Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission

City of Fresno 2600 Fresno Street Fresno, CA 93721 www.fresno.gov Meeting Minutes Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission Chair - Kimberly McCoy Vice Chair - Laura Ward Commissioner - Jose Leon Barraza Commissioner - Rose Caglia Commissioner - Jon Dohlin Commissioner - Kelly Kucharski Commissioner - Scott Miller Commissioner - Harman Singh Commissioner - Christina Soto Monday, November 18, 2024 5:30 PM Council Chambers (In Person and/or Electronic) https://www.fresno.gov/pra c-meeting/ Regular Meeting The Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission (PRAC) met in regular session in the Council Chamber at Fresno City Hall on the date and time above written. 1. Call to Order Chair McCoy called the meeting to order at 5:44 P.M. 2. 5:44 P.M. Roll Call On motion of Commissioner Dohlin, seconded by Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Singh's absence was EXCUSED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 8 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza, Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, Commissioner Miller and Commissioner Soto Absent: 1 - Commissioner Singh City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 1 Parks, Recreation, and Arts Meeting Minutes November 18, 2024 Commission Present 8 - Chair Kimberly McCoy, Vice Chair Laura E. Ward, Commissioner Jose Barraza, Commissioner Rose Caglia, Commissioner Jon Dohlin, Commissioner Kelly Kucharski, Commissioner Scott Miller, and Commissioner Christina Soto Absent 1 - Commissioner Harman Singh 3. Pledge of Allegiance Chair McCoy led the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. Approve Agenda On motion of Commissioner Miller, seconded by Commissioner Dohlin, the AGENDA was APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 8 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza, Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, Commissioner Miller and Commissioner Soto Absent: 1 - Commissioner Singh 5. Approval of Minutes 5.-A. ID 24-1555 Approval of the regular meeting minutes of November 4, 2024. On motion of Commissioner Soto, seconded by Commissioner Miller, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza, Commissioner Kucharski, Commissioner Miller and Commissioner Soto Absent: 1 - Commissioner Singh Abstain: 2 - Commissioner Caglia and Commissioner Dohlin 6. Discussion: Subcommittee Reports: 6-A. Parks Master Plan: Commissioner Barraza reported the Parks Master Plan is scheduled to go before the City Council on November 21, 2024. City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 2 Parks, Recreation, and Arts Meeting Minutes November 18, 2024 Commission 6-B. Highest Needs Neighborhoods: There was no update from the Highest Needs Neighborhoods. 6-C. San Joaquin River Parkway: Commissioner Kucharski reported the PRAC Commission recommended a motion to allocate funds for the Camp Pashayan Project. There should be additional funding available in the next fiscal year budget. The subcommittee looked at two additional projects, and at the last PRAC Commission meeting the River Conservancy clarified that one of those projects is no longer eligible for City funds through Measure “P” because their board hasn't approved the project. The River West Project is being brought forward today to consider allocating additional funds from bucket five for the San Joaquin River Parkway. 6-C. ID 24-1589 San Joaquin River Conservancy comments and request for motion for -A. remaining FY 26 funding. 6-D. Cultural Arts Grant Fund Subcommittee Vice Chair Ward reported the Cultural Arts Grant Fund Subcommittee has an item on the agenda tonight, and the committee wanted to note this was the first item under the new subcommittee. The committee would like future integration with the Fresno Arts Council as the Cultural Arts Plan Subcommittee had in the past to bring all the different perspectives together, and arrive on the same page before bringing recommendations to the PRAC Commission. 6-D. ID 24-1575 Cultural Arts Subcommittee meeting minutes of November 8, 2024. -A. 7. Members Reports and Comments COMMISSIONER DOHLIN REPORTS AND COMMENTS: Reported traveling overseas, and experienced great cities. Acknowledged fellow Commissioners, city staff, and the people who testify in chamber and virtually. Emphasized great cities are defined by great parks. Acknowledged the work being done by the commission is very important and it will determine the experience of the citizens of Fresno, their quality of life, and City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 3 Parks, Recreation, and Arts Meeting Minutes November 18, 2024 Commission influence the perception of Fresno by visitors. 8. City Administration and PARCS Staff Reports and Comments PARCS DIRECTOR AGUIRRE REPORTS AND COMMENTS: Announced a future workshop with Holland Elementary for a play space at Kerry Park. Highlighted Commissioner Dolan’s comments with the hard work of the commission, the PARCS Department, and the administration. Noted Thursday’s Council meeting is a record setting day for the PARCS Department with 11 items for approval. 9. Unscheduled Communication: Members of the public may address the Commission regarding items that are not listed on the agenda and within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Commission. Each person will have up to three (3) minutes to present. Upon call, the following members of the public addressed the Commission with unscheduled communication: Sarah Parkes, David Roberts, and Sharron Weaver. 10. Workshops: 11. Discussion Items: 12. Hearings: 12.-A. ID 24-1424 Hearing - Adopt the Calendar Year 2025 Parks Recreation and Arts Commission Meeting (PRAC) Calendar. The above item was called to order at 6:06 P.M. and was presented to the Commission by Program Manager Gaytan. Upon call, the following members of the public addressed the Commission: Lilia Gonzales Chavez. Public comment closed at 6:12.M. Commission discussion on this item included: Adjusting the 2025 meeting schedule around football season. Adding a special meeting. On motion of Commissioner Dohlin, seconded by Commissioner Barraza, that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the following vote: City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 4 Parks, Recreation, and Arts Meeting Minutes November 18, 2024 Commission Aye: 8 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza, Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, Commissioner Miller and Commissioner Soto Absent: 1 - Commissioner Singh 12.-B. ID 24-1452 Hearing - Actions pertaining to the Expanded Access to Arts and Culture Grant Guidelines: 1. Presentation - Overview of the Grant Guideline Draft. 2. Receive public input on the draft Expanded Access to Arts and Culture Grant Guidelines. The above item was called to order at 6:12 P.M. and was presented to the Commission by Vice Chair Ward, and Lilia Gonzales Chavez. Upon call, the following members of the public addressed the Commission: Gabriel Lozano, Adela Resendez, and Elizabeth Laval. Public comment closed at 6:34 P.M. and again at 7:14 P.M. Commission discussion on this item included: Eligibility of category funding for applicants. Definition, role, and flexibility in eligibility requirements for fiscal sponsors. Inclusion of general nonprofits. Certification and amendment process. Purpose of the expanded access program. Expanding engagement, and accesss to the arts. Rephrasing language for diversity goals. Allocation to underserved populations, and allocation of funds. Stronger commitment to address underrepresentation. Outreach and technical assistance. Compliance with ordinance and Measure "P". Role of commissioners in advocacy. Addressing presumptions about award distribution. Parallels to city budget allocations. Ensuring broad access to arts services. Revised guidelines and policies. Encouraging citywide participation. Storytelling and transparency in applications. Urgency of grant guidelines. Scheduling a Special Meeting. Importance of a fiscal agent. Mental health experts licensed as an art therapist or a music therapist. 12.-C. ID 24-1576 Hearing - Actions pertaining to the Parks, After School, Recreation, and Community Services (PARCS) Department's FY 2026 Budget Build as it relates to capital projects; after school, recreation, and community services programs; and trails, beautification, and the San Joaquin River Parkway 1. Presentation - Overview of the FY 2026 budget build process. 2. Receive public input on expenditures related to the PARCS Department's FY 2026 budget. City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 5 Parks, Recreation, and Arts Meeting Minutes November 18, 2024 Commission 3. Action - Make recommendations to the City Council for adoption of expenditures in connection to the PARCS Department's FY 2026 budget (PARCS). The above item was called to order at 7:23 P.M. and was presented to the Commission by Assistant Director Chinevere. Upon call, the following members of the public addressed the Commission: Lilia Gonzales Chavez, Kari Daniska, and Sharon Weaver. Public comment closed at 7:37 P.M. Commission discussion on this item included: Allocation of the $300,00 motion by Commissioner Barraza. Project Phases for Park Development, and why the design and build out phases are not done simultaneously. Recommending costs to council for projects, and combining phases for projects. Clarification and feedback on past recommendations proposed to council. Commissioner Barraza motioned to allocate $300,000 for the initial costs of the field lighting project for two sports fields at Al Radka Park. Commissioner Dohlin seconded the motion which passed by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza, Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, and Commissioner Miller Absent: 2 - Commissioner Singh, Commissioner Soto Vice Chair Ward motioned to allocate up to $150,000 as requested by the Arts Council for administration, translation, and related services. Chair McCoy seconded the motion which passed by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza, Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, and Commissioner Miller Absent: 2 - Commissioner Singh, Commissioner Soto Commissioner Kucharski motioned to allocate up to $1,000,000 to the River City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 6 Parks, Recreation, and Arts Meeting Minutes November 18, 2024 Commission West project to support the completion of its core project. Commissioner Caglia seconded the motion which passed by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza, Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, and Commissioner Miller Absent: 2 - Commissioner Singh, Commissioner Soto Commissioner Kucharski motioned to allocate an amount not to exceed $150,000 to open the River West property to the public. Commissioner Caglia seconded the motion which passed by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza, Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, and Commissioner Miller Absent: 2 - Commissioner Singh, Commissioner Soto Commissioner Dohlin motioned to allocate up to $100,000 for the design and construction of a shade structure for the small dog park at Roeding Park. Chair McCoy seconded the motion which passed by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza, Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, and Commissioner Miller Absent: 2 - Commissioner Singh, Commissioner Soto Chair McCoy motioned to allocate $50,000 to start exploring grants in the name of Dr. Francine Oputa. Commissioner Dohlin seconded the motion which passed by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza, Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, and City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 7 Parks, Recreation, and Arts Meeting Minutes November 18, 2024 Commission Commissioner Miller Absent: 2 - Commissioner Singh, Commissioner Soto Chair McCoy motioned to recommend the city council explore the possibility of implementing a project on Eaton Trail, created by University students, in recognition of their efforts and the beauty of their idea. Commissioner Caglia seconded the motion which passed by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza, Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, and Commissioner Miller Absent: 2 - Commissioner Singh, Commissioner Soto Commissioner Barraza motioned to allocate $100,000 to continue expanding the art and development of the Cultural Arts District in Southeast Fresno. Chair McCoy seconded the motion which passed by the following vote: Aye: 7 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza, Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Kucharski, and Commissioner Miller Absent: 2 - Commissioner Singh, Commissioner Soto At the December 16 2024, PRAC Meeting during agenda item 5-A (ID24-1663) approval of the regular minutes of November 18, 2024, Commissioner Soto indicated she left the meeting at 6:30 P.M. and did not participate in agenda item 12-C (ID 24-1576) Hearing - Actions pertaining to the Parks, After School, Recreation, and Community Services (PARCS) Department's FY 2026 Budget Build as it relates to capital projects; after school, recreation, and community services programs; and trails, beautification, and the San Joaquin River Parkway. Therefore she will be marked absent for this item. 12.-D. ID 24-1556 Hearing - Receive public input on allocations related to Measure P, City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 8 Parks, Recreation, and Arts Meeting Minutes November 18, 2024 Commission updates to the Parks Master Plan and Cultural Arts Plan, and annual PARCS Department Budget and Capital Improvement Plans. The above item was called to order at 7:55 P.M. Upon call, the following members of the public addressed the Commission: Gabriel Lozano. Public comment closed at 7:58 P.M. There was no Commission discussion on this item. 13. Adjournment Chair McCoy adjourned the meeting in Memory of Dr. Francine Oputa, at 7:59 P.M. The above minutes were approved by unanimous vote of the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission during the December 16, 2024, regular meeting with Commissioner Singh absent. City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 9