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HomeMy WebLinkAbout030525IRWINDALE CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS 5050 N. IRWINDALE AVENUE IRWINDALE, CALIFORNIA 91706 MARCH 512025 WEDNESDAY 6:00 P.M. The Irwindale PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION met in regular session at the above time and place. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Michelle Duran, Justin Kelly, Nathan Romero; Vice Chair Carmen Roman; Chair Paula Fraijo Also present: Elizabeth Rodriguez, Public Services Director; Priscilla Zepeda; Recreation Manager; Pedro Rodriguez, Public Works Services Supervisor; Daniel Grijalva, Aquatics Supervisor; and Armando Hegdahl, Management Analyst AB 2449 DISCLOSURES None. CONSENT CALENDAR MOTION A motion was made by Chair Fraijo, seconded by Vice Chair Roman, to approve the Consent Calendar, except for Item No. 6B, which was removed for separate consideration. The motion was unanimously approved. ITEM NO. 6A MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD FEBRUARY 5, 2025 MINUTES OF THE MEETING HELD The minutes of the meeting held February 5, 2025, were approved FEBRUARY 5, 2025, as presented. END OF CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM NO. 6B IRWINDALE AQUATICS CENTER'S SPRING 2025 TENTATIVE IRWINDALE AQUATICS SCHEDULE CENTER'S SPRING 2025 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE CHAIR FRAIJO Chair Fraijo questioned who would be able to participate in Aqua Standup classes on Mondays and Wednesdays during the proposed hours and requested that a report be presented to the Commission after the second session detailing how many residents and non- residents participated. She stated that she wishes to offer the program when the highest number of residents could participate. VICE CHAIR ROMAN Vice Chair Roman asked about the Aquatics Division's budget, to which Chair Fraijo advised that the Aquatics' budget is a separate item for discussion at tonight's meeting. DIRECTOR RODRIGUEZ Director Rodriguez indicated that the summer schedule will be presented at the April meeting. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 2 COMMISSIONER Commissioner Romero asked about attendance at the paddle board ROMERO classes, to which Director Rodriguez advised that many seniors attend the class and added that the attendance numbers would be presented to the commission. COMMISSIONER Commissioner Duran suggested that the paddleboard classes be DURAN held at times that are more conducive to those that work full time, perhaps at 4:00 p.m., to which Supervisor Grijalva advised that the program has always been offered on Mondays and Wednesdays due to conflicts with other scheduled programs. He added that staff might be able to request budgeting for weekend hours. MOTION A motion was made by Chair Fraijo, seconded by Commissioner Duran, to receive and file the Irwindale Aquatics Center's Spring 2025 Tentative Schedule. The motion was unanimously approved. SPONTANEOUS COMMUNICATIONS There were no speakers. NEW BUSINESS ITEM NO. 8A IRWINDALE AQUATICS CENTER'S SWIMMING POOL IRWINDALE AQUATICS IMPROVEMENTS PROJECT UPDATE —VERBAL PRESENTATION CENTER'S SWIMMING POOLIMPROVEMENTS PROJECT UPDATE SUPERVISOR GRIJALVA Supervisor Grijalva provided the update wherein he discussed the scope of work, progress, and completion target date. DISCUSSION HELD Discussion was held regarding the height of the diving boards, the material of the ADA lift seat, the proximity of the lift to the pool steps, whether individuals who need to use the lift would need to be accompanied by somebody, and the extent of assistance that staff should provide. COMMISSIONER Commissioner Kelly requested that progress photos of the project be KELLY emailed to the commissioners. CHAIR FRAIJO Chair Fraijo requested a staff report on the number of incidents that occur at the pool at the end of the summer season and the number of times the ADA lift is utilized. ITEM NO, 8B IRWINDALE RECREATION'S BUDGET REQUESTS FOR CITY IRWINDALE COUNCIL &IRWINDALE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION RECREATION'S BUDGET REQUESTS FOR CITY COUNCIL & PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 3 IRWINDALE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION MANAGER ZEPEDA Manager Zepeda presented the report. CHAIR FRAIJO Responding to a question by Chair Fraijo, Director Rodriguez advised that any recommendations that the Commission makes to the proposed budget requests would be presented to the Irwindale Community Foundation's Executive Director tomorrow. DISCUSSION HELD Discussion was held regarding: 1) the higher costs of trips such as the fishing trip and the trip to the NFL game 2)the proposal to increase funding for field trips for the Tots program 3) lower attendance at the second fishing trip compared to the first 4) the concern of liability when transporting individuals with disabilities on trips and the desire to have increased participation by residents 5) the replacement of the smaller bus that experiences frequent issues 6) purchasing of cheer program uniforms 7) the preference of hiring resident instructors for recreational programs 8) the request to purchase safer seats at the NFL games 9) whether it's fair to allow the family of a Tots program participant to in in trips 10) more attention should be given to engage teens in recreational programs 11) additional staff members should be trained to assist those with disabilities and participants of RockAbilities 12) the desire to include people from all backgrounds while still offering programming tailored to specific needs and preferences. 13) funding sources and availability for the RockAbilities program 14) the items that are included in the proposed silent sound system as well as the system's proposed uses 15) a suggestion was made for staff to reach out to other cities in the San Gabriel Valley to encourage them to initiate their own programs similar to RockAbilities 16) the availability of grants to offset program costs and how the Regional Center may be able to help cover event costs 17) the diminishing availability of funding from the Irwindale Community Foundation LINDA MAREZ Linda Marez stated that she does not see the need to request funding for a field trip program for the RockAbilities program participants and their families, nor for the silent sound system. She PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 4 commended staff for the Sunset Cinema program since it is so fun and acknowledged staff for the tremendous programs that the Recreation Department provides. She then suggested that the City be more frugal in how it spends its funds, though she acknowledged that more should be done to help the Teen Club, SUZANNE GOMEZ Suzanne Gomez urged conscientious spending and noted that Mt. Sac provides many different types of programs geared for teens for free. She also suggested scheduling fewer future trips for those that do not sell out and expressed her admiration of the Halloween and Easter Recreation programs. MOTION A motion was made by Chair Fraijo, seconded by Vice Chair Roman, to recommend eliminating the request for $8,000 for field trips for the Tots program, the $6,000 request for field trips for the RockAbilities program, and the $8,000 request for the silent sound system, and increasing the budget for Halloween activities by $1,500, The motion was unanimously approved. ITEM NO. 8C IRWINDALE AQUATICS CENTER'S BUDGET REQUESTS FOR IRWINDALE AQUATICS CITY COUNCIL & IRWINDALE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION CENTER'S BUDGET REQUESTS FOR CITY COUNCIL & IRWINDALE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION SUPERVISOR GRIJALVA Supervisor Grijalva presented the report. DISCUSSION HELD Discussion was held relating to: 1) The costs of the proposed purchase of four new solar -charging picnic tables and their features. 2) The associated costs of luaus. 3) The fully burdened costs for a full time Aquatics Assistant and their required qualifications. SUZANNE GOMEZ Suzanne Gomez expressed her opinion that the request to hire afull- time Aquatics Assistant is justified. She also thanked the Aquatics staff for the wonderful programs they provide and requested additional chairs at the pool, a charging station for phones, and suggested that lifeguards be given raises. MOTION A motion was made by Chair Fraijo, seconded by Commissioner Kelly, to recommend approval of the suggested budget excluding the four solar -charging picnic tables, which should be replaced with more cost-effective tables, similar to those that are currently being used. The motion was unanimously approved. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 5 ITEM NO, 8D IRWINDALE PUBLIC SERVICES MAINTENANCE'S BUDGET IRWINDALE PUBLIC REQUESTS FOR CITY COUNCIL & IRWINDALE COMMUNITY SERVICES FOUNDATION MAINTENANCE'S BUDGET REQUESTS FOR CITY COUNCIL & IRWINDALE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION DIRECTOR RODRIGUEZ Director Rodriguez presented the staff report. DISCUSSION HELD Discussion was held pertaining to: 1) The availability of the new shuttle bus that staff wishes to purchase as well as available options and amenities such as an ADA lift and restroom. LINDA MAREZ Linda Marez suggested purchasing the 36-passenger bus with a restroom. SUZANNE GOMEZ Suzanne Gomez spoke on the need to purchase a new bus. MOTION A motion was made by Chair Fraijo, seconded by Commissioner Roman, to recommend approving funding for the purchase of a 32 to 36 passenger bus with a restroom. The motion was unanimously approved. RECREATION MANAGER UPDATE RECREATION Recreation Manager Zepeda provided the following update: MANAGER ZEPEDA 1) The launch site for this year's 4th of July Spectacular will be the same as last year's. 2) Public Works staff will lead "Building Fun" workshops for kids, with assistance from Recreation staff. 3) She also presented the schedule for Sunset Cinema, which will begin June 30 and conclude on August 4. 4) The 15t ever Family Valentine's Day Dance took place last month and was sold out. 5) The Irwindale Cheer team took 1st place at their competition held February 23. 6) A RockAbilities Resource Fair and City Emergency Preparedness Event has been scheduled for March 8. 7) Recreation and Library staff have collaborated with Mt. Sac to offer additional non-credit classes to the community in its Independent Living Skills classes titled "Money Skills." PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES REGULAR MEETING AQUATICS SUPERVISOR UPDATE MARCH 512025 PAGE 6 8) The next iRecCARES Workshop has been scheduled for March 24 and will cover how the community can protect their homes in a wildfire. 9) The following events and activities have been scheduled for March and April: A) RockAbilities Resource Fair — March 8 B) Family Trip: Calico Ghost Town — March 15 C) KidZone St. Patrick's Party — March 17 D) Kindness Krew Community Clean Up — March 22 E) iRecCARES Workshop — March 24 F) Dan Diaz Recreation Center closed for Cesar Chavez Day — March 31. G) Tot Trip to Aquarium of the Pacific — April 5 H) Day Camp Trip: AMC Disney's Snow White — April 8 1) RockAbilities Petting Zoo — April 9 J) Day Camp Trip: Urban Air Adventure Park — April 10 K) Teen Trip: Magic Mountain —April 11 L) Kindness Krew Community Clean Up — April 12 M) Irwindale Cheer Competition —April 13 N) Teeny Tots Easter Hunt —April 16 O) Easter Eggstravaganza — April 19 P) Administrative Professionals Day —April 23 10)Last month, Inclusion Specialist Luana Acuna and she presented at the California Joint Powers Insurance Authority Parks & Recreation Academy at the session entitled "Creating CommUNITY through Inclusion", which was selected as an example as best practices. She thanked Specialist Acuna and wished her the best of luck at the California Parks & Recreation Society's Annual Conference in two weeks where she will represent the City of Irwindale. 1) Recreation Aide Lawrence Lopez was selected as the Recreation Department's 2024 Employee of the Year. 12)Inclusion Specialist Acuna conducts a monthly Zoom meeting with interested cities throughout the state regarding inclusivity programs. Staff from Baldwin Park have reached out with an interest in expanding their events. AQUATICS Aquatics Supervisor Grijalva provided the following update: SUPERVISOR GRIJALVA 1) Staff is busy preparing for the upcoming summer season, including preparation of flyers and arrangements for special events. 2) Staff attended a workshop hosted by SCMAF. 3) He also provided the schedules for classes such as Mindful Waters, Senior Splash, Aqua Walk, Swim Team, Aqua Fitness, PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 7 and Lap Swimming, 4) Staff is recruiting for the lifeguard positions. VICE CHAIR ROMAN Responding to a question by Vice Chair Roman, Director Rodriguez indicated that she would speak to Director of Engineering Chan to see about scheduling a tour of the new pool. COMMISSIONER Commissioner Romero asked whether a grand reopening event for ROMERO the pool would be scheduled, to which Supervisor Grijalva indicated that one is being looked into, potentially to be scheduled at the beginning of April. PUBLIC WORKS SUPERVISOR UPDATE PUBLIC WORKS Public Works Supervisor Rodriguez presented the following update: SUPERVISOR 1) Park maintenance staff has mulched tree wells and planters in front of the Dan Diaz Recreation Center and City Hall. 2) Staff poured new sidewalk panels south of El Nido Park and will continue to the north side. 3) Building maintenance staff painted doors and wells opposite of the mural wall. 4) A Teen Club meeting will be held on March 10 and staff hopes that they will participate in painting the mural that day. 5) Staff is cleaning roofs and gutters in anticipation of more rain. 6) The locker room sewer line was jetted this week. 7) The annual fire suppression systems test, and inspection has been completed. 8) Staff will receive training tomorrow regarding how to conduct safety inspections. CHAIR FRAIJO Chair Fraijo reported overgrown weeds along Allen Drive at the park. PUBLIC SERVICES DIRECTOR UPDATE DIRECTOR RODRIGUEZ Director Rodriguez presented the following update: 1) An Emergency Preparedness and RockAbilities Resource Fair has been scheduled for this Saturday where Public Works staff will be on site to showcase its tractor, and staff will present information on individuals' responsibilities during emergencies. 2) Fencing will soon be put up due to the upcoming construction of the new Library. The four trees that are removed to make way for the new building will be repurposed and used to build furniture. PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MINUTES MARCH 5, 2025 REGULAR MEETING PAGE 8 COMMISSIONER Commissioner Kelly asked about the availability of parking, to which KELLY Director Rodriguez noted that half of the parking fronting City Hall will be unavailable during construction, though alternatives are available. COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND FUTURE DISCUSSION REQUESTS COMMISSIONER Commissioner Duran asked about allotting funding to have a DURAN professional clean the Community Center, ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m. Armando Heg ,ahl, CIVIC Management Analyst Approved as presented at the meeting held April 2, 2025.