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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/26/1994 PRC MinutesCITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION HERITAGE COMMUNITY CENTER OCTOBER 26, 1994 CALL TO ORDER Chairman Goldenberg called the meeting to order at 7:10 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The audience was led in the Pledge of Allegiance by Sandy Barlow. ROLL CALL Present: Chairman Goldenberg, Vice Chairman Ruzicka Commissioner Schey Commissioner Tye arrived at 7:30 p.m. Staff: Community Services Director Bob Rose Recreation Supervisor Marla Pearlman Administrative Assistant Sandy Barlow Absent: Commissioner Medina MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE Mr. Oscar Law addressed the Commission on behalf of the senior citizens of Diamond Bar and reported on their long range plan of obtaining a building with the following specifications: Approximately 25,000 square feet with 300 parking spaces, 150 of which are handicapped, built to withstand an 8.0 earthquake, with complete kitchen and cots in the event of an earthquake. The building would serve as a community building. He asked if there is anything the Commission can do to help the senior citizens accomplish their goal. Mr. Law further asked about the hot meals program and earthquake supplies that were to be available at Heritage Park. Chair/Goldenberg commented that it is a very worthwhile program and asked Mr. Law to provide the request in writing to the Commission. He further stated that research was initiated several months ago regarding grants for the hot meals program and deferred to CSD/Rose. Mr. Law further requested that the building be located near a hill where an astrological observatory could be placed for the high school students to use. VC/Ruzicka asked what the Commission can do. Mr. Law replied as follows: 1) Find land that the City can afford to buy or solicit a donation. 2) In the construction of the building, the City is more knowledgeable about the building codes than the senior citizens and they request the assistance of the City. VC/Ruzicka asked for the request to be placed on the letterhead of the Diamond Bar Seniors stating the specific requirements. Chair/Goldenberg stated the project would be sizable and suggested two acres would be required for the project. Mr. Law stated four acres. C/Schey stated five acres. Mr. Law stated he has contacted the state assemblyman and requested a listing of all sources where money would be available to fund such a project. Chair/Goldenberg asked for additional information regarding the earthquake preparedness program for storing supplies in the bin as to who was to provide such supplies. CSD/Rose responded that during the funding period, under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, the City Council allocated a certain amount of money for disaster preparedness. A portion of the money was designated towards seniors for disaster preparedness at the Heritage Park facility as well as others. He further stated that under the CDBG requirements, a specific program must be in place before any supplies may be purchased. The �J 1 October 26, 1994 Page 3 Heritage Park program has not been determined by the City Manager's office as of this date. Staff has requested that shelving be purchased for the storage shed so that surplus food can be stored. Mr. Law further stated that surrounding communities have large senior centers and yet less population than Diamond Bar. He reported that the Senior Citizen Association has 180 members of which 60 to 80 are active, and members are turned away from some functions due to lack of space. Chair/Goldenberg asked if Heritage Park is the largest facility available. CSD/Rose replied that it is the largest. Chair/Goldenberg offered the support of the Commission and asked CSD/Rose if there is anything further the Commission can do. CSD/Rose asked to see the information Mr. Law receives from the state as to other available sources of funds. CSD/Rose further stated that an alternate program was submitted by Intervale concerning the hot meals program wherein a fee-for-service program was offered at $3.00 per meal instead of a grant funded program. About two weeks ago he addressed the senior citizens group of approximately 80 and received 60 responses to a questionnaire regarding the fee-for-service program. 70% were not in favor of such a program. Mr. Law replied that many of the seniors do not have money to pay for meals and are living on social security from month to month. Chair/Goldenberg asked if an ad hoc committee be formed to look into the program. CSD/Rose stated the results of the survey done at the community center has been forwarded and a decision needs to be made as to whether or not to expand the survey to include the several thousand seniors in the community. Chair/Goldenberg asked if the survey would state either $3.00 per meal or no meal. CSD/Rose replied that at the moment that is the choice. October 26, 1994 Page 4 Chair/Goldenberg asked if there are any other avenues to explore. CSD/Rose replied that possibly soliciting donations to fund a hot meals program. The grant applied for was denied as they are not adding additional nutrition sites. Chair/Goldenberg asked if federal funds are available. CSD/Rose replied that the grant that was denied does consist of federal funds that are then distributed by the County of Los Angeles. Chair/Goldenberg asked how a request would be received if it came from Washington. CSD/Rose could not say but stated there is objective criteria that is looked for when selecting sites. Based on the 1990 Census, there is a list of seniors that qualify for low and moderate income and Diamond Bar had only one or two people listed whereas other communities have thousands at that level. He further stated that that criteria was not used to deny funding to Diamond Bar, but simply that they were not funding additional sites. Chair/Goldenberg thanked Mr. Law for addressing the Commission and offered whatever support they can provide. MINUTES Minutes of September 22, 1994. With an amendment to correct the Roll Call with regard to Commissioner Schey, VC/Ruzicka moved to approve the minutes, seconded by C/Schey and carried unanimously. OLD BUSINESS 2. Maple Hill Park A.D.A. Retro -fit October 26, 1994 Page 5 CSD/Rose passed out an Interoffice Memo and stated the information contained therein was received this date. In April, the Parks and Recreation Commission gave recommendations on how to proceed with the American Disability Act (ADA) retro -fit requirements, and the memo indicates costs for same as follows: Tot Lot $170,860.55 Restrooms 9,600.00 Parking Lot 9,627.50 Picnic Shelter 33,252.35 Walk-up Hill 47,746.70 Design/Construction Drawings 10,000.00 Total $281,087.10 There is a budget of $181,000 in CDBG funds for the project. Staff recommended that the project be phased, reduce costs in certain areas to meet the budget, and obtain competitive bids for Phase I and Phase II. CSD/Rose stated there is no conflict with the conditional use permit on file with the City and the recommendations can go straight to the City Council. The goal is to accomplish Phase I this fiscal year. VC/Ruzicka asked if the retro -fit includes the basketball court. CSD/Rose replied that it will be resurfaced and further stated that one of the conditions on the use permit was that there would be no lighting on the basketball court. C/Tye asked if the $181,000 is lost if not used this fiscal year. CSD/Rose replied not this fiscal year but after three years. C/Tye asked if additional funds will be received in the next fiscal year. CSD/Rose replied that a request will be made for additional funds, but may be for another park rather than Maple Hill Park. Mr. Law questioned the estimate of $171,000 for the tot lot and asked what kind of equipment would be required. October 26, 1994 Page 6 CSD/Rose replied that the estimate includes removing existing playground equipment and walkways, grading of slopes and walkways to meet ADA requirements of slopes not to exceed 5 percent, replacing the playground equipment, and adding an accessible surface to replace most of the sand. Chair/Goldenberg further stated that all the work must be done to meet ADA requirements. Mr. Law asked how much of the estimated $218,000 can be cut. C/Schey stated that estimates typically are 10 percent higher. CSD/Rose stated he feels Phase I can be accomplished within the $181,000 budget. NEW BUSINESS 3. User Group Sub -Committee Meeting User Group Sub -Committee meeting was scheduled for November 29, 1994, at Heritage Park at 6:30 p.m. 4. Schedule of November and December Commission Meetings Commission meetings for November and December were set for November 17th and December 15th. 5. Certificate of Appreciation Chair/Goldenberg presented Sandy Barlow with a Certificate of Appreciation on behalf of the Parks and Recreation Commission and wished her all the best in her new position. He commended her for her high level of service to the City. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS October 26, 1994 Page 7 6. Recreation Program Update RS/Pearlman reported contract classes are beginning their second session and flyers will be handed out in the schools on Monday. Staff contacted facilities in the north end of Diamond Bar for new locations for classes. Diamond Point Swim Club offered their facilities for classes. Lorbeer Middle School has offered their gymnasium for Adult Volleyball starting in March. RS/Pearlman reported that the Diamond Bar Ranch Festival was very successful in promoting the classes and activities that are available. Youth Basketball is looking for coaches at Maple Hill Park. Registration begins November 1 and the program will start January 7. Chair/Goldenberg asked Mr. Law if he is aware of the programs available to seniors. Mr. Law replied that Lillian Orejel, Senior Citizen Coordinator, keeps the seniors well informed. Chair/Goldenberg asked if the seniors would like a presentation made of the classes available. CSD/Rose pointed out there are eight classes held at Heritage Park Community Center geared toward senior citizens at no cost to seniors. In addition to the classes, card games are played on Wednesday and bingo is played on Tuesday. Also, the Chamber of Commerce donated $1,500 for the purchase of new park benches to be placed behind the Community Center. ANNOUNCEMENTS VC/Ruzicka stated if the City Council wishes to explore further the idea of a park at the end of Sunset Crossing, he suggested a three-member committee made up of the Commission chairman, a representative of the YMCA, and a representative from the Little League. He believes there are sufficient plans, motivation, and public support for the City Council to take action. C/Schey congratulated Sandy Barlow and thanked her for her help. He also asked if October 26, 1994 Page 8 the during the construction along Diamond Bar Boulevard if they are taking the opportunity to install irrigation to the street trees. CSD/Rose replied, no, new irrigation for the street trees is not part of the project. C/Schey further stated he agrees with plans for a park at the end of Sunset Crossing and supports VC/Ruzicka's comments. He also asked for the timing for the scheduling of the hearing on Pantera Park. CSD/Rose replied that it is not scheduled yet. The environmental study is not yet completed by the Planning Department. Chair/Goldenberg thanked Marla Pearlman for maintaining the recreation program and again wished Sandy Barlow success in her new position. ADJOURNMENT At 8:15 p.m., it was moved by VC/Ruzika and second by C/Schey and carried unanimously to adjourn the meeting to Thursday, November 17th. Respectfully ubmitted, B e Secretary Att est: Mike Golde erg Chairman