MINUTES PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING Chino Hills Government Center 14000 City Center Drive, Chino Hills, California I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Gannon called the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting of the City of Chino Hills to order at 7:00 p.m. II. III. IV. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Vice Chair Patrick Hamamoto led the Assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Chair Robert Gannon Vice Chair Patrick Hamamoto Commissioner Mike Kreeger Commissioner Greg Higgins Student Member Ambika Rajyagor ABSENT: Commissioner Ron Nadeau Ex-Officio Member Sylvia Orozco ALSO PRESENT: Jonathan Marshall, Community Services Director Benjamin Montgomery, Neighborhood Services Manager Kimberly Albarian, Recreation Supervisor Jana Dale, Recreation Coordinator Lyna Thoeun, Recreation Coordinator Mike Adams, Recreation Coorinator Janelle Ramos, Recreation Coordinator PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS Resident Susan Weinberg stated that she walks regularly to English Springs Park. She reported on the following: Children have broken some of the steel bars and managed to play inside the waterfall area. The bars were fixed the next day after she spoke with Sean O Connor. Wild ducks and geese inhabit the park and the children abuse the animals. By the time the police get there, the children are gone. Parents bring their children to the park and do not supervise them. Three or four months ago, the paramedics were called because a child got hurt playing in the playground and the parents could not be located. Ducklings are eaten by the turtles in the park. Turtles should be relocated from the park. Teens smoking marijuana and drinking at the park. The signs are only in English and additional, larger signs are needed. o Two months ago a Hispanic gentleman allowed his two grandchildren to swim in the pond. o Sign that says dogs should be on a leash at all times. Two weeks ago, two pit bulls were taken there by the owner and the dogs killed two or three ducks.
Page 2 Commissioner Higgins asked if there are particular times of the day when these incidents occur. Ms. Weinberg stated that incidents usually happen when she is there between 4:30 and 6 pm. She added that the incidents get worse when they are out of school. Chair Gannon thanked Ms. Weinberg for her comments. Chair Gannon asked if assigning staff to check the park regularly would be possible. Director Marshall stated that children should be supervised appropriately and English Springs Park seems to become a habitat due to the water component. He will schedule staff to periodically inspect the park and educate the park patrons. He will also look into adding signs or replacing them with better signs. Chair Gannon suggested to have staff from Founders do a walk-through to see how bad it is. Director Marshall added that he would discuss with Public Works what can be done about the turtles. Neighborhood Services Manager Ben Montgomery stated that Inland Valley Humane Society was contacted regarding the activities at the park and increased their patrols. In addition, the Code Enforcement team scheduled on Saturday added the park in their regular route. Director Marshall stated that Recreation staff was scheduled on weekends to patrol the park and staff will be asked to continue this practice. Commissioner Kreeger suggested that universal signs should be used instead of providing signs in several different languages. He added that Prado might be a good park to transport the turtles. Vice Chair Hamamoto asked if the park is locked after dark. Director Marshall stated that an automatic gate secures the park at night. Recreation staff opens the restroom on the weekends and Public Works opens them during the week. Vice Chair Hamamoto stated that securing the park at night would relieve the police from having to patrol the park. Commissioner Higgins suggested that staff create an educational handout or flier with the theme of Please help us keep the park beautiful, including rules such as: swimming is not allowed; please do not abuse the animals; and, keep your dogs leashed. Commissioner Kreeger suggested that anyone reserving the gazebo could be handed a list of rules. Student Member Rajyagor stated that supervision by staff from Founders on certain times would be good. Chair Gannon asked if Ms. Weinberg would be willing to return to provide an update to the Commission. Chair Gannon added that since the park has a water feature and the possibilities of injury exist, staff should be pro-active in inspecting and patrolling the park. Ms. Weinberg suggested that volunteers could assist in patrolling the park. She added that she saw residents drop off turtles at the park. Chair Gannon stated that volunteers could assist in handing out fliers and information to the residents.
Page 3 V. ACTION ITEMS 1. June 21, 2012 Parks and Recreation Meeting Minutes On motion by Commissioner Higgins, seconded by Vice Chair Hamamoto, the Minutes of June 21, 2012 meeting was approved. All in favor. MOTION CARRIED. VI. STAFF REPORTS/COMMENTS 1. Spring Recreation Program Ms. Albarian reported that the Spring Recreation Program had 3,200 residents and 800 non-residents participated in the program. The following Recreation Coordinators gave a presentation to the Commission as follows: Student Government Day Lyna Thoeun 21 students from Ayala High School, Chino Hills High School, and Boys Republic. City Council, Directors, staff, Police, Fire, and Chamber of Commerce actively participated as mentors in this program offering the students a unique hands-on experience in municipal government. Active Adults 50+ - Lyna Thoeun House of Blues for Gospel Brunch 25 participants took a trip to House of Blues in Downtown Disney, Anaheim. Appetizing Arrangements 16 participants were taught to create an edible fruit arrangement. AARP Tax Preparation Seminar 122 participants received assistance with their tax returns. Classes and Programs staff still offers OLLI classes and special interest programs. McCoy Equestrian and Recreation Center Jana Dale March Madness All Breeds Horse Show 147 entries for horse and rider combinations. Surveys and data from participants are collected to assist in selecting events that are popular. Spring Fling All Breeds Horse 150 entries and staff received positive feedback from participants. Earth Day Recreation Division partnered with Public Works and community volunteer groups to organize the event. 20 large trees were planted at the Veterans Park which was funded by a grant. Following activities were provided for the youth: Re-Use Material Becoming Art (RUMBA) Project, passport activity, and informational booths. A bicycle was donated by Disposal Services as a raffle prize. Lil Cowpoke for a Day themed Pirates n Ponies. The activities offered were: games, arts & crafts, photo keepsakes, and pony rides. Lunch was provided in this event. Pet Fair Day a family event for dog lovers. A variety of demonstrations and information booths, doggie fun contests and games. Inland Valley Humane Society was there. Kahoots Pet Store donated all the prizes for this event.
Page 4 20 th Annual Easter Egg-Citement Janelle Ramos Over 20,000 participants attended the event in Chino Hills Community Park. Decorating contest attracted 78 entries; 14,000 eggs distributed for the egg hunt, crafts and craft vendors, entertainment, and picture with Easter Bunny. Breakfast with the Easter Bunny Kim Albarian Breakfast with the Easter Bunny breakfast was served by Kiwanis Club and activities included arts & crafts, games, and pictures with the Easter Bunny. Spring Day Camp Janelle Ramos One week day camp at Grand Avenue Park. 30 youth campers, 6 12 years old, participated in arts & crafts, games, mobile recreation, and a field trip to Skate Express. 6 th Annual Track & Field Meet Kim Albarian Event was held at Chino Hills High School. Received participation from seven schools with 393 athletes registered to compete, with 55 advancing to the Inland Valley Track Meet. Pee Wee Sports Mike Adams Participants from ages 3 to 5. Soccer had 125 participants, baseball had 67 participants, and basketball had 32 participants. The different classes were held at Grand Avenue Park, Community Park, and Hunters Hill Park. Youth Soccer Clinic Mike Adams Participants for this class ranged from 6 to 8 years. It is a developmental program focused on fundamentals of soccer, team building exercises and drills. This class was held at Sunset Park. Hiking the Hills Club Mike Adams Program was scheduled utilizing various City trails with 6 different hikes ranging from 2 5 miles, with one of the scheduled hikes located in the State Park. The City received an increase in registration with 44 participants who received literature and information about trails, hiking tips, and safety precautions to take while hiking the trails. 2. Calendar of Events: The following are upcoming events in July and August: July 21 August 3 August 5 August 18 Cleopatra & the Mysteries of Egypt Day Trip to California Science Center. This is the only exhibit that is coming to Southern California. Shakespeare by the Sea presents Romeo & Juliet at Veterans Park 12 th Annual Horse Show Mania at McCoy Equestrian Center. Gondola Getaway to Belmont Shores, Naples Island, Long Beach for shopping, dining, and a serenaded gondola ride. Commissioner Kreeger inquired about Shakespeare by the Sea presentation and if staff handed out fliers at the Concerts in the Park. Staff stated that the postcards were distributed at Concerts in the Park.
Page 5 3. Update on Construction Projects Chino Hills Community Center Director Marshall stated that the notice to advertise the project was approved by the City Council. The bid specifications will be available at the end of the month. Notice to Award the contract will be scheduled for the September 11 City Council meeting. Veterans Park Monument a simple unveiling for the monument and pedestal will be held on August 22, prior to the last Concerts in the Park series. An unveiling ceremony will be scheduled closer to Veterans Day in November. McCoy Equestrian Center sound system has been installed and training will be scheduled for staff. Community Park Parking Lot Mr. Joe Dyer of the Engineering Department will be evaluating traffic flow in the parking lot in August during football and soccer season. Football has increased their participation numbers but scheduling will be given special attention. Traffic on Eucalyptus Avenue will be evaluated as well. Commissioner Kreeger asked if the Mystic Canyon Park facility has been completed and if a photo can be provided to the Commission. Ms. Albarian stated that improvements have been completed. She added that photos will be provided for the Commission. VIII. IX. COMMITTEE UPDATES Commissioner Kreeger reported that Chino Hills Day at the Fair is approaching and Public Works Commissioner Barry Fischer is requesting for donations for the Yellow School Bus Program. COMMISSIONER REPORTS AND COMMENTS Commissioner Kreeger thanked staff for their presentation and stated that he received great comments regarding the horse shows. Vice Chair Hamamoto thanked staff and stated that the attendance at the events prove that the programs are successful. He added that Shakespeare by the Sea presentation might be something that can be brought back to Chino Hills. Commissioner Higgins thanked staff with their presentation. Commissioner Higgins discussed the following: Four Chino Hills teams that traveled to Tennessee to participate in the USO national games received medals in all four other divisions, with girls under 16 taking first place nationally; boys under 16 won a consolation bracket; girls under 12 finished 3 rd place, losing to a California team that was the state champion; and, boys under 10 received medals and did extremely well. Chino Hills was the best represented and thanked the City for supporting the teams and providing City pins as giveaways. School district facilities in need of repair Director Marshall stated that various sports groups caused some fields to need minor repair. Mr. Chapko welcomed work orders to be submitted and they will go through the required process.
Page 6 Commissioner Nadeau s comments on the Hidden Oaks project Director Marshall stated that the developer for Hidden Oaks project has not submitted plans yet but might do so by the end of the year. An initial submittal from the developer would initiate discussion and input from staff. Commissioner Higgins stated that the Planning Commission Meeting on Ordinance for Heritage trees on private property and Zoning changes to Founders Recreation site was very interesting. Several residents who attended the meeting were opposed to the re-zoning of Founders Recreation site. They were very concerned about traffic impact, neighborhood impact for potential crime, and view impact. He added that while he supports the location change for the Community Center site, he opposes the re-zoning of the Founders Recreation site. He also stated that the use of the Founders Recreation site is very relevant to the Parks and Recreation Commission and what the Park and Recreation Master Plan calls for. Student Member Rajyagor thanked staff for their presentation. She added that she is looking forward to watching the Shakespeare by the Sea s Romeo & Juliet. Chair Gannon thanked staff for their presentation. He asked if the issues raised by Ms. Weinberg could be brought back for discussion at the next meeting in August and traffic flow at the Community Park. Director Marshall stated that the Community Park would be heavily impacted towards end of August and September. An update would best be scheduled in September. Chair Gannon asked if there was an approximate headcount on Concerts in the Park the previous night. Ms. Thoeun stated that attendance was around 2,000+ and the vendors reported the highest sale of the season. X. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:05 p.m. to the next regular Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting to be held on August 16, 2012. Respectfully submitted, Carmen Fructuoso-Canter, Administrative Secretary Community Services Department