Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting

CITY OF LOS BANOS PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES OCTOBER 19, 2021 ACTION MINUTES – These minutes are prepared to depict action taken for agenda items presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission. Special Note – This meeting was held by teleconference due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. CALL TO ORDER: Chairperson Spevak called the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting to order at 6:05 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Pierce led the pledge of allegiance. ROLL CALL – MEMBERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION PRESENT: Cortez Jr, Pierce, Spevak; Flores excused, Munoz absent. STAFF MEMBERS PRESENT: Parks & Recreation Operations Manager Heim, Administrative Coordinator de Melo. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF AGENDA: Motion by Cortez Jr., seconded by Pierce to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion carried by the affirmative vote of all Parks and Recreation Commission Members present; Flores excused, Munoz absent. CONSIDERATION OF APPROVAL OF THE ACTION MINUTES FOR THE REGULAR MEETING OF JULY 20, 2021: Motion by Cortez Jr., seconded by Pierce to approve the agenda as submitted. The motion carried by the affirmative vote of all Parks and Recreation Commission Members present; Flores excused, Munoz absent. PUBLIC FORUM: MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC MAY ADDRESS THE COUNCIL ON ANY ITEM OF PUBLIC INTEREST THAT IS WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF THE CITY; INCLUDES AGENDA AND NON-AGENDA ITEMS. NO ACTION WILL BE TAKEN ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS. DETAILED GUIDELINES ARE POSTED ON THE COUNCIL CHAMBER INFORMATIONAL TABLE. Secretary de Melo stated that no comments were received and the Public Forum was closed. PARKS & RECREATION 2020/2021 REVENUE/EXPENDITURE REPORT: Parks & Recreation Operations Manager Heim reported that we had 400 kids in soccer verses 600 pre-Covid, but due to the pandemic, sign-ups started later in the year, which effected the number of kids participating, but we did max out on volleyball sign ups. Golden Agers have had less ticket sales due to Covid, but events are slowly building back up. The Parks division continues to work on several projects like some landscaping at Ranchwood Park, and some work on the downtown trees. We will be putting a shade sail at Verona Park as well. We have been dealing with a PG&E issue at the Community Center, which involved a huge rate spike. PARKS & RECREATION OPERATIONS MANAGER REPORT. Parks & Recreation Operations Manager Heim reported that we have our Fall Party in the Park/Dog Park opening this Saturday. Encouraged all commissioners to attend. We recently had a bad wind storm and our staff responded to 112 trees that went down. We are applying for a Rural Recreation Grant for the Colorado Ball Park, in which we recently had a public meeting regarding the future of Colorado Ball Park. We are hoping to receive this grant to do renovations to the three ball fields, three new scoreboards, ADA improvements, parking improvements with parking islands and solar lights, widening the entrance to the parking lot, improve the tennis courts, a trail pathway around the ball fields, expand the skate park and add a pump track. Hoping to improve the onsite buildings, such as the snack bars, at a later time. Commissioner Cortez Jr. suggested a BBQ picnic area near the tennis courts. Manager Heim said those are also in the plans. COMMISSION MEMBER REPORTS. CORTEZ: Noticed that the entrance to the Dog Park needs to be pressure washed, and suggested that this is done a few times a month. FLORES: Excused. MUNOZ: Absent. PIERCE: Saw Joe on the Los Banos Talk interview, which provided a lot of information, which is good. Would like to see some social media posts for recreation programs. Encouraged more communication with residents. Asked if anyone has ever complained about kids darting out in the middle of the street around Oliveira Soccer Fields. Manager Heim said he has not received complaints, but he will talk to the Streets Division to see if there is signage that we can put up. Manager Heim also stated that we do post all Rec activities on our department Facebook page, and the City’s website. We also send newsletters out the kids in the elementary schools. SPEVAK: Really appreciates the newsletter that Joe sends out via email. Asked if we have a date for a new Public Works Director. Manager Heim stated that we just had a new City Manager begin working, so we are hoping he will start the recruitment process for a new Public Works Director soon. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at the hour of 6:55 p.m. APPROVED: __________________________ John Spevak, Chairperson ATTEST: ______________________ Jelene de Melo, Secretary