HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-04-21 - Agenda
AGENDA
CITY OF DOWNEY
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
4:00 PM Tuesday, May 4, 2021
Downey City Hall – 1st Floor Council Chambers
11111 Brookshire Ave., Downey, CA 90241
I. CALL TO ORDER:
1. Roll Call:
Chair: Wood
Vice Chair: Ceja
Commissioners: Cunningham, Ramirez and Hanks
2. Pledge of Allegiance: Commissioner Ramirez
3. Invocation: Commissioner Cunningham
4. Welcome to Members and Guests
SEE SPECIAL NOTICE REGARDING PUBLIC PARTICIPATION AND
ACCESSIBLITY FOR THE MAY 4, 2021 RECREATION AND COMMUNITY
SERVICES COMMISION MEETING
II. COMMISSION BUSINESS:
1. Park Checklists
III. CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. Approve Commission Minutes for April 6, 2021
IV. 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 5 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.
V. PRESENTATIONS:
VI. DIRECTOR REPORTS/DISCUSSION:
1. Activity Report: April, 2021
2. Summer Programming
• Summer Camp
• Aquatics
• Concerts in the Park
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 30th day of April, 2021 Shantae Duren
Shantae Duren
Staff Liaison, Recreation and Community
Services commission
1
SPECIAL NOTICE
Public Participation and Accessibility for the May 4, 2021 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, May 4, 2021 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):
URL to join the Zoom Meeting:
https://zoom.us/j/99997506387?pwd=Z0JROHh1SzZWVkJCYTRMZ3VKRjc0Zz09
Meeting ID: 998 3651 6655 Passcode: 540486
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 May 4, 2021.
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.
2
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 Commissioners by teleconference are encouraged to provide the following
information:
a) Full Name;
b) City of Residence;
c) Public Comment or Agenda Item No;
d) Subject.
For any questions contact the Parks and Recreation Administration Office at (562) 904-7238.
Recreation and Community Services Commission Park Inspection Schedule May June July Aug Sept Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar April Apollo Park 1 3 5 2 4 Brookshire Children’s Park 2 4 1 3 5 Crawford Park 3 5 2 4 1 Dennis the Menace Park 4 1 3 5 2 Discovery Sports Complex 5 2 4 1 3 Furman Park 1 3 5 2 4 Golden Park 2 4 1 3 5 Independence Park 3 5 2 4 Rio San Gabriel Park 4 1 3 5 Temple Park 5 2 4 1 Treasure Island Park 1 3 5 2 Wilderness Park 2 4 1 3 Commissioners are identified by the District number (1‐5) he/she represents. Note: July is a dark month for Commissioners “Attachment 1”
CITY OF DOWNEY
PARK QUALITY CONTROL CHECKLIST
1 | Page
PARK
DATE OF OBSERVATION
OBSERVATION BY
1. Activities Observed
Youth Adults Seniors
a. Playground
b. Soccer Fields
c. Baseball/Softball Fields
d. Tennis Court
e. Basketball Court
f. Walking Trail
g. Fitness Equipment
Comments:
2. Turf
Needs Improvement Acceptable Great
a. Mowing/Edging
b. Clippings Removals
c. Color
d. Weed Control
e. Overall Appearance
Comments:
CITY OF DOWNEY
PARK QUALITY CONTROL CHECKLIST
2 | Page
3. Shrubs & Ground Covers
Needs Improvement Acceptable Great
a. Trimming
b. Coverage
c. Weed Control
d. Litter Control
e. Overall Appearance
Comments:
4. Trees
Needs Improvement Acceptable Great
a. Trimming
b. Raising
c. Leavings
d. Overall Appearance
Comments:
5. Trash Receptacles
Needs Improvement Acceptable Great
a. Emptied
b. Liner in Place
c. Litter Control
d. Smell
e. Overall Appearance
Comments:
CITY OF DOWNEY
PARK QUALITY CONTROL CHECKLIST
3 | Page
6. Playground
Needs Improvement Acceptable Great
a. Appearance
b. Condition
c. Surfacing
d. Overall Appearance
Comments:
7. Drinking Fountain
Needs Improvement Acceptable Great
a. Appearance
b. Condition
c. Surfacing
d. Cleanliness
Comments:
8. Tennis Courts
Needs Improvement Acceptable Great
a. Appearance
b. Condition
c. Surfacing
d. Netting
e. Cleanliness
Comments:
CITY OF DOWNEY
PARK QUALITY CONTROL CHECKLIST
4 | Page
9. Basketball Courts
Needs Improvement Acceptable Great
a. Appearance
b. Condition
c. Nets
Comments:
10. Overall Park
Needs Improvement Acceptable Great
a. Cleanliness
b. Clippings Removals
c. Color
d. Weed Control
e. Overall Appearance
Comments:
MINUTES OF THE
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
The Recreation and Community Services Commission held a Meeting at 4:24 p.m. April 6, 2021 in the Council
Chambers of City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Vice Chair Wood presiding.
Commissioner Ceja led the pledge of allegiance and Commissioner Hanks gave the invocation.
Present: Vice Chair Wood
Commissioner Hanks
Commissioner Ramirez
Commissioner Ceja
Absent: Commissioner Cunningham
Also Present: Jason Chacon, Interim Director of Parks and Recreation
Shantae Duren, Administrative Assistant
Karen Zavala, Interim Office Assistant II
Welcome to Members and Guests:
Vice Chair Wood welcomed members and guests.
1. Interim Director Jason Chacon welcomed new Commissioner Hanks. Commissioner Hanks then
introduced herself and provided a brief background of her involvements within the Downey Community
to the group. Mr. Chacon then provided a brief background on the Parks and Recreation Department
and the different facilities and programs the Department oversees.
Commission Business:
1. Reorganization of Commission Chair and Vice Chair: Commissioner Ceja made a motion to appoint
Vice Chair Wood as the new Commission Chair. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hanks
and the motion passed 3:0. Commissioner Hanks made a motion to appoint Commissioner Ceja as the
new Commission Vice Chair. The motion was seconded by Vice Chair Wood and the motion passed
3:0.
Written Communications:
1. Approve Commission Minutes: February 2, 2021
Commissioner Ceja made a motion to approve the minutes from the February 2, 2021 Commission
meeting. The motion was seconded by Vice Chair Wood and passed with a vote of 3:0 with
Commissioner Hanks abstaining.
Non-Agenda Public Comment:
None
Presentations:
None
Commission Business:
None
Director Reports/Discussion:
1. March Activity Report
Interim Director Chacon delivered a summary of the March Recreation Commission Report. Items that
Mr. Chacon reported on included: senior meal pickups and deliveries, contract classes and sports
programming, virtual recreation, and the Downey Theatre.
2. Theatre Subcommittee Meeting Recap
Interim Director Chacon gave a brief review of the topics discussed at the Theatre subcommittee
meeting including: Theatre programming and budgeting, the Theatre management contract expiration
date and upcoming RFP, and the discussion regarding initiating a black box theatre group within
Downey.
3. Summer Programming
Interim Director Chacon advised that the Department is closely monitoring all updates and guidelines
provided by LA County regarding programming and events. Mr. Chacon also advised that staff has
been working on plans for concerts in the park should LA County resume allowing such events by this
summer. Commissioner Hanks inquired to who picks the bands, to which Interim Director Chacon
advised that City staff chooses the bands. Commissioner Ceja asked if the commissioners would have
any say in the band choices, to which Mr. Chacon advised that commissioners are more than welcome
to submit any suggestions for bands to him.
4. Measure S Update
Interim Director Jason Chacon reported the Wilderness is reopened which means that all parks
renovated through Measure S are now reopened to the public.
5. Upcoming Events
Mr. Chacon reported that the Easter event at The Stonewood Center went really well and that the Fire
Department, Police Department, Lions Club, Boy Scouts, Library staff and Space Center staff all
participated in making the event a success.
Interim Director Chacon reported the following upcoming programming:
Camps
Aquatics
Commission Member Reports/Discussion:
Commissioner Ramirez inquired to if the basketball courts at the parks would be reopening anytime
soon for public use. Mr. Chacon advised that LA County has not yet approved public basketball courts
to be reopened for non-organized use due to the inability to conduct contract tracing for Covid-19.
Adjournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 5:03 pm
_ ____________
Jeanie Wood, Vice Chair
CITY OF DOWNEY
RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
ADMINISTRATIVE MEMO
Date: April 6, 2021
To: Recreation and Community Services Commission
From: Jason Chacon, Interim Director of Parks & Recreation
Subject: Activity Report – March, 2021
ASPIRE
Students and staff from Old River ASPIRE were
given a virtual tour of the City of Downey’s Fire
House 1 by Firemen Chris and Chad. They walked
through the entire facility and explained a day in
the life of a firefighter as he went along. He
showed the bedroom and explained their living
situation. He showed the kitchen and how they
take turns cooking a healthy dinner every day for
each other. He showed the tools they use and how
to operate them. The students also asked
questions along the way and learned what it takes
to become a firefighter one day.
During Spring Break, ASPIRE staff hand delivered Easter baskets to their students with outstanding
participation in virtual programming. There were tons of smiles from both students and staff alike.
This was the first opportunity ASPIRE staff and ASPIRE students were able to see each other in-
person since March 2020.
BARBARA J. RILEY COMMUNITY & SENIOR CENTER (BJR)
Events and Activities
The Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center
continues to offer the Downey Senior Wellness
Program providing seniors 65+ with frozen meals to
help during the ongoing COVID19 Pandemic. 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. There is an average of
50 reservations made for the pickup service and 50
residents in need for home delivery. Senior Meal
program is serving approximately 5000 meals a
month for Senior as pick up and home delivered
meals.
Programming
The Lifeguard Training Class took place on April 5th-April 8th
at the Downey High School aquatics center. High school
students took the American Red Cross Certification Course
to learn the necessary minimum skills for a person to qualify
as a non-surf lifeguard. There was a written and in-water
exam students needed to pass to receive their certification.
There were 8 students enrolled.
The spring session of fitness, dance, karate and tumbling
contract classes started on April 19th and are being held
outdoors at Furman Park, Golden Park and Apollo Park. All
contract classes continue to follow COVID 19 safety
guidelines in place by LA County.
The City of Downey continues to provide
content for the online Virtual Recreation Center
for Downey Residents while following the stay
at home orders. Recreation Staff has been
filming on Wednesdays with staff focusing on
Arts, Health & Wellness and Enrichment
activities. The website is updated once a week
with new programs for all ages.
RECREATION
Apollo
Our spring youth sports programs began their spring season by focusing on skills development. As
the programs moved further into April, many of our Skills & Play participants received their uniforms
and will begin playing games. The spring sports sessions include soccer, futsal, basketball, volleyball,
baseball, t-ball, hip hop and Fit 45. These programs have participants ranging from ages 3 to 17
years old. We currently have about 900 youth participating in our programs, with some classes at full
capacity. With these rising numbers, we are taking all possible safety measures. There is a
designated check in table where all participants complete a health screening. Apollo Gymnasium
takes pride in the safety of our community and we cannot wait to see more smiling faces on the field.
DOWNEY THEATRE
The Downey Theatre will be able to officially re-open on June 1st with strict guidelines for events. A
site specific re-opening plan is still being drafted for approval.
The below season shows have been rescheduled to the 21/22 FY.
- Beauty and the Beast Sing a long
- Willy Chirino
- Grease Sing a long
- Mariachi Los Camperos
RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE
Wedgewood Weddings
We officially opened our restaurant, Master’s Grill, as of Monday April 26, 2021! Currently, only the
bar is open without food services as we’re still working on bringing our kitchen staff back and getting
them re-acclimated with the facility. We are planning to resume lunch services starting May 10th, and
then full menu and operations are scheduled to resume on May 24th. Hours are posted at the
entrances and exits along with when food will be available.
Events are beginning again this month and we’re hitting the ground running. For 2021, there are only
2 Saturday evenings and a handful of Friday evenings left un-booked!
The ceremony patio is currently under construction to build a permanent ceremony path and altar. It
should be completed by May 8th as that’s our first scheduled wedding.
Golf Shop
April was another fantastic month for Rio Hondo. The course reported a 58% increase in revenue
from April 2019 (2020 we were closed). We continued to see record numbers in all categories such
as green fees, cart fees, range revenue, and overall play. We have also hosted several tournament
events. The Course hosted 19 tournaments this April which is up from 12 in April, 2019.
Grounds
The month of April is the start of spring and the best time for us to perform the practice of turf
aeration. We use specialized equipment which creates many small holes in the ground allowing
air/water to better penetrate compacted soil, and improving growing conditions for the turf.