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. 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 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 heard 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 Hall.
• 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 from the fiscal year 2023-2024 general unassigned fund balance for immediate short-term repairs.
At the February 27, 2024 City Council meeting:
• City Council approved the continuance of the proclamation of the existence of a local emergency in response to the February 2024 winter storms, a resolution authorizing an emergency public works contract for the repair work at Panorama Promenade and Molino Avenue and 20th Street, and approval of General Services Agreement with Zimprich Engineering Incorporated.
• City Council authorized the City manager to enter a Public Works Contract with Green Giant Landscaping, Incorporated, for the construction of the Hillbrook Park Improvement Project.
• City Council authorized the release for a Request for Proposals for Citywide On-Call Grant Writing Services.
• City Council adopted Resolution No. 2024-02-6786 authorizing mid-year budget appropriations and amending the Fiscal Year 2023-24 Annual Operating and Capital Budget.
• City Council approved an award of contract with Palp, Incorporated, dba Excel Paving Company (Excel Paving) for the pavement management program - Cherry Avenue and Jessie Nelson Circle Improvements Project.
• City Council approved a Resolution approving a list of projects funded by Senate Bill 1 (The Road Repair and Accountability Act) for Fiscal Year 2024-25.
• City Council authorized the City Manager to award a Contract Services Agreement with Firefly Drone Shows for the Centennial Celebration Event Drone Show.
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 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 #2 of the Signal Hill Passport) and get your passport stamped with the 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 beautiful trees that adorn our recreation spaces, fields, 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
The City is celebrating 100 years of incorporation this year. In honor of this milestone, 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.
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 City and ADG completed the design in January 2024, and the City subsequently released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for construction and City Council approved an award of contract to Green Giant, Incorporated. Construction is scheduled to begin spring 2024 and the project is scheduled to be completed by fall 2024. Project updates can be followed at <https://www.cityofsignalhill.org/692/Hillbrook-Park-Improvement-Project>.
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 May 2024. Project updates can be followed at <https://www.cityofsignalhill.org/717/Civic-Center-Master-Plan>.
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