MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
EAST ANAHEIM COMMUNITY CENTER
8201 E. SANTA ANA CANYON RD, ANAHEIM, CA 92808
June 26, 2024 – 6:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT:
Ryan Balius, Chair JJ Jimenez, Parks Manager
Tony Flores, Vice Chair Ana Straabe, Principal Project Planner CarlottaRhea Clark Kimberly Kelemen, Community Services Superintendent James Cook Kamila Rodriguez, Senior Secretary
Lynn Cudd
Greg Martin STAFF ABSENT:
Fred Sigala, Jr. Sjany Larson-Cash, Director
Anaheim Sporn, Community Services Manager
A G E N D A A C T I O N T A K E N
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Balius called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Vice Chair Flores led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None.
4. SCHEDULED COMMUNICATION: None.
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Chair Balius presented the May 22, 2024 Minutes to the Commissioners for changes or corrections. Commissioner Sigala made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Clark. The motion was approved with 7 votes in favor; Chair Balius accepted the minutes.
6. REPORTS:
a) Park Ranger Report – May: Kimberly Kelemen presented the report and noted the differences between the 2023 and 2024 May statistics, which demonstrated a decrease in patrols and an increase in public contacts.
Kimberly shared that these changes indicate slower and more thorough walk throughs of each park that the Rangers visit and that an increase in public contacts is expected through the remainder of the summer months. She highlighted the success of the recent recruitment efforts which has resulted in a fully staffed Park Ranger team.
Questions were answered about the pay, capacity, and training process of the Park Ranger program as well as about activity at La Palma, Manzanita, and Twila Reid Park.
b) Recreation, Neighborhood & Human Services Activity Report – April/May: Kimberely Kelemen presented the report and highlighted the various programs, events, and activities of the spring and season such as the Tiny Tots graduation ceremony, Cinco de Mayo event, and the Love Anaheim Mobile Food Pantry. She noted that 303 citizens took advantage of the Anaheim resident early registration for summer contract classes and 35 scholarships have been awarded to participants.
Questions were answered regarding details of the Love Anaheim Mobile Food Pantry and contract class scholarships.
c) Parks Capital Project Progress Report: Ana Straabe presented the report and highlighted the upcoming Boysen Skate Park community event where residents will be able to provide feedback on three design Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
June 26, 2024
2 concepts through an electronic survey. Ana shared updates on the N. La Palma Promenade and Riverdale projects.
Questions were answered regarding progress on Center Greens and funding for the OC River Walk.
7. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Commissioner Clark shared questions on behalf of a constituent regarding light schedules and resurfacing at the Pearson Park tennis courts. JJ Jimenez provided clarification and updates on these topics.
Commissioner Sigala requested an update on the park in-lieu fee process. JJ Jimenez shared updates on this topic.
8. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Balius adjourned the meeting at 6:57 p.m.