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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-19 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 - Vacant 5:30 PM Council Chambers (In Person and/or Electronic) https://www.fresno.gov/prac -meeting/ Monday, May 19, 2025 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 5:35 P.M. 2. 5:35 P.M. Roll Call On motion of Commissioner Dohlin, seconded by Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Kucharski's absence was EXCUSED. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 6 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza, Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, and Commissioner Miller, Absent: 2 - Commissioner Kucharski and Commissioner Singh On motion of Commissioner Barraza, seconded by Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Singh's absence was EXCUSED. The motion carried by the following vote: City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 1 May 19, 2025Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission Meeting Minutes Aye: 6 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza, Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, and Commissioner Miller Absent: 2 - Commissioner Kucharski and Commissioner Singh Commissioner Kucharski joined the meeting at 5:44 P.M. Commissioner Singh joined the meeting at 5:54 P.M. Chair Kimberly McCoy, Vice Chair Laura E. Ward, Commissioner Jose Barraza, Commissioner Rose Caglia, Commissioner Jon Dohlin, and Commissioner Scott Miller Present 6 - Commissioner Kelly Kucharski, and Commissioner Harman Singh Absent 2 - 3. Pledge of Allegiance Chair McCoy led the Pledge of Allegiance. 4. Approve Agenda On motion of Commissioner Dohlin, 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 Dohlin and Commissioner Miller 6 - Absent:Commissioner Kucharski and Commissioner Singh2 - 5. Approval of Minutes 5.-A.ID 25-606 Approval of the regular meeting minutes of April 21, 2025. On motion of Commissioner Dohlin, 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 Dohlin and Commissioner Miller 6 - Absent:Commissioner Kucharski and Commissioner Singh2 - 6. Discussion: Subcommittee Reports: City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 2 May 19, 2025Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission Meeting Minutes 6-A. San Joaquin River Parkway: Commissioner Caglia reported meeting with members of the park staff to review properties along the San Joaquin River targeted for improvement. Noted that the Caglia property remains in limbo, with no resolution at this time. Reported progress in other areas and highlighted that some financial adjustments were made freeing up funds that will provide substantial support for the work ahead. Confirmed that a representative from the Parkway will attend the May 27, 2025, commission meeting to provide additional details. 6-B. Cultural Arts Grant Fund Subcommittee Vice Chair Ward reported that the second year of the Expanded Access to Arts and Culture Grant Program is underway, with 278 letters of intent submitted. The call for panelists closed last Friday, with 46 applicants volunteering to review submissions ahead of proposed award discussions in August. Noted positive community feedback on the improved organization of this year’s process. Clarified that the applicant’s district may differ from the location of the proposed activity, especially when fiscal sponsors are involved. Some sponsors are intentionally supporting projects in Southwest and Southeast Fresno, and data will be collected to accurately reflect where funded activities will occur. 7. Members Reports and Comments COMMISSIONER BARRAZA REPORTS AND COMMENTS: Expressed interest in the recruitment process for grant review panelists. Acknowledged an invitation sent out by PARCS staff encouraging public participation, and emphasized the importance of ensuring cross-sectional community representation. VICE CHAIR WARD REPORTS AND COMMENTS: Noted a significant increase in Measure “P” funded arts and culture activities citywide since February, with numerous events taking place. Highlighted visible improvements at Broadway Park in Central Fresno, noting the park's positive progress. COMMISSIONER CAGLIA REPORTS AND COMMENTS: Shared concern about a reported increase in summer program fees for children, citing a radio segment featuring a city representative who mentioned a $100 charge. Plans to follow up to confirm the details and identify the speaker. City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 3 May 19, 2025Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission Meeting Minutes CHAIR MCCOY REPORTS AND COMMENTS: Highlighted two community events in West Fresno: Wednesdays on the West, and Wellness to the Westfest, and praised both events for promoting health and community involvement and encouraged continued expanded support. 8. City Administration and PARCS Staff Reports and Comments ASSISTANT CITY MANAGER MILLER REPORTS AND COMMENTS: Informed the commission about the new Build Fresno tool announced by the Mayor at the State of the City. The GIS-based platform provides real-time updates on city projects across departments, including parks. Users can access project details, such as status and location, via the city website or QR codes. The tool aims to increase transparency and community access to project information. 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: Jade McAfee, Gene Richards, Roxanne Villaluz, Dakari Cleveland, Dojahnae Senegal . 10. Workshops: 10.-A.ID 25-562 Workshop - Quarterly progress overview of the Expanded Access to Arts and Culture Grant Program Process. Q1 - 2025. (Fresno Arts Council). The above item was presented to the Commission by Fresno Arts Council Executive Director Lilia Gonzales Chavez. Commission discussion on this item included: Acknowledgement of staff and the Arts Council for their ongoing work on the grant process. Status of the process, including the reason for the postponed deadline following the addition of a letter of intent requirement. Gap between requested and available funding, composition of the rating panel, and whether panel includes a cross-section of the community. Confirmation of demographic information on panelists, including ethnic backgrounds, would be provided at a later point. PRESENTED City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 4 May 19, 2025Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission Meeting Minutes 11. Discussion Items: 12. Hearings: 12.-A.ID 25-689 Hearing - Presenting the Mayor’s Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department Budget for Fiscal Year 2026, with Public Comment (PARCS). The above item was called to order at 6:08 P.M. and was presented to the Commission by Director Aguirre, and Projects Administrator Rooks. Upon call, the following members of the public addressed the Commission: T.J. Singh. Public comment closed at 7:22 P.M. Commission discussion on this item included: Budgetary, staffing, and planning related to the Parks Department. Reallocation of acquisition funds from old to new highest-needs definition and limitations due to prior approvals. Potential impacts of federal funding changes on local projects, park funding and grant opportunities. Transfer of 50 Public Works staff to the PARCS Department for landscaping, rationale behind that move, and whether it represents a net staff increase. Staff levels in after-school programs and concern over declining positions and potential effects on youth engagement. Capital project updates, including funding for pickleball courts at Woodward Park and the status of HVAC installation at Maxi Parks. Advocacy for a $50,000 nonprofit grant fund in memory of Dr. Oputa and collaboration to support its inclusion. Park Ranger budgeting and transparency, and ranger positions appearing in both Police and PARCS Department budgets. Status of the West Fresno Community Center Rehabilitation Master Plan, concerns about delays, lack of communication, and fears the project could become stagnant without updates or funding. City’s dual-use basin conversion plans, their effectiveness in closing the park access gap, and development of larger regional parks in underserved areas. Developer-built pocket parks and how impact fees are applied to address park needs in new housing developments. Status of the children’s amusement area at Roeding Park (Playland/Storyland), and whether it falls under Measure “P” funding eligibility. Availability and quality of basketball facilities, and the possibility of indoor basketball facilities as a future capital improvement project. On motion of Chair McCoy, seconded by Commissioner Dohlin, to (1) Allocate $657,300 for Tot Lot improvements at Fink White Park. (2) Allocate $2.3 million for the replacement of restrooms at Nielsen Park. (3) Allocate City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 5 May 19, 2025Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission Meeting Minutes $400,000 for basketball court improvements at Nielsen Park. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 8 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza, Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Kucharski and Commissioner Singh On motion of Chair McCoy, seconded by Commissioner Dohlin, to allocate $50,000 to Wellness on the West. The motion carried by the following vote: Aye: 8 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza, Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin, Commissioner Miller, Commissioner Kucharski and Commissioner Singh PRESENTED 12.-B.ID 25-608 Hearing - Receive public input on Expanded Access to Arts and Culture Grant Program. The above item was called to order at 7:31 P.M. and there was no staff presentation. Upon call, no members of the public addressed the Commission: Public comment closed at 7:31 P.M. There was no commission discussion on this item. PRESENTED 12.-C.ID 25-609 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 7:32 P.M. and there was no staff presentation.. Upon call, no members of the public addressed the Commission: Public comment closed at 7:32 P.M. There was no commission discussion on this item. PRESENTED 13. Adjournment Chair McCoy adjourned the meeting in Memory of Dr. Francine Oputa, at 7:33 P.M. City of Fresno ***Subject to Mayoral Veto Page 6 May 19, 2025Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission Meeting Minutes The above minutes were approved by unanimous vote of the Parks, Recreation, and Arts Commission during the June 16, 2025, regular meeting. 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