AGENDA ITEM
TO:
HONORABLE CHAIR
AND MEMBERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM:
YVETTE E. AGUILAR
PARKS, RECREATION & LIBRARY SERVICES DIRECTOR
SUBJECT:
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DIRECTOR’S REPORT - UPDATES ON CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS, PARK PROJECTS, AND PROGRAMS
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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 help to provide the Parks and Recreation Commission with information about City Council direction, project status for park development, and/or other programs and services.
Strategic Plan Goal(s):
Goal No. 5 Strengthen internal communication, recruitment, retention, systems, and processes to increase the effectiveness and efficiency of City services.
Goal No. 4 Maintain and improve the City’s physical infrastructure, water system, and recreational spaces.
recommendation
Recommendation:
Receive and file report.
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Updates and Analysis:
CITY COUNCIL
At the January 9, 2024 City Council meeting:
• The Parks, Recreation and Library Services Department provided an overview of the City of Signal Hill Centennial Celebration.
• Chief Byerley introduced Rebecca Lopez, Emergency Management Coordinator and swore in new Police Officers Adrian Rayon and Reese Proulx.
• City Council adopted a resolution to confirm the appointment of delegates and alternates as official representatives of the City.
• City Council adopted a resolution approving the annual institutional permits for 2024 for Cole Vocational Services, Courtyard Care Center, Dungarvin California LLC, Las Brisas Childcare Center, and Unlimited Quest.
• City Council approved the annual report on Development Impact Fees (DIF) for fiscal year 2022-2023.
At the January 23, 2024 City Council meeting:
• The Public Works Department shared an update on the project status for the East 20th Street and Redondo Avenue intersection improvement project.
• City Council approved allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for the continuation of the City’s food distribution and construction of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) streets and sidewalk improvements in the amount of approximately $83,560.
• City Council selected Linda Edwards to fill the vacant seat on the Parks and Recreation Commission with her term concluding May 2025.The Community Development Department presented the annual review of properties with active Conditional Use Permits (CUPs) and City Council provided direction as appropriate for specific CUPs.
• City Council adopted a resolution authorizing appropriations for the fiscal year 2022-2023 general fund operating surplus; current year appropriation adjustments and capital improvement plan budget and related funding, transfers for capital improvement plan projects, and related funding transfers for the Phase I of the Civic Center Master Plan budget; amending the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget; and approval of the Civic Center Master Plan Phase I budget.
• City Council approved a resolution declaring final acceptance of the Palm Drive Pavement Rehabilitation project from Obispo Avenue to E. Willow Street.
• City Council ratified the purchase order to purchase two (2) City vehicles utilizing the Sourcewell Cooperative Purchase Agreement with National Fleet Auto Group.
• City Council approved the first amendment to the general services agreement with D&H Water Systems for the installation of a disinfection station at Temple Reservoir
At the February 13, 2024 City Council meeting:
• The City Manager introduced Eric Kranda, the 2023 employee of the year.
• Chief Byerley presented the police department’s completed electric vehicle pilot program for parking enforcement and pool vehicle uses, in partnership with Tesla of Signal Hill.
• A public hearing was head to amend the uniform schedule of service fees and charges. The City Council and Housing Authority Board approved the Exclusive Negotiation Agreement (ENA) between the City, Signal Hill Housing Authority, and National Community Resnaissance (“National CORE”) for the development of two proposed workforce housing projects known as Orange Bluff and Walnut Bluff.
• City Council approved for the City Manager to enter into a General Services Agreement with GEI for a three-year term contract.
• City Council approved agreements with Bluespace Interiors, LLC, for the purchase and installation of new furniture and architectural walls for City Hall and with Mohawk Commercial, Incorporated for the purchase and installation of new flooring for City Hal.
• City Council adopted a resolution to ratify the City Manager’s proclamation of the existence of a local emergency in response to 2024 February winter storms and authorized appropriations form the fiscal year 2023-2024 general fund unassigned fund balance for immediate short-term repairs.
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 to all things leading to the centennial, and more information is updated on a regular basis, including a countdown to the City’s signature event on April 27. However, other events, programs, and activities will be included on the website as details are finalized throughout the year.
UPCOMING CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION PROGRAMS & EVENTS
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. The project is currently out for a Request for Proposals (RFP) for construction of the project, which is expected to take place spring 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 City Council Spring 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