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.
body
Updates and Analysis:
CITY COUNCIL
At the April 9, 2024 City Council meeting:
• Acting Assistant Fire Chief Jessica Post gave a presentation on the operations report for the County of Los Angeles Fire Department.
• Parks, Recreation and Library Services Director introduced new Recreation Coordinator Erendira Hernandez.
• Mayor Woods presented a proclamation to the Signal Hill Public Library staff to recognize National Library Week.
• Mayor Woods presented a proclamation to the Police Department Dispatchers/Jailers in recognition of National Public Safety Telecommunications Week.
• The Public Works Department presented a project status update on various Capital Improvement Projects.
• City Council provided direction to staff to agendize City Council, City Clerk, and City Treasurer compensation at a future City Council meeting.
• City Council authorized the continuance of the proclamation of existence of a local emergency in response to the February 2024 winter storms and reaffirming emergency repairs at Panorama Promenade and Molino Avenue and 20th Street.
At the April 23, 2024 City Council meeting:
• Police Chief Byerley introduced and swore in Juan Cruz and Anthony Fernandez as new Police Officers for the City of Signal Hill.
• Mayor Woods recognized the City’s 100th Anniversary.
• Signal Hill Petroleum presented a commemorative check in the amount of $100,000 and was as Platinum Sponsor.
• A public hearing was held to amend Resolution 2024-02-6781 amending the uniform schedule of service fees and charges.
• A public hearing was held to consider amending the conditional use permit 00-05 for an existing self-storage facility.
• City Council approved a fresh start pension strategy for the City’s unfunded pension liability administered through California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) for all Miscellaneous and Sworn Rate plans.
• City Council authorized the continuance of the proclamation of existence of a local emergency in response to the February 2024 winter storms and reaffirming emergency repairs at Panorama Promenade and Molino Avenue and 20th Street.
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. 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 any 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
As a part of the City’s Centennial Celebration, more than 60 photos were submitted for the Community Photo Contest and three art pieces were submitted for the Youth Art Contest.
The Community Photo Contest invited individuals to enter digital images with a theme “Signal Hill Captured.” The Youth Art Contest theme was “A Moment In The Community”. Photos and art pieces were displayed at the Centennial Celebration Event on Saturday, April 27. The Community Photo Contest winners and Youth Art Contestants will be presented with certificates at the May 15, 2024 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting.
Centennial Celebration Event
In Saturday, April 27, the City hosted a day filled with various events and activities to commemorate the City’s official Centennial anniversary.
The morning started off with the Signal Hill Color Fun Run and Walk, which had nearly 250 participants, followed by a pancake breakfast, which was enjoyed by nearly 500 guests.
In the afternoon, the City held the official Opening Ceremony to start off the City’s event, where 150 people were in attendance. The Opening Ceremony program included all members of the current City Council, Supervisor Janice Hahn, City Manager Carlo Tomaino, Dave Slater from Signal Hill Petroleum, and several guests including Signal Hill resident Ian Hand, artists Amy Glinska and Brianna Liddi, and Chaplain Wesley Sullivan. The United States Marine Coprs 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company presented the flags.
The City’s existing time capsule was revealed and an exhibit with all items contained within the capsule were displayed for public viewing inside the City Council Chambers for the afternoon.
The event which featured live bands, music, games, food, and crafts began immediately following the Opening Ceremony, until the evening, when the evening concluded with a customized drone show that captivated the 2,500 person audience at the park and throughout the City.
SH Police Department Open House
On May 4, we hosted the second Open House at the Signal Hill Police Department. A total of 150 patrons attended the Open House and took a tour of the station, with tours led by SHPD staff. The morning included meet and greets with the SHPD Command Team, a visit through the lobby, Emergency Operations Center (EOC), jail, dispatch, administrative offices, the opportunity to explore the interior of multiple police vehicles, and concluded with a BBQ on site.
PARK PROJECTS
Hillbrook Park Improvement Project
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. The project can be followed on the City’s website 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 the City Council for final approval in 2024.
Please visit the website at <https://www.cityofsignalhill.org/717/Civic-Center-Master-Plan> to learn more and keep updated on the status of the Plan.
RECREATION DIVISION
COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION
LIBRARY SERVICES DIVISION
UPCOMING PARKS, RECREATION, AND LIBRARY SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS AND EVENTS
Approved:
_________________________
Yvette E. Aguilar