AGENDA ITEM
TO:
HONORABLE CHAIR
AND MEMBERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM:
YVETTE E. AGUILAR
COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
SUBJECT:
title
DIRECTOR’S REPORT - UPDATES ON CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS, PARK PROJECTS, AND PROGRAMS
summary
Summary:
Staff will provide an update on various actions which affect the Community Services Department such as City Council direction, project status for park development, and/or other Community Services Department programs.
recommendation
Recommendation:
Receive and file report.
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Updates and Analysis:
CITY COUNCIL
At the February 14, 2023 City Council meeting:
• The City Council authorized the City Manager to enter into an agreement with Moss Adams LLP as the consultant to develop a new City strategic plan covering 2022-2027.
• The City Clerk resigned due to residency requirements, effective March 1, 2023. The vacancy will be noticed and applications will be accepted through March 31, 2023. The City Council will appoint a City Clerk at the April 11, 2023 regular meeting of the City Council.
• The City Council authorized the Finance Director to issue a Request for Proposal for a comprehensive fee study, comprehensive development impact fee study, and a cost allocation comprehensive fee study.
At the February 28, 2023 City Council meeting:
• An ordinance was introduced amending section 12.05.040 of chapter 12.05 of the Signal Hill Municipal Code relating to new street planting. The 2023 Street Tree Master Plan was also adopted.
• City Council elected to move forward with in-person meetings, pursuant to AB 2449. Participation for the audience will continue to be offered both in-person and virtually via Zoom.
• City Council approved the following schedule for the recruitment of candidates interested in serving on the Planning, Parks and Recreation, and Civil Service Commissions:
o Open Recruitment March 14, 2023
o Close Recruitment April 14, 2023, at 4:30 p.m.
o Applicants will be notified for Council interviews no later than April 21, 2023
• City Council authorized the City Manager to approve Mr. Jonathan Arnold to a limited-term appointment as Interim Chief of Police. Chief Arnold began his employment with the City March 1.
• The mid-year budget was presented and approved by City Council. No significant changes or budget adjustments were included for the Community Services Department.
PARK PROJECTS
Gundry Park
City staff have worked with Signal Hill Petroleum on the initial conceptual phase of the development of a new park, currently referred to as Gundry Park. The proposed Gundry Park is located on the southwest corner of Gundry Avenue and Willow Street, which is anticipated to be dedicated to the City as part of future development. The developer of the property is currently conducting outreach. Following developer’s outreach, the City will work with the developer on community outreach.
Hillbrook Park
City staff will be conducting community outreach and engagement to solicit feedback about the conceptual redesign of Hillbrook Park on the following dates:
• Community Outreach Meeting #1 - Saturday, April 29, 10:00 a.m. (Hillbrook Park)
• Community Outreach Meeting #2 - Wednesday, May 3, 6:00 p.m. (Signal Hill Public Library)
• Parks and Recreation Presentation (Community Input is Welcome) - Wednesday, May 17, 6:00 p.m. (Council Chambers)
• City Council Presentation (Community Input is Welcome) - Tuesday, June 13, 7:00 p.m. (Council Chambers)
The project will be phased, and completion of project is expected by end of fiscal year 2023-2024.
Discovery Well Park Improvement Project
The City of Signal Hill has initiated the Discovery Well Park Improvement Project, which includes replacement of the playground equipment and swings, resurfacing of the basketball half-court, and installation of a pickleball court. The playground equipment construction work is anticipated to be scheduled from March 13 - April 28, 2023.
RECREATION SERVICES DIVISION
COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION
LIBRARY DIVISION
Approved:
_________________________
Yvette E. Aguilar