AGENDA ITEM
TO:
HONORABLE CHAIR
AND MEMBERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM:
YVETTE E. AGUILAR
PARKS, RECREATION AND LIBRARY SERVICES DIRECTOR
SUBJECT:
title
DIRECTOR’S REPORT - UPDATES ON CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS, PARK PROJECTS, AND PROGRAMS
summary
Summary:
The Director’s Report provides an overview and various updates on activity and actions related to the Parks, Recreation and Library Services Department and provides the Parks and Recreation Commission with information about City Council direction; project status on park projects; and/or other programs and services.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 4 Maintain and improve the City’s physical infrastructure, water system, and recreational spaces.
Goal No. 5 Strengthen internal communication, recruitment, retention, systems, and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of City services.
recommendation
Recommendation:
Receive and file report.
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Updates and Analysis:
CITY COUNCIL
At the March 12, 2024 City Council meeting:
• Chief Byerley introduced Brad Kenneally, Police Captain.
• Public Works Director Thomas Bekele introduced Celeste Godoy, Administrative Assistant, and Favian Real, Water Maintenance Worker I.
• The Public Works Department presented a project status update for the FY 2023-2024 Sidewalk Repair Project.
• City Council authorized staff to submit the Signal Hill General Plan Annual Progress Report for calendar year 2023 to the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research and to the State Department of Housing and Community Development.
• City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into a four-year contract services agreement with CSG Consultants, Incorporated, to provide on-call building safety plan check and professional staffing services.
• City Council approved the exemption to City Policy 4.15 prohibiting alcohol on City property and a waiver of fees for the use of the Signal Hill Public Library Community Room and Zinnia Courtyard.
• City Council authorized the City Manager to accept grant funding through the Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) 22.
• City Council approved a resolution for the filing of an application for the Los Angeles County Measure A Grant for the Hillbrook Park Improvement Project.
• City Council authorized the City Manager to extend the proclamation of the existence of a local emergency in response to the February 2024 winter storms for 60 days.
At the March 26, 2024 City Council meeting:
• The City of Long Beach Animal Care Services (LBACS) Bureau introduced a pet available for adoption and provided an update on animal services programs and licenses.
• Chief Byerley introduced Susan Garcia, Police Records Clerk.
• Staff presented an overview of the City’s efforts and results in delivering homeless outreach and prevention services over the last year.
• City Council authorized staff to issue a Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit proposal from qualified consultant s to prepare an economic analysis and land use study for three proposed Opportunity Study Areas.
• City Council discussed City Council compensation and provided direction to staff to agendize the item at the City Council meeting of April 9, 2024.
• City Council approved the continuance of the proclamation of the existence of a local emergency in response to the February 2024 winter storms.
CENTENNIAL PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
The City of Signal Hill is celebrating 100 years of incorporation in 2024. In January 2022, City Council appointed the Centennial Celebration Committee, comprised of two council members, and one representative from the Planning and Parks and Recreation Commissions. The committee has been meeting since early 2023 to plan, organize, and map out the festivities throughout the year.
The city’s website has also been updated and populated with information related to the centennial. There’s a landing page that is dedicated promoting the centennial year, and more information is updated on a regular basis, including a countdown to the City’s signature event on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Additional events, programs, and activities will be included on the website as details are finalized throughout the year.
UPCOMING CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION PROGRAMS & EVENTS
Signal Hill Passport
Be a part of the City’s history and learn about the rich offerings of our past. Visit one of the centennial activities or events (details listed on page #2 and #3) and get your passport stamped with Signal Hill’s commemorative stamp. Fill in your passport book and redeem your prizes at the Signal Hill Public Library by December 18, 2024.
Tree Sponsorship Program
The City of Signal Hill is home to a beautiful park system with exquisite views. Part of that landscape includes trees that adorn our recreation and open spaces, trails, sidewalks, and medians.
Our Tree Sponsorship Program allows park supporters to have a tree planted in honor of a loved one. To sponsor a tree simply complete the application online and provide your preferred area for your sponsored tree to be planted.
The city will make every effort to place a tree in the requested zone. However, if staff are unable to accommodate specific zone request, contact will be made with the applicant to find an alternative zone.
Sponsorship donations are final and non-refundable. All sponsorship donations should be made payable to the City of Signal Hill, 2175 Cherry Avenue, Signal Hill CA 90755 with a note “Tree Sponsorship” in the memo line.
Time Capsule - Share Your Story
The City of Signal Hill is celebrating 100 years of incorporation in 2024 and you are an important part of the City’s history. Share your story and tell us why Signal Hill is important to you, your favorite memory about the City, or an important occasion that took place in the City. Be a part of the City’s continued history as we capture your story and save it to install in the City’s new time capsule at the end of the 2024 year. Please note, your name may be published, but your contact will only be used by City personnel to get in touch with you regarding your submittal if needed. Contact the Parks, Recreation and Library Services Department if you have nay questions at 562-989-7330 or email us at 100years@cityofsignalhill.org <mailto:100years@cityofsignalhill.org> for more information.
Celebrating Centenarians
In honor of the City’s milestone year, we want to recognize centenarians in our community! If you, or someone you know, is 100 years old or will turn 100 this year, let us know! We’ll share their name, date of birth, and recognize them at a future City Council meeting.
Please complete the information online to be a part of the celebration. Note, information will be shared via public information channels such as the website, social media, and in a public meeting.
City Hall Open House
On February 27, we hosted the first Open House at the City Hall building and City Council Chambers. A total of 25 patrons attended the Open House and took a tour of the building. The afternoon included a Model T, displays of past City Council and City Hall building pictures, as well as light refreshments. The participants of the Afterschool Recreation Club (ARC) joined in the festivities to learn about the Model T car and the departments that are based at City Hall.
Youth Art & Community Photo Contest
The deadline for the Youth Art Contest was extended to Thursday, April 11 to allow for more entries. A total of 64 entries were submitted. The art and photos will be available for viewing during the April 27 Centennial Celebration Event.
PARK PROJECTS
Hillbrook Park
At the January 10, 2023 City Council Meeting the City Council approved entering into a Design Services Agreement with Architerra Design Group (ADG) for the Hillbrook Park renovation design services. The consultant and City staff held four community outreach and engagement meetings in spring 2023.
Construction has begun and is projected to be completed by October 2024.
Civic Center Master Plan
City Council entered into an agreement with John Kaliski Architects, Incorporated (JKA), to develop, design, and recommend potential implementation alternatives for future enhancements of the Civic Center campus. Located at the center of the City, Signal Hill Park is already home to the City’s major events including concerts, festivals, and social events, showcasing potential to be the destination for all things artistic and recreational in Signal Hill.
The consultant gathered community input through several engagement opportunities including in-person feedback at special events, multiple online surveys, workshops, and general at City Council, Commission, and Committee meetings.
Conceptual plans will be further developed and presented to the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council in 2024.
RECREATION DIVISION
COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION
LIBRARY SERVICES DIVISION
UPCOMING PARKS, RECREATION, AND LIBRARY SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Approved:
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Yvette E. Aguilar