The meeting was called to order by Commissioner Hollander at 7:02 p.m.
Roll Call
Present: Commissioners Fishman, Hollander, Bell, Sigler.
Absent: Francis
Also Present: Lisa Lynn
Pledge of Allegiance:
Agnes Slater
Motion: "To approve as submitted."
Fishman/Sigler – All Ayes
Public Comment
None
Correspondence
None
Matters for Commission Consideration
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Fort Lots-o-Fun Playground Proposal:
Ken Bergeron, 522 Prospect
Mr. Bergeron, a member on the board of Friends of the Park, an organization started in 2003, gave a slide presentation, briefly highlighted below:
History: Fort Lots-o-Fun is located at 6th and Prospect, built in 1956 and originally attached to the school. The original equipment is still in use, except for some minor renovations.
Mission: Areas of concern for Friends of the Park are to bring the community together, in an effort to provide safe outdoor environments. The goal is to understand the needs of the community which includes parents, children and businesses.
Pumpkins in the Park: In October 2003, 75 pumpkins were given away with 500 guests in attendance and donations exceeded expectation. During this event, attendees where polled on suggestions for Fort Lots-o-Fun. October 2004, 250 pumpkins were given away with in excess of 700 guests. During this event, Friends of the Park compiled suggestions for improvement which focus on landscaping, irrigation and equipment. The group met with several playground equipment vendors. During these two events, approximately $5,000 was raised toward the Park Project.
Culled from various proposals, the main focus of the renovation is to have a fun park, a safe park and a park that adds value to the community.
A diagram image was shown to summarize community concerns: larger play equipment, grass area, tricycle track, tree preservation and irrigation system. Safety issues included entering/exiting the park, fences and overall compliance per ADA (American Disabilities Act).
Friends of the Park is looking for more involvement/memberships and ideas. The monthly meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. in the Community Center, Room 4. Once this project is completed, Friends of the Park plans to move to other parks within Hermosa Beach. Mr. Bergeron also issued a challenge to business to help parks.
Discussion/Questions from the Commission:
Commissioners Hollander and Bell thanked Mr. Bergeron for his presentation. Both commented on the groups dedication, energy and spirit.
Commissioner Fishman gave a summation: Friends of the Park is seeking Commission’s recommendation to City Council to approve the proposed renovation project. It was also stated that the decision for no swings was made out of a need for greater space/usability. Friends of the Park will give the city $10,000 towards the renovation project. The Friends of the Park has raised $13,500 toward park renovation projects and they are hoping the City Council will approve additional money.
Mr. Bergeron added there are other fundraising activities in progress, such as the banner program, which will raise additional money from advertisement and is primarily geared towards Fort Lots-o-Fun.
Commissioner Fishman asked about the bike path which was not mentioned in the presentation. Mr. Bergeron stated that more grass was requested and due to the layout of the park it is underutilized. It has been requested that a path along the perimeter (if landscaping is done right) can be used for kids – tricycles, scooters, toddlers – keeping safety in mind.
Angie Heyming, 330 Culper Court
- Current President
- The current design is a result of lots of work, meetings, talking with residents, community ideas and suggestions
- A good project for the Commission to support
Agnes Slater, 1146 ½ 6th Street
- Lives near park
- Excited about the renovation as she has small children and utilizes the park frequently
- The play structure is a perfect size
Motion by Commissioner Fishman to approve the Fort Lots-o-Fun renovation project as submitted.
Commissioner Bell seconded the motion.
Ayes: Commissioners Fishman, Hollander, Sigler, Bell
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
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Beach Volleyball Net Sponsorship
Lisa Lynn presented this item to Commission for consideration. Throughout the year Community Resources has received numerous requests from commercial groups to place their names on the nets which they provide as an advertising tool. As there is a small budget for nets, posts and maintenance, this has always been a welcomed request and historically, there has been no fee associated with these requests. Staff recommends implementing a $1,000 fee per net, per year. The area encompasses 10th to 14th Streets. The advertising group would supply the net with their logo and would be responsible for installation (per City standards) and at the end of the year, the nets become the property of the City.
Discussion/Questions from Commission
- Commissioner Hollander: Has proposal been submitted to potential sponsors? Lisa Lynn - Yes and they are very willing. Placement at North Courts will augment maintenance, repair and replacement cost. One commercial group has agreed to purchase all 10 nets north of the pier.
- It was asked if users of courts bring their own nets. No, all nets stay throughout the year.
- Courts on 2nd Street nets experience theft and there are some nets which are replaced by the City and some nets which are installed by residents/users.
- Sponsors of tournaments would be allowed to remove sponsor nets and replace at end of event.
- If sponsor nets are stolen, they are replaced by the City.
- It was agreed that a monitoring system be implemented for net removal/replacement during event. It was suggested that one person is responsible for all removals and replacement to facilitate monitoring. All nets are the same price on a first come, first served basis with a one (1) year contract.
- Commercial groups are allowed to pick which nets/locations they would like to purchase. This program is similar to the banner program already in place.
- Suggested buying two nets at a slightly reduced price and split up locations.
- Noted that this program also includes the South Courts.
- It was stated that all wording on nets will be reviewed by Staff.
- All nets will have ‘Property of Hermosa Beach’.
- Commissioner Sigler stated that he has a potential ‘net czar’ for consideration.
- Clarified that this is for net sponsorship only as poles are provided by the City.
Motion by Commissioner Sigler to approve the proposal for annual sponsorship of nets as provided by Staff.
Commissioner Fishman seconded the motion.
Ayes: Commissioners Fishman, Hollander, Sigler, Bell
Nays: None
Abstain: None
Absent: None
Carline Beste, 26th Street
- Lines damaged
- Replace lines and add wording (advertisements)
- Expressed concern regarding alcohol or tobacco wording on nets
- Agrees with $1,000 fee for 10th to 14th street
- Suggested $500 for City courts on other streets near 22nd Street and suggested that business between 2nd Street might be willing to advertise as well
Commissioner Sigler asked about money that is not used for maintenance, can it be used for line replacement and what happens with the money if it is not all used. Lisa Lynn stated that the money in the proposal, the lines, equipment, balls, etc. are included and any money that is not used during that year will remain in the budget.
Staff Report(s)
Lisa Lynn gave the following report for September and October: Fall registration has declined, as is usual compared to the Summer months. Parenting classes are the most popular with waiting lists. Revenue is still ahead. September is $15,000 ahead from last year and October is relatively the same at approximately $3,000 ahead from last year. Year-to-date is $46,000 over from last year.
As people are already asking about next year’s camp, the camp has been extended to 9 weeks. Registration will be included in the Summer Celebration event next year, the same as this year. The goal is to get the brochure out early, beginning of May, for summer which will match other surrounding cities. The Hermosa Beach’s brochure is printed only three (3) times per year and not four (4). The number of recreation leadership staff will need to increase in order to meet demand for youth programs.
Commissioner’s Reports:
Hermosa Arts Foundation - Commissioner Hollander: There is a new board in place with lots of activities planned. There is a grant writer working on a grant. There have been many requests from the community for the use of the theater. Check your calendar often for new events.
Friends of the Park Foundation – Hollander: Thanked the attending members of the Friends of the Park for their informative presentation already given and looking forward to Edith Rodaway Park renovation once Fort Lots-o-Fun is completed.
Museum Subcommittee Report - Commission Fishman: A book company has contacted the Historical Society to do a pictorial on Hermosa Beach. The contract includes royalties and the opportunity to buy the finished books in books at a reduced cost and resell. The books will be marketed throughout the United States.
The grant surveyor, Jane Pieplow will be in town for consulting beginning December 16 – 18th with the Museum Collection Department to discuss taking better care of museum items. Ms. Pieplow’s services were paid for by a grant.
Commissioner Hollander: Volunteers are needed at the Christmas Tree lot run by Kiwanis. All proceeds go to local charities.
Commissioner Sigler: Casino Night (with fake money), December 10th at Sangria. Admission is $50. Proceeds will go towards toys for underprivileged children in the surrounding communities.
Breakfast with Santa, December 19th, co-sponsored with Kids with Cancer at the Kiwanis Club.
Lisa Lynn: December 11th, Breakfast with Santa in the Park is sold out.
Youth Surf Competition, Saturday, December 11th.
New Years Eve Celebration, 8:00 p.m., Pier Plaza. Entertainment provided by Big Band 2000.
Items Requested by Commissioners
None
Other Matters
None
Public Comment:
N/A
Motion: “To Adjourn at 7:48 p.m.”
Fishman/Sigler – All Ayes
