2600 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  
Monday, May 19, 2025  
Council Chambers (In  
Person and/or Electronic)  
https://www.fresno.gov/prac  
-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:  
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.  
Present 6 - Chair Kimberly McCoy, Vice Chair Laura E. Ward,  
Commissioner Jose Barraza, Commissioner Rose Caglia,  
Commissioner Jon Dohlin, and Commissioner Scott Miller  
Absent 2 - Commissioner Kelly Kucharski, and Commissioner Harman  
Singh  
3.  
4.  
Pledge of Allegiance  
Chair McCoy led the Pledge of Allegiance.  
Approve Agenda  
On motion of Commissioner Dohlin, seconded by Commissioner  
Caglia, the Agenda was APPROVED. 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  
5.  
Approval of Minutes  
Approval of the regular meeting minutes of April 21, 2025.  
ID 25-606  
5.-A.  
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: 6 - Chair McCoy, Vice Chair Ward, Commissioner Barraza,  
Commissioner Caglia, Commissioner Dohlin and  
Commissioner Miller  
Absent: 2 - Commissioner Kucharski and Commissioner Singh  
6.  
Discussion: Subcommittee Reports:  
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.  
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:  
Workshop - Quarterly progress overview of the Expanded Access to Arts  
and Culture Grant Program Process. Q1 - 2025. (Fresno Arts Council).  
10.-A.  
ID 25-562  
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  
11.  
Discussion Items:  
12.  
Hearings:  
Hearing - Presenting the Mayor’s Parks, After School, Recreation and  
ID 25-689  
12.-A.  
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  
$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  
Hearing - Receive public input on Expanded Access to Arts and Culture  
Grant Program.  
12.-B.  
ID 25-608  
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  
Hearing - Receive public input on allocations related to Measure P,  
ID 25-609  
12.-C.  
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.  
The above minutes were approved by unanimous vote of the Parks, Recreation,  
and Arts Commission during the June 16, 2025, regular meeting.