AGENDA
ITEM
26 OF CAL
AGENDA
CALEXICO California ITEM
WHERE CALIFORNIA AND MEXICO MEET
26 CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA STAFF REPORT
DATE: May 8, 2024
TO: Mayor and City Council
CaliNan
APPROVED BY:
PREPARED BY: Norma Gerardo, Recreation Manager
SUBJECT: Receive and File Community Services Commission Minutes for Special Meeting of February 15, 2024.
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Recommendation:
Accept Minutes for Community Services Commission Special Meeting Held on February 15, 2024.
Background:
City staff shall prepare minutes for Community Services Commission meetings and present them to the Community Services Commission for approval. Once approved, a copy of the signed minutes is submitted for Council ratification.
Discussion and Analysis:
On April 10, 2024, the Community Services Commission met and approved minutes for special meeting held on February 15, 2024.
Minutes have been signed by Chair Ureña and are now submitted for ratification by the City Council of the City of Calexico.
Fiscal Impact:
None.
Coordinated With:
None.
Attachment(s):
1. Minutes for Community Services Commission Special Meeting of February 15, 2024. 1| Page
ATTACHMENT #1
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
MINUTES
608 Heber Ave. Calexico, CA 92231
THE COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MET IN SPECIAL SESSION ON THE 15'h DAY OF FEBRUARY 2024 AT 5:30PM AT THE FERNANDO "NENE" TORRES COUNCIL CHAMBERS, 608 HEBER AVENUE, CALEXICO, CALIFORNIA. THE DATE, HOUR AND PLACE DULY ESTABLISHED FOR THE HOLD OF SAID MEETING PURSUANT TO EXECUTIVE ORDER N-29-20.
CALL TO ORDER
A special meeting of the Community Services Commission was called to order on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 5:32 p.m. by Chairperson, Patricia Ureña.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present:
Patricia Ureña
Antonio Garcia
Roxsanna Pacheco
Alberto Martinez
Jose Jesus Iñiguez
Christina Rojas
Commissioners Absent:
Oswaldo Baeza
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Chairperson Ureña led the Pledge of Allegiance.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA
Commissioner Iniguez made a motion to approve the agenda. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Martinez. Motion passed unanimously.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Jesse Garcia, 600 block of Lincoln Street. Mr. Garcia spoke in regard to Rodriguez Park Baseball field. Mr. Garcia handed out a form with a list of requests for the city to fix and repair at the park. The requests are as follows:
1. Fix the bathrooms and the concession stand. Fix the roof and paint the walls.
2. Install a new fence and fix the backstop.
3. Shade for the benches and bleachers.
4. Score board.
5. Baseball press box to announce the games.
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COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES
6. Containers to place equipment.
7. Fix/repair visitors' dugout.
8. Make concrete sidewalks for handicapped individuals with wheelchairs.
Mr. Jesse Garcia also commented that Rodriguez Park is the only park that does not have lights.
Robert Garcia, 866 E. Ross, El Centro. Mr. Garcia, a former resident of Calexico, spoke briefly about his family's history as pioneers in the city of Calexico and his relatives who served in the military. He would like the City of Calexico to recognize veterans for their service.
Adan Diaz, Pool Manager. Mr. Diaz spoke in support of Agenda item #6, American License Training Provider Agreement for Summer Swim Program.
Carmen Estrada, President for Calexico Parents League. Ms. Estrada came before the Commission to let them know her league is in a state of emergency as they do not have a single park where to play. Ms. Estrada mentioned the City allocated funds to complete the soccer field in Cordova Park. She came today before this commission requesting support to have the soccer field completed. She mentioned Nosotros Park is not an option because it is dangerous.
RECREATION MANAGER REPORI
Norma Gerardo, Recreation Manager, reported the Arts Center held its annual Black and White Art Exhibit Opening Night on February 6, 2024. Ms. Gerardo invited commissioners to attend the Chinese New Year celebration event scheduled for February 16th at the Arts Center. An invitation was also extended to the Commission to attend the following upcoming events: Tiny Tots Olympics on Saturday, February 17th at Crummett Park and Mardi Gras Senior Dance on Friday, March 15th at the Community Center. Finally, on March 12th, the Women's Day Art Exhibit Opening Night will be held at the Arts Center.
PUBLIC WORKS MANAGER REPORT
Guillermo Sillas, Public Works Director / City Engineer reported on February 13, three sets of goals were delivered and installed in Gutierrez, Estrada and Cordova parks respectively. Chairperson Ureña commented that the Commission would like to be notified in advance when events like this take place.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS AND REPORTS OF MEETINGS/EVENTS ATTENDED REPORT Commissioner Iniguez invited the Commission to the soccer tournament organized by Carmen Estrada. The tournament is to take place on Saturday, February 17th at Gutierrez and Estrada parks. Ms. Gerardo asked Mr. Iniguez to mention to Ms. Estrada that a TUP (Temporary Use Permit) is required if a tournament is taking place.
Additionally, Mr. Iniguez commented that Carmen Estrada Field doesn't have a fence 2| Page
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES
or bumpers, posing a hazard for the children playing. He said he has mentioned this to the City Council in the past.
Commissioner Martinez reported attending the Black and White Art Exhibit Opening Night at the Arts Center and wants to congratulate Ms. Gerardo, Recreation Manager, and staff for their work. Commissioner Martinez also mentioned he has noticed Calexico Recreation Department more active on social media.
Commissioner Rojas thanked Chairperson Ureña for inviting her to attend the Zoom meeting with Red Cross. She mentioned that Ms. Rocio Hernandez is very knowledgeable. Commissioner Rojas said she is looking forward to attending tomorrow's event (Chinese New Year Celebration).
Chairperson Ureña reported having attended the Zoom meeting with the American Red Cross to talk about the License Training Provider Agreement. Chairperson Urena also mentioned having attended King of the Hammers. Chairperson Ureña said she would like to bring outdoor activities to the City of Calexico and utilize Heber Dunes.
Chairperson mentioned she would like to see a survey for city residents asking what activities they would like offered.
CONSENT AGENDA
1. Approval of Communily Services Minutes for Regular Meeting of November 8, 2023.
Commissioner Iniguez made a motion to approve the minutes for Regular Meeting of November 8, 2023. Motion was seconded by Commissioner Martinez. Motion passed unanimously.
DISCUSSION ITEMS:
2. Uillity Box Art Project Status.
Commissioner Pacheco mentioned that at the meeting of November 8, 2023, the Commission approved selected artwork as recommended by the Selection Panel. Ms.
Gerardo reported that on December 20, 2023, the City Council approved selected artwork as recommended by this Commission. On January 23, 2024, all artists agreements were executed, and artists' first stipends were processed. The Recreation Department is waiting to obtain a purchase order to hire the services of the printing company that will install the vinyl wraps.
3. Heber Park Expansion Status.
Guillermo Sillas, Public Works Director, reported that back in 2020, the firm Jeff Katz Architecture was selected to provide architectural services for the expansion of Heber 3 | Page
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES
Park. Plans were completed in 2023, and the estimated amount to complete the project is $13,000,000. A few years back, the Cily received a grant from the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation in the amount of $8,500,000 and has also applied for other grants to cover for the difference. As of today, there has been no movement in the expansion project due to the lack of financial resources. The expiration of this grant is in 2028. Commissioner Iniguez commented that the longer we wait to start the expansion of Heber Park, the more it will cost.
A. Adrian Cordova Park Status.
Mr. Sillas announced that plans for Adrian Cordova Park Phase #1 will be presented to City Council for approval at the next City Council meeting scheduled for February 21st.
Phase #1 consists of a parking lot, sidewalk, and landscape for the baseball fields.
Commissioner Martinez mentioned that kids dangerously jump the fence and get into the baseball fields. Commissioner Garcia would like to see Cordova Park completed.
Commissioner Iniguez commented about the importance of placing netting around the park to protect surrounding houses. He also suggested Cordova Soccer field be used only for games and not for practices. Ms. Gerardo said it would be ideal to assign Adrian Cordova Soccer Field as a game field, however, the city does not have enough soccer fields to designate one just for games. Chairperson Urena voiced her concern about incomplete city parks. She would like to know if the park plans can be redesigned, if the splash pad can be removed, and if the Area Pollution Board could potentially assist with paving the parking lot. Mr. Sillas commented that a possible redesign of the park would have to go before City Council, as they are the ones who make the decisions. Chairperson Ureña mentioned the possibility of having an MOU with the Calexico Unified School District to use their fields for practice and games.
5. MOU Beiween City of Calexico and Vincent Memorial High School for Use of Cily Parks.
Ms. Gerardo reported that on February 7, 2024, Parks and Recreation staff met to brainstorm on a possible MOU with Vincent Memorial High School for the use of city parks. Commissioner Iniguez said Vincent Memorial should pay to use city parks.
DISCUSSION AND POTENTIAL ACTION ITEMS
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
6. American Red Cross License Training Provider Agreement for Summer Swim Program.
Ms. Gerardo reported that on February 6, 2024, City staff met with Calexico Unified School District's Pool Program Liaison to initiate the coordination of this year's program.
A copy of last year's agreement was included in this packet for reference. Ms.
Gerardo mentioned the Calexico Unified School District oversees the hiring of pool 4| Page
COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION MINUTES
staff, the purchasing of pool supplies, and the upkeep of the pool. The City of Calexico reimburses CUSD's for personnel expenses and is only responsible for one-third of pool materials and maintenance. Chairperson Urena commented on the possibility in a near future of an agreement between the City of Calexico and the American Red Cross to provide the city the License Training Provider Agreement.
7. Commission, Board, and Community Agenda Policy.
Informational Item for new commissioners.
8. Vendor Authorization Agreement Packet.
Informational item for new commissioners.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:35 PM by Chairperson Urena.
Catricia Cl
Patricia Ureña, Chairperson
Attest: Lizbelh Carbar
Lizbeth Carbajal, Administrative Assistant
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