CITY OF SIGNAL HILL - File #: 26-1384

• File #: 26-1384
• Type: Discussion Item Report
• Status: Agenda Ready
• File created: 1/12/2026
• In control: Parks and Recreation Commission
• On agenda: 1/21/2026
• Title: DIRECTOR'S REPORT - UPDATES ON CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS, PARK PROJECTS, AND PROGRAMS FOR NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2025

AGENDA ITEM

TO:                                           

HONORABLE CHAIR

AND MEMBERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION

FROM:                      

YVETTE E. AGUILAR

DEPUTY CITY MANAGER/PARKS, RECREATION AND LIBRARY SERVICES DIRECTOR

SUBJECT:                      

title

DIRECTOR’S REPORT - UPDATES ON CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS, PARK PROJECTS, AND PROGRAMS FOR NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2025

summary

Summary:

The Director’s Report provides updates on activities and actions related to the Parks, Recreation and Library Services Department and provides the Parks and Recreation Commission with information about City Council direction; status on park projects; and 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 November 13, 2025, City Council Meeting:

•                     Mayor Jones presented a proclamation to the Police Department in recognition of Law Enforcement Records and Support Personnel Week.

•                     City Council approved the waiving of the reading of ordinances in full and authorized reading by title only.

•                     City Council approved the first reading of the amendment to change the City’s Municipal Code.

•                     City Council approved an amendment to the exclusive negotiation agreement with National Community Renaissance of California.

•                     City Council provided direction to staff to create a schedule of the 2026 commemorative flag displays.

•                     City Council authorized the City Manager to enter a Public Works contract with Oak Hollow Restoration for exterior vertical wall repair and installation of retrofit steel windows at City Hall.

•                     City Council asked staff to enhance efforts to keep recreational use of Hill Street safe.

At the November 25, 2025, City Council Meeting:

•                     Librarian Gelli Nocon provided a presentation about scheduled programming to commemorate the Interfaith Month of Gratitude.

•                     Police Chief Brad Kenneally swore in newly promoted Lieutenant Russell Hefte.

•                     City Council authorized the City Manager to enter a Public Works contract with CABD Construction Incorporated for the Amphitheater Project (Project No. 90.24013).

•                     City Council authorized the City Manager to administer the right-of-way agreement with the Gateway Cities Council of Governments for installation, maintenance, and operation of the Gateway Cities Regional Fiber Optic Network.

•                     City Council authorized the City Manager to enter a Contract Services Agreement with Axon Enterprise, Incorporated for taser equipment.

•                     City Council adopted a resolution for the 2026 Commemorative Flag Display Schedule.

•                     City Council adopted a resolution to appoint a member and alternates to the governing board of the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority.

At the December 9, 2025, City Council Meeting:

•                     Police Chief Brad Kenneally presented plaques honoring the lives of former Signal Hill Police Department personnel.

•                     Communications Specialist Cindy Flaro presented an update to the City’s Communication Plan.

•                     The Human Rights Campaign Foundation named the City of Signal Hill as one of the best cities in the nation for LGBTQ+ inclusion in municipal law and policy.

•                     City Council approved the proposed changes to the Signal Hill Municipal Code.

•                     City Council approved the proposed City Council Committee Policy.

•                     City Council approved designation of April 14 as Jessie Nelson Day of Remembrance annually as desired.

PARK PROJECTS

Civic Center Master Plan - Phase I (Amphitheater)

The Civic Center Master Plan (Plan) was approved and adopted by City Council at the August 27, 2024 meeting.

In September 2024 staff-initiated Phase I of the Civic Center Plan and released a request for proposals (RFP) for the architectural and engineering design services for the amphitheater project (Phase I) and awarded a contract in December 2024. City staff and the consultants presented a conceptual design for the amphitheater at the May 27, 2025, City Council meeting. 

On November 25, 2025, the City Council approved a contract with CABD for the construction of the amphitheater.  Fencing for the staging area began in December 2025, with construction work scheduled to begin late in January 2026 and project completion at the end of the 2026 calendar year. 

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. 

Hillbrook Park Wall Mural Art Project (Update)

On August 15, 2025, staff issued a Request for Qualifications - Call For Artists for the Hillbrook Park Wall Mural Art Project (RFQ); the City received 15 submitted packages from various artists demonstrating their qualifications and past projects. The Review Committee evaluated the submitted packages and identified five finalists to provide a proposed artwork for the mural.  The Committee selected Victor “Ving” Fung as the final artist, and the City Council awarded the Contract Services Agreement at their meeting on January 13, 2026.  Work on the mural is scheduled to begin in late January 2026.  The project is scheduled to be completed in the Spring 2026.

RECREATION DIVISION

COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

LIBRARY SERVICES DIVISION

UPCOMING PARKS, RECREATION, AND LIBRARY SERVICES DEPARTMENT PROGRAMS AND EVENTS

Approved:

_________________________

Yvette E. Aguilar