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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/28/2021 - Minutes of Regular MeetingCITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION JANUARY 28, 2021 CONSISTENT WITH THE GOVERNOR'S LATEST EXECUTIVE ORDER TO STAY AT HOME, AVOID GATHERINGS, AND MAINTAIN SOCIAL DISTANCING, THIS MEETING WAS CONDUCTED TELEPHONICALLY AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION AND STAFF PARTICIPATED VIA TELECONFERENCE, THERE WAS NO PHYSICAL MEETING LOCATION. CALL TO ORDER: Chair/Salo called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Sulakhe led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Raphael Plunkett, Stephen Qiu, Manisha Sulakhe, Chair/ Aaron Salo. Absent: Tommy Orona Staff Present Telephonically: Ryan Wright, Parks and Recreation Director, Christy Murphey, Recreation Superintendent, Anthony Jordan, Maintenance Superintendent, Greg Gubman, Community Development Director, Debbie Gonzales, Administrative Coordinator, Robin Crawford, Administrative Assistant PUBLIC COMMENTS: Robin Smith, representing Diamond Bar Pomona Valley Sierra Club Task Force as its Chair, said her group was formed in 2016 because they were very concerned about the Toss of Diamond Bar's historic natural trees and landscapes, and as part of the Angeles Chapter Sierra Club, they advocate local conservation and environmental literacy and the more than 100 volunteers are willing and able to contribute to the ecological integrity of the City's trails and natural open spaces. She asked that the Parks and Rec Department consider adhering to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife input. In addition, Ms. Smith offered Diamond Bar Pomona Valley Sierra Club Task Force guidance during the Canyon Loop project to assist the City in designing a trail system and associated trail management plan to minimize impacts to the California gnatcatcher and cactus wren and the vegetation they inhabit. CALENDAR OF EVENTS: PRD/Wright 1. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1.1 Approval of Minutes for the September 24, 2020 Regular Meeting — continued due to lack of quorum to the next regular meeting scheduled for March 25, 2021, January 28, 2021 PAGE 2 P&R COMMISSION 2. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: 2A JANUARY 2021 RECREATION PROGRAM UPDATE - RS/Murphey 2.2 JANUARY 2021 MAINTENANCE REPORT — MS/Jordan C/Qui said he noticed that the California and City of Diamond Bar flags at City Hall are torn and MS/Jordan said he believes they have been replaced. 2.3 CANYON LOOP TRAIL PROJECT UPDATE PRD/Wright presented staff's report and stated that on Tuesday, February 2, the City Council will consider approval for the conceptual pIan and initial study (Mitigated Negative Declaration) and upon approval, staff will continue to work with the landscape architect to implement mitigation and design details in order for the project to go out with construction documents by spring of 2021. C/Plunkett felt a covered bench would be welcome at the cobblestone swale and asked if dog waste dispensers could be included in the project. C/Sulakhe asked if and how the Sierra Club could be involved in the project and PRD/Wright explained that Ms. Smith and the club provided feedback regarding this project as did several other organizations, all of which have been addressed in the final document and moving forward, the City will continue its dialogue with these organizations. Robin Smith said that her group has noticed in other city projects that the rock swale does not help the water situation because it is impermeable and her group was asking for a bio-swale treatment so that the water flow can be slowed so that it goes back into the soil. In addition, native vegetation (water shed) should be reintroduced at the edges of the trail after grading to ensure soil stability. Finally, the work should not be performed during nesting season. 3. OLD BUSINESS: None 4. NEW BUSINESS: None 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS: C/Plunkett thanked C/Chou for her appointment to the Commission and said her grandson participates in the Teen Talks which has been a welcomed activity during the pandemic. C/Qiu said he is very excited to take on the role of a Diamond Bar Parks and Rec Commissioner. As owner of F45 Fitness, he would be pleased to offer, Furry Friends and Fitness and, like to have his team host some free fitness community events. January 28, 2021 PAGE 3 P&R COMMISSION C/Sulakhe welcomed Ms. Plunkett and Mr. Qiu to the happy Parks and Recreation Commission family. She thanked RS/Murphey for acknowledging the Sunshine Seniors and mentioned that the ladies were very excited to donate additional items for the stocking. She thanked staff for their hard work during the pandemic and hoped everybody would stay safe. C/Salo welcomed C/Plunkett and C/Qui to the Commission and thanked staff for the popular community programs as well as, keeping the parks clean and well - maintained. He appreciated the report on the Canyon Loop Trail and was excited about the project. ADJOURNMENT: With no one objecting and no further business before the Parks and Recreation Commission, Chair/Salo adjourned the meeting at 7:13 p.m. to March 25, 2021. The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this day of 6YC U , 2021. Respectfully Submitted, RYA WRIGHT, SECRETARY Attest: AARON SALO, CHAIRPERSON