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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-01-20 - Agenda AGENDA CITY OF DOWNEY RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION 4:00 PM Tuesday, December 1, 2020 Downey City Hall – 1st Floor Council Chambers 11111 Brookshire Ave., Downey, CA 90241 I. CALL TO ORDER: 1. Roll Call: Chair: Pemberton Vice Chair: Wood Commissioners: Rochin, Cunningham, and Trujillo 2. Pledge of Allegiance: Vice Chair Wood 3. Invocation: Commissioner Rochin 4. Welcome to Members and Guests SEE SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND ACCESSIBLITY FOR DECEMBER 1, 2020 RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISION MEETING II. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1. Approve Commission Minutes for March 3, 2020 III. AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA PUBLIC COMMENTS: This portion provides an opportunity for the public to address the Commission on items within the jurisdiction of the Commission and not listed on the agenda. It is requested, but not required, that you state your name, address and subject matter upon which you will speak. Please limit your comments to no more than 3 minutes. Pursuant to the Brown Act, no discussion or action, other than a referral to staff or schedule of subsequent agenda, shall be taken by the Commission on any issue brought forth under this section. IV. PRESENTATIONS: V. COMMISSION BUSINESS: VI. DIRECTOR REPORTS/DISCUSSION: 1. Activity Report: March-October, 2020 2. Measure S Update 3. Upcoming Events VII. COMMISSION MEMBER REPORTS/DISCUSSION: VIII. ADJOURNMENT: Supporting documents are available at: www.downeyca.org; Department of Parks and Recreation, 7850 Quill Drive, Suite C, Downey, CA 90242, Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, complete the City’s Title II ADA Reasonable Accommodation Form located on the City’s website and at City Hall - City Clerk’s Department, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Monday – Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., and submit to the City Clerk’s Department or contact the City Clerk’s Department at (562) 904-7280 or the California Relay Service at 7-1-1. Notification at least 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make arrangements to assure accessibility. The City of Downey does not discriminate on the basis of disability in admission to, access to, or operations of its programs, services or activities. The City does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices. Questions, concerns, complaints or requests for additional information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act may be forwarded to the City’s ADA/Section 504 Coordinator, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, CA 90241, ADACoordinator@downeyca.org; Phone: (562) 299-6619; FAX: (562) 923-6388; California Relay at 7-1-1. I, Shantae Duren, Administrative Assistant, City of Downey, do hereby certify, under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing notice was posted pursuant to Government Code Section 54950 Et. Seq., at the following locations: Downey City Hall, Downey City Library, and Barbara J. Riley Senior Center. Dated this 25th day of November, 2020 Shantae Duren Shantae Duren Staff Liaison, Recreation and Community Services Sommission MINUTES OF THE RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY The Recreation and Community Services Commission held a Meeting at 4:00 p.m. March 3, 2020 in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Chair Pemberton presiding. Chair Pemberton led the pledge of allegiance and Commissioner Rochin gave the invocation. Present: Chair Pemberton Vice Chair Wood Commissioner Cunningham Commissioner Trujillo Commissioners Rochin Absent: Also Present: Pamela J. Passow, Director of Parks and Recreation Jason Chacon, Recreation Manager Shantae Duren, Administrative Assistant Karen Zavala, Office Assistant II Kevin Ellis, Recreation Supervisor Welcome to Members and Guests: Chair Pemberton welcomed members and guests. Written Communications: 1. Approve Commission Minutes: February 4, 2020 A motion to approve the minutes from the February 4, 2020 meeting was made by Commissioner Cunningham, and was seconded by Vice Chair Wood. The motion passed 5-0. Non-Agenda Public Comment: None Presentations: 1. Kevin Ellis, Recreation Supervisor presented a presentation to the Commission giving an overview of the sports programing the Department was currently offering. Mr. Ellis explained to the commissioners the variety of programs offered from developmental/instructional classes to leagues for the more developed athletes. Commissioner Rochin asked is the Department offered any scholarships for the sports programs. Mr. Ellis advised that currently there were no scholarships available, but that the Department would be willing to work with non-profit organizations to help fund some scholarship opportunities in the future. Chair Pemberton inquired to why the fee for non-residents was only an additional $4 and not greater. Director Passow advised that the fee was only $4 to prevent discouraging non-residents for signing up for class which helps to make sure we are able to fill class rosters. Commission Business: 1. Park Quality Control Checklists Commissioner Rochin reported that she visited Dennis the Menace Park which looked beautiful and she loved the equipment. Chair Pemberton advised that residents were asking why there was no shading put up at the park. Director Passow advised that it was not in the budget at the time, but is something the Department can look into in the future. Commissioner Cunningham also went to Dennis the Menace Park and said there were over one hundred people there and his family had fun. Commissioner Trujillo advised that he did not make it to any parks, but he was able to visit the Theatre. Chair Pemberton reported that she had visited Crawford Park where the grass was green and the space was very open. She advised that there was some graffiti. She also asked about the pedestrian gate being open to the residential area. Director Passow advised that LA County uses the gate to the riverbed as a mode of transportation so the County keeps both gates open. Commission Member Reports/Discussion: None Director Reports/Discussion: 1. February Activity Report Director Passow delivered a summary of the February Recreation Commission Report. Items that Ms. Passow reported on included: Staff training on the new John Deere tractor at Apollo Park, ASPIRE’s Valentine’s Day celebrations, the tax assistance program at the Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center, the Sweet Heart Dance hosted at the senior center, the updating of the computers at BJR to Windows 10, the year to date increase in revenue at the Rio Hondo Golf Course, and the upcoming events at the Downey Theatre. Chair Pemberton inquired to the turf maintenance at Apollo Park. Director Passow advised that the Public Works staff is in charge of the turf maintenance and that park staff does more of the basic care such as trash pick-up. Ms. Passow advised that both our staff and the Public Works staff had training on turf management. 2. Measure S Update Recreation Manager Jason Chacon gave an update to the Commission regarding the status of the parks currently being renovated as a part of the Measure S updates. Mr. Chacon reported that Golden Park received new flooring, remodeled kitchen and a new parking lot. Mr. Chacon advised that the park is on schedule to open at the end of March in time to host Brunch with the Bunny. Mr. Chacon reported that the updates at Furman Park include an extension to the restroom building, walking trails, and playground updates. Mr. Chacon reported that the park is on schedule to open in summer 2020. Mr. Chacon updated the Commission on the progress at Discovery Park, including new turf and sod installation on the fields as well as a new walkway by Kaiser Permanente. Mr. Chacon advised that the park will be open for the spring soccer season. Mr. Chacon advised that the City is working on scheduling the grand opening dates for Discovery and Golden Parks. Chair Pemberton asked when Furman Park is scheduled to re-open. Mr. Chacon advised that the City’s goal is to have Furman re- opened by the end of May. 3. Upcoming Events Director Passow reported the following upcoming events:  April 11, 2020: Brunch with the Bunny at Golden Park  April 18, 2020: The Downey Theatre’s 50th Anniversary celebration Adjournment: The meeting was adjourned at 4:45pm _ ____________ Dorothy Pemberton, Chair CITY OF DOWNEY RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION ADMINISTRATIVE MEMO   Date: December 1, 2020 To: Recreation and Community Services Commission From: Jason Chacon, Interim Director of Parks & Recreation Subject: Activity Report – March to October, 2020       RECREATION   Parks The parks have been consistent with change and adjustment over the last several months between the completion of Measure S projects and COVID – 19 restrictions from LA County. To date, all parks are open to the public with the exception of Wilderness Park, which is still finishing up renovations from Measure S and is slated to be ready in January. Park amenities that are available to the public include; walking trails, open green space, playgrounds, restrooms, fitness equipment, dog park, tennis courts, futsal courts, and skate park. Athletic field usage is currently also allowed but require permits for usage in order to maintain county COVID protocols. All indoor activity, outdoor basketball courts and volleyball courts remain closed due to county restrictions. ASPIRE August: ASPIRE staff began training this year with a virtual field trip to Yosemite! Staff went on a scavenger hunt to find the answers to the questions they were given such as “What is the name of the river that goes through Yosemite?” Staff had a fun time exploring and commented on how big the park actually was. It was also a resource staff could utilize with their students as we embark on this new, virtual way of running the ASPRE program. Staff prepared materials for all virtual activities and bundled them into bags so that parents would not have to purchase or gather from their home. In addition a school supply bag was also made that contained: glue, scissors, stapler, hole-puncher, tape, colors, and pencils. Material distribution was held on two days in August, serving 117 families on the first day and 342 families on the second. At the start of each 6 week theme, there will be more materials available.              September: ASPIRE Program Leaders rose to the occasion and did an amazing job on Zoom. Leaders kept students engaged with fun and educational activities. All schools focused on Social Emotional Learning during the first 30 minutes on the day. Leaders checked-in with the students, got an opportunity to socialize with their peers in a safe place, and discussed the question of the day. Elementary schools focused on Super Hero themed activities, while middle school students focused on STEAM activities based on Forensic Science. Students engaged in different activities throughout the month. At Carpenter Elementary, students made Thank You cards for First Responders, the real heroes in today’s world. October: In the month of October, Virtual ASPIRE hosted two special visitors to the Zoom sessions. In the beginning of October, middle school sites wrapped up their STEAM theme of forensic science. They did activities such as: learning about DNA, extracting DNA from a strawberry, learning about fingerprints and “dusting” for fingerprints with cocoa powder, how to interpret blood splatter, testimony and how to be observant, and handwriting analysis. Then Downey Police Department forensic division participated by forensic Specialist L. Cole joining the virtual session for Stauffer, Sussman, and Griffiths to talk about things she does routinely at work, job requirements, challenges of the job, and the differences between real life and TV shows. Students then had the opportunity to ask some great questions too. On October 22nd, ASPIRE celebrated “Lights On Afterschool” a national day celebrating afterschool programs and their important role in the lives of children, families, and communities. All 12 ASPIRE school sites celebrated virtually on Zoom. Mayor Pacheco visited to see how the program has adapted to distance based learning. She got to visit a Williams 3rd grade class that, in honor of character counts week and building community, did a game to recall fun facts about their classmates. The Mayor also visited a 5th grade class at Ward where students took turns reading information about fairies and gnomes, which ended with creating a fairy/gnome house. Lastly, the Mayor visited a 7th grade class at Stauffer, where they were learning about Tim Burton, Frankenstein, and Frankenweenie. They played a quiz show game, watched a clip from the 1984 version and discussed similarities and differences.   BARBARA J. RILEY COMMUNITY & SENIOR CENTER (BJR)   Events and Activities The Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center started the Downey Senior Wellness Program. This program offers seniors 65+ with frozen meals to help during the COVID19 Pandemic. Seniors are able to call ahead to make reservations for meal pick up on Mondays and Thursdays at BJR. Meals are free of charge and residents receive 4 frozen meals at a time. If seniors are unable to leave their residence, the Parks and Recreation Department will deliver meals to their homes on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. There is an average of 80 reservations made for the meal pickup service and an average of 60 residents in need of the home delivery services every week.   Programming The City of Downey launched an online Virtual Recreation Center for Downey residents while following the stay at home orders. Recreation Staff has been filming on Thursday’s with staff focusing on Arts, Health & Wellness and Enrichment activities. The website is updated once a week with new programs for all ages. Barbara J. Riley launched Rec on the Go. Rec on the Go provides families with a week's worth of activities that they could do from their own home. Supplies, an activity calendar, video tutorials and directions are provided. The holiday Rec on the Go round one opened for enrollment on November 13th and sold out in only a few hours. Due to the high demand, BJR organized a second round of Holiday Rec on the Go which opened for enrollment on November 18th and only has a few openings remaining as of November 24th. Fitness Contract classes started on October 5th and are being held outdoors at Furman Park & Apollo Park. Facility/Building   ADA accessible push buttons were installed to the restroom doors at the center. This was a much needed addition to the facility and we are happy they are ready for use when the senior center is allowed to re-open.     RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE Golf Rio Hondo has had a tremendous last 3 months. While so many businesses have been negatively effected by the pandemic, the golf industry is booming right now. During the 6 week closure of the course we lost an estimated $ 404,000 dollars and approximately 8200 golfers. Since reopening on May 9th we have made up the entire deficit and then some. Below is the comparison between 2019/2020 for June 1-September 30. 2020 Revenue $1,509,389.00 2019 Revenue $1,081,236.00 Difference $ 428,153.00 2020 Play 32,336 2019 Play 22,670 Difference 9,666 This represents a 39% increase in revenue and a 42% increase in play. LA County during the same time frame has seen an increase of 14% I fully expect that calendar year 2020 will surpass 2019 even with being closed for 6 weeks. Rio Hondo also was inspected by the County of LA to see how we met Covid protocols and I’m happy to report that we passed with flying colors. While we have lost some tournaments who wanted shotgun events my staff has done an excellent job overall with tournament retention. We have managed to keep almost all of our scheduled events that were not shotguns. We had 17 events in September and 18 scheduled events in October. Grounds August:  removed and planted new flowers in the fountain and putting green planters.  planted 2 trees on the north side of hole # 11 to help contain errant shots.  spiked all fairways to improve air and water infiltration  Applied a soil penetrant and deep watered all greens to lower salinity levels brought on by the use of recycled water. This practice is done on a monthly basis from May to October. September:  All tees were over seeded with perennial rye and top dressed. This will give us color during the winter months.  Applied a preemergent product to all fairways to keep winter weeds out.  The greenside bunker on hole #6 was renovated and white sand was added.  Applied a soil penetrant and deep watered all greens to lower salinity levels brought on by the use of recycled water.  All greens were aerified October:  Fertilized newly grown seed on all tees.  Some sections of cart paths are being lifted by nearby tree roots. We are using soil to create a ramp until corrective measures can be implemented.  Eucalyptus trees along Old River School Road and Via Rio Nido are to be trimmed later this month.  Lake levels will be lowered this month to except the coming rains.1Levels will remain low until next spring.  Applied a soil penetrant and deep watered all greens to lower salinity levels brought on by the use of recycled water. Food, Beverage, and Events Due to the pandemic currently only the Snack Shack is open for operations. The event center is not hosting any events or dinning until further notice. DOWNEY THEATRE Since the closure of Theatre events March 14, Theatre staff has managed the Box Office operation remotely. Starting in July, a minimal amount of Theatre staff has managed operations on-site. Staff has placed over 1000+ courtesy calls and emails to notify patrons of rescheduled shows due to COVID. Ticket holders for all rescheduled shows have been contacted and notified that tickets are honored for all new dates. No action is required by ticket holders for these new dates. Box Office has been flexible on refund requests.  Willy Chirino rescheduled to (Fri & Sat) April 2 & 3 2021  Mariachi los Camperos rescheduled to (Sun) May 9 2021  Beauty & the Beast Sing a long & Grease Sing a long tentatively rescheduled to Fall of 2021 dates TBA Due to overwhelming interest from our partners, the DDLM festival was held virtually this year on Nov. 1 at 11:00 am. All the festival components were offered up on one virtual interactive site which patrons navigated through various links and videos. Some of the participating organizations and activities included: the Downey Library, Stay Gallery, So Cal artist Martin Sanchez, Live workshops provided by Northern California artist Diego Rios, Shopping with some of our featured merchandise vendors, Movies/Film, Ballet Folklorico and music links, arts and crafts and much more. On average between Sunday and Monday there were respectively 5,000 visitors on the site and people spent on average 25 minutes on the site.                                                              11   1 SPECIAL NOTICE Public Participation and Accessibility for the December 1, 2020, Downey Recreation and Community Services Commission Meeting Pursuant to Paragraph 3 of Executive Order N-29-20, executed by the Governor of California on March 17, 2020, and the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health Officer Order Revised October 23, 2020 as a response to mitigating the spread of Coronavirus known as COVID-19 and providing direction for moving the County through the State’s Blueprint for a Safer Economy – Tier 1, the Regular Recreation and Community Services Commission Meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. will allow members of the public to participate and address the Commission during the public comment portion of the meetings via teleconference or by email. Below are the ways to participate in the Recreation and Community Services Commission Meeting at 4:00 p.m. 1. Join the meeting (Audio Only): Meeting ID: 948 6731 9242 Passcode: 025357 Call Toll-Free (audio only): (877) 853-5247 or (888) 788-0099 Members of the public wishing to address the Parks & Recreation Commission during public comment or for a specific agenda item, or both, may do so by the following methods. 3. E-mail: parksandrec@downeyca.org In order to effectively accommodate public participation, participants are asked to provide their public comments via e-mail by 2:00 p.m. on December 1, 2020. Participants addressing the Recreation and Community Services Commission by email are encouraged to provide the following information: a) Full Name; b) City of Residence; c) Subject or Agenda Item No.; d) Written Comments. 4. Teleconference phone number: (562) 299-6622 Calls will be placed on hold in queue and participants will provide their public comments via speaker phone. Persons speaking are limited to a maximum of five (5) minutes. Participants addressing the Recreation and Community Services Commission by teleconference are encouraged to provide the following information: a) Full Name; b) City of Residence; c) Subject or Agenda Item No.; d) Public Comment. For any questions contact the Parks and Recreation Administration office at (562) 904-7238.