HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-09-16 PRAC Minutes2600 Fresno Street
Fresno, CA 93721
www.fresno.gov
City of Fresno
Meeting Minutes
Parks, Recreation, and Arts
Commission
Chair - Kimberly McCoy
Vice Chair - Laura Ward
Commissioner - Jose Leon Barraza
Commissioner - Rose Caglia
Commissioner - Jon Dohlin
Commissioner - Kelly Kucharski
Commissioner - Scott Miller
Commissioner - Harman Singh
Commissioner - Christina Soto
5:30 PM Council Chambers (In
Person and/or Electronic)
https://www.fresno.gov/pra
c-meeting
Monday, September 16, 2024
Regular Meeting
The Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission (PRAC) met in regular session in the
Council Chamber at Fresno City Hall on the date and time above written.
1. Call to Order
Chair McCoy called the meeting to order at 5:32 P.M.
2. 5:32 P.M. Roll Call
Chair Kimberly McCoy, Vice Chair Laura E. Ward,
Commissioner Jose Barraza, Commissioner Rose Caglia,
Commissioner Kelly Kucharski, Commissioner Scott Miller,
Commissioner Harman Singh, and Commissioner Christina
Soto
Present 8 -
Commissioner Jon DohlinAbsent1 -
3. Pledge of Allegiance
Chair McCoy led the Pledge of Allegiance.
4. Approve Agenda
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September 16, 2024Parks, Recreation, and Arts
Commission
Meeting Minutes
On motion of Commissioner Singh, seconded by Commissioner
Caglia, the agenda was APPROVED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye:Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza,
Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Kucharski,
Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Singh and
Commissioner Soto
8 -
Absent:Commissioner Dohlin1 -
5. Approval of Minutes
5.-A.ID 24-1143 Approval of the regular meeting minutes of August 19, 2024.
On motion of Commissioner Caglia, seconded by Vice Chair Ward,
that the above Action Item be APPROVED. The motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye:Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza,
Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Kucharski,
Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Singh and
Commissioner Soto
8 -
Absent:Commissioner Dohlin1 -
6. Discussion: Subcommittee Reports:
6-A. Parks Master Plan:
There was no update from the Parks Master Plan.
6-B. Highest Needs Neighborhoods:
Chair McCoy reported the upcoming meeting to review the highest needs
Maps, and will have an update on the maps.
6-C. San Joaquin River Parkway:
Commissioner Kucharski reported attempting to schedule a tour of the San
Joaquin River Parkway, and recommended October 17, 2024, as a potential
tour date.
7. Members Reports and Comments
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September 16, 2024Parks, Recreation, and Arts
Commission
Meeting Minutes
COMMISSIONER BARRAZA REPORTS AND COMMENTS: Acknowledged
PARCS Director Aguirre, staff of the City Manager's office, David Rodriguez,
and the park rangers for their support and participation in the Mexican
Independence Night event at Balch Park. Acknowledged students from
Sunnyside High School, and Councilmembers Chavez and Esparza for their
contributions.
VICE CHAIR WARD REPORTS AND COMMENTS: Acknowledged the
emerging cultural arts activities and opportunities in the city funded by
Measure "P". Encouraged the public to look for future events.
COMMISSIONER KUCHARSKI REPORTS AND COMMENTS: Announced
meeting with the Director of the Sustainability Division for Fresno Public
Works prompted by the approval of the budget allocating up to $300,000 for
sustainability and conservation efforts. The topics discussed were energy
efficiency, facility upgrades, water conservation, and efforts to reduce
carbon emissions.
COMMISSIONER SOTO REPORTS AND COMMENTS: Inquired about the
commission's involvement with the Cultural Arts Subcommittee as the
annual application process moves forward. Inquired if a new subcommittee
will be formed, or if there will be involvement in the upcoming application
cycles. Acknowledged Vice Chair Ward on her appointment as vice chair.
Noted community discussions regarding Measure “P” funding relating to Art
Hop, and noted concerns from organizations not receiving funding.
Emphasized the importance of continued community involvement and
engagement in Art Hop, ensuring that concerns are heard and addressed.
Highlighted Art Hop’s significance, and receiving community feedback.
Acknowledged the community discussions and media coverage surrounding
these issues.
CHAIR MCCOY REPORTS AND COMMENTS: Acknowledged Dr. Lilia
Chavez for organizing the past press conference with a large showing of
enthusiasm for the grants and their upcoming projects. Expressed
appreciation for Dr. Chavez's dedication, hard work, and availability to
answer questions from the commissioners about the grant process.
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September 16, 2024Parks, Recreation, and Arts
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Meeting Minutes
8. City Administration and PARCS Staff Reports and Comments
PARCS DIRECTOR AGUIRRE REPORTS AND COMMENTS: Highlighted
several activities the Parks Department participated in, with additional
participation from the Fire Department, Police Department, and National
Guard. Announced a meeting with a tennis group at Roding Park to discuss
the department's ongoing projects and city initiatives. Announced the
upcoming groundbreaking ceremony for Broadway Park, and noted the park
is scheduled to be completed and opened to the community in a year.
Attended an event at Willow and Balch Park, where the community
expressed appreciation for the new playground features.
9. Unscheduled Communication: Members of the public may address the
Commission regarding items that are not listed on the agenda and within the subject
matter jurisdiction of the Commission. Each person will have up to three (3) minutes
to present.
Upon call, the following members of the public addressed the Commission
with unscheduled communication: Lillia Gonzalez-Chavez, and Lisa Flores.
10. Workshops:
11. Discussion Items:
12. Hearings:
12.-A.ID 24-1145 Hearing - RESOLUTION - Establishing remote meeting participation for the
public.
The above item was called to order at 5:52 P.M.. Upon call, the following
members of the public addressed the Commission: Lisa Flores. Public
comment closed at 5:54 P.M.
Commission discussion on this item included: The resolution pertaining to
the pubic and/or to the commission. Reasons behind bringing the resolution
forward. Allocation of grants under the Arts and Cultural process will
continue to be a topic of discussion for the commission, and further
discussions on this matter are anticipated.
On motion of Commissioner Soto, seconded by Commissioner
Barraza, that the above Action Item be ADOPTED. The motion carried
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September 16, 2024Parks, Recreation, and Arts
Commission
Meeting Minutes
by the following vote:
Aye:Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza,
Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Kucharski,
Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Singh and
Commissioner Soto
8 -
Absent:Commissioner Dohlin1 -
12.-B.ID 24-1144 Hearing - Receive public input on allocations related to Measure P,
updates to the Parks Master Plan and Cultural Arts Plan, and annual
PARCS Department Budget and Capital Improvement Plans.
The above item was called to order at 5:57 P.M. Upon call, no members of
the public addressed the Commission: Public comment closed at 5:57 P.M.
Commission discussion on this item included: Need for future conversation
regarding the process for allocating grant money for cultural arts, more
resources to improve outreach, the overall grant process, and a future
agenda item for further discussion.
DISCUSSED
13. Adjournment
Chair McCoy adjourned the meeting in Memory of Dr. Francine Oputa, at
5:59 P.M.
The above minutes were approved by unanimous vote of the Parks, Recreation, and
Arts Commission during the September 30, 2024, regular meeting with Commissioner
Singh absent.
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