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PC - Minutes - 07-02-2024MINUTES OF THE ROSEMEAD PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING JULY 2, 2024 The regular meeting of the Rosemead Parks Commission was called to order by Chair Chavez at 7:01 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard, Rosemead, California. PRESENT: Commissioners Chavez, Dang, Hernandez and Luau ABSENT: Vice -Chair Mendez PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Dang INVOCATION was led by Commissioner Luau 1. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE - None 2. CONSENT CALENDAR A. Approval of Minutes Chair Chavez motioned the approval of the meeting notes at 7:20 p.m. ACTION: Moved by Chair Chavez and seconded by Commissioner Luau to approve the June 4, 2024 minutes with corrections: Motion carried by the following vote: A YES: Chavez, Dang, Hernandez, and Luau; ABSENT: Vice -Chair Mendez 3. MATTERS FROM STAFF A. Discussion of Civic Center Plaza Director Boecking updated the Park Commission on the proposed plan for constructing a civic center plaza area behind City Hall. Mayor Ly asked the Commissions for feedback and opinions. Director Boecking reviewed pictures of the San Diego County building, which inspired the idea of the potential civic center parking area. Director Boecking pointed out the features of the gazebo area, grass area, subterranean parking, and other park amenities. Director Boecking asked the Commissions for their feedback. Chair Chavez voiced his concerns about the security of the underground parking lot. Chair Chavez asked for clarification regarding the impact of City Hall, and Director Boecking explained that City Hall would remain the same, and the area behind City Hall is being evaluated for development. Commissioner Hernandez expressed her excitement for the project, saying it looks modem. Commissioner Hernandez proposed that a rose garden could be implemented. Commissioner Hernandez commented that the proposed civic center plaza could be utilized during the holidays and for special events instead of the current method of hosting events in the parking lot. Commissioner Luau agrees with Commissioner Hernandez's thoughts. Commissioner Luau also suggested that the City look into the City of Alhambra's Police Station underground parking, which is closer and similar to the City's structure versus the San Diego model. Commissioner Luau and Hernandez both commented that the parking at the Alhambra Police Station felt safe and that parking was always available. Commissioner Hernandez also suggested that the Farmer's Market could be moved to the civic center. Commissioner Dang also agreed that the grass area could be used as a walking area, which would be excellent for patrons. Chair Chavez asked if Steel Street would remain; Director Boecking stated that it would be removed and utilized as the entrance into the underground parking lot. Commissioner Hernandez asked about the neighboring bank parking. Director Boecking explained that while this project is just in the very beginning phase and no conversations have been had with the bank, a possible outcome would be to have the bank utilize the underground parking so that the civic center could also be developed in that area. Commissioner Dang inquired about the food hall across the street, and Director Boecking answered that potential thoughts would be that the patrons could use the civic center area, and that parking could be used to attend the food hall. Commissioner Dang asked if the food hall would resemble the Blossom Market Hall. Director Boecking explained that it might be larger, with two or three stories and a lounge area at the top. Commissioner Luau asked if, with the building of the civic center and parking lot, City Hall and the Community Center could be torn down and built in another location to allow for room for the civic center. Director Boecking explained that he was unsure, but currently, facilities are not being relocated. Chair Chavez commented that he would like to see other agencies with a similar civic center and underground parking to better visualize the plans. Chair Chavez would like a garden or other amenities to attract associates or organizations to host events to help generate revenue. Chair Chavez also voiced his concerns about underground parking and the structure's security in case of an earthquake. Commissioner Hernandez also proposed a walkway to connect the parking lot to the food hall and, if the budget allows, to purchase golf carts and keep them stored in the parking lot for events, especially open street events. Commissioner Luau voiced that the parking stalls should not be compact parking. Director Boecking thanked the commission for their opinions. While no date has been set, sometime in the future, when plans have been developed further, the commission will be addressed again regarding the parking structure. B. Month Parks & Recreation Department Review Director Boecking reports on the Parks and Recreation Department's summer programs. Summer is one of the department's busiest seasons. The pools have been busy, with swim lessons starting and two events planned for summer: Dive in Movie and Christmas in July. Garvey Park recently renovated the infield, and it looks great. The basketball courts at Rosemead Parks have also been resurfaced. Activities at the Garvey Center include bingo, crafts, and case management. The Parks and Recreation staff are preparing for the 4`h of July event. The parade will start at 10:00 am, run along Valley Ave., and end at Rosemead Park. The carnival will be open from noon until 11:00 pm, and there will be activities throughout the day. Suave will be the headlining band, and the fireworks will go 2 off at dusk. Staff is excited to put on the event, and the theme for this year is "Celebrating the Olympic Spirit." Summer concerts are starting July 12 at the Jess Gonzelez Sports Complex. The first three concerts will be held at the venue, and the remaining three will be at Rosemead Park. The Parks and Recreation Department will celebrate "Parks Make Life Better" with a special event and concert with a Taylor Swift tribute band. National Night Out will be celebrated with Public Safety at Rosemead Park on August 9. There will be a concert, vendors, raffles, and free food. This summer, there will be two Movies in the Park, one at Garvey Park and one at Rosemead Park. Art in the Park is a new event that will be held on Wednesdays. It will alternate between Garvey Park and Rosemead Park and is scheduled from July 10 through August 14. Kids Night Out will be held on Friday, August 9, at Splash, where parents can have a night off while kids play at the pool and have dinner. The Family Excursions will take families to see LA Angeles at their home stadium. The Youth Basketball League is very popular and one of our largest programs. The youth league was opened for summer, and staff had to double our teams to 28. Adult Basketball is also very popular and is doing well. The staff is looking to start a flex league for pickleball. Kids Camp is also full almost every week, and the kids are excited to go on the excursions. The summer lunch program is offered Monday through Friday at Garvey Park and Rosemead Park, free for children ages 17 years and under. Drop-in Recreation is also taking place. On Tuesday, June 25, the State of the City took place, and Mayor Ly presented an update on Rosemead's current affairs and insight into things the City will be working on. One of Mayor Ly's focuses is creating new park space. To be set on a future agenda item, the Parks Commission should develop potential ideas and locations for new recreation and park space. Commissioner Dang asked for clarification if the new space would have to be owned by the City. Director Boecking clarified that not necessarily; for example, the community gardens are privately owned, and the City has leased them for usage for garden space. It is a possibility to have a long-term lease. 4. MATTERS FROM COMMISSION A. Commissioner Comments Chair Chavez mentioned that the playground at Rosemead Park should have some shade tarp covers to allow for shade. Director Boecking responded that adding shade to the playground should be on the amenities list, but if not, it will be added. Commissioner Dang asked if staff received complaints about parking at the park. Director Boecking responded that we receive some complaints, but they are infrequent and not out of the ordinary. When special events are scheduled, the department tries to give residents enough notice. Commissioner Dang also inquired about free compost and asked if the City offers that service. Direct Boecking explained that the City offers two compost 3 giveaways, and residents can drop off bulky items and shred paper. Tentatively, the second compost event is scheduled for October. 5. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 7:51 p.m. The next Parks Commission meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. W� � — eneva Ramirez, Commission Secretary APPROVED: 5+�-ffiFotcc Charlie Chavez, Chair