(1)      Staff report on the Senior Services programs and activities

Senior Services Manager Zorn provided copies of current classes and activities, calendar of events, monthly attendance report, and track/field meet information. Zorn advised that programs highlighted in red on the calendar of events will not be held due to staff layoffs but requested that Tulare Has Talent remain on calendar due to its popularity and the program can be done with volunteers, possibly utilizing Encore Theater volunteers. Zorn also reviewed the track and field program stating overall the program was a success. The program was conducted by an all-volunteer staff. Zorn would like to put on a coaches clinic next year. She also stated that the Edison-sponsored Cool Center opened on June 1. Hancock questioned the expenses of cut program and would like to explore other options. Edminster applauded staff for their efforts in providing these programs.

          (2)            Accept nominations and election of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson

Motion was made by Edminster and seconded by Williams to nominate and elect Craig Hancock as Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Commission. All members were in favor.

Motion was made by Beck and seconded by Jamaica to nominate and elect Bill Edminster as Vice Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Commission. All members were in favor.

(3)      Status report on Mulcahy Park project

Recreation Supervisor Beck reported that a notice to proceed has been issued to Hobbs Construction and they have 120 days to complete the project. A ground-breaking ceremony will be scheduled soon. Beck also reported John Cook will now be Project Manager.

(4)      Status report on Cycle Park grant

Acting Recreation Manager Miller reported staff was advised by the State last week there will be no grant funding this year. Only 47 of 77 applications were funded. The lessee will continue to operate without the funding. Edminster asked if SWAP workers could help with that operation. Cook stated they could help out on occasion. Director Kalkbrenner advised Commission that the Cycle Park, Airport and Facilities Maintenance may be moved to the Property Management division if approved by Council.

(5)      Staff report of Recreation program attendance for May

Miller reported on the following activities: summer softball begins next week; women’s volleyball league ended their season; 837 students were enrolled in BEST Club at 9 sites; three concerts were held in Zumwalt Park with 175 people in attendance weekly; Teen Fest was held at Time Out Pizza in May with over 600 youth attending. There was a DJ, bounce houses and other activities available; Little Sluggers ended session with 192 youth enrolled; three full sessions of PreSports were held; upcoming programs included an all-day Summer camp with 3 days of free swim; summer drop-in starts next week at Woman’s Club; aquatics and public swim started this week as well as golf and tennis.

(6)      Staff report of Park maintenance operations and special projects completed in May

Parks Manager Cook reported staff is working on normal maintenance. Currently, they are working on blading and overseeding the soccer complex; Cook reported the tree inventory grant was approved and West Coast Arborists will be inventorying all city heritage and parkway trees for approximately $2.75 per tree; SWAP hours for May were 1380.

(7)      Work session to begin prioritizing the recreation/senior programs for

          Fiscal Year 2012/2013

Director Kalkbrenner reported on the fiscal crisis that is currently affecting the city’s budget. With pending layoffs and the Councils’ priorities focusing on police, fire and streets, staff is looking to cut $650,000 to put the City’s budget in balance. Kalkbrenner stated there will be no further cuts to the department. Staff will need to find ways to continue programs with the current staffing level. Kalkbrenner offered ways on how to proceed such as prioritizing programs for youth and seniors. He also stated that Commission members will be instrumental in helping staff decide which programs should remain based on profitability and need.

Hancock understands there are some parks and recreation programs that will never be profitable due to maintenance but feels commission needs to keep in mind the mission statement.

Zorn noted that Tulare Senior Services (TSS) has been generous over the years in providing donations and hopes they will continue to support the programs. Zorn has also empowered TSS volunteers by training them to take over responsibilities that staff previously performed.

Kalkbrenner reviewed the free programs that are offered through the department as such.

Skatepark – There would be a $20,000 savings if the skatepark was not staffed. Hancock inquired if the park could be staff by volunteers.

Movies in the Park – Cost is $1,500 plus Recreation Supervisor hours

Summer Drop-in Program - Cost is $5,000 plus 25 staff hours

Tulare Has Talent – Cost is $800 plus 20 staff hours

Teens on Board – Cost is $1,000 plus 120 staff hours

Also discussed was the possibility of eliminating two BEST sites at Roosevelt School and at the Meitzenheimer Center. The per-child cost at Meitzenheimer is $548 for the school year and $1,180 per child at Roosevelt. If it is decided to close these two sites, staff would need to work with the school district on bussing and look into the cost efficiency. Cost neutral adult programs include softball, volleyball and basketball.

Wagenhalls stated that he would like to meet with Recreation staff and then schedule a special meeting in a couple weeks and provide a list of recommendations to Commission on what programs staff would like to continue.

VI.      ITEMS OF COMMISSION INTEREST

          None.

VII.     ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:52 a.m.