissioner Mendez also asked when the last day of pre- registration will be. Director Boecking was not sure when the last day of pre- registration will be but would follow up with that information in an email to the commission members. Director Boecking continues to explain that registration will be accepted up until the day of the 5K races. Commissioner Mendez also inquired if the funds made from the 5K will go to any proceeds. Director Boecking replied that the funds will go back to the general fund and to the expense of the 5K race. Commission Luau asked if the vendors would be the same as last year's Farmer's Market. Director Boecking explained that some of the vendors will be new, and some will be returning from last year. The market manager is contracted and has asked that new vendors be added to the event. Director Boecking asked if the Commissioners have any recommendations for vendors that they email him and they will assist the vendors with becoming certified to be part of the event. Commission Luau asked for clarification on the Farmer's Market location. Director Boecking explained that the market will be held in the parking lot on Encinita. El 4. MATTERS FROM COMMISSION A. Commissioner Comments Chair Chavez shared that a resident approached him regarding an incident at Rosemead Park. This resident was potentially cited that they were parked in an employee -only parking spot but wanted to make it aware that the signage for employee -only parking was not visible. Chair Chavez recommended that the lines on the parking lot be repainted. Director Boecking responded that he would investigate the matter further. Director Boecking also added that he recalls that the parking stalls have been repainted and that the new signage was also posted. Director Boecking will double-check and have an update for Chair Chavez at the next meeting. Chair Chavez also asked if the parking citations could be contested. Director Boecking explained that the contested process is handled by the Public Safety Department. Commissioner Dang asked if residents would have the opportunity to sell vegetables or produce at the Farmer's Market. Director Boecking informed Commissioner Dang that unfortunately, the resident would have to be certified as a farmer and follow a certain process to sell. One of the programs implemented at the Farmer's Market is WIC, a family -assisted program that allots money to families to have the availability to shop at the market. With the WIC being implemented, certain regulations need to be met such as vendors being certified farmers. Commissioner Mendez asked for an update about trash pick-up that is being done at the parks during peak busy hours. Commission Mendez asked for clarification if trash pick-up is only being done for one round by attendees. Direct Boecking responds that during the week the contractors are monitoring and picking up trash. Park Rangers are being scheduled all week at all parks and will be utilized to supplement the contract and assist with trash pick-up. Commissioner Luau asked if there are any updates on the park improvements using the budget. Director Boecking replied that is not an update currently, but in the future a report will be drafted for the Parks Commission to review before being submitted to the city council. 5. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:27 p.m. The next Parks Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. i the ounc hambers. eva Ramirez, Commission Secretary A OVED: <:Z e vez, Chair